Alice Gross: Police Search Property Near Canal

Police investigating the disappearance of teenager Alice Gross are searching a second property in west London.

Scotland Yard say forensic officers are searching the house in Boston Manor Road, in Hanwell.

It comes as detectives confirmed they have found a mountain bike belonging to suspect Arnis Zalkalns.

Police have recovered the red Trek bicycle, but would not say when or where the discovery was made.

Alice went missing while walking along the Grand Union Canal

Detectives are looking for the 41-year-old Latvian builder who went missing a week after 14-year-old Alice disappeared on August 28.

Zalkalns was seen on CCTV footage cycling along a path by the Grand Union Canal where Alice went missing.

Detectives believe he is likely to have seen Alice as they were both going north along the canal towpath.

Zalkalns was jailed in his native country in the late 1990s for murdering his wife and burying her in a forest following a dispute about her sexuality.

Police have formally named Arnis Zalkalns as a suspect

Sky's Senior News Correspondent David Bowden said Zalkalns claimed at his trial in 1998 that he feared for the safety of their small child.

"He served seven or eight years - there is some discrepancy about that - and he came here in 2007," Bowden said.

It has also emerged Zalkalns was arrested in London on suspicion of indecent assault on a 14-year-old girl in 2009, but was never charged.

In recent days forensic police also searched Zalkalns' semi-detached house in Ealing where armed officers have been seen standing guard.

Police search the canal in west London

Zalkalns has not accessed his bank account or used his mobile phone since September 3, nor has he returned home to his partner and young child.

He is described as white, 5'10", of stocky build and with dark brown hair that he normally wears tied in a pony tail.

Zalkalns left his passport at home when he went missing two weeks ago.

Police said it was possible that someone is helping him by providing him with money or somewhere to stay, and warned he "clearly poses a risk to the public".

A reward of £20,000 is being offered to anyone who has information that helps detectives find Alice.

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man Drops New iPhone Seconds After Buying It

One of the first people in the world to get his hands on the new iPhone swiftly had his heart in his mouth… when he dropped it on the floor.

The man, who was identified by local media as Jack Cooksey, was at the front of the queue in Perth, Australia, to pick up an iPhone 6, which is priced at over £500 in the UK.

Television cameras focused in on him as he excitedly opened the box, but his happiness soon turned to panic as it crashed onto the floor.

The crowd around him groaned as he bent down to pick it up and check there were no cracks.

"All good," he said laughing.

Customers wait for their iPhones in the German capital, Berlin

He told Perth Now: "I dropped it in a panic to get it open.

"Luckily it's covered in plastic, so it's fine."

Apple fans in Australia were among the first to be able to buy an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus due to the time difference.

People in the UK and US can also buy the new models from Friday.

Hundreds of people queued outside the Apple store in Covent Garden and took part in a 10-second countdown before the doors opened at 8am.

The new models offer bigger screen sizes

Cheering fans were escorted into the shop by staff.

One of the first people to get his hands on the new iPhone in the UK said he felt "on top of the world" - and he wanted to celebrate by taking a selfie.

Jameel Ahmed, 26, and his friend Sam Sheikh, 27, originally from India and now living in London, were the first two fans through the doors.

Walking out of the shop, Mr Ahmed said he was "really excited", and added: "I'd like to open it and take my selfie."

The new iPhones are now on sale in 10 countries

Some eager fans began queuing outside the Apple store in Regent Street on Monday, with around 30 people setting up tents, tables and chairs.

The iPhone 6 offers a 4.7in screen, while the 6 Plus boasts the biggest screen Apple has ever produced for a smartphone - 5.5in.

Network operator EE has said it will ensure customers who pre-ordered the phones through Phones 4u, which went into administration last week, would still be able to buy them in its stores.

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Alex Salmond Quits After Scotland Votes No

Devo Max: What New Powers Can Scotland Have?

Updated: 4:18pm UK, Friday 19 September 2014

David Cameron has pledged new powers for Scotland that some have said amount to Devo Max. However, it's not quite as clear cut as that.

What is Devo Max?

Scottish Parliament basically gets power over everything - apart from defence and foreign affairs. Maximum devolution.

Is that on offer?

No it's not, although some say David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have come close to that.

What powers does Scotland already have?

It makes its own laws on health, education, law and order, environment, social services, housing, local government, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and some areas of transport. It can also raise or lower its income tax by 3p, but has not used this power.

What does Westminster have control of?

Defence, social security, immigration, benefits, foreign policy, employment, broadcasting, trade and industry, nuclear energy, oil, gas and electricity, consumer affairs and the constitution.

What powers will be given away in this quasi Devo Max deal?

It is not entirely clear. More power over setting income tax is definitely on the agenda, and control of housing benefits too. Holyrood is unlikely to get control over the oil take or corporation tax.

Under Gordon Brown's 12-point plan, giveaways include power over borrowing, job creation, social care and employment rights. The Scottish Parliament will also be confirmed as permanent, binding future governments to ensure its continued existence.

But what about England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Well, Mr Cameron has also promised more powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and to listen to the "millions of voices of England". He has promised to address the problem of "English votes for English laws" or the West Lothian question as it is also called. 

At the moment Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on matters that affect all of the UK but English MPs cannot vote on Scottish matters where powers have been devolved to Holyrood. 

With the promise of new powers for Scotland's Parliament, it has led to calls of "unfair" and for England to get more powers and the Prime Minister has said he will deliver. A sort of devolution revolution, if you will. 

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague is in charge of drawing up these plans but do expect that the Lib Dems and Labour will have rival versions. No cross-party consensus has been reached as with devolved powers for Scotland.

Make no mistake, it's a major shake-up - and yes, it will be an election issue.

So when is all this going to happen?

Gordon Brown has tabled a House of Commons debate over his planned 12-point power giveaway and the timetable for its delivery in mid-October.

There intention is that a new draft law to be drawn up by January 25 (Burns Night). Alex Salmond has agreed to talks to thrash out the details of these new powers but he will clearly be trying to get as close to delivering Devo Max as he can - having lost the battle for independence. It will not be passed until after the General Election in May but as there is a cross-party agreement theoretically, this should not provide a problem.

But the plans for England, Wales and Scotland do not have to work to the same timetable. They could be far more contentious as the parties are unlikely to agree on plans. Any English votes for English laws will put Labour at a distinct disadvantage as it effectively loses 40 MPs if its Scottish politicians are not included.

In addition, English MPs may be reluctant to allow new powers for Scotland to go through when they don't know "what's in it for them". 

In short, this could get messy and take a very long time.

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Queen: All Of UK Will Respect Scotland Vote

The Queen has said Scotland's vote to stay part of the UK was "a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect".

She said in a statement issued from Balmoral Castle, where she has been staying, that Britons share an "enduring love of Scotland".

The Queen said: "Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all."

She said the outcome of the referendum followed many "months of discussion, debate, and careful thought", adding: "It is a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect."

She went on: "For many in Scotland and elsewhere today, there will be strong feelings and contrasting emotions - among family, friends and neighbours.

"That, of course, is the nature of the robust democratic tradition we enjoy in this country. But I have no doubt that these emotions will be tempered by an understanding of the feelings of others."

The Queen pledged to help the country work constructively for the future.

"My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task," she said.

Her statement will be seen as part of the process of reconciliation following the heated debate by both sides during the referendum.

The Queen, who was at Balmoral when she learned the 307-year-old union will not be broken, maintains a neutral stance when it comes to politics.

The statement will have been timed to ensure all political leaders have already made their comments on the outcome.

Although the UK will remain intact, there are plans to give Scotland greater powers - and other parts of the Union.

More follows...

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

British Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Planes

British fighter jets have been scrambled to intercept two Russian planes flying through international airspace.

The Typhoon jets were sent to identify the planes, which turned out to be Russian military Bears.

A statement released by the RAF said the aircraft did not enter UK airspace.

A number of images were released by the RAF

The statement said the launch was the first time a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) had been issued from RAF Lossiemouth since the Moray base took on the role of defending the UK's northern airspace.

It was the first QRA issued at RAF Lossiemouth

RAF Lossiemouth's Station Commander, Group Captain Mark Chappell, said: "This first successful launch for QRA North has been what all of the hard work by RAF Leuchars and RAF Lossiemouth personnel over recent months has been for.

"The relocation of two Typhoon squadrons was a significant challenge, one that was met by our whole team.

"The many months of preparation and infrastructure improvements have made us absolutely ready for this launch, and shows we are in the best position to provide the service to the United Kingdom that the Royal Air Force was primarily created for - that is, the protection of our airspace."

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

First French Airstrikes On IS 'Kill Dozens'

France has destroyed an Islamic State (IS) logistics depot in its first airstrikes against the militant group in Iraq.

President Francois Hollande said Rafale fighter jets, accompanied by support planes, "entirely destroyed" the depot in the north of the country.

Iraq's military spokesman said four morning airstrikes killed dozens of fighters.

"Other operations will follow in the coming days with the same goal - to weaken this terrorist organisation and come to the aid of the Iraqi authorities," Mr Hollande said. "There are always risks in taking up a responsibility. I reduced the risks to a minimum."

A soldier prepares a jet before the strikes

Qassim al Moussawi, a spokesman for the Iraqi military, said four airstrikes hit the town of Zumar, killing dozens of extremist fighters.

Zumar and surrounding towns are heavily contested by IS fighters, even though Iraqi and Kurdish security forces have managed to make headway nearby with the support of US airstrikes.

France is the first foreign country to publicly add military muscle to American airstrikes against IS.

Mr Hollande has ruled out French troops on the ground.

US Central Command said on Thursday that the US military has conducted 176 airstrikes in Iraq since August 8.

On Wednesday, it hit a militant training camp southeast of Mosul and an ammunition stockpile southeast of Baghdad. It has also conducted a number of strikes this week in Iraq's Anbar province, near the strategic Haditha Dam.

Mr Hollande at the Elysee Palace before announcing the strikes

The French air attacks took place while US General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was in France for meetings with his counterpart, General Pierre de Villiers.

The two men visited an American military cemetery in Normandy.

Gen Dempsey, who was told of the attack by de Villiers, praised the French action.

"The French were our very first ally and they are there again for us," he told reporters travelling with him in Normandy. "It just reminds me why these relationships really matter."

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Leaders Demand Talks On 'Injured' UK's Future

Devo Max: What New Powers Can Scotland Have?

Updated: 4:18pm UK, Friday 19 September 2014

David Cameron has pledged new powers for Scotland that some have said amount to Devo Max. However, it's not quite as clear cut as that.

What is Devo Max?

Scottish Parliament basically gets power over everything - apart from defence and foreign affairs. Maximum devolution.

Is that on offer?

No it's not, although some say David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband have come close to that.

What powers does Scotland already have?

It makes its own laws on health, education, law and order, environment, social services, housing, local government, tourism, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and some areas of transport. It can also raise or lower its income tax by 3p, but has not used this power.

What does Westminster have control of?

Defence, social security, immigration, benefits, foreign policy, employment, broadcasting, trade and industry, nuclear energy, oil, gas and electricity, consumer affairs and the constitution.

What powers will be given away in this quasi Devo Max deal?

It is not entirely clear. More power over setting income tax is definitely on the agenda, and control of housing benefits too. Holyrood is unlikely to get control over the oil take or corporation tax.

Under Gordon Brown's 12-point plan, giveaways include power over borrowing, job creation, social care and employment rights. The Scottish Parliament will also be confirmed as permanent, binding future governments to ensure its continued existence.

But what about England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Well, Mr Cameron has also promised more powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and to listen to the "millions of voices of England". He has promised to address the problem of "English votes for English laws" or the West Lothian question as it is also called. 

At the moment Scotland's 59 MPs can vote on matters that affect all of the UK but English MPs cannot vote on Scottish matters where powers have been devolved to Holyrood. 

With the promise of new powers for Scotland's Parliament, it has led to calls of "unfair" and for England to get more powers and the Prime Minister has said he will deliver. A sort of devolution revolution, if you will. 

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague is in charge of drawing up these plans but do expect that the Lib Dems and Labour will have rival versions. No cross-party consensus has been reached as with devolved powers for Scotland.

Make no mistake, it's a major shake-up - and yes, it will be an election issue.

So when is all this going to happen?

Gordon Brown has tabled a House of Commons debate over his planned 12-point power giveaway and the timetable for its delivery in mid-October.

There intention is that a new draft law to be drawn up by January 25 (Burns Night). Alex Salmond has agreed to talks to thrash out the details of these new powers but he will clearly be trying to get as close to delivering Devo Max as he can - having lost the battle for independence. It will not be passed until after the General Election in May but as there is a cross-party agreement theoretically, this should not provide a problem.

But the plans for England, Wales and Scotland do not have to work to the same timetable. They could be far more contentious as the parties are unlikely to agree on plans. Any English votes for English laws will put Labour at a distinct disadvantage as it effectively loses 40 MPs if its Scottish politicians are not included.

In addition, English MPs may be reluctant to allow new powers for Scotland to go through when they don't know "what's in it for them". 

In short, this could get messy and take a very long time.

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rotherham Children's Services Boss Steps Down

Joyce Thacker is leaving her job as director of children's services for Rotherham Council after weeks of criticism.

The local authority says she is leaving "by mutual agreement, with immediate effect".

It comes following a report that detailed how at least 1,400 children had been subjected to sexual abuse in the town.

Mrs Thacker, who was the deputy director of children's services before she headed the department from 2008, has been at the centre of the controversy sparked by the Jay Report.

The document highlighted the widespread exploitation of children in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

She was questioned earlier this month by MPs on the Commons Home Affairs committee, who called for her to step down from her post.

Rotherham Council confirmed yesterday that Mrs Thacker had been on sick leave since Monday.Keith Vaz, the chairman of the Home Affairs committee.

Shaun Wright also stepped down after coming under sustained pressure

Mrs Thacker's is the latest in a series of resignations in  the wake of the damning report.

Council leader Roger Stone was the only person to step down immediately after it was published.

As the pressure mounted, council chief executive Martin Kimber also quit, followed by the South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner (PCC), Shaun Wright.

Mr Wright, who was the councillor responsible for children's services in Rotherham between 2005 and 2010, resisted widespread calls for him to go for three weeks before he resigned earlier this week.

He will be replaced by the winner of a PCC by-election scheduled for October 30.

Last week, Ms Thacker told Mr Vaz's committee that she had given a "lot of thought" to resigning but insisted she had "worked hard" to improve services in Rotherham.

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Monster' Doctor Jailed For Drowning Wife

A Utah doctor and former bishop who drowned his wife in a bathtub so he could begin a new life with his mistress has been sentenced to 17 years to life.

Prosecutors said Martin MacNeill, 58, gave drugs to his wife, Michele MacNeill, after she had cosmetic surgery, which he had pressured her into.

The father-of-eight helped the 50-year-old former local beauty queen into the tub before holding her head underwater.

"My father is a monster!" his daughter Alexis told Friday's hearing.

"He has never shown any remorse for his crimes."

A family photo of Michele and Martin MacNeill

A prosecutor told the trial "it was an almost perfect murder", and that the doctor had given his wife drugs he knew would be difficult to detect once she was dead.

The murderer's mistress, Gypsy Willis, testified that she had a 15-month affair with the doctor at the time of Mrs MacNeill's death.

She said she was hired as a nanny and MacNeill proposed marriage shortly after his wife's death.

But Ms Willis said she ended the affair years ago and did not know anything about the death.

The case captured national attention because MacNeill was a wealthy doctor with a law degree, a picture-perfect family and a former bishop.

The crime shocked the Mormon community of Pleasant Grove, just south of Salt Lake City.

Before he was charged with murder in 2012, he served time in a federal prison in Texas on fraud charges.

He also served time for using the identity of one of his adopted daughters to escape a debt-heavy history.

His only son committed suicide in January 2010.

MacNeill was medical director of the Utah State Development Center, a residential centre for people with cognitive disorders.

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

'At Least Two Attackers' In Thai Beach Killings

More than one weapon may have been used in the double murder of Britons Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, according to police in Thailand.

Only Ms Witheridge's blood was found on a garden hoe at the scene of the attack on a beach on the island of Koh Tao.

Now investigators are scouring the area for the blunt metal object used on Mr Miller, 24.

They are also examining CCTV footage which shows Mr Miller heading towards his hotel alone a few hours before he was killed.

A police diver searches for clues on the beach where the pair were killed

Post-mortem examinations revealed Ms Witheridge, 23, from Great Yarmouth, died from head wounds while Mr Miller, from Jersey, died from severe blows to the head and drowning.

DNA testing on a cigarette butt had earlier been matched to semen found on Ms Witheridge's body, and officers say they have established that more than one person had smoked the cigarette.

Maj Gen Apichal Tiamataya told the Phuket Gazette: "From the available evidence, we believe there were more than two attackers.

David Miller (L) and Hannah Witheridge (R) were murdered on Monday morning

"I am well aware that the murders have affected Thailand's reputation and travellers' confidence. I'm asking for more time as I want to work on a step-by-step basis."

The cigarettes found metres away from the Britons' bodies appear to be the focus of the investigation.

They have been identified as a little-known brand apparently smoked by migrant workers in the region.

Meanwhile, two British brothers who were questioned by police have been told they are free to return home, police have confirmed.

Christopher Ware is questioned by Thai police

Christopher and James Ware, childhood friends of Mr Miller who had been speaking with officers but were never detained or declared to be suspects, were told they can fly back to Jersey.

A group of Burmese migrants who were interviewed by police after bloodstains found on their clothes have also been eliminated from inquiries.

No matches were found between them and DNA found on Ms Witheridge and the cigarette butt.

Police say they are still looking for three Westerners who were seen playing a guitar near the scene on Koh Tao's main Sairee beach.

The people of Koh Tao have sent their condolences to the Britons' families

The family of Ms Witheridge arrived in Thailand on Thursday and had an emotional meeting with Thailand's deputy police chief, in which they were given updates on the investigation into her death.

The bodies of the two Britons have been moved from a forensic hospital in Bangkok and arrangements are being made by the Thai foreign ministry for them to be repatriated, according to reports.

Despite the slow start to the investigation, Lt Gen Panya Mamen insisted he was confident the attackers will be brought to justice.

"There is a lot of evidential information that we cannot reveal to the media right now," he told the Phuket Gazette, while confirming the police search was being expanded to islands surrounding Koh Tao.

On Friday officers carried out a two-hour reconstruction on Sairee beach.

00.48 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thai Police Question Brothers Over Beach Murders

Two British brothers are being questioned over the murders of two backpackers in Thailand as tests revealed more about how the victims died.

Chris Ware and his brother James, from Jersey, have been asked to remain in Thailand as experts wait for the results of DNA tests.

The semi-naked bodies of David Miller, 24, and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge were discovered on a beach on the island of Koh Tao on Monday.

According to reports, Chris and James Ware shared a room with Mr Miller, who also came from Jersey.

Chris Ware being interviewed by Thai police

A spokesman for the Royal Thai Police said 11 Burmese migrants have been questioned over the deaths, after blood stains were found on some of their clothes.

Police Colonel Kissana said: "We also have two British suspects but they have not been detained. We cannot rule them out. They were close friends and knew all about the victims."

Mr Kissana added that police had discovered forensic evidence suggesting Miss Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, might have been raped.

Police investigating the killings

Officers are also looking at the possibility that the two victims were having sex on the beach shortly before their deaths, considered a taboo in the deeply religious country, he said.

It has been revealed Mr Miller died from drowning and a blow to the head, while Miss Witheridge died from head wounds. 

Pornchai Sutheerakune, head of the Thai Institute of Forensic Medicine, said Mr Miller also had wounds on his hand, indicating a struggle had taken place.

Koh Tao is one of Thailand's most popular backpacker islands

Sky's Jonathan Samuels, on Koh Tao, said Chris Ware has been spoken to by police after he booked into a hotel at Bangkok airport.

It is the second time he has been questioned. He was initially quizzed in the hours after the murders by officers concerned about an injury to his arm.

Samuels said James Ware had also spoken to police.

Police say there had been a beach party just before the murders

The bodies of Mr Miller and Miss Witheridge were discovered early on Monday morning. A bloodstained garden hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby.

More than 70 Thai police have been questioning migrant workers and tourists on the island, visiting hotels, bars, homes and businesses in the search for the killer.

Police say they are keen to trace an Asian man captured on grainy CCTV footage near the scene of the murders.

The man of Asian appearance caught on CCTV

He is seen running past the security camera at 3.44am and is seen again an hour later walking down the same street.

In another image, Mr Miller and Miss Witheridge are shown walking hand-in-hand after leaving a bar at around 1am. It was taken hours before they were found dead on Sairee beach.

Sky's Tom Parmenter, on Jersey, says police there are assisting the mother of Chris and James Ware.

Police outside the Ware family home on Jersey

He said officers are working to ensure Barbara Ware is kept up to date with investigation, but she did not want to comment at this stage.

Parmenter said someone claiming to be a friend of the Ware brothers had written about them on a Thai travel message board.

"I grew up with Chris and Dave and know them both very well, and I'm totally shocked to what has happened," the post read.

"He (Chris) has known Dave since 4 years old at primary school in Jersey, they are like brothers."

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fireball Was Russian Spy Satellite, Experts Say

Military experts believe a mystery object spotted streaking across the sky over the US was a Russian spy satellite.

More than three dozen witnesses reported seeing a bright object that broke apart into three "rocks" with glowing red and orange streaks as it moved northward over the Rocky Mountains on September 2.

Russia has denied claims that the fireball spotted at 10.30pm was a piece of the Cosmos 2495 satellite, which was designed to shoot reconnaissance photos and send them back to Earth in capsules. 

But Mike Hankey from the American Meteor Society said a meteor would have burned up too quickly to be seen over such a large area, while fragments from the unidentified object were big enough to show up as a weather event on radar east of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Charles Vick, an aerospace analyst with military information website Globalsecurity.org agreed that the object was probably a piece of the Russian satellite, which was launched in May.

The mystery fireball was spotted blazing across the Rockies

Globalsecurity.org's director John Pike said Russia continues to spy on similar targets to those it focused on during the Cold War.

"Deployed hardware, airplanes, ships, tanks, factories, new intelligence facilities, all that stuff," he said.

"They're looking for the same things that our spy satellites are looking for."

The US Strategic Command, responsible for American nuclear war fighting forces, confirmed that Cosmos 2495 re-entered the atmosphere and was removed from the US satellite catalogue on September 3. 

Russia's defence ministry denied the claims and said its military satellites had been operating normally.

A spokesman said: "One can only guess about the condition representatives of the so-called American Meteor Society were in when they identified a luminescent phenomenon high up in the sky as a Russian military satellite." 

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wearing A 'No' T-Shirt In Scotland's 'Yes City'

How Facebook Shaped The Referendum

Updated: 8:27am UK, Tuesday 16 September 2014

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

It's Facebook 'wot might win it.

Sure, the August poll surge in support for independence was down, in part, to traditional campaigning. Meetings and megaphones have thrust the Yes campaign "in yer face" over years leading up to Thursday.

But why, according to the opinion polls, did it all seem to come together in the space of a few weeks? Why, suddenly, the knife-edge?

In the word of a senior Yes strategist: Facebook.

I chatted to him as the Alex Salmond Labour Heartland tour rolled up at its latest venue, playing to the target market through the TV cameras. It was a big, well-attended, photo-call - the staple diet of the political campaign.

As the strategist stood back from the madding crowd, he told me that the magic formula didn't lie in the blood and snotters of a mass media scrum, but in the quiet exploitation of social media. Facebook, in particular.

The challenge for supporters of Scottish independence, historically, has been in turning it from a fringe notion into something people allow themselves to contemplate. Check their election success at the Scottish Parliament to see the considerable style with which that's been accomplished.

Scots have taken the hop and a step. Why, now, might they be shaping to take the jump? 

The Yes strategist pinned it on Facebook.

"Ask yourself," he said, to paraphrase him, "if a parent wants to check on their youngster who's on a night out, what do they do?  They don't phone them, because they probably won't answer.

"They might text ... but, invariably, they'll Facebook them. And when they do, dozens or hundreds of their friends will see it. It's a chat network that plugs people into the other people they value. There are no better opinion-formers for someone than the friends and family they like and trust.

"So, as a campaigning tool, it's been very effective. We encourage Yes supporters to spread the word to their Facebook friends and, over time, you build a network around people that builds a political case.

"Facebook is more effective than Twitter. You put something on Twitter and you reach people within the political bubble. With Facebook, you tap into a far bigger community."

So why the spike in support for Yes after polls that had No with a consistent and strong lead over the course of a two and a half year campaign?

"People just didn't turn their mind to the referendum until it actually came round. It's been in the far distance for most of the campaign but, now that people realise they're getting to decision time, large numbers are now weighing up the arguments ... and they're deciding having had their views on independence softened by Facebook friends."

There were more than 10 million referendum-related interactions on Facebook in the five weeks to September 8 - 85% of which was from Scotland.

He said he reckoned the Yes campaign had been four or five times more active than their opponents on Facebook and pointed out a Facebook chat with Scotland's pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond attracted around 5,000 questions.

Data suggests the Yes campaign is slightly in the lead with 2.05 interactions in Scotland compared to 1.96 million for the no campaign.

The strategist said the campaigning beauty of social media was that it eliminated the need to rely on mainstream media coverage, that the likes of Facebook cut out the middle man and enabled them to reach out to the voter directly.

Just how many the campaign has touched and what effect it has had, we'll find out soon enough.

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sky Poll: Scots Unclear Over No Vote Powers

PM May Regret 'Double Or Quits' Scot Gamble

Updated: 7:06am UK, Wednesday 17 September 2014

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

If David Cameron has any regrets on the eve of the final day of campaigning in the Scottish referendum, one might centre on the terms he negotiated for this historic vote.

After all, polls suggest that the largest group of Scots did not want to choose "Yes" or "No". Instead, they would have been happy with a third option, so-called "Devo-Max".

But the Prime Minister, not keen on handing over more devolution, decided to play double or quits.

He made the contest a straight choice - presumably confident that it would result in the outcome that he wanted.

Now there is a chance that his gamble may not pay off.

What no one expected months ago, when the No campaign had a 22-point lead, was a race that would be described in its final days as being on a knife-edge.

But that is what Mr Cameron is now faced with.

And it explains why he, along with Labour leader Ed Miliband, and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, have put a big new offer on the table for Scottish voters.

An offer that devolves more powers to the country, and is being received by many of its newspapers as the "Devo-Max" the Prime Minister originally rejected.

The Daily Record, for example, says the choice is now between a "No" vote that means Scotland and the UK are changed forever, or a "Yes" vote that ends Britain.

Offering that new choice leaves Mr Cameron facing a potential backlash in England among MPs who feel his promise gives their constituents an unfair deal.

He did it because the stakes are high, with the Prime Minister's job under threat if he loses this vote.

That is why on Monday, instead of bowing to calls to recall Parliament to discuss the murder of a British hostage in the Middle East, he travelled to Aberdeen to love-bomb Scotland.

Mr Cameron said he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was divided, telling Scots he knew they did not like him but he would not be around forever.

But if the stakes are high for the Conservative leader, they are arguably higher for his Labour counterpart, who faces losing dozens of MPs and the hope of future majorities.

That is why Ed Miliband will be north of the border from now until after the vote.

As for Mr Clegg, an independent Scotland would lose him one fifth of his Parliamentary party.

Yet their challenge remains a steep one - a Yes campaign that has energy and momentum, and which has already persuaded a large proportion of Scots to change their mind.

Alex Salmond enters these final 24 hours with his life-long dream of independence in touching distance.

And remember, no one expected it to be this close.

If he just misses out, he will still be able to argue that his campaign pushed the opposition into placing on offer on the table with many more powers for the Scottish people.

With one day to go, Mr Salmond is, arguably, facing a win-win situation.

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Young People Divided On Scottish Independence

Sky News' infamous travelling office sofa has toured the length and breadth of Scotland in the run-up to this week's Scottish referendum.

At a stop-off in Gretna Green, young people had a chance to have their say.

Sky News brought together students from either side of the border to hear their opinions on the independence debate.

The encounter showed it is not just geography that divides them - they are also split when it comes to their views.

Thursday's decision is a big one for young people in Scotland, as it marks the first time 16 and 17-year-olds have been able to vote.

Four in five under-18s (81%) have registered to cast their vote in the Scottish referendum and the issue of independence is a prominent topic on Sky's Stand Up Be Counted website - a new platform for young people aged 16-25 to have their say on subjects that matter to them.

On the sofa, students from Grange School in Cheshire and Grange Academy in East Ayrshire shared their views.

One said: "I think the referendum's only come about because of the current economic situation and I worry that when the situation improves, Scotland (would) regret moving away from the UK."

"I think there would be a general distaste between (England and Scotland) if we did go to independence," said another.

A third student added: "It's easier to say all the things that could go right than to say all the things that can be better if we did stay together because, if it could be so much better, why aren't they now?"

Highlighting the importance of the 16 and 17-year-old vote in her Stand Up Be Counted post, user FLHashemi9 said: "This is the minority which has the potential to determine the outcome of the Scottish referendum."

User MMT39, who describes himself as "very much on the Yes campaign", added: "There's been a lot of talk of voter apathy ... I think Scotland's pretty much thrown that myth right into the fire and smashed it to bits.

"People will vote as long as there's something worth fighting and worth voting for."

Young people can have their say on the Scottish referendum or any other topics by uploading blog posts or short videos to the Stand Up Be Counted website.

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Apple iOS 8 Available Ahead Of iPhone Release

Critics 'Blown Away' By Apple Watch Launch

Updated: 9:51pm UK, Tuesday 09 September 2014

Most of the post-launch reaction focused on the launch of the Apple Watch, a new product category for the California company.

TechCrunch writer John Biggs said: "First, as a watch lover, I'm blown away.

"Apple has gone above and beyond the job in terms of materials and design and, more important, the interface. Here's everything we know about the new Apple Watch."

Mashable listed "11 things the Apple Watch looks like" - including "your dad's favourite belt", a slap bracelet, a Casio data bank and a yoga mat.

Rob Hodges from mobile site Mobiles.co.uk said: "Taking the mobile industry by storm, wearable tech will be a future focus for all major smartphone manufacturers and Apple is clearly staking their claim with the Apple Watch.

"With the iPhone 6 offering Touch ID, NFC payments and an improved Wi-Fi chip, this could be the next revolutionary area for the company."

Cnet wrote: "Several mobile companies have already released or announced their own smart watches.

"However, those devices have struggled to catch on with mainstream consumers. Part of the reason for that is a killer app for the category has failed to emerge. It also hasn't helped that the world has been waiting to see what Apple would bring to market."

Actor Stephen Fry, who was at the launch, wrote on Twitter: "Complete standing ovation for the Apple watch - looks utterly stunning - I'm worse than drooling."

Meanwhile Stuff.TV focused on the two new iPhone models, saying: "If Apple can pull of NFC payments (as nobody has managed yet) health and fitness tracking (as nobody has managed yet) and seamless integration of its phones, tablets, laptops and computers then the iPhone 6 will be a formidable device to compete with."

On the Sky News Facebook page, opinion was split.

Nathan Mass said: "Apple offers devices with an unbeatable premium build quality and for that reason alone, I will always be an apple fan."

But Zara Le Brocq said: "Stick to my trusty Samsung. Now Apple fans can stop with the 'android phones are stupidly big' comments."

Bethwell Dube added: "iPhone has gone backwards."

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Men Arrested After Falling From Lorry On M6

Three men have been arrested on the M6 after a witness described seeing them fall from underneath a lorry.

They were found walking along the hard shoulder near junction 8 of the northbound carriageway, close to Walsall, just before 9.15am.

Police believe the men - two 33-year-olds and a 27-year-old - are from Africa and may have hidden on the lorry travelling from Calais.

Sergeant Ian Williams, from the Central Motorway Police Group, said: "It appears that these men may have risked their lives trying to get into the country and a passing motorist reported seeing them fall from underneath a lorry and then making their way to the central reservation."

The men are in custody at a local police station and the case is being handed to the UK Border Force.

Earlier this month the mayor of Calais threatened to shut the port after 100 migrants tried to storm their way onto a ferry to Britain.

Ramps to the ferries had to be raised to prevent the men boarding the ships.

British truckers who use the port say they are subject to regular attacks from migrants desperate to make their way to the UK.

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Obama Again Rules Out Iraq Combat Role For US

President Barack Obama has made clear once more there will be no US combat troops in Iraq, a day after his top general raised that very possibility.

Mr Obama spoke after receiving an update from military chiefs at US Central Command in Tampa, Florida, about the US campaign of airstrikes against the Islamic State militants.

"The American forces that have been deployed to Iraq do not and will not have a combat mission," he told troops at MacDill Air Force Base.

"They will support Iraqi forces on the ground as they fight for their own country against these terrorists.

President Obama and US Central Command chief, General Lloyd Austin

"As your commander in chief, I will not commit you and the rest of our armed forces to fighting another ground war in Iraq."

Army General Martin Dempsey told Congress on Tuesday he might recommend to the president that US troops fight alongside Iraqi forces if the current strategy of airstrikes failed to break the Islamic State forces.

Since last month, the US has conducted more than 160 airstrikes to weaken the extremists.

Mr Obama plans to rely on US air power as well as Iraqi and Kurdish forces and the Syrian opposition to carry out the fight on the ground.

Shia fighters, who have joined the battle against IS, train in Najaf

Congress is preparing to vote on his request for authority to equip and train those Syrian rebels judged by the administration to be moderates.

Iraq's new prime minister said on Wednesday that foreign ground troops were neither necessary nor wanted in his country's fight against the Islamic State group.

Haider al Abadi, who took office this month, said such a deployment "is out of the question".

Kurdish peshmerga troops participate in a security deployment against IS

"Not only is it not necessary," he said, "We don't want them. We won't allow them. Full stop."

However, Gen Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said that half of Iraq's army is incapable of working with the US to recapture territory from Islamic State.

Only 26 of 50 Iraqi army brigades were capable partners for the US, he said, as he flew to Paris for a meeting with his French counterpart.

The others were too dominated by Shias to be part of a credible national force, he added.

Islamic State fighters have seized large parts of Iraq and Syria

Meanwhile, the Islamic State has released a video warning the US that fighters await it in Iraq if troops are sent there.

The 52-second clip, entitled Flames of War, shows fighters destroying tanks, wounded US soldiers and others about to be killed.

It ends with a text overlay that reads "fighting has just begun".

The CIA estimates the Sunni militant group has somewhere between 20,000 and 31,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria.

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-NHS Nurse Tests Experimental Ebola Vaccine

Staying Safe Inside Liberia's Ebola Zone

Updated: 1:04pm UK, Wednesday 02 July 2014

By Alex Crawford, Special Correspondent, in Liberia

Priority number one: Do not spread the Ebola disease. Priority number two: Do not catch it.

With these twin priorities in mind, cameraman Dave Rees and I set off for the north of Liberia.

We were going to the epicentre of the world's most serious outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus to try to find out more about it and the efforts being done to combat its spread.

We took a case-load of protective gear provided by Sky News. It was mostly waterproof all-in-one outfits with goggles and plastic gloves - all easily disposable once used.

Ebola is spread by infected people or animals - through close contact with infected blood and other bodily fluids such as sweat and tears.

There's also a possibility of contracting the virus through indirect contact - by touching infected clothes or furniture for instance, or even eating infected food.

It was imperative that we remained on high alert for the entire time we were in the infected zone - a period of about four days.

Dave also took a plastic covering for the camera so he can still film. But we were prepared to destroy the camera too if needs be.

We also had the usual anti-mosquito sprays, anti-malaria tablets, dehydration tablets as well as some of our own food provisions plus sleeping bags and camping equipment.

The north of Liberia is under-developed with poor infrastructure and few resources in a country which is one of the poorest in the world.

The road journey to the north from the Liberian capital Monrovia took nine hours on mostly unmarked, unpaved roads. It was a bone-jangling experience travelling to Foya, right on the northern tip of Liberia and very close to the border with Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Our first sight of the infection wards was a large blue tented area. The medics have tried to rename it as a treatment centre but few seem to have bought into the new name.

Once anyone is diagnosed or even suspected of having Ebola, they are immediately segregated and taken there, where few others want to enter.

Those who do, underwent a series of stringent disinfecting procedures to ensure they did not catch the virus or leave with it to spread it further among the outside population.

