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Cocaine on tap in UK

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 11 Mei 2014 | 23.08

usty pipes ... cocaine traces were found in treated water in England. Picture: Thinkstock Source: News Corp Australia

COCAINE use in Britain is now so high it has contaminated the drinking water, scientific tests have revealed.

Experts from the Drinking Water Inspectorate experts found traces of the party drug, in a form that has been passed through the body, in treated tap water — despite intensive water purification treatments.

Steve Rolles, from the drug policy think tank Transform, told The Sunday Times that the findings reveal how widely used cocaine is.

"We have the near highest level of cocaine use in western Europe," he said. "It has also been getting cheaper and cheaper at the same time as its use has been going up."

About 700,000 people aged 16 to 59 are estimated to take cocaine every year in Britain.

As well as benzoylecgonine or metabolised cocaine, scientists also found traces of ibuprofen, caffeine and carbamazepine, a drug for treating epilepsy, in tap water.

However health officials stressed that the traces of drugs found in the water supply were very low and unlikely to represent a danger to the public.

"Estimated exposures for most of the detected compounds are at least thousands of times below doses seen to produce adverse effects in animals and hundreds of thousands below human therapeutic doses," the report said.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ricciardo claims first podium finish

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo finished third at the Spanish GP behind winner Lewis Hamilton. Source: Getty Images

EMERGING Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo claimed his first podium finish in Formula One as the Mercedes team dominated the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton took over leadership of the drivers championship with his fourth win in a row, finishing just 0.6 seconds ahead of his teammate Nico Rosberg.

The Englishman moved to 100 points for the season, three ahead of German Rosberg.

Ricciardo came home third for Red Bull ahead of his teammate, defending four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who had started from 15th on the grid.

Ricciardo leads Lotus' French driver Romain Grosjean at the Circuit de Catalunya. Source: AFP

After winning by just a few car lengths at the Circuit de Catalunya, Hamilton said Rosberg had been the faster driver, but he had won thanks to advice from his team in the closing stages. "Nico was quicker. I struggled with the balance and needed to rely on my engineers," Hamilton said.

"I was moving my settings up and down and fortunately I was able to keep Nico behind." Rosberg, after finishing second behind Hamilton for the fourth consecutive time, said he felt he needed just one more lap to make a passing move.

"Unfortunately that was it and I am a bit gutted, but still, second place, second in the championship and many more races to go... I will go to Monaco to go one better and try and repeat the win from last year."

For Ricciardo it was a moment of special satisfaction, having finished third in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix before being disqualified for a fuel irregularity.

Nice Rosberg sprays champagne all over winner and Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. Source: AP

"We did not have the pace on Mercedes," said the West Australian, who finished 49 sec behind Hamilton.

"We had a pretty comfortable third place and it is really nice to be on the podium and I am sure I will get to keep it this time!"

It was Hamilton's first win in Spain and the 26th of his career while the Mercedes one-two stamped their complete supremacy on the constructors' championship which they now lead by more than 100 points.

Hamilton added that he had not dared dream of such a strong start to his second season with Mercedes after his unexpected decision to leave McLaren.

Hamilton leads from the start of the race with the burning tyres causing a smoky beginning. Source: AFP

"This is what the idea was, that I was given. I wasn't sure we could actually be a second faster than Red Bull, but we've managed to do it. I'm really pleased and to have our fourth 1-2 finish together is unreal."

Hamilton now has a 55-point lead over fourth-placed Vettel, whose strong drive after two days blighted by setbacks signalled his threat.

The German said: "That was more fun than the last race when I had to let people by. All in all it was the maximum we could do."

Finn Valtteri Bottas finished fifth for the resurgent Williams team ahead of local hero and two-time champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso and his Ferrari team-mate 2007 champion Finn Kimi Raikkonen.

Frenchman Romain Grosjean was eighth for Lotus, signalling their return to some form after a dismal start to the year, ahead of Mexican Sergio Perez and his Force India team-mate German Nico Hulkenberg, who was 10th.


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‘The Wolf’ explodes in 60 Minutes interview

On this episode of 60 minutes, Liz Hayes chats to the real Wolf of Wall St. Courtesy: Channel Nine/60 Minutes

Jordan Belfort insists he's a changed man. Source: Supplied

ON Sunday's episode of 60 Minutes, Liz Hayes sat down with the real-life "Wolf of Wall Street", Jordan Belfort.

In the explosive one-on-one, the former stockbroker lost his temper and terminated the interview in a rage.

"I've said enough about this, let's move on, since you've stonewalled me at every step!" Belfort barked at Hayes.

"I'm done with this, I'm not gonna get attacked here — you've got a lot of nerve boy, I'll tell you!" he added, before storming out.

The surprised television presenter asked: "Why can't I ask these questions?"

Jordan Belfort, the "real" Wolf of Wall Street. Picture Chris Pavlich/mX Source: News Limited

But what did Hayes ask to make Belfort crack?

She asked: "The last thing is that you have an oral contract with your management, the Fordham company, is that an attempt to hide your income?"

This tipped Belfort over the edge and he rose from his chair, declaring "no one's ever treated me as disrespectfully as you have", leaving The Nine reporter dumbfounded.

Belfort eventually returned to the room, but not before accusing Hayes of doing "a hatchet job" of the interview.

Belfort, who was portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the Oscar-nominated film, The Wolf of Wall Street, spent 22 months in prison for fraud and money laundering, after ripping off investors to the tune of more than a hundred million dollars.

Nowadays, The Wolf insists he's a changed man and is coming to Australia to sell his tale of redemption and the importance of ethics in business, at high price seminars.

60 Minutes airs Sundays on Nine at 8pm.


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League legend Reg Gasnier passes away

Rugby League legend Reg Gasnier has passed away just one day short of his 75th birthday.

St George and Australian rugby league legend Reg Gasnier with a bronze statue of himself unveiled at the SCG. Source: News Limited

THE rugby league world is mourning the loss of legend Reg Gasnier, who has passed away just one day short of his 75th birthday.

The former St George Dragons centre died in the Miranda nursing home where he has lived for several years.

He played 39 Test matches for Australia, scoring 28 tries and 127 matches for the Dragons during their world record 11-straight premierships.

John Raper and Reg Gasnier (R) embrace after defeating Wests in 1963 grand final. Source: News Corp Australia

Reg Gasnier playing for Australia during 1963 Kangaroo Tour of England. Source: News Corp Australia

Team of the Century. (back L-R) Wally Lewis, Bob Fulton, John Raper, Mal Menninga (front L-R) Reg Gasnier, Norm Provan, Ron Coote, Noel Kelly, Graeme Langlands and Andrew Johns. Source: News Limited

Gasnier was known as the Prince of Centres, an absolutely brilliant attacking player.

He was the uncle of recently retired Dragons star Mark Gasnier.

Dragons team mate, fellow Immortal and friend Johnny Raper was devastated by the news.

"It's a very, very sad day," Raper said. "I went and saw him last Tuesday.

"He didn't look the best, but he was a fighter like he always was on the football field and I thought he'd get better.

John Raper, Graeme Langlands and Reg Gasnier. Source: News Limited

St George and Australian rugby league legend Reg Gasnier with a bronze statue of himself unveiled at the SCG. Source: News Limited

"He was just a phenomenal player – the best I played with.

"He used to just say give me the ball, we'd give it to him … and he'd score.

"He was a rare genius. I saw Clive Churchill play and always wanted to play with someone as good as him."

"I think I did that by playing alongside Reg Gasnier."

Reg Gasnier in the 1965 St George premiership team. Source: News Corp Australia

Early 1960s photo of Reg Gasnier (ball). Source: News Corp Australia

Raper remained close to Gasnier after their playing days, with the pair enjoying great times and memories in retirement.

"He was an ornament to the game," Raper said. "A man who led by example and was a great captain.

"Away from football he was a great man. A wonderful citizen. We will miss him dearly."

Centers of the Century Mal Meninga and Reg Gasnier. Source: News Limited

Gasnier had been ill for a number of years after suffering a stroke.

Until recent years, he attended functions and reunions and would often help the Dragons with promotional work.

He was a St George junior who grew up in Mortdale and was awarded an AM not long after retirement when he took on roles in the media.

League great Reg Gasnier. Source: News Limited

He was also named as a centre in the Australian Rugby League's Team of the Century.

Fellow immortal Bob Fulton was devastated to learn of his passing.

"He was my hero when I was used to come to Sydney and watch St George play at the Sydney Cricket Ground," Fulton said.

"I remember in 1967 we both got selected in a City side together but Reg was injured and had to pull out.

"It would have been a career highlight to play alongside him.

"To be selected as one of the original Immortals alongside him was a humbling experience."

Reg Gasnier for the Kangaroos. Source: News Limited

CLUB CAREER 1959-67

St George 1959-67, 125 games, 127 tries

Vs touring sides 1962-63, 2 games, 3 tries

Total: 127 games, 130 tries

REPRESENTATIVE CAREER 1959-67

City Firsts 1959-65, 5 games, 3 tries

Vs touring sides 1960-64, 3 games, 4 tries

NEW SOUTH WALES 1959-67

Vs Queensland 1959-67, 16 games, 13 tries

Vs touring sides 1959-67, 5 games, 4 tries

Total: 21 games, 17 tries

AUSTRALIA 1959-67

Tests and World Cup 1959-67, 39 games, 28 tries

Tour matches 1959-67, 38 games, 37 tries

Total: 77 games, 65 tries

GRAND TOTAL

All senior matches, 233 games, 219 tries

St George NRL player Mark Gasnier (L) his uncle Reg (C). Source: News Corp Australia

Reg Gasnier on the attack. Source: News Limited

HIGHLIGHTS:

* Gasnier captained Australia in eight Tests and was captain of the 1967-68 Kangaroos.

* He played third grade with St George in 1958 from junior club Renown United, and played first grade and Test football the following season. He played four games in reserve grade and then five in first grade before being chosen for NSW in 1959.

* Gasnier played President's Cup (junior representative) 1957-58.

* He scored three tries in his second Test against New Zealand, three tries in his first match on the 1959-60 Kangaroo tour and three in his Test debut against Great Britain.

Reg Gasnier pictured in 1975. Source: News Limited

* He played in six of St George's grand final winning sides (1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965).

* Former Sydney Sun sportswriter EE Christensen chose Gasnier as the NSW Player of the Year in 1959, 1961 and 1964 (with Johnny Raper).

* Injury ended Gasnier's career prematurely in France in 1968.

* With Clive Churchill, Johnny Raper and Bob Fulton, he was named as one the original "Immortals" in Rugby League Week in 1981.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Trial of flight phone network

Mitchell Bingemann speaks with Telstra boss David Thodey about the trends he sees coming out of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Will sky be the new limit ... Telstra trialling network using 4G between Sydney and Melbourne. Source: Getty Images

THE sky may soon be the limit for using your phone and the internet while on board a flight.

Telstra has begun trialling the use of mobiles on planes, including the ability to deliver a broadband signal to aircraft that allows phone users to use 4G to browse the web, send and receive emails, make video calls, watch movies and download music and photos.

The testing of the "Skinet" network on mock flights between Melbourne and Sydney has so far delivered fast speeds of up to 15 megabits per second.

About 1 to 2 megabits per second is needed by mobile phone users on the ground to download a video or music.

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Special antennas have been erected on four phone towers between the two capitals to deliver broadband signals to passengers en route.

Telstra executive director Mike Wright said the testing had so far succeeded with flying colours, delivering fast web capabilities for customers.

"We've achieved some of the fastest (broadband) speeds in this configuration that anybody has been able to do in the world so far,'' he said.

"You can do the things on the aircraft that you would be able to do if you were in a wi-fi hotspot."

The trials were conducted on a twin-propeller aircraft and a Cessna mustang jet that flew at the height of a commercial flight at 30,000 feet.

Additional testing will continue later this year and it could be about two years before passengers would be able to use this technology on board if it is made available.

The testing has not yet extended to include sending and receiving text messages and making phone calls.

Qantas spokesman Tom Woodward said they were working with Telstra but had no plans to roll out wi-fi capabilities on flights yet.

"We work with Telstra on a range of IT programs and we'll certainly be watching this development with interest, but we have no current plans to introduce wi-fi on Qantas flights,'' he said.

At the moment, passengers on flights can use mobile phones as normal but must turn them off before departure.

Once the aircraft is 10,000 feet high passengers can turn their phones back on in flight mode but they cannot be used for text messages, emails or voice calls.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sail scaler in Sydney dope opera

A man climbs the Sydney Opera House and is escorted down by police after they attach him to a harness. Rough Cut. (No Reporter Narration).

HE might have lacked the operatic abilities of tenors normally performing at the Sydney Opera House, but this sozzled Souths fan still managed to draw a huge crowd when he scaled the harbour landmark yesterday.

Police reach the drunken man / Picture: Attila Szilvasi Source: News Corp Australia

Police rescue officers spent 45 minutes talking to the man after he was heard screaming and shouting from the top of one of the sails.

The drunk man taunts his rescuers / Picture: Attila Szilvasi Source: News Corp Australia

He took his Rabbitohs jersey off at one point to reveal a white singlet. A large group of tourists took pictures and videos during the operation, which prevented them walking up the famous steps.

The man is finally brought down to the ground / Picture: Attila Szilvasi Source: News Corp Australia

Onlookers clapped when the man was eventually brought down by two officers with the help of ropes and harnesses at 4pm.

The man talks with one of his rescuers / Picture: Attila Szilvasi Source: News Corp Australia

One of the officers in charge of the operation said the man, who was taken to St Vincent's Hospital, had been drinking alcohol and it was not a protest climb.

He is expected to be charged under the Opera House Act, which makes it an offence to climb the landmark or access the sail area.

The drunken man is led away by police / Picture: Attila Szilvasi Source: News Corp Australia


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Ricciardo claims first podium finish

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo finished third at the Spanish GP behind winner Lewis Hamilton. Source: Getty Images

EMERGING Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo claimed his first podium finish in Formula One as the Mercedes team dominated the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton took over leadership of the drivers championship with his fourth win in a row, finishing just 0.6 seconds ahead of his teammate Nico Rosberg.

The Englishman moved to 100 points for the season, three ahead of German Rosberg.

Ricciardo came home third for Red Bull ahead of his teammate, defending four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who had started from 15th on the grid.

Ricciardo leads Lotus' French driver Romain Grosjean at the Circuit de Catalunya. Source: AFP

After winning by just a few car lengths at the Circuit de Catalunya, Hamilton said Rosberg had been the faster driver, but he had won thanks to advice from his team in the closing stages. "Nico was quicker. I struggled with the balance and needed to rely on my engineers," Hamilton said.

"I was moving my settings up and down and fortunately I was able to keep Nico behind." Rosberg, after finishing second behind Hamilton for the fourth consecutive time, said he felt he needed just one more lap to make a passing move.

"Unfortunately that was it and I am a bit gutted, but still, second place, second in the championship and many more races to go... I will go to Monaco to go one better and try and repeat the win from last year."

For Ricciardo it was a moment of special satisfaction, having finished third in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix before being disqualified for a fuel irregularity.

Nice Rosberg sprays champagne all over winner and Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. Source: AP

"We did not have the pace on Mercedes," said the West Australian, who finished 49 sec behind Hamilton.

"We had a pretty comfortable third place and it is really nice to be on the podium and I am sure I will get to keep it this time!"

It was Hamilton's first win in Spain and the 26th of his career while the Mercedes one-two stamped their complete supremacy on the constructors' championship which they now lead by more than 100 points.

Hamilton added that he had not dared dream of such a strong start to his second season with Mercedes after his unexpected decision to leave McLaren.

Hamilton leads from the start of the race with the burning tyres causing a smoky beginning. Source: AFP

"This is what the idea was, that I was given. I wasn't sure we could actually be a second faster than Red Bull, but we've managed to do it. I'm really pleased and to have our fourth 1-2 finish together is unreal."

Hamilton now has a 55-point lead over fourth-placed Vettel, whose strong drive after two days blighted by setbacks signalled his threat.

The German said: "That was more fun than the last race when I had to let people by. All in all it was the maximum we could do."

Finn Valtteri Bottas finished fifth for the resurgent Williams team ahead of local hero and two-time champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso and his Ferrari team-mate 2007 champion Finn Kimi Raikkonen.

Frenchman Romain Grosjean was eighth for Lotus, signalling their return to some form after a dismal start to the year, ahead of Mexican Sergio Perez and his Force India team-mate German Nico Hulkenberg, who was 10th.


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Speedy star flies close to Earth

Host of stars... A view of part of the Milky Way. Source: Supplied

SCIENTISTS have announced the discovery of a hypervelocity star, a rare type of star that is flung at high speeds out of the orbit of the Milky Way.

Only about 20 such stars have ever been found.

Unlike our Sun, which similar to most stars in the Milky Way travels in a predictable orbit around the galaxy's centre, hypervelocity stars are leaving the galaxy at high speed.

The reason for this is not fully understood but scientists believe it has to do with the powerful gravitational pull at the galaxy's centre.

Hypervelocity stars appear to be remaining pairs of stars that once orbited each other and got too close to the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way (the galaxy containing Earth).

The pull of gravity from the black hole — equivalent to the mass of 4 million stars like our Sun — captures one star so it orbits the hole closely, and slingshots the other on a trajectory headed beyond the galaxy.

According to the University of Utah, the latest hypervelocity star, known as LAMOST-HVS1, is 42,000 light-years from Earth, making it the closest star of its kind yet discovered.

It is moving at 477 kilometres per second, according to scientists at the Xinglong Observing Station of the National Astronomical Observatories of China near Beijing, where the star was first discovered.


23.08 | 0 komentar | Read More
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