‘We bought into the hype’

Australia opener Chris Rogers says Mitchell Johnson hamstring injury is a huge blow after the pace spearhead was ruled out of the Sydney by team physio Alex Kountouris.

Virat Kohli is the key to India's hopes of securing a win in Sydney. Source: Getty Images

AFTER having a few days to think about it, the Boxing Day Test definitely feels like a missed opportunity for Australia.

When you're a part of the Australian cricket team you should always be thinking about how to win the game and in the end we didn't do that.

I can understand the logic of putting that scoreboard pressure and, if you like, series position pressure on India.

But I think the first session of day five — and even the last 20 or 30 minutes of day four — was a senseless waste of time.

They probably wasted three hours and in the end that would have been the difference — I've got no doubt in my mind.

Steve Smith should have declared earlier. Source: News Corp Australia

I think they'll learn from that and when they find themselves in a similar situation again will back each other more. Back the form of guys like Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon — who has become a genuine matchwinner on the fifth day of Tests. He needed to bowl more than 11 overs.

I think way too much got made of the four overs at the end. In reality, it wasn't going to make a difference.

Australia captain Steve Smith and bowler Ryan Harris discuss the drawn third Test against India.

To be honest, I think we bought into the hype Virat Kohli has generated during the series.

He projects such a confident, positive mindset and believes any total is within his reach.

It seemed like all 11 blokes in the Australian cricket team thought that too and that's why the declaration came so late.

It would have been much better to set India a target that was gettable. The worst case scenario was going 2-1 down in the series but even then it's still preferable for the team to be playing under the pressure of a live series in Sydney.

If they backed the bowlers and won on the final day again like they did in Adelaide then suddenly that belief of 'we can win from anywhere' starts to build.

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has no idea if he'll play in Sydney, admitting his performances this summer have been disappointing.

So we need to respond at the SCG and for some individuals there's still a lot to play for.

To me, Chris Rogers is still under the pump.

Until he starts winning games of cricket then he's always under scrutiny.

Australia needs more than fifties. I want to see him getting hundreds and big hundreds.

Shane Watson is the same. If he hasn't solidified his place with some big scores by the time Mitchell Marsh is fit then he might be in trouble because suddenly the added benefit of his bowling isn't as important and he must be judged as a No. 3 batsman.

You have to have match winners in those number one, two and three positions in the batting order.

I was impressed with Shaun Marsh's innings, apart from the dreadful decision to take off for that single. I think he's got immense talent and I believe he's got what it takes.

Hopefully this is a bit of a monkey off the back and he can kick on now.

Former Australia batsman Dean Jones believes Shaun Marsh has rescued his Test career with a 99-run effort against India.

The batting line up looks settled for the Sydney Test but unfortunately Mitchell Johnson is out of the bowling attack.

Mitchell Starc has received a recall but I would have selected Peter Siddle.

I don't think Starc is a genuine wicket-taker like Johnson so I'd prefer a disciplined and steady attack.

No matter what Sydney is producing I still wouldn't play Ashton Agar. We only need one spinner.

It's a different story with India after the decision by MS Dhoni to retire.

There's been very few people in Test match cricket who have hit the ball as hard as MS Dhoni. And hit the ball in such an unorthodox way.

He's going to be sorely missed.

Dhoni was one of the best finishers in world cricket. Source: Getty Images

Dhoni was a combative warrior, someone who played it really hard but really fair, and had that cool edge to him. Virat Kohli looks like someone who could get India into a lot of trouble in the future because he's going to be so emotional that it will bubble over.

He leads from the front which is terrific and carries the weight of expectation on his own performance.

And technically he's the best player outside of Michael Clarke I've seen in the modern game — he's the complete package as a batsman.

He claims to be really stable and unaffected by what happens on the field but I just don't believe that's the case.

As cricketers we all know what we saw after the incident when Johnson threw the ball and hit him.

What we saw then was a rabbit in the headlights. He should have been out twice and played a number of streaky shots.

Johnson hurls the ball in Kohli's direction. Source: News Corp Australia

Hayden takes issue with Simon Jones. Source: News Corp Australia

Don't get me wrong, as a cricketer one of the things I hated the most was to have the ball thrown at me.

I thought it was always unnecessary but you just have to move on otherwise it can cost you.

I remember getting pretty agitated and emotional in England when Simon Jones threw the ball and hit me in a one-dayer before the 2005 Ashes.

I played on too much emotion in that Ashes series and it didn't stand me in good stead. I didn't make a big score until the fifth Test.

So if anything I think Australia should be getting in Kohli's face more.

The way he reacted in those few overs after the Johnson incident showed why.

Removing him cheaply will be one of the keys to getting a win in Sydney and no one will be complaining if the series finishes 3-0.

Unfortunately we won't get to see Kohli and Johnson square off in Sydney. Source: News Corp Australia

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shopper leaves a little boy bruised and battered

Dale Atkinson and his partner Liz Huemer, of Narellan Vale, hope the woman who fell on Ryan will apologise. Picture: Melvyn Knipe Source: News Corp Australia

The  family of a five-year-old boy injured when a shopper fell on him during the post-Christmas sales at Macarthur Square has called on the woman to come forward and apologise.

Ryan Atkinson, 5, of Wollongong, suffered severe ­facial bruising when he hit the concrete floor at the busy Macarthur Square rebel store on Sunday, December 28.

"I didn't hear anything," Ryan's father Dale Atkinson said.

"He was walking a few steps behind me and walked up to me crying with a massive lump on his head.

"When he could see that I was panicking, he started crying even more."

Rebel staff told Mr Atkinson they were directed to the injured boy after a woman reported the incident before she left the sporting goods store.

Ryan is left badly bruised. Picture: Melvyn Knipe. Source: News Corp Australia

Ryan does not have any broken bones but has to put up with large bruises and has been complaining about sore eyes.

The incident occurred in a camera blind spot at the sporting goods store.

Post-Christmas retail splurge hits suburban Sydney shopping centres

City commuters forced to catch two trains from new Leppington station

Mr Atkinson reported the matter to police on Friday but said having the woman reprimanded was not his goal.

"I don't want her to get into trouble, I just want her to come forward and apologise," he said.

"The fact she just walked away without even checking on him is baffling to me."

Ryan was playing on his father's mobile phone when the incident with the shopper occurred.

Ryan as bruising began to form on his eyes. Source: Supplied

With time, Ryan's injuries became worse and worse. Source: Supplied

Campbelltown police crime manager Detective ­Inspector Greg Inger said the case was closed and was not deemed as a criminal incident.

"We've looked into it and it appears to have been a complete accident," he said.

"A staff member witnessed the incident and said the woman simply fell backwards. We won't be taking further action."

Mr Atkinson said Rebel Sport staff had treated Ryan extremely well.

"The general manager called me the next day to check up on him," he said.

"We went back into the store that day and Ryan was really scared. He said to me 'I'm not going back in there, am I? Is someone going to hurt me?'

Macarthur Square has been packed with busy shoppers during the Christmas break. Source: News Corp Australia

"They told him to pick something out for himself so he picked up a few toys for free."

Mr Atkinson said Ryan was as brave as a little boy could be.

"It's been a difficult time for him but he's coping as best he can. For a five-year-old, he's tough as nails," he said.

Macarthur Square and rebel could not reply with a comment by the Macarthur Chronicle's deadline.

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two feared missing in out-of-control fire

Twelve homes have been confirmed destroyed as a major bushfire continues to burn through the Adelaide Hills.

Extreme conditions ... firefighters battle a blaze in Kersbrook, South Australia as the state faces its worse fire conditions since Ash Wednesday in 1983. Picture: Campbell Brodie. Source: Supplied

TWO people are feared missing as a major bushfire continues to burn freely in the Adelaide Hills.

Police say they are investigating reports that two elderly people have not been accounted for.

They were identified only as a man from Kersbrook and a woman from Cudlee Creek.

Police Commissioner Gary Burns said he had no information on the circumstances or whether other family members had raised concerns. He said patrols were on their way to those two areas to continue investigations.

Police have also revealed that one person has been arrested for repeatedly trying to access the fire zone at a control point. Many roads into the fire zone remain closed as efforts to bring it under control continue.

Aerial assault ... Planes were able to fight the blaze from above today as weather conditions eased slightly. Source: News Corp Australia

Tenant denies sparking fire:

Meanwhile, the tenant on a property where the Sampson Flat bushfire was sparked in the Adelaide Hills has rejected suggestions an incinerator was the cause of the blaze.

The man says he is devastated that people have lost their homes but says the fire broke out at the rear of a shed and got out of control because of poor vegetation management on the property before he took up residence.

"We have been here four months and we have never even used the incinerator since we have been here," the man told theSunday Mail on the condition of anonymity.

Warm and windy ... The temperature has cooled a couple of degrees today, but firies are still battling tough conditions. Source: News Corp Australia

But police say the cause of the blaze is still being investigated and the incinerator remains part of inquiries by detectives.

"We're looking at the incinerator, how it ignited in the incinerator is another aspect that we're looking at," Police Commissioner Gary Burns said on Sunday.

"Detectives are talking with the home owners and obviously there will be forensic evidence that they will be looking at." Mr Burns said there were a whole range of charges that were possible in relation to fires that were lit where bans were in force.

"Lighting fires on banned days is an offence in itself," he said.

The Sampson Flat fire continues to burn out of control on several fronts today although the Country Fire Service downgraded its warning to a watch and act advice.

Devastating path ... The fire burning through Forreston today. Source: News Corp Australia

A dozen homes destroyed:

The bushfire has destroyed 12 homes and there are fears for 20 others, Premier Jay Weatherill has confirmed.

"This is obviously enormously distressing to the people concerned," the Premier said.

"We'll make every effort to contact those people.

"We will be reopening areas once it's safe to do so, however there remains serious risks associated with falling trees and falling power lines."

Temperatures in the fire zone are forecast to be cooler today, with a top of 31 degrees tipped for Adelaide.

The Sampson Flat fire has been downgraded from the highest emergency level to a watch-and-act message but the blaze is still burning on several fronts.

Charred remains ... A car burntout on Airstrip Road, Sampson Flat. Pic: Tait Schmaal Source: News Corp Australia

The Country Fire Service says 22 firefighters have been injured in the blaze, though none seriously, and one fire truck destroyed in the worst conditions since Ash Wednesday in 1983.

With hot and windy conditions easing on today, the CFS will focus on containing the perimeter of the fire and clearing roads to allow people to return to their homes.

Police Commissioner Gary Burns said police were aiming to return some residents this morning.

But he said police would not be rushed and safety would be the highest priority.

"The aim for us is to return people as quickly as possible," he said.

"When people turn up to our control points, we'd ask them to have a little bit of patience."

Horrid conditions ... South Australia is bracing for the worst fire conditions since the 1983 Ash Wednesday disaster. Picture: ABC TV/Twitter Source: Supplied

Meanwhile, cooler conditions are expected to help firefighters contain blazes in Victoria's west.

Temperatures are not expected to exceed 30C near Hastings and Moyston on Sunday.

Firefighters worked throughout the night to contain fires in Dimboola and Cherrypool as blazes raged in two national parks. Crews have battled in the Moyston and surrounding areas since Friday.

They were able to stop the spread of fire in Hastings late on Saturday evening.

One home has been confirmed destroyed, and others damaged by fire.

More than 300 volunteer firefighters from New South Wales will now be sent to South Australia and Victoria to assist.

Sad loss of animal life:

About 40 dogs and cats have perished after a bushfire destroyed large parts of a boarding kennel and cattery in the Adelaide foothills.

Few survivors ... Paracombe and Tea Tree Gully CFS rescue a dog from the Tea Tree Gully Boarding Kennel and Cattery, where 40 animals perished. Picture: Dylan Coker Source: News Corp Australia

Fire ripped through the Tea Tree Gully Boarding Kennels and Cattery on Saturday morning, burning down the cattery and a large section of the kennels.

All of the cats and about a third of the dogs at the kennels were killed.

Extreme conditions hit South Australia:

Local volunteer firefighters put out a fire near property at risk on Stone Quarry Road, Kersbrook South Australia. Picture: Tom Huntley. Source: News Corp Australia

Authorities are in a race against time to bring the Sampson Flat fire under control before temperatures soar into the high 30s later this week.

A cool change today is expected to help them work to contain the fire ahead of a forecast rise in temperatures again on Wednesday.

The weather is cooler and the conditions will permit aerial firefighting.

READER PICTURES: Fearsome SA fires captured in remarkable photos

One person who was believed to have been missing after seeking refuge in a dam near Mt Gawler Forest was found safe yesterday.

Emergency effort ... crews battle a fire in Hastings. Picture: Susan Windmiller Source: News Corp Australia

That rare piece of good news came as hundreds of firefighters fought the blaze in extreme conditions, with high temperatures and strong winds proving trying.

Firefighters from the neighbouring states of Victoria and New South Wales were joining their South Australian counterparts today, taking the total number of crew battling the blaze to more than 800.

BUILDINGS LOST: Huge bushfire destroys homes in Adelaide Hills as CFS warns of catastrophic fire danger

The largest fire in the Adelaide Hills has ripped through an estimated 11,000 hectares of land and is likely to move northeast, but all of its edges remain active and there are unpredictable wind gusts.

Significant blaze ... reader Tori Arbon took this photo in Hillier, South Australia of the huge plume of smoke from a major bushfire. Source: Supplied

The CFS advises that fires burning under these conditions are likely to be fast-moving and uncontrollable.

View of the deadly Sampson Flat fire from Range Road. Picture: Tom Huntley Source: News Corp Australia

Winds of 100 to 120 kilometres per hour were seen in some parts of the state yesterday.

Ferocious and unpredictable blaze:

The fire — which started on Friday afternoon at Sampson Flat — wreaked havoc as it spread towards Kersbrook before swinging back towards One Tree Hill, Greenwith and Golden Grove.

Co-ordinator Brenton Eden said the fire continued to present challenges as the day unfolded, with winds shifting and more hot temperatures expected.

Huge scale ... an aerial view of the out-of-control Sampson Flat fire near Kersbrook. Picture Dylan Coker Source: News Corp Australia

"Conditions will worsen, they will not get better,'' he said.

A wind change from an easterly to northerly direction has caused the fire to burn in numerous directions, causing smoke to blanket large parts of metropolitan Adelaide.

The CFS said the Sampson Flat fire was "travelling in a very erratic manner".

Weather change eases Victoria fires:

A weather change has brought welcome rain but also new problems for firefighters battling blazes in Victoria.

More than a dozen fires burnt across the state on Saturday with separate major warnings issued for areas around Moyston, Dimboola, Edenhope and Cherrypool in the west, while a threatening blaze ignited southeast of Melbourne in Hastings late in the day.

The storm band, which crossed the state from west to east, damped down the major Moyston fire on Saturday afternoon after it had burned mostly out of control since midday Friday.

The fire, which has razed almost 5000 hectares in Victoria's west, was burning within containment lines early on Saturday evening and authorities have downgraded a warning to say the immediate threat to homes has subsided.

"The good news is the front has brought some moisture with it, particularly over the western parts of the state where we had that serious fire at Moyston," State Control Centre spokesman Gerard Scholten said.

URGENT FIGHT: Battle to save homes as fires rage through Victoria

"The rain has brought some relief. However, the bad news is the wind change has caused some serious problems down at Hastings and Crib Point."

Moyston fires ... local farmer Phillip Grellet surveys the burnt-out land while helping a fellow farmer as a fire still burns in the background. Picture: David Caird Source: News Corp Australia

The Hastings fire, a grass fire which started just after 2pm on Saturday, was burning in a southerly direction down the coastline before the front reached the Melbourne area.

The fire turned easterly after the wind change, burning in the direction of suburban homes.

The popular holiday spot was evacuated, triggering traffic chaos, though the fire was contained before it could cause major damage.

Lightning strikes from the storm front also triggered a batch of new fires in the state's west late on Saturday, and there are "watch and act" recommendations for towns including Dimboola and Edenhope.

One home, four sheds and an unknown amount of livestock were lost in the Moyston fire, which also posed a threat to the nearby township of Maroona before it was contained.

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

List of 2014’s worst movies leaked

Some things don't get better with age ... The Expendables 3 finds itself on the Razzie shortlist this year. Source: Supplied

DID you think Horrible Bosses 2 was just plain horrible? Wondered whether the world really needed another Transformers movie? Swore never to see another Cameron Diaz film?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you're not alone.

The Razzie Awards are announced each March to shame the very worst films of the year. Imagine an Oscar, but made of rotten tomatoes instead of shiny gold.

The shortlist of films in contention for 2014's Razzies has leaked early and it's a veritable smorgasbord of half-baked turkeys.

Seth MacFalarne's A Million Ways to Die in the West, which was a huge flop after his hit Ted, tops the shame file with eight mentions.

Diaz appears on the list for all three films she starred in this year — The Other Woman, Annie and Sex Tape.

And our Nicole Kidman has fallen foul of moviegoers (again) for her rather sleepy performance as an amnesiac in Before I Go To Sleep.

Gun-slinging stinker ... Not even the considerable talents of its cast could rescue A Million Ways to Die in the West. Source: Supplied

Here's the full list ... it comes straight from Razzie HQ, so the typos and errors are theirs, not ours.

WORST PICTURE

SAVING CHRISTMAS

TRANSCENDENCE

A MILLION WAYS to DIE in the WEST

ATLAS SHRUGGED: WHO IS JOHN GALT?

LEGEND of HERCULES

SEX TAPE

A HAUNTED HOUSE #2

TEEN-AGED MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

LEFT BEHIND

THE INTERVIEW

TRANSFORMERS: AGE of EX-STINK-TION (heretofore known as "Trannies 4")

I, FRANKENSTEIN

Diminishing returns ... Transformers 4 was savaged by critics but was the highest-earning movie at the global box office. It made $1.087 billion. Source: Supplied

WORST REMAKE, RIP-OFF or SEQUEL

NOAH

LEGEND OF HERCULES

LEGENDS of OZ: DOROTHY's RETURN

A HAUNTED HOUSE #2

EXPENDABLES 3

ATLAS SHRUGGED #3: WHO IS JOHN GALT?

ANNIE (RAZZable Remake of a 1981 Worst Picture Nominee)

EXODUS: GODS and KINGS

ENDLESS LOVE (Yet Another RAZZable Remake of a 1981 Worst Picture Nominee)

POMPEII

TRANNIES #4: AGE of EX-STINK-TION

I, FRANKENSTEIN

TEEN-AGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

Necessary update? Even the original Annie was a bit of a dud. It was nominated for a Razzie in 1981. Source: AP

WORST SCREENPLAY

TRANNIES #4

A HAUNTED HOUSE #2

POMPEII

LEGEND of HERCULES

SEX TAPE

ENDLESS LOVE

LEFT BEHIND

EXPENDABLES 3

WINTER's TALE

Kirk Cameron's SAVING CHRISTMAS

ATLAS SHRUGGED: WHO IS JOHN GALT?

A MILLION WAYS to DIE in the WEST

NOAH

TEEN-AGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

TRANSCENDENCE

I, FRANKENSTEIN

Losing the magic ... Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have starred in three films together. Source: Supplied

WORST SCREEN COMBO

Any Two Robots, Actors (or Robotic Actors) TRANNIES #4

James Franco & EITHER Seth Rogan or Randall Park (Kim Jong Un) / THE INTERVIEW

Kellan Lutz and EITHER His Abs, His Pecs or His Glutes / LEGEND of HERCULES

The Entire Cast of EXPENDABLES 3

The Entire Cast of ATLAS SHRUGGED 3: WHO IS JOHN GALT?

Seth McFarlane and Charlize Theron / A MILLION WAYS to DIE in the WEST

The "Rock Monsters" / NOAH

Johnny Depp and His "Virtual Doppelganger" / TRANSCENDENCE

Alex Pettyfer and Gabrielle Wilde / ENDLESS LOVE

Kirk Cameron and His Ego / Kirk Cameron's SAVING CHRISTMAS

Cameron Diaz & Jason Segel / SEX TAPE

WORST DIRECTOR

James Manera / ATLAS SHRUGGED 3: WHO the HELL IS JOHN GALT?

Jake Kasdan / SEX TAPE

Darren Aronofsky / NOAH

Seth McFarlane / A MILLION WAYS to DIE in the WEST

Jonathan Liebesman / TEEN-AGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

Renny Harlin / LEGEND of HERCULES

Michael Tiddes / A HAUNTED HOUSE #2

Michael Bay / TRANNIES #4

Wally Pfister / TRANSCENDENCE

Darren Doane / Kirk Cameron's SAVING CHRISTMAS

Vic Armstrong / LEFT BEHIND

Poor Nicole ... Not even Oscar winners like our Ms Kidman are spared from the Razzies. Source: Supplied

WORST ACTRESS

Charlize Theron / A MILLION WAYS to DIE in the WEST

Elizabeth Banks / WALK of SHAME

Jennifer Aniston / HORRIBLE BOSSES 2

Cameron Diaz / THE OHER WOMAN and SEX TAPE

Gabrielle Wilde / ENDLESS LOVE

Nicole Kidman / BEFORE I GO to SLEEP

Melinda McCarthy / TAMMY

Drew Barrymore / BLENDED

Gaia Weiss / LEGEND of HERCULES

Lea Michelle (Voice Only) LEGENDS of OZ: DOROTHY's RETURN

Not a great year to be Cameron Diaz ... The blonde bombshell is singled out for terrible performances in three films released in 2014. Source: AFP

WORST ACTOR

Seth McFarlane / A MILLION WAYS to DIE in the WEST

Johnny Depp / TRANSCENDENCE

Adam Sandler / BLENDED

Seth Rogen / THE INTERVIEW

Kellan Lutz / LEGEND of HERCULES

Marlon Wayans / A HAUNTEDHOUSE #2

Ah-Nuld Schwarzenegger / SABOTAGE

Aaron Eckhart / I, FRANKENSTEIN

Alex Pettyfer / ENDLESS LOVE

Kirk Cameron / Kirk Cameron's SAVING CHRISTMAS

James Franco / THE INTERVIEW

Nicolas Cage / LEFT BEHIND

WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Shaquille O'Neal / BLENDED

Johnathon Schaech / LEGEND of HERCULES

Kelsey Grammer / EXPENDABLES 3 and TRANNIES #4

Ah-Nuld Schwarzenegger / EXPENDABLES 3

Morgan Freeman / TRANSCENDENCE

Jack Black / SEX TAPE

Liam Neeson / A MILLION WAYS to DIE in the WEST

Russell Crowe / WINTER's TALE

Mel Gibson / EXPENDABLES 3

Kiefer Sutherland / POMPEII

T.J. Miller / TRANNIES #4

Can't have your cake and eat it too ... Jennifer Aniston is on course for an Oscar nod for her indie film Cake, but may receive a Razzie for Horrible Bosses 2. Source: Supplied

WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Sophia Miles / TRANNIES #4

Jamie Pressley / A HAUNTED HOUSE #2

Susan Sarandon / TAMMY

Brigette Cameron / Kirk Cameron's SAVING CHRISTMAS

Carrie-Ann Moss / POMPEII

Amanda Seyfried / A MILLION WAYS to DIE in the WEST

Cameon Diaz / ANNIE

Megan Fox / TEEN-AGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

Jane Fonda / THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU

Emily Browning / POMPEII

Nicloa Peltz (The Newest Michael Bay "Discovery") TRANNIES #4

Have the Razzies got it right this time? What were the worst films of 2014? Comment below.

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prince Andrew denies using girl as ‘sex slave’

A woman has alleged in Florida that she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew when she was 17.

Categorically untrue ... Buckingham Palace says claims of underage sex against Britain's Prince Andrew are not true. Picture: AP Source: AP

BUCKINGHAM Palace has leapt to the defence of the Duke of York Prince Andrew after it was alleged in an American court he had had sex with an underage 'sex slave' kept by a notorious paedophile.

The palace has strenuously denied the claim made in papers filed in Florida by a woman who detailed she was 17-years-old when she was "was forced to have sexual relations with this prince when she was a minor" in London, New York and on a private Caribbean island owned by billionaire Wall Street financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The prince, now 54, was photographed with Epstein in New York two years after the American's release from prison in 2009, and their friendship was a source of controversy.

The woman's sex allegations made indirectly against Prince Andrew was alleged to have occurred between 1999 and 2002.

Prince Andrew is accused of having had sex underage 'sex slave' kept by a notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Picture: AP. Source: AP

The accusation is reportedly contained in a motion filed in US District Court in West Palm Beach this week which is part of a lawsuit over how federal prosecutors handled the case of Epstein, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

"This relates to longstanding and ongoing civil proceedings in the United States, to which the Duke of York is not a party," a spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said today.

"As such we would not comment on the detail. However, for the avoidance of doubt, any suggestion of impropriety with under age minors is categorically untrue"

Prince and perv ... How the New York Post reported the former friendship of Prince Andrew and convicted sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2011. Picture: Splash Source: Supplied

The woman, identified only as "Jane Doe", has made the indirect claim of underage sex with the prince before as she seeks a civil case against federal prosecutors for making a plea-bargain deal with Epstein without consulting his victims, in violation of the US Crime Victims Rights' Act.

According to her claim she was part of an underage orgy with the prince arranged by Epstein.

"Epstein instructed Jane Doe that she was to give the Prince whatever he demanded and required Jane Doe to report back to him on the details of the sexual abuse," the document states.

Others named in the filing include Alan Dershowitz, one of Epstein's defence lawyers, with whom the woman was allegedly forced to have sex with on several occasions. He denies the claim and says he can prove it and challenged her to file criminal charges against him. He said he also planned to act swiftly to have her lawyers disbarred for unethical conduct.

The prince, fifth in line to the throne, has often faced scrutiny over his relationships with controversial figures including Epstein.

In July 2011 he stepped down from his role as the UK's roving business ambassador after he was accused of a lack of judgment about his links with the American billionaire who according to the prince's ex wife Sarah Ferguson helped paid some of her debts off.

Doubts were raised about his position in the wake of media coverage about him entertaining the son-in-law of ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at Buckingham Palace.

He also held a meeting with Libya's then leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, while on a private visit to Tunisia in 2008.

Convicted ... Billionaire US (United States) money manager Jeffrey Epstein hired underage Palm Beach Country girls for sex. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Worst fire since Ash Wednesday’

Southern South Australia is facing the worst bushfire since the 1983 Ash Wednesday blaze.

Extreme conditions ... firefighters battle a blaze in Kersbrook, South Australia as the state faces its worse fire conditions since Ash Wednesday in 1983. Picture: Campbell Brodie. Source: Supplied

AUTHORITIES in South Australia believe dozens of homes have been destroyed in a ferocious and fast-moving bushfire.

The state faces the worst fire conditions since the 1983 Ash Wednesday disaster, with high temperatures and strong winds hampering efforts to bring the blaze under control.

Worsening conditions ... South Australia is bracing for the worst fire conditions since the 1983 Ash Wednesday disaster. Picture: ABC TV/Twitter Source: Supplied

Residents of 19 towns in the Adelaide Hills region have been urged to leave their homes immediately, as the out-of-control bushfire threatens lives.

Bushfires also continue to threaten Melbourne's outer northwest, with conditions spiking above extreme ratings and into 'code red" territory.

More than 300 volunteer firefighters from New South Wales are now on their way to South Australia and Victoria to assist.

South Australia

Residents of 19 towns in the Adelaide Hills are being urged to leave immediately, with the Country Fire Service warning anyone in areas affected by the Sampson Flat fire to leave now.

