Six big fires near the Greek capital Athens are still out of control, and strong winds are making the flames hard to contain.
Thousands of people have spent the night away from home as the fires closed in on homes there.
Although the wind dropped a little on Sunday night, officials warn the flames are still spreading.
The fires have already destroyed many homes and buildings just north of the city.
More than 90 small fires are thought to have started since Saturday. No-one has been killed by the blazes so far.
Emergency services are trying to get many as people as possible away from danger. In areas at
risk from flames, police are using loudspeakers to tell people to evacuate their homes, but some have refused to leave.
Water relief
Helicopters and planes have been used to drop water onto the fires, and countries including F
france, Italy and Cyprus have stepped in to help.
Fires aren't unusual at this time of year in Greece because it is often very hot, dry and windy there in the summer.
Past Stories
Monday 24 August 2009
England win to regain the Ashes
NO PICTURE - PICTURE WILL BE COMING LATER!!
England have won the Ashes back from Australia after winning the final Test match at the Oval in London.
Graeme Swann claimed the final wicket when Michael Hussey was caught by Alistair Cook for 121, with spinner Swann finishing with four wickets.
England won the match by 197 runs to take the five-match series 2-1.
Australia battled really hard on the fourth day of the match, but they had just too long to bat to save the game, and England finally got them all out.
After the match jubilant England captain Andrew Strauss said: "This is a special moment. We had to dig pretty deep and showed a hell of a lot of character and fight.
"At times I didn't think we were going to make it. That makes it more special."
Brilliant Broad
One of the key moments came when Andrew Flintoff - playing in his last ever Test for England - ran out Australian captain Ricky Ponting with a brilliant throw.
The final Test was a brilliant end to a series which swung from one team to the other and back again.
England batted well to score enough runs to set them up for the win, but it was Stuart Broad's bowling spell Friday that was the key for the home team.
England in the lead
He grabbed 5-37 as Australia were bowled out for 160 runs, giving England a big lead.
They built on that with a big second innings total, scoring 373 runs.
That set Australia a world record target to get and more than two days to bat, and while they batted very well it was just too much to ask.
-Nathan133
Friday 21 August 2009
Joe Jonas as American Idol judge?
Joe Jonas looks set to be one of the celebrity guest judges on the new series of American Idol.
It's being reported that the pop star will help fill the seat left empty by Paula Abdul, who's quit the show.
It's being reported that the pop star will help fill the seat left empty by Paula Abdul, who's quit the show.
But if he is joining American Idol, it'll only be for one show. Lots of guest judges will be taking part in the new series, including Victoria Beckham.
There are also rumours that Kelly Clarkson, who won the first series of the show, will be appearing as a judge.
-Nathan133
Michael Jackson's burial date set
Michael Jackson will be buried on 29 August, the day he was set to turn 51, it was announced on Tuesday.
He'll be laid to rest in a cemetery in Los Angeles in a private ceremony, a spokesman for his family said.
He'll be laid to rest in a cemetery in Los Angeles in a private ceremony, a spokesman for his family said.
Michael died on 25 June in his home in Los Angeles. Investigators looking into what caused his death think his heart stopped after he took powerful drugs.
He had been set to perform in a series of comeback concerts in London, and was rehearsing before he died.
He had been set to perform in a series of comeback concerts in London, and was rehearsing before he died.
-Nathan133
NEWS OF THE DAY: Black Eyed Peas break US chart record
The Black Eyed Peas have taken a record in America by staying on top of the singles chart for 20 weeks.
They managed it with two separate tunes. Boom Boom Pow was number one for 12 weeks, followed by I Gotta Feeling, which has been on top for eight weeks.
That beats Usher, who held the American number one spot for 19 weeks in 2004 with Yeah! and Burn.
Singer Fergie said it is "amazing to know that these songs have connected with so many people".
Singer Fergie said it is "amazing to know that these songs have connected with so many people".
She added that their chart success had "kept them alive for so long".
I Gotta Feeling is also at the top of the singles charts in the UK.
I Gotta Feeling is also at the top of the singles charts in the UK.
Nathan133: "I`m starting to like the Black Eyed Peas now!!"
-Nathan133
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Eight-year-old twins get A-levels
A pair of eight-year old twins have proved they're pretty far ahead of most people their age by passing an A-level advanced mathematics exam.
Peter and Paula got a C and B after taking the exam.
Peter's got big ambitions after such a strong start - he wants to become Prime Minister, while his sister one day wants to teach other kids maths.
The twins have also helped to write a book with their classmates on how to do well at school.
Their dad Chris said: "This result made us realise that every child is capable of any achievement or feat.
"If we allow any child to express their passion for a subject, there is no height they cannot reach or A-level they can't exceed."
The twins have three older sisters who also passed maths exams at an early age.
-Nathan133
Peter and Paula got a C and B after taking the exam.
Peter's got big ambitions after such a strong start - he wants to become Prime Minister, while his sister one day wants to teach other kids maths.
The twins have also helped to write a book with their classmates on how to do well at school.
Their dad Chris said: "This result made us realise that every child is capable of any achievement or feat.
"If we allow any child to express their passion for a subject, there is no height they cannot reach or A-level they can't exceed."
The twins have three older sisters who also passed maths exams at an early age.
-Nathan133
Two charged with £40m jewel theft
Two men have been charged in connection with Britain's biggest ever jewellery robbery, worth £40m.
The robbery happened on 6 August at Graff jewellers in Mayfair, central London. The men were also charged with having a gun.
During the robbery two shots were fired and 43 pieces of jewellery taken.
During the robbery two shots were fired and 43 pieces of jewellery taken.
Ever since it happened police have been looking for the people behind it, and now two men have been charged - Solomun Beyene, 24, and Craig Calderwood, 26.
They were charged with "conspiring with others" to rob the jewellery shop.
They were charged with "conspiring with others" to rob the jewellery shop.
Among the items taken were a pair of white round diamond double hoop earrings, a yellow diamond flower necklace, platinum white marquise diamond ring and a men's 45mm chronograph watch.
Another man was arrested earlier in the week in connection with the crime, and he is still being questioned by police.
-Nathan133
Record breaking Bolt wins again!
Usain Bolt is celebrating his 23rd birthday with another world record and another world title, in the men's 200m.
The Jamaican turns 23 on Friday, hours after smashing his own record mark. On Thursday he crossed the line in 19.19 seconds, taking 0.11s off the old time.
Bolt wasn't put off when the race had one false start, finishing a long way ahead of the rest of the field.
Alonso Edward of Panama was second, a huge 0.62 seconds behind. Wallace Spearmon of the US took bronze.
After the race Bolt said he thinks he can go faster still: "I keep saying anything is possible. You work hard, you train hard. I still train very hard and running fast races doesn't change that."
Alonso Edward of Panama was second, a huge 0.62 seconds behind. Wallace Spearmon of the US took bronze.
After the race Bolt said he thinks he can go faster still: "I keep saying anything is possible. You work hard, you train hard. I still train very hard and running fast races doesn't change that."
And when a journalist asked him if he fancied a knighthood the cheeky star said he'd quite like one to add to his gold medals.
-Nathan133
Mixed Euro results for Brit teams
Everton were big winners in the Europa League qualifying round, beating Sigma Olomouc 4-0.
Jack Rodwell and Louis Saha each bagged two goals against the team from the Czech Republic, virtually putting Everton into the group stage.
Fulham were also winners, beating Amkar Perm from Russia 3-1 at Craven Cottage.
But the news wasn't so good for fans of Aston Villa or Hearts. Villa lost 1-0 to Rapid Vienna while Hearts were thumped 4-0 by Dinamo Zagreb.
That result will make it very difficult for Hearts to make it into the group stages, but Villa and Fulham will be hopeful of making it through.
Villa's narrow defeat was in Austria, so they have the return leg to come to overcome the 1-0 defeat.
Fulham have the advantage going to Russia for the second leg, but the goal they conceded means the Amkar Perm only need to win 2-0 to go through.
The London side will also be without striker Andy Johnson, as he dislocated a collarbone in the win, and will be injured for around eight weeks.
-Nathan133
Jack Rodwell and Louis Saha each bagged two goals against the team from the Czech Republic, virtually putting Everton into the group stage.
Fulham were also winners, beating Amkar Perm from Russia 3-1 at Craven Cottage.
But the news wasn't so good for fans of Aston Villa or Hearts. Villa lost 1-0 to Rapid Vienna while Hearts were thumped 4-0 by Dinamo Zagreb.
That result will make it very difficult for Hearts to make it into the group stages, but Villa and Fulham will be hopeful of making it through.
Villa's narrow defeat was in Austria, so they have the return leg to come to overcome the 1-0 defeat.
Fulham have the advantage going to Russia for the second leg, but the goal they conceded means the Amkar Perm only need to win 2-0 to go through.
The London side will also be without striker Andy Johnson, as he dislocated a collarbone in the win, and will be injured for around eight weeks.
-Nathan133
Thursday 20 August 2009
Millions vote in Afghan elections
Millions of people in the country of Afghanistan have started voting in an election to decide the next president.
The country has been in the news a lot recently because a number of British soldiers have been killed there.
Around 300,000 soldiers from all over the world are in Afghanistan, trying to make sure the election runs smoothly.
The group that used to be in charge of Afghanistan - called the Taliban - doesn't agree with the elections and has been using violence to stop them.
The Taliban has warned people that they shouldn't vote, and that they could be hurt if they do.
Journalists in Afghanistan say there have been some rocket attacks near places where people are voting.
The current President Hamid Karzai is hoping to keep his job for a second five-year term of office.
Results aren't expected for at least two weeks, and if the winner doesn't get enough votes there will have to be another election to decide the president.
The country has been in the news a lot recently because a number of British soldiers have been killed there.
Around 300,000 soldiers from all over the world are in Afghanistan, trying to make sure the election runs smoothly.
The group that used to be in charge of Afghanistan - called the Taliban - doesn't agree with the elections and has been using violence to stop them.
The Taliban has warned people that they shouldn't vote, and that they could be hurt if they do.
Journalists in Afghanistan say there have been some rocket attacks near places where people are voting.
The current President Hamid Karzai is hoping to keep his job for a second five-year term of office.
Results aren't expected for at least two weeks, and if the winner doesn't get enough votes there will have to be another election to decide the president.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Nadal not bothered by ranking
Rafael Nadal is taking his demotion to world number three in his stride and focusing on the long-term as he continues his comeback from injury at the Cincinnati Masters this week.
"It's only a number," Nadal said. "I hope to be ready in the future to come back to number two or to be in the top position.
"Number 3 is a very good number, too," he added with a smile.
The 23-year-old Spaniard, forced out of Wimbledon by his aching knees, returned last week in Montreal after an absence of more than two months.His run to the quarter-finals wasn't enough to stop eventual champion Andy Murray from seizing the world number two spot behind Switzerland's Roger Federer.
Nadal said he wouldn't let the rankings - or anything else - lure him into pressing too hard, too soon, as he battles to come back and salvage the remainder of his season.
"I need to go slow, no?" Nadal said, even if that means he won't be at his best for the US Open that starts in a fortnight.
"Sure, the US Open is very important," Nadal said. "But after the US Open remains a lot of the season, and I would like to be ready to play a good end of the season."
For this week, at least, Nadal still has the number two seed behind Federer, with defending champion Murray seeded third in the same half of the draw as Federer.
The top eight all enjoy first-round byes, and ninth-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon was the highest seed in action, posting a 6-3, 6-2 victory over American Wayne Odesnik.
Federer, who claimed his record 15th Grand Slam title with a five-set victory over Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon final, has taken time away since as he and wife, Mirka, welcomed the arrival of twin daughters.
He, too, lost in the quarters in Montreal.
Federer said it was good to have Nadal back in the frame in time for the final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows later this month.
"Andy (Murray) and myself have both benefited from Rafa being injured," Federer said. "We both took advantage of it.
"Now, he's back, I'm back playing again after a few weeks. Everybody seems healthy again, and that can only be a good thing for the rest of the season."
-Nathan133
"It's only a number," Nadal said. "I hope to be ready in the future to come back to number two or to be in the top position.
"Number 3 is a very good number, too," he added with a smile.
The 23-year-old Spaniard, forced out of Wimbledon by his aching knees, returned last week in Montreal after an absence of more than two months.His run to the quarter-finals wasn't enough to stop eventual champion Andy Murray from seizing the world number two spot behind Switzerland's Roger Federer.
Nadal said he wouldn't let the rankings - or anything else - lure him into pressing too hard, too soon, as he battles to come back and salvage the remainder of his season.
"I need to go slow, no?" Nadal said, even if that means he won't be at his best for the US Open that starts in a fortnight.
"Sure, the US Open is very important," Nadal said. "But after the US Open remains a lot of the season, and I would like to be ready to play a good end of the season."
For this week, at least, Nadal still has the number two seed behind Federer, with defending champion Murray seeded third in the same half of the draw as Federer.
The top eight all enjoy first-round byes, and ninth-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon was the highest seed in action, posting a 6-3, 6-2 victory over American Wayne Odesnik.
Federer, who claimed his record 15th Grand Slam title with a five-set victory over Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon final, has taken time away since as he and wife, Mirka, welcomed the arrival of twin daughters.
He, too, lost in the quarters in Montreal.
Federer said it was good to have Nadal back in the frame in time for the final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows later this month.
"Andy (Murray) and myself have both benefited from Rafa being injured," Federer said. "We both took advantage of it.
"Now, he's back, I'm back playing again after a few weeks. Everybody seems healthy again, and that can only be a good thing for the rest of the season."
-Nathan133
Heineken Cup - Richards banned for three years
Dean Richards has been banned from coaching for three years by the ERC for his part in the Harlequins 'Bloodgate' scandal.
Richards, 46, was found to be at the centre of a cover-up over an incident in Quins' Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Leinster in April in which wing Tom Williams faked a blood injury.
Former England forward Richards was also found to have been involved in four similar cover-ups, hence the severity of his punishment, which applies to ERC-organised tournaments but which the ERC will request is extended worldwide.
Richards, who resigned as the club's director of rugby last weekend, admitted his guilt during a 14-hour independent committee meeting in Glasgow. Charges against him were originally dismissed by a disciplinary committee last month.
The meeting, chaired by Rod McKenzie, came about after the ERC's own disciplinary officer, Roger O'Connor, contested that decision.
It is thought O'Connor was seeking Quins' expulsion from this season's Heineken Cup but the club escaped that sanction.
O'Connor also contested the decision to dismiss charges against former Quins physio Steph Brennan, who was handed a two-year ban for his part in the scandal.
Last month's hearing saw Williams admit faking a facial cut during the April 12 defeat to Leinster in order that substituted drop-goal specialist Nick Evans could re-enter the field of play.
Williams was banned for 12 months but saw that suspension reduced on appeal to four months after providing evidence implicating Richards and Brennan, who has been England physio since the summer.
Williams will now be able to resume playing on November 20.
-Nathan133
Richards, 46, was found to be at the centre of a cover-up over an incident in Quins' Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Leinster in April in which wing Tom Williams faked a blood injury.
Former England forward Richards was also found to have been involved in four similar cover-ups, hence the severity of his punishment, which applies to ERC-organised tournaments but which the ERC will request is extended worldwide.
Richards, who resigned as the club's director of rugby last weekend, admitted his guilt during a 14-hour independent committee meeting in Glasgow. Charges against him were originally dismissed by a disciplinary committee last month.
The meeting, chaired by Rod McKenzie, came about after the ERC's own disciplinary officer, Roger O'Connor, contested that decision.
It is thought O'Connor was seeking Quins' expulsion from this season's Heineken Cup but the club escaped that sanction.
O'Connor also contested the decision to dismiss charges against former Quins physio Steph Brennan, who was handed a two-year ban for his part in the scandal.
Last month's hearing saw Williams admit faking a facial cut during the April 12 defeat to Leinster in order that substituted drop-goal specialist Nick Evans could re-enter the field of play.
Williams was banned for 12 months but saw that suspension reduced on appeal to four months after providing evidence implicating Richards and Brennan, who has been England physio since the summer.
Williams will now be able to resume playing on November 20.
-Nathan133
Monday 17 August 2009
Robbie Williams to appear on X Factor
Pop star Robbie Williams is set to appear on the new series of TV talent show X Factor, it's been confirmed.
The former Take That star said exact details of his involvement were being decided, but it's thought he'll give the finalists a singing masterclass.
Earlier in the week, newspapers reported that the 35-year-old would make an appearance during the series.
Now a statement posted on his website has confirmed it, saying: "We're very excited to tell you that this is true."
It's not known exactly when Robbie will be making his X Factor appearance, but it's likely to coincide with the release of his new album in November.
Robbie's the first star to confirm he's joining the new series, but some other big name stars are also rumoured to be taking part, including Rihanna and Madonna.
-Nathan133
The former Take That star said exact details of his involvement were being decided, but it's thought he'll give the finalists a singing masterclass.
Earlier in the week, newspapers reported that the 35-year-old would make an appearance during the series.
Now a statement posted on his website has confirmed it, saying: "We're very excited to tell you that this is true."
It's not known exactly when Robbie will be making his X Factor appearance, but it's likely to coincide with the release of his new album in November.
Robbie's the first star to confirm he's joining the new series, but some other big name stars are also rumoured to be taking part, including Rihanna and Madonna.
-Nathan133
Girl escapes car's cliff plunge
An 11-year-old girl who leapt out of a runaway car just seconds before it plunged off a cliff into the sea has said she feels lucky to be alive.
Paige Dean was listening to music in the car at a campsite in Anglesey when she accidentally knocked the handbrake off and couldn't pull it back on.
As the car started to pick up speed, Paige threw herself to safety, seconds before the car shot off the cliff.
Paige escaped with minor injuries but was pretty shaken up by the drama.
Paige Dean was listening to music in the car at a campsite in Anglesey when she accidentally knocked the handbrake off and couldn't pull it back on.
As the car started to pick up speed, Paige threw herself to safety, seconds before the car shot off the cliff.
Paige escaped with minor injuries but was pretty shaken up by the drama.
Injured elephant gets false leg
An elephant in Thailand who had to have her foot amputated after stepping on a land-mine is learning to put her best foot forward again with the help of a new false leg.
£1m reward to catch jewel thieves
A massive £1 million reward is being offered for information that helps catch the robbers who carried out Britain's biggest gem raid.
Thieves stole jewellery worth a staggering £40 million from a jewellery shop in central London on 6 August.
Two robbers walked into the shop and threatened staff before leaving with the jewels. A 50-year-old man who was later arrested has since been released.
Police say the reward is the biggest ever offered for a crime of this type.
Police say the reward is the biggest ever offered for a crime of this type.
-Nathan133
More UK troops die in Afghanistan
Two more British soldiers have been killed by explosions in Afghanistan, bringing the number of personnel who've died in action there to 201.
A soldier from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died after being caught in an explosion while on foot patrol in Helmand province on Saturday.
A second soldier has died in hospital after a separate incident on Thursday.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to the soldiers, but says Britain's Afghanistan mission is vital.
Around 8,000 British troops are currently fighting in Afghanistan, alongside thousands more from America.
The soldiers are there to try to destroy camps where terrorists train.
They are also trying to make the area safe for elections planned for August.
Gordon Brown said the soldiers' efforts were helping to make the world safer and that progress had been made in allowing the forthcoming elections to take place.
"It is to make Britain safe and the rest of the world safe that we must make sure we honour our commitment to maintain and keep a stable Afghanistan," he said.
-Nathan133
A soldier from 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died after being caught in an explosion while on foot patrol in Helmand province on Saturday.
A second soldier has died in hospital after a separate incident on Thursday.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to the soldiers, but says Britain's Afghanistan mission is vital.
Around 8,000 British troops are currently fighting in Afghanistan, alongside thousands more from America.
The soldiers are there to try to destroy camps where terrorists train.
They are also trying to make the area safe for elections planned for August.
Gordon Brown said the soldiers' efforts were helping to make the world safer and that progress had been made in allowing the forthcoming elections to take place.
"It is to make Britain safe and the rest of the world safe that we must make sure we honour our commitment to maintain and keep a stable Afghanistan," he said.
-Nathan133
Black Eyed Peas are back on top
The Black Eyed Peas are back at number one in the UK singles chart, just one week after Tinchy Stryder knocked them off the top spot.
I Gotta Feeling pushes Tinchy's duet with Sugababes singer Amelle Berrabah, Never Leave You, down to number two.
Peter Andre had been tipped to top the chart with Behind Closed Doors, but he had to settle for a new entry at four.
Calvin Harris got the highest new entry of the week with Ready For The Weekend going straight in at number three.
In the album chart, Michael Jackson's Essential compilation is spending its seventh week at number one, which is a UK record for a Jackson album.
Meanwhile, Beyonce's album I Am... Sasha Fierce continued to climb the chart, up three places to number two.
Calvin Harris got the highest new entry of the week with Ready For The Weekend going straight in at number three.
In the album chart, Michael Jackson's Essential compilation is spending its seventh week at number one, which is a UK record for a Jackson album.
Meanwhile, Beyonce's album I Am... Sasha Fierce continued to climb the chart, up three places to number two.
BLACK EYED PEAS!!
-Nathan133
Murray moves up in world rankings
Andy Murray is set to be named as the second best tennis player in the world when the latest rankings are announced.
The British number one secured his new position as world number two by beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-finals of the Montreal Masters.
The win means he's got enough points to overtake Rafael Nadal when the new world rankings are confirmed on Monday.
Andy, who's already the highest-ranked Briton since the system was introduced in 1973, is currently number three.
The 22-year-old Scot is also the first man, other than Federer and Nadal, to hold the second spot since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005.
The 22-year-old Scot is also the first man, other than Federer and Nadal, to hold the second spot since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005.
"To get past Rafa is incredible," he said. "Roger and Rafa have shared the one and two ranking for the last five years.
"They are so consistent and I didn't know if I was ever going to get there. Just one more to go now."
-Nathan133
Spurs dent Liverpool's title bid
Tottenham Hotspur got Liverpool's title challenge off to a shaky start by beating them 2-1 at White Hart Lane.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto had put Spurs in front, before the Reds equalised with a Steven Gerrard penalty after Heurelho Gomes brought Glen Johnson down.
But minutes later Sebastien Bassong, making his debut for Tottenham, headed in the winner.
But minutes later Sebastien Bassong, making his debut for Tottenham, headed in the winner.
Earlier, Manchester United kicked off their Premier League title defence with a 1-0 win over Birmingham City.
Wayne Rooney tapped in the winner at Old Trafford after his header had hit the post, giving him his 99th goal for the club.
Wayne Rooney tapped in the winner at Old Trafford after his header had hit the post, giving him his 99th goal for the club.
After the break, Christian Benitez came close to scoring on his debut for Birmingham City, but he was denied by a brilliant save from Ben Foster.
And Michael Owen missed a chance to put United 2-0 up in the closing minutes.
He was left one-on-one with Joe Hart, but his strike bounced off the goalkeeper's leg.
He was left one-on-one with Joe Hart, but his strike bounced off the goalkeeper's leg.
-Nathan133
Bolt smashes record and wins gold
Super sprinter Usain Bolt has smashed his own world record and won the 100m at the World Athletics Championships.
The Jamaican raced home in 9.58 seconds, beating America's Tyson Gay into second place and another Jamaican Asafa Powell into third.
Bolt knocked 0.11s off the world record he set at the Beijing Oympics, which in a 100m race is a huge chunk.
It's the largest amount of time a men's 100m world record has been broken by since 1968.
Gay finished in 9.71s, which is the third fastest men's 100m of all time. Only Bolt has run faster - at the Olympics and at the World Championships in Berlin on Sunday.
Great Britain's Dwain Chambers was also in the race, and he finished in a brilliant time of 10 seconds exactly.
That's the fastest he's run all season, but was still almost half a second slower than Bolt's winning time.
After the race Bolt said: "I was ready, I was feeling good after the semi-finals.
"I knew it was going to be a great race and I came out and executed it. It's a great time. I did well and I feel good in myself."
-Nathan133
The Jamaican raced home in 9.58 seconds, beating America's Tyson Gay into second place and another Jamaican Asafa Powell into third.
Bolt knocked 0.11s off the world record he set at the Beijing Oympics, which in a 100m race is a huge chunk.
It's the largest amount of time a men's 100m world record has been broken by since 1968.
Gay finished in 9.71s, which is the third fastest men's 100m of all time. Only Bolt has run faster - at the Olympics and at the World Championships in Berlin on Sunday.
Great Britain's Dwain Chambers was also in the race, and he finished in a brilliant time of 10 seconds exactly.
That's the fastest he's run all season, but was still almost half a second slower than Bolt's winning time.
After the race Bolt said: "I was ready, I was feeling good after the semi-finals.
"I knew it was going to be a great race and I came out and executed it. It's a great time. I did well and I feel good in myself."
-Nathan133
Sunday 16 August 2009
Premier League - Liverpool slump to Tottenham defeat
Goals from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and new signing Sebastien Bassong gave Tottenham a 2-1 win over Liverpool in their first game of the Premier League season at White Hart Lane.
Assou-Ekotto put Spurs head with a wonderful first-half strike before Bassong - controversially included after a technicality overruled a suspension - won the game with a powerful header after Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had equalised from the penalty spot.
Liverpool had a late appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Phil Dowd after Assou-Ekotto appeared to bring down substitute Andriy Voronin. The decision so incensed the visitors that assistant boss Sammy Lee was sent to the stands.
The Reds will also be annoyed that match-winner Bassong was allowed to play after the FA ruled that the final match of a suspension was sat out during former club Newcastle's 0-0 Championship draw with West Brom last week - even though the Frenchman had already joined Spurs.
The match started tepidly, as both sides struggled to keep possession and play was interrupted
by fouls and mis-kicks.
As it progressed, Spurs hit their rhythm while Liverpool continued to labour.
The Reds could only muster one meaningful chance, when the otherwise anonymous Gerrard drilled a low shot wide of the far post on the half hour.
Tottenham, meanwhile, looked by far the better side and could have been three or four ahead had Robbie Keane not missed a hat-trick of chances.
One minute after Gerrard's effort, the former Liverpool striker Keane somehow placed a diving header from six yards straight at the body of the admittedly well-spread Pepe Reina after an excellent first-time cross from Luka Modric.
The same duo combined again three minutes later when the Croatia playmaker Modric slid the Ireland man clean through only for his chipped finish to be parried by Reina, who made the right decision to stand up.
Jermain Defoe put a free header wide from a corner and Keane's final miss came on 42 minutes when he fired wildly over after Tom Huddlestone released him with a knock-down header.
Fortunately for Keane his side went ahead soon after. The impressive Wilson Palacios went on a surging run and was brought down by Martin Skrtel on the edge of the box.
The 44th-minute free-kick was terrible, fired low into the wall by Huddlestone, but the loose ball landed at the feet of Assou-Ekotto, who set himself up with his right before smashing an unstoppable drive with his left that sped into the top left past the helpless Reina.
Spurs took a deserved lead into the break and continued where they left off in the second half - although Liverpool showed more endeavour.
Aaron Lennon went on a thrilling run soon after the restart but he delayed the final ball with Keane free and Liverpool survived.
Gerrard fired inches wide after a neat lay-off from the quiet Fernando Torres while Wilson Palacios forced another good stop from Reina after a typical surging run and shot.
It was Liverpool who drew level on 56 minutes, thanks in part to a super piece of wide play by new signing Glen Johnson but also to the rashness of Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes.
Gomes over-committed when Johnson raced into the area and clattered the England full-back to hand Liverpool a penalty.
Reds skipper Gerrard duly converted with an emphatic central finish into the roof of the net and it seemed Liverpool would get something from a game in which they were mostly second-best.
But within five minutes Spurs regained their lead. Jamie Carragher was undone by the pace of Lennon, who knocked the ball past him and drew a foul that gave the hosts a free-kick on the right wing.
Modric's delivery was decent enough but Liverpool's defending poor, as Carragher and Martin Skrtel allowed debutant Bassong to rise and power a superb header past the flailing Reina and under the crossbar.
Liverpool pressed for an equaliser but the last 25 minutes saw them create few clear-cut chances.
They arguably should have had a penalty when Yossi Benayoun fed fellow sub Voronin, who tumbled to the ground as Assou-Ekotto clipped his heels with no apparent intent to play the ball.
Gerrard also should have done better when he fired straight at Gomes after a superb through ball from Yossi Benayoun but Spurs held on for their first opening-day win in four seasons.
Barclays Premier League Results
Saturday 15th August
Aston Villa 0-2 Wigan
Blackburn 0-2 Manchester City
Bolton 0-1 Sunderland
Chelsea 2-1 Hull City
Everton 1-6 Arsenal (Im a everton fan - Dont talk about this!!!)
Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham
Stoke 2-0 Burnley
Wolves 0-2 West Ham
16th August 09
Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool ...
Manchester United 1-0 Birmingham ....
Sorry I just came back from holiday and I`m feeling lazy - Tomorrow I will do other league scores!!
-Nathan133
Assou-Ekotto put Spurs head with a wonderful first-half strike before Bassong - controversially included after a technicality overruled a suspension - won the game with a powerful header after Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had equalised from the penalty spot.
Liverpool had a late appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Phil Dowd after Assou-Ekotto appeared to bring down substitute Andriy Voronin. The decision so incensed the visitors that assistant boss Sammy Lee was sent to the stands.
The Reds will also be annoyed that match-winner Bassong was allowed to play after the FA ruled that the final match of a suspension was sat out during former club Newcastle's 0-0 Championship draw with West Brom last week - even though the Frenchman had already joined Spurs.
The match started tepidly, as both sides struggled to keep possession and play was interrupted
by fouls and mis-kicks.
As it progressed, Spurs hit their rhythm while Liverpool continued to labour.
The Reds could only muster one meaningful chance, when the otherwise anonymous Gerrard drilled a low shot wide of the far post on the half hour.
Tottenham, meanwhile, looked by far the better side and could have been three or four ahead had Robbie Keane not missed a hat-trick of chances.
One minute after Gerrard's effort, the former Liverpool striker Keane somehow placed a diving header from six yards straight at the body of the admittedly well-spread Pepe Reina after an excellent first-time cross from Luka Modric.
The same duo combined again three minutes later when the Croatia playmaker Modric slid the Ireland man clean through only for his chipped finish to be parried by Reina, who made the right decision to stand up.
Jermain Defoe put a free header wide from a corner and Keane's final miss came on 42 minutes when he fired wildly over after Tom Huddlestone released him with a knock-down header.
Fortunately for Keane his side went ahead soon after. The impressive Wilson Palacios went on a surging run and was brought down by Martin Skrtel on the edge of the box.
The 44th-minute free-kick was terrible, fired low into the wall by Huddlestone, but the loose ball landed at the feet of Assou-Ekotto, who set himself up with his right before smashing an unstoppable drive with his left that sped into the top left past the helpless Reina.
Spurs took a deserved lead into the break and continued where they left off in the second half - although Liverpool showed more endeavour.
Aaron Lennon went on a thrilling run soon after the restart but he delayed the final ball with Keane free and Liverpool survived.
Gerrard fired inches wide after a neat lay-off from the quiet Fernando Torres while Wilson Palacios forced another good stop from Reina after a typical surging run and shot.
It was Liverpool who drew level on 56 minutes, thanks in part to a super piece of wide play by new signing Glen Johnson but also to the rashness of Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes.
Gomes over-committed when Johnson raced into the area and clattered the England full-back to hand Liverpool a penalty.
Reds skipper Gerrard duly converted with an emphatic central finish into the roof of the net and it seemed Liverpool would get something from a game in which they were mostly second-best.
But within five minutes Spurs regained their lead. Jamie Carragher was undone by the pace of Lennon, who knocked the ball past him and drew a foul that gave the hosts a free-kick on the right wing.
Modric's delivery was decent enough but Liverpool's defending poor, as Carragher and Martin Skrtel allowed debutant Bassong to rise and power a superb header past the flailing Reina and under the crossbar.
Liverpool pressed for an equaliser but the last 25 minutes saw them create few clear-cut chances.
They arguably should have had a penalty when Yossi Benayoun fed fellow sub Voronin, who tumbled to the ground as Assou-Ekotto clipped his heels with no apparent intent to play the ball.
Gerrard also should have done better when he fired straight at Gomes after a superb through ball from Yossi Benayoun but Spurs held on for their first opening-day win in four seasons.
Barclays Premier League Results
Saturday 15th August
Aston Villa 0-2 Wigan
Blackburn 0-2 Manchester City
Bolton 0-1 Sunderland
Chelsea 2-1 Hull City
Everton 1-6 Arsenal (Im a everton fan - Dont talk about this!!!)
Portsmouth 0-1 Fulham
Stoke 2-0 Burnley
Wolves 0-2 West Ham
16th August 09
Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool ...
Manchester United 1-0 Birmingham ....
Sorry I just came back from holiday and I`m feeling lazy - Tomorrow I will do other league scores!!
-Nathan133
Berlin 2009 - Bolt smashes 100m world record
Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica smashed his own 100 metres world record with a stunning time of 9.58 seconds to win gold at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.
American Tyson Gay, the 2007 champion, clocked a US-record 9.71 to take silver and Jamaican Asafa Powel claimed the bronze.
Bolt made a near-perfect start, grabbing the lead after only 20 metres and storming to the line.
His friend Powell, a former world champion, ran 9.84 at the Olympic stadium.
Britain's Dwain Chambers came a creditable sil xth with a season-best time of 10.00.
-Nathan133
American Tyson Gay, the 2007 champion, clocked a US-record 9.71 to take silver and Jamaican Asafa Powel claimed the bronze.
Bolt made a near-perfect start, grabbing the lead after only 20 metres and storming to the line.
His friend Powell, a former world champion, ran 9.84 at the Olympic stadium.
Britain's Dwain Chambers came a creditable sil xth with a season-best time of 10.00.
-Nathan133
Friday 14 August 2009
New job for former Strictly judge
After being replaced by Alesha Dixon on the judging panel for Strictly Come Dancing, Arlene Philips has got herself a new job as a dance champion.
It doesn't mean she'll be strutting herself in competitions though, instead she's been asked by the government to encourage more of you to start dancing.
It's all part of a new plan by health chiefs to improve everyone's fitness by getting us all to do more exercise.
Arlene will be helping to organise community dance activities.
Arlene will be helping to organise community dance activities.
-nathan133
Premier League Season starts TOMORROW!
Premier League season starts TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!! Get your football kit out peeps!!
COME ON YOU LIVERPOOL!
Premier League season - 15th August
YNWA.
-Nathan133
COME ON YOU LIVERPOOL!
Premier League season - 15th August
YNWA.
-Nathan133
Thousands flee US wild fires
Thousands of people have been forced out of their homes by wild fires raging in the American state of California.
About 2,400 people have been evacuated from the Santa Cruz mountains as thousands of firefighters battle the blazes that started on Wednesday.
Locals are hosing down their rooftops to try and stop them catching fire in case the flames reach their homes.
There haven't been any reports of anyone being killed, or any property being damaged by the fires.
However, it has scorched about 2,800 acres of forest in Santa Cruz County.
A shelter for people who've had to leave their homes has been set up in the city of Santa Cruz.
There haven't been any reports of anyone being killed, or any property being damaged by the fires.
However, it has scorched about 2,800 acres of forest in Santa Cruz County.
A shelter for people who've had to leave their homes has been set up in the city of Santa Cruz.
-Nathan133
Antarctic glacier 'thinning fast'
One of the biggest glaciers in Antarctica is getting thinner four times more quickly than 10 years
ago.
Scientists have been studying Pine Island glacier in west Antarctica and found that the surface of the ice is dropping by 16m a year.
Since 1994, the level of the ice has dropped by 90m, which could lead to a rise in sea levels.
It's feared that if Pine Island Glacier breaks up, other glaciers in the Antarctic could soon follow.
It's feared that if Pine Island Glacier breaks up, other glaciers in the Antarctic could soon follow.
It was thought the glacier would last for at least 600 more years, but the new study suggest it's only got 100 years left.
The glacier is important because if it disappears, other parts of the ice sheet in Antarctica could become unstable.
Pine Island Glacier is thought to act like a cork in a bottle, holding other glaciers in place.
If they break up, it could lead to a big rise in sea levels.
If they break up, it could lead to a big rise in sea levels.
-Nathan133
Women boxers to fight at Olympics
Female boxers will fighting it out at the 2012 Olympics after the bosses of the Games agreed to let them take part.
The Olympics in London will be the first time that female boxers will be allowed to take part.
Boxing was the only summer Olympic sport that didn't have a women's event as well as a men's one.
Members of the International Olympic Committee also talked about changes to the 2016 Games, and decided they wanted include golf and rugby.
It's thought there will be a four day golf tournament to win gold in golf, and a sevens tournament in rugby union.
The decisions about golf and rugby still need to get final approval from an IOC meeting in October.
Will Tiger Woods be going for gold at the 2016 Olympics?
When women's boxing gets started at the London Games there will be three gold medals up for grabs. To make room for the women's event one men's weight class is to be removed.
The head of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, said: "I can only rejoice about the inclusion of women's boxing. Women's boxing has progressed a tremendous amount in the last five years and it was time that it be included in the games."
-Nathan133
The Olympics in London will be the first time that female boxers will be allowed to take part.
Boxing was the only summer Olympic sport that didn't have a women's event as well as a men's one.
Members of the International Olympic Committee also talked about changes to the 2016 Games, and decided they wanted include golf and rugby.
It's thought there will be a four day golf tournament to win gold in golf, and a sevens tournament in rugby union.
The decisions about golf and rugby still need to get final approval from an IOC meeting in October.
Will Tiger Woods be going for gold at the 2016 Olympics?
When women's boxing gets started at the London Games there will be three gold medals up for grabs. To make room for the women's event one men's weight class is to be removed.
The head of the IOC, Jacques Rogge, said: "I can only rejoice about the inclusion of women's boxing. Women's boxing has progressed a tremendous amount in the last five years and it was time that it be included in the games."
-Nathan133
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Fresh injury blow for Pietersen
England cricketer Kevin Pietersen is in hospital after a disease attacked him while recovering from another injury.
Pietersen had to have an operation earlier in the summer after a problem with his Achilles tendon stopped him from playing in the Ashes series.
Pietersen tried to play through the pain, but after taking part in two Tests had to have an operation.
Now it seems he's picked up an infection inside the area where the surgeon operated.
Now it seems he's picked up an infection inside the area where the surgeon operated.
Pietersen was never going to be able to play again in the Ashes series, but there were hopes he could take part in the one-day matches with Australia.
This latest blow means that is now very unlikely.
Later in the year, England travel to South Africa to take part in the Champions Trophy tournament and then stay in the country for matches against South Africa themselves.
-Nathan133
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Critics demand concrete legacy for Paralympic sport
However, leading academic researchers, and influential figures within the disability sport movement, remain highly critical of the lack of a concrete policy for clear social change.
Telegraph Sport can reveal that research commissioned by London 2012 found that, on average, 69 per cent of those surveyed could not name a Paralympian, whereas 94 per cent of the UK public have heard of the Paralympic Games.
Britain have finished second in the medals table at the past two Games, and in the top four at the past five Games.
However, the 2012 research also indicates that 69 per cent of the public would like to see more media coverage of Paralympic events.
Grey-Thompson believes the public's lack of understanding may be holding back not just the sport, but the disability aspects of the Games.
The Paralympics are a sporting – and political – movement for those living with disabilities. Grey-Thompson said: "Awareness and education, and a move towards social change and widespread acceptance have to be the key aims, along with developing a sporting structure for the future. But one size does not fit all in Paralympic terms as we are looking at several disability groups, and a postcode lottery in the UK when it comes to development."
The former Paralympic wheelchair sprinter, winner of 11 gold medals, has found herself ensconced in committees and working parties with Government and Games organisers for more than two years, along with Phil Lane, chief executive of ParalympicsGB, and Mike Brace, former president of the British Paralympic Association.
Brace believes the key legacy point in sports development must be a national pathway ladder from playground to podium.
However, Professor Mike Weed, and Suzanne Dowse from the Centre for Sport, Physical Education and Activity Research, remain highly critical – aside from an aspirant elite sports legacy – of concrete plans for a social legacy.
In 2004, the 'London 2012 Candidate File' handed to International Olympic Committee delegates suggested that the Paralympic Games in London would "build respect for disabled people by changing society's perceptions" in its bidding process.
Yet Weed cites "general rhetoric" and "illusory" legacy plans for the Paralympic Games of London, saying there is a need for a seismic change both politically and in the way disability sport is covered in the mainstream media.
Lane said: "There is a need for legacy planners to overtly consider potential Paralympic legacies in their own right and a need to extend Paralympic legacy thinking beyond sport development.
"Because of the nature of Paralympic sport, and disability sport, the legacy we are looking at is both sporting and social. On the sporting front, access has improved and sports are being taken up and aligned by national governing bodies."
Yet it is at grass-roots level where the most problematic issues of legacy creation lie. Most children with disabilities are now in mainstream schools, as opposed to 'special schools', which can preclude them from mainstream sport.
"What we need is lateral thinking within phys ed for kids with disabilities. You often just have to come up with a different model," Lane said. "It's a real challenge."
One suggestion is a number of specialist sports colleges being nominated across the country to each create a sporting unit for talented young athletes with disabilities.
"We are looking to change people's minds and attitudes to disability sport through the Games," Lane said.
-Nathan133
Telegraph Sport can reveal that research commissioned by London 2012 found that, on average, 69 per cent of those surveyed could not name a Paralympian, whereas 94 per cent of the UK public have heard of the Paralympic Games.
Britain have finished second in the medals table at the past two Games, and in the top four at the past five Games.
However, the 2012 research also indicates that 69 per cent of the public would like to see more media coverage of Paralympic events.
Grey-Thompson believes the public's lack of understanding may be holding back not just the sport, but the disability aspects of the Games.
The Paralympics are a sporting – and political – movement for those living with disabilities. Grey-Thompson said: "Awareness and education, and a move towards social change and widespread acceptance have to be the key aims, along with developing a sporting structure for the future. But one size does not fit all in Paralympic terms as we are looking at several disability groups, and a postcode lottery in the UK when it comes to development."
The former Paralympic wheelchair sprinter, winner of 11 gold medals, has found herself ensconced in committees and working parties with Government and Games organisers for more than two years, along with Phil Lane, chief executive of ParalympicsGB, and Mike Brace, former president of the British Paralympic Association.
Brace believes the key legacy point in sports development must be a national pathway ladder from playground to podium.
However, Professor Mike Weed, and Suzanne Dowse from the Centre for Sport, Physical Education and Activity Research, remain highly critical – aside from an aspirant elite sports legacy – of concrete plans for a social legacy.
In 2004, the 'London 2012 Candidate File' handed to International Olympic Committee delegates suggested that the Paralympic Games in London would "build respect for disabled people by changing society's perceptions" in its bidding process.
Yet Weed cites "general rhetoric" and "illusory" legacy plans for the Paralympic Games of London, saying there is a need for a seismic change both politically and in the way disability sport is covered in the mainstream media.
Lane said: "There is a need for legacy planners to overtly consider potential Paralympic legacies in their own right and a need to extend Paralympic legacy thinking beyond sport development.
"Because of the nature of Paralympic sport, and disability sport, the legacy we are looking at is both sporting and social. On the sporting front, access has improved and sports are being taken up and aligned by national governing bodies."
Yet it is at grass-roots level where the most problematic issues of legacy creation lie. Most children with disabilities are now in mainstream schools, as opposed to 'special schools', which can preclude them from mainstream sport.
"What we need is lateral thinking within phys ed for kids with disabilities. You often just have to come up with a different model," Lane said. "It's a real challenge."
One suggestion is a number of specialist sports colleges being nominated across the country to each create a sporting unit for talented young athletes with disabilities.
"We are looking to change people's minds and attitudes to disability sport through the Games," Lane said.
-Nathan133
Don’t give children swine flu drugs, says Oxford research
CHILDREN should not be given the antiviral drug Tamiflu to combat swine flu, researchers have warned.
The experts from Oxford University said their research, based on the drug’s effect on seasonal flu, suggests the risks to children outweigh any benefits.
But the National Public Health Service in Wales (NPHS) today said it believed a “safety-first” approach of offering Tamiflu to all children under five was sensible. All children under five and older children who have underlying chronic conditions and swine flu symptoms are offered
Tamiflu in Wales in a bid to prevent complications.
The policy of offering Tamiflu during the swine flu pandemic was called into question yesterday following the publication of the research.
It warned that Tamiflu can cause vomiting in some children, which can lead to dehydration and the need for hospital treatment. The researchers said children should not be given the drug if they have a mild form of flu, although they urged parents and GPs to remain vigilant for signs of complications.
The study, published on bmj.com, found Tamiflu and another antiviral, Relenza, had little or no effect on asthma flare-ups, ear infections or the likelihood of a child needing antibiotics.
And they said, although it was difficult to know the extent to which the findings could be translated to children affected by swine flu, based on current evidence, the effects of antivirals on reducing the course of illness or preventing complications might be limited.
Dr Carl Heneghan, a GP and clinical lecturer at Oxford University, said the current policy of giving Tamiflu for mild illness was an “inappropriate strategy”.
He added: “The downside of the harms outweigh the one-day reduction in symptomatic benefits.”
And he advised GPs “not to rely on Tamiflu as a treatment to reduce complications” or to think of it as a “magic bullet”, warning its widespread use could result in the H1N1 virus becoming resistant to the drug.
Dr Matthew Thompson, a GP and senior clinical scientist at Oxford University, said: “The current swine flu is generally a mild flu illness – it does not seem that different from current seasonal flu. We would be happy to say our results apply to the current swine flu strain.”
Wales’ approach to the use of Tamiflu has been more conservative to that in England, which has experienced higher levels of swine flu in the past three months.
Some 300,000 doses of Tamiflu have been prescribed in England, mainly through the National Pandemic Flu Service.
It is not yet known how many doses of Tamiflu have been prescribed in Wales – it is thought that the 99 people who have been confirmed with swine flu have been offered the antiviral.
Dr John Watkins, a consultant in public health medicine for the NPHS, said: “As the authors themselves note, the extent to which the findings can be applied to the current pandemic is questionable and no children with H1N1 have been tested as part of this research.
“We already know that swine flu behaves differently to seasonal flu, and past pandemics have hit younger people hardest.
“While there is concern about how swine flu affects children, we believe a safety-first approach of offering antivirals to symptomatic children in Wales remains a sensible and responsible way forward.
“The BMJ research is correct to say that many people with swine flu only have mild symptoms, and we advise that people who do not fall into at-risk groups and are experiencing mild symptoms should treat themselves at home with bed rest and over-the-counter flu remedies.
“But for those in at-risk groups and those who experience severe symptoms, the best scientific advice tells us that antivirals should still be taken as soon as possible and that the course should be completed even if the patient feels better.”
Dr Jane Wilkinson, Wales’ deputy chief medical officer, said: “We welcome research into influenza as the findings may help us tackle this pandemic influenza outbreak.
“It is important to point out, however, that the BMJ review is based on seasonal flu and not swine flu.
“For most people this illness is mild and they will get better within five to seven days.
“However, for those who experience severe symptoms and those who are in at-risk groups – such as those with chronic conditions, pregnant women or children under five – antivirals are provided to help reduce the symptoms of the virus.
“The advice still remains to get antivirals to these groups within 48 hours to maximise their effectiveness.
“If parents have any concerns about whether their children should take Tamiflu, they should discuss this with their GP.”
The experts from Oxford University said their research, based on the drug’s effect on seasonal flu, suggests the risks to children outweigh any benefits.
But the National Public Health Service in Wales (NPHS) today said it believed a “safety-first” approach of offering Tamiflu to all children under five was sensible. All children under five and older children who have underlying chronic conditions and swine flu symptoms are offered
Tamiflu in Wales in a bid to prevent complications.
The policy of offering Tamiflu during the swine flu pandemic was called into question yesterday following the publication of the research.
It warned that Tamiflu can cause vomiting in some children, which can lead to dehydration and the need for hospital treatment. The researchers said children should not be given the drug if they have a mild form of flu, although they urged parents and GPs to remain vigilant for signs of complications.
The study, published on bmj.com, found Tamiflu and another antiviral, Relenza, had little or no effect on asthma flare-ups, ear infections or the likelihood of a child needing antibiotics.
And they said, although it was difficult to know the extent to which the findings could be translated to children affected by swine flu, based on current evidence, the effects of antivirals on reducing the course of illness or preventing complications might be limited.
Dr Carl Heneghan, a GP and clinical lecturer at Oxford University, said the current policy of giving Tamiflu for mild illness was an “inappropriate strategy”.
He added: “The downside of the harms outweigh the one-day reduction in symptomatic benefits.”
And he advised GPs “not to rely on Tamiflu as a treatment to reduce complications” or to think of it as a “magic bullet”, warning its widespread use could result in the H1N1 virus becoming resistant to the drug.
Dr Matthew Thompson, a GP and senior clinical scientist at Oxford University, said: “The current swine flu is generally a mild flu illness – it does not seem that different from current seasonal flu. We would be happy to say our results apply to the current swine flu strain.”
Wales’ approach to the use of Tamiflu has been more conservative to that in England, which has experienced higher levels of swine flu in the past three months.
Some 300,000 doses of Tamiflu have been prescribed in England, mainly through the National Pandemic Flu Service.
It is not yet known how many doses of Tamiflu have been prescribed in Wales – it is thought that the 99 people who have been confirmed with swine flu have been offered the antiviral.
Dr John Watkins, a consultant in public health medicine for the NPHS, said: “As the authors themselves note, the extent to which the findings can be applied to the current pandemic is questionable and no children with H1N1 have been tested as part of this research.
“We already know that swine flu behaves differently to seasonal flu, and past pandemics have hit younger people hardest.
“While there is concern about how swine flu affects children, we believe a safety-first approach of offering antivirals to symptomatic children in Wales remains a sensible and responsible way forward.
“The BMJ research is correct to say that many people with swine flu only have mild symptoms, and we advise that people who do not fall into at-risk groups and are experiencing mild symptoms should treat themselves at home with bed rest and over-the-counter flu remedies.
“But for those in at-risk groups and those who experience severe symptoms, the best scientific advice tells us that antivirals should still be taken as soon as possible and that the course should be completed even if the patient feels better.”
Dr Jane Wilkinson, Wales’ deputy chief medical officer, said: “We welcome research into influenza as the findings may help us tackle this pandemic influenza outbreak.
“It is important to point out, however, that the BMJ review is based on seasonal flu and not swine flu.
“For most people this illness is mild and they will get better within five to seven days.
“However, for those who experience severe symptoms and those who are in at-risk groups – such as those with chronic conditions, pregnant women or children under five – antivirals are provided to help reduce the symptoms of the virus.
“The advice still remains to get antivirals to these groups within 48 hours to maximise their effectiveness.
“If parents have any concerns about whether their children should take Tamiflu, they should discuss this with their GP.”
Baby Peter's grandmother, Mary O'Connor, has said that her daughter, Tracey Connelly, should "rot down"
Mary O'Connor, who has disowned her daughter, welcomed the lifting of the court order banning her from being identified.
Connelly and her boyfriend Steven Barker were finally named after a High Court judge threw out attempts to extend the order saying that a “boil must be lanced”.
Peter died aged 17 months in 2007 after prolonged abuse in Connelly and Barker's home, in Haringey, north London, in which his brother, Jason Owen, was a lodger.
Connelly, 28, later admitted causing or allowing her son Peter ’s death, while Barker and Owen were found guilty of the same charge.
She could be released from jail in as little as three years having been given a five-year minimum sentence but after two years on remand.
Speaking openly for the first time, Mrs O'Connor said that her daughter had shown no remorse.
"It has made me so angry that they were able to hide behind the court order," she said.
"Now everyone will know who they are and what they have done. There is nowhere for them to hide.
"They killed my grandson and deserve everything coming to them."
Speaking to The Sun, she added: "I haven't got any sympathy for her at all. Maybe now she will feel fear and understand what my grandson went through as he was being tortured to death.
"I don't have a daughter any more. I do not feel anything for her and she deserves everything she gets.
"She robbed me of my grandson. My heart is broken and I'll never forgive her for that. I can't."
She went on: "Tracey has shown absolutely no remorse and tried to pin the blame on everyone but herself ... She got off lightly with a minimum of five years.
"It won't be long until she's out living her life again. She sent me a visiting order but I couldn't stand to be in the same room as her. She can rot in hell."
Mrs O'Connor gave birth to her daughter in Leicestershire in June 1981. They moved to London when Connelly was about 18 months but by the age of 12 she was was given a choice by Islington Social Services to go into care or to choose a specialist boarding school for delinquent children, opting for the latter.
-Nathan133
Connelly and her boyfriend Steven Barker were finally named after a High Court judge threw out attempts to extend the order saying that a “boil must be lanced”.
Peter died aged 17 months in 2007 after prolonged abuse in Connelly and Barker's home, in Haringey, north London, in which his brother, Jason Owen, was a lodger.
Connelly, 28, later admitted causing or allowing her son Peter ’s death, while Barker and Owen were found guilty of the same charge.
She could be released from jail in as little as three years having been given a five-year minimum sentence but after two years on remand.
Speaking openly for the first time, Mrs O'Connor said that her daughter had shown no remorse.
"It has made me so angry that they were able to hide behind the court order," she said.
"Now everyone will know who they are and what they have done. There is nowhere for them to hide.
"They killed my grandson and deserve everything coming to them."
Speaking to The Sun, she added: "I haven't got any sympathy for her at all. Maybe now she will feel fear and understand what my grandson went through as he was being tortured to death.
"I don't have a daughter any more. I do not feel anything for her and she deserves everything she gets.
"She robbed me of my grandson. My heart is broken and I'll never forgive her for that. I can't."
She went on: "Tracey has shown absolutely no remorse and tried to pin the blame on everyone but herself ... She got off lightly with a minimum of five years.
"It won't be long until she's out living her life again. She sent me a visiting order but I couldn't stand to be in the same room as her. She can rot in hell."
Mrs O'Connor gave birth to her daughter in Leicestershire in June 1981. They moved to London when Connelly was about 18 months but by the age of 12 she was was given a choice by Islington Social Services to go into care or to choose a specialist boarding school for delinquent children, opting for the latter.
-Nathan133
More tortoises smuggled into UK
Police say there's been an increase in the number of tortoises being illegally smuggled into the UK.
Smuggling rare animals is worth billions of pounds to criminals who sell the creatures on, often as pets.
Smuggling rare animals is worth billions of pounds to criminals who sell the creatures on, often as pets.
But because the animals are moved around secretly, they're often not looked after properly and many get sick or die during their journey.
The illegal trade in creatures like tortoises and snakes is taking some species close to extinction.
Animal smuggling is said to be worth £12bn a year around the world.
For example, a single Ploughshare tortoise, a species which is almost extinct, can be illegally sold for around £25,000.
The illegal trade in creatures like tortoises and snakes is taking some species close to extinction.
Animal smuggling is said to be worth £12bn a year around the world.
For example, a single Ploughshare tortoise, a species which is almost extinct, can be illegally sold for around £25,000.
Smugglers could face jail
People caught smuggling a wild animal, or selling it without a licence, could be sent to prison for up to five years. They could also be banned from keeping animals.
Police say they are cracking down on smugglers and hope new laws will help stamp out the crime.
Police say they are cracking down on smugglers and hope new laws will help stamp out the crime.
Chelsea win the Community Shield
Chelsea have won their first big match of the season, after beating Manchester United 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out for the Community Shield.
United took the lead with a goal from Nani, but Ricardo Carvalho then headed in an equaliser for the Blues. Frank Lampard then made it 2-1 for Chelsea.
But a last-minute equaliser from Wayne Rooney made the score 2-2 and meant the game was decided on penalties.
Chelsea didn't miss a kick but only Michael Carrick scored for United.
Chelsea's victory meant they won their first trophy under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Chelsea didn't miss a kick but only Michael Carrick scored for United.
Chelsea's victory meant they won their first trophy under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
-Nathan133
Freddie ready for Ashes final
After a disastrous fourth Test, things could be looking up for England's cricketers, as Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff is expected to be fit to play.
Freddie missed the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley because of a problem with his knee, but doctors reckon he'll be better by 20 August.
Freddie missed the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley because of a problem with his knee, but doctors reckon he'll be better by 20 August.
That's when play starts at the fifth Test at the Oval in London.
The series is currently tied 1-1, which means England need to win this Test in order to win the Ashes.
If they draw, Australia still get to keep the Ashes because they won last time.
If Freddie does play, it'll be his final Test because he has announced he won't be playing any more of the long matches after this series.
The series is currently tied 1-1, which means England need to win this Test in order to win the Ashes.
If they draw, Australia still get to keep the Ashes because they won last time.
If Freddie does play, it'll be his final Test because he has announced he won't be playing any more of the long matches after this series.
He's a good batsman, but his skill as bowler was a vital part of England's victory over the Aussies at Lord's in London in the second Test.
He could make all the difference in the final showdown.
He could make all the difference in the final showdown.
-Nathan133
Three bomb-blasts hit Majorca
Three bombs have exploded on the Spanish island of Majorca, but it's not thought anyone has been hurt.
The blasts all happened in Palma-de-Majorca on Sunday, on the island which is popular with British tourists.
The blasts all happened in Palma-de-Majorca on Sunday, on the island which is popular with British tourists.
It's thought a group called Eta is behind the bombs. Eta is a terrorist group which wants part of France and Spain to be an independent country.
It's been behind a number of attacks in recent months, and is thought to be marking its 50th anniversary.
Eta has been blamed for more than 820 deaths since it was founded in 1959.
Sunday's blasts went off in a bar, a restaurant and a square. It's thought the bombs were all relatively small.
Beckham to star in American Idol
Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has signed up to be a guest judge on American Idol, replacing Paula Abdul.
But despite rumours suggesting Posh Spice would take over from Paula full-time, her spokeswoman said she'd only be making a "one-off appearance".
The 35-year-old is thought to be filming her part this week, days after Paula announced her decision to quit.
American Idol is the most popular TV show in the United States, with about 26m people watching every episode.
Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson have both become big stars since competing on the show and it's also made the judges, including Britain's Simon Cowell, into huge celebrities.
Victoria Beckham will be joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and songwriter Kara DioGuardi on the judging panel.
It's not yet known whether anyone else will be appearing as a guest judge during the series, or to replace Paula Abdul permanently.
-Nathan133
But despite rumours suggesting Posh Spice would take over from Paula full-time, her spokeswoman said she'd only be making a "one-off appearance".
The 35-year-old is thought to be filming her part this week, days after Paula announced her decision to quit.
American Idol is the most popular TV show in the United States, with about 26m people watching every episode.
Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson have both become big stars since competing on the show and it's also made the judges, including Britain's Simon Cowell, into huge celebrities.
Victoria Beckham will be joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and songwriter Kara DioGuardi on the judging panel.
It's not yet known whether anyone else will be appearing as a guest judge during the series, or to replace Paula Abdul permanently.
-Nathan133
Richard Hammond in new car crash
Top Gear and Blast Lab star Richard Hammond is said to have escaped injury in a four-car crash in his supercar.
The presenter is thought to have been involved in an accident at a roundabout on the A40, near Gloucester, on Sunday, while driving his Morgan AeroMax car.
No-one was hurt in the smash, although Richard's £110,000 AeroMax car is said to have been badly damaged.
It's a different story to his famous accident in 2006, when he escaped death when his jet car crashed at 288mph.
Police said they couldn't confirm whether Richard Hammond, who's also known as the Hamster, was involved in Sunday's crash.
But the BBC said the presenter had been involved in a minor collision and was unharmed.
But the BBC said the presenter had been involved in a minor collision and was unharmed.
-Nathan133
Stoat survives 30-mile car ride
A stoat had a very lucky escape when it survived a 30-mile car journey trapped in the front grille of a sports car.
A man spotted the creature run in front of his car as he drove home at night, but thought he'd dodged the tiny animal so carried on driving.
But the next morning he found the stoat peeping out from under the bonnet, struggling to pull itself free.
Animal charity the RSPCA helped free the animal which amazingly wasn't hurt in the freak accident.
The stoat was given some food and some water to drink before being released back into the countryside near where the accident happened.
RSPCA Inspector Laura Jones said: "This is definitely one of the most unusual rescues I have ever been involved with.
"It is amazing that the stoat managed to escape injury, despite being stuck in the grille for more than 30 miles and several hours."
-Nathan133
Typhoon sets off huge landslides
Rescuers are hunting for survivors after a landslide buried six apartment blocks in China.
It's not known how many people are buried in the rubble, but officials say they've managed to save six people in the town of Pengxi so far.
It's not known how many people are buried in the rubble, but officials say they've managed to save six people in the town of Pengxi so far.
Meanwhile in Taiwan, hundreds of people could be dead after a mudslide buried a small village.
The landslides were set off by heavy rains brought by Typhoon Morakot, which hit parts of East Asia.
The landslides were set off by heavy rains brought by Typhoon Morakot, which hit parts of East Asia.
Morakot dropped some two metres of rain of Taiwan when it hit over the weekend, causing the worst flooding there in 50 years.
Rescuers are still searching for survivors in the village of Shiao Lin, after it was overwhelmed by a landslide on Sunday.
In Pengxi rescuers are being held back by falling debris.
Morakot weakened to a tropical storm early on Monday, but it has still been hitting south-eastern China with heavy rain.
Morakot weakened to a tropical storm early on Monday, but it has still been hitting south-eastern China with heavy rain.
-Nathan133
Drink blamed for oral cancer rise
Alcohol is largely to blame for an "alarming" rise in the rate of oral cancers among men and women in their forties, say experts.
Numbers of cancers of the lip, mouth, tongue and throat in this age group has risen by a quarter in the past decade.
Numbers of cancers of the lip, mouth, tongue and throat in this age group has risen by a quarter in the past decade.
Alcohol consumption has doubled since the 1950s and is the most likely culprit alongside smoking says Cancer Research UK.
Each year in the UK around 1,800 people die from the disease.
There are 5,000 newly diagnosed cases per year.
There are 5,000 newly diagnosed cases per year.
Other risk factors that may be involved include a diet low in fruit and vegetables, and the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), which also causes cervical cancer.
Figures produced by Cancer Research UK show that since the mid-1990s, rates of oral cancers have gone up by 28% for men in their forties and 24% for women.
The charity's health information manager Hazel Nunn said: "These latest figures are really alarming.
"Around three quarters of oral cancers are thought to be caused by smoking and drinking alcohol.
"Tobacco is, by far, the main risk factor for oral cancer, so it's important that we keep encouraging people to give up and think about new ways to stop people taking it up in the first place.
"Tobacco is, by far, the main risk factor for oral cancer, so it's important that we keep encouraging people to give up and think about new ways to stop people taking it up in the first place.
"But for people in their 40s, it seems that other factors are also contributing to this jump in oral cancer rates.
"Alcohol consumption has doubled since the 1950s and the trend we are now seeing is likely to be linked to Britain's continually rising drinking levels."
"Alcohol consumption has doubled since the 1950s and the trend we are now seeing is likely to be linked to Britain's continually rising drinking levels."
Oral cancer can be treated successfully if diagnosed early enough.
The most common signs of the disease are ulcers, sores, or red or white patches in the mouth that last longer than three weeks, together with unexplained pain in the mouth or ear.
The most common signs of the disease are ulcers, sores, or red or white patches in the mouth that last longer than three weeks, together with unexplained pain in the mouth or ear.
Alcohol Concern chief executive Don Shenker said: "Many people are not aware of the connection between alcohol and cancer, yet as this research shows, it can be a major contributor or cause of the disease.
"While alcoholic liver disease remains the number one killer linked to alcohol, more and more people are suffering from oral cancers - and record drinking levels have undeniably played a part."
He said it was time to introduce tobacco-style health warnings on alcohol.
"It's a consumer issue - people have a right to know the full range of health risks associated with drinking alcohol above recommended guidelines.
"It's a consumer issue - people have a right to know the full range of health risks associated with drinking alcohol above recommended guidelines.
"This research will hopefully help people realise the full extent of the damage that alcohol can do, then they're better placed to make informed decisions about how much they drink."
Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians and chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said: "These latest figures demonstrate once again that people are being struck down at ever younger ages with alcohol-related illnesses that they might never have previously associated with heavy drinking.
"There is an urgent need to rethink how we communicate the risks of misuse. The first step is to challenge the widespread notion that the only chronic health damage is suffered by a minority older drinkers."
-Nathan133
Skywatchers set for meteor shower
Skygazers are getting ready to watch the annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks on Wednesday.
The Perseid shower occurs when the Earth passes through a stream of dusty debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle.
As this cometary "grit" strikes our atmosphere, it burns up, often creating streaks of light across the sky.
This impressive spectacle appears to originate from a point called a "radiant" in the constellation of Perseus - hence the name Perseid.
"Earth passes through the densest part of the debris stream sometime on 12 August. Then, you could see dozens of meteors per hour," said Bill Cooke of Nasa's meteoroid environment office.
No special equipment is required to watch the sky show. Astronomers say binoculars might help, but will also restrict the view to a small part of the sky.
The Perseids can appear in any part of the sky, but their tails all point back to the radiant in the constellation Perseus.
The Perseids can appear in any part of the sky, but their tails all point back to the radiant in the constellation Perseus.
In the UK, the best times to see the Perseids are likely to be on the morning of 12 August before dawn and from late evening on the 12th through to the early hours of the 13 August.
This year, light from the last quarter Moon will interfere significantly with the view.
This year, light from the last quarter Moon will interfere significantly with the view.
The rock and dust fragments which cause the shower were left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle when it last came near the Sun.
The comet orbits the Sun once every 130 years and last swept through the inner Solar System in 1992.
The comet orbits the Sun once every 130 years and last swept through the inner Solar System in 1992.
Nathan133: " WOW "
-Nathan133
Couple behind Baby P death named
The couple responsible for the death of Baby Peter have been named after a court anonymity order expired.
The child died at the hands of mother Tracey Connelly and her partner Steven Barker, of Penshurst Road, Haringey.
The third defendant in the case has also now been named as Jason Owen, 37, Barker's brother. Baby Peter's surname, Connelly, has also been released.
In May Connelly, 28, and Barker, 33, were jailed for five and 12 years for causing or allowing the death of Peter.
The 17-month old baby had more 50 injuries when he died, including fractured ribs and a broken back.
It emerged Owen changed his name to avoid being connected to the killing of Peter.
Owen, 37, who was imprisoned for three years, was staying at the home in Tottenham, north London, with his 15-year-old lover.
It has also been revealed that the brothers were charged with assaulting their own grandmother, Hilda Barker, in 1995, in an attempt to make her change her will.
That case was dropped when Mrs Barker, 82, died before giving evidence, but she told police she had been locked in a wardrobe by the pair.
The notoriety of the Baby Peter case is such that all three convicted are likely to be given new identities upon release to protect them from vigilante attacks, according to the probation union Napo.
-Nathan133
The child died at the hands of mother Tracey Connelly and her partner Steven Barker, of Penshurst Road, Haringey.
The third defendant in the case has also now been named as Jason Owen, 37, Barker's brother. Baby Peter's surname, Connelly, has also been released.
In May Connelly, 28, and Barker, 33, were jailed for five and 12 years for causing or allowing the death of Peter.
The 17-month old baby had more 50 injuries when he died, including fractured ribs and a broken back.
It emerged Owen changed his name to avoid being connected to the killing of Peter.
Owen, 37, who was imprisoned for three years, was staying at the home in Tottenham, north London, with his 15-year-old lover.
It has also been revealed that the brothers were charged with assaulting their own grandmother, Hilda Barker, in 1995, in an attempt to make her change her will.
That case was dropped when Mrs Barker, 82, died before giving evidence, but she told police she had been locked in a wardrobe by the pair.
The notoriety of the Baby Peter case is such that all three convicted are likely to be given new identities upon release to protect them from vigilante attacks, according to the probation union Napo.
-Nathan133
Sunday 9 August 2009
Football - Fixtures and Results 7th + 8th August
7th August
Middlesbrough 0-0 Sheffield United
8th August
Championship
Cardiff City 4-0 Scunthorpe United
Crystal Palace 1-1 Plymouth Argyle
Derby County 2-1 Peterbrough United
Leicester City 2-1 Swansea City
Preston North End 2-2 Bristol City
Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Blackpool
Reading 0-0 Nottingham Forest
Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Barnsley
Watford 1-1 Doncaster Rovers
West Brom 1-1 Newcastle United
League One
Gillingham 5-0 Swindon Town (wow!)
Southampton 1-1 Millwall
Brighton and Hove Albion 0-1 Walsall
Bristol Rovers 1-2 Leyton Orient
Carlisle United 1-3 Brentford
Charlton Athletic 3-2 Wycombe
Leeds United 2-1 Exeter City
MK Dons 0-0 Hartlepool
Norwich City 1-7 Colchester
Oldham Athletic 0-0 Stockport
Southend 2-2 Huddersfield
Yeovil 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
League 2
Aldershot 3-1 Darlington
Bury 0-3 Bournemouth
Cheltenham 2-1 Grimsby Town
Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Dagenham and Redbridge
Lincoln City 1-0 Barnet
Morecombe 2-2 Hereford United
Northampton Town 0-0 Macclesfield Town
Notts County 5-0 Bradford City
Port Vale 1-1 Rochdale
Rotherham United 1-0 Accrington
Shrewsbury 3-1 Burton Albion
Torquay United 2-0 Chesterfield
Premier League Starts on August 15th.
SPL Starts on August 15th.
Middlesbrough 0-0 Sheffield United
8th August
Championship
Cardiff City 4-0 Scunthorpe United
Crystal Palace 1-1 Plymouth Argyle
Derby County 2-1 Peterbrough United
Leicester City 2-1 Swansea City
Preston North End 2-2 Bristol City
Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Blackpool
Reading 0-0 Nottingham Forest
Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Barnsley
Watford 1-1 Doncaster Rovers
West Brom 1-1 Newcastle United
League One
Gillingham 5-0 Swindon Town (wow!)
Southampton 1-1 Millwall
Brighton and Hove Albion 0-1 Walsall
Bristol Rovers 1-2 Leyton Orient
Carlisle United 1-3 Brentford
Charlton Athletic 3-2 Wycombe
Leeds United 2-1 Exeter City
MK Dons 0-0 Hartlepool
Norwich City 1-7 Colchester
Oldham Athletic 0-0 Stockport
Southend 2-2 Huddersfield
Yeovil 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
League 2
Aldershot 3-1 Darlington
Bury 0-3 Bournemouth
Cheltenham 2-1 Grimsby Town
Crewe Alexandra 1-2 Dagenham and Redbridge
Lincoln City 1-0 Barnet
Morecombe 2-2 Hereford United
Northampton Town 0-0 Macclesfield Town
Notts County 5-0 Bradford City
Port Vale 1-1 Rochdale
Rotherham United 1-0 Accrington
Shrewsbury 3-1 Burton Albion
Torquay United 2-0 Chesterfield
Premier League Starts on August 15th.
SPL Starts on August 15th.
Espanyol Captain Jarque Dies
Espanyol captain Dani Jarque died from a heart attack while on a pre-season tour of Italy.
The 26-year-old defender died at the hotel where the team were staying in the town of Coviciana.
He was discovered in his room after team-mates realised he had not appeared for a meal.
The club said that team doctors as well as Italian paramedics tried to revive the player but without success.
The tragedy comes just two years after the death, also from heart failure, of Sevilla defender Antonio Puerta, who died aged 22 after having collapsed during the opening game of the Spanish La Liga season.
Espanyol confirmed the diagnosis of heart failure and said the club doctor's attempts to revive the player had failed.
"It was a heart attack," said club official German de la Cruz.
"He was talking to his girlfriend when he suddenly began to feel unwell. He told her and then stopped talking.
"His partner got in touch with the hotel and explained what had happened but it was too late to do anything."
Jarque had played for Espanyol since the 2002-2003 season.
In the last campaign, he featured in 36 league matches and scored two goals. He was also a member of the team which won the Spanish Cup in 2006 and who were UEFA Cup runners-up in 2007.
European champions Barcelona, who are Espanyol's city rivals, sent their condolences to the Jarque's family from their American tour base in San Francisco.
"We are filled with extreme sadness at this tragic event and tonight we are in mourning," said Barca president Joan Laporta.
"On behalf of Barcelona, we want to send our deepest sympathies to Espanyol for the painful loss of their captain Dani Jarque, and to his family."
A minute's silence was observed at the start of the second half of a pre-season friendly at the Mestella Stadium where Valencia were taking on English side Arsenal.
Players from both sides also wore black armbands.
Real Madrid as well as the Spanish football federation sent their condolences to Jarque's family.
Nathan133: " Oh dear. He died so young R.I.P"
-Nathan133
The 26-year-old defender died at the hotel where the team were staying in the town of Coviciana.
He was discovered in his room after team-mates realised he had not appeared for a meal.
The club said that team doctors as well as Italian paramedics tried to revive the player but without success.
The tragedy comes just two years after the death, also from heart failure, of Sevilla defender Antonio Puerta, who died aged 22 after having collapsed during the opening game of the Spanish La Liga season.
Espanyol confirmed the diagnosis of heart failure and said the club doctor's attempts to revive the player had failed.
"It was a heart attack," said club official German de la Cruz.
"He was talking to his girlfriend when he suddenly began to feel unwell. He told her and then stopped talking.
"His partner got in touch with the hotel and explained what had happened but it was too late to do anything."
Jarque had played for Espanyol since the 2002-2003 season.
In the last campaign, he featured in 36 league matches and scored two goals. He was also a member of the team which won the Spanish Cup in 2006 and who were UEFA Cup runners-up in 2007.
European champions Barcelona, who are Espanyol's city rivals, sent their condolences to the Jarque's family from their American tour base in San Francisco.
"We are filled with extreme sadness at this tragic event and tonight we are in mourning," said Barca president Joan Laporta.
"On behalf of Barcelona, we want to send our deepest sympathies to Espanyol for the painful loss of their captain Dani Jarque, and to his family."
A minute's silence was observed at the start of the second half of a pre-season friendly at the Mestella Stadium where Valencia were taking on English side Arsenal.
Players from both sides also wore black armbands.
Real Madrid as well as the Spanish football federation sent their condolences to Jarque's family.
Nathan133: " Oh dear. He died so young R.I.P"
-Nathan133
Saturday 8 August 2009
Has Tamiflu made you ill?
Thousands of people across the UK have been taking medicine called Tamiflu to help treat the symptoms of swine flu.
But, like lots of medicines, it can have side effects for some people who take it and make them feel even worse.
But, like lots of medicines, it can have side effects for some people who take it and make them feel even worse.
A recent study found that loads of children have suffered sickness, been unable to sleep or even had nightmares after taking Tamiflu.
So are you one of them? Have you taken Tamiflu? Did it make you feel better or worse?
So are you one of them? Have you taken Tamiflu? Did it make you feel better or worse?
-Nathan133
A koala which became a celebrity after being rescued from raging fires in Australia has died during surgery.
Sam the koala was found by firefighters back in February, wandering through the forest with badly burnt paws, She was taken to a vet's to recover.
She looked like she was doing well, but was found to have a disease which affects lots of koalas.
During surgery to deal with the problem, it was found she was too sick and vets had to put her to sleep.
Sam the koala was found by firefighters back in February, wandering through the forest with badly burnt paws, She was taken to a vet's to recover.
She looked like she was doing well, but was found to have a disease which affects lots of koalas.
During surgery to deal with the problem, it was found she was too sick and vets had to put her to sleep.
-Nathan133
Sam the koala was found by firefighters back in February, wandering through the forest with badly burnt paws, She was taken to a vet's to recover.
She looked like she was doing well, but was found to have a disease which affects lots of koalas.
During surgery to deal with the problem, it was found she was too sick and vets had to put her to sleep.
Sam the koala was found by firefighters back in February, wandering through the forest with badly burnt paws, She was taken to a vet's to recover.
She looked like she was doing well, but was found to have a disease which affects lots of koalas.
During surgery to deal with the problem, it was found she was too sick and vets had to put her to sleep.
-Nathan133
Worry over attacks on seagulls
More and more seagulls are being hurt in attacks by people who are annoyed by their pesky behaviour, according to an animal charity.
The RSPCA say they've seen a rise in numbers of the birds being brought to their wildlife centres with injuries.
They reckon that's down to people taking gull control into their own hands, by shooting or trapping the gulls and leaving them to die.
The charity warn that's illegal, and harming gulls could get you in trouble.
The number of gulls in our towns and cities is rising, and some of them cause problems by stealing food and even attacking people.
But the charity want to remind people there are other steps they can take to keep gulls away.
Those include making sure we get rid of food in gull-proof bins and never feeding them.
-Nathan133
The RSPCA say they've seen a rise in numbers of the birds being brought to their wildlife centres with injuries.
They reckon that's down to people taking gull control into their own hands, by shooting or trapping the gulls and leaving them to die.
The charity warn that's illegal, and harming gulls could get you in trouble.
The number of gulls in our towns and cities is rising, and some of them cause problems by stealing food and even attacking people.
But the charity want to remind people there are other steps they can take to keep gulls away.
Those include making sure we get rid of food in gull-proof bins and never feeding them.
-Nathan133
Liverpool to sell Alonso for £30m
Real Madrid are signing another Premier League star, after agreeing a big-money move for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.
The Spanish side will spend around £30m on the midfielder, taking their summer spending to more than £200m.
Alonso, 27, joined Liverpool in 2004 for £10.7m - so the Reds are making a lot of money but are also losing one of their best players of last season.
But it's not all bad news - Liverpool are set to pay around £20m for Roma's Alberto Aquilani as his replacement.
Real Madrid's big summer buys
Cristiano Ronaldo - £80m
Kaka - £56m
Karim Benzema - £30m
Xabi Alonso - £30m
Raul Albiol - £12.8m
As long as Alonso passes a medical he will become the second Liverpool player to join Real this summer, with Alvaro Arbeloa moving there as well.
A statement on Liverpool's website said: "Liverpool Football Club this evening confirmed they had reached agreement for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject only to a medical.
"The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed."
Posted here Wednesday August 05 2009 16:06 GMT
-Nathan133
The Spanish side will spend around £30m on the midfielder, taking their summer spending to more than £200m.
Alonso, 27, joined Liverpool in 2004 for £10.7m - so the Reds are making a lot of money but are also losing one of their best players of last season.
But it's not all bad news - Liverpool are set to pay around £20m for Roma's Alberto Aquilani as his replacement.
Real Madrid's big summer buys
Cristiano Ronaldo - £80m
Kaka - £56m
Karim Benzema - £30m
Xabi Alonso - £30m
Raul Albiol - £12.8m
As long as Alonso passes a medical he will become the second Liverpool player to join Real this summer, with Alvaro Arbeloa moving there as well.
A statement on Liverpool's website said: "Liverpool Football Club this evening confirmed they had reached agreement for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject only to a medical.
"The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed."
Posted here Wednesday August 05 2009 16:06 GMT
-Nathan133
Teenager makes his own headlines
Scott Campbell is 14 - and his work has been published in national newspapers and with the help of a friend he runs a website dedicated to the news.
Scott's really passionate about what's going on in the world and one day hopes to be a journalist.
Scott launched his website Net News Daily in January this year as a simple blog. A couple of months later, the site has grown into a popular website with thousands of visitors every day.
On the day Michael Jackson died Scott's website crashed because so many people wanted to access it to find out more!
Instead of running his site from an office, everything is done on Scott's laptop. He updates the latest headlines from his garden and can even put on a new story before breakfast.
At home in Aberdeen, Scott's laptop is never far from his fingers.
-Nathan133
Scott's really passionate about what's going on in the world and one day hopes to be a journalist.
Scott launched his website Net News Daily in January this year as a simple blog. A couple of months later, the site has grown into a popular website with thousands of visitors every day.
On the day Michael Jackson died Scott's website crashed because so many people wanted to access it to find out more!
Instead of running his site from an office, everything is done on Scott's laptop. He updates the latest headlines from his garden and can even put on a new story before breakfast.
At home in Aberdeen, Scott's laptop is never far from his fingers.
-Nathan133
Australia town bans bottled water
A ban on selling bottled water has been introduced in a rural town in Australia because of concerns about its impact on the environment.People living in Bundanoon, New South Wales, say pumping, bottling and distributing the water wastes too many resources and creates too much rubbish.
Residents and visitors will now be encouraged to fill reusable bottles from free water fountains in the town.
Only one of the 350 people who voted on Wednesday night was against the ban.
The ban is thought to be the first of its kind in the world.
Campaigner John Dee said they came up with the idea after a drinks company wanted to take local water to Sydney, bottle it, then take it back to Bundanoon to sell.
"It made people look at the environmental impact of bottled water and the community has been quite vocal about it," he said.
And it looks as if it could catch on.
New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees has already ordered government departments to stop buying bottled water and use tap water instead to save money and help the environment.
-Nathan133
TV ad backs weeing in the shower
Green campaigners are trying to persuade people to take a pee in the shower instead of using the toilet.
The group from Brazil has even made a television advert to try to get more people to save water.
They say that every time you flush the loo it uses 12 litres of water. So if every household cut down on their flushing it could save loads of water.
But some health experts say that it might not be such a good idea if you don't clean your bathroom properly.
Tell us your top tips for being green
Green campaigner Dave Timms said: "It's important to save water because it helps the environment.
Television advert telling people to pee in the shower
"Pumping water, treating water and storing it in reservoirs all uses huge amounts of energy. And saving energy helps us reduce climate change."
But it's not just flushing the loo that uses up loads of water.
Wash out
Each time you take a bath it uses around 80 litres of water.
Washing your clothes uses about 65 litres and cleaning the car about 400 litres.
The people who made the advert say they're trying to use humour to make a really important point about how everyone can do their bit to save the planet.
-Nathan133
The group from Brazil has even made a television advert to try to get more people to save water.
They say that every time you flush the loo it uses 12 litres of water. So if every household cut down on their flushing it could save loads of water.
But some health experts say that it might not be such a good idea if you don't clean your bathroom properly.
Tell us your top tips for being green
Green campaigner Dave Timms said: "It's important to save water because it helps the environment.
Television advert telling people to pee in the shower
"Pumping water, treating water and storing it in reservoirs all uses huge amounts of energy. And saving energy helps us reduce climate change."
But it's not just flushing the loo that uses up loads of water.
Wash out
Each time you take a bath it uses around 80 litres of water.
Washing your clothes uses about 65 litres and cleaning the car about 400 litres.
The people who made the advert say they're trying to use humour to make a really important point about how everyone can do their bit to save the planet.
-Nathan133
Thursday 6 August 2009
Barclays Premier League season is starting soon!
The Barclays Premier League (BPL) Season is not far away. The First Premier League game is on the 15th August I am on holiday then :( but I will be bringing the laptop so I might be able to catch up for the results. I come back from my holiday 1st september.
Just a little reminder,
-Nathan133
Just a little reminder,
-Nathan133
Sport: Alonso to Real Madrid
Liverpool Midfielder Xabi Alonso has now completed his move to Real Madrid. Real Madrid have spent an awful lot of money in the transfer Market. Real madrid have now said that they have finished buying players, The Manager has not said that yet. Staff in Real Madrid say no more buying but The Manager has not said we will stop the selling yet. The Real Madrid fans will be getting excited with all the new players and hope they will still play well. Kaka and Ronaldo are also now at Real Madrid but some fans say not for long.
Nathan133 says: Liverpool have had succes with him but I`m sure the team will be able to win games without him.
-Nathan133
Nathan133 says: Liverpool have had succes with him but I`m sure the team will be able to win games without him.
-Nathan133
Monday 3 August 2009
Football's Sir Bobby Robson dies
Former England player and manager Sir Bobby Robson has died at the age of 76.
Sir Bobby was one of England's best ever managers, and also played 20 times for his country, scoring four goals.
During his time as England boss they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Italy in 1990, the furthest the team had got since winning it in 1966.
As well as his success with England, he was also a brilliant club manager, with Ipswich Town, Newcastle United and big foreign teams like Barcelona.
He had lots of success with those clubs, and along the way spotted the potential of a young coach called Jose Mourinho who he later made his assistant manager at Barcelona.
Sir Bobby met Mourinho while working in Portugal where he had been working as a translator and coach. He realised Mourinho could be a very good coach too, and took him to a number of other clubs with him.
-Nathan133
Sir Bobby was one of England's best ever managers, and also played 20 times for his country, scoring four goals.
During his time as England boss they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Italy in 1990, the furthest the team had got since winning it in 1966.
As well as his success with England, he was also a brilliant club manager, with Ipswich Town, Newcastle United and big foreign teams like Barcelona.
He had lots of success with those clubs, and along the way spotted the potential of a young coach called Jose Mourinho who he later made his assistant manager at Barcelona.
Sir Bobby met Mourinho while working in Portugal where he had been working as a translator and coach. He realised Mourinho could be a very good coach too, and took him to a number of other clubs with him.
-Nathan133
ANOTHER world record for Brit
Britain's success at the World Swimming Championships in Rome has continued, with another gold medal and a world record in the same race.
Liam Tancock got a time of 24.04 in the 50m backstroke final, breaking the world record he set a day earlier in the semi-finals!
"It is another world record and I'm thrilled to bits I'm world champion" said Tancock.
Jo Jackson won her second silver of the Championships in the 800m freestyle.
"It is another world record and I'm thrilled to bits I'm world champion" said Tancock.
Jo Jackson won her second silver of the Championships in the 800m freestyle.
Olympic champion Rebecca Addlington could only manage fourth place.
"It was so tough out there," Jackson said. "All the girls just went out so hard and I found it so hard to keep up.
"Me and Rebecca have had a tough week. It has taken it out of us but we went out there and gave it our best and should be proud of how we did."
"It was so tough out there," Jackson said. "All the girls just went out so hard and I found it so hard to keep up.
"Me and Rebecca have had a tough week. It has taken it out of us but we went out there and gave it our best and should be proud of how we did."
Astronauts wanted - no bad breath
You'd probably expect to pass some pretty tough test to become an astronaut, but to get on China's space programme, things are even tougher.
Authorities have written a list with 100 guidelines for people trying to go into space, including a ban on bad breath, runny noses or body odour.
China's space programme bosses say they are looking for "super human beings".
And if that's not enough, if the astronaut's wives aren't happy, they get to stop them going into space.
China's space programme bosses say they are looking for "super human beings".
And if that's not enough, if the astronaut's wives aren't happy, they get to stop them going into space.
The first set of screenings of potential "taikonauts" - the name for China's space travellers - has taken place.
Shi Bing Bing, who carried out the tests, said: "Bad body odour will affect fellow colleagues in the narrow confines of a space shuttle."
China put its first person into space in 2003, while Zhai Zhigang, the son of a snack seller, carried out the first Chinese spacewalk last year
Shi Bing Bing, who carried out the tests, said: "Bad body odour will affect fellow colleagues in the narrow confines of a space shuttle."
China put its first person into space in 2003, while Zhai Zhigang, the son of a snack seller, carried out the first Chinese spacewalk last year
Dog gets paws on a bravery award
A dog has been given a gold medal for bravery after saving the life of his owner's dad.
Bosnich - also called Bos - was being walked by his owner's dad Mark on the Cumbrian Fells, when bad weather made it difficult to know the way to go.
They soon got lost and 74-year-old Mark got very cold and started to get ill because he really needed water.
They were missing for two days before other walkers found Bos howling for help and he could led them to Mark.
Once he'd been found Mark was airlifted to hospital to recover.
Now the PDSA has given Bos a gold medal, which is awarded for extreme courage.
Mike Graham, of the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, said if it hadn't been Bos's persistent howling Mr Corrie may not have been discovered in time.
"Bos was a hero that day and his family should be very proud," he said. "I'm sure his actions saved Mark Corrie's life."
They soon got lost and 74-year-old Mark got very cold and started to get ill because he really needed water.
They were missing for two days before other walkers found Bos howling for help and he could led them to Mark.
Once he'd been found Mark was airlifted to hospital to recover.
Now the PDSA has given Bos a gold medal, which is awarded for extreme courage.
Mike Graham, of the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team, said if it hadn't been Bos's persistent howling Mr Corrie may not have been discovered in time.
"Bos was a hero that day and his family should be very proud," he said. "I'm sure his actions saved Mark Corrie's life."
-Nathan133
Potter movie earns piles of money
The latest Harry Potter film has made a magic start in cinemas, earning loads of money in the UK and America.
On Wednesday people in the UK spent more than £4.7m on tickets to see the film. That's the most money ever by a film opening on a Wednesday.
In America some cinemas showed the film at midnight and more than $22.5m (£13.7m) was spent on those showings.
In total American Potter fans spent $58.4m (£35.5m) on tickets on day one - more than any other Potter film so far.
Ricky meets Harry Potter stars
Only three other films have ever sold more tickets in a single day than Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
According to official figures 2009 is turning into a really big year for cinemas in the UK too, as it seems likely it will be a bigger year than 2008.
We spent around £90m more on cinema tickets in the first six months of 2009 than we did in 2008.
-Nathan133
On Wednesday people in the UK spent more than £4.7m on tickets to see the film. That's the most money ever by a film opening on a Wednesday.
In America some cinemas showed the film at midnight and more than $22.5m (£13.7m) was spent on those showings.
In total American Potter fans spent $58.4m (£35.5m) on tickets on day one - more than any other Potter film so far.
Ricky meets Harry Potter stars
Only three other films have ever sold more tickets in a single day than Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
According to official figures 2009 is turning into a really big year for cinemas in the UK too, as it seems likely it will be a bigger year than 2008.
We spent around £90m more on cinema tickets in the first six months of 2009 than we did in 2008.
-Nathan133
Jackson's mum to look after kids
Michael Jackson's mum has been told she can look after his children full-time, according to reports.
A lawyer for Katherine Jackson told American TV that Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and Prince Michael II, seven will be raised by their grandmother.
He also said Debbie Rowe, the mother of the singer's two oldest children, will be able to visit them.
In 2002, Michael said in a legal document that he wanted his mother to care for the children if he died.
A lawyer for Katherine Jackson told American TV that Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and Prince Michael II, seven will be raised by their grandmother.
He also said Debbie Rowe, the mother of the singer's two oldest children, will be able to visit them.
In 2002, Michael said in a legal document that he wanted his mother to care for the children if he died.
Meanwhile, officials looking into the singer's death have said the results of an medical examination have been delayed.
They will now be made public next week.
They will now be made public next week.
-Nathan133
Croc causes chaos on plane
A baby croc caused chaos on a flight to Egyptian capital Cairo when it escaped from a passenger's luggage, according to airport officials.
Passengers screamed as the crocodile, which was about 30cm long, scuttled down the cabin before it was captured by crew members.
Passengers screamed as the crocodile, which was about 30cm long, scuttled down the cabin before it was captured by crew members.
All passengers on the Egypt Air flight were asked about the reptile, but none owned up to bringing it on board.
The crocodile was handed to local authorities when the plane landed.
Reports said it will be donated to a local zoo .
The crocodile was handed to local authorities when the plane landed.
Reports said it will be donated to a local zoo .
-Nathan133
Battle to control La Palma fires
Huge forest fires in the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain, are still burning out of control.
Planes are being used to drop water on fires, which are raging on the island of La Palma. But firefighters have been forced to pull back from the flames.
Planes are being used to drop water on fires, which are raging on the island of La Palma. But firefighters have been forced to pull back from the flames.
Around 4,000 people, including many tourists, have had to leave their homes and hotels.
Lots of people on holiday in La Palma have been unable to catch their flights home because roads are closed.
Lots of people on holiday in La Palma have been unable to catch their flights home because roads are closed.
The worst fires are around the towns of Fuencaliente and Mazo, both very popular with tourists.
The Spanish Prime Minister has promised to help those affected by the blazes.
The Spanish Prime Minister has promised to help those affected by the blazes.
In Fuencaliente more than 20 homes were destroyed by the flames.
At least one fire is thought to have been caused by a stray firework let off during a local festival.
There are fears the flames could spread to an observatory which is home to the world's largest telescope.
At least one fire is thought to have been caused by a stray firework let off during a local festival.
There are fears the flames could spread to an observatory which is home to the world's largest telescope.
The Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory has been operating for more than 20 years, and a new telescope was officially opened last month.
-Nathan133
Barclays profit up to almost £3bn
Barclays has announced pre-tax profits of £2.98bn for the first half of 2009.
Profits for the year were slightly below analysts' forecasts of more than £3bn, but were up 8% on the £2.75bn it made in the first six months of 2008.
The results were boosted by the performance of its investment banking division, Barclays Capital, which saw profits double to more than £1bn.
But profits at Barclays' UK retail banking arm more than halved, falling to £268m, from £690m a year ago.
Bad debts almost doubled. Impairments and other credit provisions jumped to £4.56bn, up 86% from £2.45bn in the first half of 2008.
HSBC is also due to give its latest figures on Monday, with Lloyds and RBS reporting later in the week.
Investment banking 'back'
Neither Barclays nor HSBC have accepted government bail-outs.
Ralph Silva, banking analyst at Tower Group, said that not accepting government money would have contributed to Barclays Capital doing so well.
"Investment banking is back. If you are a big company you are going to gravitate towards the banks that have not received government funds," he said.
Profits at Barclays Capital rose to £1.05bn from £524m a year ago.
Barclays also said it had gained more investment banking clients thanks to the acquisition of some Lehman Brothers businesses in 2008.
'Strong performance'
The addition of some of the still-successful operations from Lehman Brothers also "increased significantly" Barclays' presence in the US, the bank said.
The US now accounts for about 40% of its income.
Barclays chief executive John Varley was upbeat on the bank's prospects for the rest of the year.
"The investments we have made, particularly in our international businesses, are driving very strong income performance and allowing us to absorb the consequences of the economic downturn," he said.
"Our goal for 2009 is very clear: we seek to deliver another year of solid profitability. Our first half performance is a good start to this."
-Nathan133
Profits for the year were slightly below analysts' forecasts of more than £3bn, but were up 8% on the £2.75bn it made in the first six months of 2008.
The results were boosted by the performance of its investment banking division, Barclays Capital, which saw profits double to more than £1bn.
But profits at Barclays' UK retail banking arm more than halved, falling to £268m, from £690m a year ago.
Bad debts almost doubled. Impairments and other credit provisions jumped to £4.56bn, up 86% from £2.45bn in the first half of 2008.
HSBC is also due to give its latest figures on Monday, with Lloyds and RBS reporting later in the week.
Investment banking 'back'
Neither Barclays nor HSBC have accepted government bail-outs.
Ralph Silva, banking analyst at Tower Group, said that not accepting government money would have contributed to Barclays Capital doing so well.
"Investment banking is back. If you are a big company you are going to gravitate towards the banks that have not received government funds," he said.
Profits at Barclays Capital rose to £1.05bn from £524m a year ago.
Barclays also said it had gained more investment banking clients thanks to the acquisition of some Lehman Brothers businesses in 2008.
'Strong performance'
The addition of some of the still-successful operations from Lehman Brothers also "increased significantly" Barclays' presence in the US, the bank said.
The US now accounts for about 40% of its income.
Barclays chief executive John Varley was upbeat on the bank's prospects for the rest of the year.
"The investments we have made, particularly in our international businesses, are driving very strong income performance and allowing us to absorb the consequences of the economic downturn," he said.
"Our goal for 2009 is very clear: we seek to deliver another year of solid profitability. Our first half performance is a good start to this."
-Nathan133
Sunday 2 August 2009
CCTV reveals extent of prison drugs trade
CCTV pictures showing visitors smuggling drugs into British jails are shedding new light on the prison drugs trade.
It is thought to be worth at least £20m a year and many believe it is preventing prisoners from being rehabilitated. Tamasin Ford reports.
-Nathan133
It is thought to be worth at least £20m a year and many believe it is preventing prisoners from being rehabilitated. Tamasin Ford reports.
-Nathan133
Festival stage collapse kills one
A music fan has been killed and 15 others injured after a concert stage collapsed at a festival in Canada.
The accident at the Big Valley Jamboree, 60 miles (96.6km) from Edmonton, occurred shortly before the Hollywood star Kevin Costner was due to perform a set with his band.
Strong winds are being blamed for the collapse.
-Nathan133
The accident at the Big Valley Jamboree, 60 miles (96.6km) from Edmonton, occurred shortly before the Hollywood star Kevin Costner was due to perform a set with his band.
Strong winds are being blamed for the collapse.
-Nathan133
Bent apologises for online rant
Tottenham striker Darren Bent has apologised for an online rant that accused Spurs chairman Daniel Levy of disrupting his move to Sunderland.Bent blamed his outburst on social network site Twitter on frustration.
In a statement on Tottenham's official website, Bent said: "I appreciate that transfers are seldom straightforward."
He added: "I regret my actions and did not intend to offend Daniel Levy or anyone with the nature or the content of my posting."
One of the tweets said: "Do I wanna go to Hull? No. Do I wanna go to Stoke? No. Do I wanna go to Sunderland? Yes."
The Twitter account in question was taken down on Friday morning and Spurs were understood to be dealing with the matter internally.
Later on Friday, however, a statement appeared on the club's website containing Bent's apology.
It read: "I appreciate that transfers are seldom straightforward and are often complex.
"However, after a long period of waiting following my withdrawal from the plane to China, I had become incredibly frustrated by the time these things take and I posted inappropriate comments on my Twitter site.
"I allowed my emotions to get in the way of my better judgement. I regret my actions and did not intend to offend Daniel Levy or anyone with the nature or the content of my posting."
The arrival of fellow striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth earlier this week appears to have signalled the end of Bent's stay at White Hart Lane and the only stumbling block looks to be his transfer fee.
Bent missed Spurs' tour to China for talks on Wearside.
There's a human being in this who is obviously caught up in the middle and wants his future sorted out
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce
Sunderland are understood to be be prepared to break their own transfer record of £9m, paid for goalkeeper Craig Gordon two years ago, but Levy will be wanting to recoup most of the £16.5m he paid to Charlton two years ago for the England centre-forward.
In his posting, the 25-year-old, who was Spurs' leading scorer last season with 17 goals from 43 appearances, appeared to lay the blame for any delay firmly at Tottenham's door, adding on other tweets, that were littered with swear words: "Why can't anything be simple [sic].
"Sunderland are not the problem in the slightest."
Black Cats manager Steve Bruce said that he can understand if Bent is feeling frustrated that his move away from Tottenham has not yet been completed, but added that he was still keen to sign
the striker.
"Someone says Darren has been Twittering," Bruce told the Sunderland Echo newspaper.
"I don't even know what that is, but I have seen a few things in the papers about it.
"Footballers aren't just objects. There's a human being in this who is obviously caught up in the middle and wants his future sorted out. The situation at the moment is that the clubs are still talking.
"We thought we had a deal done a couple of days ago and it has not quite materialised. We will do our utmost to get the deal over the line. I would say I was really confident that would happen a couple of days ago, but now I'd say it's 50-50."
If Bent does go then maybe we will be interested
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Several sporting stars have made the headlines in recent weeks after comments posted on their Twitter feed, with Australia batsman Phillip Hughes the latest in the spotlight.
Hughes' agent took the blame for revealing that his client had been dropped for the third Test at Edgbaston on his Twitter feed.
Cycling superstar Lance Armstrong is also an enthusiastic user of Twitter, using it to hit back at Alberto Contador in a recent row between the two team-mates.
Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp - speaking on Thursday, before the Twitter row erupted - admitted he was unsure of how the deal was progressing.
"I spoke to the chairman (on Wednesday) but I don't know where he is at," he said. "He was talking to Sunderland the last I was aware.
If Bent does leave the club, Redknapp has reiterated his desire to bring Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar to north London.
The Dutchman had been set for a move to German side Stuttgart last week but that fell through due to his wage demands.
"If you look at his goalscoring record it is incredible," Redknapp said. "If he is available then again he is a player that interests me.
"If any top-class player becomes available then you have to be interested and if Bent does go then maybe we will be interested.
"You cannot have too many good players. Competition for places is what it is all about. Look at Manchester United, you could pick two teams from their squad last year."
Quite a Long Post,
-Nathan133
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
