Titanic director to open a ... vegan school?

James Cameron and Suzy Amis. Source: AP

HE'S better known for directing films like Avatar and Titanic, but James Cameron and his wife Suzy Amis Cameron don't just own a school — they're planning to make it a plant food-only school.

The MUSE School in California is a private school that caters for students from early childhood right through to high school. The Cameron's founded it in 2006, along with Suzy's sister Rebecca.

"By celebrating community and the natural environment, promoting cross-cultural experiences, modelling leadership, and illustrating that learning and teaching are collaborative efforts, MUSE School fosters graduates who become bold leaders fully prepared to face challenges, to live beyond complacency, and to embrace learning and change throughout their lives," the school's website states.

The school. Source: Supplied

Set on 22 acres in the Malibu Canyon, the school has a strong "sustainable living" focus, complete with lots of play space, water features, outdoor classrooms, and "organic fruit and vegetable plots that supply the foundation for our Seed-to-Table Program."

The next step in that phase is making the school vegan.

"In the fall of 2015, MUSE will be the only school we are aware of that is completely plant-based," Suzy told The Hollywood Reporter.

"Plant-based eating — meaning the meals that are served at MUSE will be 100 per cent plant-based," clarified James. "The average person would say vegan, but we say whole food, plant-based.

"It's about raising kids who don't think it's strange or exotic or worthy of a pat on the back to be doing the right thing for the living biosphere."

Bearing in mind that American schools serve lunch, menu items will reportedly include Sloppy Joes and quesadillas but will exclude meat, cheese and other animal products, according to TODAY.com.

Director James Cameron. Source: News Corp Australia

The Camerons have been vegan since 2012, with Suzy telling Grist that "You can't really call yourself an environmentalist if you're still consuming animals. You just can't."

You can send your child to the school for US$23,625 if they're primary-aged, and US$28,000 for high-school kids.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Did stepbrother hack Becky to pieces?

Murdered ... Becky Watts, 16, vanished from her home on February 19. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

UK Police searching for missing Bristol teenager Becky Watts have found body parts at a property near her family home.

BECKY WATTS' stepbrother and his girlfriend are being questioned by police on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering the missing Bristol teenager.

Nathan Matthews, 28, and Shauna Phillips, 21, remain in custody after police discovered body parts at a Barton Court property in their hunt for the 16-year-old.

Detectives have been granted another 24 hours to question Matthews and Phillips, who were arrested on Saturday, The Telegraph in the UK reports. Police have until Wednesday afternoon to charge or release the pair.

BECKY WATTS SEARCH: Body parts found

Matthews is reportedly the son of Anjie Galsworthy who is married to Becky's dad, Darren Galsworthy. Matthews, a delivery driver, and Phillips have a two-year-old daughter.

Avon and Somerset Police are also questioning another four men and a woman, all in their 20s, on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Family ... Becky's relatives (from left): dad Darren Galsworthy, stepmother Anjie Galsworthy, stepbrother Nathan Matthews and girlfriend Shauna Phillips. Picture: Facebook/Darren Galsworthy Source: Supplied

Shauna Phillips is being questioned by police. Picture: Facebook/Shauna Phillips Source: Supplied

Police believe Becky Watts was murdered. Picture: Facebook/Help Find Missing Rebecca 'Becky' Watts Source: Supplied

Friends have expressed shock at the couple's arrest, saying they were just "normal people".

"She (Phillips) messaged me on the Friday and she asked me if I had seen Becky or I could help with the search," a friend, who has not been identified, told The Mirror.

"The police came to speak to me and as soon as they announced the ages I just knew it was them. She's just a normal person, they both are. There's no reason they could do it. I've been racking my brains but I just don't get it."

Phillips had posted many articles and shared heartfelt messages about Becky's disappearance on her Facebook page.

An acquaintance of Matthews, who did not want to be named, said he was "pleasant".

"I have spoken to police about Nathan. He is a very pleasant chap and I am surprised about his arrest. He is quite a reserved guy and has good discipline from his time in the Army," he told The Bristol Post.

Scene ... a police forensic tent is pitched outside a property in Barton Court on March 3. Picture: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Well wishers have left floral tributes close to Becky's home in St George and the property in Barton Court where body parts, believed to be the teen's, were found.

Police said formal identification procedures of the body parts have not yet been completed.

Becky's family said they were devastated after hearing police found body parts.

"We are devastated to be told of this latest development. We are at an utter loss to understand why anyone would want to hurt our beautiful Becky in such a brutal way," the teenager's mother Tania Watts, brother Daniel and grandmother Pat said in a statement.

Becky's father and stepmother, Darren and Anjie Galsworthy, said: "To receive such news as we did about our dear daughter and stepdaughter Becky is too much to bear."

Search ... a police forensic team investigates a property in the Barton Hill area of the city as they continue to search for missing teenager Rebecca Watts on March 2. Picture: Matt Cardy/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Becky's family reported her missing on February 20 after she left home with her phone, laptop and tablet computer, but no extra clothing.

After extensive searches, police announced on March 2 they were treating Becky's disappearance as a murder investigation.

A social media campaign, using the hashtag #FindBecky, has gained thousands of hits.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Indonesia will kill them

Anger over the closure of the Repat grows. court hears an emotional statement from the husband of slain Whyalla woman Dianne Rogan. Adelaide Oval to host EPL powerhouse, Liverpool FC

Long road ... Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, pictured in 2006, are nearing their execution over drug smuggling. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

THE countdown to death has begun with a carefully stage-managed display of overkill force by Indonesia, which could see them extinguish the lives of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran just after midnight on Sunday.

There will be no mercy and no pity, but it appears the two Australians did not ask for any once they learned their fate was sealed, instead shaking hands and saying goodbye to their guards and old friends at the jail.

Bali Nine ringleaders ... Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in an office of Kerobokan Jail moments before they were loaded into security vehicles and transferred to Nusakambangan Island. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Chan and Sukumaran got special treatment in their high-impact transfer today, the type no other foreign death-row drug trafficker has ever received in this country.

FINAL DAYS: Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran go to execution island

COUNTRY IN SHOCK: How Australians will react to executions

Heavily armed men in armoured personnel carriers took the men from their cells before dawn, taking them in convoy to the airport where they were loaded onto an ATR turboprop charter plane under heavy guard.

Just before 6am, local time, fighter jets began taking off, followed by the ATR, for their flight west to the southern Java city of Cilacap, close by the prison island of Nusakambangan.

Excessive force ... an Indonesian armoured vehicle stands by for security back up in the streets outside Kerobokan prison in Denpasar on Bali island. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

Armed ... Indonesian police stand guard as Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran arrive at Wijaya Pura Port, en route to Nusa Kambangan prison. Picture: Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

The jets, which over the last week had been making deliberate flyovers of Kerobokan prison, presumably for the benefit of the Australian media stationed there, were on Tuesday loaded and locked with what appeared to be sidewinder missiles.

Altogether hundreds of police and military were involved in the operation. The United States Navy Seals used less men and equipment to kill Osama bin Laden.

Indonesian police stand guard around Kerobokan prison as authorities move Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

This ludicrous show of force was not because there was any chance Chan and Sukumaran could make a break for it, or that Australian special forces were going to stage a rescue mission.

It was all about telling Australia to mind its own business, in a furious backlash to what it perceived as interference in its sovereign right to enact its own laws.

Bali Nine trafficker .. Myuran Sukumaran, at left, on the plane as he and Andrew Chan are transferred to Nusakambangan Island. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

A soldier stands guard as a police armoured vehicle carrying Chan and Sukumaran arrives at Wijaya Pura Port, Central Java. Picture: Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

But Australia never questioned Indonesia's rights. It only asked, as politely as possible, that they reconsider the plans to kill the men.

Things became distorted when Tony Abbott reminded Indonesia of the help Australia had given after the 2004 tsunami, causing Indonesia to react with indignation.

President Joko Widodo was never going to do Australia any favours. Instead, he did the opposite, using the two men in a high-viz. display that appeared designed to punish Australia for daring to speak out for their rights as humans.

Indonesian police stand guard ... to secure the area around Kerobokan prison in Denpasar today. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

The President may consider what happened a show of national strength, but has instead only revealed that he personally lacks mercy and compassion.

Indonesia is a great country with a deserved sense of self-pride, but it wasn't evident during the transfer. It was more like a nightmare circus.

It has let itself down in treating two rehabilitated criminals like the world's most dangerous men.

Chan and Sukumaran must be baffled that they, after 10 years in prison, have at the end become used in what is a game of one-upmanship by Indonesia.

The way the four fighter jets circled over the Cilacap airport, doing victory wing tilts after escorting the charter plane, was melodramatic and impressed no one apart from some schoolchildren behind the airport who did not understand what they were doing.

The kids cheered as a Sukhoi flew low over their school. But this is not the Indonesia they want to grow up in, the country that so many around the world, not the least in Australia, admire and respect for its kind and gracious people.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Deadly virus hits Australia

Dangerous virus ... A deadly strain of flu that killed Americans in epidemic proportions is already in Australia. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

THE roll out of the flu vaccine will be delayed by more than a month this year, leaving vulnerable patients exposed to an H3N2 strain that has killed Americans in epidemic proportions.

The nation's medicines watchdog said yesterday the influenza vaccination program would be delayed from the usual start date of 15 March until April 2015.

"The 2015 Program start date has been put back due to a double strain change from the 2014 influenza vaccine which has led to manufacturing delays," the TGA said.

There have already been more than 2,401 cases of influenza notified in Australia, well above average for this time of year.

Rising sickness ... The number of cases of influenza so far this year is above average. Picture: News Corp Source: News Limited

Queensland is experiencing the worst outbreak with nearly 500 cases in January.

The number of cases is likely to be even higher than this because these are only laboratory confirmed cases of the flu.

The H3N2 flu was the dominant strain in the United States this year, and a US Centre for Disease Control report shows deaths from influenza and pneumonia in 122 cities was above epidemic proportions, influenza expert Dr Alan Hampson said.

Epidemic ... A US Centre for Disease Control report shows deaths from influenza and pneumonia in 122 cities was above epidemic proportions. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

KILLER FLU strike US

SWINE FLU strikes again

Experts report that seasons when H3 viruses are predominant see more hospitalisation from flu and more deaths from the flu.

"I think you can be sure it is H3N2 virus in Australia," he said.

There is also a major outbreak of Swine flu in India at the moment, he said.

US officials revealed in December the flu vaccination in that country was not protective against about half the H3N2 cases of flu circulating that season.

The World Health Organisation has also expressed "particular concern" about changes in the H3N2 seasonal influenza viruses, which have affected the protection conferred by the current vaccine".

"As a result, interim estimates of the effectiveness of the current seasonal vaccine in reducing the risk of medical visits associated with influenza infection — in all age groups — was only 23 per cent in the US," the WHO says.

Strong vaccine ... Although the US flu vaccine did not protect against the strain of H3N2, Australia's vaccine will. Picture: News Corp Australia Source: News Limited

However, Dr Hampson said Australia's flu vaccine would protect against this killer strain.

'"Our vaccine has been updated and will cover this strain," he said.

The chair of the Australian Influenza Specialist Group Dr Alan Hampson said normally it was not until June that we saw a spike in cases.

And the late roll out of the vaccine would put pressure on doctors to get patients immunised before the outbreak occurred, he said.

Dr Hampson said the delays in producing this year's vaccine were related to difficulties growing the flu strains in laboratories.

"They don't often grow to the right level," he said.

And the problem was compounded by the need to include two new strains of flu in the vaccine.

Australia's Commonwealth Serum Laboratories produces flu vaccine locally but its vaccine cannot be used in children aged under five.

Held up ... Australia's flu vaccine has been delayed because of problems in manufacturing. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Dr Hampson says the government has had to wait for overseas suppliers to ship in vaccines that can be used in young children and this has also delayed the roll out of the flu vaccines.

Free flu vaccine is available for the over 65s, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 15 years of age, pregnant women, anyone aged six months and over with heart disease, severe asthma, chronic lung condition, chronic illness, diseases of the nervous system, impaired immunity, diabetes.

The flu is caused by a virus that spreads through the air by coughing, sneezing or talking, and by touching a person's hands or surfaces touched by and infected person.

It infects the nose, throat and lungs and includes symptoms cold as symptoms such as fever, sore throat and muscle aches, it last about a week but can cause complications like pneumonia and bronchitis or death.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Luxury perks: Life inside a Saudi prison

Al-Hair Prison in Saudi Arabia. Picture: Google Earth Source: Supplied

IT HAS luxury rooms, ATMS, and each room has a queen-sized bed and its own private shower.

This isn't any hotel, this is what life inside Saudi Arabia's high-security Al-Hair facility looks like.

Its inmates aren't just any run of the mill prisoners either but this is how Saudi officials rehabilitate terrorists.

The prison, which is surrounded by towers and guards with guns, even has a conjugal-visit wing where married inmates are allowed to spend between three and five hours with their wives, The Independent reported.

More than 1100 high-security prisoners, many of whom have been jailed on terror-related charges, are housed in the prison near the capital, Riyadh.

Al-Hair is just one of five high-security prisons Saudi authorities have set up in recent years to deal with what it says is an increasing terror threat.

Journalist Kevin Sullivan was allowed a rare glimpse inside the prison and found standards that mirrored some hotels.

He said while he wasn't allowed to take photos, he was able to walk around the prison and found the Saudi government gives welfare to inmate's families.

It also supplies them with food, rent and school fees, as well as airfares other expenses when families come to visit.

Saudi Arabia has come under the spotlight in recent years amid claims of torture and abuse in its prisons.

Most recently, the secretive kingdom was accused of torturing blogger Raif Badawi, who was brutally flogged for insulting Islam.

Last year, an Australian man freed from Saudi Arabia jail, claimed he was tortured in prison.

Shayden Thorne was sentenced to four-and-a-half years' jail in Saudi Arabia for encouraging terrorism, however he claimed he only confessed after being tortured.

He was later freed from prison after being granted clemency.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Avalanche kills Aussie woman

Avalanche ... An Australian woman has died in the Austrian Alps. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited

AN AUSTRALIAN woman has been killed in an avalanche in Austria, while an Australian man has been critically injured.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the 27-year-old woman's family.

Austria media reports that the woman, who has not been identified, was one of four Australians snowboarding in the district of Landeck in Tirol when the avalanche struck.

The disaster is understood to have happened on Tuesday local time (Tuesday night AEDT).

The 30-year-old Australian man has been flown to a hospital 160 kilometres away at Innsbruck.

The other two people, a man and a woman, reportedly escaped serious injury.

Although the cause of the accident has not been confirmed, local police claimed the snowboarders had triggered the avalanche, Heute reports.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘He never thought it would happen’

Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan have arrived at the island where it is expected they will be executed.

Reality sets in ... Andrew Chan on the plane to Nusakambangan. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

AN old school friend of Andrew Chan, who has been exchanging texts with him, says his mate is in shock and disbelief that his execution is actually happening.

A friend, known only as Sami, told 9NEWS, had been texting with Chan as recently as Monday night.

In contact ... 'Sami' says he has been in constant contact with Andrew Chan. Picture: 9News. Source: Supplied

Even he thought it was never going to happen, because he thought we're in the limelight – it'll cool down, it'll be alright," he told 9NEWS.

Sami, who met Chan in year seven at Homebush Boys High, said Chain had maintained a "good attitude" towards his impending execution, at one point writing "all good bro".

"[He's] always positive, but I think he was really expecting the Australian government to do a lot more," he said.

Texts ... Sami and Andrew Chan have been in regular contact. Picture: 9NEWS> Source: Supplied

In a brutal show of force, Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have been treated like vicious international terrorists during their transfer to Nusakambangan prison island for their execution.

Reality sets in ... Andrew Chan on the plane to Nusakambangan. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

The rehabilitated drug criminals were handcuffed and chained at the feet as members of the special Gegana anti-terror unit, hiding behind balaclavas, led the men onto a flight in Bali early on Wednesday morning.

Excessive force ... Bali Nine ringleader Myuran Sukumaran pictured on the tarmac at Cilacap airport — on his way to Nusakambangan Island. Source: Supplied

The use of hundreds of police, armoured personnel carriers and fighter jets that screamed alongside as the Australians were flown from Bali to Java was excessive and macabre, as Indonesia went all out to expose the men to a final humiliation.

Chan and Sukumaran were brave but looked scared as they were led up the steps of the plane for the one hour and 45 minute flight west, accompanied by 35 armed guards and a handful of prosecutors.

LIVES IN LIMBO: Australia waits on Bali Nine duo's fate

ABBOTT 'REVOLTED': Last-ditch bid to save Bali Nine ringleaders

Final journey ... Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran chat to the head of the corrections department at Kerobokan before their transfer to Nusakambangan Island. Source: Supplied

Upon arrival in Cilacap on south Java, they were shuffled into Barracuda armoured personnel carriers followed by mini-vans loaded to the gunnels with paramilitary officers brandishing assault rifles.

Four fighter jets armed with what appeared to be sidewinder missiles shot over the Cilacap airport after the charter plane delivered the men, then circled back over the airfield flying low and titling their wings to signify victory.

Armed guards ... Myuran Sukumaran sits on the plane to the prison island of Nusakambangan. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

The extraordinarily disproportionate show of muscle was final confirmation that Indonesia will not retreat from its plans to execute the Australians and up to eight others, possibly after midnight on Sunday.

Final humiliation ... Myuran Sukumaran is escorted by armed guards at Cilacap airport., Source: Supplied

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he was "revolted" by the thought they would be shot.

"I continue to put it to the Indonesian Government and people that this execution would be against their best interests and it would be against their best values," he said.

There were heartbreaking scenes as Andrew Chan's brother and girlfriend were refused a final chance to say goodbye at Kerobokan jail due to the paranoid level of security surrounding the transfer.

Julie Bishop has used parliament to plead with the Indonesian president to spare the Bali Nine pair.

Chan had made one final request before being taken away: "Is it possible to meet my girlfriend?" he asked.

Chan's girlfriend Febyanti Herewila and brother Michael turned up at Kerobokan jail on Wednesday morning but were turned away with tears in their eyes.

Too much pain to bear ... Michael Chan and Febyanti Herewila, the girlfriend of Andrew Chan, arrive to watch the Indonesian police Barracuda as it drives out of Kerobokan jail. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia

Correctional head Nyoman Putra Surya said Chan and Sukumaran had been given ample opportunity to meet their families over the past six weeks. "They have been promised that the mothers and the brothers will see them in Cilacap," he said.

Chan told friends at the prison on the evening before he was shifted: "I'll be moving out of my five star resort most likely tonight. Remember I love everyone. Speak when I can."

Kerobokan's Governor Sudjonggo and staff spent several hours with Chan and Sukumaran on Tuesday night, explaining what would happen to them the next morning.

Surrounded by guards ... Indonesian Police Special Forces escort Andrew Chan as he arrives at Tunggul Wulung Airport in Cilacap, Central Java. Source: News Corp Australia

He said they told him: "We are ready. That's okay. Please look after the other prisoners."

"Myuran asked, 'Can I bring this? A pencil and drawing book.' Then the deputy Bali police chief said, 'You can. But all should be in one plastic bag,'" Sudjonggo said.

Chan's brother Michael said last night that he was devastated and lost for words.

"I am devastated really, to be quite honest," Mr Chan told News Corporation.

"I am still trying to register it all. I still can't believe it has happened. I don't even know what to say to be quite frank, I don't even know what to say."

Dreaded journey ... relatives of Myuran Sukumaran leave Sydney airport for Bali. Source: News Corp Australia

After departing Bali only days earlier for Australia, Sukumaran's brother and sisters were yesterday making their way from Sydney to the prison island, where they will join their mother, Raji, who has remained in Indonesia.

Chan's mother Helen was yesterday also returning to Indonesia from Sydney.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told Parliament she spoke with the families of the men after their transfer: "As you can imagine they are devastated but they are just living day by day," she said.

The Australians and so far seven other condemned people have gone into isolation cells in the island's high-security prisons.

Force ... Indonesian police take Chan and Sukumaran to Wijaya Pura port in Cilacap, Central Java. Source: AP

They will be given 72 hours' notice prior to the execution, in which they can meet with consular officials, loved ones and spiritual advisers.

Yesterday afternoon there was a meeting in Cilacap of official to confirm the execution date, which will come shortly after midnight and be conducted in a purpose-built killing field on Nusakambangan.

Diplomat efforts have faltered and now failed, leading the Prime Minister to resort to harder language as the clock runs down.

Final leg ... a ferry transfers Indonesian police vehicles carrying Chan and Sukumaran to Nusakambangan island. Source: AP

"We abhor drug crime but we also abhor the death penalty," Mr Abbott told ABC radio. "We think it is beneath a country such as Indonesia."

Indonesia's Attorney General HM Prasetyo, speaking in Jakarta, did not apologise for the farcical show of force used during the transfer. "Of course there were teams that guard them," he said. "This is a long journey. They are not a tourist."

By comparison to the hysteria surrounding the transfer of Chan and Sukumaran, Nigerian death-row prisoner Raheem Agbaje Salami arrived on Wednesday from a prison in Madiun, in East Java, in a solitary van.

Nightmare ... police arrive at Kerobokan jail at 3am for the Bali Nine duo's transfer to Nusakambangan island for their execution. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia

It leaves little doubt the performance was entirely for Australia's benefit.

Mr Prasetyo said authorities were still deciding how many people would be executed.

"We are still evaluating. It does not mean that we are doubtful or scared. But this is related with life," Mr Prasetyo said.

"All are drug cases. We want to show, send a message to others, the world, that Indonesia is currently working hard to combat drugs."

A candlelit vigil will be held in honour of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in the forecourt of Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday morning.

Parliamentarians and the public are invited to "share their hopes and prayers that the lives of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran may be spared" a statement said.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ridic reason why ‘bully’ is angry

Former UFC fighter Josh Neer beats up Facebook troll. Courtesy: Liveleak/fancymojo.

Former UFC fighter Josh Neer in a full blown brawl with a "bully". Source: Supplied

THE ALLEGED "bully" that was beaten up by a former UFC fighter is astoundingly not angry about the leaked footage - he's peeved at the thought of being coined a loser.

According to Patrick Martin, he and Josh "The Dentist" Neer engaged in a three-minute sparring round in which Neer "couldn't score or take me down".

But what the audience has seen is a 14-second clip showing Martin being beaten to a pulp.

He claims what we're not seeing is "me hitting him, him throwing wild".

"Everything you see is after the round bell sounded as I turned away from him picking up my mouth piece I dropped after the round," he told MMA Fighting.

"I'm not scared of f**king Josh Neer! Nor any man! He don't wanna show the full video so I'll let him think he won! I seen his game plan fighting me and that's not gonna work!"

Cornered: Josh Neer slugs Patrick Martin. Source: Supplied

"Face still pretty he busted my lip due to no mouthpiece after the round was over! So tell them to play the tape! The unedited version" Source: Supplied

Josh Neer's Twitter picture. Source: Supplied

The former UFC fighter has remained adamant he's the victim after the violent clip was posted to YouTube showing the 5'5 pocket rocket brutally beating the 6'6 "bully" at a gym.

Furthermore, he added he posted the clip in the hope said bully would "shut up" after continuing to taunt him even after the "full contact" fight went down.

Josh "The Dentist" Neer claimed Patrick Martin had been consistently taunting him on social media, so he had enough and figured if he could type tough, he could fight tough.

"Basically the guys a dumbass and been talking shit about MMA fighters for a month," Neer told Bloody Elbow (don't mind the spelling).

"On and on, I usually ignore him but this Saturday he wrote me on Facebook the message i gave. He had written 10 messages to me talking sh*t which I ignored, but this time I said if you really want to fight come to the gym Monday at 5:30."

"I don't know what his problem is but ... he just acts like a bully. That what he seems like to me, just a bully.

Who needs spelling when you're "tripn"? Source: Supplied

Footage from the clip shows an apparent conversation between the two men. Source: Supplied

Yet despite all the bigtime bully talk, Patrick Martin walked away with a fat lip and — apparently — failed to emerge from the fight victorious.

Warning, this isn't for the faint-hearted.

Either way, officials are so appalled at the footage, the Iowa Athletic Commission has launched an investigation into the violent fight, reports TMZ.

"We are aware of the situation. I have our legal team taking a thorough look at our rules," IAC Executive Director Joe Walsh said.

"We're checking to see if we have anything on the books that covers this."

Extras are called in to pull Neer off Martin. Source: Supplied

In a Facebook post from his now-deleted personal account, Neer said he hoped Mr Martin "can learn a lesson".

"Ok I guess I have to defend myself since everyone's talking crap," Neer wrote.

"This fool has been talking crap about mma fighters for months. He's 6'6″ 270 lbs so Im not gonna sit her and let this fool bully everyone.

"If he was my size I woulda just ignored it. Then he writes me on fb and I tell him if he wants to fight then show up at 530 at practice (40 miss after I was already practicing) so we fought. Hopefully he can learn a lesson and humble himself."

Neer's last professional MMA fight was in October of last year and has since been released from the UFC. He has 13 professional fights under his belt.

Originally published as Ridic reason why 'bully' is angry

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bali Nine families’ desperate TV bid

Death row ... Australian drug smugglers Andrew Chan (L) and Myuran Sukumaran (R) in a court holding cell during their trial in Denpasar in February 2006. Picture: AFP/Jewel Samad Source: AFP

Julie Bishop says she is disappointed that the latest appeal for the Bali Nine pair of death row has failed.

THE anguished families of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran have begged Indonesian President Joko Widodo not to kill the two young men.

In an interview with Indonesia's MetroTV station, aired last night, the Chans and Sukumarans told of their emotional distress in a bid to take their message of rehabilitation to Jakarta and the president.

"I don't want them to execute my son. He has done a lot of good things, he is a good person, he is a changed person and I am begging the president not to execute him, to give him another chance, for him to stay in the prison and continue to do all the good things he is doing," Sukumaran's mother, Raji Sukumaran, said in the message she hopes the president will hear.

EXECUTIONS: Inside the Bali Nine duo's killing field

DEATH LOOMS: Coffins arrive for Bali Nine prisoners

Appeal ... the families of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan beg for mercy on Indonesia television. Picture: Metro TV Source: News Corp Australia

Michael Chan, Andrew Chan's brother, told of his family's embarrassment at the shame the Bali Nine duo's crime has brought Indonesia.

"As a family we feel embarrassed because this has happened … we know it has caused a lot of shame for Indonesia and we apologise," Mr Chan said.

"(In) 10 years he has done a lot of good things for Indonesia inside the prison system."

It was the family's first Indonesian television interview and comes as authorities say the two men will be among 10 drug traffickers shot dead at Nusa Kambangan soon.

No date has been set but authorities say preparations at the island are 90 per cent complete. New isolation cells to house the 10 who will be shot.

Andrew Chan in Kerobokan prison. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia

Myuran Sukumaran in Kerobokan prison. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia

Sukumaran's parents, Raji and Sam, and siblings Chinthu and Brintha, have been in Bali for the past month, living on a constant knife-edge, unable to sleep or have a proper meal as the fate of the two Australians hangs in the balance.

Chan's frail parents, Helen and Ken, were also in Bali for three weeks but made the heartbreaking decision to leave after 10 days as their health suffered.

They left with heavy hearts, knowing they may have said goodbye for the last time.

Mrs Chan may return if her health improves but Mr Chan is not well. Older brother Michael Chan remains in Bali, with a group of close-knit family friends.

Frail ... the parents of Bali Nine ringleader Andrew Chan, Ken an Helen Chan, arrive in Sydney from Bali. Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

Every hour and every minute is precious as the two bewildered families, bound by the crime their sons committed 10 years ago, live in a dreadful limbo.

Every day they make a grim-faced vigil into Kerobokan prison, spending time with the two men they desperately pray will be allowed a second chance.

They want authorities to know how much good the two men have achieved in the jail, how they have made an impact and changed so many Indonesian lives and helped prisoners get off drugs and feel self-esteem for the first time.

Diplomat ... Australian Consul in Bali, Majell Hind, arrives at Kerobokan Jail. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro Source: Supplied

Many prisoners and former prisoners have testified to the positive impact Chan and Sukumaran have had upon them and some have even offered to take Chan's place before the firing squad.

Prisoners have learned English, computing, art, first aid, screen printing, graphic arts, psychology, philosophy, cooking and many other skills through a raft of courses set up in the jail by Sukumaran and Chan. They have gained certificates and gone onto jobs upon release.

Sukumaran has become an accomplished artist. Chan is a pastor, ministering to prisoners who need succour and someone to help them.

Each day the torture and uncertainty continues. One minute the families are buoyed by news of a delay. The next hopes are snatched from them, dashed as officials say the executions will go ahead, without naming a date.

Authorities said yesterday that 10 people would be executed — nine foreigners and one Indonesian, all drug traffickers. Chan and Sukumaran are among them.

Convicted ... Andrew Chan (R) and Myuran Sukumaran (2nd-L) after their court appearance on February 14, 2006. Picture: AFP/Bay Ismoyo Source: AFP

For Chan, 31 and Sukumaran, 33, life has become an emotional roller coaster, living hour by terrified hour.

Michael Chan says it's too hard to put into words how the family is feeling. Some days they have no words.

"It is too hard to put it into words," Mr Chan told News Corporation.

He says the last three weeks have been the most emotionally draining and trying since the whole Bali Nine saga began almost a decade ago. But they will never give up hope.

"As long as they are still alive there is hope. I hope that someone sees exactly what these boys are doing in terms of what they have done and what they have achieved," Mr Chan says of the rehabilitation and work programs the duo has set up in jail, which have benefited scores of Indonesian prisoners who have been released and gained jobs.

Support network ... Michael Chan visits his brother and Bali Nine ringleader Andrew Chan inside Kerobokan Jail ahead of his execution. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia

One week ago the Sukumarans were terrified the two young men were about to transferred to Nusa Kambangan.

It was Monday night and a decision was made to bring all Myuran's most precious art books and supplies out of the jail the next day.

That day, the family sat around in the jail, barely talking. Mum Raji was in tears. Myuran was struggling to hold it all together.

"It was really like we were at the brink, the absolute brink," Chinthu told News Corporation.

Heartbroken ... Myuran Sukumaran's mother Raji and brother Chintu visit Kerobokan prison. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro Source: News Corp Australia

Extended family members — aunts and uncles who had held Sukumaran since he was a baby, cousins who look up to him — were all there.

"We were at that very low point, it was the lowest point we were at since this whole thing started," he said. "No-one slept on the Monday night."

Then, as the art books were being taken from jail by Sukumaran's emotional relatives, the news came through that there was a delay and there was a crescendo of relief. Mrs Sukumaran was in tears. They hugged each other and Sukumaran. He felt like he could breathe again for the first time in a long time.

Show of force ... a Sukhoi fighter jet flies over Kerobokan prison. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia

Now, one week later, the limbo continues. The fear is tangible. On Tuesday two Sukhoi fighter jets, to be used as security in their transfer to Nsua Kambangan, flew over and around the jail three times in an apparent show of force.

If the idea was to spread fear and terror, they achieved that.

But no-one is giving up hope just yet.

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More

The $50 million nap that choked Sydney

Two people have been taken to hospital following a crash on Harbour Bridge causing traffic chaos.

A WOMAN who drifted into oncoming traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and crashed head-on into a taxi, had fallen asleep at the wheel.

That one accident, at 6.40am yesterday, triggered traffic gridlock across Sydney, brought every major city-bound route to a standstill, and was estimated to have cost the NSW economy $50 million.

The taxi and hire van collided head on this morning. Picture: Matt Elliott Source: News Corp Australia

A woman is led away from the scene on a stretcher. Picture: Channel 10 Source: Channel 10

The 37-year-old woman was driving a rented van full of suitcases south across the Harbour Bridge when she allegedly fell asleep and drifted into oncoming traffic causing a five-car pile up.

The woman, a middle-aged taxi driver and another motorist were taken to hospital, but for Sydney's commuters the pain was only just beginning.

The snarl stretched 21km, from Epping in the north to Eastlakes in the south.

Commuters complained of a doubling in commute times, with some having three hours added to their journey.

Emergency crews reopened all northbound and two southbound lanes at 8am.

Traffic backed up for mile around after the crash. Picture: Simon Cullen / ABC Source: ABC

The car and van appear likely to be a write-off. Picture: Matt Elliott Source: News Corp Australia

NSW Police interviewed the male taxi driver at St Vincent's Hospital and confirmed that the woman driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.

AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said the cost to the economy was about $50 million.

"It is not just time lost, it is trucks that are failing to make deliveries, which affects production schedules, taxis doing nothing for two hours, workers losing two hours of output and people missing their flights."

Sydney plumber Matt Elliott was driving north in the lane next to the rail line in the moments before the smash.

And the impact was also felt as far west as Victoria Road at Rozelle. Picture: Katrina Tepper. Source: News Corp Australia

Traffic was backed up as far as the Spit Bridge in Sydneys north. Source: News Corp Australia

"An older model Toyota HiAce van crossed into the oncoming traffic and hit a taxi head-on 15m in front of me.

"Then I slammed into the side of the van. I was going about 50 to 55km/h.

"I had enough time to slam on my brakes and I hit the van at 40km/h. My car was not too bad. I don't think it is written off. The van and the taxi are gone, written off. It was chaos."

An aerial shot shows the traffic chaos yesterday morning. Picture: Twitter Source: Channel 10

Bus commuters were moved on to trains at Macquarie Park and North Sydney.

Mr Elliott, who walked away from the smash without a scratch, said people were calm after the crash. "Nobody was screaming hysterically, though they calmed down the lady in the van. She was screaming to get out immediately after the accident," Mr Elliott said.

Central Coast tradesman Terry Stevenson said his trip to Sydney doubled in duration.

"The trip from the coast normally takes one-and-a-half hours but it was more like three hours today," he said. "It's just ridiculous."

Another minor smash on the Anzac Bridge at 9.55am closed one citybound lane, while at 10.30am, a tree branch fell on to a car on College St, next to Hyde Park, temporarily closing that road and adding to a day of chaos.

Traffic queued back several kilometres following yesterday morning's crash on the Harbour Bridge. Picture: Channel 9. Source: Channel 9

Image of traffic chaos on the Harbour Bridge following a massive accident in morning peak hour. Source: Channel 9

Originally published as The $50 million nap that choked Sydney

23.26 | 0 komentar | Read More