London 2012 - Britain claims boxing quota spots - Yahoo! Eurosport
Britain and Russia have won quota places in each of the three weight categories in women's boxing which makes its Olympic debut in London this year, the International Boxing Association has said.
In all, 25 quota places in three weight categories - 51kg, 60kg and 75kg - were awarded after the conclusion of the women's world championships in Qinhuangdao, China.
United States, Brazil, Tunisia, China and New Zealand bagged two places each from the tournament's regional quota.
Irish boxer Katie Taylor capped her Olympic qualification by winning her fourth 60kg title, beating Russian Sofya Ochigava in the industrial port city of China to boost her London prospects.
England's Savannah Marshall will also fancy her chances of winning a gold in London after defeating Azerbaijan's Elena Vystropova to win the 75kg title.h
Compatriot Nicola Adams secured a berth for London, despite losing to local favourite Cancan Ren in the 51kg final.
Natasha Jonas, who won the 60kg bronze, was the other English woman boxer to win a quota place for London.
Venezuela, Poland, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Azerbaijan and Australia won one regional quota place each.
London Olympics: 'Brothels should be made legal' - zeenews.india.com
London: Dennis Hof, the Nevada brothel owner who became famous as the star of HBO reality show ‘Cathouse’, has said that he wants to start a new and fully legal brothel in London during the upcoming summer Olympics.
He said he wants it -- not just because he could make “a couple million pounds”, but also because legal brothels would stop human trafficking by international criminal gangs.
Hof, 65, owner of the Moonlite Bunny Ranch, promoted legal prostitution during a Thursday night debate at the Oxford Union, and told ABC News that while he is in the UK, he is on a mission to sell London authorities on legal brothels.
“The girls are not tested for diseases and they’re trafficked and forced into it. I’m saying it’s not always like that and it doesn’t have to be like that. We can provide the client with a clean, safe and fun experience,” he stated.
Hof said he wouldn’t mind making some money out of a pop-up mini-Bunny Ranch during the Olympic Games, which begin July 27 and are projected to draw as many as 900,000 visitors to London.
He estimates that he would make “a couple million pounds” during the three-week event, which he said is “much more than the average” he would make during a similar period at his Nevada brothel, where he employs 500 girls.
But he said his main concerns are the health and safety of both sex workers and their clients, and stopping a short-term epidemic of human trafficking.
“I expect 1,000 girls to be trafficked in by Southeast Asian, Albanian and African gangs, violent gangs involved in crime and drugs,” said Hof, who based his prediction on what he said he witnessed at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.
While prostitution is legal in the UK, operating a brothel, pimping and streetwalking are all illegal, as is paying for sexual services from someone who has been coerced into prostitution.
Hof believes that establishing legal brothels around metropolitan London for the duration of the games would provide safe sex for both tourists and prostitutes, as well as much-needed tax revenue.
Hof’s girlfriend and employee, 25-year-old Cami Parker, who accompanied him on his UK trip, enthusiastically backed his proposal. “Sex is as much a human need as food or water,” said Parker.
The Oxford Union, however, seemed unconvinced by Hof’s reasoning.
During his Thursday speech, Hof told listeners legal brothels would “sort out all your problems. It would be a good thing for your country, I’m telling you.”
According to the debating society’s website, after Hof spoke a motion in which the Union would support “recognis[ing] prostitution as a legitimate business” was defeated.
ANI
ECHO letters - Liverpool Echo
We’re second to none
THE ANNOUNCEMENT by General Motors to save the Ellesmere Port Vauxhall plant at a cost of potentially mothballing an Opel factory in Germany is good news not only for the town, but for Cheshire as a whole.
With traditional manufacturing jobs being squeezed, it is reassuring that the UK car sector in the North West is able to defy the economic trend by not only saving over 2,000 jobs until at least 2020, but create as many as 700 new permanent posts in the process.
Our North West car plants, including the nearby JLR factory in Halewood, go to show that given the right level of investment, our automotive manufacturing industry is second to none, capable of producing not only the quality, but the quantity of cars being demanded either in Europe or in the emerging markets.
Paul Nuttall, UKIP North West MEP
Disgraceful treatment
I SHOULD like to ask the Government, in particular the Secretary of State for Health, why there appears to be such marked difference in the provision of funding for end of life care throughout England and Wales.
Is this yet another example of the NHS postcode lottery? My elderly mum is in need of such funding and resides in Wirral.
She is having to pay towards her end of life care because, it seems, Wirral social services have cut the amount they pay nursing homes by 14%.
That cannot be right! Over here in Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire there appears to be no cap on the amount available.
People who are terminally ill should not be faced with the indignity of having to find extra funds – it is a disgrace.
Ian Munn, via email
A Giant thank-you
A BELATED thank you for the coverage of the Sea Odyssey.
The photos were really good, and although I was unable to get down to see it as my wife and I are in our 80s, it was nice to see that the ECHO did us proud. Well done.
Joe Ludgate, via email
Edge Lane mystery
I HAVE followed with interest the eventual completion of the Edge Lane corridor into the city. It has indeed taken years and the road from the M62 at the Rocket to the city is now very much improved.
However, why is it that the two-lane road has regular bus stops in lane one and holds up the traffic constantly, when (and in particular the city bound Edge Lane) has such wide footpaths which are mostly unused by the many pedestrians they have been designed for?
Why did the planners not allow for lay-bys at bus stops and therefore allow the traffic to continue without hold-up and constant merging into lane two?
The job has taken so long to complete, the quality of the road surface between McDonalds and the new section in Kensington is now looking the worse for wear and will shortly need further attention - this combined with the bus stop policy spoils a much-improved approach to Liverpool.
A.P. Armstrong, Huyton
Time to keep promises
FOR better or worse, we now have a Mayor. And considering the pre-election saturation of photo opportunities, PR stunts and the constant level of ‘favourite’ by the papers, it’s no surprise it’s Joe Anderson.
As only 33% of voters turned out of which 57% voted for Joe, which equates to less than 2 out of 10 eligible voters. Hardly a mandate.
All but one of the other cities voted for no mayor. They will still get the government cash as the millions in payout was NOT dependent on having a mayor, which was used as an excuse for cancelling our referendum.
Joe has made some big promises and given himself a four-year deadline. Let’s hope he lives up to them.
M.T., West Derby.
Policing priorities
RE: ‘Two thugs take boy’s bike at knife point’ (ECHO, May 15), it’s appalling that this has happened before. Good luck to the victim and his excellent mother.
Despite the good efforts of our police force, gun crime, gangsters, burglars and so on are on the increase.
All the decent citizens in the city are very worried about this, many are too afraid to speak up.
Chief constable Murphy needs to get his priorities right, so much very serious crime goes undetected.
The easy options should be put on the shelf until all serious crime is halved. Bring back real law and order to our city.
Name and address supplied
Stick with Lodge Lane
IT’S GREAT news that our current council has recognised the effort put into Lodge Lane by local people.
It contrasts greatly with the treatment of a family produce business that used to exist in Bold Street and area for many generations.
I’ve no doubt the thinking in building the FACT centre together with the conversion of so many warehouses into bijou apartments was a planned regeneration of a then-vibrant part of the city. But look at it today: Jacaranda closed, Slater Street in decline and as for Renshaw Street, well let’s not go there.
Let’s hope Lodge Lane doesn’t become another vehicle for the council’s bandwagon jumpers, who have at best a poor track record.
Bernie Hunt, Kensington Fields
London calling for Tiffany Cromwell - Adelaidenow
SA cyclist Tiffany Cromwell and Ritchie Porte, a pro cyclist for Sky, who live together in Monaco. Source: Supplied
SA cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, who is a good chance to be in the Olympic three-woman road cycling team. Source: Supplied
CYCLIST Tiffany Cromwell reckons she has just a few weeks to prove she is good enough to be picked in the Olympic team.
The women's road race team of only three is notoriously hard to get on to. The South Australian, however, is looking good.
"I have had a chat with Marv (head coach Martin Barras) about my chances, and all things are heading in the right direction," Cromwell says.
"But the biggest thing I am missing is one or two big results."
Cromwell was the silver medallist at this year's national championships and has been Australia's best-placed rider in the UCI World Cup ranking for most of the season.
Cromwell, 23, has placed in the top 20 in all four of the World Cups she has raced this season. Not consistency but an outstanding performance, however, is what she thinks will get her on to the team.
"Nobody has done any super, stand-out performances as yet that would guarantee them a start in the team," she says. "I'm riding the strongest I ever have been so, hopefully, that big performance is just around the corner."
With the Olympic team being picked in less than a month, Cromwell is putting pressure on herself to perform.
"The Olympics is a special race and so different to any other race we do. The tactics will always be a bit different. I think it will suit an all-rounder with a fast finish. From a small group I can sometimes pull something off."
London 2012: Haile Gebrselassie considers Olympic options - BBC News
Haile Gebrselassie has not ruled out the possibility of qualifying for the 10,000m at this summer's Olympics.
The 39-year-old said his Olympic dream was over after failing to win a place in Ethiopia's marathon team.
But the two-time Olympic 10,000m champion is considering his options ahead of a 10,000m race in Hengelo, the Netherlands, on 27 May that will serve as the Ethiopian Olympic trial.
He said it would be "wonderful" to compete in London.
The veteran is cautious about his chances of finishing one of the two fastest Ethiopians in the race in order to qualify for the Olympic team - but told BBC World Service Sport that his enthusiasm for the Games remains undimmed.
"I wish to take part in the Olympics because it's London," said Gebrselassie, who has won four World 10,000m titles.
"I believe London is going to host one of the best Olympics Games. These Olympics are going to be very special.
Haile Gebrselassie's medal haul
1993 World Championships: Gold (10,000m), Silver (5,000m)
1995 World Championships: Gold (10,000m)
1996 Olympic Games: Gold (10,000m)
1997 World Championships: Gold (10,000m)
1999 World Championships: Gold (10,000m)
2000 Olympic Games: Gold (10,000m)
2001 World Championships: Bronze (10,000m)
2003 World Championships: Silver (10,000m)
"The organisation here is so perfect and the people organise such wonderful races. I don't want to miss the Olympics, even if it's to watch."
While in no doubt that qualifying for the Ethiopian team will be difficult, Gebrselassie also knows that claiming a third Olympic gold in London would be an even greater challenge.
"If I qualify for the 10,000 metres, don't forget who will be there this year. Not just Kenyans and Ethiopians, also athletes like Mo Farah - they are stronger," he admitted.
"If Farah is in the same shape like last year he will be the one. Kenenisa Bekele will be strong too but there are many others."
Gebrselassie also spoke about the difficulties of facing up to the end of his competitive racing career ahead of running in Sunday's 10k Great Manchester Run, which he has won in each of the last three years.
"If you think about retiring then you retire automatically. It's the mind, not the body," said the 39-year-old.
"I don't want to miss a single race. It doesn't matter which one, a race is a race. I want to win each and every race - and if I don't win then at least run a good time."
The 2012 Great Manchester Run will be live on BBC Two at 10:00 BST on Sunday 20 May.
London calling! Chelsea bid to become first capital club to win Champions League - Daily Mail
By Dan Ripley
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For Chelsea, the Champions League final against Bayern Munich presents an opportunity for the club to win the competition for the first time in their history.
Only since 2003, when Roman Abramovich started bankrolling the club financially, has the dream really seemed possible for Blues fans, who in the last nine years have seen enough near misses.
But it’s not just Chelsea who could see their first crowning moment as Europe’s kings – it’s the city of London too.
German mission: Chelsea face Bayern in Munich on Saturday night
England’s capital has its fair share of top football teams - without failure it serves up plenty of London derbies in the Premier League each year.
But since the formation of the European Cup in 1955, only three London sides have played in Europe’s premier club competition with Tottenham and Arsenal also appearing.
Along with the Blues, they too have come close to sealing Europe’s biggest prize for the capital, but have also suffered heart-breaking failure.
Here, Sportsmail assesses how London’s trio have fared among Europe’s elite...
Chelsea
Times appeared: 10
Best result: Finalists (2008)
Worst result: Last 16 (2006 and 2010)
Heartache: Chelsea lost the 2008 final to Manchester United
In a sign of the changing times, league champions Chelsea declined to take part in the first ever European Cup tournament and didn’t make their maiden appearance until reaching the quarter-finals in 2000.
They have been a permanent fixture since 2003, reaching four-semi finals before this season, but it’s the 2008 final in Moscow that still hurts fans.
Having already missed out on the league title to Manchester United, Avram Grant’s side went to penalties against the Red Devils and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
John Terry could have won the trophy for Chelsea but hit the post with his spot-kick after slipping, before United recovered to triumph in the competition for a third time.
Arsenal
Times appeared: 16
Best result: Finalists (2006)
Worst result: Group stage (1999 and 2000)
Seeing red: Jens Lehmann (left) was sent off as Arsenal lost to Barcelona in the 2006 final
Before the Champions League era started in 1992, Arsenal only twice featured on the biggest stage, being eliminated in the 1972 quarter-finals and the second round 20 years later.
Since 1998 the Gunners have contested every single campaign but have only once visited the final despite getting out of the first group stage in each of the last 12 seasons.
The 2005/06 campaign is the closest Arsenal have been to becoming top dogs. Arsene Wenger’s side reached the Paris final after setting a record number of 10 consecutive clean sheets before losing 2-1 to Barcelona.
The Gunners also reached the semi-finals in 2009 but were thoroughly outclassed over two legs by Manchester United, losing 4-1 on aggregate.
Missing out: Arsenal were knocked out by AC Milan this year
Capital winners
Real Madrid (9) 1956-1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002.
Ajax Amsterdam (4) 1971-1973, 1995
Benfica (2) 1961, 1962.
Steaua Bucharest (1) 1986
Red Star Belgrade (1) 1991
Tottenham
Times appeared: 2
Best result: Semi-finalists (1962)
Worst result: Quarter-finalists (2011)
Spurs don’t have the staying power to make the Champions League a habit but have made a real fight in the only two times they have featured.
A controversial semi-final defeat against Benfica ended their hopes in 1962, with Bill Nicholson’s side crashing out 4-3 on aggregate after seeing three goals contentiously disallowed over the two legs.
Real hiding: Spurs lost to Madrid in last year's quarter-final
It wasn’t until 2010 that Spurs returned to the biggest stage where they starred in the tournament, topping a group that contained holders Inter Milan – even defeating the Italian giants along the way.
In the last 16 they shut-out AC Milan to progress 1-0 over two legs before crashing to a 5-0 aggregate defeat against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Police in new appeal over fatal crash - This is Southampton
Police in new appeal over fatal crash
1:58pm Saturday 19th May 2012 in News
POLICE are continuing to appeal for witnesses to a fatal head-on crash in Romsey in which a woman from the town died.
A silver Vauxhall Combo was travelling towards Romsey town centre on the A3090 bypass when it was in collision with a white Volvo tipper lorry.
A 57-year-old woman, who was travelling in the back of the Vauxhall, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Vauxhall driver, a 67-year-old man, was taken to Southampton General Hospital with minor injuries and discharged the same night.
The driver of the lorry, a 38-year-old man from Portsmouth was uninjured.
The road was closed for nearly four hours for an investigation..
Witnesses to the collision, on Thursday around 2.20pm, or anyone who saw either vehicle just prior to the crash, are asked to contact Sergeant Andy Lynch of the Road Death Investigation Team at Eastleigh on 101, quoting operation Elmshurst.
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'London 2012 - The Official Videogame of the Olympic Games' preview - Digital Spy
100 marks Steve Marks, can someone elaborate on why Chels missed out on 1955 inspite of having won the league and having an excellent team , one actually expects facts from reporters can't blame DM afterall they are anti-chelsea ....atleast they have got the stats right
- Suresh , Chennai & India (brown and proud), 19/5/2012 11:57
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