The soles of our shoes were sprayed with disinfectant and we were ordered to wash our hands with chlorine. I inadvertently touched the wooden post marking the entrance and am told to re-wash my hands.

Once inside, nurse Adeyemi Babatunde took care of us, leading us first into the low-risk area where we were kitted up. Dave had already encased the camera in a sealed plastic container.

The first thing we were asked to do is put on gloves, then we slipped on scrubs before we all start putting on the PPE (personal protection equipment).

The medical team provided us with their equipment so our Sky-provided gear was untouched.

We put on rubber boots, then climbed into all-in-one waterproof outfits. The temperature was 37C inside the tent and with the all-in-one plastic outfit on I could feel my body temperature climbing fast.

Next was the mouth guard followed by a huge hood which had panels covering my neck and front. We put visors on top, a second pair of thicker gloves and by this time, I could barely breathe.

"Breathe through your mouth," I was told. "Don't touch anything when you are inside," Nurse Adeyemi said.

"If you feel uncomfortable then leave quickly without touching anything."

The final piece of clothing was a huge plastic apron which reaches from just below my neck and hangs right down my body to just above my ankles. The whole process has taken a good three-quarters of an hour.

Nurse Adeyemi guided us through a series of marked lanes inside the body of the tent.

"The infection ward is separated into two areas," he explained.

"Those who are suspected of having Ebola, and those who are confirmed. We only ever pass from the suspected area to the confirmed - never back the other way. After the confirmed area, the only route is out."

With all the plastic and rubber on us, we were crinkling with every step and sweating profusely by this time. The nurses have to kit themselves out in this gear every time they enter the infected area.

On leaving there was a laborious series of disinfecting steps to take to ensure outside remains virus-free - including the burning of all the kit, gloves and all-in-one outfits.

They kept the rubber boots and plastic aprons only after dunking them in several buckets of disinfectant. The work is both dangerous and difficult and the workers risk their lives every time they enter the infected zone.

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brown Urges Scottish 'Patriots' To Vote 'No'

Gordon Brown has issued a final rallying cry for the No campaign, urging voters to tell nationalists to keep their hands off Scotland because "it belongs to all of us".

In what political commentators were calling the "speech of his life", Mr Brown set out a "patriotic vision" for the future as both sides attempted to sway undecided voters with just a day to go before going to the polls.

At a rally in Glasgow, Mr Brown said the No campaign was "proud of our Scottish identity, proud of our distinctive Scottish institutions, proud of our Scottish parliament, which we, not the Scottish National Party, created".

"Our patriotic vision is up against a nationalist vision that only has one aim in mind - to break up every single constitutional and political link with our friends and neighbours," he said.

Both sides have been out in force with the race effectively neck-and-neck as it moved into its final hours.

The latest poll by Ipsos Mori suggests 51% of people will vote No, while 49% will vote Yes in Friday's vote.

Gordon Brown addresses a Better Together rally in Glasgow

But there are a huge number of undecided voters and with turn-out expected to be as high as 90% - swaying the "don't knows" is key.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond is expected to make his final case for independence in a speech in Perth this evening.

Both teams have had supporters out campaigning overnight.

The campaigns reach the endgame

There have been allegations of intimidation on the final day of campaigning, with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg saying he had heard of "some pretty nasty incidents and some pretty extraordinary things said".

Alistair Darling, who has led the No campaign, said some of the "nastiness going on in this campaign, is to suggest that somehow you can only be Scottish if you support Alex Salmond".

David Cameron said he has been "disturbed" by some of the claims of intimidation.

Ed Miliband was jostled in Edinburgh

On Tuesday, Ed Miliband had to cut short a visit to a shopping centre in Edinburgh after he was jostled by Yes campaign supporters. He had been expected to attend the Glasgow rally but it was confirmed on Wednesday morning he would not.

But Mr Salmond has rejected claims of campaign intimidation. Sky's Adam Boulton said: "Alex Salmond said to me last night that there were some nutters on all sides although he condemned what had gone on.

"I think most impartial observers would say on the Yes side it has been very boisterous and very loud, that some people have seen that sort of behaviour as intimidating and I certainly think there are quite a lot of shy No voters out there who don't want to say publicly how they will vote."

Alex Salmond with Adam Boulton

Speaking on his LBC radio show, Mr Clegg said: "Scotland will need to rediscover its sense of community and togetherness and solidarity where people who are divided in their opinions on this referendum need to work together, live together, live side by side together after tomorrow.

"It's very important that things are not said and done now which will make that... community-wide need to... live and work together harder later."

The police have said it has been a peaceful campaign, however, there are fears that with a number of pubs due to stay open during the night on Thursday, there could be some outbreaks.

In other developments:

:: A poll for Sky News shows that 61% of Scots are unclear about what the new powers the three main party leaders have promised actually are

:: There is growing anger among English MPs over the powers being given away to Scotland and calls for an English parliament

:: Mr Cameron says he will not resign if there is a Yes vote - a verdict on his performance will come at the General Election

:: Millions of pounds have been moved to Scotland amid fears of a run on the banks in the event of a Yes vote

:: Bill Clinton has urged the country to vote to stay in the UK

:: After the apparently prophetic cloud which looked like the UK with no Scotland a piece of battered chicken has emerged from a KFC bucket in the same shape

00.27 | 0 komentar | Read More