Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

Britain Braced For Second Storm - And Snow

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 10 Januari 2015 | 16.12

The first widespread snowfall of the year is expected today as a second burst of extreme weather from across the Atlantic sweeps parts of the country, the Met Office has said.

More than 100,000 homes were left without power on Friday as hurricane-force winds bringing gusts of up to 113mph battered the north of Britain, bringing down power lines.

The worst affected areas were across the Highlands, islands, Aberdeenshire and the central belt of Scotland.

There was also major disruption to travel services. National Rail said trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central via Carstairs will divert and not call at Motherwell today.

While flooding near Kingussie in the Scottish Highlands has meant trains are not running between Perth and Inverness.

Ferries were cancelled, roads closed and the Forth Road Bridge was shut for a period after a van was blown onto its side.

A gust of 113mph was recorded at Stornoway, the strongest there since records began in 1970.

The ferocious gales have been stirred up by an extra-powerful jet stream triggered by plunging temperatures in the US hitting warmer air in the south.

Gales are expected to return this weekend but are due to peak at around 80mph.

Forecasters said they will be accompanied by snow with yellow "be prepared" weather alerts in place for all of Scotland, the north and Midlands of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: "A band of squally rain will move south-eastwards and that's going to bring brighter but much colder conditions behind it.

"Some showers are likely to be heavy and may well fall as sleet or snow, particularly in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England and some of the showers could bring significant accumulations, particularly over higher ground. We could widely see 2cm to 4cm of snow, and perhaps 8cm on the highest ground.

"That could cause major disruption to travel so there are yellow warnings in place for affected areas.

"As it moves south it will leave colder conditions so after a mild night temperatures will really tumble to 4 or 5C."

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution said it has restored supplies to around 60,000 customers and is working to restore electricity to more than 2,000 customers.

It said its engineers were continuing to reconnect homes today, but staff were "facing a monumental task'' in getting to damaged lines in remote parts.

Scottish Power said around 20,000 customers have been reconnected after losing power, with work ongoing to reach a further 800 properties.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Abu Hamza Due To Be Sentenced In New York

The radical preacher Abu Hamza will be sentenced in New York later after being found guilty of supporting terrorist organisations.

The 56-year-old faces life in prison for offences including seeking to establish an al Qaeda training camp in the US and aiding the taking of hostages in Yemen.

He will be sentenced before district judge Katherine Forrest at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan courthouse in Manhattan.

The sentencing is due to begin at 3pm UK time.

Hamza was convicted in May of 11 charges, including conspiring to set up a terror training camp in Oregon.

His lawyers have argued that he should be sent to a prison medical centre as he is too disabled to spend life in a high-security jail.

They say the court should consider Hamza's disabilities - including his amputated forearms, psoriasis, diabetes and high blood pressure - when handing down a sentence.

In papers submitted to the court, they also argued that he should not receive a life sentence.

In the 1990s Hamza led the Finsbury Park Mosque, where 11 September conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui and shoe bomber Richard Reid reportedly attended.

Hamza denied ever having met the pair.

He later spread violent messages at the mosque following the 2001 attacks on America.

Hamza was jailed in Britain for seven years for soliciting murder and inciting racial hatred in 2006.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Recovery Mission For Pair Missing In Sea

The search for two men missing at sea off the coast of Brighton has turned into a recovery mission.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has said there is now "no chance of finding them alive".

The pair were among four men believed to have been on a night out in the town who had gone into the water in the early hours of this morning.

Two managed to get back to shore and called the coastguard just after 1am, saying two of their companions were missing.

Volunteer lifeboat crews are expected to resume searches in waters close to the shoreline, although the helicopter crews have returned to base having "exhausted all possible options", the coastguard said.

A spokesman said: "The conditions for searching overnight were awful - it was pitch black and the sea was extremely choppy. It was very difficult to search.

"The helicopter and the all-weather lifeboats searched the area overnight but started to stand down at about 4.30am. They felt they had done all they could.

"Very sadly, nothing has been found and it is very unlikely that anything will be.

"This has turned into a recovery mission. Very sadly there is no chance of finding them alive.

"The coastguard remains on site but the searches will mostly be in and around the shoreline."

Sussex Police said the men, in their 20s, had gone into the water near the Palace pier.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

PFA Boss Compares Evans Plight To Hillsborough

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 09 Januari 2015 | 16.12

The head of the Professional Footballers' Association has been criticised for comparing convicted rapist Ched Evans' situation to the Hillsborough disaster.

The comments made by Gordon Taylor led to calls from Liverpool fans for the PFA chief executive to resign.

Mr Taylor was speaking in a radio interview after Oldham Athletic confirmed plans to sign Evans had collapsed.

"He (Evans) would not be the first person or persons to have been found guilty and maintained their innocence and then been proved right," Mr Taylor told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"If we are talking about things in football, we know what happened, what was alleged to have happened at Hillsborough.

"And it's now unravelling and we are finding it was very different to how it was portrayed at the time - indeed by the police at the time.

"He's in a very difficult situation because he's been put through a wringer and the minute you show any sympathy for Ched everybody will say 'Well, what about the other parties concerned?'

"And that's why I'm making the point that nobody's forgetting them."

Social media users were quick to condemn the comments on Twitter.

Paul LFC Foreman posted: "Expect nothing more than a P45 for #GordonTaylor in the morn from @PFA absolutely disgusting comments not even comparable #JFT96."

Liverpool-based singer Pete Wylie said: "@PFA @LFC should withdraw the players from all activity-including playing-until Gordon Taylor apologises AND resigns+takes Evans too #JFT96."

Oldham Athletic's deal to sign Evans collapsed after staff, sponsors and fans suffered "vile" threats, the football club said.

The League One outfit had come under increasing pressure to turn its back on Evans with tens of thousands of people signing an online petition.

The club's main sponsor ZenOffice also threatened to pull out if they signed him.

After the deal fell apart, the former Wales international issued an apology "for the effects that night in Rhyl has had on many people, not least the woman concerned".

However, he maintained he had consensual sex with the 19-year-old in a hotel room in 2011.

"Finally, it has been claimed that those using social media in an abusive and vindictive way towards this woman are supporters of mine," he added.

"I wish to make it clear that these people are not my supporters and I condemn their actions entirely and will continue to do so."

The victim has reportedly changed her identity and moved house a number of times after abuse on social media.

Evans has been unable to find a team since being released from prison in October having served half of a five-year sentence.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

MI5: Al Qaeda Plotting New Massacre In Britain

By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor

Al Qaeda is plotting to massacre huge numbers of civilians in Britain and other western countries, the head of Mi5 has warned.

Andrew Parker, director general of the security service, told a select group mostly from the Royal United Services Institute at his London headquarters that while the so-called Islamic State is the newest threat to the West and that self-started lone wolf plots are hard to foil, al Qaeda still has ambitions for something more spectacular.

He said: "We know that terrorists based in Syria harbour... ambitions towards the UK - trying to direct attacks against our country, and exhorting extremists here to act independently."

But this was in addition to newly identified plans from al Qaeda to revisit their traditional style of operations.

He said: "…we still face more complex and ambitious plots that follow the now sadly well-established approach of al Qaeda and its imitators: attempts to cause large scale loss of life, often by attacking transport systems or iconic targets.

"We know, for example, that a group of core al Qaeda terrorists in Syria is planning mass casualty attacks against the West."

Al Qaeda experts are known to have moved from Pakistan to Syria, where they may be able to draw on British volunteers to conduct attacks in the UK. Their mission is entirely focussed on plots against the West.

They are known to be led by Muhsin al Fadhli, an expert bomb maker wanted by the FBI who has a $7m price on his head. He moved to Syria two years ago and was unsuccessfully targeted in a coalition air strike last year.

It is also known that British citizens are in the ranks of al Qaeda in Syria and could be used in a major atrocity back home.

The domestic spy chief spoke hours after the UK's COBRA committee ordered a boost to national security.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: "Following the attacks we took the precautionary step yesterday of increasing security at the French-UK border.

"The UK threat level, which is set by the independent Joint Terrorism Advisory Centre, remains at severe; that means a terrorist attack is highly likely and the public should remain vigilant.

"This morning I chaired COBRA to consider Britain's response to the attacks and our own preparedness to a similar attack."

Extra police have already been deployed at British ports and stations serving the Eurostar.

Lone wolf plots aimed at the police and military have surged over the last year and these have combined with the Paris killings to cause unease among officers.

"It's a huge worry for us," said Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police.

"There is a particular increased threat to police officers at the moment and there have been a number of attacks foiled in differed parts of the country, but I can tell you that our officers are very concerned about it… they see what happened in France, and clearly we are an unarmed police force but it is the nature of that threat which is worrying but despite that our officers go out there and do their duty." 

Such concerns from front line police reflect similar fears in the intelligence community. Put simply - the world is getting more dangerous.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Winds Top 110mph As Jet Stream Lashes UK

Hurricane-force winds have brought gusts of around 110mph to Scotland as extreme weather from across the Atlantic reached Britain.

A gust of 113mph was recorded at Stornoway, the strongest there since records began in 1970.

The ferocious gales have been stirred up by an extra-powerful jet stream triggered by plunging temperatures in the US hitting warmer air in the south.

As predicted, the winds have brought power lines down and caused travel disruption.

Up to 75,000 properties in Scotland were left without power while ScotRail suspended its rail services "for safety reasons". Some services have since been resumed.

The Forth Road Bridge was closed for some hours when a van blew over and Aberdeen Police said a number of trees had been blown down on Aberdeenshire and Moray roads.

The winds arrived following Met Office amber warnings for northern and central Scotland, with flood warnings also in place for the region.

Gusts of between 60mph and 70mph were predicted throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Met Office issued yellow "be prepared" warnings.

Strong winds blew over a lorry on the M6 in Cumbria and high-sided vehicles were advised to avoid using the Ouse Bridgeon the M62 in Yorkshire.

The bad weather led to delays to CrossCountry trains running between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle while in Kent a  broken-down train at Westgate-On-Sea caused hold-ups to services between Margate and Chatham.

Will Lang, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "We'd advise anyone planning to travel ... to be prepared for some transport disruption and check traffic and travel conditions before heading out to ensure you can make your journey safely."

The AA has also warned that drivers faced "potentially hazardous" conditions.

John Seymour, national manager of the AA's severe weather team, said: "Drivers need to be prepared for possible widespread travel disruption and challenging driving conditions across the affected areas.

1/15

  1. Gallery: Large Parts Of US In Deep Freeze

    A frozen beach at Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois

Commuters endure sub-zero temperatures in Chicago as a deep freeze sweeps across much of the nation

]]>
16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sponsor's Last Minute Warning Over Evans Deal

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 08 Januari 2015 | 16.12

A major sponsor has threatened to withdraw its support from Oldham Athletic Football Club if they complete the signing of convicted rapist Ched Evans.

ZenOffice made the threat amid reports the 26-year-old has already agreed personal terms and could be in the squad for Saturday's game against Doncaster.

The company said in a statement it had sponsored League One Oldham for five years and the relationship was based on "mutual respect" and the fact they shared the same "family and community" values.

But it warned: "ZenOffice do not agree that the current path OAFC are embarking on espouses these values.

"Therefore it is with much regret that ZenOffice would like to confirm that we will end our association with Oldham if the move goes ahead to sign Ched Evans."

According to Sky sources Oldham are on the verge of signing Evans after canvassing opinion among fans and sponsors including ZenOffice.

Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper said: "There has been a split among fans and sponsors but one of the major sponsors have assured them they will remain a key part of the club.

"If Evans completes the switch he'll be attending a medical and the staff will be ready to carry that out. It looks like three days of waiting for a resolution is almost over."

Secondary shirt sponsors Carter Moore Solicitors have apparently told Oldham they will continue to back them whatever they decide.

But the club has come under increasing pressure to turn its back on Evans with tens of thousands of people signing an online petition and local police and politicians voicing their concerns.

The Wales international has been unable to find a team since being released from prison in October after serving half of a five-year sentence for rape.

He had trained with his previous employers Sheffield United after leaving jail but any hopes of him rejoining them were dashed by fierce opposition from influential figures including Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill.

Reports that Evans had been offered a contract by a leading Maltese club were denied by his spokesman.

Oldham are currently 14th in League One.


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

M&S: Online Delivery Woes Hurt Xmas Sales

Marks and Spencer has revealed a sharp drop in clothing, gifts and homewear over Christmas, as it held back on discounting and suffered online delivery woes.

The retailer also blamed an unseasonably warm autumn for a weak clothing performance as it outlined a 5.8% slump in like-for-like sales in its general merchandise division during the 13 weeks to 27 December.

M&S, which insisted its winter clothing range was well received, said disruption at its Castle Donington online distribution centre hurt its performance in December.

The company added: "We deliberately held back the level of discounting, especially in December.

"While this had an adverse impact on sales we delivered a good performance on gross margin."

The retailer had also previously warned that it would take time for its new website, which required members to re-register, to bed in but said it had performed well.

Its food division - which has been a consistent performer - delivered record sales growth of 17% over Christmas week but rose only 0.1% in the quarter.

Analysts had forecast an increase of 0.9% and its share price fell 3% when trading began on the FTSE 100.

Chief executive Marc Bolland said: "M&S had a very good Christmas in Food.

"We delivered record Christmas sales, strongly outperforming the market.

"We had a difficult quarter in General Merchandise, dominated by unseasonal conditions and an unsatisfactory performance in our e-commerce distribution centre.

"We maintained our focus on General Merchandise gross margin, with guidance unchanged."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tesco To Cut Stores and Jobs In Revival Plan

Tesco has confirmed it is to close 43 unprofitable UK stores and halt construction on almost 50 others as part of a plan to revive its fortunes.

In the wake of four profit warnings last year and the accounting scandal which saw group chief executive Dave Lewis take charge of the UK business, Tesco said it had enjoyed a good Christmas.

Like-for-like sales fell just 0.3% in the six weeks over Christmas - better than analysts predicted - however like-for-like sales in its third quarter were down 2.9%.

But Tesco's sales woes - a result of a lack of focus on its core store offering in the past and the strong challenge from discounters - are only part of the problem for Mr Lewis.

He used the trading update to confirm a number of changes in order to ensure no repeat of the £263m profit over-statement - including new guidelines for supplier negotiations - and outlined plans to streamline the business.

Its head office in Cheshunt is to close in 2016 while it confirmed the sale of Tesco Broadband and Blinkbox, the video steaming service, to TalkTalk.

Options were being explored for Dunnhumby, the unit which manages its Clubcard loyalty scheme, signalling a likely sale process which could value it at up to £2bn.

Tesco did not disclose the locations of the 43 stores to close but Mr Lewis revealed that a "significant proportion" would be Tesco Express convenience shops.

Changes to store management and working-hour flexibility structures would deliver savings of £230m annually but result in a one-off cost of £300m, Tesco said.

It also plans to close the company defined benefit pension scheme to staff but said colleagues would soon be offered turnaround-based bonuses.

Tesco confirmed too that it had poached Halfords boss Matt Davies to run the UK business but he would not be able to start work until 1 June.

The announcements were cheered by investors, with Tesco's share price - having taken a battering last year - rising more than 5% in early trading on the FTSE 100.

On the shop floor, Tesco joined the New Year price war with major rivals by cutting prices from today on hundreds of branded products.

It said the move, resulting in average savings of 25% on brands such as Hovis, Coca-Cola, Marmite and Tetley, was a response to "demands from customers for simpler, lower and more stable prices."

Commenting on the Christmas sales performance, Mr Lewis said: "We are seeing the benefits of listening to our customers.

"The investments we are making in service, availability and selectively in price are already resulting in a better shopping experience.

"A broad-based improvement has built gradually through the third quarter, leading to a strong Christmas trading performance.

"In difficult circumstances the team has begun the challenging task of reinvigorating our business. There is more to do but we have taken the first important steps in the right direction.

"We have some very difficult changes to make. I am very conscious that the consequences of these changes are significant for all stakeholders in our business but we are facing the reality of the situation.

"Our recent performance gives us confidence that when we pull together and put the customer first we can deliver the right results."


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More

A&E 'Crisis' Summit Demanded By Labour

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 07 Januari 2015 | 16.12

An emergency summit is needed to find ways to ease the pressure on struggling A&E departments, Labour has said.

More than a dozen hospitals have declared "major incidents" as they struggle to cope with the rising number of admissions in accident and emergency departments.

Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge was the latest hospital to activate a major incident plan on Tuesday evening, warning patients they faced long waits due to "unprecedented levels for demand for our services". 

David Cameron has admitted the NHS is under pressure following the release of figures showing waiting times at A&E in England have hit their worst level in 10 years.

But he dismissed claims the service is on the brink of disaster.

The Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham has published a letter accusing his opposite number of failing to anticipate the current problems.

Reports of fire engines and police cars being increasingly used as ambulances raised "major patient and public safety concerns", Mr Burnham wrote.

He told Sky News: "There are thousands of people today waiting on a trolley in hospital corridors, held in the back of ambulances outside A&E, people who cannot get the care they need in a very serious situation.

"The emergency services are not functioning as they should be. That's a serious issue. It requires urgent action and constructive suggestions, and that's what I'm asking the Government to do immediately."

Mr Burnham said the summit needed to include representatives from the police, fire and ambulance services as well as NHS professionals.

The latest figures on A&E waiting times showed just 92.6% of patients were treated within the four-hour time limit against a target of 95%.

The British Medical Association said the records showed the "unprecedented levels of pressure" on the health service and the Royal College of Nursing said the system was in "crisis".

But Mr Cameron said there was a "short-term pressure issue which we need to meet with resources and management".

He added: "A lot of the pressure on A&E is coming from frail, elderly people, often with many different health conditions and the best place for them, frankly, is not A&E.

"They should be being looked after by the family doctor or in other health settings and I think the long term challenge is to make sure those sorts of settings are more available." 

The hospitals that have declared major incidents are:

:: The Royal Bolton Hospital

:: Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge

:: Scarborough Hospital In Yorkshire 

:: Royal Stoke University Hospital 

:: Peterborough City in Cambridgeshire

:: Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

:: Cheltenham General Hospitals

:: Walsall Manor in the West Midlands

:: Croydon Hospital in south London

:: Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals 

:: Ashford and St Peter's hospitals in Surrey

:: Stafford's County Hospital 


16.12 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger