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2013-10-28T13:48:00.002-07:00

Year in Review 2012: Scientists discover the 'God Particle'

2012-12-25T04:48:00.001-08:00

Year in Review 2012: Scientists discover the 'God Particle'

The Higgs boson particle - or 'God particle' as it was known in the media - was observed in July, in one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of recent years.

Scientists had been chasing the Higgs boson, nicknamed the 'God particle' for more than four decades

Biggest movie flops of 2012

2012-12-25T04:41:00.000-08:00

This year’s box office losers, from John Carter to Battleship

2012 is pretty much done and dusted - a year when Bond, Batman and friends came, saw and conquered the box-office. It's time we turn our attention to the year's biggest losers; the movies that performed gigantic bellyflops into empty cinemas.

With Hollywood's accounting even sketchier than that of our own bankers, it's tough to determine just how much money a film has lost, but the big-budget films almost always double their production budget with advertising costs: think ailing salesmen forking out on flash new cars to convince you they're not flat broke. It's far from an exact science, but we've calculated the year's biggest bombs. Take cover.

Boxing - Cunningham's biggest fight is outside ring

2012-12-21T07:13:00.005-08:00

Steve Cunningham is fighting for boxing relevancy while his daughter continues to fight for her life.

The worst pain a parent can feel is losing a child. The heartache never truly leaves; it just recedes into the background.

Steve Cunningham is a boxer, and a God-fearing man whose faith helped him endure a month at sea in the Persian Gulf while serving in the Navy. He's used to being hit in his midsection, but the gut shot he received while sitting next to his wife, Livvy, in a doctor's office was worse than any blow he's ever taken in a boxing match.

Just three days after beating Kelvin Davis, Cunningham was at his wife's side as she gave birth to their daughter, Kennedy.

Kennedy would be the couple's second child, following Steve Jr. When he flew home to Philadelphia from Cleveland after the win over Davis, all Cunningham could think of was Kennedy's impending arrival.

He couldn't wait to hold her in his arms, to caress her, to tell her how much he loved her.

It would be a painful meeting.

Kennedy Cunningham was born on September 6, 2005, with a congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome that affects one in every 4,300 children born in the US each year. In simplest terms, the left side of the child's heart is undeveloped.

When Cunningham and Livvy had gone for an ultrasound months earlier to learn the gender of their second child, they'd learned the bad news.

Formula 1 - Suzi Perry named BBC's F1 presenter

2012-12-21T07:11:00.001-08:00

he BBC has announced that former MotoGP presenter Suzi Perry will front its Formula 1 programme next year.

Perry presented the BBC's MotoGP coverage for a decade and is delighted at being given the opportunity to replace Jake Humphrey, who is switching his focus to football.

Speaking about her new job, Perry said: "Motorsport is my life and I've really missed being away from the grid. I am so excited to be joining the BBC.

"Working alongside such an eminent team and the F1 world is a huge honour and I can't wait to get started."

The BBC has also confirmed the 10 races that it will be showing live next year.

They are China, Spain, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Italy, Japan, India and Brazil - plus whichever race is slotted in to the July 21 gap.

It means the BBC will not show live the opening two races of the season in Australia and Malaysia, nor the blue riband event in Monaco.

Premier League - Sterling signs long-term deal with Liverpool

2012-12-21T07:08:00.003-08:00

Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract.

The 18-year-old, who has become a regular in coach Brendan Rodgers’s side this season, penned the extended and improved deal on Friday afternoon.

"It's every 18-year-old's dream. I'm just really grateful to be at such a big club like this,” Sterling told the club’s website.

"There's a lot more to be done. I haven't begun yet, as the manager has said. Hopefully I can kick on after the New Year and try to do my best for the team and the football club."

Sterling, who joined the club’s academy from QPR in February 2010, has racked up 25 first-team appearances already this season and became the club’s youngest ever international player when he started for England against Sweden.

Managing director Ian Ayre said: "This is another positive step forward for the football club in securing the long-term future of one of the country's brightest young talents.

"The negotiations were very positive and both parties acted in a very responsible way to reach an outcome that benefits both Raheem and Liverpool FC.

"Since the summer, Luis Suarez, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Jonjo Shelvey and Suso have all signed new long-term contracts and it's a clear indication of our intent to keep the players we believe are crucial to bringing success on the pitch.

"It also shows the belief the players have in the vision and leadership of Brendan Rodgers and everyone at this football club."

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2012-12-20T13:20:00.004-08:00

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2012-12-20T03:41:00.000-08:00

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Can Arsenal afford to lose Theo Walcott in January?

2012-12-19T08:46:00.001-08:00

Can Arsenal afford to lose Theo Walcott in January?

The contract deadlock that currently separates Theo Walcott from a long-term Arsenal future may have made a small but significant move towards resolution amid Arsene Wenger's so-called "super crisis".

Walcott's reluctance to sign a new contract does not merely revolve around a desire to see Arsenal increase the £75,000-a-week reportedly on offer - he wants assurances about regular action as a central striker.

Gunners' boss Wenger has found it easy to resist this temptation, falling instead for the allure of using the 23-year-old England attacker's burning pace on the flanks rather than through the middle.

This was until Wenger sifted through the wreckage of the Capital One Cup embarrassment at League Two Bradford City and prepared, amid an avalanche of justifiable criticism, to start on the road to rehabilitation at Reading.

Wenger decided, based on the evidence of training sessions, to grant Walcott at least one of the wishes he wants to see fulfilled before ignoring the attentions of Liverpool, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs and extending his stay at Arsenal.

Walcott was unleashed through the middle and produced a powerful case for Wenger to examine by playing a pivotal role in anemphatic 5-2 victory that moved Arsenal up to fifth in the Premier League.

Wenger light-heartedly referred to Arsenal's "super crisis" - although he did not need prompting to describe their plight as "a crisis" - and the performance of Walcott suggested he will be of great service to his manager should he wish to improve the team's condition further.

Arsenal still had an unmistakeable air of vulnerability at the back, not least when switching off from a rout to allow Reading to pull back two goals at 4-0, but Walcott led a potent strike force.

He terrorised Reading's defence, a defence which did not take much terrorising, with sheer speed. But he also demonstrated composure to score Arsenal's fifth and ease a few frayed nerves which had even Wenger admitting: "At 4-2 I saw your headlines coming."

Santi Cazorla was the main man with a hat-trick but a front three of Lukas Podolski on the left, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right and Walcott as the spearhead looked threatening enough, even though all praise must be framed in the context of a thoroughly incompetent Reading defensive display.

This was one half of Walcott's wish list ticked off for now and the bigger question for Arsenal is can they seriously allow a young, developing talent like this to join the long list of departures from the club?

If Wenger is now ready to play Walcott through the centre, this presumably means only financial details need to be ironed out, especially as the feeling is that he would be a genuinely reluctant leaver.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis talks boldly of how Arsenal will compete with the world's best in two years. Surely an early statement of intent would be swiftly securing the deal that ensures Walcott does not follow the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Alex Song and Robin van Persie out of the door?

Arsenal's fans packed in a corner of The Madejski Stadium, and in far better heart than they were a week ago, made their feelings clear. The night was constantly interrupted with chants of "Wenger, Wenger Sign Him Up" after every meaningful Walcott intervention. And there were plenty.

Walcott is not an undisputed world-class talent in the mould of Van Persie, but he has shown enough and has enough room for more potential to be fulfilled for Arsenal's supporters to know it would be another damaging signal should he move to one of their Premier League rivals.

For now, though, they will just be happy for Arsenal to continue what was shown at Reading. Their season will not be judged on victories such as these, impressive as it was, because they simply made very good, efficient work of thrashing a hapless punchbag of an opponent.

This was a job well done but Arsenal's real quality will be assessed by how they fare against those around them near the top of the Premier League.

The little wobble that saw Reading go from 4-0 down to 4-2 hinted again at the fallibility that exists once you scratch beneath Arsenal's surface. That will be exploited by better opponents than those they faced on Monday.

Reading look relegation certainties on this evidence. It should be remembered though, that manager Brian McDermott has taken the club a long way in a very short time and it is understandable that some of his players now sadly find themselves out of their depth.

They are currently not good enough to rise up the Premier League. No shame in that as it is not for any lack of effort, but it may make for a long, unforgiving season.

Amid all the recent Arsenal gloom they can take plenty away from Reading to cheer them. Cazorla is a player of quality but perhaps most heartening of all is the manner in which Jack Wilshere continues his return after such a long absence through injury.

He was superb again; showing a great range of passing and also an ability to mix it in the physical exchanges.

It was a good news night for Wenger and he then talked of his hopes for "a happy ending" to the Walcott contract saga. Arsenal's supporters clearly share those wishes.

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2012-12-19T08:35:00.003-08:00

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2012-12-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

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How school bullies led Julie Deane to create a multi-million pound firm

2012-12-19T07:51:00.001-08:00

How school bullies led Julie Deane to create a multi-million pound firm

Finding out your child is being bullied at school can be a horrible experience, especially when the only other suitable nearby school is private and you don’t have the money to pay the fees. But for Julie Deane, this exact situation led to the foundation of a multi-million-pound company.

In four years Julie Deane has gone from stay-at-home mum to international trendsetter, while her company has gone from a kitchen table to sales of more than £1 million a month. And it all started with a list…

“It was awful when my daughter was being bullied [at school] and I thought ‘how can I fix this?’” Dean explained. “I saw a great school for her and needed school fees.”

“It gave me passion and energy and a purpose, and that’s what you need to be driven, rather than just thinking that you’d like to be an entrepreneur.”

Deane sat down and wrote a list of 10 things she could do to raise the money to send both her children (Emily and Max) to a different school and escape the bullies.

Both children were reading ‘Harry Potter’ at the time and asked if they could have leather satchels like the wizard; “make satchels” was duly added to the list and The Cambridge Satchel Company was born.

How she got started

With just a £600 seed fund, the kitchen table to work at and her mother - Freda Thomas - as her business partner, Deane set up her business. Unlike other entrepreneurs, Deane is very risk adverse. “I’ve never borrowed money,” she said. “We still own 100% of the business. I’m not a huge risk taker as you don’t need to be.”

She first struggled to find anyone who bought into her vision, or who could make traditional satchels, but she kept going – eventually finding a company in Hull that still had all the original 1970s equipment to make them. Not convinced they would be a big hit, the firm still made six samples for her.

She made the company’s website herself from a £19.99 template, while her children’s classmates modelled the bags for photos for the website. The six samples took weeks to sell. But all the while Deane was busy publicising her business, telling her story.

Much of this was done online. Deane contacted people who bought her satchels and discovered a world of fashion bloggers that she didn’t previously know existed. She contacted them and they loved the satchels and turned them into something of a cult hit. Although the initial samples were brown and black, one customer requested a red satchel and Deane decided to make the bags in an array of colours – a decision that proved to be a success.

We’re going to need a bigger shed

A key turning point in her company’s story was when ‘The Guardian’ included the satchels in its 2009 Christmas Gift Guide. She got 74 orders in a day.

“We were still working in the kitchen at this point and I’d get five or six orders every Saturday. There were boxes everywhere and my husband said we needed more space – so we went out to buy a shed,” Deane explained.

“As we walked around the shop my mobile kept pinging – I’d set up a notification every time the website got an order. I got home to a screen full of orders, all different names for different satchels. I thought ‘maybe a shed isn’t big enough’.”

Meanwhile, word was spreading fast on the internet and celeb trend setters including Sophie Ellis Bextor, Alexa Chung and Zooey Deschanel were spotted out and about with the satchels.

Just before the Olympics in July 2012 ‘The Today Show’ in America chose the Cambridge Satchel Company as one of three UK businesses to profile. The prime-time plug led to a new rush of orders.

“We were over-run with traffic and the website crashed, but it was a good dry run,” said Deane. Another key push was when Google – whose adverts had previously featured the likes of Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga – instead profiled her company as an example of the power of the internet. It resulted in a new rush of orders.

“By then we had built a website that could cope,” said Deane.

Success made in Britain

In four short years the company has become a runaway success. Despite increased demand, selling satchels to 120 countries, she’s keeping her business in Britain. "I'll sell to China, but we're making it in the UK," she said in a recent interview.

Currently some 900 bags a day are being produced at its factory, there are sales figures of £1.3 million a month, 84 direct employees and she’s working with five UK manufacturers.

The satchels have appeared in the window display of Bloomingdale's in New York, are sold in places like Harrods and Selfridges, and there’s even a dedicated shop in London’s Covent Garden.

The only setback was a legal dispute with one of the company’s manufacturers - who started a rival company, Zatchels, supplying near-identical products. Deane won a court case over the matter, stopped using the firm’s services and set up her own factory in Leicestershire. She even hired some of the staff from the old manufacturers after they left, annoyed at the actions of their former employer.

As for advice for other budding entrepreneurs, Deane said success can’t be found in business books alone, as the challenges faced by new businesses can be very specific.

“We had a big issue with how to send out bags without standing in the queue at the Post Office and how to get a better postage rate,” she said. “We found a consolidator who takes on small accounts and negotiates with parcel companies such as DHL for a good rate. It transformed things and it’s something the business books won’t tell you.”

So what’s next for the Cambridge Satchel Company? A new factory is in the offing, three times the size of the first one, a men’s bag collection will be launched at the Pitti trade show in Florence early in 2013 and Deane is also busy preparing for London Fashion Week in February.

It’s all a far cry from writing a list at the kitchen table.

Budget 2012: will George Osborne's 'Granny tax' cause an expat exodus?

2012-12-19T07:45:00.003-08:00

Budget 2012: will George Osborne's 'Granny tax' cause an expat exodus?

George Osborne’s so-called Granny Tax will lead to an increasing number of Britain’s retirees moving abroad, according to personal finance advisers

Popular (Berlin: PP4.BE - news) picks for a sunnier climate and better pension rates including Spain and France, while enquiries for property in Cyprus and Malta are already on the rise. Nigel Green, CEO of the independent financial advisory firm the deVere Group, says that English-speaking, EU countries are increasingly attractive for retirees in light of Budget cuts.

Mr Osborne announced in last week's Budget that the age-related allowance for people turning 65 is to be scrapped from April 2013, meaning that there are now even fewer incentives to hold pensions in the UK.

“With this benefit being removed, and as people seek to protect their retirement funds from the Government’s ongoing raids on the money they’ve prudently put away, more Britons than ever will be looking to retire to countries in which they’ll be taxed less," Mr Green said. “We fully expect Cyprus and Malta to be increasingly popular destinations for those who want to enjoy their retirement in the sun, and who want to safeguard the money they’ve been putting aside all their lives.”

As for the new rules on QROPS, Mr Green points out that tighter regulation will encourage such pension schemes to be professionally run and more accessible. “The QROPS modifications are further evidence that transferring pensions is becoming increasingly mainstream," he said.

Financial legislation in Malta has made it increasingly attractive for high earners. The introduction of the Highly Qualified Individual Rules last year meant that a number of individuals came to live in Malta and pay a flat rate of 15% tax on their income for a five year period.

"Later in the year, Malta introduced another set of rules attracting High Net Worth Individuals who also pay a flat rate of 15% tax with a minimum liability of €20,000 per annum," said John A. Huber, a tax specialist based on the island. "Discussions are ongoing with the government and it is hoped that more schemes that may be even more specific.

"Tax can be a determining factor when re-locating. Malta has a very favourable tax regime and also offers a great environment to live in."

Richard Way, editor at the Overseas Guides Company, says many have already moved to Cyprus to protect their pension. "If you are tax resident in Cyprus and are already receiving a pension or QROPS, the UK budget will not have any serious impact," he claims. "Additionally, the pension office in the UK told us that there will be no changes to how UK nationals residing in Cyprus will be taxed on their current pensions."

"A local tax adviser told us it was worth noting that, for British expats who are tax resident on the island, Cyprus has an allowance of €19, 500 (aaround £16,312) before the state will tax an income, and that includes pension income from abroad."

UK campaigners warn that there will be a growing backlash over the Budget in Britain as the new tax allowances are introduced. “The decision to freeze the age related personal tax allowances effectively means around five million pensioner tax payers will no longer get additional reductions in their tax over the coming years whilst those on the top rate of tax will see their bills reduced," said Dot Gibson, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention. "Many older people will feel they are being asked to forego their reduction in tax to help out the super rich. There’s no fairness in that.”

But the Government dismissed a growing backlash over its Budget, insisting the tax reforms were "fair". In a Lords debate on Chancellor George Osborne's measures to scrap age-related allowances introduced by Winston Churchill in 1925, Treasury minister Lord Sassoon acknowledged "tough choices" had been made but said reform was essential to restore economic stability.

"This Government will not shirk its responsibility to restore fiscal sustainability and economic stability," he said. "We have learnt to all our costs the consequences of unsustainable spending and ever increasing debt."

BAE warns Saudi deal delay could hit earnings

2012-12-19T07:38:00.001-08:00

BAE warns Saudi deal delay could hit earnings

BAE says EPS to take a 3 pence hit if deal not reached by Feb. 21

* Previously said "modest growth" for 2012 dependent on Saudi deal

* Shares down 1 pct

LONDON, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Britain's BAE Systems (LSE: BA.L -news) warned that its 2012 earnings could take a hit should it not reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia on the pricing of a key contract in the next two months, potentially hampering growth.

The arms maker, Europe's largest defence contractor, is hunting for growth as a standalone company after failing to complete a $45 billion merger with the Franco-German maker of Airbus (Paris: NL0000235190 - news) civilian jets, EADS, in October.

BAE said on Wednesday that it continued to be in discussions with Saudi Arabia over the pricing of a contract to supply 72 Typhoon aircraft which was signed in 2007. The Salam deal, as it is known, is worth around 4.5 billion pounds ($7 billion).

"Should an acceptable agreement not be reached before the group's full year results announcement, the impact on 2012 trading guidance would be to reduce the Group's underlying earnings per share (EPS) by approximately 3 pence per share," the company said in a statement.

BAE in August forecast that it would deliver "modest growth" for 2012 subject to agreeing the deal with Saudi Arabia, which chief executive Ian King had said he expected in the second half of the year.

Analysts currently expect the company, which is due to report results on Feb. 21, to post EPS of 40.3 pence according to a Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S poll, compared with the 37 pence EPS it reported in 2011.

"Acceptable pricing terms remain the Group's driver to such an agreement, not the timing of the settlement," the group said on Wednesday.

Shares in BAE traded down 1 percent to 342.5 pence at 1510 GMT.

Negotiations on other contracts with Saudi Arabia to provide the country with support and supply related equipment for a five year period were well advanced and are expected to be signed before the end of this year, the company said.

Of the 72 aircraft ordered under the Salam deal, 24 have been delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force.

"It's a deferral rather than a cancellation. It just means that it (Salam payments) doesn't come into the 2012 numbers, it will be in the 2013 numbers," Societe General analyst Zafar Khan said.

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2012-12-16T15:15:00.002-08:00

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Kozak seals comeback for 10-man Lazio; Siena edge ahead of Napoli

2012-02-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

Kozak seals comeback for 10-man Lazio; Siena edge ahead of Napoli

A stunning second-half fightback saw 10-man Lazio score three goals to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cesena and climb to third place in Italy's Serie A.

The home side went behind in the 14th minute when former Juventus and Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu tapped home Vincenzo Iaquinta's cross.
Iaquinta, making his debut for Cesena after a loan move from league leaders Juventus, made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after Mutu was fouled by Abdoulay Konko, who was shown a red card.
Despite being down to 10 men, Lazio scored three goals in 10 second-half minutes to move to within three points of leaders Juve.
Brazilian Hernanes grabbed the first on 53 minutes as he fired home from the edge of the area from Germany international striker Miroslav Klose's pass.
Lazio leveled seven minutes later when defender Senad Lulic scored from inside the area, and three minutes after that Czech Republic striker Libor Kozak netted the winner from close range.
In the Italian Cup, Serie A strugglers Siena shocked Napoli to win 2-1 in the first leg of their semifinal.
Goals from Ferreira Reginaldo and Gaetano D'Agostino had put unfancied Siena into a two-goal lead, but a late own-goal from Emanule Pesoli gave Napoli hope ahead of next week's second leg.

Horner hails Red Bull's 'grounded superstar' Vettel

2012-02-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

Horner hails Red Bull's 'grounded superstar' Vettel

Expectations are high for Sebastian Vettel this year. And, as Formula One's youngest double world champion, you might expect some of that success to go to his head.

But one of the men who knows him best, and whose job it is to channel the skills that have put Red Bull at the top of elite motorsport, is adamant that he is working with a "grounded superstar."
Team principal Christian Horner is in no doubt that the 24-year-old German driver, who returned to the wheel in the third day of testing in Spain will continue to be a perfect role model.
"He is a great champion and a great ambassador for the sport," Horner told F1's official website. "He connects to his age group in a fantastic way as he has all the 'features' of a modern-day hero.He is fiercely competitive in the cockpit and very down to earth and approachable outside the car. People see his personality.
"He is a grounded superstar, if such a thing exists. That's why his popularity has mushroomed so much over the last few years."
The Red Bull Racing name is now established as F1's dominant force despite this year being just the Austrian-owned team's eighth in the sport.
Horner is pleased with the rapid progress the Britain-based marque has made, and challenged the team to carry their championship-winning form into 2012.2011 was an incredible year for the team and it is amazing what we have achieved," he said.
"Defending both world titles obviously raises the bar again for 2012, and of course our goal and objective is to defend both trophies again. They look perfect on the shelf in our factory.
"Red Bull Racing hasn't been in F1 long, which means that we are competing with teams with some phenomenal history and a lot of knowledge to fall back on. So we are taking nothing for granted."
Horner anticipates a full-blooded battle for the drivers' and constructors' titles this season, which starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 18.
British team McLaren boast world champions in Lewis Hamilton (2008) and Jenson Button, who triumphed the following year with Brawn GP and was runner-up last season.
Legendary Italian marque Ferrari, who have won a record 16 constructors' titles, will be led by Spanish two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.
"We know that McLaren is always a strong team," Horner said. "They have two great drivers so they definitely will be pushing very hard.
"Fernando Alonso and Ferrari will also be strong opponents. So yes, they will be the usual suspects."

Woods' upturn continues at Pebble Beach

2012-02-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

Woods' upturn continues at Pebble Beach

Former world No. 1 Tiger Woods' recent upsurge in form continued on the first day of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am as the 14-time major winner carded a four-under-par 68 in his opening round of the PGA Tour season.

The U.S. event is played over three courses, with Woods playing Thursday's round on the Spyglass course -- traditionally the most difficult of the courses used at the California golf club.
Despite a challenging start, Woods finished just five strokes off the lead, which was shared by world No. 10 Dustin Johnson, South Korean Charlie Wi and New Zealand's Danny Lee.
Woods' round included six birdies and just two bogeys and was only two strokes off compatriots Nick Watney and Kevin Na's mark of 66 -- Thursday's lowest round at Spyglass
Friday will be an important day to put it together and make some birdies," the 36-year-old told the Tour's official website.
"You have to have to the right mindset ... I feel comfortable because of my practice sessions. I'm able to actually practice, which I hadn't been able to for a very long time."
Woods has history at this event and at this venue, having won the tournament in 2000 before going on to win the U.S. Open at the club in June the same year.
The American, who has not won an officially sanctioned tournament since November 2009 but finished third in Abu Dhabi last month, was optimistic ahead of tackling the Monterey Peninsula course in round two.With the scores the way they are, I thought I could have it lower than I did. The guys are just tearing this place apart with no wind. I'm not too far away from posting a good number out here," he said.
The U.S. duo of Ken Duke and Brian Harman, who both played the Pebble Beach Links course, were tied on eight under after carding opening rounds of 64.
Watney and Na were two strokes further back and tied for sixth with Josh Teater, who carded a 64 at Monterey Peninsula.
Also on six under was Canada's Graham DeLaet following a 66 on Pebble Beach Links.
Woods was in a 12-way tie for 15th which also included Fiji's former world No. 1 Vijay Singh -- who shot 68 on Pebble Beach Links.
Jim Furyk, the 2003 U.S. Open winner, was one of 14 players on three under, while four-time major champion Phil Mickelson (70) and Ireland's Padraig Harrington (68), a winner of three majors, were both on two under.

Premier League - Redknapp cleared in tax evasion trial

2012-02-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Premier League - Redknapp cleared in tax evasion trial

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has been found not guilty of tax evasion.

Redknapp and former Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric were both found not guilty on two charges of tax evasion at Southwark Crown Court and hugged each other in the dock when the verdicts were announced.

Redknapp's hopes of leading the England team received a major boost as he walked free from court. Jurors accepted Redknapp's angry denials that he avoided tax on any payments over £189,000 found in a Monaco account.
As he thanked his legal team, his family, Tottenham and the club's supporters, Redknapp said: "It really has been a nightmare, I have to be honest. It has been five years and this is a case that should never have come to court, it's unbelievable really ... now we can go home and get on with it.
"I have to thank the fans, especially, the fans of Tottenham. The other night, the Wigan game, was the most moving I've ever felt for me personally to have them singing my name throughout the game.".
Tottenham said in a club statement: "Everyone at the club is delighted for Harry and his family. This has been hanging over him for four years and the last two weeks have been particularly difficult. We are pleased to see this resolved and we all look forward to the rest of the season."
Redknapp's acquittal alongside co-defendant Mandaric blows the final whistle on a five-year £8 million police investigation which failed to yield a single conviction. Mandaric and former Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie were also cleared of £600,000 tax dodge claims at a previous trial, it can be reported for the first time.
Redknapp was at times moved to the verge of tears as the Crown alleged that he told a pack of lies in an attempt to get off the hook.
But jurors accepted Redknapp and Mandaric's evidence that the Monaco account in the name of Redknapp's dog, Rosie, was nothing to do with footballing matters.
Sheffield Wednesday chairman Mandaric said in a statement: "I'm delighted I have been cleared of these totally unfounded allegations of tax evasion. It is clear they should have never have been brought to court.
"I never doubted the truth would prevail nor the fact that the British justice system would come to the right conclusion. I came to Britain 12 years ago because of my love of football and have since saved three much-loved football clubs, which were on the brink of extinction.
"As a result I have saved thousands of jobs and paid tens of millions of pounds into the public purse through tax. To suggest I would cheat the tax man is highly offensive to me, my family, my associates and friends. I'm happy that my good name and reputation have been upheld.
"And I wish to express my gratitude to my many football fans, friends and family for all their support. They have been a great source of strength to me."
The two-week trial at London's Southwark Crown Court threatened to derail Redknapp's progress at the pinnacle of his 30-year managerial career.
Having led Spurs through their most successful period in the Premier League era, the Londoner was tipped as the outstanding favourite to replace Fabio Capello as England manager this summer. With his name cleared in the courts, nothing would now appear to stand in the way for the Football Association to hire him.
The verdicts mark an unsuccessful end to an exhaustive inquiry into football corruption by tax authorities and City of London Police. Police began pursuing Redknapp in 2006 after he admitted having the Monaco account as he was questioned by the Quest inquiry into Premier League bungs.
The transactions took place as the pair squabbled over a transfer bonus Redknapp was due for the £3 million profit the club made on the sale of England striker Peter Crouch. But the jury accepted Redknapp's claim that he knew he was "morally but not legally" entitled to the cash.
A recorded telephone conversation between News of the World reporter Rob Beasley and the pair in 2009 was a pivotal element in the Crown's case. Redknapp telling Mr Beasley it was money for transfer bonuses was "the most compelling and important evidence", prosecutor John Black QC said.
But defence barrister John Kelsey-Fry QC said the Sunday tabloid's evidence was "primarily despicable". "I do not shrink from suggesting to you it is repugnant to all our basic instincts of fairness in the criminal justice process," he said.
"We've no regrets about pursuing this case because it was vitally important that the facts were put before the jury for their consideration," said Chris Martin, assistant director of Criminal Investigations at HM Revenue and Customs.
"We accept the verdict of the jury but I would like to remind those who are evading tax by using off-shore tax havens that it always makes sense to come forward and talk to us before we come to talk to you."

The Amazing Spider-Man’ trailer explained

2012-02-08T03:12:00.000-08:00

The Amazing Spider-Man’ trailer explained

A well-timed trailer can turn a film's fortunes around before it even hits cinemas. Take 'The Amazing Spider-Man' - before this morning the reboot of the web-slinging franchise had some seriously bad buzz.

'It's a cash-in', said critics, who reckoned the film was only being made so Sony could retain the rights to the character. Eyebrows were also raised by the choice of director - Marc Webb. He may be appropriately named, but his most high profile gig was the well-received but very different relationship drama '500 Days of Summer'.

These voices weren't silenced by the teaser, released last July, which was memorable chiefly for some shoddy CGI.

The dissenters have been shut up, (for the time being at least) by this barn-storming new trailer. It's a cracker, and gives a good idea of what to expect from one of the year's biggest films (it's released on 4 July). But what does it all mean?

Here's our breakdown...

Meet the parents! Peter Parker (played by Brit Andrew Garfield) meets his girlfriend Gwen Stacey's (a blonde Emma Stone) family.

Gwen who? She is Peter Parker's other love interest in the comics, alongside his more famous squeeze, red-headed Mary-Jane Watson. Stacey was in 'Spider-Man 3' in a small role but this wasn't expanded upon much.

Gwen's dad is Captain George Stacey of the NYPD and he's not a fan of vigilantes, especially red and blue ones. "This guy wears a mask, like an outlaw," he says to Parker.

Parker is a bright lad and in the comics he originally made his own web-shooters to work in tandem with his other spider-like abilities.

It was an idea vetoed in Sam Raimi's trilogy - much to the chagrin of some comic book fans but it's a welcome change for the new series... and means there's something else to make into a toy!Another complaint of Sam Raimi's films was that the Spider-Man character wasn't the smartass, quick-talking hero that he has always been in the comics.

This snippet, with Spidey back-chatting a criminal while in the car he's trying to steal, should ease some of those concerns.

The tagline of the film is "The Untold Story". With three films already that may seem strange, but it refers to Peter's parents. Parker wants uncover the mysteries behind their deaths, and that leads him to the film's villain Dr Curt Connors, played by Rhys Ifans.

Parker's dad, as we can see, worked in the "Genetics Laboratory" at the Oscorp company.

You might remember that name from the last films - as Norman Osborne, played by Willem Defoe in the original - owned it and went on to become the Green Goblin of course. Don't expect him to show up in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' though, but there's been rumours that the amazingly-named 'Proto-goblin' — an even nuttier red version of the green iteration — could make an appearance in the sequel.

In this film the Oscorp-connection is that Peter finds Dr Connors, who works there as a scientist. Once Connors - who has one arm - and Parker form a friendship things get complicated. Peter presents the doctor with a formula that in theory should re-grow his missing arm. What could possibly go wrong?

Lots, obviously, as he turns into a big lizard, called, umm The Lizard.

There have been doubts about the design of Connors' Hyde-esque abomination thanks to some of the film's merchandise. From Pez dispensers to the toy car you see below, the design looked a bit ridiculous.

Lizard will likely look a little better on film than in plastic - but some fans still aren't convinced after the quick shots of him in the trailer.

The fact that he's not wearing a lab coat has proved the most controversial - he always wore one in the comics. Another gripe is that he resembles 'Goomba' from the rubbish 'Super Mario Bros.' film...

It seems that the relationship between Peter and Gwen is well-established early on in the film. It also appears that she knows Spider-Man's identity, which removes one of the typical comic book sub-plots.

Action! There's lots of it here, all too quick to be screen-grabbed. The important sequence however is when the police seemingly capture Spidey and unmask him. This is one of the trailer's highlights, showing Spidey isn't quite the do-gooder of old as he beats up police officers to escape.

This is the best shot of hero and villain fighting and it's high up upon Oscorp tower. Lizard is venturing into Spidey's territory here so he must have a reason. What could it be?

The other shots come from another fight between the two in the Lizard's preferred battleground, deep in the New York sewer system.

Finally there's the money shot, which sees the structure the Lizard was kicked off earlier come crashing down.

Spider-Man leaps and crashes into the roof as the destruction rains - down bringing to an end this impressive trailer.

Djokovic named Laureus Sportsman of the Year for 2011

2012-02-07T04:34:00.000-08:00

Djokovic named Laureus Sportsman of the Year for 2011

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year at a star-studded ceremony in London.

The Serbian tennis star clinched three grand slam titles in 2011 and won an astonishing 41 games in a row during the season, tasting defeat only six times.

He claimed the Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open crowns and has started 2012 in equally impressive fashion, retaining his Melbourne title in an epic final against Rafael Nadal last month.
Djokovic's victory saw him become only the fifth man in the Open Era to win three grand slam titles in a row, and convinced the 47 sportsmen and women that make up the Laureus World Sports Academy to hand him the prestigious gong.
"What stands out most for me is meeting all these legends of the sport, to exchange experiences and life stories," he told CNN World Sport's Pedro Pinto.
"It's an amazing experience I will never forget. Everybody is special and I respect them all for what they have done."
Djokovic said his sights were now set on matching Australian Rod Laver, who completed two calendar-year grand slams in his illustrious career.
"It's a hard task but it excites me, it gives me goose bumps," he said. "I think that's the right way to embrace the challenge that is in front of you.
"Nowadays it's very physical, you have to be consistently successful in order to be one of the top tennis players but everything is possible in life.
"I believe I'm an all-round player, that I have a game that is good enough for all different surfaces. I have had a couple of great wins against Rafa (Nadal) on clay which has given me good confidence ahead of the French Open."
Kenyan distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot took the Sportswoman of the Year crown after she claimed gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters finals at the 2011 World Athletics Championships in Daegu.
Barcelona won Team of the Year after claiming the Spanish league title and the European Champions League.
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy won the Breakthrough of the Year category after the 22-year-old earned his maiden major title at the 2011 U.S. Open in June.
McIlroy's compatriot Darren Clarke won Comeback of the Year after the 43-year-old secured the first major of his career at the British Open in July.
Sprinter Oscar Pistorius was named Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. The South African double amputee is known as "Blade Runner" due to his prosthetic legs.
Surfer Kelly Slater claimed his fourth Laureus award after taking the Action Sportsperson of the Year title, while former Manchester United and England footballer Bobby Charlton was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

£100,000 whisky served up to celebrate Diamond Jubilee

2012-02-07T04:24:00.000-08:00

£100,000 whisky served up to celebrate Diamond Jubilee

Only 60 bottles of the Diamond Jubilee scotch, made by Johnnie Walker distiller Diageo, have been produced for sale, and are being offered to known collectors of rare and expensive whiskies.

The whisky is a blend of grain and malt whiskies all dating from 1952, and finished in casks made of oak from the Queen's Sandringham estate.

In case you don't have £100,000 to spare and are wondering what it tastes like, the master blender for all Johnnie Walker whiskies, Jim Beveridge, said he is "surprised and delighted" by the way the Jubilee whisky has turned out."With as whisky as old as 60 years, sometimes it can be a bit crusty and the flavours can be a bit subdued. But this one is very vibrant," he said. "It has a fresh fruity flavour, and a finish which is smoky and also has an exotic fruit taste."

He added Diageo has plenty of whisky stocks dating back 50 years, but for anything older than that there are far fewer to choose from.

1952 was "an intersting year" for distillers, as the whisky industry started to get back on its feet after the Second World War, said Mr Beveridge.

The whisky will be bottled today, in Baccarat crystal decanters, at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery on the edges of the Queen's Balmoral estate.

David Gates, the head of Diageo's whisky business, said the company originally planned to offer the Diamond Jubilee whisky to wealthy afficionados in Asia Pacific and Latin America, but has now had requests from the US and Europe as well.
All profits from the sale of the bottles will go to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST).