bbc--2020-09-18--Coronavirus: Israel marks Jewish New Year with second lockdown

But under the new three-week lockdown , Israelis must stay within 1km ( 0.6 miles ) of their homes , with exceptions , and the number of people allowed in synagogues has been greatly reduced .
In the past week , new cases have reached daily highs of more than 6,000 , and the country 's leaders have apologised for their failure to contain the pandemic .
Israel has seen 1,169 deaths from Covid-19 and nearly 177,000 confirmed infections , according to a global tally kept by US university Johns Hopkins .
However , the new national lockdown is widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with protests taking place before it came into force .
What are the new measures ?
The restrictions , which came into effect from 14:00 local time ( 11:00 GMT ) , are the most extensive imposed in Israel since the first lockdown , which ran from late March until early May .
Mr Netanyahu has acknowledged the disruption the lockdown will cause to Jewish communities celebrating religious holidays that normally see families come together .
`` This is not the kind of holiday we are used to .
And we certainly wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extended families , '' he said .
The second lockdown will cost the economy , which is in recession due to the pandemic , an estimated 6.5bn shekels ( £1.4bn ; $ 1.9bn ) , the finance ministry says .
Frustration and fears for the economy Few here in Jerusalem dispute the need for a tougher approach , but there is frustration about how the government has handled the crisis .
Unemployment has rocketed and many businesses are failing .
`` [ With ] this closure , I hope they 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he says .
`` It 's going to be very hard , '' she says .
`` I 'm afraid it did n't work the first time and it wo n't work the second time . ''
How has Israel dealt with the spread of Covid-19 ?
But it is widely seen as having lifted these too quickly and it now has one of the highest infection rates in the world .
But he also appealed to Israelis to comply with the new measures : `` This is a second chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not , I fear , get a third one , '' he warned .

But he also appealed to Israelis to comply with the new measures: "This is a second chance and we must take it because we will not, I fear, get a third one," he warned.


bbc--2020-09-17--California and Oregon 2020 wildfires in maps, graphics and images

Dozens of wildfires have been burning their way through swathes of the US West Coast over the last month , killing more than 30 people and forcing tens of thousands from their homes .
Lightning strikes in August sparked a number of the blazes , while warm temperatures and dry conditions have fuelled additional fires .
Here 's a visual guide to what 's happening - a month on from a state of emergency being declared in California .
Wildfires are burning millions of acres in California , Oregon and other parts of the western US , devastating towns and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the region 's wildfires are the worst in 18 years and have linked their increasing prevalence and intensity to climate change .
However , US President Donald Trump has blamed poor forest management for the blazes .
Plumes of smoke from the fires are so large , they have crossed the US and the Atlantic Ocean , carried by the jet stream , and have reached the skies of Europe .
Nasa captured the high-altitude smoke and associated aerosols - particles in the air - as they travelled east to New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of last week .
By the end of last week the smoke had reached Northern Europe , scientists from the European Commission 's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service ( CAMS ) say .
It is forecast to do so again in the coming days .
The fact the fires are emitting so much pollution that can be detected thousands of miles away reflects `` just how devastating they have been in their magnitude and duration '' , says Mark Parrington , a CAMS senior scientist .
Data from CAMS also shows the fires are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average for 2003-2019 and are the worst in 18 years .
Nasa has described a `` perfect storm of meteorological factors '' contributing to the period of `` extreme burning '' .
Record-breaking temperatures , unusually dry air and fierce winds - on top of drought in some areas - have exacerbated the fires .
Vincent Ambrosia , from Nasa 's Earth Applied Sciences Program 's wildfire research team , said these conditions , alongside the `` long-term drying and warming of both the air and vegetation '' , meant larger , higher-intensity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of this year 's fires could be more than $ 20bn ( £15.5bn ) .
More on the fires : • What are the health risks of smoke pollution ?
The wildfires are devastating California and Oregon The US National Interagency Fire Center has said firefighters are battling 106 large wildfires across the western US , with higher-than-normal levels of burning in a number of states .
California and Oregon have seen some of the worst of the blazes .
Many of the fires are in California , where fire officials have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 20 major blazes .
And with no rain forecast , the state remains `` dry and ripe for wildfires '' , the state firefighting agency Cal Fire has warned .
California Governor Gavin Newsom says the state has seen 7,606 blazes this year compared with 4,972 in 2019 .
And according to Cal Fire , five of the top 20 largest fires in California 's history have occurred in 2020 .
US Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon described the scene in his state as `` apocalyptic '' , with affordable housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the ground .
The area of burned land is massive The fires have devastated millions of acres .
According to the National Interagency Fire Center , 6.7m acres ( 2.7m hectares ) have been burned this year , so far .
The August Complex fire , in Tehama County , California , has become the state 's biggest recorded fire ever , covering more than 750,000 acres .
Lives across the region have been devastated The fires have devastated several small towns , destroying thousands of homes and killing more than 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been left homeless or have been evacuated , and search teams are continuing to scour the ruins of burned-out homes for the missing .
In Oregon , the Almeda fire has been wreaking havoc since it started in the city of Ashland on 8 September .
Strong winds drove the blaze 's flames north through towns and communities along a 13-mile stretch of the N5 highway .
In the city of Talent , Jackson County , businesses , homes and trailer parks were razed .
Dozens more properties were destroyed in neighbouring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 42,000 people in the area had been affected .
Many had lost their homes , while others had to be evacuated or had been left without electricity .
High school teacher Tracy Koa fled Talent with her partner , Dave Tanksle , along with their 13-year-old daughter .
They returned to find their home and neighbourhood had gone up in smoke .
`` We knew that it was gone , '' she told Reuters .
`` But then you pull up , and the devastation of just every home , you think of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burnt-down car , and there are just no words for it . ''
Air quality is so poor it is off the scale The states of Oregon , Washington and California are experiencing some of the most unhealthy air on the planet , according to global air quality rankings .
In some parts of Oregon , air quality has been so hazardous that it has gone beyond the scale of the state 's Air Quality Index .
Pollution has hit historic levels in five of the state 's cities - Portland , Eugene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials said this week .
Pollution from wildfires , contains soot and other fine particles dangerous to human health , as well as noxious chemicals .
Residents who smell smoke or see haze are advised to take precautions against breathing it in and to stay informed about local air quality warnings .
All of the smoke also translates into significant carbon emissions , Nasa says .
It already estimates that 2020 is the highest year of fire carbon emissions for California in its Global Fire Emissions Database , which goes back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far outpace the annual totals for all other years , and it is only September 11 , '' says Douglas Morton , chief of the Nasa Goddard biospheric sciences laboratory .
California 's peak fire season usually runs until October , but can continue until further in the year .

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bbc--2020-09-18--Forrest Gump author Winston Groom dies aged 77

Writer Winston Groom , whose novel Forrest Gump was made into the hugely successful Oscar-winning 1994 film starring Tom Hanks , has died aged 77 .
The book , about the childlike optimism of a slow-thinking but kind-hearted man , won six Oscars including best film and actor , plus three Golden Globes .
Directed by Robert Zemeckis and also starring Sally Field and Robin Wright , it made $ 683m ( £526m ) .
`` Saddened to learn that Alabama has lost one of our most gifted writers , '' she wrote on Facebook , referencing Groom 's time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` While he will be remembered for creating Forrest Gump , Winston Groom was a talented journalist and noted author of American history .
Our hearts and prayers are extended to his family . ''
Alabama University called Groom `` one of our legends '' .
After gaining his degree , he was in the US Army , which included a tour of duty in the Vietnam War , before working as reporter .
He wrote Forrest Gump in 1985 and it was published the following year .
The film , seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the presidencies of Kennedy and Johnson as a backdrop , along with the Vietnam War and Watergate .
Throughout it all , Gump 's main desire is to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart , played by Wright .
Memorable quotes from Forrest Gump include the famous advice from his mother : `` Life is like a box of chocolates , you never know what you 're gon na get . ''
Groom went on to write a follow-up in 1995 called Gump and Co and also wrote non-fiction including a book @ @ @ @ @ @

After gaining his degree, he was in the US Army, which included a tour of duty in the Vietnam War, before working as reporter. He wrote Forrest Gump in 1985 and it was published the following year.


bbc--2020-09-18--China holds military drill as US envoy visits Taiwan

China says it is conducting military exercises near the Taiwan Strait to `` protect its sovereignty '' as a top US official visits Taiwan .
The live-fire drills take place as relations between Beijing and Washington sour and the US shores up its support of Taiwan .
Keith Krach is the highest-level official from the US State Department to visit the island in decades .
On Friday , China 's defence ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang accused the US and Taiwan of `` stepping up collusion , frequently causing disturbances '' , although he did not make any reference to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using Taiwan to control China '' or trying to `` rely on foreigners to build oneself up '' was wishful thinking .
`` Those who play with fire will get burnt , '' he said .
Mr Ren did not give details about the military exercise , which involves the People 's Liberation Army 's eastern theatre command , but described them as `` legitimate and necessary for the mainland to protect its sovereignty and integrity '' .
They follow two days of large-scale Chinese drills off Taiwan 's southwestern coast last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taipei says that by carrying out the military exercises , China is warning Washington against disrupting the balance that the United States had maintained under previous US administrations .
Taiwan 's ruling party and its supporters appear to see the US under Trump and the tensions with Beijing as an opportunity to push for closer ties with Washington and work towards their goal of getting formal international recognition of Taiwan as an independent country , says our correspondent .
Washington said Mr Krach , who is the US undersecretary of economic affairs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service for late president Lee Teng-hui on Saturday .
Later on Friday he is scheduled to meet Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen for a dinner at her official residence .
The visit comes at a time US-China relations have plummeted to their lowest point in years .
The two nations have been locked in a bitter trade war since 2018 , clashed over the coronavirus pandemic and traded accusations of espionage with mounting arrests of suspected Chinese spies in the US in recent months .
The deteriorating relations have also affected other areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech firms and the revoking of Chinese student visas .
Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory , vowing to one day seize it , while many Taiwanese want a separate nation .
Like most countries the US has no formal diplomatic relationship with Taiwan , and in the past was described as pursuing a policy of `` strategic ambiguity '' to balance China 's emergence as a regional power with admiration for Taiwan 's economic success and democratisation .
As the leading arms supplier to Taiwan , the US is by far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally .
But under President Donald Trump 's administration the US has further bolstered its backing for the island .
When a US cabinet member met President Tsai in Taipei last month China responded angrily .
`` We urge the US… not to send any wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence ' elements to avoid severe damage to China-US relations , '' a foreign ministry spokesman said at the time .

Taiwan's ruling party and its supporters appear to see the US under Trump and the tensions with Beijing as an opportunity to push for closer ties with Washington and work towards their goal of getting formal international recognition of Taiwan as an independent country, says our correspondent.


bbc--2020-09-18--Police launch homicide inquiry after German hospital hack

One expert said , if confirmed , it would be the first known case of a life being lost as a result of a hack .
Such attacks are one of the most serious threats in cyber-security with dozens of high profile attacks so far this year .
The attackers can demand large payments in cryptocurrency Bitcoin in exchange for a software key that unlocks IT systems .
The female patient , from Düsseldorf , was due to have scheduled life-saving treatment and was transferred to another hospital in Wuppertal which is roughly 19 miles ( 30km ) away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not intend to attack the hospital and in fact were trying to target a different university .
Once the hackers had realised their mistake it is reported they gave the hospital the decryption key without demanding payment before disappearing .
Detectives have brought in cyber-security experts to ascertain whether there is a link between the hack and the patient 's death , with the hospital also likely to be investigated .
Its president Arne Schönbohm said hackers took advantage of a well-known vulnerability in a piece of VPN ( virtual private network ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other organisations to protect themselves from the flaw .
`` We warned of the vulnerability as early as January and pointed out the consequences of its exploitation .
Attackers gain access to the internal networks and systems and can still paralyse them months later .
`` I can only stress that such warnings should not be ignored or postponed , but need appropriate measures immediately .
The incident shows once again how seriously this risk must be taken . ''
Former chief executive of the UK 's National Cyber Security Centre Ciaran Martin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragedy would be the first known case of a death directly linked to a cyber-attack .
It is not surprising that the cause of this is a ransomware attack by criminals rather than an attack by a nation state or terrorists .
`` Although the purpose of ransomware is to make money , it stops systems working .
So if you attack a hospital , then things like this are likely to happen .
There were a few near misses across Europe earlier in the year and this looks , sadly , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

"Although the purpose of ransomware is to make money, it stops systems working. So if you attack a hospital, then things like this are likely to happen. There were a few near misses across Europe earlier in the year and this looks, sadly, like the worst might have come to pass."


bbc--2020-09-18--Thai national park mails trash back to tourists

If you litter in this Thai national park , your trash may just come back to haunt you .
Well , not exactly haunt , but it 'll be shipped to your home as a pointed reminder that when out in nature , you better clean up after yourself .
Authorities in the popular Khao Yai National Park near Bangkok will start sending rubbish back to litterers , Thailand 's environment minister said .
Offenders will also be registered with the police .
Visitors to the park have to register with their addresses , making it easy for rangers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind .
Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa posted pictures of trash collected in cardboard parcels ready to be shipped on his Facebook account .
`` Your trash - we 'll send it back to you '' the post warns , reminding people that littering in a national park is an offence and punishable with up to five years in prison and hefty fines .
Along with empty plastic bottles , cans and chips wrappings , the box in the Facebook post contains a polite note saying : `` You forgot these things at Khao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the trash left behind can be particularly dangerous for animals who may try to eat it .
Khao Yai National Park which is north-east of the Thai capital Bangkok stretches across more than 2,000 sq km ( 770 sq miles ) and is very popular with hikers .
It 's the oldest national park in Thailand and known for its waterfalls , animals and scenery .

Well, not exactly haunt, but it'll be shipped to your home as a pointed reminder that when out in nature, you had better clean up after yourself.


bbc--2020-09-18--Coronavirus testing: Simple test gives results in 90 minutes

A rapid test can accurately diagnose a coronavirus infection within 90 minutes without needing a specialist laboratory , say scientists .
The study by Imperial College London showed the `` lab-on-a-chip '' gave comparable results to current tests .
The device is already being used in eight NHS hospitals to quickly identify patients who are carrying the virus .
However , experts warn that the kit will not be a solution to the beleaguered Test and Trace programme .
The device , developed by the company DnaNudge , can be used by anyone capable of taking a swab of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed inside a disposable blue cartridge which contains the chemicals needed for the test .
This in turn is slotted into a shoebox-sized machine to perform the analysis .
The study , published in the Lancet Microbe , compared results when samples from 386 people were given both the DnaNudge and standard laboratory tests .
`` The performance was comparable , which is very reassuring when you 're trying to bring in a new technology , '' said Prof Graham Cooke , from Imperial College London .
`` Many tests involve a trade-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test manages to achieve both . ''
If the lab tests said the patient was free of the virus , so did the rapid test .
If the lab tests said the patient had the virus , the rapid test agreed 94 % of the time .
The UK has already ordered 5,000 of the Nudgebox machines and 5.8 million of the disposable cartridges .
• YOUR QUESTIONS : We answer your queries • THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How does it work ?
• FURLOUGH : What happens when the scheme ends ?
However , there is a major drawback as each box can handle only one test at a time .
So during a day , one box could perform around 16 tests .
Prof Cooke said : `` They are useful in clinical settings when you are trying to make a rapid decision . ''
He described a patient last week who was rapidly identified as having Covid and started on the drugs dexamethasone and remdesivir .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals in the future as it is theoretically possible to test for coronavirus , flu and respiratory syncytial virus ( a major reason young children are admitted to hospital ) at the same time .
However , the capacity issue means the test can not solve the problems with NHS Test and Trace or help with Operation Moonshot and the plans for 10 million tests per day .
Testing 60,000 people at a stadium ahead of a football match would require 60,000 boxes , but it may be useful at smaller venues .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the research and from the University of Warwick , said the technology was `` innovative '' .
He added : `` The CovidNudge test could have an important role where near-patient , real-time decision-making is necessary , such as screening patients for admission to hospital or for surgery .
`` [ However , ] this is not the answer to universal mass testing.
``

The tests could become even more useful for hospitals in the future as it is theoretically possible to test for coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (a major reason young children are admitted to hospital) at the same time.


bbc--2020-09-18--Coronavirus: Tighter national rules considered for England by government

New England-wide measures which could see hospitality businesses shut are being considered by the government to slow a surge of coronavirus cases .
A short period of tighter restrictions - lasting a few weeks - could be announced in the next week , BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said .
Schools and most workplaces would be kept open during those weeks .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told the BBC the government is `` prepared to do what it takes '' against Covid-19 .
• UK coronavirus cases up by 3,395 on Thursday • Which areas are under lockdown ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary said there had been an `` acceleration '' in the number of coronavirus cases in the last couple of weeks , and the number of people admitted to hospital with coronavirus was doubling about every eight days .
He stressed it was `` critical '' that people follow social distancing guidelines and local lockdown rules - where they apply - to `` avoid having to take serious further measures '' .
At a meeting on Wednesday night , the government 's chief scientific adviser and medical officer forecast that there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of October if there were no further interventions .
The possible measures being discussed - described by the government as a `` circuit-break '' - include asking some hospitality businesses to close , or limiting the opening hours of some pubs and restaurants nationwide .
No final decisions have yet been reached on the next course of action .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has said it is `` not surprising national restrictions are back on the table '' as the UK 's testing system is `` collapsing '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubling every seven to eight days , with more than 3,300 new cases reported on Thursday .
And having been in single figures for much of the past six weeks , the daily number of deaths of people within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test has risen above 20 for the past three days .
In France and Spain , a rapid surge has seen both countries record more than 10,000 new positive cases a day , more than 20 times higher than the level in June .
Basic maths shows us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , soar .
Around 4,000 infections a day , doubling every eight days , would be 128,000 new daily cases by the end of October .
That is not guaranteed to happen , and a change in our behaviour , the `` rule of six '' or restrictions like those in north-east England could improve the situation .
The point of a national `` circuit-break '' would be to achieve a controlled drop in the levels of coronavirus without needing a full lockdown .
This does two things , obviously it helps avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could overwhelm hospitals .
But it also gives us more options .
Any contact tracing programme or system of local lockdowns is far easier to implement when levels of the virus are low .
The higher the number of cases , the fewer targeted measures the government has to use .
The problem is once the circuit-break is over , cases would begin to rise again and it may take multiple circuit breaks to get us through winter .
It comes as new restrictions have come into force in north-east England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures ban people from meeting other households , and restaurants and pubs will have to shut at 22:00 BST .
An announcement on a possible lockdown in north-west England is expected from the government later on Friday .
The restrictions for Lancashire , but not Blackpool , are expected to include a similar ban on households mixing and a requirement for hospitality businesses to close early .
And it is understood the government has said no to a request by the local council to close bars and pubs in Leeds at 22:00 BST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other measures are planned in the city .
The four nations of the UK are all in charge of their own lockdown restrictions , with Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland implementing slightly different rules to England .
Under the so-called `` circuit break '' , restrictions could be reintroduced in some public spaces nationwide for a period of a few weeks , but schools and workplaces would be kept open .
One of the ideas suggested by the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) is that some parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close .
No 10 is also considering the possibility of limiting the opening hours of pubs and restaurants across the country , as has already happened in some areas .
The health secretary said the government 's current approach was `` targeted interventions '' and stressed `` a national lockdown is the last line of defence '' .
`` The strategy is to keep the virus down as much as is possible whilst protecting education and the economy , '' Mr Hancock added .
`` And throw everything at the science which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spring out of this . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is understood to be deeply reluctant to order another national lockdown , where everyone would be asked to stay at home and businesses to close .
Earlier this week he described the potential impact of a second national lockdown on the economy as `` disastrous '' .
On Thursday morning , Chancellor Rishi Sunak is understood to have presented warnings of the damage to the economy .
Ministers are also concerned about the impact of more restrictions on daily life on those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our answers on the `` rule of six '' • LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if you have one ?
On Friday , parts of north-east England joined other areas across the UK in being under local lockdown rules .
The measures affect Newcastle , Gateshead , Sunderland , Northumberland , South Tyneside , North Tyneside and the County Durham council area .
As well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for pubs and restaurants , people should also only use public transport for essential travel and care homes are closed to visitors .
There are also local lockdown restrictions elsewhere in the UK - including Birmingham , Greater Manchester , Caerphilly , and the Belfast council area .
• A rapid test can accurately diagnose a coronavirus infection within 90 minutes without needing a specialist laboratory , scientists have said • Personal protective equipment will be free for care homes until next March , as part of a government coronavirus plan for NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have continued to increase for the fourth consecutive month , boosted by spending on household goods and DIY , according to official figures • London 's New Year 's Eve firework display will not be taking place this year , Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told LBC • The number of new weekly cases in Europe has exceeded the number reported during the first peak of the pandemic , the head of the World Health Organization in Europe has warned • Figures show nearly two-thirds of adults are now travelling to work again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Mix : The Search sees the multi-award winning group creating bands • HOW CAN I RELAX ?
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But it also gives us more options. Any contact tracing programme or system of local lockdowns is far easier to implement when levels of the virus are low. The higher the number of cases, the fewer targeted measures the government has to use.


bbc--2020-09-17--What maths is involved in stirring a cup of tea?

A man who has thought a lot about the maths behind stirring cups of tea has won one of the @ @ @ @ @ prizes .
Professor Sir Martin Hairer from Imperial College in London won the 2021 Breakthrough @ @ @ @ @ complex maths to simple situations - like stirring a cup of tea .
He says @ @ @ @ @ £2.3m winnings on a house and hopes the prize will inspire others to develop a @ @ @ @ @

A man who has thought a lot about the maths behind stirring cups of tea has won one of the world's most lucrative academic prizes.
Professor Sir Martin Hairer from Imperial College in London won the 2021 Breakthrough Prize for Mathematics by applying complex maths to simple situations - like stirring a cup of tea.
He says he plans to spend his £2.3m winnings on a house and hopes the prize will inspire others to develop a passion for maths too.


bbc--2020-09-17--On the trail of stolen photographs

On the trail of stolen photographs

Sean Heavey recognised his photo the moment he saw it on Stranger Things .
“ God , that storm looks familiar , ” he said , as he and his son watched the hit Netflix show .
When he watched a documentary about the making of the series , he became certain .
“ They saved it off of Google , added a foreground to it and used it as a piece of concept art , ” Mr Heavey says .
No-one else had photographed this supercell thunderstorm ; no other cars drove down the road that day , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He called the four panoramic shots he had stitched together The Mothership .
“ I should have got credit and paid for it , ” says Mr Heavey .
He tried to contact Netflix , but the company told him , “ You ca n't copyright Mother Nature.
” His case stalled .
Chasing storms is no hobby for Mr Heavey .
Getting that perfect shot costs him thousands of dollars in petrol every year .
He braves “ golf ball-sized hail ” , winds raging over 100mph and rescues stranded people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks were read by executives at Pixsy , a firm that helps photographers fight copyright infringement .
They contacted Mr Heavey and , eager for the help , he agreed to work with them .
Pixsy appointed Mr Heavey a lawyer , David Deal , and together they found six more occasions where Netflix used The Mothership .
Netflix settled the lawsuit in December 2018 , according to records seen by the BBC .
The company did not respond to a request for comment .
In the UK , if convicted in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could face six months in jail or a fine of up to £50,000 .
Conviction in a Crown Court could carry a penalty of 10 years in jail and/or an unlimited fine .
In the United States , fines can reach $ 150,000 ( £115,000 ) every time a picture is used the wrong way .
When a case is successful , firms like Pixsy collect 50 % of the settlement or award at court .
“ They all settle , ” says Mr Deal , of copyright cases .
He says this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• When changing a light bulb is a really big deal • Why are there so few black tech entrepreneurs ?
Pixsy is one of a handful of companies that has developed image look-up technology to monitor and pursue copyright infringement on behalf of photographers .
Its service incorporates artificial intelligence that has been trained to match an artist 's work with instances on the web .
It can also identify alterations including crops , re-colouring and layers added or removed .
The moment a picture is taken , as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is protected by intellectual property laws .
More than 2.5 billion images are stolen daily , according to a 2019 study by Copytrack , a copyright search and enforcement firm .
Many of these are found using a technology called reverse image look-up .
This works like Bing or Google , but rather than using words to find related information , the search matches pictures .
Some of the free image search engines , like TinEye and Google , will also verify when and where a picture was taken and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use this same technology but will also hire a lawyer and cover the costs of filing a lawsuit .
Pixsy is close to filing its 100,000th illegal case of copyright infringement in five years .
It currently monitors close to 100 million images .
“ Keeping on top of all of this is impossible for any individual .
For us , we see this as a very big problem for photo owners and photo creators , ” says Kain Jones , the chief executive of Pixsy .
He argues that licence fees are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photographers .
“ That 's where we come in , where we 're happy to be the bad guy , ” Mr Jones says .
However , Chip Stewart , a media law professor at Texas Christian University in the US , says that because so many of these cases settle out of court , the system is ripe for abuse .
Recently , a student of his used an image from a Creative Commons website for the school newspaper .
Though she did not have to pay a licence fee , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the photo , to credit the photographer or add a link to his website .
Through Pixsy , the photographer found the student and issued her a letter asking for a $ 750 licence fee .
“ The 20-year-old student was pretty terrified getting a demand letter and she said , ' I thought we did everything right . '
And I said , ' I can tell you right now that you did n't , but it 's an easy mistake to make . '
'' A search through public records revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 similar cases that year .
They negotiated him down and agreed to pay a fee of $ 500 .
Fighting over such a small fee in court would cost a fortune .
“ It is not worth two years and tens of thousands of dollars of litigation on the off-chance we might win .
And if you lose , you might pay the lawyer fees .
That 's what these copyright troll firms realise - is that the system is so heavily weighted in favour of copyright owners , ” says Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` One of our key criteria [ for Pixsy to work on the case ] is that it is a commercial usage of the photo .
In your example of the private university , they are a revenue-generating organisation and are not exempt from copyright law .
A case would be with the university itself and not an individual student . ''
Some actors have given those who pursue copyright claims a bad reputation .
One particularly prolific lawyer , Richard Liebowitz , has been dubbed a `` copyright troll '' , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District of New York since 2017 .
As well as the sheer number of cases he 's filed , his behaviour has not endeared him to the courts and a judge recently fined him $ 103,500 for misconduct , which included `` repeated violations of court orders and outright dishonesty , sometimes under oath '' .
Joe Naylor is the chief executive of ImageRights International , another company like Pixsy that uses technology to help photographers pursue copyright infringement .
He says lawyers like Liebowitz are bad for the industry .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holders who are trying to protect their rights , ” says Mr Naylor .
Pursuing licence fees must always be the photographer ’ s choice .
However , Mr Naylor says his company does not recommend photographers go after non-profit blogs or student newspapers .
While he understands this happens , he says ImageRights International is more interested in defending professional photographers like Sean Heavey .
“ There 's literally no word that can be spoken to me that makes me more angry than photographers being called trolls for trying to pursue their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instances of The Mothership used without permission .
If people credit the picture he “ lets it slide ” , especially if there is no profit involved .
Recently he found a lady who was selling prints of the photo claiming it was her picture .
Another Instagram influencer often claims The Mothership is his .
He says : “ Being able to stand up and know your rights - it 's good , because it keeps food on the table for my family .
”

In response Pixsy said: "One of our key criteria [for Pixsy to work on the case] is that it is a commercial usage of the photo. In your example of the private university, they are a revenue-generating organisation and are not exempt from copyright law. A case would be with the university itself and not an individual student."


bbc--2020-09-18--The stolen Hindu idols discovered in the UK

Three bronze sculptures stolen from a southern Indian temple more than 40 years ago were found in the UK , and returned to Indian government officials this week .
Yogita Limaye reports on how the idols were discovered .
The bronze sculptures represent some of Hinduism 's most revered deities - Lord Ram , his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman , all part of the same set of idols .
They belong to a 15th Century temple built during the Vijayanagara empire , located in Anandamangalam village in Tamil Nadu state , and were stolen in 1978 .
Vijayanagara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trading centres in the world .
It 's taken years of work by a group of art enthusiasts , investigations by police teams in two countries , and efforts from Indian diplomats in the UK , to help bring them back .
Four years ago , a photograph of one of the sculptures was spotted on the website of the British Antique Dealers ' Association by a member of India Pride Project , which works to bring stolen idols back to India .
S Vijaykumar , who co-founded the project , says : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bronze , but could not work out if it was an idol of Lord Ram or Lakshman , as there are subtle differences in the posture [ of the deities ] . ''
The group knew there were some historic temples in southern India that had similar sets of idols , with the sculpture of Lakshman missing .
So , they set out to try and see if the photographed sculpture matched such a set .
`` We got leads [ which took us ] to districts and temples with similar styles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any firm matches for three years , '' says Mr Vijaykumar .
Then , last year , one of the group 's volunteers in London , while looking for Indian antiques on sale , found a grainy photo of a similar looking bronze , but with a different crown .
That 's when it struck them , that they might be looking at a case where the whole set of idols was stolen .
In September 2019 , Indian officials passed on the information to the Metropolitan Police to ensure the idols were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered .
Locals confirmed that sculptures from the temple had indeed been stolen .
But for hard evidence , the team had to search through hand written records in stacks of files stored at the local police station .
They also found judicial records which showed that three men had been convicted for this theft , and other similar crimes , in 1988 .
Sources in the Tamil Nadu police have told the BBC they were given a prison sentence of nine months , and the main accused had said he sold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Metropolitan Police , once the dealer was satisfied that the sculpture was a match , he voluntarily offered to return it .
According to the High Commission of India in the UK , the idols will be repatriated within the next few days .

S Vijaykumar, who co-founded the project, says: "We identified it as a Vijayanagara bronze, but could not work out if it was an idol of Lord Ram or Lakshman, as there are subtle differences in the posture [of the deities]."


bbc--2020-09-18--Thiago writes open letter to Bayern fans before Liverpool move

Last updated on .From the section European Football Thiago Alcantara , who has agreed a deal to sign for Liverpool , says leaving Bayern Munich was the `` most difficult decision '' of his career .
He is signing for least £20m , plus £5m in add-ons , on a four-year contract .
`` I decided to close this chapter in this marvellous club , '' Thiago wrote .
`` The club where I grew and developed myself as a player during the last seven years .
`` Victories , success , joy moments and some hard times as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of is having arrived in Munich being a young man full of dreams and leaving completely fulfilled and identified with a club , a history , a philosophy , a language and a culture .
`` Here I learnt how to love and respect a tradition which I say goodbye now but I will never forget . ''
As well as winning the Champions League with Bayern last season , Thiago has won seven consecutive Bundesliga titles , four German Cups and the Club World Cup .
He will be Premier League champions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas joined from Olympiakos .
`` My decision is purely sports related , '' Thiago said .
`` As a football player , I want and I need new challenges in order to develop myself as I did here . ''

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Thiago is set to wear the number six shirt at Liverpool
Thiago Alcantara, who has agreed a deal to sign for Liverpool, says leaving Bayern Munich was the "most difficult decision" of his career.
The Spain midfielder's arrival has not been officially announced by Liverpool, but Thiago, 29, has said goodbye to Bayern in an open letter.
He is signing for least £20m, plus £5m in add-ons, on a four-year contract.
"I decided to close this chapter in this marvellous club," Thiago wrote.
"The club where I grew and developed myself as a player during the last seven years.
"Victories, success, joy moments and some hard times as well. But what I am most proud of is having arrived in Munich being a young man full of dreams and leaving completely fulfilled and identified with a club, a history, a philosophy, a language and a culture.
"Here I learnt how to love and respect a tradition which I say goodbye now but I will never forget."
As well as winning the Champions League with Bayern last season, Thiago has won seven consecutive Bundesliga titles, four German Cups and the Club World Cup.
He will be Premier League champions Liverpool's second summer signing, after Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas joined from Olympiakos.
"My decision is purely sports related," Thiago said.
"As a football player, I want and I need new challenges in order to develop myself as I did here."
Speaking to the media before Liverpool's Premier League trip to Chelsea on Sunday, manager Jurgen Klopp refused to be drawn on Thiago's impending arrival at Anfield, saying "it looks quite promising".
Be he said if the transfer did happened, it would have "no impact on anyone's future in a negative way", despite rumours that it could see midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum's departure from the club.


bbc--2020-09-18--Man Utd asked England to rest Greenwood - Solskjaer

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd Manchester United asked for Mason Greenwood to be rested and not called up by England for Nations League duty , says manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
He and Manchester City 's Phil Foden were later sent home from the England squad for breaking coronavirus rules .
`` I tried my best to give him a rest over the summer , '' said Solskjaer .
`` The club , we asked specifically and pointed out that he should have had a rest .
`` He needs it mentally and physically after that season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , one , he 's called up , and two , he 's right there in the press .
`` We 've done whatever we can to protect him and I will keep on helping him . ''
Forward Greenwood apologised for the `` embarrassment he had caused '' in Iceland , and later had to release a statement about his `` poor judgement '' when he inhaled nitrous oxide , after `` historical pictures '' of him doing so were published in a newspaper .
Solskjaer confirmed that Greenwood will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Crystal Palace on Saturday at 17:30 BST .
`` With the testing and Covid protocols , he trained by himself for a little while .
We had some tests done and as soon as possible he was with us .
He 's a big part of this group , '' Solskjaer added .
`` This is where he feels at home .
He 's not comfortable , we challenge him , we 've got people looking after him . ''
He added : `` We have to understand he 's an 18-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Nations League campaign also saw United captain Harry Maguire dropped from Gareth Southgate 's squad just hours after being selected following his arrest on the Greek island of Mykonos .
Maguire , 27 , was given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of aggravated assault , resisting arrest and repeated attempts of bribery .
He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the decision , which nullifies the conviction .
`` Knowing Harry , he 's a very strong character so hopefully he can put that apart , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a human being it will be in the back of his mind what 's happened this summer .
`` Personally , I think he will be able to focus on his football but you ca n't predict how people will react .
But so far he 's trained well , he 's been focused . ''
Solskjaer refused to be drawn on the ongoing transfer saga between United and Borussia Dortmund over England winger Jadon Sancho .
It is understood United can meet the 20-year-old 's personal terms , but there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bundesliga side are increasingly confident of keeping him .
`` You know I ca n't say anything about other clubs ' players out of respect to them .
I ca n't speculate , '' Solskjaer said .
`` But we understand that to get even further , one , we need to develop what we have , and two , we 're also looking to strengthen the team .
`` I 've been in dialogue with the club , of course , we 're always discussing and hopefully let 's see if @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Greenwood scored 18 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United last season
Manchester United asked for Mason Greenwood to be rested and not called up by England for Nations League duty, says manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Greenwood, 18, made his senior debut against Iceland on 5 September having made 50 appearances in all competitions for United last season.
He and Manchester City's Phil Foden were later sent home from the England squad for breaking coronavirus rules.
"I tried my best to give him a rest over the summer," said Solskjaer.
"We asked specifically and pointed out he should have had a rest.
"He needs it mentally and physically after that season he had. It's [the FA's] right to call him up. But you don't have to put him in front of the world cameras.
"We've done whatever we can to protect him and I will keep on helping him."
Forward Greenwood apologised for the "embarrassment he had caused" in Iceland, and later had to release a statement about his "poor judgement" when he inhaled nitrous oxide, after "historical pictures" of him doing so were published in a newspaper.
BBC Sport understands the FA told United of the intention to make Greenwood available for interview before the Iceland game and the club did not object.
In addition, the FA has regular dialogue with all clubs regarding the welfare of their players and it was felt Greenwood was fine to be selected as no formal request was made for him to be omitted.
Solskjaer accepts Greenwood was wrong but feels a wider view needs to be taken of the youngster.
"I'm not saying it was their fault," he said. "Of course he has made some mistakes but it's us, the grown-ups. We need to make decisions that benefit him."
Solskjaer confirmed that Greenwood would be involved in United's Premier League season-opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
"With the testing and Covid protocols, he trained by himself for a little while. We had some tests done and as soon as possible he was with us. He's a big part of this group," Solskjaer added.
"This is where he feels at home. He's not comfortable, we challenge him, we've got people looking after him."
He added: "We have to understand he's an 18-year-old kid who needs managing."
Maguire 'training well and focused'
England's Nations League campaign also saw United captain Harry Maguire dropped from Gareth Southgate's squad just hours after being selected following his arrest on the Greek island of Mykonos.
Maguire, 27, was given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and repeated attempts of bribery. He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the decision, which nullifies the conviction.
"Knowing Harry, he's a very strong character so hopefully he can put that apart," said Solskjaer.
"But, naturally, as a human being it will be in the back of his mind what's happened this summer.
"Personally, I think he will be able to focus on his football but you can't predict how people will react. But so far he's trained well, he's been focused."
Solskjaer refuses to 'speculate' about Sancho
Solskjaer refused to be drawn on the ongoing transfer saga between United and Borussia Dortmund over England winger Jadon Sancho.
It is understood United can meet the 20-year-old's personal terms, but there is no agreement over a fee, and the Bundesliga side are increasingly confident of keeping him.
"You know I can't say anything about other clubs' players out of respect to them. I can't speculate," Solskjaer said.
"But we understand that to get even further, one, we need to develop what we have, and two, we're also looking to strengthen the team.
"I've been in dialogue with the club, of course, but life isn't a straight line. There are still a few weeks left in the transfer window. Let's see if we can add to what we have."


bbc--2020-09-17--'I doubted his motivation and attitude' - Mourinho on match-winner Ndombele

Last updated on .From the section European Football Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says that `` in this moment '' he `` believes '' in record signing Tanguy Ndombele after he bundled in a late winner against nine-man Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Europa League .
Georgi Minchev headed Plovdiv ahead on 72 minutes before the home side had two players sent off with 10 minutes left .
Harry Kane levelled from the penalty spot and substitute Ndombele sent Spurs through with the winner in the 85th minute .
The 22-year-old , signed for £54m from Lyon in August 2019 , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Tottenham after a 2019/20 season hampered by injuries and criticism from his manager .
`` Tanguy is in a process of evolution , '' said Mourinho , who in March called for the France midfielder to `` give more '' in games .
`` Last season he was n't .
Last season he was stuck in a situation where I could n't see evolution , '' Mourinho added .
`` In this moment he 's training very , very well .
He 's recovering from his injury , he 's recovering physically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this last 30 minutes .
`` In this moment , I believe in Tanguy .
I never doubted his quality .
Never .
I doubted in some moments his motivation and commitment and professional attitude .
`` We made this decision together to not start the game because he also feels that he needs a bit more but in this moment I think that Tanguy can do well for us . ''
Spurs face another long trip next Thursday to face Macedonian side Shkendija in the third qualifying round in a busy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday , an EFL Cup match against Leyton Orient on Tuesday and then the journey to North Macedonia two days later .
If they win both those cup games , they face a similar schedule the following week too .
All European qualifiers are being played over one leg this season because the campaign started later as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
Mourinho said that had forced him into playing a stronger side than he would have done if there had been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four changes from Sunday 's 1-0 Premier League defeat by Everton , but all four were first-team regulars .
The visitors dominated possession without looking impressive and Steven Bergwijn hit the bar before Son Heung-min missed from close range .
And Minchev 's header from Dimitar Iliev 's cross had them on the brink of a European exit .
The turning point was undoubtedly Dinis Almeida 's handball on the line which earned him a straight red card , with Birsent Karagaren also dismissed in the aftermath for dissent .
Kane placed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominated for the rest of the game , with substitute Ndombele converting Moura 's cross for the winner .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Tanguy Ndombele is Tottenham's record signing after joining for £54m last summer
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says that "in this moment" he "believes" in record signing Tanguy Ndombele after he bundled in a late winner against nine-man Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Europa League.
Spurs survived a scare to reach the third qualifying round but were forced to come from behind in Bulgaria.
Georgi Minchev headed Plovdiv ahead on 72 minutes before the home side had two players sent off with 10 minutes left.
Harry Kane levelled from the penalty spot and substitute Ndombele sent Spurs through with the winner in the 85th minute.
The 22-year-old, signed for £54m from Lyon in August 2019, has only started 17 games in all competitions for Tottenham after a 2019/20 season hampered by injuries and criticism from his manager.
"Tanguy is in a process of evolution," said Mourinho, who in March called for the France midfielder to "give more" in games.
"Last season he wasn't. Last season he was stuck in a situation where I couldn't see evolution," Mourinho added. "In this moment he's training very, very well. He's recovering from his injury, he's recovering physically and he gave us what we needed in this last 30 minutes.
"In this moment, I believe in Tanguy. I never doubted his quality. Never. I doubted in some moments his motivation and commitment and professional attitude.
"We made this decision together to not start the game because he also feels that he needs a bit more but in this moment I think that Tanguy can do well for us."
Spurs face another long trip next Thursday to face Macedonian side Shkendija in the third qualifying round in a busy week for Mourinho's team.
They have a Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday, an EFL Cup match against Leyton Orient on Tuesday and then the journey to North Macedonia two days later.
If they win both those cup games, they face a similar schedule the following week too.
Relief for Spurs and Mourinho
Harry Kane levelled for Tottenham from the penalty spot
All European qualifiers are being played over one leg this season because the campaign started later as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mourinho said that had forced him into playing a stronger side than he would have done if there had been a second leg in London.
He made four changes from Sunday's 1-0 Premier League defeat by Everton, but all four were first-team regulars.
The visitors dominated possession without looking impressive and Steven Bergwijn hit the bar before Son Heung-min missed from close range.
And Minchev's header from Dimitar Iliev's cross had them on the brink of a European exit.
The turning point was undoubtedly Dinis Almeida's handball on the line which earned him a straight red card, with Birsent Karagaren also dismissed in the aftermath for dissent.
Kane placed his penalty into the top corner and they dominated for the rest of the game, with substitute Ndombele converting Moura's cross for the winner.


bbc--2020-09-19--Ruth Bader Ginsburg: US Supreme Court judge dies of cancer, aged 87

US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , an iconic champion of women 's rights , has died of cancer at the age of 87 , the court has said .
Ginsburg died on Friday of metastatic pancreatic cancer at her home in Washington , DC , surrounded by her family , the statement said .
Earlier this year , Ginsburg said she was undergoing chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer .
She was a prominent feminist who became a figurehead for liberals in the US .
Ginsburg was the oldest sitting justice on the Supreme Court , having served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court .
As one of four liberal justices on the court , her health was watched closely .
Ginsberg 's death raises the prospect of US President Donald Trump trying to expand its slender conservative majority .
`` Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature , '' Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement on Friday .
`` We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague .
Today we mourn , but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ginsberg had suffered from five bouts of cancer , with the most recent recurrence in early 2020 .
She had received hospital treatment a number of times in recent years , but returned swiftly to work on each occasion .
In a statement in July , the judge said her treatment for cancer had yielded `` positive results '' , insisting she would not retire from her role .
`` I have often said I would remain a member of the Court as long as I can do the job full steam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain fully able to do that . ''
US Supreme Court justices serve for life or until they choose to retire , and supporters had expressed concern that a more conservative justice could succeed Ginsburg .
The highest court in the US is often the final word on highly contentious laws , disputes between states and the federal government , and final appeals to stay executions .
In recent years , the court has expanded gay marriage to all 50 states , allowed for President Trump 's travel ban to be put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut carbon emissions while appeals went forward .
Ginsberg 's death will spark a political battle over who will succeed her , spurring debate about the future of the Supreme Court ahead of November 's presidential election .
US President Donald Trump has appointed two judges since taking office , and the current court is seen to have a 5-4 conservative majority in most cases .

It all depends on what President Trump and the Republicans choose to do next. They could try to fill the seat before the end of the year regardless of who wins the presidency in November, replacing a liberal icon with what in all likelihood will be a reliable conservative vote. Or they could wait and hold the seat vacant, a prize to encourage conservative voters - particularly evangelicals who see an opportunity to roll back abortion rights - to flock to the polls for the president.


bbc--2020-09-18--Obituary: Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1933-2020

Obituary: Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1933-2020

US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , the history-making jurist , feminist icon and national treasure , has died , aged 87 .
Ginsburg became only the second woman ever to serve as a justice on the nation 's highest court .
She struggled against blatant sexism throughout her career as she climbed to the pinnacle of her profession .
A lifelong advocate of gender equality , she was fond of joking that there would be enough women on the nine-seat Supreme Court `` when there are nine '' .
She did not let up in her twilight years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative-tilting bench , even while her periodic health scares left liberal America on edge .
Despite maintaining a modest public profile , like most top judges , Ginsburg inadvertently became not just a celebrity , but a pop-culture heroine .
She may have stood an impish 5ft , but Ginsburg will be remembered as a legal colossus .
She was born to Jewish immigrant parents in the Flatbush neighbourhood of Brooklyn , New York City , in 1933 at the height of the Great Depression .
Her mother , Celia Bader , died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school .
She attended Cornell University , where she met Martin `` Marty '' Ginsburg on a blind date , kindling a romance that spanned almost six decades until his death in 2010 .
`` Meeting Marty was by far the most fortunate thing that ever happened to me , '' Ginsburg once said , adding that the man who would become her husband `` was the first boy I ever knew who cared that I had a brain '' .
The couple married shortly after Ginsburg 's graduation in 1954 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following year .
While she was pregnant , Ginsburg was demoted in her job at a social security office - discrimination against pregnant women was still legal in the 1950s .
The experience led her to conceal her second pregnancy before she gave birth to her son , James , in 1965 .
In 1956 , Ginsburg became one of nine women accepted to Harvard Law School , out of a class of about 500 , where the dean famously asked that his female students tell him how they could justify taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school .
When Marty , also a Harvard Law alumnus , took a job as a tax lawyer in New York , Ginsburg transferred to Columbia Law School to complete her third and final year , becoming the first woman to work at both colleges ' law reviews .
Despite finishing top of her class , Ginsburg did not receive a single job offer after graduation .
`` Not a law firm in the entire city of New York would employ me , '' she later said .
`` I struck out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman and a mother . ''
She wound up on a project studying civil procedure in Sweden before becoming a professor at Rutgers Law School , where she taught some of the first women and law classes .
`` The women 's movement came alive at the end of the 60s , '' she said to NPR .
`` There I was , a law school professor with time that I could devote to moving along this change . ''
In 1971 , Ginsburg made her first successful argument before the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brief in Reed v Reed , which examined whether men could be automatically preferred over women as estate executors .
`` In very recent years , a new appreciation of women 's place has been generated in the United States , '' the brief states .
`` Activated by feminists of both sexes , courts and legislatures have begun to recognise the claim of women to full membership in the class 'persons ' entitled to due process guarantees of life and liberty and the equal protection of the laws . ''
The court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time the Supreme Court had struck down a law because of gender-based discrimination .
In 1972 , Ginsburg co-founded the Women 's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ) .
That same year , Ginsburg became the first tenured female professor at Columbia Law School .
She was soon the ACLU 's general counsel , launching a series of gender-discrimination cases .
Six of these - including Reed v Reed - brought her before the Supreme Court , five of which she won .
She compared her role to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , explaining gender discrimination to the all-male justices .
Her approach was cautious and highly strategic .
She favoured incrementalism , thinking it wise to dismantle sexist laws and policies one by one , rather than run the risk of asking the Supreme Court to outlaw all rules that treat men and women unequally .
Cognisant of her exclusively male audience on the court , Ginsburg 's clients were often men .
In 1975 , she argued the case of a young widower who was denied benefits after his wife died in childbirth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example of how gender-based discrimination hurts everyone , '' Ginsburg said .
She later said leading the legal side of the women 's movement during this period - decades before joining the Supreme Court - counts as her greatest professional work .
`` I had the good fortune to be alive in the 1960s , then , and continuing through the 1970s , '' she said .
`` For the first time in history it became possible to urge before the courts successfully that equal justice under law requires all arms of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stature to men . ''
In 1980 , Ginsburg was nominated to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia as part of President Jimmy Carter 's efforts to diversify federal courts .
Though Ginsburg was often portrayed as a liberal firebrand , her days on the appeals court were marked by moderation .
She earned a reputation as a centrist , voting with conservatives many times and against , for example , re-hearing the discrimination case of a sailor who said he had been discharged from the US Navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Supreme Court in 1993 by President Clinton after a lengthy search process .
Ginsburg was the second woman ever confirmed to that bench , following Sandra Day O'Connor , who was nominated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 .
Among Ginsburg 's most significant , early cases was United States v Virginia , which struck down the men-only admissions policy at the Virginia Military Institute .
While Virginia `` serves the state 's sons , it makes no provision whatever for her daughters .
That is not equal protection '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No law or policy should deny women `` full citizenship stature - equal opportunity to aspire , achieve , participate in and contribute to society based on their individual talents and capacities . ''
During her time on the bench , Justice Ginsburg moved noticeably to the left .
She served as a counterbalance to the court itself , which , with the appointment of Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh by President Donald Trump , slanted in favour of conservative justices .
Her dissents were forceful - occasionally biting - and Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues ' opinions .
In 2013 , objecting to the court 's decision to strike down a significant portion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by a 5-to-4 vote , Ginsburg wrote : `` The Court 's opinion can hardly be described as an exemplar of restrained and moderate decision making . ''
In 2015 , Ginsburg sided with the majority on two landmark cases - both massive victories for American progressives .
She was one of six justices to uphold a crucial component of the 2010 Affordable Care Act , commonly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Obergefell v Hodges , she sided with the 5-4 majority , legalising same-sex marriage in all 50 states .
As Ginsburg 's legal career soared , her personal life was anchored by marriage to Marty .
Their relationship reflected a gender parity that was ahead of its time .
The couple shared the childcare and housework , and Marty did virtually all of the cooking .
`` I learned very early on in our marriage that Ruth was a fairly terrible cook and , for lack of interest , unlikely to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech .
Professionally , Marty was a relentless champion of his wife .
Clinton officials said it was his tireless lobbying that brought Ginsburg 's name to the shortlist of potential Supreme Court nominees in 1993 .
He reportedly told a friend that the most important thing he did in his own life `` is to enable Ruth to do what she has done '' .
After her confirmation Ginsburg thanked Marty , `` who has been , since our teenage years , my best friend and biggest booster '' .
In his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with cancer , Marty wrote a letter to his wife saying that other than parents and kids , `` you are the only person I have loved in my life .
`` I have admired and loved you almost since the day we first met at Cornell . ''
He died in June 2010 after 56 years of marriage .
The next morning Ginsburg was on the bench at the Supreme Court to read an opinion on the final day of the term `` because [ Marty ] would have wanted it '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magazine .
Ginsburg had five major run-ins with cancer herself .
Justice O'Connor , who had breast cancer in the 1980s , was said to have suggested that Ginsburg schedule chemotherapy for Fridays so she could use the weekend to recover for oral arguments .
It worked : Ginsburg only missed oral arguments twice because of illness .
Ginsburg said she also followed the advice of opera singer Marilyn Horne , who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2005 .
`` She said , ' I will live , ' '' Ginsburg recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' I hope I live ' , or , ' I want to live ' , but , ' I will live . '
'' Her longevity brought immense relief to liberal America , which fretted that another vacancy on the court would allow its conservative majority to become even more ascendant during the Trump era .
Toward the end of her life , Ginsburg became a national icon .
Due in part to her withering dissents , a young law student created a Tumblr account dedicated to Ginsburg called Notorious RBG - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Notorious BIG .
The account introduced Ginsburg to a new generation of young feminists and propelled her to that rarest of distinctions for a judge : cult figure .
The Notorious RBG was the subject of a documentary , an award-winning biopic and countless bestselling novels .
She inspired Saturday Night Live skits and had her likeness plastered on mugs and T-shirts .
`` It was beyond my wildest imagination that I would one day become the Notorious RBG , '' she said .
`` I am now 86 years old and yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their picture with me . ''
Every aspect of her life was dissected and mythologised , from her workout routine to her love of hair scrunchies .
Asked by NPR in 2019 if she had any regrets given the challenges she had faced in life , Ginsburg 's supreme self-belief shone through .
`` I do think I was born under a very bright star , '' she replied .

The couple married shortly after Ginsburg's graduation in 1954 and they had a daughter, Jane, the following year. While she was pregnant, Ginsburg was demoted in her job at a social security office - discrimination against pregnant women was still legal in the 1950s. The experience led her to conceal her second pregnancy before she gave birth to her son, James, in 1965.


bbc--2020-09-18--TikTok and WeChat: US to ban app downloads in 48 hours

WeChat will effectively shut down in the US on Sunday , but people will still be able to use TikTok until 12 November , when it could also be fully banned .
TikTok said it was `` disappointed '' in the order and disagreed with the commerce department , saying it had already committed to `` unprecedented levels of additional transparency '' in light of the Trump administration 's concerns .
What does the order say ?
The order means that from Sunday , people will not be able to use WeChat to transfer funds or process payments to or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TikTok users will still be able to use their app virtually as normal , although they will not be able to download new updates .
`` The President has provided until November 12 for the national security concerns posed by TikTok to be resolved , '' the commerce department said .
After this point , some technical transactions will be banned on the app and functionality will be affected .
Asked about the order on Fox Business Network , Mr Ross said that `` the basic TikTok will stay intact until November 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all practical purposes ... will be shut down in the US , but only in the US , as of midnight Monday '' .
TikTok 's owner , Bytedance , now has to try to find a more palatable deal - and this may be tough .
It 's been reported that China would rather TikTok be closed down than be forced to sell to the US .
What 's not clear though is what Trump 's motives are .
Sure he wants to flex his muscle against China - and banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profile way of doing that - but he also , famously , loves a deal .
With 48 hours to go until a potential ban , there is still negotiating time .
Why does the US want the apps banned ?
Friday 's statement from the commerce department said the governing Chinese Communist Party `` has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security , foreign policy , and the economy of the US . ''
ByteDance has denied that it holds any user data in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US and in Singapore .
Tencent , which owns WeChat , has said that messages on its app are private .
While TikTok has millions of users in the US , it is not clear how many of WeChat 's billion users are based outside China , although it is likely to be a significant number .
What are the apps ?
But WeChat insists encryption means others can not `` snoop '' on your messages , and that content such as text , audio and images are not stored on its servers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recipients have read them .

TikTok and WeChat: US to ban app downloads in 48 hours Published 18 September 2020
Image source, Alamy/EPA/Alamy
TikTok and WeChat will be banned from US app stores from Sunday, unless President Donald Trump agrees to a last-minute deal.
The Department of Commerce said it would bar people in the US from downloading the messaging and video-sharing apps through any app store on any platform.
The Trump administration says the companies threaten national security and could pass user data to China.
But China and both companies deny this.
WeChat will effectively shut down in the US on Sunday, but people will still be able to use TikTok until 12 November, when it could also be fully banned.
TikTok said it was "disappointed" in the order and disagreed with the commerce department, saying it had already committed to "unprecedented levels of additional transparency" in light of the Trump administration's concerns.
"We will continue to challenge the unjust executive order, which was enacted without due process and threatens to deprive the American people and small businesses across the US of a significant platform for both a voice and livelihoods."
Tencent - the owner of WeChat - said the announced restrictions were "unfortunate", but said they would continue talks with the US government "to achieve a long-term solution".
The ban order from the Department of Commerce follows President Trump's executive orders signed in August. It gave US businesses 45 days to stop working with either Chinese company.
If a planned partnership between US tech firm Oracle and TikTok owner ByteDance is agreed and approved by President Trump, the app will not be banned.
Mr Trump told reporters on Friday he believed there could be a deal on TikTok "quickly", adding that while the US needed "security from China", TikTok was "an amazing company, very very popular."
"Maybe we can keep a lot of people happy but have the security that we need," he said.
What does the order say?
"At the president's direction, we have taken significant action to combat China's malicious collection of American citizens' personal data," the US Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.
The department acknowledged that the threats posed by WeChat and TikTok were not identical but said that each collected "vast swathes of data from users, including network activity, location data, and browsing and search histories".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Will TikTok be banned?
The order means that from Sunday, people will not be able to use WeChat to transfer funds or process payments to or from people in the US.
But TikTok users will still be able to use their app virtually as normal, although they will not be able to download new updates.
"The President has provided until November 12 for the national security concerns posed by TikTok to be resolved," the commerce department said. After this point, some technical transactions will be banned on the app and functionality will be affected.
Asked about the order on Fox Business Network, Mr Ross said that "the basic TikTok will stay intact until November 12", but added that WeChat "for all practical purposes... will be shut down in the US, but only in the US, as of midnight Monday".
This is now all about President Trump.
TikTok's owner, Bytedance, now has to try to find a more palatable deal - and this may be tough. It's been reported that China would rather TikTok be closed down than be forced to sell to the US.
What's not clear though is what Trump's motives are. Sure he wants to flex his muscle against China - and banning a popular app is a very high profile way of doing that - but he also, famously, loves a deal. With 48 hours to go until a potential ban, there is still negotiating time.
Is he trying to give US companies further leverage in any potential merger or acquisition?
In truth, even if a TikTok download ban comes into force, it will still run on peoples' phones. It won't start technically degrading until 12 November.
So there's still plenty of life left in this story.
Why does the US want the apps banned?
The Trump administration has repeatedly said the apps are a threat because of their collection of data.
Friday's statement from the commerce department said the governing Chinese Communist Party "has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and the economy of the US."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, 'We are not happy with China' - US President Donald Trump
ByteDance has denied that it holds any user data in China, saying it is stored in the US and in Singapore. Tencent, which owns WeChat, has said that messages on its app are private.
While TikTok has millions of users in the US, it is not clear how many of WeChat's billion users are based outside China, although it is likely to be a significant number.
But the US is not the only country concerned about the companies. India has already banned TikTok and WeChat, while the UK Information Commissioner's Office, a privacy watchdog, is currently investigating TikTok.
What are the apps?
TikTok is a video-sharing app. Users can post up to a minute of video and have access to a vast database of songs and filters.
It collects a huge amount of user data - including what videos people watch and comment on, location data, phone model and even how people type. But much of this data collection is similar to other social networks like Facebook.
In September the company said it had more than 100 million users. It is thought to have more than 800 million members around the world.
WeChat was set up in 2011. It is a multi-purpose app allowing users to send messages, make mobile payments and use local services. It has been described as an "app for everything" in China and has more than one billion monthly users.
Like all Chinese social media platforms, WeChat must censor content the government deems illegal. In March, a report said WeChat was censoring key words about the coronavirus outbreak from as early as 1 January.
But WeChat insists encryption means others cannot "snoop" on your messages, and that content such as text, audio and images are not stored on its servers - and are deleted once all intended recipients have read them.


bbc--2020-09-18--Coronavirus: US health chiefs reverse advice on Covid-19 testing

US health officials have rowed back on controversial advice issued last month that said people without Covid-19 symptoms should not get tested .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) now says anyone in close contact with a known infected person should take a test .
Friday 's `` clarification '' returns the CDC 's stance on testing to its previous guidance , before the August alteration .
Reports said the controversial advice had not been given by scientists .
Sources quoted by the New York Times said it had been posted on the CDC website despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had then rejected the guidance , Reuters reported , in a stinging rebuke to the nation 's top disease prevention agency .
• The week when everything changed for Trump • Does the US have the worst coronavirus death rate ?
Some observers suggested the controversial move could have reflected a desire by President Donald Trump to reduce the growing tally of Covid-19 cases .
At a rally in June , Mr Trump told supporters he had urged officials to `` slow the testing down , please '' .
A White House official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , administration officials denied any political motive , telling Reuters that the change reflected `` current evidence and best public health practices '' .
Experts welcomed the change of tack on Friday .
`` The return to a science-based approach to testing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is good news for public health and for our united fight against this pandemic , '' said Thomas File , president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America .
In its `` overview of testing '' for healthcare workers the CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significance of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission , this guidance further reinforces the need to test asymptomatic persons , including close contacts of a person with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection . ''
It advises people to take a test `` if you have been in close contact , such as within 6ft of a person with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 15 minutes and do not have symptoms '' .
The US has recorded nearly seven million cases of coronavirus , more than a fifth of the world 's total .
It has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 200,000 fatalities .

It advises people to take a test "if you have been in close contact, such as within 6ft of a person with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 15 minutes and do not have symptoms".


bbc--2020-09-18--Brexit: Amal Clooney quits government envoy role over law break plan

Amal Clooney has quit her role as the UK 's envoy on press freedom `` in dismay '' at the government 's willingness to break international law over Brexit .
The human rights lawyer said it was `` lamentable '' for Boris Johnson to be contemplating overriding the Brexit agreement he signed last year .
She could not tell others to honour legal obligations when the UK `` declares it does not intend to do so itself '' .
The PM says he does not want to use the powers in the Internal Market Bill .
But he says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power to protect the UK and , particularly , Northern Ireland if trade talks fail and the EU acts `` unreasonably '' .
In her resignation letter , Mrs Clooney , who is married to Hollywood actor George Clooney , said she had accepted the job last year because of the UK 's historic role in upholding the international legal order .
• NI told to start work on checkpoints at sea ports • Why Brexit is still a big issue But she said the government 's attempts to pass the Internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurdle in the Commons last week , made her position `` untenable '' .
She said she had decided to quit after speaking to foreign secretary Dominic Raab and getting `` no assurance that any change of position is imminent '' .
She added : `` It is lamentable for the UK to be speaking of its intention to violate an international treaty signed by the prime minister less than a year ago .
`` It has become untenable for me , as Special Envoy , to urge other states to respect and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it does not intend to do so itself . ''
Mrs Clooney was appointed by Jeremy Hunt , Mr Raab 's predecessor , during the final months of Theresa May 's government and continued in the role after Boris Johnson took over in No 10 .
She was the deputy chair of the high-level panel of legal experts which works with the UK and Canadian governments on their campaign to promote media freedom around the world .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer , who used to practice in the same barristers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had taken the right decision .
`` I know Amal and she is a first class lawyer .
I 'm not surprised that she has quit because , like others , she 's concluded that there is a conflict between a breach of international law - which the government seems intent on - and our reputation as a country in the world that abides by the rule of law , '' he said .
Her resignation adds to a growing list of senior legal figures who have quit their roles in disquiet at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigned as Advocate General for Scotland on Wednesday , saying he found it `` increasingly difficult to reconcile '' his obligations as a lawyer with provisions in the legislation .
The government 's most senior legal adviser - Sir Jonathan Jones , permanent secretary to the government legal department - had already resigned , as had the UK 's envoy for the protection of religious freedoms , Tory MP Rehman Chishti .
The EU has demanded the government removes sections of the Bill which would give the UK the power to override agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland and Britain and subsidies for NI companies .
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis has admitted the powers , if they were ever used , would break the UK 's treaty obligations under international law in a `` specific and limited '' way .
The prime minister has sought to quell a potential rebellion by Tory MPs next week by promising critics that the Commons will get a specific vote on the powers before the government can use them .
But former Conservative leader Lord Howard has said the PM needs to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of principle and he doubted whether the Lords would back the bill as it stands .

"I know Amal and she is a first class lawyer. I'm not surprised that she has quit because, like others, she's concluded that there is a conflict between a breach of international law - which the government seems intent on - and our reputation as a country in the world that abides by the rule of law," he said.


bbc--2020-09-18--Danny Masterson: That ’70s Show star's lawyer denies rape charges in court

Actor Danny Masterson , best known for his role in the hit series That '70s Show , has appeared in court accused of raping three women in the early 2000s .
He is charged with raping the women , who were all in their 20s , between 2001 and 2003 .
Mr Masterson , 44 , denies the charges and has argued he was being persecuted for his high-profile membership of the Church of Scientology .
If convicted , the actor could face up to 45 years in prison .
Free on $ 3.3m ( £2.5m ) bail since his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first court appearance over the allegations in Los Angeles on Friday .
While the actor did not enter a plea , his lawyer , Tom Mesereau , mounted a vigorous defence of his client , dismissing the charges against him as politically motivated .
The lawyer accused Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey of filing the charges for political gain ahead of a bid to retain her post in a November election .
`` There have been repeated attempts to politicise this case , '' said Mr Mesereau , who also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a previous case .
`` He is absolutely not guilty and we 're going to prove it . ''
Ms Lacey is yet to comment , but Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller dismissed Mr Mesereau allegations as `` false '' and `` pure speculation , with no basis in fact '' .
Friday 's court hearing was attended by all three of Mr Masterson 's accusers , while about 20 of the actor 's supporters stood outside the courtroom , unable to enter due to coronavirus regulations .
The allegations against Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the # MeToo movement that inspired women to go public with misconduct allegations was gathering momentum .
Mr Masterson was removed from The Ranch - the Netflix comedy in which he starred - over the allegations .
• Netflix writes accused actor out of The Ranch At the time , Mr Masterson denied the `` outrageous allegations '' and vowed to clear his name `` once and for all '' .
`` Obviously , Mr Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out , '' his lawyer Mr Mesereau said in a statement .
The charges came after a three-year investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department .
Prosecutors did not file charges in two other cases due to insufficient evidence and the statute of limitations expiring .
Mr Masterson has been married to the actor and model Bijou Phillips since 2011 .
That '70s Show - which also starred Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis - ran from 1998 to 2006 , @ @ @ @ @

"Obviously, Mr Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out," his lawyer Mr Mesereau said in a statement.


bbc--2020-09-18--Thai national park sends rubbish back to tourists

If you litter in this Thai national park , your rubbish may just come back to haunt you .
Well , not exactly haunt , but it 'll be shipped to your home as a pointed reminder that when out in nature , you had better clean up after yourself .
Authorities in the popular Khao Yai National Park near Bangkok will start sending rubbish back to litterers , Thailand 's environment minister said .
Offenders will also be registered with the police .
Visitors to the park have to register with their addresses , making it easy for rangers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rubbish behind .
Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa posted pictures of litter collected in cardboard parcels ready to be shipped on his Facebook account .
`` Your trash - we 'll send it back to you , '' the post warns , reminding people that littering in a national park is an offence and punishable with up to five years in prison and hefty fines .
Along with empty plastic bottles , cans and chips wrappings , the box in the Facebook post contains a polite note saying : `` You forgot these things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park authorities say the rubbish left behind can be particularly dangerous for animals who may try to eat it .
Khao Yai National Park which is north-east of the Thai capital Bangkok stretches across more than 2,000 sq km ( 770 sq miles ) and is very popular with hikers .
It 's the oldest national park in Thailand and known for its waterfalls , animals and scenery .


bbc--2020-09-18--Mark D'arcy-Smith: Victim's relief at fine for pub banana order

Mark D'arcy-Smith was having a drink with a friend when another customer used the pub 's ordering app to send a banana to his table .
He 's been speaking to Radio 1 Newsbeat about his relief at seeing that customer convicted of a racially aggravated public order offence .
Mark , a 25-year-old black man , says staff at The Richmal Crompton Wetherspoon pub in Bromley , south-east London initially told him to take his complaint to head office .
The 30p banana was sent anonymously and police described the search for the sender as `` a painstaking investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found guilty this week and ordered to pay £1280 in fines and court costs .
`` It 's been stressing me out in the last year that the investigation would not go as far as I hoped . ''
Mark tells us .
`` In the court I was with my dad and we both felt this massive weight lifted off our shoulders .
`` It must have been the first time in ages that I got a good night 's sleep . ''
The court hearing was the first time he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not what he expected .
`` I was quite surprised as I had in my head what someone would look like .
`` To see someone so young that was quite surprising to me . ''
Mark says he does n't blame the server who brought the banana over but he had hoped the pub `` would be more supportive '' .
`` I can accept that not everyone is going to be knowledgeable of when something does n't seem right .
`` I was at peace with that .
[ I understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' A Wetherspoon spokesman said the manager had met with Mr D'arcy-Smith `` to apologise to him , and the company does so once again now '' .
Mark says police took the incident , in November last year , seriously from the start .
`` From the get-go , when we first spoke [ to police ] they wanted to make sure they took it as seriously as I have .
`` Whenever they did hit a road block they let me know that they were still investigating . ''
Mark works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to focussing on his day job .
`` You do hope [ this means ] you have less people feeling they can do what happened to me . ''
Kincella has been barred from the pub .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"It's been stressing me out in the last year that the investigation would not go as far as I hoped." Mark tells us.


bbc--2020-09-18--Covid-19: New fear grips Europe as cases top 30m worldwide

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases across the globe has surpassed 30 million , according to figures by America 's Johns Hopkins University .
More than 940,000 have died with Covid-19 since the outbreak began in China late last year .
The US , India and Brazil have the most confirmed cases , but there is a renewed spike in infections across Europe .
Many northern hemisphere countries are now bracing for a second wave of the pandemic as winter approaches .
• WHO warns Europe over 'very serious ' Covid surge • Coronavirus : Where are the global hotspots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France and other parts of Europe ?
In the UK , the government is considering taking further England-wide measures including a short period of restrictions to try to slow a second surge of infections .
Outside Europe , Israel brings in a second nationwide lockdown later on Friday - the first nation to do so .
Africa has recorded more than a million confirmed cases , although the true extent of the pandemic in the continent is not known .
Testing rates are reported to be low , which could distort official figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
A team of infectious disease experts at Johns Hopkins University , in the US city of Baltimore , have been documenting the global spread of Covid-19 on its tracking website .
According to their data , the US remains by far the worst-hit country in terms of sheer numbers , with more than 6.6 million confirmed infections , and over 197,000 deaths .
The number of new daily infections has been dropping , though , after a spike in July .
Earlier this week , President Donald Trump denied downplaying the seriousness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded interview to having done that .
In India , the number of known infections climbed above five million this week - the second-highest caseload in the world .
When comparing figures from different countries it is important to bear in mind factors such as population size and density .
For instance , India has a population of 1.3bn people .
However , the virus appears to be spreading much faster in India than any other country , with daily cases topping 90,000 in recent days .
More than 80,000 people have died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care beds and oxygen supplies .
Brazil has had more than 4.4 million confirmed cases , with more than 134,000 fatalities - the second-highest death toll after the US .
President Jair Bolsonaro has come under criticism for downplaying coronavirus , particularly after attending an anti-lockdown rally .
The right-wing leader - who had been calling the virus a `` little flu '' - himself tested positive in July .
Argentina and Mexico have also been hit hard by the outbreak in Latin America .
Argentina on Thursday reported nearly 13,000 more cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's overall total above 600,000 .
Meanwhile , Mexico confirmed more than 3,000 daily infections , bringing the caseload to more than 680,000 .
At the same time , deaths per 100,000 people vary significantly from country to country , with San Marino , Peru and Belgium having the highest rates , and India one of the lowest .
In the table below , countries can be reordered by deaths , death rate and total cases .
In the coloured bars on the right-hand side , countries in which cases have risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with black bars on the relevant date .
The new coronavirus first came to light after China reported a cluster of infections in the city of Wuhan in December 2019 .
It has come under fire for being slow to acknowledge the outbreak , allowing gatherings to take place even as concerns grew and punishing doctors for warning others .
It has since been praised for effectively slowing the spread of the virus , after imposing a massive lockdown and increasing hospital capacity .
It has so far confirmed 90,000 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although there have been concerns of underreporting .
What is the situation in Europe ?
Surging coronavirus figures on the continent should serve as `` a wake-up call '' , the World Health Organization 's regional director has said .
Speaking in Copenhagen on Thursday , Hans Kluge said in the past two weeks the number of new cases had doubled in more than half of European member states .
He said that 300,000 new infections were reported across Europe last week alone and weekly cases had exceeded those reported during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO , there have been five million confirmed cases and more than 228,000 fatalities across Europe since the pandemic began .
Is there light at the end of the tunnel ?
A number of countries and companies are piling resources into finding a vaccine that is safe and effective .
President Trump has recently said a vaccine might be available before the 3 November presidential elections - despite warnings from a number of health experts that this is unrealistic .
Russia in August licensed a vaccine for local use - the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later published the first report on the vaccine , saying early tests showed signs of an immune response .
But experts warned that the trials were too small to prove effectiveness and safety .
• Who would get the vaccine first ?
No vaccine has yet completed clinical trials , leading some scientists to fear politics rather than health and safety is driving the push for the possible cure .
There are also concerns that the race to get a vaccine will be won by the richest countries , at the expense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , more than 150 different drugs are being researched to identify treatments for people with severe Covid-19 .
Of all the drugs being trialled , only steroids have been proven to save lives and the discovery has been a significant breakthrough .
The UK 's Recovery trial showed the steroid dexamethasone cut the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators and by a fifth for those on oxygen .
And further data suggests another steroid , hydrocortisone , is equally effective too .

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This information is regularly updated but may not reflect the latest totals for each country.
** The past data for new cases is a three day rolling average. Due to revisions in the number of cases, an average cannot be calculated for this date.
Source: Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies