Kutoka soccernet
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has revealed the club remain locked in talks with Fernando Torres over the striker's Anfield future.
Hodgson has been boosted in recent days by the capture of Joe Cole on a free transfer and captain Steven Gerrard's pledge to remain with the club next season, and is now hoping Torres will commit to returning Liverpool to the top tier of English football.
Torres is yet to return to the club following his involvement in Spain's victorious World Cup campaign, but Hodgson is optimistic the talks will lead to a positive breakthrough.
"Christian Purslow, the club's managing director, has been talking to Fernando Torres for the last two days so there have been lots of words. But I haven't spoken to him,'' Hodgson said in quotes reported by the Sun.
"I was confident Steven Gerrard would stay with Liverpool because he is the heart and soul of the club. It would have been a major blow to lose him. Steven Gerrard has pretty much said he's staying and that's a big boost. It was a major day yesterday with the signing of Joe Cole in tandem with Gerrard saying he is staying. Hopefully he will soon be followed by Fernando Torres.''
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Joe Cole to play for Liverpool
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has agreed sign for Liverpool on a free transfer, subject to a medical
It has been reported that Cole, 28, was offered wages of £90,000-a-week to stave off interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Cole left Stamford Bridge at the end of last month after Chelsea decided not to offer him a new deal.
Cole will head to Liverpool for his medical in the next 48 hours when his move to Anfield will be rubberstamped. It may be seen as a statement of intent from new manager Roy Hodgson, who was expected to make few major signings this summer due to the club's financial constraints.
With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard thought to be considering their futures on Merseyside, supporters will hope the signing of Cole will indicate an ability to challenge for a place in the top four this season.
It essentially means that Cole and Yossi Benayoun are swapping clubs, with a payment of £5 million in Liverpool's favour.
Cole is the second summer arrival at Liverpool after Serbia forward Milan Jovanovic joined following the expiration of his contract with Standard Liege. Hodgson is still on the look-out for a new left-back with Fabio Aurelio having left and Emiliano Insua on the verge of completing his move to Fiorentina.
Cole is expected to wear the number seven shirt.
It has been reported that Cole, 28, was offered wages of £90,000-a-week to stave off interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Cole left Stamford Bridge at the end of last month after Chelsea decided not to offer him a new deal.
Cole will head to Liverpool for his medical in the next 48 hours when his move to Anfield will be rubberstamped. It may be seen as a statement of intent from new manager Roy Hodgson, who was expected to make few major signings this summer due to the club's financial constraints.
With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard thought to be considering their futures on Merseyside, supporters will hope the signing of Cole will indicate an ability to challenge for a place in the top four this season.
It essentially means that Cole and Yossi Benayoun are swapping clubs, with a payment of £5 million in Liverpool's favour.
Cole is the second summer arrival at Liverpool after Serbia forward Milan Jovanovic joined following the expiration of his contract with Standard Liege. Hodgson is still on the look-out for a new left-back with Fabio Aurelio having left and Emiliano Insua on the verge of completing his move to Fiorentina.
Cole is expected to wear the number seven shirt.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Todays soccer news
Fiberglass is not leaving Arsenal:
Arsene Wenger insists Cesc Fabregas loves Arsenal and says speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona "has to stop".
Talk over the move has been a constant in the media throughout the summer since Fabregas revealed he was keen to return to Camp Nou, with former Barca president Joan Laporta and his successor, Sandro Rosell, both talking up the move.
Ashley Cole will stay with Chelsea:
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists there is no possibility defender Ashley Cole will be joining Real Madrid this summer.Cole, 29, has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernebeu, with the player reportedly unhappy with the tabloid intrusion into his life in England. However, Ancelotti has now said he is "100%" certain that Cole will be staying at Stamford Bridge.
Insua moves to Fiorentina:
Fiorentina have agreed a fee with Liverpool over defender Emiliano Insua.
Emiliano Insua was a regular starter in Rafael Benitez's final season
Insua, 21, played regularly at left back under Rafael Benitez last season, but it appears new manager Roy Hodgson is happy to allow the player to move on as he reshapes his squad.
Hodgson coy on Cole:
Roy Hodgson has confirmed he has spoken to Joe Cole but played down talk he is on the verge of joining Liverpool.
Balotelli agent hints at Chelsea interest:
Mario Balotelli's agent has suggested Chelsea may have joined the race for the Inter Milan striker.
Arsene Wenger insists Cesc Fabregas loves Arsenal and says speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona "has to stop".
Talk over the move has been a constant in the media throughout the summer since Fabregas revealed he was keen to return to Camp Nou, with former Barca president Joan Laporta and his successor, Sandro Rosell, both talking up the move.
Ashley Cole will stay with Chelsea:
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists there is no possibility defender Ashley Cole will be joining Real Madrid this summer.Cole, 29, has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernebeu, with the player reportedly unhappy with the tabloid intrusion into his life in England. However, Ancelotti has now said he is "100%" certain that Cole will be staying at Stamford Bridge.
Insua moves to Fiorentina:
Fiorentina have agreed a fee with Liverpool over defender Emiliano Insua.
Emiliano Insua was a regular starter in Rafael Benitez's final season
Insua, 21, played regularly at left back under Rafael Benitez last season, but it appears new manager Roy Hodgson is happy to allow the player to move on as he reshapes his squad.
Hodgson coy on Cole:
Roy Hodgson has confirmed he has spoken to Joe Cole but played down talk he is on the verge of joining Liverpool.
Balotelli agent hints at Chelsea interest:
Mario Balotelli's agent has suggested Chelsea may have joined the race for the Inter Milan striker.
Meya muuaji bado kesi haijaiva.
Kesi ya mauaji inayomkabili aliyekuwa Meya wa Jiji la Mwanza, Leonald Bandiho Bihondo, pamoja na watuhumiwa wenzake watatu imepigwa kalenda kwa mara ya tano jana, huku ikielezwa kuwa sampuli ya damu ya aliyekuwa Katibu wa Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Kata ya Isamilo, marehemu Bahati Stephano (46), imepelekwa kwa Mkemia Mkuu wa Serikali kwa uchunguzi.
Mwanasheria wa Serikali mkoani hapa, Patrick Donasian, alitoa maelezo hayo mahakamani jana wakati kesi hiyo ilipotajwa.
Katika kesi hiyo ambayo watu wengi walihudhuria wakiwemo ndugu wa watuhumiwa, watumishi wa Halmashauri na ya Jiji la Mwanza pamoja na baadhi ya wafanyabiashara maarufu jijini hapa, Donasian alidai kwamba upelelezi wa kesi hiyo haujakamilika.
“Mheshimiwa hakimu, ninaomba mahakama yako tukufu itaje tena kesi hii kwa sababu upelelezi wake bado haujakamilika,” alisema Donasian.
Alidai mbele ya Hakimu Mkazi Mfawidhi mkoani hapa, Eugenia Rujwahuka, kwamba ofisi yake inaendelea na taratibu za upelelezi wa kesi hiyo, ikiwa ni pamoja na kupeleka sampuli ya damu ya marehemu Bahati Stephano kwa Mkemia Mkuu wa Serikali.
Hakimu Rujwahuka alikubaliana na ombi la wakili wa serikali na kuamua kuwa kesi hiyo namba 16/2010 ije tena mahakamani hapo Julai 30, mwaka huu kwa kutajwa.
Kutoka Nipashe.
Katika kesi hiyo, Bihondo anatetewa na wakili wa kujitegemea, Deo Mgengele.
Marehemu Bahati Stephano aliuawa Mei 14, mwaka huu saa 6:30 mchana kwa kuchomwa na kisu akiwa ofisini kwake na kufariki wakati akikimbizwa kwenda Hospitali ya Rufaa Bugando kwa matibabu.
Washitakiwa wengine ni Jumanne Oscar, mkazi wa mkoa wa Kigoma ambaye anadaiwa kumchoma kisu marehemu, Baltazar Shausi pamoja na Abdu Ausi ambao ni wakazi wa kata ya Isamilo jijini Mwanza.
Wote wanashtakiwa kwa tuhuma za kuhusika na mauaji ya marehemu Bahati Stephano.
Bihondo ambaye amemaliza muda wake wa udiwani wiki iliyopita, baada ya kuvunjwa kwa Baraza la Madiwani Jiji la Mwanza, alikamatwa Mei 19 mwaka huu, wakati akiwa kwenye uwanja wa ndege Jijini Mwanza, baada ya kutajwa na watuhumiwa wenzake.
Mwanasheria wa Serikali mkoani hapa, Patrick Donasian, alitoa maelezo hayo mahakamani jana wakati kesi hiyo ilipotajwa.
Katika kesi hiyo ambayo watu wengi walihudhuria wakiwemo ndugu wa watuhumiwa, watumishi wa Halmashauri na ya Jiji la Mwanza pamoja na baadhi ya wafanyabiashara maarufu jijini hapa, Donasian alidai kwamba upelelezi wa kesi hiyo haujakamilika.
“Mheshimiwa hakimu, ninaomba mahakama yako tukufu itaje tena kesi hii kwa sababu upelelezi wake bado haujakamilika,” alisema Donasian.
Alidai mbele ya Hakimu Mkazi Mfawidhi mkoani hapa, Eugenia Rujwahuka, kwamba ofisi yake inaendelea na taratibu za upelelezi wa kesi hiyo, ikiwa ni pamoja na kupeleka sampuli ya damu ya marehemu Bahati Stephano kwa Mkemia Mkuu wa Serikali.
Hakimu Rujwahuka alikubaliana na ombi la wakili wa serikali na kuamua kuwa kesi hiyo namba 16/2010 ije tena mahakamani hapo Julai 30, mwaka huu kwa kutajwa.
Kutoka Nipashe.
Katika kesi hiyo, Bihondo anatetewa na wakili wa kujitegemea, Deo Mgengele.
Marehemu Bahati Stephano aliuawa Mei 14, mwaka huu saa 6:30 mchana kwa kuchomwa na kisu akiwa ofisini kwake na kufariki wakati akikimbizwa kwenda Hospitali ya Rufaa Bugando kwa matibabu.
Washitakiwa wengine ni Jumanne Oscar, mkazi wa mkoa wa Kigoma ambaye anadaiwa kumchoma kisu marehemu, Baltazar Shausi pamoja na Abdu Ausi ambao ni wakazi wa kata ya Isamilo jijini Mwanza.
Wote wanashtakiwa kwa tuhuma za kuhusika na mauaji ya marehemu Bahati Stephano.
Bihondo ambaye amemaliza muda wake wa udiwani wiki iliyopita, baada ya kuvunjwa kwa Baraza la Madiwani Jiji la Mwanza, alikamatwa Mei 19 mwaka huu, wakati akiwa kwenye uwanja wa ndege Jijini Mwanza, baada ya kutajwa na watuhumiwa wenzake.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Haruna Moshi, huu ni wendawazimu
Aliyekua kiungo wa Simba na timu ya taifa ya soka, Taifa Stars, Haruna Moshi 'Boban', amepoteza nafasi ya kuwa mtanzania wa kwanza kushiriki katika michuano ya Ligi ya Europa baada ya kuvunja mkataba wake wa kuichezea klabu ya Gefle IF ya Sweden aliyoanza kuichezea Novemba mwaka jana.
Klabu ya Gefle IF, itaanza kucheza mechi yake ya kwanza ya hatua ya makundi ya Ligi ya Europa dhidi ya Liverpool.
Akizungumza jijini Dar es Salaam jana, wakala wa mchezaji huyo, Damas Ndumbaro, alisema kuwa licha ya Boban kupoteza nafasi hiyo, amesikitishwa na maamuzi ya kiungo huyo kuvunja mkataba na timu hiyo kwa sababu alizozitaja (Boban), ambazo zinaonekana wazi kwamba si za msingi.
Ndumbaro alisema kuwa wakati akiwa Gefle, Boban alikuwa akilipwa mshahara wa kila mwezi wa Dola za Kimarekani 5,000 (sawa na Sh. Milioni 7.4), na kushangazwa na kauli kuwa kiungo huyo alikuwa hataki fedha hiyo ikatwe kodi.
Ndumbaro alisema vile vile kuwa, Boban alikuwa akihitaji kulipwa fedha zinazotokana na mapato ya milangoni, pengine kama utaratibu wa nchini ulivyo , jambo ambalo katika nchi zilizoendelea halipo.
Alisema kuwa kabla ya kueleza hoja hizo, Boban alianza kukacha mazoezi ya timu kwa kudanganya kuwa ni mgonjwa, jambo ambalo lilimfanya akose motisha ya Dola za Kimarekani 200 kwa kila mechi (sawa na Sh. 295,000), ambazo zilikuwa zikitolewa na uongozi wa klabu hiyo.
"Pamoja na yote hayo, bado kampuni yangu itaendelea kumtafutia timu nyingine, ila ni lazima klabu itakayomhitaji kulipa Dola za Kimarekani 55,000 (sawa na Sh. Milioni 81) kutokana na kuilipa fidia Gefle ambayo bado ina mkataba na kiungo huyo.
Boban alisaini mkataba wa miaka miwili na klabu hiyo ya Sweden, ambayo nayo ilimnunua kwa thamani ya Dola za Kimarekani 50,000 (sawa na Sh. Milioni 74) kwa klabu yake nchini ya ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi’, Simba.
Kiungo huyo alianza kutaka kuvunja mkataba na klabu yake hiyo tangu mwezi Aprili mwaka huu na katika jitihada za kumbakisha Ulaya, kocha mkuu wa Gefle alimtafutia timu nyingine, lakini Boban alieleza kuwa mazingira ya huko yanamuia vigumu kuendelea kucheza soka na kuwaeleza kuwa anataka kurejea Simba.
Klabu za Simba na Yanga, zinadaiwa kuwa hivi sasa ziko njia panda na zimesitisha nia ya kutaka kumsajili Boban kutokana na kuogopa ada ya uhamisho, ambayo inatakiwa kuambatana na fidia kwa klabu yake ya sasa ya Gefle IF.
Klabu ya Gefle IF, itaanza kucheza mechi yake ya kwanza ya hatua ya makundi ya Ligi ya Europa dhidi ya Liverpool.
Akizungumza jijini Dar es Salaam jana, wakala wa mchezaji huyo, Damas Ndumbaro, alisema kuwa licha ya Boban kupoteza nafasi hiyo, amesikitishwa na maamuzi ya kiungo huyo kuvunja mkataba na timu hiyo kwa sababu alizozitaja (Boban), ambazo zinaonekana wazi kwamba si za msingi.
Ndumbaro alisema kuwa wakati akiwa Gefle, Boban alikuwa akilipwa mshahara wa kila mwezi wa Dola za Kimarekani 5,000 (sawa na Sh. Milioni 7.4), na kushangazwa na kauli kuwa kiungo huyo alikuwa hataki fedha hiyo ikatwe kodi.
Ndumbaro alisema vile vile kuwa, Boban alikuwa akihitaji kulipwa fedha zinazotokana na mapato ya milangoni, pengine kama utaratibu wa nchini ulivyo , jambo ambalo katika nchi zilizoendelea halipo.
Alisema kuwa kabla ya kueleza hoja hizo, Boban alianza kukacha mazoezi ya timu kwa kudanganya kuwa ni mgonjwa, jambo ambalo lilimfanya akose motisha ya Dola za Kimarekani 200 kwa kila mechi (sawa na Sh. 295,000), ambazo zilikuwa zikitolewa na uongozi wa klabu hiyo.
"Pamoja na yote hayo, bado kampuni yangu itaendelea kumtafutia timu nyingine, ila ni lazima klabu itakayomhitaji kulipa Dola za Kimarekani 55,000 (sawa na Sh. Milioni 81) kutokana na kuilipa fidia Gefle ambayo bado ina mkataba na kiungo huyo.
Boban alisaini mkataba wa miaka miwili na klabu hiyo ya Sweden, ambayo nayo ilimnunua kwa thamani ya Dola za Kimarekani 50,000 (sawa na Sh. Milioni 74) kwa klabu yake nchini ya ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi’, Simba.
Kiungo huyo alianza kutaka kuvunja mkataba na klabu yake hiyo tangu mwezi Aprili mwaka huu na katika jitihada za kumbakisha Ulaya, kocha mkuu wa Gefle alimtafutia timu nyingine, lakini Boban alieleza kuwa mazingira ya huko yanamuia vigumu kuendelea kucheza soka na kuwaeleza kuwa anataka kurejea Simba.
Klabu za Simba na Yanga, zinadaiwa kuwa hivi sasa ziko njia panda na zimesitisha nia ya kutaka kumsajili Boban kutokana na kuogopa ada ya uhamisho, ambayo inatakiwa kuambatana na fidia kwa klabu yake ya sasa ya Gefle IF.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Spain are the champions, I guess I was right.
Andres Iniesta struck a dramatic winner late in extra time to give Spain World Cup glory for the first time but condemned the Netherlands to their third defeat in a final.
By Paul Fletcher, Johannesburg
Iniesta drilled his left-foot strike across goal - but the Dutch were incensed after referee Howard Webb had failed to award their side a corner moments earlier when a free-kick took a sizeable deflection off Cesc Fabregas.
However, Euro 2008 champions Spain, who conceded only two goals during the tournament, deserved their victory after gradually taking a grip on a tense and bad-tempered contest that produced 14 yellow cards with Johnny Heitinga sent off on 109 minutes after picking up a second yellow card.
The Dutch, who lost in the 1974 and 1978 finals, were bidding to become the first side since Brazil in 1970 to go through World Cup qualifying and the finals unbeaten.
They had a glorious chance to take the lead in the second half but Arjen Robben, comfortably his team's most potent attacking weapon, could find no way past Spain captain Iker Casillas, who slumped to the floor and cried tears of joy after the final whistle.
Sergio Ramos was equally culpable of a glaring miss for Spain when he headed over and substitute Fabregas, as with Robben before him, also failed to convert a one-on-one chance.
But it was from a through ball by the influential Fabregas that midfielder Iniesta struck making Spain the first team to win a World Cup after losing their opening game of the tournament.
Spain also become the team to win to World Cup having scored the fewest number of goals - finding the net eight times in their seven matches. The previous mark was held by three teams including England in 1996.
The dramatic finale at Soccer City was in stark contrast to a hugely underwhelming opening 45 minutes, which was a brutal disappointment after the spectacular opening ceremony and moving appearance by former president Nelson Mandela that had preceded it.
Spain dominated possession in the opening minutes and looked to have the measure of an uncertain Dutch backline. Ramos almost put them ahead after just four minutes but his thunderous header was brilliantly saved by Maarten Stekelenburg.
The Netherlands could not get a grip on the game but were helped by a spate of yellow cards from referee Webb that disturbed the rhythm of the match.
Webb booked five players in the opening 28 minutes, although several crude challenges left him with little option.
Dutch enforcer Mark van Bommel was booked after going through the back of Iniesta, while Nigel de Jong was lucky to escape red after planting his foot in the chest of Xabi Alonso.
Robben did force a decent save from Casillas with a low left-foot strike after cutting inside during stoppage time.
But the match had degenerated to the extent that Alonso opted to shoot with a free-kick on the wrong side of 40 yards instead of a seeking out a team-mate.
Spain defender Joan Capdevila wasted a good chance shortly after the restart, failing to make contact with a Carles Puyol flick-on.
The bookings continued after the break and the contest occasionally threatened to boil over as the tension appeared to affect the players.
But there were also a few moments of real quality, none more so than a sumptuous through ball from the largely anonymous Wesley Sneijder that played Robben clean through on goal.
Robben delayed his shot but, equally, Casillas stood his ground as long as possible and brilliantly saved with his legs.
It was a head-in-hands moment for Robben, but one quickly followed for Spain when a completely unmarked Ramos headed a corner over the crossbar.
Robben's pace troubled the Spanish defence throughout and another burst from the Bayern Munich man unsettled Puyol, who appeared to impinge his opponent. Robben, just outside the penalty area, chose to stay on his feet and Casillas again denied him.
Spain had moved into the ascendancy as the match wore on, with Xavi increasingly influential.
Fabregas replaced Alonso in the 87th minute and quickly made an impression by collecting a superb Iniesta pass, but the Arsenal man could find no way beyond Stekelenberg, who saved brilliantly with his legs.
The complement was returned shortly afterwards but Iniesta opted not to strike from 18 yards and was eventually dispossessed by the excellent Gregory van der Wiel.
Heitinger became the fifth man to be sent off in a World Cup final when he pulled back Iniesta on the edge of the area, giving Webb little choice but to hand him a second caution, and that seemed to spur Spain on for a final effort.
Joris Mathijsen headed over for the Netherlands in what was their only good chance of the extra-time period before Iniesta struck his late and decisive blow.
Hivi serikali maana yake ni CCM? Kweli?
Najaribu kuelewa mambo mawili matatu juu ya nchi yangu ya Tanzania. Yaani siamini kwamba nchi nzima inatega sikio kusikia ni nini kinaendelea katika mkutano mkuu wa CCM. Naweza kulaamu TBC kwa upande mmoja lakini sitakuwa fair. Ila pale itakapotokea ya kwamba hawatarusha mikatano mikuu ya vyama vingine then nitawaambia wakanyonye***
Naelewa kwamba siko peke yangu ambaye sielewi swala zima la u CCM lakini imekuwa ngumu kukutana na mtu mwingine tunayekubaliana sawasawa na kwa uwazi kuhusu ujinga huu. Nimekutana na watanzania mbalimbali ambao tumekubaliana moja kwa moja kuhusu ujinga unaondelea Bongo lakini kwa sababu moja au njingine hawapo tayari kuweka hadharani na kusimama kidete kuelezea umma wanachofikiri.
Moyoni ninaiota siku ambayo CCM hawatakuwa madarakani tena. Naota kuona mali walizojipatia kwa mgongo wa umma zikichukuliwa na serikali kwa sababu sielewi sababu yoyote iliyowafanya wakaachiwa umiliki wa vitega uchumi vyote walivyokuwa navyo wakati nchi ilipokuwa ni chama kimoja. Lazima tuelewe ya kwamba wakati wa chama kimoja serikali na chama ilikuwa ni kitu kimoja kwa hiyo mali za CCM ni mali ya serikali.
Mimi naamini kabisa ni rushwa inayofanya watanzania wote kuangalia matokeo ya mkutano mkuu wa CCM. Wagombea wa chama hiki siku zote humwaga fedha nyingi kwenye kampeni. Binafsi nafahamu watu waliojenga nyuma wakati wa kipindi cha uchaguzi. Watu wanataka kujua ni wapi kwa kupata kula.
Binafsi naona aibu ya kuwa watu wanauza kura zao kwa sababu ya njaa. Nawaonea huruma vyama vya upinzani kwa sababu ya kutokuwa na uwezo wa kushindana. Na ninaamini baadhi ya vyama vya upinzni si vya kweli bali ni vibaraka wenye kazi ya kudhoofisha upinzani.
Is is Spain?
I do believe Spain is gonna win it today not because the octopus said so but I believe they have a better team. Lets wait and see
Friday, July 9, 2010
US and Russia in Vienna spy swap
The US and Russia have taken part in the biggest spy swap since the Cold War, in an exchange at Vienna airport.
One plane brought 10 Russian agents deported from the US after a court hearing at which they admitted being agents for a foreign country.
The other was said to have brought four people convicted of spying in Russia but given a presidential pardon after they signed to admit their guilt.
Both planes took off again after about 90 minutes.
The Russian Yakovlev Yak-42 plane said to be carrying the four people pardoned by Moscow had landed at Vienna airport at about the same time as the Vision Airlines Boeing 767-200 from New York, carrying the Russian agents.
Television pictures showed the two aircraft parked side-by-side on the runway. Covered aircraft stairs were brought up to both planes and none of the agents could be seen being transferred.
The BBC's Bethany Bell in Vienna says a swap on the runway would mean that no-one had officially entered the country.
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The next destinations of the planes have not been confirmed.
However, a senior Russian official was earlier quoted by Agence France-Presse news agency as saying the Russian agents were expected to arrive back in their homeland on Friday.
The lawyer for nuclear specialist Igor Sutyagin, one of those released by Russia, confirmed that his client had left Moscow, Austrian media said.
Russia's foreign ministry acknowledged the swap, saying it would mean the "return to Russia of 10 Russian citizens accused in the United States, along with the simultaneous transfer to the United States of four individuals previously condemned in Russia".
'Conspiracy'
The 10 Russian agents earlier pleaded guilty in New York to "conspiracy to act as an unregistered agent of a foreign country". More serious money laundering charges against them were dropped.
History repeats itself as farce Who is Russia releasing? Vienna, playground for spies
Their New York court appearance was the first time they had all appeared in public together since being arrested last month.
Prosecutors said the accused had posed as ordinary citizens, some living together as couples for years, and were ordered by Russia's External Intelligence Service (SVR) to infiltrate policy-making circles and collect information.
BBC Washington correspondent Kevin Connolly says there is broad agreement in the US that the agents are being deported swiftly because neither government wants this to damage attempts to reset their often prickly relationship.
Court documents revealed the real names of five of the Russians involved:
* "Richard Murphy" and "Cynthia Murphy" admitted they were Russian citizens named Vladimir Guryev and Lydia Guryev
* "Donald Howard Heathfield" and "Tracey Lee Ann Foley" admitted they were Russian citizens named Andrey Bezrukov and Elena Vavilova
* "Juan Lazaro" admitted that he was a Russian citizen named Mikhail Vasenkov
"Michael Zottoli" and "Patricia Mills" had admitted earlier they were Russian citizens named Mikhail Kutsik and Natalia Pereverzeva, Anna Chapman and Mikhail Semenko had apparently operated in the US under their own names, while Vicky Pelaez was born in Peru.
An 11th suspect known as "Christopher Metsos" went missing after being released on bail in Cyprus, where he had been arrested.
The Kremlin named the four released in Russia as:
* Igor Sutyagin, a nuclear scientist jailed in 2004 for spying for the CIA
* Sergei Skripal, a Russian military intelligence officer convicted of spying for the UK in 2006
* Alexander Zaporozhsky, a former employee of Russia's foreign intelligence service jailed for espionage in 2003
* Gennadiy Vasilenko, reportedly a former KGB agent
'Poor health'
The US state department said after the hearing that there would be "no significant national security benefit" in sentencing the 10 to lengthy jail terms.
"The network of unlawful agents operating inside the United States has been dismantled," spokesman Mark Toner said.
"The United States took advantage of the opportunity presented to secure the release of four individuals serving lengthy prison terms in Russia, several of whom were in poor health."
The lawyer for Anna Chapman played down the importance of the Russian group's espionage in the US.
Robert Baum told Associated Press: "None of the people involved from my understanding provided any information that couldn't be obtained on the internet."
A lawyer for Vicky Pelaez, John Rodriguez, said a Russian official had told his client she would receive $2,000 a month for life and free housing in Moscow, but added she would be allowed to leave Russia if she wanted to. Mr Rodriguez indicated Ms Pelaez would return to Peru.
The Russian foreign ministry said the exchange by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service and the US Central Intelligence Agency was being conducted in the context of "overall improvement of the US-Russian ties and giving them new dynamics".
EAST WEST SPY SWAP
* 1962: KGB Colonel Rudolf Abel freed by US in exchange for Gary Powers, pilot of a U-2 spy plane shot down over the USSR in 1960
* 1969: UK frees Soviet agents Peter and Helen Kroger for Gerald Brooke, jailed for spying in USSR
* 1981: Guenter Guillaume, agent for East Germany's Stasi, exchanged for Western agents
* 1985: US agents held in Eastern Europe handed over in return for a top Polish agent, Marian Zacharski, and three others held in West
* 1986: Soviet dissident Anatoly Sharansky and three Western agents swapped for KGB husband-and-wife spies Karl and Hana Koecher and two other agents
LeBron James to Heat it up.
The most wanted man in league history decided Thursday night that it was time to leave the comforts of home to chase a championship.
The two-time MVP, a player with supreme skills but without a title, decided to join forces with fellow superstars, good friends and U.S. Olympic teammates Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) - a dominant threesome that could rule the league for years to come.
“I can’t say it was always in my plans, because I never thought it was possible,” James said of this union with the two perennial All-Stars, players he has known for years. “I’ve looked forward to it. Those are two great players, two of the greatest players that we have in this game today. You add me, and we have a really good team.”
Landing James was a huge victory for the team president Pat Riley, who was able to corral the top three stars in an unprecedented free-agent class and now must resist the temptation to leave the front office to coach them.
James’ announcement ended weeks of speculation and capped a multi-ringed media circus in this age of social networking that spun out of control. It also concluded a somewhat embarrassing courtship of a player by cities, celebrities and franchises who fawned over the 25-year-old who doesn’t have a finals win on his resume.
New York, Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles and every other NBA spot came up short, finishing out of the money.
So did Cleveland. As it always does.
This time, losing was tainted with bitterness.
Once James shared his secret, fans poured out of the same downtown bars and restaurants that have thrived during these tough economic times. A few set fire to his No. 23 jersey while others threw rocks at the 10-story-tall billboard featuring James with his head tossed back and arms pointing skyward.
“We Are All Witnesses,” the mural says.
This was something Cleveland never thought it would see.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert was as upset as anyone. He posted an open letter to fans on the team’s website ripping James and told The Associated Press he believes James did not play up to his abilities in Cleveland’s second-round loss to Boston.
“He quit,” Gilbert said in a phone interview. “Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar. … People have covered up for him for way too long.”
Not Gilbert, not anymore.
“As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier,” Gilbert wrote. “This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his ‘decision’ unlike anything ever ‘witnessed’ in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment. Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.
Wade and Miami were the only city celebrating Thursday night.
(AP Photo)
“The self-declared former ‘King’ will be taking the ‘curse’ with him down south. And until he does ‘right’ by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.
“Just watch.”
Cleveland could offer James $30 million more than any team, but that wasn’t what interested James this time. He was willing to make less for something else - a title. Maybe a bunch of them with the 28-year-old Wade and 26-year-old Bosh in their primes.
“It’s about a team,” James said.
After leaving Connecticut, James touched down at a private terminal at Miami International Airport at 2:30 a.m. He was met by Heat officials, shook Riley’s hand, climbed into a car and was driven away while a small group of fans, paparazzi and other news media waited outside.
Meanwhile, outside the W Hotel on Miami Beach, 17 more celebrity photographers and about a few dozen fans lurched toward every SUV that neared the hotel entrance, eager to get a look at the two-time MVP. Also inside that club was Bosh, who walked in virtually unnoticed earlier in the evening.
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, fans so accustomed to disappointment, were let down again - this time, by one of their own sons.
Not long after James’ decision was announced, one of his jerseys was shown being burned in the city’s streets.
“I can’t get involved in that,” James said. “I wanted to do what was best for LeBron James … At the end of the day, I feel awful. I feel even worse that I wasn’t able to bring an NBA championship to that city. I never wanted to leave Cleveland. My heart will always be around that area. But I also felt like this is the greatest challenge for me, is to move on.”
Even one of James’ teammates was distraught.
“I feel like my heart has been pulled out,” Cavs guard Mo Williams(notes) posted on his Twitter account. “But I’m happy for my friend.”
James’ decision ends nearly two years of posturing and positioning by teams hoping to add the 6-foot-8, 260-pound physical force of nature to their roster. He famously announced at New York’s Madison Square Garden in November of 2008 that “July 1, 2010, is going to be a big day.”
He wasn’t kidding. When the clock struck 12:01 a.m. last Thursday, a free-agent frenzy unlike any before it - in any professional sport - got under way with the enough speculation, rumor and second-by-second intrigue to last a lifetime.
March may be madness, but this was a year’s drama crammed into eight days.
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
The two-time MVP, a player with supreme skills but without a title, decided to join forces with fellow superstars, good friends and U.S. Olympic teammates Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) - a dominant threesome that could rule the league for years to come.
“I can’t say it was always in my plans, because I never thought it was possible,” James said of this union with the two perennial All-Stars, players he has known for years. “I’ve looked forward to it. Those are two great players, two of the greatest players that we have in this game today. You add me, and we have a really good team.”
Landing James was a huge victory for the team president Pat Riley, who was able to corral the top three stars in an unprecedented free-agent class and now must resist the temptation to leave the front office to coach them.
James’ announcement ended weeks of speculation and capped a multi-ringed media circus in this age of social networking that spun out of control. It also concluded a somewhat embarrassing courtship of a player by cities, celebrities and franchises who fawned over the 25-year-old who doesn’t have a finals win on his resume.
New York, Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles and every other NBA spot came up short, finishing out of the money.
So did Cleveland. As it always does.
This time, losing was tainted with bitterness.
Once James shared his secret, fans poured out of the same downtown bars and restaurants that have thrived during these tough economic times. A few set fire to his No. 23 jersey while others threw rocks at the 10-story-tall billboard featuring James with his head tossed back and arms pointing skyward.
“We Are All Witnesses,” the mural says.
This was something Cleveland never thought it would see.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert was as upset as anyone. He posted an open letter to fans on the team’s website ripping James and told The Associated Press he believes James did not play up to his abilities in Cleveland’s second-round loss to Boston.
“He quit,” Gilbert said in a phone interview. “Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar. … People have covered up for him for way too long.”
Not Gilbert, not anymore.
“As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier,” Gilbert wrote. “This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his ‘decision’ unlike anything ever ‘witnessed’ in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment. Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.
Wade and Miami were the only city celebrating Thursday night.
(AP Photo)
“The self-declared former ‘King’ will be taking the ‘curse’ with him down south. And until he does ‘right’ by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.
“Just watch.”
Cleveland could offer James $30 million more than any team, but that wasn’t what interested James this time. He was willing to make less for something else - a title. Maybe a bunch of them with the 28-year-old Wade and 26-year-old Bosh in their primes.
“It’s about a team,” James said.
After leaving Connecticut, James touched down at a private terminal at Miami International Airport at 2:30 a.m. He was met by Heat officials, shook Riley’s hand, climbed into a car and was driven away while a small group of fans, paparazzi and other news media waited outside.
Meanwhile, outside the W Hotel on Miami Beach, 17 more celebrity photographers and about a few dozen fans lurched toward every SUV that neared the hotel entrance, eager to get a look at the two-time MVP. Also inside that club was Bosh, who walked in virtually unnoticed earlier in the evening.
Meanwhile, in Cleveland, fans so accustomed to disappointment, were let down again - this time, by one of their own sons.
Not long after James’ decision was announced, one of his jerseys was shown being burned in the city’s streets.
“I can’t get involved in that,” James said. “I wanted to do what was best for LeBron James … At the end of the day, I feel awful. I feel even worse that I wasn’t able to bring an NBA championship to that city. I never wanted to leave Cleveland. My heart will always be around that area. But I also felt like this is the greatest challenge for me, is to move on.”
Even one of James’ teammates was distraught.
“I feel like my heart has been pulled out,” Cavs guard Mo Williams(notes) posted on his Twitter account. “But I’m happy for my friend.”
James’ decision ends nearly two years of posturing and positioning by teams hoping to add the 6-foot-8, 260-pound physical force of nature to their roster. He famously announced at New York’s Madison Square Garden in November of 2008 that “July 1, 2010, is going to be a big day.”
He wasn’t kidding. When the clock struck 12:01 a.m. last Thursday, a free-agent frenzy unlike any before it - in any professional sport - got under way with the enough speculation, rumor and second-by-second intrigue to last a lifetime.
March may be madness, but this was a year’s drama crammed into eight days.
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Mel Gibson!! whats new?
LOS ANGELES – Mel Gibson is being investigated in a possible domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend earlier this year, sheriff's officials said Thursday.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department listed the actor-director as a potential suspect in the alleged attack on Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva at an undisclosed location in Malibu.
The two have been involved in a nasty custody dispute over their infant daughter — the subject of a confidential court case.
Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said detectives interviewed Grigorieva on Monday. She has been the only person interviewed so far.
Whitmore declined to disclose further details of the investigation or any potential evidence.
"We're in the process of verifying, verifying, verifying," Whitmore said. "All the allegations that have been put forth will be thoroughly investigated."
The allegations are being handled by the same sheriff's substation that handled Gibson's 2006 arrest on suspicion of drunken driving. The station in Agoura also covers Malibu, where Gibson lives.
The release states the incident occurred Jan. 6 and the investigation is in a preliminary stage.
A phone message left for Alan Nierob, Gibson's spokesman, was not immediately returned.
The Academy Award winner is no longer on probation for the drunken driving case and his conviction has been expunged.
The actor has not publicly discussed the breakup with Grigorieva, 40. The former couple first revealed their relationship shortly after Gibson's wife, Robyn, filed for divorce last April.
Whitmore said it may take a month to conclude the investigation. The results will then be turned over to the district attorney's office, which will decide whether to pursue charges.
(This version CORRECTS Adds that Gibson's ex-girlfriend has been interviewed, additional details. Corrects spelling of Gibson spokesman's last name to Nierob in 8th paragraph. Moving on general news and entertainment services.)
Do I care where LeBron will b next season?
LeBron James’(notes) inner circle told multiple NBA officials and players Wednesday night that the two-time MVP is leaning toward joining Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) with the Miami Heat, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
James’ representatives spent part of Wednesday calling free agents to assess their interest in helping strengthen the Heat roster. James’ camp, sources said, went so far as to propose scenarios where the Heat would trade forward Michael Beasley(notes) to create additional salary-cap space to sign a complementary player. In those conversations, the representatives spoke only of Miami as the destination for James.
Suspicion lingered in the league whether this was a clear affirmation of James’ intent or a misdirection play designed to generate suspense for his primetime TV announcement. James will announce at 9 p.m. ET Thursday whether he will play for the Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks or New Jersey Nets.
Bosh and Wade decided early Wednesday to sign with the Heat and invited James to join them in forming an All-Star triumvirate that could alter the NBA’s power structure. Sources said Bosh and Wade felt optimistic about their odds of landing the sport’s most celebrated free agent after their conference call with James.
“They think they’ve got a real chance to pull this off with LeBron,” a source with knowledge of the call told Yahoo! Sports Wednesday morning.
One executive whose franchise was among James’ initial suitors said Wednesday morning the Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers were the only teams still being seriously considered by James. James’ representatives did little to quash the Miami speculation when they began helping search for players to fill out the Heat’s roster.
The Heat’s efforts to sign all three players received a boost Wednesday evening when the league announced it had set next season’s salary cap at $58 million, a $2 million increase from what most teams had projected. The Heat can now give James, Wade and Bosh a more modest cut from the maximum salary to fit all three players under the cap. All three are also represented by the same agency, CAA.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Wade said he told the Heat they would have to get a commitment from either Bosh or James to convince him to re-sign.
“It had to be one or the other,” Wade told the AP. “Of course, there’s a lot of talented players in this league. But you want to look at players that complement my game, and Chris and LeBron are two of those guys.”
Even if James decides to sign, the Heat still have significant work to fill out the remainder of their roster. Beasley and point guard Mario Chalmers(notes) are the only two players currently under contract, which, sources said, has been a concern of James.
The Bulls reached agreement with forward Carlos Boozer(notes) on a five-year, $80 million contract later Wednesday in hopes of improving their standing with James. The Knicks previously gave Amar’e Stoudemire(notes) a five-year, $100 million deal while also hoping his presence would help sway James.
Still, the Cavaliers loom as the biggest threat to keeping James from playing alongside Wade and Bosh in Miami. Cleveland is limited to pursuing trades and using its midlevel exception on free agents as ways to improve its roster, but has one significant advantage over James’ other suitors: The Cavs can offer James a six-year, $125 million contract, more than $30 million more than what he stands to receive from the Heat in a five-year deal.
James’ strong ties to Cleveland and Akron have also continued to pull at him, which is why only a few people have characterized his intent to play for the Heat as set in stone. One former confidant said James is often indecisive, and with the announcement not scheduled until late Thursday evening it’s possible James could continue to waver.
“LeBron always waits until the last minute to make a decision,” said Chris Dennis, who used to run James’ foundation. “He always does.”
Jovanovic completes Liverpool transfer
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Serbia international Milan Jovanovic from Standard Liege on a three-year contract.
Milan Jovanovic
GettyImages
Milan Jovanovic: Three-year deal at Anfield
Jovanovic, who scored the winning goal when Serbia beat eventual World Cup semi-finalists Germany 1-0 in South Africa, has joined on a free transfer.
Liverpool's move for the striker was lined by up former manager Rafael Benitez before his departure at the start of June and there were fears his new club Inter Milan might make a late bid to scupper the deal.
But Jovanovic, who scored two goals in this season's Champions League group stage, said he was delighted to seal his move to Anfield.
"It is an honour for me to sign for one of the biggest clubs in football,'' said the 29-year-old. "I cannot wait to start working with the manager and I'm looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates on our Swiss training camp.''
By Soccernet staff
Milan Jovanovic
GettyImages
Milan Jovanovic: Three-year deal at Anfield
Jovanovic, who scored the winning goal when Serbia beat eventual World Cup semi-finalists Germany 1-0 in South Africa, has joined on a free transfer.
Liverpool's move for the striker was lined by up former manager Rafael Benitez before his departure at the start of June and there were fears his new club Inter Milan might make a late bid to scupper the deal.
But Jovanovic, who scored two goals in this season's Champions League group stage, said he was delighted to seal his move to Anfield.
"It is an honour for me to sign for one of the biggest clubs in football,'' said the 29-year-old. "I cannot wait to start working with the manager and I'm looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates on our Swiss training camp.''
By Soccernet staff
Hodgson confident Gerrard will stay
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes Steven Gerrard will be staying at Anfield after revealing that he has had "positive" talks with the club captain.
Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres
GettyImages
Roy Hodgson is trying to hold onto prized assets Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres
Having already lost Yossi Benayoun to Chelsea, Hodgson is focused on keeping Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the club, amid speculation that the pair could leave.
But the future appears bright for Liverpool fans, as Hodgson met with Gerrard and Jamie Carragher following his appointment last Thursday, with the talks going to plan according to the new Reds boss.
"I think they went splendidly," Hodgson told LFC Weekly. "I was very happy to meet the players and, of course, Kenny [Dalglish] who I already know so well.
"I was delighted to see how positive they are. Everybody is looking forward to the new season. Obviously Steven and Jamie are the playing heartbeat of the club and it's very important we keep people like that with us.
"I anticipate there might be a situation where other big clubs will try and sign Steven, but he gave no indication that he wanted to leave. Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays. I am confident he will."
With Gerrard happy to stay, Hodgson must turn his attention to Torres when he returns from World Cup action, though the Liverpool boss is confident that he can convince the Spain striker to commit his future to the club.
"Fernando is a wonderful striker and I understand the fans' concerns about his future," Hodgson said. ''Unfortunately with the World Cup still on, I won't be able to meet him face to face for another few weeks.
"That's just circumstance and you won't hear me complaining about it. When I do meet him, I will be doing everything I possibly can to convince him that Liverpool is the place to be. If he sees progress, I am confident that he won't want to go anywhere else. I think he understands the club and the city."
Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres
GettyImages
Roy Hodgson is trying to hold onto prized assets Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres
Having already lost Yossi Benayoun to Chelsea, Hodgson is focused on keeping Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the club, amid speculation that the pair could leave.
But the future appears bright for Liverpool fans, as Hodgson met with Gerrard and Jamie Carragher following his appointment last Thursday, with the talks going to plan according to the new Reds boss.
"I think they went splendidly," Hodgson told LFC Weekly. "I was very happy to meet the players and, of course, Kenny [Dalglish] who I already know so well.
"I was delighted to see how positive they are. Everybody is looking forward to the new season. Obviously Steven and Jamie are the playing heartbeat of the club and it's very important we keep people like that with us.
"I anticipate there might be a situation where other big clubs will try and sign Steven, but he gave no indication that he wanted to leave. Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays. I am confident he will."
With Gerrard happy to stay, Hodgson must turn his attention to Torres when he returns from World Cup action, though the Liverpool boss is confident that he can convince the Spain striker to commit his future to the club.
"Fernando is a wonderful striker and I understand the fans' concerns about his future," Hodgson said. ''Unfortunately with the World Cup still on, I won't be able to meet him face to face for another few weeks.
"That's just circumstance and you won't hear me complaining about it. When I do meet him, I will be doing everything I possibly can to convince him that Liverpool is the place to be. If he sees progress, I am confident that he won't want to go anywhere else. I think he understands the club and the city."
Fan runs on field in World Cup semifinal
DURBAN, South Africa -- The World Cup semifinal between Germany and Spain was interrupted briefly in the fourth minute Wednesday when an Italian fan carrying a vuvuzela ran onto the field to protest the exclusion of a player from Italy's squad.
Italian news agency ANSA reported that the intruder is named Mario Ferri, who was wearing a blue T-shirt with a slogan protesting the absence of forward Antonio Cassano from Italy's national team at the tournament.
Ferri pulled a similar stunt last November during a friendly between Italy and the Netherlands in Pescara.
The fan entered the field near Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's net and sprinted almost to midfield before he was caught by security.
His hands were clasped behind his back and he was quickly taken to the sidelines and lifted over the boards. Police then sprinted with the man to a tunnel as play resumed.
South Africa Police Service spokesman Vish Naidoo was unable to confirm the fan's identity late Wednesday.
South African authorities have created special courts at World Cup stadiums to fast-track cases arising from soccer-related incidents during the tournament.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Italian news agency ANSA reported that the intruder is named Mario Ferri, who was wearing a blue T-shirt with a slogan protesting the absence of forward Antonio Cassano from Italy's national team at the tournament.
Ferri pulled a similar stunt last November during a friendly between Italy and the Netherlands in Pescara.
The fan entered the field near Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's net and sprinted almost to midfield before he was caught by security.
His hands were clasped behind his back and he was quickly taken to the sidelines and lifted over the boards. Police then sprinted with the man to a tunnel as play resumed.
South Africa Police Service spokesman Vish Naidoo was unable to confirm the fan's identity late Wednesday.
South African authorities have created special courts at World Cup stadiums to fast-track cases arising from soccer-related incidents during the tournament.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Cup attendance to top 3 million
JOHANNESBURG -- The World Cup total stadium attendance will pass 3 million at the Germany-Spain semifinal match on Wednesday.
FIFA says 2,997,000 people have attended the first 61 matches, for an average of 49,134 with three games left to play.
The figures place South Africa third in both categories, behind the 1994 tournament in the United States and the 2006 edition in Germany.
South Africa had a total capacity of 3.42 million but few matches have totally filled stadiums.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
FIFA says 2,997,000 people have attended the first 61 matches, for an average of 49,134 with three games left to play.
The figures place South Africa third in both categories, behind the 1994 tournament in the United States and the 2006 edition in Germany.
South Africa had a total capacity of 3.42 million but few matches have totally filled stadiums.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
Snoop Dogg pursues Coronation Street role
US hip hop star Snoop Dogg has revealed he is a fan of Coronation Street and wants a cameo part in the show.
Snoop told fans during a visit to Manchester, ahead a concert at the city's Apollo, that he had asked his agent to negotiate him a role.
Snoop, who has followed the soap for 11 years, believed that Granada TV producers had responded with interest.
A spokeswoman for Granada said: "He's obviously a great character but hard to see how he'd fit into Weatherfield."
She said they had yet to receive an approach from the performer, whose real name is Calvin Broadus.
Continue reading the main story
I love the whole dynamic, the way it is put together
Snoop Dogg
He said: "I had my agent reach out to them to see if they could try to get me on and they said they were interested so hopefully it might happen.
"It would be perfect for me to be on the show.
"I love the whole dynamic, the way it is put together, it is my world, it is something I could fall into."
The 38-year-old recorded a video message to mark the show's 50th birthday earlier this year.
While in Greater Manchester, the rapper also visited Salford's Ordsall Community Centre, where he played football with young volunteers.
The teenagers had given up their time to paint the centre in exchange for tickets to his Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube concert.
Snoop told fans during a visit to Manchester, ahead a concert at the city's Apollo, that he had asked his agent to negotiate him a role.
Snoop, who has followed the soap for 11 years, believed that Granada TV producers had responded with interest.
A spokeswoman for Granada said: "He's obviously a great character but hard to see how he'd fit into Weatherfield."
She said they had yet to receive an approach from the performer, whose real name is Calvin Broadus.
Continue reading the main story
I love the whole dynamic, the way it is put together
Snoop Dogg
He said: "I had my agent reach out to them to see if they could try to get me on and they said they were interested so hopefully it might happen.
"It would be perfect for me to be on the show.
"I love the whole dynamic, the way it is put together, it is my world, it is something I could fall into."
The 38-year-old recorded a video message to mark the show's 50th birthday earlier this year.
While in Greater Manchester, the rapper also visited Salford's Ordsall Community Centre, where he played football with young volunteers.
The teenagers had given up their time to paint the centre in exchange for tickets to his Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube concert.
Brazil footballer surrenders in missing woman case
The goalkeeper of Brazil's most popular football team has surrendered to the police in connection with the disappearance of his former lover.
Bruno Fernandes, who plays for Rio de Janeiro's Flamengo, is being investigated after Eliza Samudio went missing nearly a month ago.
A teenage cousin of the footballer told police she had been abducted and was dead.
Ms Samudio had said that the married footballer was the father of her baby.
'Clear conscience'
The goalkeeper walked into a Rio police station on Wednesday night, shortly after a warrant for his arrest was issued.
Police had earlier arrested his wife, Dayane Souza, and several of his friends.
The warrants were issued after a 17-year-old cousin of Mr Fernandes told police that he had taken part in Ms Samudio's abduction with a friend of the footballer, Luiz Henrique Ferreira Romao.
According to police, the youth told them that Ms Samudio was dead but did not say how she died, nor where her body was.
On Monday, Mr Fernandes told Brazilian radio that he had a "clear conscience. In the future I'll be able to laugh at all this".
The BBC's Ana Pisarro says the case has transfixed the Brazilian media, combining as it does all the ingredients of a Brazilian TV soap opera.
US to access Europeans' bank data in new deal
Euro MPs have approved a new deal to allow US anti-terror investigators to access Europeans' bank data.
The vote followed tough negotiations with US authorities after a previous agreement was blocked by the European Parliament in February.
EU negotiators say the new deal gives EU officials authority to monitor the US investigators' actions.
The deal gives the US access to bulk data from Swift, a firm that handles millions of bank transactions daily.
Washington says the Swift deal is crucial to fighting terrorism, as part of the US Terrorist Financing Tracking Programme (TFTP) set up after the September 2001 attacks on the US.
Privacy concerns
Top US officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, lobbied the EU over the data transfer deal.
Continue reading the main story
This sends the right signals about our resolve in fighting terrorism and our commitment to remaining a strong partner of the United States
Timothy Kirkhope UK Conservative MEP Q&A: US data deal with Europe
The agreement was passed with 484 MEPs in favour and 109 against. There were 12 abstentions.
In February Euro MPs rejected an earlier draft agreement, saying the privacy safeguards were inadequate.
The fact that the US was secretly accessing Swift bank data did not come to light until 2006.
Under the new deal, the EU police agency Europol will assess whether specific data requests are necessary for the fight against terrorism before the data is sent to the US, the European Commission says.
The Commission will appoint EU officials to monitor the US investigators' actions.
There is also a requirement that bulk data can never be sent to third countries.
EU citizens who believe their data has been misused will have the right to legal action in the US courts.
'Sends right signals'
The Commission says the data transferred under TFTP can include identifying information about the originator and/or recipient of the transaction, including name, address, national identification number and other personal data related to financial messages.
A German Liberal MEP, Alexander Alvaro, said the deal "will ensure that terrorist financing can be traced back to its sources, but it will not affect day-to-day bank transfers of EU citizens".
And the leader of the UK Conservative MEPs, Timothy Kirkhope, said it "sends the right signals about our resolve in fighting terrorism and our commitment to remaining a strong partner of the United States".
The lobby group European Digital Rights (EDRI) says the new deal is still not restrictive enough. It will allow a great deal of data to be transferred to the US, EDRI says, doubting that aggrieved EU citizens will get any legal redress in the US.
EDRI also says Europol is the wrong vehicle to vet US anti-terror requests, because Europol itself will be able to request data from US searches, and that "drastically reduces any incentive to limit the transferred amount of data".
A judicial body, not the police, should be in charge, it argues.
BBC NEWS
The vote followed tough negotiations with US authorities after a previous agreement was blocked by the European Parliament in February.
EU negotiators say the new deal gives EU officials authority to monitor the US investigators' actions.
The deal gives the US access to bulk data from Swift, a firm that handles millions of bank transactions daily.
Washington says the Swift deal is crucial to fighting terrorism, as part of the US Terrorist Financing Tracking Programme (TFTP) set up after the September 2001 attacks on the US.
Privacy concerns
Top US officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, lobbied the EU over the data transfer deal.
Continue reading the main story
This sends the right signals about our resolve in fighting terrorism and our commitment to remaining a strong partner of the United States
Timothy Kirkhope UK Conservative MEP Q&A: US data deal with Europe
The agreement was passed with 484 MEPs in favour and 109 against. There were 12 abstentions.
In February Euro MPs rejected an earlier draft agreement, saying the privacy safeguards were inadequate.
The fact that the US was secretly accessing Swift bank data did not come to light until 2006.
Under the new deal, the EU police agency Europol will assess whether specific data requests are necessary for the fight against terrorism before the data is sent to the US, the European Commission says.
The Commission will appoint EU officials to monitor the US investigators' actions.
There is also a requirement that bulk data can never be sent to third countries.
EU citizens who believe their data has been misused will have the right to legal action in the US courts.
'Sends right signals'
The Commission says the data transferred under TFTP can include identifying information about the originator and/or recipient of the transaction, including name, address, national identification number and other personal data related to financial messages.
A German Liberal MEP, Alexander Alvaro, said the deal "will ensure that terrorist financing can be traced back to its sources, but it will not affect day-to-day bank transfers of EU citizens".
And the leader of the UK Conservative MEPs, Timothy Kirkhope, said it "sends the right signals about our resolve in fighting terrorism and our commitment to remaining a strong partner of the United States".
The lobby group European Digital Rights (EDRI) says the new deal is still not restrictive enough. It will allow a great deal of data to be transferred to the US, EDRI says, doubting that aggrieved EU citizens will get any legal redress in the US.
EDRI also says Europol is the wrong vehicle to vet US anti-terror requests, because Europol itself will be able to request data from US searches, and that "drastically reduces any incentive to limit the transferred amount of data".
A judicial body, not the police, should be in charge, it argues.
BBC NEWS
Solar-powered plane lands safely after 26-hour flight
An experimental solar-powered aircraft launched on Wednesday has landed safely in Switzerland after successfully flying through the night.
The feat is a step toward the makers' aim of circling the globe using the power of the Sun to fuel the plane.
The aircraft used super-efficient solar cells and batteries to stay in the air after the Sun's rays had faded.
The plane touched down at an airfield about 30 miles (50 km) from the Swiss capital Bern at 0900 (0700 GMT).
The plane landed at Payerne airport after a total flight time of 26 hours.
During the flight it reached a height of 8,700 m (28,543 ft).
Assistants rushed to stabilise the experimental aircraft as it touched down, ensuring that its huge 63m (207ft) wingspan did not scrape the ground and topple the plane.
It is the longest and highest flight recorded by a solar-powered plane.
The four-engine aircraft was steered by Andre Borschberg, a former fighter jet pilot from Switzerland.
The plane has 12,000 solar cells arranged on its wingspan which collected enough energy to power the plane for the flight.
'Perpetual flight'
Previous flights of Solar Impulse have included a brief "flea hop" and a longer airborne test earlier this year. But this week's attempt was described as a "milestone" by the team.
The designers, the Solar Impulse team led by Mr Borschberg and fellow aviator Bertrand Piccard, say that this proves that a plane can be kept in the air around the clock.
Continue reading the main story
Nothing can prevent us from another day and night, and the myth of perpetual flight
Bertrand Piccard Solar Impulse Solar 24-hour test flight starts
"It's the first time ever that a [manned] solar airplane has flown through the night," Mr Piccard told journalists.
"That was the moment that proved the mission was successful, we made it."
The plane emerged from the darkness of night with three hours power remaining in its batteries, more than had been expected.
"Nothing can prevent us from another day and night, and the myth of perpetual flight."
The team will now build a new, more advanced, model of the plane.
They aim to circumnavigate the globe by 2013.
BBC News
The feat is a step toward the makers' aim of circling the globe using the power of the Sun to fuel the plane.
The aircraft used super-efficient solar cells and batteries to stay in the air after the Sun's rays had faded.
The plane touched down at an airfield about 30 miles (50 km) from the Swiss capital Bern at 0900 (0700 GMT).
The plane landed at Payerne airport after a total flight time of 26 hours.
During the flight it reached a height of 8,700 m (28,543 ft).
Assistants rushed to stabilise the experimental aircraft as it touched down, ensuring that its huge 63m (207ft) wingspan did not scrape the ground and topple the plane.
It is the longest and highest flight recorded by a solar-powered plane.
The four-engine aircraft was steered by Andre Borschberg, a former fighter jet pilot from Switzerland.
The plane has 12,000 solar cells arranged on its wingspan which collected enough energy to power the plane for the flight.
'Perpetual flight'
Previous flights of Solar Impulse have included a brief "flea hop" and a longer airborne test earlier this year. But this week's attempt was described as a "milestone" by the team.
The designers, the Solar Impulse team led by Mr Borschberg and fellow aviator Bertrand Piccard, say that this proves that a plane can be kept in the air around the clock.
Continue reading the main story
Nothing can prevent us from another day and night, and the myth of perpetual flight
Bertrand Piccard Solar Impulse Solar 24-hour test flight starts
"It's the first time ever that a [manned] solar airplane has flown through the night," Mr Piccard told journalists.
"That was the moment that proved the mission was successful, we made it."
The plane emerged from the darkness of night with three hours power remaining in its batteries, more than had been expected.
"Nothing can prevent us from another day and night, and the myth of perpetual flight."
The team will now build a new, more advanced, model of the plane.
They aim to circumnavigate the globe by 2013.
BBC News
Nigerian man arrested with bags carrying 70 dead babies
A man carrying bags containing more than 70 dead babies has been arrested in Nigeria.
He was employed by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital to take the corpses to a cemetery.
The worker was allegedly trying to dump the corpses as he could not afford burial fees.
A hospital spokesman said it was co-operating with police investigations into the incident.
A BBC correspondent in Lagos says many families are too devastated to deal with the dead babies and others cannot afford morgue fees, so abandon them outside hospitals. Hospitals hire contractors to bury the corpses.
'Embarrassment'
A police preliminary investigation also led to the arrest of some workers in the Department of Morbid and Anatomy at the teaching hospital, said Lagos state police public relations officer Frank Mba.
He also said that the suspect had not intended to use the bodies in any rituals.
"We are sure that the suspect is neither a ritualist nor a murderer nor a trafficker. Other contending issues like corruption and abuse of office will be investigated," Mr Mba added.
The hospital described the incident as an embarrassment to the organisation.
The BBC's Fidelis Mbah says there's been a state of shock and disbelief among people in Lagos who cannot believe that a hospital with the magnitude of Lagos University Teaching Hospital would allow a contactor to handle that many corpses without supervision from its staff.
Source: BBC News
He was employed by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital to take the corpses to a cemetery.
The worker was allegedly trying to dump the corpses as he could not afford burial fees.
A hospital spokesman said it was co-operating with police investigations into the incident.
A BBC correspondent in Lagos says many families are too devastated to deal with the dead babies and others cannot afford morgue fees, so abandon them outside hospitals. Hospitals hire contractors to bury the corpses.
'Embarrassment'
A police preliminary investigation also led to the arrest of some workers in the Department of Morbid and Anatomy at the teaching hospital, said Lagos state police public relations officer Frank Mba.
He also said that the suspect had not intended to use the bodies in any rituals.
"We are sure that the suspect is neither a ritualist nor a murderer nor a trafficker. Other contending issues like corruption and abuse of office will be investigated," Mr Mba added.
The hospital described the incident as an embarrassment to the organisation.
The BBC's Fidelis Mbah says there's been a state of shock and disbelief among people in Lagos who cannot believe that a hospital with the magnitude of Lagos University Teaching Hospital would allow a contactor to handle that many corpses without supervision from its staff.
Source: BBC News
Caster Semenya is a girl, suprised!!!
By Pumza Fihlani
BBC News, Johannesburg South African runner Caster Semenya leads young Ivorian athletes in training drills at a stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Thursday, May 27, 2010
South Africa breathed a collective sigh of relief when medical experts said the country's 19-year old "golden girl", athlete Caster Semenya, was free to hit the track once more.
None could be more thrilled than the world 800m champion herself, who has endured nearly a year of media scrutiny and speculation about her gender and the future of her career.
Continue reading the main story
It's time for her to put the last 10 months behind her and begin a wonderful career of international athletics
Wilfred Daniels Caster Semenya's former coach
"I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me," she said in a statement.
South Africans rallied behind Ms Semenya after news that the International Association of Athletics Federations had called for tests to verify Ms Semenya's gender before she competed in the World Athletics Championships in Berlin last August.
Amid cries of racism, the fall-out was huge and politicians from different parties pledged their support for the young girl from Limpopo Province.
The country's sports minister threatened "World War Three" should Ms Semenya be barred from competing in future games.
And she was hailed as a heroine upon her return from Germany, with people at the airport carrying placards: "Caster 100% female".
'Heartbreaking'
The mood then turned to anger as conflicting reports came out about whether Athletics South Africa (ASA) had carried out the tests in secret, without Ms Semenya's knowledge.
Former ASA president Leonard Chuene was suspended for his handling of the case after it was revealed he had in fact ordered gender verification tests before she went to Berlin.
Ms Semenya's coach, Wilfred Daniels, who resigned over the poor handling of the affair, said collective blame should be taken for the controversy.
South African athlete Caster Semenya, centre, surrounded by local children at her welcome home celebration at the Masehlong village in South Africa Caster Semenya was treated as a heroine in her home village of Masehlong
"All parties concerned should be ashamed of the manner in which this was handled right from the beginning," he told the BBC hours after Ms Semenya's all-clear announcement.
"It would be heartbreaking if procedures are not put in place by South African authorities and the IAAF to make sure the athletes concerned are not exposed to the same kind of trauma that Caster was exposed to."
Continue reading the main story
We need to ensure that the laws of the country are tightened so that the rights of people are observed and protected
Noluthando Mayende Sibiya Woman and children's minister
Many South Africans feel lessons about the importance of protecting privacy should be learned from the teenager's ordeal.
Woman and Children's Minister Noluthando Mayende Sibiya said her department would strive for this.
"The privacy of Caster was violated very, very seriously," she told the BBC.
"We need to ensure that the laws of the country are tightened so that the rights of people are observed and protected in that regard."
The minister had written a letter to the United Nations last year complaining about the "blatant disregard for Caster's human dignity".
"Nobody should be made to suffer in the way Caster was made to suffer in the past several months," she wrote.
Bitter
Ms Sibiya says it is unfortunate Ms Semenya had to wait nearly a year for the case to be cleared up.
"We hope she will continue to be an inspiration to those looking to her as an example of a young woman determined to succeed in her chosen field. I am very happy about this," she said.
Continue reading the main story
Those questions needed to be asked because I'm sure many people who watched her run were asking themselves the same question
Motlatse Motloga University student
Mr Daniels said his former star runner should at last be able to enjoy her achievement in Berlin.
"When we were in Berlin and even after our return she never had the opportunity to enjoy her great achievement," he said.
"Now it's time for her to put the last 10 months behind her and begin a wonderful career of international athletics that we hope will bring further glory to her and her country."
Other South Africans still remain bitter.
"They could have treated her with a lot more integrity and dignity," says Louise Daniels, 40, a florist in Johannesburg.
"I think it's wonderful that she can race, she has got huge talent."
Mpendulo Hashe, 30, a lab assistant, agrees.
"Clearing her to compete is the least that could be done, she was treated unfairly," he says.
"But let's forget about all of that and wish her all the best."
Others feel that the IAAF was justified in asking questions.
"If the tests showed that she has male hormones - then yes that does give her an unfair advantage," says Motlatse Motloga, a 20-year-old university student.
"I'm glad that she is competing because it's what she loves but those questions needed to be asked because I'm sure many people who watched her run were asking themselves the same question."
Another student, Pathuxolo Manana, 22, says he does not believe Ms Semenya was mistreated or had her rights "violated".
"This has happened in the past to other athletes.
"Of course if could have been handled better but it had to be done."
BBC News, Johannesburg South African runner Caster Semenya leads young Ivorian athletes in training drills at a stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Thursday, May 27, 2010
South Africa breathed a collective sigh of relief when medical experts said the country's 19-year old "golden girl", athlete Caster Semenya, was free to hit the track once more.
None could be more thrilled than the world 800m champion herself, who has endured nearly a year of media scrutiny and speculation about her gender and the future of her career.
Continue reading the main story
It's time for her to put the last 10 months behind her and begin a wonderful career of international athletics
Wilfred Daniels Caster Semenya's former coach
"I am thrilled to enter the global athletics arena once again and look forward to competing with all the disputes behind me," she said in a statement.
South Africans rallied behind Ms Semenya after news that the International Association of Athletics Federations had called for tests to verify Ms Semenya's gender before she competed in the World Athletics Championships in Berlin last August.
Amid cries of racism, the fall-out was huge and politicians from different parties pledged their support for the young girl from Limpopo Province.
The country's sports minister threatened "World War Three" should Ms Semenya be barred from competing in future games.
And she was hailed as a heroine upon her return from Germany, with people at the airport carrying placards: "Caster 100% female".
'Heartbreaking'
The mood then turned to anger as conflicting reports came out about whether Athletics South Africa (ASA) had carried out the tests in secret, without Ms Semenya's knowledge.
Former ASA president Leonard Chuene was suspended for his handling of the case after it was revealed he had in fact ordered gender verification tests before she went to Berlin.
Ms Semenya's coach, Wilfred Daniels, who resigned over the poor handling of the affair, said collective blame should be taken for the controversy.
South African athlete Caster Semenya, centre, surrounded by local children at her welcome home celebration at the Masehlong village in South Africa Caster Semenya was treated as a heroine in her home village of Masehlong
"All parties concerned should be ashamed of the manner in which this was handled right from the beginning," he told the BBC hours after Ms Semenya's all-clear announcement.
"It would be heartbreaking if procedures are not put in place by South African authorities and the IAAF to make sure the athletes concerned are not exposed to the same kind of trauma that Caster was exposed to."
Continue reading the main story
We need to ensure that the laws of the country are tightened so that the rights of people are observed and protected
Noluthando Mayende Sibiya Woman and children's minister
Many South Africans feel lessons about the importance of protecting privacy should be learned from the teenager's ordeal.
Woman and Children's Minister Noluthando Mayende Sibiya said her department would strive for this.
"The privacy of Caster was violated very, very seriously," she told the BBC.
"We need to ensure that the laws of the country are tightened so that the rights of people are observed and protected in that regard."
The minister had written a letter to the United Nations last year complaining about the "blatant disregard for Caster's human dignity".
"Nobody should be made to suffer in the way Caster was made to suffer in the past several months," she wrote.
Bitter
Ms Sibiya says it is unfortunate Ms Semenya had to wait nearly a year for the case to be cleared up.
"We hope she will continue to be an inspiration to those looking to her as an example of a young woman determined to succeed in her chosen field. I am very happy about this," she said.
Continue reading the main story
Those questions needed to be asked because I'm sure many people who watched her run were asking themselves the same question
Motlatse Motloga University student
Mr Daniels said his former star runner should at last be able to enjoy her achievement in Berlin.
"When we were in Berlin and even after our return she never had the opportunity to enjoy her great achievement," he said.
"Now it's time for her to put the last 10 months behind her and begin a wonderful career of international athletics that we hope will bring further glory to her and her country."
Other South Africans still remain bitter.
"They could have treated her with a lot more integrity and dignity," says Louise Daniels, 40, a florist in Johannesburg.
"I think it's wonderful that she can race, she has got huge talent."
Mpendulo Hashe, 30, a lab assistant, agrees.
"Clearing her to compete is the least that could be done, she was treated unfairly," he says.
"But let's forget about all of that and wish her all the best."
Others feel that the IAAF was justified in asking questions.
"If the tests showed that she has male hormones - then yes that does give her an unfair advantage," says Motlatse Motloga, a 20-year-old university student.
"I'm glad that she is competing because it's what she loves but those questions needed to be asked because I'm sure many people who watched her run were asking themselves the same question."
Another student, Pathuxolo Manana, 22, says he does not believe Ms Semenya was mistreated or had her rights "violated".
"This has happened in the past to other athletes.
"Of course if could have been handled better but it had to be done."
BP must give answers on oil well, US government says
BP has been given 24 hours to answer questions on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, says the US government's incident commander.
Adm Thad Allen sent a letter to the oil giant's managing director Bob Dudley saying the company must hand over "detailed plans and timelines" on stopping the leak.
The information is needed before BP is allowed to change caps on the oil well.
Switching caps would allow more oil to be captured.
The new cap on the well will have a more secure seal, with BP also connecting a third containment ship to capture more oil.
But while the caps are being changed the rate oil is spilling out will increase.
If the third containment ship, the Helix Producer, has not been connected when the change of caps is made, there will only be one vessel capturing oil.
BP's latest moves are also part of efforts to create a system for tackling the leak that is prepared for potential hurricanes.
The US National Hurricane Center issued a warning on Wednesday about a tropical depression which has formed in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical storms could disrupt efforts to contain oil which has been leaking from the site of the Deepwater Horizon rig since April.
'Ahead of schedule'
BP says its operation to drill a relief well to stop the Gulf of Mexico oil leak is "slightly ahead of schedule". Adm Allen confirmed this during a press conference on Thursday.
Crews expect to reach the Deepwater Horizon well roughly 18,000ft (5,500m) below sea level and drill into its casing in seven to ten days.
But crews won't know how much time it will take to stop the leak until they reach the well.
Adm Allen said if the oil is leaking out through different parts of the well, it would likely take until the middle of August to stop the gushing oil with mud and cement.
"If you have to exhaust all means for the ways that hydrocarbons are coming up the pipe, then that puts you into middle August," he said.
Adm Allen then added if the oil is only travelling up the well's central casing, BP may be able to stop the flow sooner.
Source: BBC News
Adm Thad Allen sent a letter to the oil giant's managing director Bob Dudley saying the company must hand over "detailed plans and timelines" on stopping the leak.
The information is needed before BP is allowed to change caps on the oil well.
Switching caps would allow more oil to be captured.
The new cap on the well will have a more secure seal, with BP also connecting a third containment ship to capture more oil.
But while the caps are being changed the rate oil is spilling out will increase.
If the third containment ship, the Helix Producer, has not been connected when the change of caps is made, there will only be one vessel capturing oil.
BP's latest moves are also part of efforts to create a system for tackling the leak that is prepared for potential hurricanes.
The US National Hurricane Center issued a warning on Wednesday about a tropical depression which has formed in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical storms could disrupt efforts to contain oil which has been leaking from the site of the Deepwater Horizon rig since April.
'Ahead of schedule'
BP says its operation to drill a relief well to stop the Gulf of Mexico oil leak is "slightly ahead of schedule". Adm Allen confirmed this during a press conference on Thursday.
Crews expect to reach the Deepwater Horizon well roughly 18,000ft (5,500m) below sea level and drill into its casing in seven to ten days.
But crews won't know how much time it will take to stop the leak until they reach the well.
Adm Allen said if the oil is leaking out through different parts of the well, it would likely take until the middle of August to stop the gushing oil with mud and cement.
"If you have to exhaust all means for the ways that hydrocarbons are coming up the pipe, then that puts you into middle August," he said.
Adm Allen then added if the oil is only travelling up the well's central casing, BP may be able to stop the flow sooner.
Source: BBC News
Russia spies plead guilty in US
Ten people accused of espionage for Russia have pleaded guilty in a New York court to spying for a foreign country.
Correspondents suggest the guilty plea may facilitate a Cold War-style prisoner exchange.
The mother of suspect Anna Chapman has said she expects her to fly home to Russia on Friday.
Neither US nor Russian officials confirmed or denied that assertion.
The 10 pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to act as an unregistered agent of a foreign country".
It was unclear how nine of them would plead to a separate charge of money-laundering.
It is the first time the 10 are appearing in public together since they were arrested last week.
Suggestions of a prisoner swap have emerged in Russia, where the family of a man jailed by Russia for espionage told the BBC he has had to confess in order to be included.
Igor Sutyagin has been transferred from an Arctic prison camp to a Moscow jail.
After being moved from a prison camp in the far north of Russia to a jail in Moscow this week, he told his family he would be flown to Vienna on Thursday and released as part of a deal between the US and Russian governments.
Continue reading the main story
A condition of any swap should be that Russia admits these people were indeed planted in the US
Coleman Nee, MA, USA Send your comments
Earlier, Sutyagin's lawyer was quoted by Russian media as saying he had arrived in the Austrian capital, but his father Vyacheslav denied the reports.
"This is all speculation, don't take it seriously," he told the BBC.
Austrian officials have neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
'Resolution'
The BBC's Madeleine Morris, outside the federal court in New York, says this is the first time the 10 men and women accused of being unlawful agents for Russia are appearing in court together since they were arrested.
After being told of the charges against them they will be able to enter a plea.
EAST-WEST PRISONER SWAPS
Continue reading the main story
* 1962: KGB Colonel Rudolf Abel freed by US in exchange for Gary Powers, pilot of a U-2 spy plane shot down over the USSR in 1960
* 1969: UK frees Soviet agents Peter and Helen Kroger for Gerald Brooke, jailed for spying in USSR
* 1981: Guenter Guillaume, agent for East Germany's Stasi, exchanged for Western agents
* 1985: US agents held in Eastern Europe handed over in return for a top Polish agent, Marian Zacharski, and three others held in West
* 1986: Soviet dissident Anatoly Sharansky and three Western agents swapped for KGB husband-and-wife spies Karl and Hana Koecher and two other agents
Who is on the 'spy-swap' list?
A federal indictment against them, along with an 11th suspect who went missing after being released on bail in Cyprus, was unsealed on Wednesday.
Prosecutors say the accused posed as ordinary citizens, some living together as couples for years, and were ordered by Russia's External Intelligence Service (SVR) to infiltrate policymaking circles and collect information.
Our correspondent says speculation is rife that they may plead guilty to at least one of the charges in order to facilitate any possible prisoner exchange.
Lawyers for some of the accused have added to that speculation saying the matter could be fully resolved "one way or another" by the end of the day, she adds.
'List of names'
News of Igor Sutyagin's release was broken by his lawyer in Moscow, Anna Stavitskaya, who quoted the prisoner's father.
Igor Sutyagin (2004 picture) Igor Sutyagin was convicted of spying for the CIA in Russia in 2004
She said Vyacheslav Sutyagin had been informed by a journalist's phone call that his son had arrived at a Vienna airport and been met "by an officer".
Ms Stavitskaya said she had not been able to confirm the news with the Russian authorities. Sutyagin was jailed in Russia in 2004 for spying for the CIA.
His brother Dmitry said Igor had been told by Russian officials that his release would be part of a spy swap, and that US officials had been present at a meeting.
Dmitry added that his brother had seen a list of about 10 Russian prisoners that the US had given Moscow that included Sergei Skripal.
Skripal is a Russian military intelligence (GRU) officer convicted of spying for the UK in 2006.
Russian newspaper Kommersant said the list included Alexander Zaporozhsky, a former employee of Russia's Foreign Intelligence who was jailed for 18 years for espionage in 2003, and Alexander Sypachev, sentenced in 2002 to eight years in jail for spying for the CIA.
It remains unclear whether the suspects held in New York are to be involved in any swap but, in a move that fuelled speculation, a top US diplomat met the Russian ambassador to Washington.
No details were given of the talks between Under-Secretary of State for political affairs William Burns, a former US ambassador to Moscow, and Ambassador Sergei Kislyak, other than the fact that the issue of spies came up in the meeting, in which they also discussed Iran.
Source: BBC News
Correspondents suggest the guilty plea may facilitate a Cold War-style prisoner exchange.
The mother of suspect Anna Chapman has said she expects her to fly home to Russia on Friday.
Neither US nor Russian officials confirmed or denied that assertion.
The 10 pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to act as an unregistered agent of a foreign country".
It was unclear how nine of them would plead to a separate charge of money-laundering.
It is the first time the 10 are appearing in public together since they were arrested last week.
Suggestions of a prisoner swap have emerged in Russia, where the family of a man jailed by Russia for espionage told the BBC he has had to confess in order to be included.
Igor Sutyagin has been transferred from an Arctic prison camp to a Moscow jail.
After being moved from a prison camp in the far north of Russia to a jail in Moscow this week, he told his family he would be flown to Vienna on Thursday and released as part of a deal between the US and Russian governments.
Continue reading the main story
A condition of any swap should be that Russia admits these people were indeed planted in the US
Coleman Nee, MA, USA Send your comments
Earlier, Sutyagin's lawyer was quoted by Russian media as saying he had arrived in the Austrian capital, but his father Vyacheslav denied the reports.
"This is all speculation, don't take it seriously," he told the BBC.
Austrian officials have neither confirmed nor denied the reports.
'Resolution'
The BBC's Madeleine Morris, outside the federal court in New York, says this is the first time the 10 men and women accused of being unlawful agents for Russia are appearing in court together since they were arrested.
After being told of the charges against them they will be able to enter a plea.
EAST-WEST PRISONER SWAPS
Continue reading the main story
* 1962: KGB Colonel Rudolf Abel freed by US in exchange for Gary Powers, pilot of a U-2 spy plane shot down over the USSR in 1960
* 1969: UK frees Soviet agents Peter and Helen Kroger for Gerald Brooke, jailed for spying in USSR
* 1981: Guenter Guillaume, agent for East Germany's Stasi, exchanged for Western agents
* 1985: US agents held in Eastern Europe handed over in return for a top Polish agent, Marian Zacharski, and three others held in West
* 1986: Soviet dissident Anatoly Sharansky and three Western agents swapped for KGB husband-and-wife spies Karl and Hana Koecher and two other agents
Who is on the 'spy-swap' list?
A federal indictment against them, along with an 11th suspect who went missing after being released on bail in Cyprus, was unsealed on Wednesday.
Prosecutors say the accused posed as ordinary citizens, some living together as couples for years, and were ordered by Russia's External Intelligence Service (SVR) to infiltrate policymaking circles and collect information.
Our correspondent says speculation is rife that they may plead guilty to at least one of the charges in order to facilitate any possible prisoner exchange.
Lawyers for some of the accused have added to that speculation saying the matter could be fully resolved "one way or another" by the end of the day, she adds.
'List of names'
News of Igor Sutyagin's release was broken by his lawyer in Moscow, Anna Stavitskaya, who quoted the prisoner's father.
Igor Sutyagin (2004 picture) Igor Sutyagin was convicted of spying for the CIA in Russia in 2004
She said Vyacheslav Sutyagin had been informed by a journalist's phone call that his son had arrived at a Vienna airport and been met "by an officer".
Ms Stavitskaya said she had not been able to confirm the news with the Russian authorities. Sutyagin was jailed in Russia in 2004 for spying for the CIA.
His brother Dmitry said Igor had been told by Russian officials that his release would be part of a spy swap, and that US officials had been present at a meeting.
Dmitry added that his brother had seen a list of about 10 Russian prisoners that the US had given Moscow that included Sergei Skripal.
Skripal is a Russian military intelligence (GRU) officer convicted of spying for the UK in 2006.
Russian newspaper Kommersant said the list included Alexander Zaporozhsky, a former employee of Russia's Foreign Intelligence who was jailed for 18 years for espionage in 2003, and Alexander Sypachev, sentenced in 2002 to eight years in jail for spying for the CIA.
It remains unclear whether the suspects held in New York are to be involved in any swap but, in a move that fuelled speculation, a top US diplomat met the Russian ambassador to Washington.
No details were given of the talks between Under-Secretary of State for political affairs William Burns, a former US ambassador to Moscow, and Ambassador Sergei Kislyak, other than the fact that the issue of spies came up in the meeting, in which they also discussed Iran.
Source: BBC News
Hivi hili ni jibu sahihi la ajali za bararani?
Serikali imesema kuwa kwa sasa ipo kwenye mchakato wa kuboresha hospitali za mikoa kufikia kiwango cha rufaa ili ziweze kutoa huduma zitokanazo na ajali kubwa.
Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Afya na Ustawi wa Jamii, Blandina Nyoni, alitoa kauli hiyo wakati akizindua ripoti ya kuzuia ajali kwa watoto.
Nyoni alisema kuwa serikali imeamua kuboresha hospitali hizo kutokana na kwamba wagonjwa wengi wanaopata ajali kubwa husafirishwa kutoka mikoa yao kupelekwa katika Hospitali ya Taifa ya Muhimbili (MNH) katika Taasisi ya Mifupa (MOI).
Alisema hospitali za mikoa zikiboreshwa vizuri, zitakuwa zinatoa huduma bora kama zitolewazo na MNH na hatua hiyo itasaidia kupunguza mrundikano wa wagonjwa katika hospitali hizo.
Hata hivyo alisema kuwa suala hilo litasaidia kwa wagonjwa kupatiwa huduma bora kwa haraka zaidi kuliko kusubiri kusafirishwa katika mkoa mwingine kwa ajili ya matibabu.
Alisema bado kuna uhaba wa madaktari bingwa wa upasuaji wa vichwa ambapo kwa sasa serikali inawaanda wataalamu wengine kwa ajili ya kuziba pengo hilo.
“Kama mnavyoelewa suala la madaktari bingwa wa upasuaji wa vichwa wapo wachache kwa hapa nchini, nadhani hawazidi watano hivyo bado kunahitajika wataalamu wengine ambao kwa sasa wanaandaliwa,” alisema Nyoni.
Alisema kumekuwepo na ajali nyingi zitokanazo na vyombo vya barabarani ambazo zimekuwa zikitokea kwa uzembe wa madereva ambao hawafuati sheria.
Nyoni alisema kuwa zaidi ya watu 2800 hufariki dunia katika ajali za barabarani kila mwaka ambapo kwa siku ni watu sita hadi nane na anapokufa mtu mmoja zaidi ya watu10 hupata majeraha na wengine ulemavu.
Nyoni alisema serikali imeliangalia
suala hilo kwa upande wa watoto kutokana na kwamba idadi kubwa ya ajali zimekuwa zikiwaathiri watoto.
“Ajali nyingi zimekuwa ni za watoto na hivyo serikali imebidi kuangalia suala hilo kwa upande wa watoto kutokana na kwamba ni taifa la kesho hivyo tumeamua kufanya tahadhari mapema,” alisema.
Alisema changamoto inayoikabili serikali kwa sasa ni kutoa elimu kwa wananchi ili wajihadhari na ajal hizo.
Alisema madereva wa pikipiki wanaathirika zaidi kutokana na kuendesha bila kuvaa kofia.
Hata hivyo, alisema elimu hiyo pia itatolewa kwa wanafunzi ili wawe na uelewa wa jinsi ya kujikinga na ajali wakiwa wadogo.
Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa (MOI), Profesa Laurence Museru, alisema kwa sasa ajali zimeongezeka na kwamba nyingi zinatokana na usafiri wa pikipiki.
Kutoka Nipashe
Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Afya na Ustawi wa Jamii, Blandina Nyoni, alitoa kauli hiyo wakati akizindua ripoti ya kuzuia ajali kwa watoto.
Nyoni alisema kuwa serikali imeamua kuboresha hospitali hizo kutokana na kwamba wagonjwa wengi wanaopata ajali kubwa husafirishwa kutoka mikoa yao kupelekwa katika Hospitali ya Taifa ya Muhimbili (MNH) katika Taasisi ya Mifupa (MOI).
Alisema hospitali za mikoa zikiboreshwa vizuri, zitakuwa zinatoa huduma bora kama zitolewazo na MNH na hatua hiyo itasaidia kupunguza mrundikano wa wagonjwa katika hospitali hizo.
Hata hivyo alisema kuwa suala hilo litasaidia kwa wagonjwa kupatiwa huduma bora kwa haraka zaidi kuliko kusubiri kusafirishwa katika mkoa mwingine kwa ajili ya matibabu.
Alisema bado kuna uhaba wa madaktari bingwa wa upasuaji wa vichwa ambapo kwa sasa serikali inawaanda wataalamu wengine kwa ajili ya kuziba pengo hilo.
“Kama mnavyoelewa suala la madaktari bingwa wa upasuaji wa vichwa wapo wachache kwa hapa nchini, nadhani hawazidi watano hivyo bado kunahitajika wataalamu wengine ambao kwa sasa wanaandaliwa,” alisema Nyoni.
Alisema kumekuwepo na ajali nyingi zitokanazo na vyombo vya barabarani ambazo zimekuwa zikitokea kwa uzembe wa madereva ambao hawafuati sheria.
Nyoni alisema kuwa zaidi ya watu 2800 hufariki dunia katika ajali za barabarani kila mwaka ambapo kwa siku ni watu sita hadi nane na anapokufa mtu mmoja zaidi ya watu10 hupata majeraha na wengine ulemavu.
Nyoni alisema serikali imeliangalia
suala hilo kwa upande wa watoto kutokana na kwamba idadi kubwa ya ajali zimekuwa zikiwaathiri watoto.
“Ajali nyingi zimekuwa ni za watoto na hivyo serikali imebidi kuangalia suala hilo kwa upande wa watoto kutokana na kwamba ni taifa la kesho hivyo tumeamua kufanya tahadhari mapema,” alisema.
Alisema changamoto inayoikabili serikali kwa sasa ni kutoa elimu kwa wananchi ili wajihadhari na ajal hizo.
Alisema madereva wa pikipiki wanaathirika zaidi kutokana na kuendesha bila kuvaa kofia.
Hata hivyo, alisema elimu hiyo pia itatolewa kwa wanafunzi ili wawe na uelewa wa jinsi ya kujikinga na ajali wakiwa wadogo.
Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa (MOI), Profesa Laurence Museru, alisema kwa sasa ajali zimeongezeka na kwamba nyingi zinatokana na usafiri wa pikipiki.
Kutoka Nipashe
Brazil kuisamehe Tanzania deni la bilioni 332/
Brazil imesema inatafakari kuisamehe Tanzania deni la Dola za Marekani milioni 240 (Sh. bilioni 332) ambalo serikali ilikopa mwaka 1980.
Hii Imeripotiwa kwenye gazeti la Nipashe. Baada ya kusoma mkopo wenyewe ulikuwa wa kiasi gani ulipotolewa nikabaki na swali moja, hayo madeni mangine yanafananaje? Hivi kweli umasikini utakwisha kama tunakopa shilingi kumi na kurudisha laki? Serekali inabidi iwe wazi kuhusu madeni mengine yanayoikabili nchi sio kutuburuza kwenye madeni ya mikopo ya kiwenda wazimu.
Hii Imeripotiwa kwenye gazeti la Nipashe. Baada ya kusoma mkopo wenyewe ulikuwa wa kiasi gani ulipotolewa nikabaki na swali moja, hayo madeni mangine yanafananaje? Hivi kweli umasikini utakwisha kama tunakopa shilingi kumi na kurudisha laki? Serekali inabidi iwe wazi kuhusu madeni mengine yanayoikabili nchi sio kutuburuza kwenye madeni ya mikopo ya kiwenda wazimu.
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