Local volunteer firefighters put out a fire near property at risk on Stone Quarry Road, Kersbrook South Australia. Picture: Tom Huntley. Source: News Corp Australia

The areas include: Mount Pleasant, Kersbrook, Gumeracha, Mount Torrens, Woodside, Lobethal, Inglewood, Upper Hermitage, Breakneck Hill, One Tree Hill township, Little Para Reservoir, Chain of Ponds, Houghton, Cudlee Creek, Lower Hermitage, Charleston, Birdwood, Lenswood, and Williamstown.

Premier Jay Weatherill has urged those impacted to leave their homes immediately.

"If you have a plan to leave, leave immediately," he said.

"If you've decided to stay, reconsider whether you are prepared and whether you're confident. If you've decided you're not, leave now if it's safe to do so."

The fire is likely to move northeast but all of its edges remain active and there are unpredictable wind gusts, the premier said.

So far, a confirmed five homes have been lost however the State Emergency Service warns it's likely dozens of properties have been destroyed.

Significant blaze ... reader Tori Arbon took this photo in Hillier, South Australia of the huge ploom of smoke from a major bushfire. Source: Supplied

One person who was believed to have been missing after seeking refuge in a dam near Mt Gawler Forest was found safe earlier today.

That rare piece of good news came as more than 500 firefighters fought the blaze in extreme conditions, with high temperatures and strong winds proving trying.

At least seven firefighters have been injured fighting the Sampson Flat fire in the Mount Lofty Ranges, as conditions worsen.

The CFS advises that fires burning under today's conditions are likely to be fast-moving and uncontrollable.

View of the deadly Sampson Flat fire from Range Road. Picture: Tom Huntley Source: News Corp Australia

CFS assistant chief officer Rob Sandford told Sky News that South Australia was likely "to see winds of 100 to 120km/h" today.

"Because of that, there's not a huge amount of direct fire-fighting activity being undertaken at the moment," he said.

"We will need to wait until the weather conditions abate and get better."

Huge scale ... an aerial view of the out-of-control Sampson Flat fire near Kersbrook. Picture Dylan Coker Source: News Corp Australia

The fire — which started on Friday afternoon at Sampson Flat — wreaked havoc as it spread towards Kersbrook before swinging back towards One Tree Hill, Greenwith and Golden Grove.

Co-ordinator Brenton Eden said the fire continued to present challenges as the day unfolded, with winds shifting and more hot temperatures expected.

"Conditions will worsen, they will not get better,'' he said.

A wind change from an easterly to northerly direction has caused the fire to burn in numerous directions, causing smoke to blanket large parts of metropolitan Adelaide.

The CFS said the Sampson Flat fire was "travelling in a very erratic manner".

Victoria

Firefighters are battling new fires in Victoria's west after storms swept the area. The cause of the fires is unknown but a lightning band has been blamed for many new fires in the region.

Watch and act warnings have been issued for townships including Dimboola and Edenhope, with fast-travelling bushfires in the area.

Residents have been told to leave before conditions worsen.

Crews are continuing to work on the major Moyston bushfire, which is threatening homes at Moyston and Maroona. A residence in Moyston has been destroyed by fire.

An out-of-control bushfire is threatening homes southeast of Melbourne.

Trains have been suspended between Frankston and Stony Point as the Hastings fire burns towards homes in the Seaglades Lane area.

The Country Fire Authority says there is a medium-sized bushfire travelling quickly in a southerly direction from Reid Parade towards the Warringine Park.

Earlier today, Victorians were urged to leave high-risk bushfire areas as extreme conditions fuel potentially life-threatening fires.

Moyston fires ... local farmer Phillip Grellet surveys the burnt-out land while helping a fellow farmer as a fire still burns in the background. Picture: David Caird Source: News Corp Australia

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said Victoria's extreme temperatures and an expected wind change will combine to make the fire danger extreme.

He warned that the area most at risk of the spike in conditions includes the corner from Warrnambool to Horsham and Bendigo to Geelong.

"These areas are dry and experiencing high winds and because of the changing forecast there is a spike in the conditions from midmorning into the afternoon," Mr Lapsley said on Saturday.

He said Victorians needed to be aware of what fires were doing in their area.

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kiwi jihadist gives away IS location

Alleged Kiwi jihadist Mark Taylor removed 45 tweets after realising they had geotracking enabled Source: Supplied

ISLAMIC State has no one to blame but themselves after they allegedly recruited a Kiwi who accidentally broadcast their locations to every intelligence agency on Twitter.

One of New Zealand's best-known alleged jihadists, Mark Taylor, removed 45 tweets after he realised he was broadcasting his location through geotag tracking, Canadian open source intelligence research group iBRABO reported.

Luckily for us, iBRABO managed to screenshot the tweets before Taylor deleted them.

A tweet sent out from Syria on October 7 Source: Supplied

Mark Taylor visited Kafar Roma, Syria in October Source: Supplied

A tweet sent out on December 03 Source: Supplied

Using Taylor's twitter activities, the researchers at iBRABO were able to line up his broadcasts with specific events.

"Examining Taylor's overall twitter broadcast activities we see that in October of this year he was fighting with ISIS in Kafar Roma, an area which the Syrian Army confirmed had been occupied by pockets of foreign fighters from ISIS," they wrote.

READ: THE AUSSIE JIHADISTS TOO FAT TO FIGHT

"From his broadcasts during the first two weeks in October we know that his tweets ceased about the same time the Syrian army made a strong push into the area."

"Examining the numerous tweets that Taylor put out during his time in Al Tabqah we were able to identify one specific house that Taylor predominantly used from the 3rd to the 10th of December 2014 in the south west part of the city."

Taylor is not the first jihadist to broadcast their location over social media with fighters from Canada, France and other western countries making the same mistake on Syrian battlefields.

Originally published as Jihadist gives away IS location

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bushfires rage, it’s ‘too late to leave’

Fire warnings could be sent to Victorians overnight as firefighters expect extreme fire danger conditions.

Firefighters fought through the night to control a major bushfire which threatened homes in Toodyay, near Perth. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: PerthNow

AN out-of-control fire has been raging in Victoria's west, threatening the lives of Moyston, Rocky Point and Willaura North residents, while emergency warnings have also been issued for fires in the Adelaide Hills and South East.

Residents of Moyston in Victoria's west have been told it is too late to leave as firefighters battled an out-of-control blaze pushing towards their town, with nearby Maroona also threatened.

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley says high overnight temperatures are expected to create even worse fire conditions on Saturday.

Firefighters have now managed to contain the bushfire and it has been downgraded to a watch and act.

A Community Meeting will be held at 7pm at the Alexandra Oval Community Centre in Ararat.

But Mr Lapsley warned the worst may not be over.

"Be attuned for the 48 hours, be attuned about what happens overnight and make sure you understand that it's not just going to be fires that run in the daylight hours," Mr Lapsley told reporters.

He told Victorians to monitor several forms of emergency information to ensure they didn't miss important information in the early hours of Saturday.

On fire .. the bushfires at Moyston. Picture: Channel 7 Source: Channel 7

Temperatures are tipped to stay as high as 28c overnight, before hitting 39c in Melbourne and more than 40c in regional areas on Saturday.

Ambulance Victoria's Paul Holman said the overnight heat would mean ill and elderly people could struggle on Saturday.

"The body doesn't have enough time to recover," he said.

Mr Holman said people should check on their neighbours and make sure they stay hydrated and out of the heat if possible.

"Some of the interesting research out recently has shown that slushies, or ice drinks, are very effective in cooling. So that's probably a good tip for people - use slushies," he said.

Premier Daniel Andrews told parents not to leave children in cars, and to report anyone lighting fires.

Out of control ... busfires in Moyton. Picture: Twitter Source: Supplied

"Today is about making sure we do nothing to contribute to a fire," he said.

Victoria Police acting commissioner Tim Cartwright urged people to call 000 if they see anyone lighting a fire or welding or using an angle grinder.

Residents of the nearby town of Maroona have also been told to leave as the fire is heading towards them.

The Victorian State Control Centre was unable to confirm reports a house near the town had been destroyed.

A relief centre has been set up at the nearby town of Ararat and some roads into and out of Moyston have been closed.

A Watch and Act alert has also been issued for St Arnaud, north of Moyston, with residents told leaving is the safest option. Victoria has an extreme fire danger rating, with temperatures predicted to hit 40C in the west with winds gusting up to 90km/h.

Emergency warning: An emergency centre has been established in Ararat for the Moyston bushfire. Picture: CFA. Source: Supplied

A home under threat from the Toodyay bushfire near Perth. Picture: Nine News Source: Supplied

The warnings will be extended to the north central district on Saturday, including Mildura, Swan Hill and Horsham which can expect highs of 43C and winds up to 40km/h.

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said potentially dangerous wind changes would hit the state on Saturday morning.

"Traditionally, we have seen more loss of life, loss of property after the wind change," Mr Lapsley said.

An extreme fire danger day has been forecast for Western Australia's Goldfields Region.

"The fire scenario is actually the most severe that we have had for this summer season, and it's only the start.''

Total fire bans have been declared in eight of the state's nine districts.

The warning comes as catastrophic fire conditions across South Australia and Western Australia have also put authorities on high alert.

South Australia

A bushfire at Humbug Scrub in South Australia's Mount Lofty Ranges is burning out of control and threatening lives.

The Sampson Flat scrub fire at Humbug Scrub, near Kersbrook Road, is travelling southeast towards the Kersbrook township, Bagshaw Road, South Para Road and Scott Street.

There is a risk to lives and homes, the Country Fire Service says.

Residents should only leave if there is a clear path to a safe place.

Homes that are actively defended and well-prepared may provide safety, the CFS says.

"The Sampson Flat fire is travelling in a south-easterly direction towards Airstrip Road and Kersbrook Road," the CFS wrote on its Facebook page.

"There is a risk to lives and homes".

The CFS also said a westerly wind change is expected to hit Tantanoola at any time, which could drive the fire towards Glencose.

There are 10 trucks, 8 Forestry SA, 8 bulk water carriers, 3 firebombing aircraft and 3 observation aircraft on scene, ABC Emergency reports.

The fire was initially travelling in an easterly direction towards Kersbrook and about 2ha had been burnt by 1.30pm.

The CFS in South Australia has also declared total fire bans in 14 of that state's 15 fire districts, with Mount Lofty Ranges and Lower South East districts considered catastrophic.

Temperatures have soared to 43.1C with winds of up to 31km/h in Adelaide — more than 12C above the January average — and 45.8C with winds of up to 65km/h on the West Coast.

The CFS issued a watch-and-act message about 12pm for an uncontrolled bushfire in the southern Mt Lofty Ranges.

The service also issued warnings for fires at Murray Bridge East, near Karoonda Rd and Murray Drive, and another at Kepa Rd, Kepa, east of Murray Bridge.

CFS assistant chief officer Rob Sandford urged all of the state to be prepared to ensure all "communities are safe".

He said the service's aerial firefighting fleet was ready.

"We have our full compliment of aerial firefighting fleet online now (and) all our brigades, groups and regions along with partner agencies are as prepared as we can be," Mr Sandford said.

Crews have also been called to grass fires on Tapleys Hill Rd, near Adelaide Airport, and the Sturt Hwy, at Nurioopta in the Barossa Valley.

No warnings were issued in relation to the airport and Barossa Valley fires.

Western Australia

An extreme fire danger day has also been forecast for Western Australia's Goldfields Region.

A total fire ban is in place for the Goldfield Midlands on Friday.

A Deputy Recovery Coordinator at an Evacuation Centre talks to a resident at Toodyay, near Perth. Photo: Bohdan Warchomij Source: Supplied

Residents in the Coolgardie and Lenora shires are warned to be prepared for high-risk weather conditions.

Residents in parts of Kalgoorlie Boulder as well as the Dundas, Laverton, Menzies, Sandstone and Wiluna shires are also warned to be on alert.

Severe fire danger warnings are also in place in parts of the Gascoyne and Interior regions.

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘Sex worker’ murdered in city hotel

Police are treating as suspicious the death of a woman whose body was found in an Adelaide hotel.

POLICE say a woman found murdered inside a hotel room on Adelaide's nightclub strip may have been staying in the city as a sex worker.

Management at the Grand Chancellor Hotel on Hindley St noticed water flowing from a room on the 12th floor into the hallway and a room below about 8.35am.

Major Crime Detective Inspector Greg Hutchins said paramedics immediately alerted police after finding the woman's body inside the room.

"There are obvious signs of violence which made it quite obvious right from the start that we were dealing with a murder," he said.

"She was not in the bath, but I cannot elaborate on where she was ... unfortunately I cannot give you the cause of death at this time, other than to say the death is suspicious and has been declared a major crime."

Police at the Grand Chancellor Hotel on Hindley St, where a woman's body has been found in a hotel room. The death is being treated as suspicious. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Insp Hutchins said the Asian woman was believed to have been 26 years old and from Sydney.

Police have declared the death a major crime and are investigating if the woman was a sex worker.

"We're examining the possibility that she was working in that industry ... we don't know why this person was the victim of murder," Insp Hutchins said.

Major Crime detectives are trawling through CCTV footage from the hotel and the victim's phone records to establish her movements during her final hours.

Police say a woman found murdered in a hotel room on Adelaide's nightclub strip may have been a sex worker.

Insp Hutchins said it was too early to determine when the woman had been murdered.

"I suspect it would take some time for the water to get to the room below but whether we are talking about half an hour or 12 hours I don't know," he said.

"We are trying to establish where she was last sighted, who she was with and where she was."

Police also towed away two cars parked on Victoria St, about 100m from the crime scene.

Two cars possibly connected with the murder were found on Victoria St. Picture: Keryn Stevens

One Toyota sedan had its driver's side window still wound down and Insp Hutchins said the owners of those cars were associates of the victims.

"We are examining two cars, they are associated with her, at this time they are not suspects but for full completeness we are examining those cars," he said.

"We are speaking with people at the moment but they are not considered suspects at this stage."

Other guests staying at the hotel said they heard nothing out of the ordinary until a swarm of police converged on the scene this morning.

Police photograph the laneway at the rear of the hotel. Picture: Mike Burton

Anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour in or around the hotel or has information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police search through bins along Hindley St as part of their investigation. Picture: Mike Burton

Originally published as 'Sex worker' murdered in city hotel

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More

Another Bush for US President?

The decision of Jeb Bush to announce his intention to seriously explore a run for presidency has shifted the Republican field of contenders and may put pressure on Hillary clinton to announce earlier than expected. Photo: AP

JEB Bush has resigned from all of his board memberships — both non-profit and business — in a move that helps clear a path toward a 2016 US presidential campaign.

The former Florida governor and the brother of former US President George Bush stepped down from his remaining board memberships on Wednesday, the last day of the year, an aide said.

Heading for the White House ... Former Florida governor Jeb Bush and the brother of George Bush preparing to run for the 2016 presidency. Picture: AP. Source: AP

Mr Bush's ties to businesses include a paid advisory position for Academic Partnerships, a for-profit education company that sells online courses to public university students in exchange for a share of their school payments, The Washington Post reported.

It's a continuation of a process that began earlier in the month when Mr Bush announced plans to actively explore a White House bid.

Spokesman Kristy Campbell called Mr Bush's review of his business interests "a natural next step as he turns his focus to gauging whether there is support for a potential candidacy".

Bush, the son of one president and brother of another, is seen as an early favourite of the Republican establishment as the next presidential primary season begins. He launched a series of private business ventures after leaving the Florida governor's mansion in 2007.

Potential foes in both parties have already begun to pore over Mr Bush's extensive private dealings in search of fodder for criticism.

Brothers ... Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, left, clowns with his older brother, former US President George Bush. Picture: AP. Source: News Limited

The resignations, first reported by The Washington Post, do not affect other business interests in which he is a partner, including a Florida-based private equity and business advisory group.

While some strategists have said Mr Bush's private-equity work could open him to some of the same criticisms that dogged Mitt Romney, the GOP's last presidential nominee, Mr Bush himself has said his business record would be an asset in a campaign.

Speaking about his own business record, Mr Bush said: "I'm not ashamed. Taking risk and creating jobs is something we ought to have more of".

Although Mr Bush's business portfolio is smaller than Romey's, it could potentially cause him problems due to his relationships with a broad range of industries, The Washington Post reported.

A CNN-ORC poll taken on Tuesday showed that if Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton ran against Mr Bush in the 2016 presidential election, she would comfortably defeat him.

Rivals ... Polls show Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton would beat Republican Jeb Bush in 2016. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

Although Mr Bush is increasingly considered the Republican Party's frontrunner for the White House — polls show him ahead of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, conservative physician Ben Carson, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and senator Rand Paul — Ms Clinton, who has served as secretary of state, US senator and first lady, came out on top in match-ups against all rivals.

14.41 | 0 komentar | Read More