Forget chicken fingers and fries — Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka's twins prefer much more foodie-approved fare than the average four-year-old. In a recent interview, David, 39, explained how being a personal chef and graduate of the famed Le Cordon Bleu cooking school has helped him to influence his children's culinary tastes. 'I cook for them a ton!' he told The New Potato. 'My kids are crazy eaters. They have incredible palates.' Scroll down for video . Say cheese: Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka's adorable twins love food and have unusually refined palates for four-year-olds, including a love for seafood and spices . Shared duties: Chef David does most of the cooking in the Harris-Burtka house, but Neil serves as bartender for company and helps David create the perfect presentation . While David said he most often serves grilled fish, ceviche, and quesadillas, he noted that his children each have their own personal favorites as well. Son Gideon eats everything that is put in front of him, said David, but favors clams, sushi, octopus, grilled pork, steak, Parmesan cheese, coconut, and spices like ginger, mint, and cinnamon. Daughter Harper, meanwhile, prefers 'very strong and briny flavors' including oysters, sardines, prosciutto, capers, duck liver, miso, and — not so unusually — chocolate. Foodie feast: Neil commented on this Instagram picture that his kids were 'devouring oysters at Eataly' in New York City; the seafood pick is one of daughter Harper's favorite foods . Impressive tastes: Though the twins eat regular 'kid food' like popcorn, shown here, they also love a lot of dishes that most children their age wouldn't touch, like ceviche and sardines . Though David said that he and husband Neil, 41, don't usually cook as a couple, with David himself taking the reins in the kitchen, Neil does serve as 'more of the bartender' when they have company at their New York home. The How I Met Your Mother star serves cocktails and pairs wine with David's food, but is also 'a great sous chef' who David can rely on to plate food and ice cupcakes. It's natural that David emerged as the parent who prepares most of the meals in the family; besides being an established actor, he also trained under star chef Mario Batali and runs a catering company called Gourmet M.D., which boasts a long list of celebrity clients including Christina Hendricks, John Hamm, Zackary Quinto, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Couture kids: Harper and Gideon know how to dress up — and strike a pose to show off their fabulous outfits . Designer darlings: In the caption for this Instagram photo, Neil says his kids are 'giving model poses' Perfect pose: Gideon smiles big while papa Neil says Harper is 'a girl, girl, girl' who likes to be announced like a debutante when she comes down the stairs . Cuisine isn't the only thing for which Gideon and Harper have discerning tastes, either — though the pair only turned four in October, they've already developed and eye for fashion. Dubbing them 'fashionis-tots,' Neil explained on

Summary: David says daughter Harper and son Gideon have incredibly sophisticated tastes . The 39-year-old actor has worked as a personal chef and attended Le Cordon Bleu cooking school . Gideon eats everything, while Harper favors 'strong' flavors and 'anything chocolate' Though David is the cook in the family, Neil is good at plating the food .


A coroner has slammed the ease with which illegal drugs can be ordered over the 'dark web' after two student brothers died consuming ecstasy they had bought online. Astrophysics undergraduate Torin Lakeman, 19, died alongside his brother Jacques, 20, in a pub in Manchester after consuming six times the lethal dose of MDMA after ordering the drug via the web. At Bolton Coroner's Court today, Alan Walsh said he would be contacting Home Secretary Theresa May over the deaths, adding that it was unacceptable that 'intellectual people are able to access drugs in this way.' Torin Lakeman, 19 (left), and brother Jacques, 20 (right), died in a pub in Manchester after consuming ecstasy they had bough from an anonymous dealer via the 'dark web' The brothers were found dead in a room above this pub after going to watch Manchester United play a game against Hull at Old Trafford in December last year . The brothers, both from the Isle of Man, were found in a hotel room above The Grapes Pub in Bolton on 1st December last year after travelling to watch Manchester United play at Old Trafford. The court was told that Torin, a student of Physics and Planetary studies at Aberystwyth University, had bought MDMA from website Agora from an anonymous seller with the 'handle' Stone Island. Torin's housemate Ethan Bradley said he bought the drugs to 'have a good weekend', and that he would use the drug recreationally, but was not addicted to it. Coroner Alan Walsh today said he was concerned at the ease with which the boys bought the lethal drugs, adding he would be writing to the Home Secretary . Jacques was living in Chingford, London, at the time with his grandmother while training to be a chef, so travelled to meet Torin in Manchester, where the pair booked into the pub for the weekend. The hearing was told that both brothers had taken the drug on separate occasions. The pair watched as Manchester United won their match against Hull 3-0, and father Raymond Lakeman said he was overjoyed that the boys were spending time together. He said: 'They were brothers so they had fallings out but on the whole they got on as best friends. 'They wanted to go and watch Manchester United play Hull City. I booked the tickets and sent them over with two football shirts for them. 'It was the first time they had ever done anything together like this. They didn't know anybody in Manchester. They were looking forward to seeing each other. 'My wife and I were happier than we had been for weeks and months and years.' Landlord William Pilkington later saw them in the bar and when asked whether they appeared to be drunk, he said they were 'on something else'. Detective Inspector Joanne Clawson from Greater Manchester Police said CCTV from a local shop caught them buying two bottles of WKD and a packet of chewing gum which they took back to their hotel. The alcohol was never consumed. Torin was the last to be seen

Summary: Torin Lakeman, 19, died in December last year with brother Jacques, 20 . Torin had bought ecstasy via dark web in order to 'have a good weekend' But pair took massive overdose and were found dead in pub in Manchester . Today coroner said he was 'frightened' by use of dark web to buy drugs .


A former ally of deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has been found shot to death in his home in Kiev. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said Oleg Kalashnikov, a former member of the Ukrainian parliament, was found dead Wednesday evening. It said the he had died of gunshot wounds but did not say whether it was believed to be homicide or suicide. Scroll down for video . The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said Oleg Kalashnikov (pictured), a former member of the Ukrainian parliament, was found dead Wednesday evening . Kalashnikov was a former ally of deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych (pictured) Kalashnikov was a deputy for the Party of Regions in Ukraine's previous parliament. At least six former Ukrainian government officials from Yanukovych's time have died over the past two months in various circumstances that police have said were most likely suicides. Yanukovych fled in February 2014 after months of increasingly violent protests. He later resurfaced in Russia. Senior ministry official Anton Gerashchenko said . Kalashnikov, 52, had knowledge of the 'Anti-Maidan' movement, . which opposed pro-Western protests that ousted Yanukovich, suggesting this might be a motive for his alleged murder. The ministry had opened up a criminal case, he said. There were mass protests against Yanukovych last year in Kiev's Maidan Square . 'Without doubt the deceased knew a lot about who financed . Anti-Maidan and in what way... He takes these secrets with him . to the grave,' Gerashchenko said. On Thursday, meanwhile, a prominent Ukrainian journalist known for his pro-Russian views was shot dead in Kiev by two masked gunmen. Oles Buzina, 45, was known for his pro-Russian opinionpieces published in Ukraine's Sevodnya daily newspaper, which is part of the media empire of Ukraine's richest businessman RinatAkhmetov. He ran in last year's election for a parliamentaryseat for the Russian Bloc party, but was not elected.

Summary: Oleg Kalashnikov died of gunshot wounds, Ukraine's Interior Ministry said . He was a Party of Regions deputy in Ukraine's previous parliament . Kalashnikov was ally of deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych .


Dapper Laughs, the controversial persona previously 'killed off' by disgraced comedian Daniel O'Reilly, has arrived Down Under – chatting up air hostesses and mocking airport cleaners along the way. The British star, who came under fire last year after telling a female audience member at one of his shows she was 'gagging for a rape', documented his journey to Sydney, via Doha and Melbourne, in a video posted online. Dapper Laughs sprang to fame on video network Vine where he joked about how women couldn’t resist him and despite his jibes being branded ‘sexist’ his latest video shows he hasn’t changed tact. Scroll down for video . Daniel O'Reilly filmed his journey to Sydney, referring to the air stewardesses (right) as 'sweethearts', while in character as his laddish alter-ego Dapper Laughs . Dapper Laughs documented his journey to Sydney, via Doha and Melbourne, in various social media posts . In a Snapchat video filmed at Doha airport and posted on his Facebook page he chatted up two female air stewardesses, saying: ‘Ooh we've got some sweethearts there. “Hi there,” she knows.' Referring to a woman at the check in desk, he said: 'Thank God she let me through. Man, she almost didn't let me she said the bad boy in my pants was too big to be concealed as hand luggage. I didn't even have a f***ing boner.’ O’Reilly’s TV show Dapper Laughs: On The Pull was cancelled by ITV last year after more than 60,000 people signed a petition for it to be axed. UK TV watchdog Ofcom launched an investigation into his show which promoted dubious dating 'advice’ to men including: ‘Remember, it’s only sexual harassment if she’s more attractive than you’. After arriving in Sydney, Dapper Laughs joined backpackers at a bar and joked that one offered him 'head' Dapper Laughs sprang to fame on video network Vine where he joked about how women couldn’t resist him . O’Reilly, seen here at the Avengers premiere in Sydney, resurrected his ‘ultimate lad’ character on Christmas day . And around 44 comedians signed an open letter condemning O'Reilly for his 'sexist and degrading' comedy. On BBC2 current affairs show Newsnight in November, O’Reilly declared 'Dapper Laughs is gone'. And he admitted he had allowed himself to get 'carried away' with his own success after finding fame on social media. 'It's completely ruined everything that's going on with me as a comedian. The bad press and everything that's happened - it's wrecked my life to a certain extent,' he said. However, O’Reilly resurrected his ‘ultimate lad’ character on Christmas day with the ominous message that his work 'isn't finished' yet. And last month he unveiled a pilot for a new TV sitcom idea on his YouTube channel. O’Reilly’s TV show Dapper Laughs: On The Pull was cancelled by ITV last year after more than 60,000 people signed a petition for it to be axed . Around 44 comedians signed an open letter condemning O'Reilly for his 'sexist and degrading' comedy . In the video about his journey to Australia he joked of

Summary: Dapper Laughs is the laddish alter-ego of comedian Daniel O'Reilly . He found fame on social media after posting six second videos . His dating show was axed by ITV last year after a 60,000 strong petition . He was slammed for rape jokes and dubious dating advice given to men . Last year O'Reilly ditched the character but resurrected him at Christmas . He arrived in Sydney on Sunday and attended the Avengers premiere .


Frustration was clear in the voices of Peter Moores and Alastair Cook as they fended off repeated enquiries about Kevin Pietersen's future more than a year after he had seemingly been banished from international cricket for good. Well, there is only one person to blame — and that is Colin Graves. The incoming ECB chairman has been responsible for the mixed messages that leave the England team in as big a state of turmoil and internal rebellion as ever. Graves has forged an excellent reputation in English cricket as chairman of Yorkshire for the way he bankrolled and transformed the club, but his initial forays into the international game have been little short of an embarrassment. Colin Graves has made a habit of talking before thinking since being announced as ECB chairman . He has become the loose cannon of English cricket — and he has yet to take up office. It all started on March 1 when he gave an interview to Garry Richardson of the BBC, who is known for his persistence and admirable success in coaxing ear-catching sound bites from interviewees. So when Graves said that Pietersen — exiled for valid reasons after the last Ashes debacle before producing a nasty autobiography that only supported the ECB's decision — had to be playing county cricket to earn an England recall, it was put down to Yorkshire straight-talking. Yet subsequently, most importantly in a phone conversation with Pietersen, Graves has done little to play down the 34-year-old's chances — even if privately the chairman is said to be perplexed at the media's 'spin' on his apparent opening of the England door. If Graves, who has apparently assured senior figures that he does not want Pietersen back, really had no intention of encouraging the maverick, then he has made a right old mess of it. For he has created a soap opera that will run and run now Pietersen has rejoined Surrey and put huge pressure on a fledgling England middle order who made significant Test progress last summer. England head coach Peter Moores (left) and Alastair Cook answer questions at a press conference . Not to mention completely undermining managing director Paul Downton and national selector James Whitaker, who have repeatedly clarified England's stance on the batsman over the last 14 months. And if Graves disagreed with the original decision to axe Pietersen, then he had a duty as deputy chairman of the ECB to say so then, not wait until he had taken over from Giles Clarke. That is not all. Since his Pietersen outburst, Graves has said that there will be an inquiry if England do not beat a 'mediocre' West Indies in the upcoming three-Test series. This prompted the respected Barbadian commentator Tony Cozier to liken the comments to Tony Greig's infamous intention in 1976 to make the West Indies 'grovel'. Then Graves came out with the ridiculous notion of reducing Test matches to four days. This would be achieved by introducing the unrealistic target of playing 105 overs a day — a move that would destroy

Summary: Incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves has handled the potential return of Kevin Pietersen very poorly . Graves has pitched several outlandish ideas about reducing Test matches to four days . He should focus his attention on addressing the England fixture congestion .


I spoke to Carl Froch for an hour this week and we have talked long and hard about what he is going to do next. Needless to say, we were disappointed to see Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr lose at the weekend against Andrzej Fonfara. It wasn’t a result we were expecting and it also blows away the chance of Froch and Chavez fighting in Las Vegas – a fight Carl wanted. Now we turn to three big fights in the next two months to see what Carl does next. I have held talks with Gennady Golovkin’s manager and there is also the possibility of Bernard Hopkins, but there are three fights coming up where the winner could work for Carl. Carl Froch (left) has not fought since beating George Groves at Wembley last May . Froch has kept in shape and weighs 12st 7lbs - despite being away from the ring for nearly a year now . Froch had hoped to meet Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, but he lost to Andrzej Fonfara last week . There is the possibility of Paul Smith-Andre Ward in the pipeline, Anthony Dirrell versus Badou Jack for the WBC world title and Andre Dirrell’s IBF world title fight against James DeGale, which is the biggest bout of this trio. Anthony Dirrell’s people have already been in touch with me about a Froch fight in the event that he wins, but I wonder if it is big enough. A fight against DeGale still feels to me like the most probable, if he comes through against Dirrell on May 23. That is a huge fight, a proper 50-50, but I fully believe he can do it. For me, from talking to Carl, I think he needs to fight again in 2015 if he is to ever return. If doesn’t come back this year, I don’t think he will. He has been a year out of the ring so let’s see. I know he is going to have an eagle eye on all these fights. The possibility of him retiring is very high but he is still training hard. He is walking around at 12st 7lbs and in the gym four to five days a week. The guy has the hunger but it has to be for the right fight and the right money. My belief is still that it might be DeGale. DeGale has looked sensational in camp and is improving at a brilliant rate – if he wins the title over in the US he will be in a great position. I mentioned Golovkin before. When I was on the phone to Carl he spent 20 minutes talking about the guy. He is a fighter that absolutely fascinates him; it’s a fight that would get everyone talking. I am looking at it. It would have to be at 168lbs and it would be special. I wouldn’t want to be the one to find out how Golovkin punches at the weight but Carl has a sick mind like that. I’m not going to rule that one out. James DeGale

Summary: If Carl Froch doesn't fight in 2015 I'm not sure he'll be back at all . A blockbuster with James DeGale is most likely after Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr defeat - but Anthony Dirrell has made contact . Scott Quigg-Carl Frampton summer fight is dead in the water .


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

Summary: 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 .


A former commander of the Metropolitan Police's elite Flying Squad has said the Hatton Garden gem heist could be linked to the huge underground fire which ripped through London last week. The massive fire started last Wednesday and took more than 24 hours to put out. John O'Connor, a highly experienced former police detective, has claimed the major power outage and the proximity of the multi-million burglary was far more than a coincidence. Scroll down for video . A gang of criminals broke into the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Ltd over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend . It came shortly after firefighters battled a major fire in Holborn - just 500 metres from the raid site . Speaking on LBC, Mr O'Connor said: 'Yeah, I think that probably was deliberate. 'I've never heard of an outage of electricity like that causing a fire that lasted as long as that. That seems to me as too much of a coincidence.' He also said that in his opinion, to succeed with such a complicated and ambitious crime, the gang must have had some inside help. He added: 'You're gonna have to have a detailed layout of the whole of the business. So clearly they got that from somebody on the inside.' He later told Sky News: 'You've got a major strong room, there's no sign of a forced entry, they've apparently been able to abseil down the lift shaft to get access to the vault - I just find it astonishing that it was that easy. 'The fact that there is no sign of forced entry, what does that mean? That someone left the door open? That someone left the windows open? Former head of Scotland Yard's Flying Squad, John O'Connor, pictured, said the Holborn fire and the raid could be linked . 'It smacks all the time of inside aid, all of the way through it. This doesn't look to me like a genuine sort of smash and grab raid by determined criminals, this looks like they've had accomplices on the inside.You wouldn't go to attack a building like that unless you knew you could gain access.' The London Fire Brigade said they do not believe that the blaze was caused deliberately. Fire experts said their initial assessment showed that the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the Victorian tunnels running below ground, damaging an eight inch gas main which ruptured and fuelled the flames. Fresh details of the daring heist emerged yesterday as police forensic teams continued to sift through the rubble in the vault. It is believed an alarm was triggered when the professional gang broke into the building in the heart of London’s jewellery district. A security guard is understood to have made a cursory check of the property on Good Friday before leaving when he found nothing untoward. Police have refused to say whether officers were despatched to investigate around the same time. The gang used a heavy-duty drill weighing 77lb to bore through a reinforced 7ft concrete wall to reach the vault. When the raid was

Summary: The Holborn fire broke out on Wednesday just 500 metres from the vault . Raiders entered the Hatton Garden vault some time over the weekend . An alarm sounded on Good Friday, but the vault was not checked . Former Flying Squad chief John O'Connor believes there could be a link .


It is one of the most infuriating issues travellers face - disembarking form their flight, only to find their luggage hasn't made it. But, if you want to guarantee your luggage will never be lost, you will need to fly in to Kansai International Airport, in Osaka, Japan. Since it opened its doors in 1994, the airport has never lost a piece of luggage, giving it an impeccable 21-year record. Scroll down for video . Kansai International Airport in Japan has never lost a piece of luggage since opening its doors in 1994 . And if returning luggage to travellers isn't enough, the airport also does so in an incredibly efficient way. According to the company, the staff places suitcases on carousels with their handles facing outwards, making it easier for travellers to collect their luggage, which has been singled out as a small but very important strategic detail. No wonder a recent ranking of the top 10 airports for baggage handling saw the Japanese airport taking top honours thanks to its track record. The airport's impeccable baggage record has to do with the way that staff places the suitcases on carousels . Of the top 10 airports worldwide for baggage, seven of the ten are located in Asia . 1. Kansai International Airport, Japan . 2. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong . 3. Changi Airport, Singapore . 4. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport . 5. Incheon International Airport, South Korea . 6. Haneda International Airport, Japan . 7. Copenhagen Airport, Denmark . 8. Munich International Airport, Germany . 9. Zurich International Airport, Switzerland . 10. Narita International Airport, Japan . Skytrax, a UK-based airline and airport consultancy, recently analysed data from hundreds of airports around the world for its World Airport Awards 2015. Of the 550 airports examined in 112 nations around the world, Japanese airports fared best - especially when it came to taking care of passengers' luggage. Reviews from 13 million users found not just Kansai International in the top spot, but Tokyo's Haneda International in sixth place and Narita International coming in tenth. Asian airports accounted for seven of the top 10 when it came to baggage handling, followed by Copenhagen, Munich and Zurich. Last year, Kansai International came 12th in overall airport rankings, while Singapore's Changi Airport took the top spot. London's Heathrow Airport came in eighth overall this year, up from the tenth spot in 2014. Kansai International was originally designed to help with the overcrowding from nearby Osaka International .

Summary: Skytrax found Kansai International as the top airport for baggage handling . Kansai has not lost a single piece of luggage in the 21 years its been open . In recent ranking of top 10 airports, seven of the ten are located in Asia .


An Islamic State sympathizer who was plotting to carry out an attack on a US military base similar to the deadly assault at Fort Hood in 2009 has been arrested. John T. Booker Jr, was detained in Manhattan, Kansas, on Friday morning and charged with multiple terror offenses, including attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction. The 20-year-old, who refers to himself as Muhammad Abdullah Hassan, is said to have targeted nearby Fort Riley and planned to use a 1,000lb car bomb to blow himself up and kill 'people with power'. Booker was shown how to arm the bomb, which was actually a dud, and taken to a supposed secret gate to enter the base by FBI informants before being arrested around 9am. A religious leader who had counseled the 'troubled' young man said that he was mentally ill. Scroll down for video . Detained: John T. Booker Jr, who refers to himself as Muhammad Abdullah Hassan, has been arrested after being accused of planning a suicide bomb attack on a US military base . Booker was also charged with attempting to damage property by means of an explosive and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. He allegedly planned to drive a van bomb built by the FBI informants, including a man who pretended to be a 'high-ranking sheikh planning terrorist acts in the United States', into Fort Riley. Authorities say he never actually breached the perimeter of the base. Imam Omar Hazim of the Islamic Center of Topeka told The Associated Press that two FBI agents brought Booker to him last year for counseling, hoping to turn the young man away from radical beliefs. The young man came to the FBI's attention last year after an unidentified citizen complained to federal authorities about concerning Facebook messages he posted. On March 19, he allegedly wrote: 'Getting ready to be killed in jihad is a HUGE adrenaline rush!! I am so nervous. NOT because I'm scared to die but I am eager to meet my lord.' Imam Omar Hazim, who counseled the suspect, said that the young man was 'troubled' Imam Omar Hazim began counseling John Booker at the request of the FBI last year, though he now says 'maybe he came to me too late'. The Islamic Center of Topeka leader said that he had tried to guide the 20-year-old away from radical beliefs. Booker had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and was 'troubled', the imam told a local newspaper. He would occasionally have 'inner conversations' while sitting alone like he was hearing voices, Hazim told KAKE. However, the suspect, who was said to occasionally wear a sword, had not been taking his medication because he did not like the way it made him feel and it was expensive. Mr Hazim had expressed concern to the FBI about allowing Booker to move freely in the community. He said 'I wasn't terribly surprised (about the arrest), I really wasn't. Because I had recognized over the last couple of months that he wasn't taking his medication'. He was then interviewed by agency

Summary: James T. Booker, 20, of Topeka, Kansas, was arrested following FBI sting . His plan to join Army was stopped last year after extremist Facebook post . He faces terrorism charges, including using a weapon of mass destruction . Booker arrested outside Fort Riley's supposed 'secret gate' with car bomb . Imam says that suspect was mentally ill . Alexander Blair, 28, arrested for failing to inform authorities about plan .


West Ham striker Carlton Cole says he can't approach Sam Allardyce about a new contract - because the manager doesn't know whether he's even staying at Upton Park. Cole's contract expires at the end of the season and it is unclear whether he'll stay at the club beyond the summer. But Cole admits he's in no position to ask his boss about an extension with Allardyce's future also in limbo. Carlton Cole attended a Football Fighting Ebola event with Nathaniel Clyne on Sunday . Cole's contract expires at the end of the season and is unsure if he will be offered a new deal . Like Cole, the manager's contract expires in the summer and it is looking increasingly likely he'll leave West Ham. And the 31-year-old striker said: 'I've not spoken to the manager about a new contract, I don’t think Sam knows what he is doing. He isn't going to be talking about my contract.' Cole, who came close to joining West Brom in January before Allardyce pulled the plug on the deal 20 minutes before the deadline after his attempts to sign Emmanuel Adebayor failed, admits he is making contingency plans in case his Hammers career comes to an end this summer. 'I have been at West Ham for 10 years, I’m trying to build a case to get a testimonial out of them but I don’t think it’s the right thing to be talking about right now,' said Cole. 'I am trying my best to make myself a presence in the team, which has been hard for me this year. Cole has found first team opportunities limited in the second half of the season . 'We did go on a good run, but I felt in the last 12-13 games I could have played a bigger part, but the manager chose to go with someone else, so whenever I do get my chance I do do my best. 'I was obviously on the brink of going to West Brom but that didn’t work out - hopefully something else works out in the future. 'I have got a few things lined up, just in case. I have been playing in the Premier league for 10 years so I have a lot to offer a team who wants to take me or if I stay at West Ham I have a lot to offer them.' On the collapse of his move to the Hawthorns, Cole, speaking at the Football Fighting Ebola fundraising event, added: 'I had a chance to play first team football and as a player I was not playing regularly at West Ham, I'm still not. 'Sam chose not to let me go. It was really hard at the time and we had a few words but these things carry on and you dust yourself off and carry on. I do like Sam a lot. He is an honest guy. Cole has not spoken to Sam Allardyce about his future because the West Ham boss does not know if he will be there next season . 'He told

Summary: Carlton Cole's West Ham contract expires at the end of the season . Manager Sam Allardyce is also facing an uncertain future at the club . His contract is up at the end of the season and it looks likely he will leave . Cole almost joined West Brom in January before Allardyce pulled the plug .


An eighth grade student has been charged with a felony after he allegedly hacked into the computer of a teacher he didn't like and changed his desktop background. Domanik Green, 14, has been accused of accessing the staff member's laptop at Paul R. Smith Middle School in Holiday, Florida, without permission by using an administrator's password to alter the image to two men kissing. The Pasco County Sheriff's office have claimed he illicitly made his way into the encrypted system, had access to personal files and could have altered his classmates' grades, but the youngster maintains it was an innocent prank. He was arrested on Wednesday and detained at the Land O'Lakes Detention Center until he was released into the custody of his mother later the same day. Charged: Domanik Green, 14, allegedly accessed a computer at Paul R. Smith Middle School in Holiday, Florida, without permission by using an administrator's password to alter the image to two men kissing . According to the Tampa Bay Times Sheriff Chris Nocco said: 'Even though some might say this is just a teenage prank, who knows what this teenager might have done.' During an interview with ABC Action News, for which his mother said he could be identified, he said: 'I wasn't really thinking. I was just kind of annoyed at the teacher that day. He added: 'When I logged on and put the picture up, I was trying to annoy my teacher. Green managed to get into the teacher's laptop by sharing his screen. He then took a picture from Google images and enlarged it. 'But when logging onto the FCAT, I logged onto the wrong computer,' he added. 'I was trying to talk to my friend through another computer, that way I didn't get caught with my phone out or anything in class.' Green was also suspended for three days last year for a similar act. He and a number of other students got hold of the password. Booked: He was arrested on Wednesday and detained at the Land O'Lakes Detention Center (pictured) until he was released into the custody of his mother. The youngster says he saw a teacher type it in and was easy to remember, as it was a faculty member's last name. Green has been charged with 'offense against computer system, unauthorized access' which is a 3rd Degree Felony. He is also suspended from school for 10 days and is being transferred to a different school.

Summary: Domanik Green, 14, altered the background on the laptop at Paul R. Smith Middle School in Holiday, Florida . Pasco County Sheriff's Office said he hacked into an encrypted system . Youngster had access to tests and could have altered classmates' grades . He has been charged with a 3rd degree felony and has been suspended from school for 10 days .


As expected, Amir Khan will fight Manny Pacquiao's recent victim Chris Algieri in New York and has slammed Kell Brook for his recent comments. This confirmation sets up two successive big nights of televised boxing involving Khan and his British rival Brook. The Bolton-born fighter takes on Algieri at the Barclays Center in New York on Friday, May 29. Amir Khan will fight Chris Algieri in New York on May 29 at the Barclays Center in a televised bout . Brook defends his world welterweight title against Frankie Gavin at London’s 02 Arena on Saturday, May 30 and Sky Sports are expected to screen both events. Criticism followed initial speculation about Khan’s opponent but he has hit back now by declaring Algieri a much more significant challenge than Gavin. Scepticism about Algieri was driven by the six knock-downs he suffered during a record points defeat by Pacquiao in Macau, China at the end of last year. The New Yorker has fought some of the best boxers in the sport and most recently battled Manny Pacquiao . Algieri is the reigning world light-welterweight but is taking on Khan at full welterweight, as he did Pacquiao. He won his title with a courageous victory over fearsome Russian puncher Ruslan Provodnikov, getting off the canvas to earn rave reviews. Khan says: ‘How can Kell knock Algieri given the quality of men he has boxed, while there is no-one of note on Gavin’s record? ‘Algieri has shared the ring with some tremendous fighters. Manny is a huge, very difficult fight for anyone but I know I’ll have to be at my best on the night.’ Kell Brook is going to fight Frankie Gavin in the 02 Arena but has repeatedly called out Khan . Algieri is native New Yorker and will draw strong support to the Center but Khan says: ‘I have good feelings about fighting again in New York, where I beat Pauli Malignaggi on my debut there. I look forward to being back there.’ New York is also the home city of his wife Faryal. Khan has already been in camp with trainer Virgil Hunter in Oakland, California for seven weeks. He will make a flying visit to Las Vegas on May 2 to watch Pacquiao v Floyd Mayweather in the Fight of the Century, again hopeful of luring the winner into a mega-fight with himself.

Summary: Amir Khan fight with Chris Algieri confirmed for May 29 in New York . The Bolton-born boxers bout will be televised the day before Kell Brook . Khan has slammed Brook for knocking Algieri's fighting quality .


Patients tried and failed to book almost 34 million GP appointments last year, shocking new figures have revealed. A study reported in the British Medical Journal found that 90 per cent of patients were able to get an appointment in 2013/14. The 10 per cent who could not amounts to around 33.8 million unsuccessful attempts each year - or 81 per surgery each week. The shambolic situation is responsible for as many as a quarter of A&E visits, the researchers say. Lack of access: Patients tried and failed to book almost 34 million GP appointments last year . The figures, from the GP Patient Survey, also show that patients who report worse access to conventional GP appointments are more likely to use out-of-hours services. And surgeries where patients were able to see a GP within two week days had lower rates of A&E department visits. Other research has suggested that greater access to GP surgeries is linked with lower rates of emergency admissions for conditions such as heart failure and stroke. The figures come just a day after it was revealed one in five visits to A&E are unnecessary. A fifth of patients turning up in A&E have self-treatable conditions including sore throats, athlete’s foot and head lice, a study has claimed. Researchers have calculated that more than 4 million visits a year are unnecessary – costing the NHS £290 million. Doctors have even reported patients showing up because they were hungover, their false nails were hurting or they had paint in their hair. The analysis of data from 15 A&E units by consultancy firm IMS Health found that 19 per cent of patients had what is called a ‘self-treatable condition’. The data covered one in ten A&E units across England, so if the trends are mirrored across the country, then an estimated 4.1million of the 21.7million visits last year were for minor ailments. The problem is largely caused by the fact that patients find it difficult to see a GP, particularly out of hours. Many go to A&E in the knowledge that they will at least be seen by a doctor that day, even if they have to wait four hours. Today's piece, written by academics from Imperial College London and New York University, points out that more GPs are required if access is to be improved. But they add politicians' promises of an extra 5,000 to 8,000 GPs are likely to be challenging to achieve. Effect: The situation is responsible for as many as a quarter of A&E visits, the researchers say. The new figures come just a day after it was revealed a fifth of patients turning up to casualty have self-treatable conditions including sore throats, athlete’s foot and head lice . So despite election pledges by the Tories and Labour to improve access to GPs appointments, they argue these promises are unlikely to be achieved within a parliamentary term. The 'public should [therefore] question the promises of politicians', they said. The BMJ report said largest increase in GPs over a previous parliamentary term in the past 20 years

Summary: Study: 90 per cent of patients were able to get an appointment in 2013/14 . 10 per cent who couldn't amounts to 33.8 million unsuccessful attempts . Situation is responsible for a quarter of A&E visits, say researchers . Problem is more to do with lack of doctors rather than opening hours .


Teachers complained they are now expected to be 'frontline stormtroppers' in the fight against Islamist extremism in school, a conference has heard. They said they are now being forced to spy on children during sensitive discussions as a result of new-counter terrorism rules. The National Union of Teachers (NUT) suggested that Government strategies designed to tackle extremism and terrorism have instead 'shut down debate' in schools. Teachers said they now feel nervous discussing controversial issues over fears they will be pressured to report youngsters who share their opinions. They also claimed young people feel unable to express there views on certain subjects, such as the Charlie Hebdo killings, for fear of being branded an extremist. Scroll down for video . Christine Blower, NUT general secretary, said there is a need keep a 'safe space' for discussion . Jan Nielsen, an NUT member from Wandsworth, south-west London, said: 'We have to be clear that we are being put in the position where we are really being expected to be the frontline stormtroopers, who listen, who spy, and notify the authorities about students that we may be suspicious of.' The conference heard an example of a student being pulled aside after prayers one Friday because children coming out of the prayer room were talking about extremism, despite the fact that the boy had put a strong argument against joining jihadi groups. In another case, a boy who applied to go to Pakistan to visit his dying grandfather had his laptop taken from him and searched, with three potential examples of the youngster viewing jihadi websites found. When the pupil was questioned, he asked how he could argue against something if he did not understand it. In response, the pupil's non-Muslim classmates questioned why they would not be seen as suspicious if they applied to visit their grandparents in Holland, the conference was told. Delegates at the annual conference in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, raised concerns about the move to require schools to promote fundamental British values as well as the Government's Prevent strategy, which is aimed at tackling extremism. The strategy suggests school staff can help to identify and refer youngsters whose behaviour suggests that they are being drawn into extremism or terrorism. Alex Kenny, of the union's executive, described Prevent as a 'blunt instrument that will do damage and inhibit debate in schools', adding that Ofsted should be allowed 'nowhere near these issues'. Ofsted now checks that schools are actively promoting British values like tolerance and democracy as part of regular inspections. In the wake of attacks on the Charlie Hebdo journalists there were, in some schools, Muslim pupils who did not feel they could say they were offended by the newspapers cartoons . Mr Kenny said: 'We live in a damaged and volatile world, and like us, young people are trying to make sense of it, like us, they're trying to come to conclusions about cause, effect and solutions, and like us they want a space to discuss it. 'Schools are places where that discussion, on ethical and political issues should take place,

Summary: National Union of Teachers discuss Government strategies on extremism . Say it has 'shut down debate' in the classroom on sensitive issues . Claim pupils feel censored and unable to express controversial views . Teachers also feel pressured to report youngsters for giving honest opinons .


Nearly 1000 bags of the depressant drug Kava were seized from a vehicle where four unrestrained children were sitting in the back seat. Northern Territory police arrested and charged a 39-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman following the drug bust in Katherine, 320 kilometres southeast of Darwin on Sunday. Detective Sergeant Ian Kennon from the Northern Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk said police pulled over an unregistered Mitsubishi Pajero travelling along the Stuart Highway just before 1pm. During the extensive search, police found approximately 20 kilograms of kava divided into 862 small bags and a small quantity of cannabis. Police have seized an approximately 20 kilograms of the depressant drug Kava - divided into 862 deal bags . An unregistered car was travelling along the Stuart Highway in Katherine southeast of Darwin on Sunday . The man and woman were arrested and taken to Katherine Watch House. The pair were both charged with possessing traffickable quantity of kava, supplying a traffickable quantity of kava and possessing cannabis in a public place. The man was further charged with driving an unregistered motor vehicle, driving an unsafe motor vehicle, failing to restrain a young person (x4) and disorderly behaviour. They will appear in Katherine Magistrates Court on Monday. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Police seized 20 kilograms of kava after pulling over an unregistered car . A 39-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman have been charged . Police found the kava divided into 862 deal bags on Sunday . They also found a small quantity of cannabis and four unrestrained kids . The pair will appear in Katherine Magistrates Court on Monday . Kava is a depressant drug made from the root or stump of the kava shrub .


The mother of a young woman who suffers from lupus, an inflammatory disease which affects the immune system, has hit back at a stranger who left a cruel note on her daughter’s car claiming she had no right to park in a disabled space – despite the fact that she has a handicap permit. Corinna Skorpenske, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, took to Facebook to publicly shame the anonymous note writer, while also defending her daughter Harley Jo, a student at Ohio State University, and her condition. 'My first reaction was anger,' Corinna told Yahoo Health. 'On top of everything she deals with she didn't need this. Harley is very strong, and many times she just lets it go. But because she is human I know she feels something.' Noted: Harley Jo Skorpenske, who suffers from lupus, discovered this note on her car after stopping at a CVS in Cleveland, Ohio . Keeping up appearances: The disability caused by Harley's illness is not visible to others, but presents her with a battle every day . The harsh note, which was left on Harley’s car, despite the fact that that her official handicap tag was clearly visible, read: 'You should be ashamed! When you take a handicap spot, an actual disabled person suffers. You were not raised as you should have been.' The person who wrote it evidently saw Harley walk into the pharmacy unaided, and assumed that she was lying about being disabled. In response to the note, Harley's mother Corinna wrote an open letter on Facebook, hoping it would eventually reach the person whose ignorance had so upset her daughter, and also aiming to raise awareness for non-visible 'ghost diseases' such as Harley's. Including a photo of the note lying on top of Harley's handicap tag, Corinna wrote in her post: 'To the person who left this on my daughter’s car. You'd never know: Harley may struggle every day, but she continues to persevere, unbeknownst to many of those around her . Mom knows best: Corrina Skorpenske (pictured) hopes to find the writer of the note and change that person's - and others' - perceptions about 'ghost diseases' 'Wishing so much for you to have stopped and talked to this amazing person before leaving this. If you had, you would have known that my daughter has a disease.' Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own tissue, leading to inflammation that results in visible swelling and joint pain. The disease affects women much more frequently than men and leaves suffers feeling extremely fatigued . The condition is also typified by a 'butterfly rash' which spreads across the face of many with the illness. There is no cure for lupus, but most of those afflicted are able to live a normal lifespan on medication. Corinna went on to explain in detail the laborious battle her daughter has been through since being diagnosed with lupus aged 16. 'It started with her joints swelling and the pain being so bad she could hardly walk,' Corinna said. 'But she continued

Summary: Corrina Skorpenske, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, took to Facebook to publicly shame the person who left a cruel note on her daughter’s car . The anonymous critic accused Ohio State University student Harley Jo of taking away a handicap spot from ‘actual disabled people’


Set in the grey stones of the Victorian chapel, the red of the two doors makes a bold, slightly unexpected statement. But that distinctive splash of colour is the only clue to the identity of the man who turned this building into a family home. In the early 1970s, Sir Richard Branson brought the chapel into residential use while he was setting up his Virgin recording business. And from then until the present day, the Virgin logo – which has gone on to adorn trains, planes and a multitude of other businesses – has always been printed in the red of those humble chapel doors. Sir Richard Branson converted The Old Chapel in Shipton-on-Cherwell, Oxfordshire, into a home in the 1970s . At the time he converted the property, Branson had a recording studio in an old manor house a few miles away from the chapel at South Leigh in Shipton-on-Cherwell, Oxfordshire. At The Manor, the first Virgin albums, such as Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, were recorded and Branson would use The Old Chapel as a weekend retreat. Other artists using The Manor included Sandy Denny, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and John Cale. 'I saw Richard coming and going into The Old Chapel in the 1970s,' says South Leigh resident Martin Collet, 57. 'I often used to see him in the village pub, The Mason Arms, having a meal with family and friends and he was always very pleasant.' He brought the chapel into residential use while he was setting up his Virgin recording business . The entrepreneur painted the doors of the country retreat his trademark bright red, pictured with Kate Moss . He adds that The Old Chapel wasn't always a complete retreat from Branson's rock 'n' roll world. 'He often had parties there and we heard the music, even though we were four doors away – but it wasn't a problem. I think he only used the house at the weekends, and he was well liked in the village.' Other residents recall that Branson was a regular visitor to the village shop on Sundays, buying breakfast for his overnight visitors. Branson's love affair with this part of Oxfordshire continued after he left The Old Chapel. He owned The Manor until the 1990s and, for two decades, also owned Mill End House in the village of Kidlington, which he sold to his children a few years ago when he moved his base to Necker Island in the Caribbean. 'Branson did a superb job on the chapel,' says Rowan Andrews, the home's current owner, who bought it in 2007. 'We haven't had to do much, apart from putting in solid oak flooring and new central heating with Victorian-style radiators.' The four-bedroom home is now on the market for £599,000. At the time he converted the property, Branson had a recording studio in an old manor house a few miles away from the chapel . The four-bedroom home is divided into two levels and exposed beams run throughout the building . The village of South Leigh is in the parliamentary constituency

Summary: Sir Richard Branson converted The Old Chapel into a home in the 1970s . Entrepreneur painted doors of the country retreat his trademark bright red . Four-bedroom home in South Leigh, Witney, is on the market for £599,000 . Sir Richard held parties at the chapel and was a regular at village shop . fineandcountry.com, 01865 759550 .


The ocean is known for claiming countless of treasured items, particularly rings and sentimental jewellery which remain lost forever. However, an Australian woman is on a campaign to reunite a lost ring with its owner after discovering the buried treasure deep in the ocean. ‘So here’s a super long shot,’ Queensland resident Roxy Walsh wrote on Facebook. ‘Found this gold ring snorkelling at Finns Beach Club in Bali today (April 7).’ Roxy Walsh shared a photo of a gold ring she found on Facebook in the hope of finding its owner . Roxy Walsh (pictured in Bali) found the ring while snorkelling at Finns Beach Club in Bali on April 7 . The ring has what appears to be a family crest and has been engraved with the heartfelt message: ‘Darling Joe, Happy 70th Birthday 2009, Love Jenny’. The Facebook message has already been shared an astonishing 23 thousand times, taking the search for the special ring global. ‘Sometimes hear of these things finding their way home so worth a shot,’ Ms Walsh wrote. Travel blog The Bali Bible shared the post to more than 171 thousand followers. ‘It would be great if all of you amazing people out there could (share the picture of the ring) and hopefully reunite this ring with its owners, Joe or Jenny asap..! Nice find, Roxy! #respect #reunite .’ The search for Joe and Jenny continues. Travel blog The Bali Bible shared the post to more than 171 thousand followers .

Summary: Queensland woman Roxy Walsh found an inscribed gold ring in Bali . The sentimental jewellery piece was found in the ocean while snorkelling . Ms Walsh has launched a campaign to return the ring to the people who own it, hoped to be "Joe" or "Jenny" according to inscription . Facebook post has already been shared by more than 23 thousand people .


The Ohio parents of a two-year-old child who authorities say was beaten and starved to death were indicted on aggravated murder charges Wednesday. Hamilton County's prosecutor said that the grand jury also indicted Andrea Bradley, 28, and Glen Bates, 32, on murder and child endangering charges in Glenara Bates' death. Prosecutor Joe Deters says the parents, both of Cincinnati, could face the death penalty if convicted of all the charges. Scroll down for video . Facing charges: Andrea Bradley (left), 28, and Glen Bates (right), 32, have been indicted on aggravated murder charges in the beating death of their 2-year-old daughter last month . Innocent: Glenara Bates was brought to an Ohio hospital last month dead and weighing only 13lbs . Deters' statement says Bradley took her baby daughter to a hospital March 29 where the girl was pronounced dead. The child had been badly beaten and had bruises, belt marks and bite marks, he said. The child also had injury to her head and broken teeth, and injuries had been inflicted over an extended period of time. She had over 100 wounds to her body total. According to the prosecutors, at the time of her death Glenara weighted only 13lbs - the average weight of a 3 or 4-month-old infant. Hamilton County Coroner Lakshmi Kode Sammarco, who performed the autopsy on Glenara, described it as the worst case of starvation she's ever witnessed in her career. 'There is no doubt in my mind this child was tortured for the majority of her pitifully short life,' Sammarco said. She recalled that it took a team of pathologists more than four hours to document all of the toddler's numerous injuries and scars. ‘The abuse this baby suffered is beyond belief,’ Deters said. 'If they [parents] get executed, God bless them, I’d like to see it.' The prosecutor said Bradley had seven children and is expecting her eighth child in July. Five of the other children — ages 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 — were living with Bradley. Glenara had been taken away from the family after being diagnosed with malnutrition, but child services returned the girl to the mother just weeks before her death. Deters said that in her final days, the toddler ate and slept in a bathtub filled with feces and blood. 'You wouldn't treat your dog like this,' he said, . The parents are now in the custody of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services. None of the other children showed current signs of abuse, Deters said. Matriarch: Bradley had seven children and is expecting her eighth child in July. This image from last July shows the woman pregnant with her youngest child and holding what appears to be a cigarette . Five of Bradley's seven children — ages 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 — were living with the woman at the time of Glenara's death . He said an older child lives with paternal relatives. The indictments come on the same day that child-welfare workers across Ohio are promoting awareness and prevention of child

Summary: Andrea Bradley and Glen Bates charged with aggravated murder in the beating death of their two-year-old daughter Glenara . Glenara was brought to the hospital last month with bruises, belt marks and bite marks, a head injury and broken teeth . Prosecutors say at the time of her death the toddler was weighing only 13lbs . Coroner said it was the worst case of starvation she's even seen . In her final days, Glenara ate and slept in a bathtub filled with feces and blood .


A Texas state trooper who did what millions of hip-hop fans would love to do and posed for a picture with Snoop Dogg was told he has ''deficiencies indicating need for counseling'. Department of Public Safety trooper Billy Spears posed for the photograph with Snoop at South by Southwest in Austin after the rap icon delivered his keynote speech. Spears, who is based out of the state's Gilmer office, posed for the photo at the rapper's request. Scroll down for video . Department of Public Safety trooper Billy Spears (left) was disciplined last week for posing with Snoop Dogg . Snoop requested the photo at South by Southwest in Austin after the rap icon delivered his keynote speech . Spears' bosses called Snoop a figure who has a 'criminal background including numerous drug charges' After his publicist took the photo, Snoop - whose real name is Calvin Broadus - posted it to Instagram with the caption: 'Me n my deputy dogg'. Spears' bosses at DPS saw the posting and then cited him, according to the Dallas Morning News. The official reprimand read: 'While working a secondary employment job, Trooper Spears took a photo with a public figure who has a well-known criminal background including numerous drug charges. 'The public figure posted the photo on social media and it reflects poorly on the Agency.' The counseling advised Spears to say no when people ask for a picture with him. Snoop has convictions for drug possession and stood trial for murder in 1993 before being acquitted. Since Spears was only reprimanded with counseling, DPS does not view the penalty as a formal disciplinary action and the trooper cannot appeal. DPS spokesman Tom Vinger said on Wednesday: 'DPS does not typically discuss or release specifics of personnel issues unless they result in disciplinary action as outlined in Government Code 411.00755 and 411.0072. 'Supervisors counsel and coach employees on a regular basis, and these efforts do not constitute formal discipline by the department.' The counseling advised Spears to say no when people ask for a picture with him but that's about it . Attorney Ty Clevenger is representing Spears and covering the case on his blog. He wrote: 'DPS claims that the counseling forms are not really discipline, therefore the employee has no right to appeal. 'Yet those counseling incidents can block a trooper’s chances for promotion or advancement. 'So it appears that DPS commanders are papering Billy’s file with counseling incidents because they can’t prove that he violated any law, order, or policy, and they know that he will beat them with the law and the facts if he is given an opportunity to appeal.' Clevenger is calling public attention to the situation and has written letters to officials at DPS. It seems the Department of Public Safety has a problem with Snoop but Austin police seem okay with him .

Summary: Department of Public Safety trooper Billy Spears was disciplined last week . The trooper posed with Snoop Dogg after rapper's SXSW keynote speech . Snoop posted picture to Instagram with the caption: 'Me n my deputy dogg' Rapper's past legal problems were cause for concern for Spears' superiors . He was cited for 'deficiencies indicating need for counseling' for photo with figure who has 'criminal background including numerous drug charges'


Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been terrorising opposition defences of late, but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed Chelsea have a plan to deal with him. United travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon hoping to put a spanner in the works of Chelsea’s Barclays Premier League title charge, with Fellaini the danger man in midfield. But his countryman Courtois says the Blues have been working on a way to combat the unorthodox midfielder after he starred in recent wins over Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City. Marouane Fellaini (pictured) has been in brilliant form for Manchester United in recent weeks . The 27-year-old controls the ball with his chest during United's 4-2 victory against Manchester City . 'Manchester United have a lot of other good players to decide a match, so we are not completely focused on Fellaini,’ Courtois said. ‘But we know that when he comes into the box, he is very dangerous. ‘I will probably have to come out to collect crosses into the box. Of course, we know about him and hope to keep him out. ‘Of course, (the exact way we deal with him) has to be kept private. I cannot say exactly how we will do it, but of course we know to keep an eye on Marouane.’ Fellaini has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most effective performers recently, flourishing under Louis van Gaal’s management after being cast as a joke figure under David Moyes last season. Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his side will be able to combat Fellaini's style of play . Courtois in action during Chelsea's 1-0 Premier League victory against Queens Park Rangers last weekend . Courtois has played alongside the big-haired 27-year-old for Belgium, with whom he has also become a key figure, scoring in their last two European Championship qualifiers. ‘You have to use Marouane's qualities,’ Courtois told Sporting Telenet. ‘If you do not play him in the right position, he might not play as well and could come across as a bad footballer. Courtois celebrates Chelsea's last minute victory with Cesc Fabregas and John Terry . ‘But if he is used the right way, I think he has more technical ability than people think. Beyond that, he is obviously very strong and dangerous with his head. He's a real box-to-box player, he can be in defence and five seconds later upfront and scoring. You have to be very attentive.' Despite Fellaini’s abilities, Courtois is confident of winning the Premier League title and feels Eden Hazard will double it up with the PFA Player of the Year award, even if he admits that teams have found out a way to stop Chelsea. ‘I think at the start of the season, teams did not really know how to play against us,’ he said. ‘Now they know and they try to stop the way we play as much as possible. ‘Eden has been decisive for us and if we are champions, a lot of credit goes to him,’ he added. ‘In that area, he still has an edge over his competitors.’

Summary: Thibaut Courtois hopes Chelsea can keep Marouane Fellaini quiet . Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday . Fellaini has been in impressive form for United in recent weeks . Blues goalkeeper knows he will have to collect more crosses than usual .


Brendan Rodgers is ready to unleash Jordan Ibe on the Barclays Premier League once more after his sparkling return to training. Ibe has been absent for the last six weeks after he damaged his knee ligaments during a Europa League tie against Besiktas in Istanbul. Before that, though, he had said he had been in outstanding after Rodgers had to thrust him into the spotlight. The young England international spent the first half of the season on loan at Derby County but he returned to Anfield in January and made an immediate impact, with a Man-of-the-Match performance in the Merseyside derby on February 6. Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe in action for Brendan Rodgers' side in the Europa League against Besiktas . Liverpool initially thought Ibe would be out for no longer than four weeks but they have been careful not to rush him; in recent weeks, however, his training has been to a high level and Rodgers will include him in his squad to face Newcastle on Monday. Liverpool’s manager said: ‘Young Jordon will come back in and I've got to say he's looked absolutely sensational in training. He's been out for a while but he's been a couple of weeks now out on the field doing his preparation work and he's joined in the training. ‘Absolutely outstanding, he’s looked. He's got real natural fitness and he'll come into the squad for Monday night.’ Ibe was awarded the Man-of-the-Match having performed magnificently in the Merseyside derby in February . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers dishes out the instructions during training on Saturday . The 19-year-old (right) has done well since breaking into the Liverpool first team and is seen as a key member . There will not, though, be a return for Mario Balotelli. The striker has been sidelined for the last two games, first with a knee problem then with illness and Rodgers is planning for the game without the Italy striker. ‘We'll assess that over the next couple of days,’ said Rodgers. ‘He was injured against Arsenal and has been ill since the midweek and continues to be. We'll see over the next 24 hours.’ Liverpool have dropped off the pace in the race for a top four spot following back-to-back defeat against Manchester United and Arsenal but if Louis van Gaal’s side beat Manchester City and Rodgers sees his team beat Newcastle, there will be a glimmer of light. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard (centre) , who remains suspended, rides a challenge in training . The Liverpool players watch on as forward Raheem Sterling (right) looks to pass on possession . Liverpool duo Lucas Leiva (left) and Dejan Lovren (right) share a joke after a sprint exercise in training . Midfielder Joe Allen keeps hold of the ball under the attention of Dejan Lovren during the training session . Wednesday’s win over Blackburn in the FA Cup has lifted the atmosphere at Melwood and Rodgers has urged his players to focus on their job. ‘The performance and the result the other night puts us back on track again,’ said Rodgers. ‘Hopefully

Summary: Liverpool host Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday evening . 19-year-old Jordon Ibe has returned to the squad after six weeks out . Ibe has impressed manager Brendan Rodgers in training .


Protests to demand answers in the case of Freddie Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died in Baltimore Police custody last week, descended into chaos on Saturday night. After a few hours of peaceful demonstrations, scores of rowdy protesters crowded outside Camden Yards, where the Baltimore Orioles beat the Boston Red Sox in ten innings. Spectators at the game, with a reported attendance of 36,757, were told that they could not leave the baseball stadium until cleared to do so by police, who allowed them to exit shortly after 10pm when the game ended. Outside, protesters threw objects at cars, kicked windshields, smashed windows and threw a flaming trash can at police in riot gear. Multiple demonstrators were seen jumping on police cars. A civilian car's windshield was also shattered as chants of 'shut it down' were heard during unrest that started around 6.30pm. Violence continued into the evening, with reports of looting and smashing of shop windows despite Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts's order for protesters to disperse. Scroll down for videos . After a few hours of peaceful demonstrations against the death of Freddie Gray, 25, in police custody, protesters began climbing on police cars and smashing them with traffic cones . Violence continued from around 6.45pm into the evening when Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts issued an order for protesters to disperse . Amid growing anti-police sentiments, some protesters turned on police cars while others threw cans and plastic bottles in the direction of police officer . Demonstrators-turned-vandals kick and smash the front windshield of a car outside of Camden Yards in Baltimore as peaceful protests turned violent . At least two cars were damaged in the incidents, as crowds switched from chanting slogans to destroying property . Protesters began violence early in the evening by throwing barricades at police. The police Twitter account repeatedly stated that it was trying to protect the right to protest for demonstrators, who had gathered around 2,000 people in a peaceful rally earlier in the day. From inside the stadium, fans watched as smaller groups of Freddie Gray protesters split off from the main demonstration, throwing cans, bottles and trash cans at police, storefronts and restaurants. A wireless store and a 7-Eleven convenience store were looted, according to a CBS Baltimore reporter. At least two people have been injured and twelve protesters were arrested, according to police. Three-hundred officers were deployed outside Camden Yards, according to Batts. The Commissioner had threatened mass arrests downtown if demonstrators did not leave. Protesters began to disperse as the evening progressed towards 10pm, with a line of police in riot gear marching them backwards. A request from police led to thousands of Baltimore Orioles fans being trapped inside the ballpark at Camden Yards as they awaited police clearance to leave . Spectators at the game were allowed to leave after a walk off homerun by the Orioles in the tenth inning. Above, the scoreboard tells fans that they cannot leave . A 7-Eleven in Baltimore was looted as protesters spread from downtown Baltimore near Camden Yards into

Summary: Freddie Gray, 25, died after being arrested while screaming in pain and refused medical help for severed spine injury . Baltimore protesters called for police to be charged and jailed over death . Peaceful protests escalated into violence, police car windshields smashed . Reports of looting as protester threw flaming trash can at police in riot gear . Fans at game between Orioles and Boston Red Sox held until after 10pm .


David Cameron will today claim that Labour's economic policies risk putting a million people out of work after Britain was singled out as one of the few 'bright spots' in the global economy. The Prime Minister will vow to encourage more job creation by extending national insurance breaks, worth at least £2,000 a year to smaller firms taking on new staff, for a further five years. Saying he is 'really angry' at Labour's claim that the Conservatives are 'the party for the few, not the many', Mr Cameron will hail the 'jobs miracle' that has seen 1,000 new jobs created every day. David Cameron will today claim that Labour's economic policies risk putting a million people out of work . Contrasting that with Labour's record, he will claim Ed Miliband's economic policies could see 'a million more people joining the dole queues'. Last night, in a boost for George Osborne, the head of the International Monetary Fund picked out the UK recovery as exemplary. Christine Lagarde said the world was suffering from a 'moderate and uneven' return to growth which was 'simply not good enough'. But, in an endorsement of the Government's economic record, she cited the United States and the United Kingdom as countries where the outlook is positive. The comments completed an extraordinary volte-face by the IMF on the Coalition's handling of the economy. Just two years ago, it warned that Mr Osborne was 'playing with fire' by pressing ahead with austerity – only to see the economic recovery take off. Britain was the best performing major economy in the developed world last year, with growth of 2.8 per cent. Figures published by the fund also show it has overtaken socialist-run France to become the second most powerful economy in Europe behind Germany. However, the IMF predicted Britain would still be running a deficit at the end of the decade – despite Tory efforts to balance the books. Cameron will say if Ed Miliband repeated the economic mistakes of last Labour government there will be a risk to jobs . Mr Cameron, who dismissed the projections, will today launch a Conservative 'jobs manifesto' setting out plans to bring about 'full employment' – meaning everyone who wants a job has one. 'We are living through a jobs miracle – brought to you by a Conservative government that has backed business, reformed welfare and rewarded work,' he will say. Claiming Mr Miliband represents a threat to jobs, he will add: 'You know what makes me really angry? It's when our opponents still go on about 'you Tories – the party for the few and not the many…' Excuse me? 'This is the party that's taken three million of the lowest-paid workers out of income tax altogether; that's cut the taxes of 26million working people; that's seen 1,000 jobs created every day – jobs that are giving families security, putting food on tables, helping people out of poverty. 'Under the last five years of Labour, unemployment went up by 600 people a day. 'So if Ed Miliband repeated the economic mistakes of the

Summary: David Cameron will launch 'job manifesto' with plans for 'full employment' Tories will extend national insurance breaks, worth £2,000 to smaller firms . PM is 'angry' at Labour's claim Tories are 'party for the few, not the many' He will say Miliband's economic policies risk putting millions out of work .


The bodies of four people, including two young boys under the age of ten, were discovered in a Oklahoma home on Wednesday afternoon in what police suspect was a murder-suicide. The unidentified family - a 38-year-old mother, 42-year-old father and their two sons - apparently died from gunshot wounds. Tulsa police said 'based on the physical evidence inside the house', they believe the father killed his wife and children before using the gun on himself and are not seeking a suspect. Scroll down for video . A family of four, including two boys under the age of ten, was found dead in a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma . Tulsa police captain Matt McCord said the bodies may have been in the house for 'as many as two days' McCord said 'the physical evidence inside the house' indicates the father killed his wife, sons and himself . Officers found a handgun near the man's body, according to Tulsa World. Captain Matt McCord said the bodies may have been in the house 'as many as two days', based on when the four were last seen and a preliminary examination of phone records. Police found the bodies after the mother's employer requested a welfare check because she had not shown up to work for two days. They do not have a motive for the slaying, but McCord said the scene was difficult to process. He said: 'It's a tough deal for anybody to go through.' Neighbors said they were surprised by what happened and said the area is safe. Tulsa police officers found a handgun near the dead body of the father and are not seeking other suspects . Vinicio Perez said he walks his dog down the same street in the Stone Creek Farms development. Perez said he would sometimes see two children playing and bouncing around in the front yard of the home where the bodies were found. Perez told the Associated Press: 'I'm shocked. 'This place should be a place surrounded by security.' Perez's wife, Mercedes, said: 'I love this neighborhood. It's very quiet here.' Most every property in the neighborhood has a large fence, so kids can play or swim in privacy. Stephen Wiseman lived next door to the family for almost ten years. He said: They were wonderful, the most kind [and] gentle people you’d ever meet. 'Our kids played with them all day on Saturday, and … we saw the kids on Sunday.' Another neighbor reported hearing noises at the house late on Monday.

Summary: Tulsa detectives believe the father 'shot and killed the other individuals' Officers found handgun near his body and are not seeking other suspects . Bodies may have been in house for up to two days before being found . Officers discovered them on Wednesday afternoon during a welfare check .


Thiago Silva is gearing up to play Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final this week and the Paris Saint-Germain defender believes he will face an attack possessing the three best players in the world. The Spanish league leaders can unleash a front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar upon the French champions, who beat them at the Parc des Princes in the group stages of the competition earlier this year. And Silva believes that the home leg of the quarter-final encounter will be pivotal for his side. Thiago Silva wants PSG to impose their style of play on Barcelona when they meet in the Champions League . Silva says Luis Suarez (left), Neymar (centre) and Lionel Messi are the best three players in the world . Silva (centre) prepared for the visit of Barcelona by lifting the French League Cup with PSG on Saturday . 'We know that the first leg at home will be very important,' the Brazil defender said. 'Barca are very effective on the counterattack and have great strikers. 'To me, Messi, Neymar and Suarez are among the three best players in the world.' Silva singled out the threat of Neymar, his international team-mate, while encouraging his side to impose their own game upon Barcelona. 'He's unpredictable, we cannot know what he will do and don't know where he's going with his dribbles,' Silva said of the Barcelona attacker. Silva warned PSG about the unpredictability of his Brazil international team-mate Neymar . 'Although we face a great rival in Barca, we will try to play our game and keep the ball. With our individual quality we will try to suprise them.' PSG warmed up for the visit of Barcelona by winning the French League Cup on Saturday with a 4-0 win against bastia, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani both scoring twice.

Summary: Paris Saint-Germain play Barcelona in the Champions League this week . Defender Thiago Silva has warned his team of Barcelona's attacking threat . PSG prepared for the first-leg by winning the French League Cup . Lucas Moura: Lionel Messi is my idol... I am obsessed with his ability . READ: PSG boss Laurent Blanc feels his side have hit momentum .


After four years orbiting the closest planet to our sun, the Messenger spacecraft will this week make a death-dive into Mercury. But the probe hasn't finished its mission yet, with new, detailed views emerging of the planet as Messenger spirals closer to its surface. Now Nasa has released an image taken by the probe's Visual and Infrared Spectrometer (Virs) revealing distinct features such as volcanic vents and fresh craters. Nasa has released an image taken by the probe's Visual and Infrared Spectrometer (Virs) to reveal distinct features such as volcanic vents and fresh craters. To highlight the geological features, the images have been overlain on a black and white mosaic from the Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS) To highlight the geological features, the images have been overlain on a black and white mosaic from the Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS). This is an instrument with wide- and narrow-angle cameras that has been mapping the rugged landforms on Mercury’s surface. The spacecraft is expected to smash into the planet's surface at 2.4 miles per second (3.9km/s). The event will take place on Thursday 30 April at 3:30pm Eastern Time (7.30pm GMT). However, when it does, Messenger will be behind Mercury, and hidden from Earth. 'The last couple of hours will probably be pretty quiet,' Mercury mission head Sean Solomon told Nature. 'There will be a final orbit when the spacecraft passes behind the planet and we won't hear from it again. 'I have worked on the mission for 19 years. It's like losing a member of the family. Even pre-knowledge doesn't prepare you completely for the loss.' The Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS) is an instrument with wide- and narrow-angle cameras that has been mapping the rugged landforms on Mercury’s surface. It was used to helped create these images of Mercury . The spacecraft is expected to smash into the planet's surface on Thursday 30 April after a four-year mission . Among the features Messenger has revealed to scientists in the past month are patterns of distinctive hollows - each around a couple of hundred metres wide - in the bottom of a huge impact basin. It has also sent back detailed images of huge 1.2 mile (2km) high cliffs that cut across a crater named Duccio on the surface. Another image shows a 621 miles (1,000km) long cliff that rises 1.8 miles (3km) above the surface, called Enterprise Rupes. Researchers have uncovered the mystery of Mercury's 'stealth' colour scheme. The say a steady dusting of carbon from passing comets has slowly painted Mercury black over billions of years. It solves the mystery of Mercury's unusual colouring - which has baffled scientists. On average, Mercury is much darker than its closest airless neighbour, our Moon. Airless bodies are known to be darkened by micrometeorite impacts and bombardment of solar wind, processes that create a thin coating of dark iron nanoparticles on the surface. But spectral data from Mercury suggests its surface contains very little nanophase iron, certainly not enough to account for its dim appearance. As comets approach Mercury's neighborhood near the sun,

Summary: Messenger is expected to hit the surface of Mercury on April 30 . Probe has been orbiting Mercury since 2011, taking 250,000 pictures . Latest image shows features such as volcanic vents and fresh craters .


SPFL clubs are poised to do battle over a late Hibernian move to cash in on the Premiership play-offs. Currently second in the Championship, the Easter Road club stand to make £1million from anticipated sell-out home gates against Rangers and the 11th place club in the Premiership - currently Motherwell. Under recently passed SPFL rules, however, play-off sides must hand over 50 per cent of their play-off profits for distribution among lower league clubs within seven days. And, faced with the possible loss of substantial sums from two lucrative matches, Hibs chairman Rod Petrie has garnered support from Hearts and Motherwell for a resolution to slash the profits levied from play-off finalists from 50 per cent to 25 per cent. The issue will go to the vote at the SPFL AGM next Thursday, but faces opposition from the SPFL board who believe the move puts self-interest above those of all 42 clubs. Hibernian face a battle over potentially lucrative gate revenues with lower league clubs . On Tuesday, one senior club figure told Sportsmail on condition of anonymity, that the Hibs, Hearts and Motherwell proposal was ‘outrageous’. ‘The agreement two years ago was that the clubs from the bottom three divisions would get more of the money,’ Sportsmail was told. ‘As part of that overall package we agreed a levy on the play-offs. No one at that time anticipated you might have a Rangers-Hibs play-off final. ‘Now there is a move by people with vested interests to say “we might be doing ourselves out of a bit of money!”. And they are attempting to revisit it. ‘That’s potentially outrageous because all clubs voted for the restructuring on the basis of the overall package and you can’t suddenly decide later that because you are in the play-offs you are not happy with it.’ Hibernian declined to comment last night although the Easter Road club will argue that funding for lower league clubs will be unaffected by slashing the levy because of a new six-figure broadcast deal for the play-offs and the imposition by the SPFL of new minimum pricing policy of £15 and £10 for all six matches. Hibs would have to hand over 50 per cent of play-off gate revenues to lower league clubs under SPFL rules . Hibernian are believed to have had reservations over the 50 per cent levy before the redistribution package was passed and have now gathered backing to revisit the issue next Thursday from Motherwell – also likely to be involved in the play-offs – and city rivals Hearts. One Easter Road source told Sportsmail: ‘A rule change has been introduced by the SPFL stopping clubs allowing their season ticket holders into the play-off games for free. ‘They have also imposed a minimum price of £15 and £10 for the play-offs. ‘In addition there was no television money in place for the play-offs last year while this year they have secured six-figure revenues to go round the clubs. ‘Add in the fact the parachute payments to the Premiership clubs are fully funded by the SFA – not

Summary: Hibernian stand to make £1million from gate revenues in play-offs . Edinburgh club battling to try and reduce share to lower league clubs . Hibs would have to give 50 per cent of gate revenues to lower teams . Club has received support from Hearts and Motherwell to lower to 25% .


We're either guilty of it or we have a friend or family member who is a bandit for it: oversharing photos of our children on social media. While posting an image of your child smiling into the camera covered in food may seem like a playful and cute move to you - it could be dangerous for your child in the long run. When it comes to uploading baby photos on social media, some feel like the more comments and likes they get the better, but who is really looking at your photos and how far do they reach on the net? Scroll down for video . Snap happy: We all know someone who overshares on social media - but could they be putting their kids' lives at risk? Just last week, Australian woman Jade Ruthven was lambasted on her social media account by her friends, who were so sick of her constant updates about her baby daughter that they wrote her a scathing letter demanding she stop. The shocking letter, littered with expletives and exclamation marks told the mother that they were 'so over' the running commentary on her daughter's life. And while this may be a harsh reaction to her social obsession, social media expert Sarah-Jane Kurtini believes people need to more aware of their ramblings on the web. 'I think people just have this inbuilt need to share,' Ms Kuritini told Daily Mail Australia. Know your privacy settings . It is amazing how many parents leave on their Instagram location settings. Set your location settings to off if you do not want people to be able to figure out where you and your children live. Only share with people who care . Ask yourself if all the people you're sharing your photos with really want to see them and will they protect them in a way you would. Explore private social networks . Private social networks offer a secure way to share the pictures of your children with your family and friends. Don't take any digital photos . Ultimately the only way to be 100 per cent sure that you don't have a digital footprint is not to have any digital photos taken but this isn't a road the vast majority of people want to go down. 'In a lot of cases it probably is fine but when you’re giving away exactly where your family life is taking place, there's a risk and it’s probably more sensible not to do it. 'People have started to be less self-aware and when everything happens they put it online. What they don’t think about is who they’re sharing it with.' While Ms Kurtini said that she understands why people can get fed up of people oversharing their kids' lives on social media sites, she was disturbed at the letter Ms Ruthven received from her so-called friends. 'Everyone came out in support of her which they should have done because bullying shouldn't be tolerated and that letter was horrific,' she said. Too many posts: Jade Ruthven, 33, pictured with Addison, has been sharing

Summary: There has been a rise in 'sharenting' - sharing photos of children online . The trend could be dangerous for your child in the long run . Who is really looking at your photos and how far do they reach online? People who don't turn off location settings are leaving kids vulnerable . An Australian woman received a scathing letter over posting baby photos .


Andros Townsend admitted he had devoted plenty of thought to his cheeky retaliation against Paul Merson. ‘That tweet has been going over in my head,’ said Townsend, who followed up his spectacular equaliser in Italy by hitting Twitter to strike back at criticism from the former Arsenal and England midfielder. ‘As soon at the goal went in, I was just desperate to get that tweet out. I’m eagerly awaiting his response. I haven’t seen it yet. Andros Townsend scores England's equaliser in their 1-1 friendly draw with Italy in Turin on Tuesday night . Townsend celebrates his strike with Tottenham Hotspur team-mates Ryan Mason (left) and Kyle Walker . In his column for skysports.com, Merson wrote: 'If Andros Townsend can get in then it opens it up for anybody. We are not picking players who are playing well for their clubs – he got taken off after 30 minutes the other week against United. 'The England manager is there watching the game and he still gets picked. Townsend and Kyle Walker were the worst two players on the pitch. 'How can you tell me that a manager goes and watches Man United against Tottenham, the winger gets taken off after 30 minutes, the winger from the other team absolutely rinses the full-back for England and Ashley Young doesn’t get in the squad?' ‘He said when the squad was announced that I should be “nowhere near the squad”. It didn’t really annoy me, but gave me the extra incentive to silence a few critics. Hopefully I’ve done that as I always have.’ Merson had made his comments on Sky Sports when Roy Hodgson named the players for games against Lithuania and Italy. The 1-1 draw in Turin had not long ended when Townsend (below) tweeted to his 285,000 followers: ‘Not bad for a player that should be “nowhere near the squad” ay @PaulMerse?’ The Tottenham’s winger’s father Troy joined in, too, tweeting: “Oh ye of little faith #Merson get in.’ They could also have pointed out that Townsend’s screamer was his third for England, taking him level with Merson. ‘You can never stop proving things to people,’ said Townsend. ‘But I think every time I’ve put on an England shirt I have done myself justice, I have done Roy Hodgson justice and the nation justice. I was a bit disappointed with his comments but I have come on the pitch and silenced them.' Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson (centre) criticised Townsend's call-up to the England squad last week . Harry Kane congratulates his Tottenham team-mate Townsend after the final whistle in Turin . Good-natured north London Twitter skirmishing aside, there will have been a few Spurs supporters who understood Merson’s point. Townsend’s form has been inconsistent, and having seen him come off the bench to score for England they will wonder why he cannot do it more often for Tottenham. ‘I can’t put my finger on it or tell you what it is,’ admitted Townsend, when asked about the contrast. ‘The (England) manager has always given me confidence to go and express myself

Summary: Andros Townsend scored the equaliser in England's 1-1 draw with Italy . Townsend tweeted to hit back at Paul Merson for his previous comments . Townsend has been been 'desperate' to silence his critics . Merson had slammed Townsend for his display against Man United .


The iconic Rosie the Riveter poster girl who became a symbol of feminist power for the millions of hard working women who worked on the home front during World War II has died. Mary Doyle Keefe, the telephone operator who inspired millions, passed away on Tuesday after a brief illness, her family said. Mary became the poster girl for American women when she shot to fame by posing for Norman Rockwell's iconic painting. Iconic: Mary Doyle Keefe, who posed for the Normal Rockwell Rosie the Riveter painting as a 19-year-old telephone operator, has died in Simsbury, Conneticut, aged 92 . Rosie the Riveter was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on May 29, 1943, and became a symbol for feminism and economic power for American female workers during the war. Rockwell's famous painting shows the red-haired Rosie dressed in blue work overalls sat on the stars and stripes, with a sandwich in her left hand and her right arm on top of her lunch box with the name 'Rosie' on the front. In her no-nonsense pose, Rosie shows her brute strength with her left forearm muscle bulging. She has a rivet gun resting in her lap and her feet on a copy of Adolf Hitler's manifesto 'Mein Kampf.' Although Mrs Keefe was petite, Rockwell wanted 'Rosie' to show strength, so he used artistic licence to make her arms, hands and shoulders bigger. Riveting: The painting shows Rosie in blue work overalls sitting down in front of the American flag, with a sandwich in her left hand, a rivet gun on her lap and her feet resting on a copy of Adolf Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' Same but different: Rockwell's painting is not to be confused with the equally iconic 'We Can Do It!' poster, often also referred to as Rosie The Riveter . The artists admitted he modelled her body on Michelangelo's Isaiah, which is on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Mrs Keefe, who wasn't actually a riveter, was paid $10 (equivalent to $136 today) for two sessions she posed for Rockwell and his photographer, Gene Pelham. In a 2002 interview by then retired Mrs Keefe said the artist told her: 'You sit there and he takes all these pictures. 'They called me again to come back because he wanted me in a blue shirt and asked if I could wear penny loafers.' Twenty-four years after she posed, Rockwell sent her a letter calling her the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen and apologizing for the hefty body in the painting. 'I did have to make you into a sort of a giant,' he wrote. Mrs Keefe said people in Arlington didn't make too much of a fuss about her being in the Rosie painting, aside from teasing her a little about Rosie's big arms. 'People didn't make a big deal about things back then,' she said. Rockwell's painting is not to be confused with the equally iconic 'We Can Do It!', wartime poster, often also referred to as Rosie The Riveter. Inspirational: The 'We Can Do It' poster has

Summary: Mary Doyle Keefe died in Simsbury, Connecticut, aged 92 . She was 'Rosie the Riveter' the wartime poster girl who inspired millions . Artist made petite Mary's muscles bigger to make her symbol of strength . Became a symbol for feminism for the wartime women who stayed home .