2014 news

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Brit accused of Lanzarote child-snatching out on bail

The British man arrested in Lanzarote for suspected child-snatching has been released on the condition that he appear twice a month.

The court in Arrecife, Lanzarote, has declared that accused should report in person on the first and fifteenth day of each month as a condition of his release.

The British tourist was arrested following calls from neighbours who had seen him taking a child, who had been playing outdoors, and alerted the boy’s family. They managed to get the child back, he was unhurt but upset by the experience.

ORIGINAL STORY: British tourist arrested after child is snatched in Lanzarote

'Flowers in the Attic' sequel gets new Cathy

Rose McIver arrives to Audi Celebrates Golden Globes Weekend at Cecconi's Restaurant on January 9, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.

McIver will star as Cathy in "Petals on the Wind"

The Lifetime film is the sequel to their version of "Flowers in the Attic"

Heather Graham and Ellen Burstyn will return in the sequel

(EW.com ) -- Is this the face of a beautiful prima ballerina who burns for her beautiful brother — and yearns for revenge against her equally beautiful mother?

Lifetime thinks so.

EW can confirm that 26-year-old Rose McIver will star as Cathy in "Petals on the Wind," the network's upcoming sequel to its hit adaptation of V.C. Andrews's "Flowers in the Attic." McIver will inherit the role from Kiernan Shipka, who played Cathy from ages 12 through 15 in the first film. The novel on which Petals is based picks up immediately where Flowers leaves off, covering a sequence of events that take place over the course of 12 years; Lifetime's movie version will take a different approach, beginning a decade after the events of the first movie. (Which is a good thing, since it means viewers will be spared scenes of Sally Draper seducing a 40-year-old man.)

McIver, a New Zealand native, may be known best to American audiences as Vivian Scully on Showtime's "Masters of Sex" or Tinker Bell on ABC's "Once Upon a Time." As her Facebook page notes, McIver also used to study ballet and jazz dance — which may come in handy when playing dancer-turned-teacher Cathy.

She joins returning "Flowers" cast members Heather Graham and Ellen Burstyn, who will reprise their roles Cathy's wicked mother and grandmother, respectively.

See the original story at EW.com.

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What you don't get about NFL bullying

Jeff Pearlman: NFL report on bullying among Dolphins horrified many but shouldn't

As a sportswriter, he says he often saw the immature behavior of players

He says the strong bully the weak, while racism and homophobia aren't uncommon

Pearlman: The culture of the locker room will remain unless sports chiefs change it

Editor's note: Jeff Pearlman blogs at jeffpearlman.com. His latest book, "Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s," comes out March 4. Follow him on Twitter @jeffpearlman.

(CNN) -- About a decade ago, while walking through the spring training clubhouse of the then-Florida Marlins, a third baseman summoned me toward his locker and -- pants down, while changing out of his uniform -- farted in my face.

I did not know the man.

He did not know me.

He simply thought, in some odd way, that farting into a stranger's face constituted good humor. And, amazingly, it did. Teammates laughed and laughed and laughed. Ultimately, a catcher I'd interviewed before walked up, tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Typical bull----."

Indeed.

The professional athlete who breaks wind in a man's face is not an anomaly. Neither is the athlete who -- as a joke -- sticks a pornographic film in the clubhouse TV's DVD player. Or the one who gives a teammate a wedgie. Or a purple nurple. Or tells racist jokes. Or sexist jokes. Or ... you name it. Really, name anything.

That's why, as the world -- in and out of sporting -- chatters over the 144-page report commissioned by the NFL to explore allegations of bullying within the Miami Dolphins, I can't help but sigh, shrug and accept the reality that -- even with Richie Incognito's warranted public flogging, even with Michael Sam's announcement of his homosexuality, even with continued societal enlightenment -- little will change.

As anyone who has spent time covering athletics will tell you, life in a male professional clubhouse is often akin to the worst fraternity on campus -- minus the rules, regulations and governing bodies. There is a caste system, but it has little to do with the most intelligent and mature rising to the top. Here, the skinny backup quarterback who attended, say, Harvard or Northwestern gains no points for his pedigree. The strong debater or the Tolstoy fan isn't considered a guide or guru.

No, this is the heartland of Richie Incognitos -- large, loud, oafish dunderheads who would be branded bullies elsewhere but are here leaders. As the NFL report detailed, Incognito and Co. appeared to take a sadistic pleasure in torturing Jonathan Martin, a teammate considered to be weak.

NFL names more bullies, victims in Miami

Sportscaster slams Michael Sam critics

Ted Wells, a defense lawyer who investigated the scandal and produced the report for the NFL, called it "a classic case of bullying, where persons who are in a position of power harass the less powerful" -- and truer words have rarely been written. Martin was mocked racially, mocked sexually, subjected to obscene jokes about his sister and mother. Another teammate, according to the report, was besieged with homophobic taunts and touched in a "mockingly suggestive manner."

This is awful.

This is not particularly surprising.

Truth be told, the world of professional team sports is about as open-minded as a corpse. Yes, blacks and whites and Hispanics and Asians come together to fight for a common goal. Winning. Once the final whistle or buzzer sounds (or the last out is recorded), the "Kumbaya" spirit evaporates, and everyone wanders off into their groups and corners. Many go about their lives. Some -- the meek -- cower. Others -- the Incognitos -- pounce. They do so for the simple reason that others before them have also done so -- no one dares stand in the way.

I vividly recall covering the San Francisco Giants when Barry Bonds was the team's star. He was (to be blunt) an awful man to others -- rude to teammates, dismissive to fans, crude to the media and indifferent to Giants employees. When a San Francisco front office executive or public relations official would tiptoe up to Bonds with a question or request, he would be unceremoniously rebuffed. He might technically have held the power, but Bonds was bigger, stronger, more famous, more important -- and his way became the way.

No matter what the so-called experts say on the morning talk shows (and Lord knows, it'd be helpful if some of them ever even stepped foot inside a locker room), that's how it goes in sports. Unless pro sports commissioners Roger Goodell, Bud Selig, Adam Silver and Gary Bettman make a concerted effort to begin enforcing better behavior in their sports' respective locker rooms, that's how it will always go in sports.

And the Richie Incognitos will continue to rule the terrain.

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The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jeff Pearlman.

5 fitness apps that actually get results

Getting fit no longer requires a pencil-and-paper workout plan or a hardback diet book -- just your smartphone.

The latest apps can aid you in reaching your fitness goals

Some provide workout accountability; others help count calories

You can track your runs and even run from zombies

(Health.com) -- Looking for a new way to reach your fitness goals? Now's the time to check out some of the hottest fitness apps as 2014 gets underway.

Getting fit no longer requires a pencil-and-paper workout plan or a hardback diet book. The latest apps can aid your fitness goals through interactive features, instant stats and tips, and GPS technology, as well as inspiration of the monetary variety.

Reinvigorate your workout by downloading the following five fitness apps. Some are new to the market, while others are simply tried and true. Not only will these apps boost your health and wellness, they will give you a new burst of motivation.

Health.com: How to stick to a workout plan

5 apps for your new phone or tablet

Sleep apps a warning sign

Health apps raise privacy concerns

1. Hot5

Hot5 is hands down one of my favorite apps for 2014. From abs and core to yoga and flexibility and everything in between, Hot5 contains pages and pages of 5-minute video workouts that are super easy to follow. You can find video workouts of all varieties and difficulty levels that will work you out with only five moves.

While most fitness app videos look like they were filmed in the 1980s, Hot5's are sleek and modern. The interface is also beautifully designed and user friendly. It is to the point and clear cut, saving you time by skipping the personal questionnaires and sign-up lag.

I also love that this app can be used as an add-on to your fitness routine or as your entire workout. If you want to do 5-minute abs after a run, Hot5 is for you. If you want to do a full body workout, mix and match from their plethora of videos. This pick and choose system is great for beginners and fitness gurus alike.

The best part? Hot5 is completely free. No hidden costs, no paid upgrades. Hot5 gives you the best of the best without costing you a penny.

Compatibility: iPhone; Cost: Free

2. GymPact

We all need a little motivation when it comes to working out, and GymPact is the perfect way to get inspired.

How does it work? Make a commitment to work out a certain number of times a week. Choose the amount of money you are willing to risk if you don't reach your goal. If you don't achieve your goal? Your credit card gets charged. Achieve your goal? You get paid! The days of being paid to work out have finally come!

Compatibility: iPhone and Android; Cost: Free

Health.com: 43 vegetarian recipes we love

3. Weight Watchers Mobile

Sure, you've heard of Weight Watchers, but there's a reason this company has been around so long. Their system gets great results --plain and simple.

Weight Watchers Mobile is a great way to track your calorie consumption by using their point system. Not only can you enter and search for different foods in their database, you can scan barcodes for instant information about what you're eating. The app counts down your available calories by day and also by week.

Weight Watchers Mobile even has a section to find foods from your favorite restaurants, and info on portion control and healthy eating. Their clean-looking, easy-to-use interface makes dieting more manageable and straightforward.

Compatibility: iPhone and Android; Cost: Free, but you must be a Weight Watchers member to get full access.

4. RunKeeper

RunKeeper has been around for a while, but it's still one of the greatest fitness apps out there.

RunKeeper allows you to track your runs, walks, or bike rides by using the GPS system in your phone. You can view your detailed stats on its easy-to-use layout, and also track your progress over time. RunKeeper even allows you to connect with your friends so others can track your achievements and goals.

My favorite feature on this app is the audio cue option. RunKeeper provides real-time coaching by giving you audible updates on your pace, time, distance, and more.

Compatibility: iPhone and Android; Cost: Free

Health.com: The best 30-minute boot camp workout

5. Zombies, Run! 2

That's right... the zombie craze has even reached the fitness arena. This action packed app adds an element that is sometimes missing from other workout apps -- fun.

Zombies, Run! and Zombies, Run! 2 mix games and stories into your run as you complete missions in a world laden with zombies. Whether you're gathering supplies, saving a fellow human, or out-running a horde of the undead, this app amps up your normal jog with imagination and competition.

Compatibility: iPhone and Android; Cost: $2.99

This article originally appeared on Health.com .

No, sun does not revolve around Earth

A recent survey revealed, among other things, that one in four Americans didn't know the Earth revolved around the sun.

Sheril Kirshenbaum: Survey shows many in U.S. lack basic science knowledge

She says smart people can get science questions wrong and other polls show better results

But she says science illiteracy is a problem, and funding cuts, junk science have played role

Writer: Science graduates must bring science back into society in interdisciplinary ways

Editor's note: Sheril Kirshenbaum is director of the University of Texas at Austin's Energy Poll and co-author, with Chris Mooney, of "Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future."

(CNN) -- Every few years, the National Science Foundation releases its new Science and Engineering Indicators, which feature a barrage of seemingly embarrassing statistics that detail just how much Americans don't know about science. The latest such report, out Friday, has caused a stir by revealing that just 74% of Americans know the Earth revolves around the sun.

On the surface this figure may seem troubling, but we can take (some) heart: Aside from serving as instant fodder for the news media, quizzing the public tells us little about the state of science literacy in the United States. Science literacy isn't remembering a bunch of facts. It's an appreciation and understanding of the scientific process and the ability to think critically.

A lot of smart people get scientific facts wrong, and it doesn't mean they are uneducated. In the 1987 documentary "A Private Universe," Harvard students, faculty and alumni were asked what causes the four seasons. Nearly everyone interviewed incorrectly explained that seasons change when the Earth gets closer or farther from the sun in orbit rather than because of the tilt of its axis.

It's also important to remember that in polling, the way a question is phrased can influence the outcome. For example, the National Science Foundation's Indicators report found that fewer than half of Americans agree with the statement, "Human beings, as we know them today, developed from earlier species of animals." However, a 2009 Pew poll reported that six in 10 Americans agree that "humans and other living things have evolved over time due to natural processes." The same year, a Harris Poll reported that while just 29% of Americans agree that "human beings evolved from earlier species," 53% of the same pool of respondents "believe Charles Darwin's theory which states that plants, animals and human beings have evolved over time." In other words, language matters.

Still, one can't simply dismiss the Indicators data, in light of the very real problem the country faces: The state of science literacy has been in steep decline for a half-century. After World War II, the United States celebrated scientists for developing crucial wartime technologies from radar to the hydrogen bomb. By 1957, the Soviet launch of Sputnik sparked tremendous growth in scientific funding for research and development. Back then, scientists were heroes and worked closely with Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy.

Then things changed. The space race faded to memory, and nonmilitary science funding dipped. Science lost its prominence in policy, and today it's treated as a special-interest group rather than central to the policymaking process.

Nye vs. Ham in creationism debate

The science behind our extreme weather

The emergence of the religious right beginning in the late 1970s created unnecessary battles pitting religion again "reason," as if we must choose a side. More recently, budgetary constraints and the transforming media environment led to major cuts in science reporting. These days, most "science stories" that make the news are focused on diet and fitness instead of the latest research that will affect our lives and communities.

Meanwhile, the Internet allows us to shop for whatever scientific opinion we want as easily as we shop for holiday gifts. The result is a tsunami of dangerous misinformation and pseudoscience online fueling the rise of such things as the anti-vaccination movement and climate change denial. We need to shift course.

It doesn't matter whether every American can correctly answer a pop quiz about science topics he or she had to memorize in grade school. Isn't that what turns a lot of us off to science to begin with? What's important is that we work to foster a more engaged American public that will not only support but also prioritize the research and development necessary to meet the 21st century's greatest challenges, from drought to disease pandemics. We must cultivate a culture of science literacy.

One way? Enlist today's young scientists entering the workforce as science emissaries -- training them with interdisciplinary skills that can be applied beyond academia. The number of traditional tenure-track jobs for science Ph.D.s is shrinking, even as we have a critical need for scientific expertise beyond the ivory towers.

"Renaissance scientists" who pursue policymaking jobs, work as writers or even just speak another language will be best equipped to bridge the gap between science and society, serving as translators and communicators.

We need this new generation of scientific heroes to restore science to its rightful place in America. Only then will we cultivate a culture of science literacy.

Follow us on Twitter @CNNOpinion .

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The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Sheril Kirshenbaum.

9 dead in Ukraine street battle over presidential power

NEW: U.S. Embassy says Ukraine security "may take extraordinary measures"

Opposition tells President: "Do not let Ukraine become a country covered with blood"

Opposition members tried to get a constitutional vote that would limit President's power

The casualties occurred after protesters set fire to ruling party's headquarters

iReport: Have you witnessed the protests in Ukraine? Share your experiences, but please stay safe.

Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- A violent showdown appeared likely Tuesday night in Ukraine after new clashes left nine people dead and the capital city afire in months-long turmoil over whether the country should ally itself economically with Russia or Europe, officials said.

With 47 police officers injured in clashes with protesters favoring a European Union pact, ominous warnings were issued by Kiev officials and the U.S. Embassy for Tuesday night. At least nine people died in protests earlier in the day, seven of them civilians and two police, authorities said.

City hall officials warned residents to stay away from the city center "to avoid casualties," and the U.S. Embassy said Ukrainian security services "may take extraordinary measures" Tuesday evening following the fiery violence.

The U.S. Embassy in the Ukraine "advises all Citizens to maintain a low profile and to remain indoors tonight," the mission said Tuesday.

Protesters set the city center afire Tuesday night by burning tires, sending black smoke through Kiev.

Meanwhile, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, one of the opposition leaders, made a public appeal to President Viktor Yanukovych: "Do not let Ukraine become a country covered with blood. Pull back the police and announce a cease-fire. Then we will negotiate."

As violence roiled, the Interior Ministry said metro stations were closed.

The protesters' medical service said more than 150 people were hurt in Tuesday's clashes.

Thousands of demonstrators have packed Kiev's Independence Square since November, when Yanukovych reversed a decision to sign a trade deal with the European Union and instead turned toward Russia.

The unrest intensified after an anti-protest law went into effect. Throngs of demonstrators took to the streets to protest the law.

More than 2,000 people have been injured during the clashes.

Stop the ultimatums, Russia tells Ukraine protesters

On Tuesday, the casualties occurred after protesters set fire to the headquarters of the ruling Party of Regions and as violence roiled the capital for the first time in more than two weeks.

The opposition confirmed five of the deaths -- three near parliament and two near a metro station; the Interior Ministry said a policeman died in an ambulance en route to a hospital.

Earlier, an opposition member of Ukraine's parliament told CNN that three protesters had died and seven others were seriously injured during protests Tuesday in Kiev.

Speaking from the protesters' medical facility outside the parliament building, Olesya Orobets said ambulances had been barred from the area.

John Kerry: United States, EU stand with Ukraine's people

Phil Black reports live from Kiev

Ukrainian protesters clash with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square on Tuesday, February 18. Thousands of anti-government demonstrators have packed Independence Square since November, when President Viktor Yanukovych reversed a decision to sign a trade deal with the European Union and instead turned toward Russia.

Protesters fight with riot police during a new wave of violent clashes February 18 in Kiev.

Protesters burn a car in central Kiev on February 18.

A protester stands atop a barricade in Kiev on February 18.

Anti-government protesters clash with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev on February 18.

A rainbow forms over a protester ducking for cover in Kiev on February 18.

Riot police protect themselves during clashes in Kiev on February 18.

A protester is engulfed in flames while running from the clashes in Kiev on February 18.

Riot police detain a protester in Kiev on February 18.

Protesters invade the main office of the ruling Party of Regions in Kiev on February 18.

Riot police shield themselves during clashes with protesters on February 18.

Protesters throw stones toward riot police in Kiev on February 18.

A protester holds a Ukrainian flag in Independence Square on Tuesday, February 4.

A protester smokes a cigarette while standing guard in Kiev on February 4.

Protesters keep an eye on police February 4 as they man a barricade in Kiev.

A protester is reflected in a broken mirror during protests in Kiev on Monday, February 3.

A masked anti-government protester shouts slogans during demonstrations on Sunday, February 2.

A large crowd of protesters gathers in Kiev on February 2.

Opposition supporters warm themselves in Kiev on Saturday, February 1.

A protester stands on top of barricades in Kiev on Tuesday, January 28.

Protesters sit behind a barricade in Kiev on January 28.

Protesters march in Kiev on Monday, January 27. Activists say they want wide-ranging constitutional reform and a shake-up of the Ukrainian political system.

Police block a street in Kiev on January 27.

A couple try to keep warm near a fire at a barricade in Kiev on January 27.

Riot police block a Kiev street from protesters on January 27.

Protesters stand guard inside the Ukraine Justice Ministry in Kiev on January 27. Demonstrators later left the building because they didn't want to create any difficulties in negotiations between the government and opposition, a protest leader said. Protesters repositioned themselves outside and blocked access to the building, the leader said.

Orthodox priests lead the funeral service for slain protester Mikhail Zhiznevsky in Kiev on Sunday, January 26.

Riot police officers stand in line during anti-government protests in Kiev on Saturday, January 25.

An Orthodox priest prays during protests on January 25.

Some 10,000 Ukrainians take part in the funeral ceremony of dead protester Yuri Verbytsky in the western city of Lviv on Friday, January 24.

A line of Ukrainian riot police block a road on January 24.

A protester puts on a gas mask near Dynamo Stadium in Kiev on January 24.

Ukrainian Oksana Tikhomirova cries as she urges riot police to stop the violence outside a government district in central Kiev on January 24.

Molotov cocktails sit in a basket ready to be used by protesters in Kiev on January 24.

Riot police stand guard near Dynamo Stadium on January 24.

A protester passes past graffiti that reads "Government for People" in the Ministry of Agricultural Policy building in Kiev on January 24.

A man walks past the wreckage of a car on January 24.

Ukrainian protesters use a huge catapult to throw stones at riot police as tires burn in Kiev on Thursday, January 23.

Riot police officers gather in Kiev on January 23.

Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, center, addresses protesters near the burning barricades between police and protesters in central Kiev on January 23.

Riot police stand guard near a burnt-out bus covered in icicles in Kiev on January 23.

A protester walks past burning tires in Kiev on January 23.

A protester shoots fireworks at police during clashes in Kiev on January 23.

A protester carries tires toward a fire on January 23.

Riot police officers line up in Kiev during clashes on Wednesday, January 22.

A protester throws a Molotov cocktail on January 22.

Protesters shoot from behind a shield among burning automobile tires in Kiev on January 22.

Riot police officers gather as they clash with protesters in the center of Kiev on January 22.

A protester throws a Molotov cocktail during clashes with police in central Kiev.

Ukrainian protesters are seem during a mass action of opposition on Grushevsky Street.

A protester throws a stone in front of a plume of fire and smoke during clashes with police in central Kiev.

Flames leap off a protester during clashes with police on January 22.

A police officer aims his shotgun during clashes with protesters.

Paramedics put a wounded man on a stretcher and into a medical vehicle.

Ukrainian police storm protesters' barricades in Kiev amid violent clashes on January 22.

A European integration supporter is seen in Independence Square.

Protesters are seen in front of burning tires on Grushevsky Street.

A medic treats an injured protester's leg during violent clashes between demonstrators and police.

A Ukrainian man stands in front of riot police on January 22.

Protesters clash with police in Kiev as snow falls on January 22.

Ukraine protests turn deadly

Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly

Ukraine protests turn deadly

Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly

What Putin thinks of Ukraine protests

Protest leader says he was 'crucified'

The prosecutor general, who said in a statement that at least 100 people had been hurt, blamed the protesters for the violence.

"Today we were able to see that only the government is interested in peaceful resolution of the situation," Viktor Pshonka said. "Opposition leaders should take the responsibility for everything happening in the street of Kiev today. It is the opposition who announced a peaceful rally that turned into violent standoff."

He vowed to hold the organizers accountable "for every single person injured, every car burned and every window broken."

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon took note of renewed efforts in the Ukraine for meaningful dialogue but expressed concern about the violence and appealed to all participants to act with restraint, his spokesman said.

In Britain, Foreign Office Minister for Europe David Lidington said in a statement that he was "appalled" by the reports. "This has no place in a European democracy," he said. "I condemn the violence and urge all sides to immediately de-escalate the situation."

He called on Ukraine to use a return to stability to tackle the protests' underlying causes -- "corruption, impunity, and the lack of checks and balances within the current governmental system."

In a statement, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called on all parties "to refrain from violence and to urgently resume dialogue, including through the parliamentary process."

A sliver of hope for a restoration of calm had emerged Sunday, when the government agreed to drop charges against demonstrators in exchange for the protesters' agreement to leave Kiev's City Hall and unblock streets in the city center, which they had occupied for almost three months.

But violence erupted again Tuesday, after the speaker of the parliament would not let opposition members register amendments that would have led to a vote to limit the rights of the President and restore the constitution to the way it was in 2004.

East versus West -- What's behind Ukraine's political crisis?

Victoria Butenko reported from Kiev. CNN's Michael Martinez wrote from Los Angeles.