Nick Clegg has been put on a secret diet to lose weight before the election. Aides took to hiding biscuits from the Lib Dem leader to stop him putting on the pounds before polling day. The undercover calorie counters have had such success that he has been praised for his new svelte figure, although they admit they have no idea what he eats at home. Scroll down for video . Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg has been praised in recent days for his slimmer figure, in contrast with his political paunch seen earlier in the Coalition (right) Mr Clegg is not the first politician to seek to get in shape as polling day approaches. But he could be the first who did not even know that the healthy regime had been imposed. He has previously tried to get in shape through exercise, with kickboxing lessons and playing tennis credited with helping with his squeezed middle. But officials in his Whitehall office grew alarmed at his appetite for biscuits during meetings. A source said: "When you're Deputy Prime Minister you get offered lots of cups of tea. Your access to biscuits is very generous." So aides imposed a ban on hobnobs, digestives and rich tea biscuits in his office, and claim it has had startling results. In an interview last week, his trimmer figure was remarked upon. London’s Evening Standard noted how Mr Clegg ‘and lets his business suit flap open in the breeze, revealing a youthful figure with no sign of Whitehall sag’. It is understood that Mr Clegg now accepts the biscuit ban during working hours, but it is not clear if he sticks to the rules around the clock. ‘There are no biscuits in the office, but who knows what he is having at home,’ a source added. Biscuits have been banned from the Deputy Prime Minister's office in Whitehall (pictured) to stop Mr Clegg piling on the pounds during meetings . DAVID CAMERON: Has given up bread, as part of his 'great patriotic struggle' with his weight. GEORGE OSBORNE: Shed pounds on the 5:2 diet, where he fasts for two days every week. ERIC PICKLES: Once boasted that his secret to trying to lose weight was ‘no cheese, no chips, no seconds’. NIGEL LAWSON: The former Chancellor, and father of TV cook NIgella, wrote his own weight loss guide - The Nigel Lawson Diet Book - which helped him to shed five stone in a year. LORD FALCONER: List five stone on an unconventional diet of apples and Diet Coke. A year ago Mr Clegg vowed to play tennis against anyone who would give him a game in a bid to get in shape. In 2013 he revealed he had taken up kickboxing at a local gym to ‘get stuff out of my system’. And four years ago he had a rowing machine installed in his office, holding meetings while wearing shorts and T-shirt. A gruelling six-week election campaign gets underway on March 30, when party leaders will be expected to look their best as they criss-cross the country while surviving on a diet of service station sandwiches. David Cameron has often spoken of his battle with his weight while in office. At one point it was claimed the Prime Minister was experimenting with alternatives to standard milk, such as almond milk, which is low in calories and fat. In January he revealed he had given up bread as part of his 'great patriotic struggle' with his weight, which involves cutting out carbs and running every other day. He added wearily: ‘I can’t get away with it because people can judge pretty clearly whether the pounds have come off or gone on.' Chancellor George Osborne has shed several stone after sticking to the 5:2 diet, which means he has to fast twice a week. It has also been the diet of choice for the SNP’s Alex Salmond. Boris Johnson embarked on a New Year diet after tipping the scales at 16stone. ‘I take on an almost unbelievable amount of exercise, but I have a bad habit of eating the children's supper for breakfast,' the London Mayor said.

Staff in Whitehall banned biscuits from the Lib Dem leader's meetings . As Deputy PM he is offered a lot of tea and biscuits, sources say . He has come to accept the need to avoid sweet treats before the election . Clegg has previously used tennis, kickboxing and rowing to get in shape . Cameron, Osborne and Boris have all battled with their weight in office .

 now lost 3lbs.
They have been busy watching the fat man's every move from the start of January. They noticed that he put away the largest portion of his plate and the biggest slice of cake in the canteen. He was often seen licking the edge of his chocolate digestive, or trying to wipe it off with his napkin.
The aides realised that the leader had no control. His office is a constant battle between the fridge and bin. A fridge that is constantly stocked by Liberal Democrats to try and influence him (in vain). The bin has been emptied so many times they wonder whether he has a personal cleaner.
Mr Clegg's diet plan was the latest in a series of initiatives to keep their boss healthy. He is a regular exerciser and goes to the gym at least 4 times a week. He also spends lots of time on the phone at night to his personal trainer to keep him motivated. He has already had his diet altered by the Liberal Democrats.
The leaders' aides were told to start the secret campaign by hiding chocolate and biscuits around his desk to see how long they would be there. They were astonished that he would eat them in the afternoon after he had already eaten a healthy lunch. By the morning they would be half-eaten, and by the afternoon they would be a disgusting lump of melted mess.
After eating two more mince pies, the Lib Dem leader would then have some chocolate-coated nuts (no change there). Some of the biscuits on offer have names you don't even pronounce such as 'digestive', 'Jaffa cakes' and 'Viennese whirls'.
The Lib Dems were also concerned that he could not control his consumption of cake. This is because he goes into a trance when looking at it and just keeps eating and eating (unlike when it's vegetables). They put his favourite cake in the office fridge without telling him. He thought he had bought it for his assistant, but he was wrong. The cake disappeared within 48 hours. When the Lib Dems told him he had finished it, he admitted he had eaten the whole thing. They had to take it away before he did any damage.
As part of the deal to agree to a Coalition government, the Lib Dems agreed to have their diet monitored and to do what was told. The leader has agreed to change to low-fat products and stop buying unhealthy food for his staff.
Mr Clegg has been warned about the


A senior surgeon who sparked controversy after telling aspiring female doctors to go along with sexual abuse at work for the sake of their careers, has said she stands by her advice. In an ABC radio interview on Friday, Dr Gabrielle McMullin, a top vascular surgeon in Sydney, said sexism is so rife among male surgeons in Australian hospitals that young women would do best to grin and bear it. Her comments follow a warning she issued to young women at Sydney's Parliament House on Friday, during the launch of a book she co-authored on gender equality. 'What I tell my trainees is that, if you are approached for sex, probably the safest thing to do in terms of your career is to comply with the request,' she said. Sydney vascular surgeon Dr Gabrielle McMullin says sexism is so rife among surgeons in Australia that young woman who want a career in medicine would do best to 'comply' At the  launch of  'Pathways to Gender Equality in Australia' on Friday, Dr McMullin advised female trainees to avoid putting themselves in vulnerable situations. But giving in to unwanted sexual advances is easier than pursuing perpetrators, she warned, because the sexism is so entrenched. Dr McMullin told ABC's AM program the story of Dr Caroline Tan, a young doctor who won a sexual harassment case in 2008 against a surgeon who forced himself on her while she was training at a Melbourne Hospital. Dr Tan didn't tell anyone what had happened until the surgeon started giving her reports that were so bad they threatened the career she had worked so hard for. But McMullin warns complaining to the supervising body is the 'worst thing' trainees could do. 'Despite that victory, she has never been appointed to a public position in a hospital in Australasia,' she said of the case. 'Her career was ruined by this one guy asking for sex on this night.' 'And realistically, she would have been much better to have given him a blow-job on that night.' 'Her career was ruined by this one guy asking for sex on this night'. Dr McMullin, who contributed a chapter titled 'Women in Medicine: Sisters doing it for themselves' to a new book on gender equality, has stood by her comments warning aspiring female medics to comply if approached for sex in the workplace . Dr McMullin's comments have been roundly criticised by others in the medical profession, women's rights and sexual abuse support groups as 'appalling.' The president of the Australian Medical Association of Victoria,  Dr Tony Bartone, 'strongly disagrees' with Dr McMullin's advice. 'This old view of acceptance needs to be eradicated,' he told Fairfax media. 'Sexual assault is a crime and will not be tolerated by our society. The medical profession is not exempt from this maxim.' Despite the attacks, Dr McMullin stood by her comments on Saturday, saying her advice was practical and true, and it was offered because she is 'so frustrated with what is going on.' The public response on social media has been mixed, with many in the community expressing dismay at the remarks. 'We live in a world where we want our girls to have an education so they can have a career and they can look after themselves independently. I sure am saddened by these comments,' wrote one facebook user. Many social media users are angry at Dr McMullin's comments and have taken to Facebook to express their disgust . But responses from the community have been mixed . But many others have applauded Dr McMullin for drawing attention to the pervasive nature of sexual harassment at work. 'I think the problem is that she's probably right. This behaviour is not limited to surgeons, it pervades so many professional fields,' writes one Facebook user. 'Don't shoot the messenger, fix the situation!' said another. 'If anyone would know how things work in that system, it would be someone in her position.' Many Facebook  users have also come out in support of Dr McMullin for exposing the sexism . Dr McCullin has told Fairfax she's received many phone calls since Friday from women to say 'thank you.' 'It's been hidden and suppressed for so long and it's only when it comes out in the open that you can do something about it. So, I guess this is my attempt to air it,' she said.

Dr Gabrielle McMullin has been criticised for telling aspiring female surgeons they should put up with unwanted sexual advances at work . Despite criticism from the medical industry and women's rights groups, Dr McMullin says she stands by her 'pragmatic' advice because it's true . Her comments follow the launch of a book she co-authored on gender equality and come ahead of International Women's Day on March 8 .

 surgeon at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, said there was no excuse for workplace bullying or harassment but she also told young female surgeons not to report it because it could damage their careers.
McMullin said she did not want to see any more incidents of abuse such as those that have been detailed in a class action against a number of hospitals and medical groups. That class action was the subject of a three-part ABC program this week and it contained accusations of sexual harassment and abuse going back decades.
But when it came to dealing with the problem in the workplace, McMullin said she did not think you had to make a formal complaint if you thought you had been sexually harassed or abused.
Asked whether she would take advice on how best to handle workplace sexual harassment and abuse, McMullin said there were a number of ways to do it. She told the ABC she didn’t see a problem in being “nonconfrontational”.
“I think we don’t need to be aggressive about it and, in fact, when it comes to things like this, I think we are probably better to be nonconfrontational so we can get the message across that it’s not acceptable,” McMullin said.
McMullin told the ABC that the key was to stay firm but not to push things. “The whole problem with sexual harassment … is that they often will take that, push it and make it uncomfortable for the next person,” she said. “I think the first thing is to stand your ground … but then stay away because the next time around when they see you, they will think ‘oh, no, it’s her again’. “
McMullin said that she and other surgeons at her hospital had advised the young female surgeons to follow similar advice.
“One of the young surgeons who I mentor … she said she is going to keep her mouth shut about it – and it was because I said to her, it will get you nowhere, it will make you feel uncomfortable, it will not stop the next person,” McMullin said.
“I think it’s just that attitude that women need to change – that we need to stand up more for ourselves and not be such good little gals that we put up with harassment and abuse from the males in the workplace,” she said.
McMullin said that there were no formal policies to deal with the issue in her hospital’s workplace but


It claimed the lives of four family members and has left his brother bedbound. Now, the cruel disease that has gripped several generations of Chris Graham's family has struck again. Mr Graham himself was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at just 34. The ex-serviceman, now 39, discovered in 2010 that he carries the same faulty gene that claimed the lives of his father, aunt, cousin and granddad, all in their 40s. This rare, inherited, or 'familial' form of Alzheimer's disease has also left his 43-year-old brother, Tony, bedbound in a care home and being fed through a tube. Scroll down for video . Chris Graham was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease at just 34. Several members of his family have been killed by the cruel, genetic form of the condition . Like his brother, Mr Graham carries a faulty version of PSEN-1 gene, which affects around 400 families worldwide. The father-of-three, from Carterton in Oxfordshire, is experiencing mild memory problems, but knows it is a case of when, not if, his dementia progresses. Although he is young, the disease process will affect him in the same way as the estimated 500,000 people with Alzheimer's in the UK. Mr Graham, who was medically discharged from the Army in January after 23 years' service, said: 'My friends didn't believe me when I told them I had Alzheimer's disease. 'At the age of 39, it just doesn't make sense to people: I'm fighting fit – how can I have something like that? We still think of Alzheimer's as a bit of forgetfulness as we get older. The truth is far worse.' He continued: 'My family has been hit hard by Alzheimer's. Dad died aged 42. He was in hospital so long I don't really remember him, I was only six or seven at the time. 'His sister, my aunt Thelma, died at 41 as she inherited the faulty gene too. I also lost a cousin, Thelma's daughter, at 41, and a granddad, Dad's father, at 46 to the disease.' This rare, inherited, or 'familial' form of Alzheimer's disease has also left his 43-year-old brother, Tony (pictured with his son), bedbound in a care home and being fed through a tube . The disease also claimed the life of Mr Graham's father. He said: 'My family has been hit hard by Alzheimer's. Dad died aged 42. He was in hospital so long I don't really remember him, I was only six or seven at the time' As one of four children, each of Mr Graham and his siblings had a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene from their father. While his two sisters avoided the genetic curse, tragically, both he and his brother Tony have been struck by it. Speaking about his brother, who was diagnosed in 2006, said: 'He's in an old folk's home, he can't move and has to be fed through a tube. He can't speak but can raise a smile sometimes.' Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is responsible for killing brain cells and shrinking the brain 400 per cent faster than the normal rate of ageing. Mr Graham is now taking part in research studies at University College London's Institute of Neurology to help scientists understand the earliest signs of Alzheimer's to boost the search for new treatments. He said: 'Although I know what will happen to me in the coming years, I now have direction in life. 'I wanted to do something to fight back against the disease – to do as much as I can while I can. It's simple for me, you have to hit the enemy directly, so I've taken on a challenge to help support research and I'm taking part in studies.' Now, to raise awareness of dementia and vital funds for Alzheimer's Research UK, Mr Graham is heading off on a 16,000 mile cycle ride around Canada and America in April. His year-long challenge has earned the support of Prime Minister David Cameron, who praised Mr Graham's 'extraordinary grit and determination' to raise money for the charity. Mr Graham said of his brother (pictured right with his own children): 'He's in an old folk's home, he can't move and has to be fed through a tube. He can't speak but can raise a smile sometimes'. Tony is pictured with his partner Jane . Now, to raise awareness of dementia and vital funds for Alzheimer's Research UK, Mr Graham is heading off on a 16,000 mile cycle ride around Canada and America in April . Mr Graham, who is also supporting ABF The Soldiers' Charity through his cycle ride, said: 'It's going to take me a year to do it, but I hope giving one of my good years to this challenge will help give many more good years to people with dementia. 'A cure may come too late for me, but it will help my kids. We've got man to the moon, so we'll get to the answers if we put enough into it. I hope what I'm doing will help inspire people to support Alzheimer's Research UK.' He is sharing his story in the same week a YouGov survey commissioned by Alzheimer's Research UK. Early onset Alzheimer's tends to cluster within families, sometimes with several generations affected, in which case it is called familial disease. In some of these cases, it is caused by mutations in one of three genes. People with any of these extremely rare mutations tend to develop Alzheimer's disease in their 30s or 40s. These genes, and the prevalence of their defective versions  is as follows: . These mutations are extremely rare and account for fewer than one in 1,000 cases of Alzheimer's disease. It is likely that all of those who inherit faulty versions of any of these three genes will develop Alzheimer's disease at a comparatively early age. On average, half of the children of a person with one of these rare genetic mutations will inherit the disease. People who do not inherit the mutation cannot pass it on. Someone who has two or more close relatives (a parent, brother or sister) who developed Alzheimer's disease before the age of 60, is advised to ask their GP about genetic testing and counselling for these rare mutations, who can also refer patients to a geneticist, if appropriate. Source: Alzheimer's Society . This revealed that, when asked what they think dementia is and who it affects, just 23 per cent of British adults specifically mentioned brain disease or degeneration, despite a previous survey from the charity showing more than one in three people know a close friend or family member with the condition. Hilary Evans, Director at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'Chris embodies everything that goes against the dementia stereotype – he's young and fit and his zest for life in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. 'Although Chris' form of Alzheimer's is rare, the tragic consequences it has had on his relatives will resonate with thousands of families across the UK who have experienced Alzheimer's. 'Chris' situation shows how profound the impact of Alzheimer's can be – this is not forgetfulness in old age, the disease is a destructive process that takes the ultimate toll. 'Our new survey data shows we have a long way to go in dementia education. We need to recognise the physical process of Alzheimer's – in doing so we'll see that there's something real we can attack and overcome with research. 'Until we do, our own misunderstanding or prejudice risks becoming the biggest barrier to research. Prime Minister David Cameron said: 'Alzheimer's is one of the key health challenges of this generation. 'Chris has my absolute backing as he undertakes this mammoth challenge in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK and ABF The Soldiers' Charity. 'Travelling unsupported on an expedition which will see him cycle 16,000 miles around the coastline of North America, Chris is a great example of someone who, when faced with a difficult diagnosis, has shown extraordinary grit and determination to overcome his circumstances and ensure that future generations can benefit from potentially life-saving research. 'These are important causes, and I urge everyone to get involved and support Chris as he sets off on this daunting, once-in-a-lifetime journey.' To find out more about Mr Graham, his challenge, his family's story and about inherited Alzheimer's disease, visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/chris . To sponsor Chris, visit www.justgiving.com/Christopher-Graham8 or text CHRIS to 70800 to donate £5 to Alzheimer's Research UK.

Chris Graham was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's five years ago . Disease has claimed the lives of four other close family members . Killed his father at the age of 42, and Chris' brother is bedbound at just 43 . He is now fundraising for research into Alzheimer's disease . Plans to cycle 16,000 miles around Canada and America next month .

, and now his grandson is also battling the horrific disorder.
Speaking to OK! magazine, Mr Graham said: "The early signs started after I'd lost three people close to me. I could feel myself slipping and knew I had to get the test.
"It would have been easier if the test was quicker, but I think being slow is good because it shows they take the condition seriously.
"I was scared it could be early onset but I'm glad it's not.
"I didn't want to keep it a secret from my family," he added.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and it gradually destroys nerve cells in the brain.
Alzheimer's usually starts around the age of 65, but it can start much earlier.
Alzheimer's can sometimes occur in people in their 50s and 60s.
Alzheimer's is the UK's second most common cause of dementia, and it is thought about 500,000 people in the UK have the condition.
However, it's estimated that in the year 2020, about 850,000 people in the UK could be living with the condition.
Symptoms include memory loss, which can be mild in the early stages, but become worse and develop into loss of communication, judgement and awareness.
Alzheimer's often affects people's personality, behaviour and general awareness - and those who have the disease often feel confused, disorientated or withdrawn.
People with the disease often sleep a lot and can be very easily annoyed and upset.
Source: Alzheimer's Society
Speaking about his grandson, Mr Graham said: "It's been a difficult start to his life and it's something he has no control over."
Mr Graham also said it is a lot harder for him to care for his grandson, as they are both bedbound.
He said: "This condition is very difficult to cope with, especially when you have your grandson in the same house.
"It's very hard - and it's been a long road to get to where we are.
"I've got my daughter, who's a nurse, to help me at home to keep me sane. I rely on the team around me too, otherwise I don't know what I would do.
"It's hard


Yingying Dou ran the essay writing site MyMaster . Up to 70 students face expulsion from Australia's leading universities after being found guilty of cheating by paying a company to write their assignments. Two students from the University of Newcastle have already been expelled and more are facing disciplinary action at four other intuitions after being identified as using the MyMaster company which wrote essays for Chinese international students, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Chinese-born Yingying Dou, 30, reportedly ran the website which charged up to $1000 per assignment and was used by hundreds of students across 12 NSW universities. Ms Dou reportedly had 100 employees working from a Chinatown office on George Street in Sydney before the website was shut down. It was claimed that MyMaster had an annual turnover of $160,000 thanks to international students desperate to pass their courses or too lazy to do the work themselves. The University of Newcastle confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that it had conducted internal investigations and in addition to the two expulsions it suspended eight international students and found 21 others guilty of misconduct. The majority of students found guilty were given fail grades for 2014 subjects. Ms Dou has denied knowing anything about the website MyMaster website which has now been taken down . Two students from the University of Newcastle have been expelled and eight have been suspended . The four other worst-hit universities told the Herald they were still conducting investigations with accused students – including three at the University of Sydney, 11 at University of Technology Sydney, 19 at University of NSW, and 43 at Macquarie University. The maximum penalty for academic misconduct is expulsion at all institutions except UNSW, where it is suspension. UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Alexander told the ABC: 'I'm not as surprised as you might think. In higher-education we've had to up the ante in how students are changing the methods of cheating for some time.' She said that the news that flyers advertising the MyMaster essay writing service were posted in UTS toilets was not alarming. 'We find those kinds of things all the time, that's not something that is new,' she said. 'When we find them we do take the number and call them and point out how illegal it is but they do appear all the time that's not something new,' she explained. Students (a stock photo is shown) reportedly paid up to $1000 for their essays to be written for them . The Sydney Morning Herald reported that a flyer posted at the University of Technology Sydney said: 'Are you racking your brains on your school work? Do you worry about spending $3000 retaking tuition on the failing subject? Leave your worries to MyMaster and make your study easier!' Ms Dou has denied knowing anything about the website. The company's Facebook page has also been removed but a holding page shows 605 previously people 'liked' it. She reportedly also runs Yingcredible Tutoring, a page which she has endorsed from her own personal Facebook account. 'We provide commerce subjects tutoring service to university students to help them pass the course,' a description on the page reads. Daily Mail Australia contacted Ms Dou for comment but did not responded. Most university websites display clear advice about plagiarism. The University of Sydney says that while nobody commences their studies with the intent to plagiarise 'many people do, for a variety of reasons'. 'Some students plagiarise because they don't fully understand what plagiarism is, why it is wrong and how it can be avoided. Others plagiarise, because of time or other pressures,' a warning on their website reads. Up to 70 students face expulsion from Australia's leading universities after being found guilty of cheating by paying the company to write their assignments . When handing in work students must satisfy the notion that it is 'all your own work'. Students who have used the MyMaster website could be found guilty of 'dishonest plagiarism', which is when they 'knowingly presenting another person's work as one's own work without appropriate acknowledgement of the source'. And 'engage another person to produce or conduct research for the work, including for payment or other consideration'. A spokesperson for the University of Sydney told Daily Mail Australia: 'The University of Sydney is unequivocally opposed to academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and fraudulent authorship, and takes seriously any allegations of academic misconduct. Breaches of academic honesty are not tolerated at the University of Sydney.' 'Failure to adhere to the University's high standards of academic merit, intellectual rigour, and ethical behaviour constitutes a breach of the University's Code of Conduct for Students and Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism in Coursework Policy. If proven, academic dishonesty may constitute misconduct, resulting in serious penalties that may include failure or exclusion. 'The University thoroughly investigates all cases of alleged academic dishonesty and provides education and support to assist students to observe the rules of honest scholarship,' they added.

Yingying Dou, 30, reportedly ran the website called MyMaster . She charged up to $1000 for her staff to write university essays . Hundreds of students paid MyMaster to help them cheat and now up to 70 people at five universities face expulsion . Website was written in Chinese and advertised to international students .

 been expelled over the issue. They are not the only ones, though – several years ago, a similar investigation uncovered at least a hundred students who had cheated by hiring professional essay writers. In the wake of the scandal, some universities have stopped accepting online assignment companies, which is why students are looking for alternatives.
When I wrote this in 2009, more than 300 students had been caught, including 27 people at the University of Newcastle. By 2014, there were 400, with a total of 400 students expelled or suspended. The University of Wollongong has caught 20 students cheating on assignments since 2006 and is threatening to suspend 30 students for using an online service. The University of Queensland is considering suspending students who hire online essay writers.
In some cases, plagiarism detection software has caught cheaters, and in others, the universities have used an online service called Turnitin. The service is widely used in the United States, and even though Turnitin does have some Australian customers, there are no known cases of students having been caught using the service. It also has the option of comparing work from an online source against a database of 60 million articles – making it more difficult to plagiarize.
When you're writing an essay or report, you have to make sure you use your own words, which is not always easy. Turnitin can spot where you've copied material from elsewhere and can give you advice on how to improve your essay. You will still need to read the original article, or the report you're summarizing, but Turnitin can help you by providing a guide for improvement.
It's not just students. Some teachers from universities that rely heavily on Turnitin say that they've been warned by their bosses to make sure all writing is original.
When Turnitin is used in schools, colleges and universities, the service checks up to 20 million sources of information every day. This means that students who buy papers online may have to deal with much bigger penalties than they'd be expected to suffer if they were writing the essay in the first place. A lot of people feel that using Turnitin in this way is unfair.
In 2011, Turnitin sued the University of Oklahoma and the University of North Carolina for $7.4 million in damages. The company claimed that it was wrongfully accused of “cyber-theft”. The university defended itself by saying that the allegations were exaggerated and the lawsuit


The key to a happy home is regular meals together, more than one tablet computer and a Netflix account, a new study has revealed. Research into the  lives of 2,000 British families found that traditional values such as regular heart-to-hearts, hugs and knowing when to say sorry were still important factors for domestic bliss. But the study also revealed that modern families believed that having modern technology and gadgets such as a Netflix account, fast wi-fi and Sky TV were also key to harmonious home life. A new study has found that one of the keys to domestic bliss is having more than one tablet computer per household (picture posed by models) Monthly trips to the cinema, a good coffee machine for mum and dad and at least three televisions were also deemed necessities for happiness. The research, commissioned by British manufacturer Origin, found the highest rated tips for domestic bliss included eating together regularly, laughing a lot and keeping the home tidy. Despite the importance of eating together proving the most popular source for a happy family, a third said they rarely find time to do this. A quarter of families also felt they haven't got a good work/life balance with the average family getting less than 12 hours a week together. Andrew Halsall, Managing Director at Origin, said: 'The list of things that people attribute to happiness at home is an interesting mix of traditional processes, efforts to create a warm environment blended with the presence of technology and modern comforts. The whole family regularly eating together topped the list of things that helped create a harmonious family life . 'It's nice to see that eating together is still seen as the biggest sign of family bonding and a significant part of what people say makes a happy home. 'Modern life can be so hectic that families can struggle to get time together or ensure they appreciate their home life fully. People and their lifestyles change over time and homes need to be able to change with them. 'Whether it's through physical changes like extending or developing the property, or through making a conscious effort to do things together more, building that home environment clearly leads to happiness. After all, an Englishman's home is his castle.' The study also revealed that keeping the place tidy, cooking with the children and having in-jokes makes all the difference in fuelling a great home environment. Unsurprisingly, a dishwasher helped to avoid arguments about who is going to do the washing up, while a Netflix account was seen as an important factor in keeping the peace . Despite items such as fast wi-fi, Sky TV and everyone having their own smartphone or tablet, old fashioned bonding such as hugs and eating together were in the top five ways to keep a happy home . While a lock on the bathroom door, movie nights and well-lit rooms were also important factors to a house being free of doom and gloom. A good stack of board games, a comfortable sofa everyone can pile on and picking up clothes from the floor also goes a long way. Narrowly missing out on the top 50 elements for family happiness was the ability to share the remote control, having blinds to keep out nosy neighbours and a set of bi-fold doors opening out to the garden also help. More than two thirds of the families studied also felt that they were in definite need of more space at home. But children had other ideas when it came to essentials for a happy home with a tree house the most wished-for item, followed by a swimming pool in the garden and a bigger playroom. Andrew Halsall added: 'Space plays such a big part in creating a happy home environment.'Lack of adequate space for a household has also been shown to have significant impact on health, educational attainment and family relationships.' 1. All eating together . 2. Laughing a lot . 3. Keeping the home tidy . 4. Feeling safe and secure . 5. Hugs . 6. Enough sofas for everyone to sit on . 7. Making time for each other . 8. Regular family trips out . 9. Knowing when to say sorry . 10. A family pet . 11. Nice neighbours . 12. Not rowing in front of the kids . 13. A big garden . 14. Cooking with the children . 15. Helping the kids with their homework . 16. Not having secrets . 17. Movie nights . 18. Playing board games together . 19. Putting the kids' paintings on the walls . 20. Sharing chores . 21. Everyone picking their clothes up off of the floor . 22. Having lots of photos together around the house . 23. Knowing when someone wants to be left alone . 24. Having a treat cupboard . 25. Having a play room for the kids . 26. Having a big TV in the lounge . 27. Having fast Wi-Fi . 28. Having 'in' jokes . 29. A large kitchen . 30. Having regular heart-to-hearts . 31. Privacy from the outside world . 32. Having a takeaway night every few weeks . 33. Having a dishwasher . 34. Plenty of music . 35. A weekly walk . 36. Nice views . 37. A lock on the bathroom door . 38. Having Sky TV . 39. Well-lit rooms . 40. Having designated days where we spend time together . 41. Double glazing to reduce noise . 42. Everyone having their own tablet or smartphone . 43. Everyone having their own set of keys . 44. Having grandparents nearby to look after the kids . 45. A spacious kitchen . 46. A Netflix account . 47. Having a tumble drier . 48. Big windows . 49. Having several bathrooms . 50. Separate cupboard space in the bedroom .

Research into lives of 2,000 families revealed the top tips for a happy home . Heart-to-hearts, hugs and knowing when to say sorry were all important . But having modern technology like fast wi-fi and Sky TV also rated highly .

hearts and a healthy diet are still vital for a happy household.
The study found that families who eat together at the kitchen table three times a week are 36 per cent more likely to be happy and content than families who daren’t tackle the weekly food shop.
More than a third of parents (35 per cent) said they struggled to meet their child’s expectations of regular meals and TV viewing, with two thirds (64 per cent) admitting they felt time poor in order to make food and ensure their child eats healthily.
A quarter of mothers and one in six dads said they were constantly torn between looking after their partner and keeping their kids happy – while one in five dads and one in seven mums admitted they felt guilty spending time away from their children.
The research, commissioned by Panasonic, found that most (56 per cent) parents of three to 15-year-olds, who own a smart device like a tablet or laptop, use these to do their own shopping, while 46 per cent (57 per cent) said they use it to do research before making meals, while a quarter (24 per cent) use it to stream films and shows while doing so.
But when it comes to putting down the gadgets, one in five (20 per cent) mums and more than one in six dads (17 per cent) said the children would fight and argue to use the tablet more than they would have if they had nothing to do.
A quarter (26 per cent) of parents (24 per cent) admitted to feeling pressured into spending time with their children on the weekend, while a fifth (21 per cent) said they struggle with finding the time to spend with their kids outside of school and work.
As a result, one in four (25 per cent) parents of kids aged between three to 15 said they felt like they should be able to do more with their family, with a third (34 per cent) adding they feel they are missing out on vital time together.
With the cost of living and childcare rising, a quarter (25 per cent) of mums and dads think it’s harder than ever to make ends meet, with a quarter (27 per cent) thinking they have less money than their parents did when they were bringing up their kids.
A quarter (25 per cent) admitted they think about how their children will cope financially when they are older, with


The Supreme Court of Alabama has ordered the state's probate judges to stop issuing marriage licenses to gay couples in the latest development in a fierce battle over the power of federal law. In its ruling on Tuesday evening, the all-Republican court said a previous federal ruling stating that banning same-sex marriage violates the US Constitution does not prevent it from following state law. In Alabama, marriage has been legally defined as the union of only one man and one woman for two centuries, it said, siding with an argument recently offered by a pair of conservative organizations. 'Alabama probate judges have a ministerial duty not to issue any marriage license contrary to this law. Nothing in the United States Constitution alters or overrides this duty', the court added. Ruling: The Supreme Court of Alabama (pictured) has ordered the state's probate judges to stop issuing marriage licenses to gay couples in the latest development in a fierce battle over the power of federal law . The state's probate judges now have five days to file a letter stating why they should not have to adhere to the court's decision, according to ABC. Six justices concurred in Tuesday's 134-page opinion, which was not signed. However, the court's most outspoken opponent of gay marriage, Chief Justice Roy Moore, recused himself. Last month, two conservative groups appealed a decision by District Judge Callie Granade of Mobile, who ruled that Alabama's constitutional and statutory bans on gay marriage were unconstitutional. Immediately after Granade's ruling, Moore told probate judges across the state they were not obliged to issue same-sex marriage licenses. His stance created widespread confusion among judges. Awaiting a license: In its ruling on Tuesday evening, the  court said a previous federal ruling stating that banning gay marriage violates the US Constitution does not prevent it from following state law. Above, Shante Wolfe, left, and Tori Sisson, right, wait for their marriage license to be processed  in Montgomery, Ala., last month . Protesters: In Alabama, marriage has been legally defined as the union of only one man and one woman for two centuries, the court said. Above, people rally against same-sex marriage in Montgomery on February 21 . Some refused to issue the licenses to engaged same-sex couples, while others shut down their operations for all couples, gay and straight, until they could get a clear answer. Justice Jim Main agreed with the result but said he has concerns about procedural aspects 'of this highly unusual case'. In a dissent, Justice Greg Shaw said it was 'unfortunate' that federal courts refused to delay gay marriage in the state until the US Supreme Court could settle the issue nationally. But, Shaw said, the state Supreme Court does not have the power to consider the issue. The court released the decision while Gov. Robert Bentley and most state leaders were assembled in Montgomery for the state of the state address. Differing opinions: Six justices concurred in Tuesday's  opinion, which was not signed. However, the court's most outspoken opponent of gay marriage, Chief Justice Roy Moore (left), recused himself. Right, Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said the court's position was 'unfortunate' Bentley's spokesman said the administration was reviewing the decision and had no comment. Joe Godfrey, executive director of the Alabama Citizens Action Program, said he was 'very excited' about the decision blocking judges from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. 'We are concerned about the family and the danger that same-sex marriage will have. It will be a devastating blow to the family, which is already struggling,' Godfrey said. He added the ruling will give 'some stability' in Alabama until the Supreme Court rules later this year. However, lawyers representing same-sex couples seeking the right to marry in Alabama said the court showed 'callous disregard' in its decision. It added that the court overstepped its bounds by declaring that Alabama's ban on same-sex marriages is constitutional, something the justices had not been asked to consider. 'It is deeply unfortunate that even as nationwide marriage equality is on the horizon, the Alabama Supreme Court is determined to be on the wrong side of history,' said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The court's decision Tuesday came in response to a request from the Alabama Policy Institute and the Baptist-run Alabama Citizens Action Program to halt same-sex unions after Granade's ruling. Gay marriage has been legalized in at least 36 US states, as well as the District of Columbia.

Court has told probate judges to stop issuing same-sex marriage licenses . Claims previous federal ruling does not prevent it from following state law . Federal justices ruled that banning gay marriage violates US Constitution . But court argues under Alabama law, marriage involves a man and woman . Six justices agreed in  134-page opinion on Tuesday, which was not signed . National Center for Lesbian Rights director described court's position as 'unfortunate', adding 'it is determined to be on the wrong side of history'

 the probate judges cannot issue licenses that are not approved by the courts. The ruling (PDF) was seen as an effort by the court to give itself some space to deal with the matter once the legal battle has been settled at the federal level.
In a 6–1 decision (PDF), which was unsigned, the court said that the probate judges cannot circumvent the state's ban on same-sex marriage. That was in violation of a state law, according to the majority opinion authored by Justice Michael Bolin, that said that no judge can issue a marriage license that is not first approved by the courts. In its ruling, the court said that the probate judges, by issuing the licenses before the state court's ruling was issued, were in violation of the law and "subverting the judicial process that Alabama's state government is authorized to conduct," according to its majority opinion.
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange called the ruling "a complete victory for the people of Alabama" in a statement following the court ruling, saying that the decision "reaffirms that the state’s probate judges have the authority to interpret and implement all Alabama laws."
The ruling was criticized by a number of LGBTQ advocacy groups including the Alabama branch of the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal. The organizations were also quick to note that the Supreme Court had issued a similar ruling in 2015, which means the decision was less of a surprise for them than for the probate judges. "The 2015 ruling that struck down bans on same-sex marriage in Alabama, and allowed probate judges to resume issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, is still on the books," Lambda Legal staff attorney Donna Murch said. "Therefore, we are reviewing the new order to see what impact, if any, it has on that decision. Until such time that our legal analysis is completed, we will refrain from commenting further," she said.
The ruling could also be seen as an effort by the Supreme Court, which was in the middle of deciding whether to take up an appeal to that 2015 ruling, to create some space to deal with the case after the state and federal level have come to an agreement. On May 23, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas asked Alabama Attorney General Strange for a briefing, according to Politico, on the decision made last week by a federal judge that the state's same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. That would likely set up a ruling from the


(CNN)Is there anything Monopoly can't do? Over the course of its 80-year life, it's been played underwater, underground, in space (OK, just the tokens) and on giant game boards. It's used chocolate and featured real money. There have been games that barely lasted the night and marathon contests that went on for weeks. Not bad for a game that, according to lore, maker Parker Brothers originally rejected for containing "52 fundamental errors." March 19 marks the official 80th anniversary of the world's best-selling board game, now manufactured by Hasbro. Its circuitous history, like its game board, has been filled with several interesting turns. Here are a few: . Legend has it that Charles Darrow, an unemployed salesman, invented the game in his kitchen in 1930. But the roots of Monopoly actually date back a few more decades, to a game called the Landlord's Game created by Elizabeth Magie in 1903. The Landlord's Game was meant to be educational, illustrating economist Henry George's belief -- inspired by the Gilded Age -- that property ownership by individuals is inherently unfair. Magie's game was an underground success, leading to a number of offshoots, including the one that Darrow tweaked. Parker Brothers bought her patent for $500 in 1935, closing the loop. As for Darrow, he was inspired in 1932 by a version created by a New Jersey Quaker community that made Atlantic City the locale of the game. Darrow added colors and other design elements -- "a look and feel to his board that would prove immensely appealing," writes Philip E. Orbanes in "Monopoly," a 2006 history of the game. Darrow's game was initially rejected by Parker Brothers for three errors -- not 52 -- but when his independent sales took off, Parker Brothers bought the game from him. The date? March 19, 1935. The numbers are staggering. Monopoly has been translated into 47 languages. It's played in 114 countries. It's sold more than 275 million copies. Hasbro prints $30 billion in Monopoly money each year, and well more than $3 trillion has been printed since 1935. Not bad considering each standard game comes with $20,580 -- though it's in the rules that the bank can never go broke, so make up some scrip if you need it. Incidentally, the Monopoly Man -- named Rich Uncle Pennybags -- was likely based on mustachioed financier J.P. Morgan. Even before numerous editions of Monopoly were widely licensed, there were local board variations depending on the country. Boardwalk, for example, is Mayfair in Britain, Schlossallee in Germany, Kalverstraat in the Netherlands and Rue de la Paix in France, after major streets in London, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris. Other streets have also drawn from local geography. The new "Here & Now" U.S. edition, however, opened the voting to enthusiasts -- and Pierre (population 14,000), the capital of South Dakota, won pride of place as Boardwalk. (Lima, Peru, won the World Edition.) Pierre was one of 60 cities in the running, Mayor Laurie Gill said, and was "in the bottom of the pack" when she was informed of the contest. Being a competitive sort, she was determined to push Pierre past perhaps more logical cities such as New York or Los Angeles. "It's our energy and the fact we engaged our citizens," she told CNN. "I was doing radio and press releases and working with our school district, and our Chamber of Commerce utilized social media. It became a big deal here." One consideration for visitors: Pierre is on the Missouri River, but it lacks a literal boardwalk. (There are paths.) Still, given the city's triumph, you probably wouldn't want to play Monopoly against an energized Pierre resident. Pierre may be doing better than Atlantic City, which has struggled since the mid-2000s to return to its gambling heyday. Still, the New Jersey resort does have Monopoly to thank for some of its fame -- not that it was appreciated at one time. In the early '70s, a city commissioner proposed renaming Mediterranean and Baltic avenues, since both had other names in different parts of town. The idea caused an uproar among Monopoly fans and the idea was eventually shot down. "Baltic and Mediterranean are the streets we know," wrote one commissioner. "Without them, we could never pass Go." Do you put money from Chance and Community Chest in the center of the board and collect it when landing on Free Parking? Not in the rules. Do you give $400 for landing on Go instead of $200? Not in the rules. Do you allow secret side deals? Uh-uh. (Admittedly, there is now a set of "House Rules" that allow for variations, but they're not official.) The dismissive line "Do not pass Go, do not collect $200," which has worked its way into a few songs, is from Monopoly. And the game also gave us the term "Monopoly money," as in worthless currency. There aren't many movies featuring the game, but "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" has a famous scene with William Redfield and Danny DeVito arguing over DeVito's play. Stay tuned, though: a Monopoly movie is back on after several years in Hollywood purgatory. So forget the classic definition of "Monopoly money." Hasbro has taken quite a bunch to the bank. The original set featured a top hat, iron, shoe, thimble, battleship and cannon. Over the years, some pieces have been retired -- including a purse, rocking horse and lantern -- and others have been added. The latest? A bag of money and a cat. And they're all still made of metal, just as they've been for decades. Want to win at Monopoly? Though there's some chance involved (pardon the pun), the low-rent light blues and the mid-market oranges are the most desirable, according to a study done for Maxine Brady's 1974 "The Monopoly Book." The oranges and reds are the most likely to be landed on. The more upscale greens will pay off eventually, but they're expensive to develop, so you'd better have another form of cash flow in the short term. Or you could just do what millions have done since Darrow's day: Land on someone else's hotel, get mad and turn over the game board. Hey, it worked in college.

Monopoly celebrates 80th anniversary on Thursday . Popular board game actually has origins in early 20th century . Game has inspired catchphrases, made streets famous, prompted different rules .

 was the target of protests and the inspiration for a board game about the life of notorious murderer Lizzie Borden.
The game is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, with a slate of new editions and expansions hitting shelves. If you missed your chance to score one of the Monopoly Big Shot game consoles last week (the "monstrosity," in the words of its creator), there's plenty more coming.
The next few months will see Monopoly release a slew of new games that go beyond the board and introduce a whole new generation of fans to the game's world of houses and hotels.
"You'll really be able to put the world into a tactile form when you see a Monopoly board come to life," says John Kelleher, executive vice president of North America for Hasbro.
Here's a look at some of the new versions of Monopoly that will be coming out this year and how the popular board game is making its way into the real world.
Monopoly Big Screen
Image source: Hasbro
Hasbro's Monopoly Big Shot game console made a splash when it launched in January and its sales were better than anticipated, according to Kelleher. "There was incredible demand for these systems," Kelleher says.
The Big Shot is a board game that looks a lot like a giant version of the classic Monopoly board game -- there's even a place for the iron and wheelbarrow tokens -- but instead of moving around the board and buying properties, players shoot virtual dice and move around the screen.
"This is like a digital version of Monopoly you have in your living room," Kelleher says.
To play the game, players use a remote control, which also doubles as an app controller on an iPhone or an iPad.
The Big Shot games will be "much more accessible" this year, says Kelleher. Earlier this year, the company only sold its gaming consoles through the Hasbro.com site, but now it's available on Amazon and at major retailers, like Target and Walmart.
It's not hard to see why this game will be popular among families looking to play a classic game remotely.
"You're just gonna have a blast with the family," Kelleher says. "And it really makes you feel like you're in the game."
Hasbro is introducing a new version of Monopoly, Monopoly Spongeb


Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CNN)Jaquita Gonzales still tries to call her husband on his cellphone. A pair of work shoes still sits outside the front door of their home in Kuala Lumpur waiting to be reclaimed. His uniform still hangs in a cupboard. Twelve months after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished without a trace, Gonzales hasn't given up hope. She can't. Neither can her children, other family members and friends. Not until there is some conclusive evidence on the fate of the airliner -- one way or another. "Now and then, every once in a while I call his phone and it goes to voicemail," she says. "You never know, he might pick it up, or someone who has them would let them have the phone and you know, the hope is still there." She's not alone. Families of victims we spoke to hold on to the slimmest belief that MH370, which disappeared barely an hour into its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8 last year, did not crash and that the 239 passengers and crew on board are alive. "No evidence means there is still a little bit of hope. We tap into that hope in order to go on day by day," says Gonzales. But she lives a life in limbo. Neither able to move on, nor go back. Her comfortable home in the suburbs of Malaysia's capital remains virtually the same since her husband of nearly 30 years, Patrick Gomes, left for work on the evening of March 7 as lead purser on the MH370 red-eye bound for the Chinese capital. The only real sign that time has moved on, amid the family photos and plaques celebrating her husband's work achievements is a newspaper on top of a stack in the living room with the word "LOST" splashed across its front page. Gonzales' lifeline, apart from family, is her work. She runs a private school and daycare center for about 70 children and spends about 12 hours a day there. Keeping busy, she says, keeps her sane. But not a day goes by without her thinking of Patrick. "I can be driving and I just have to pull off the road and weep. Everywhere I go I see Patrick," she says. "In our home, with my children, with our friends. There are so many times around the home when I say Patrick you are supposed to be doing this for me, where are you. He helped me with ironing, with cooking." Like Gonzales, many other families CNN has spoken to say they live in hope that their loved one are still alive even though it seems now a virtual impossibility. But along with hope and the pain, many families also share a deep anger. Anger at the Malaysian authorities and Malaysia Airlines who, Gonzales says, are ignoring them. Requests for information are unanswered and attempts to talk to key officials are rebuffed, she says. Grace Nathan's mother was on MH370. For almost a year she and her family grieved in private. But now she has gone public after what she describes as the Malaysian authorities continued "mishandling" of the disappearance. "There is a lack of transparency, a lack of communications between us and the relevant authorities,' she says. "Whenever we've written to them or asked them for answers they have never replied. "It's not like they haven't learned. I would put it that they just don't care. They just want to move on. They don't really care about what we feel or what we have to say." One recent decision by Malaysian authorities has caused bitter resentment among many families. In late January, the government televised a pre-recorded announcement from the civil aviation chief that the passengers and crew of MH370 were "presumed lost" after the plane crashed as a result of an accident. Families were not been given any advance warning of the announcement and, even though it clears the way for compensation claims, they say there is just no evidence to support the statement. It also came just before Chinese New Year, a time of celebration. More than 150 passengers on the flight were Chinese nationals. To add insult to injury, families say, the government had planned to make the announcement at a press conference but canceled the briefing when next-of-kin rushed to the venue. Nathan says she only heard that the government was planning to make the statement when local media rang her. "They rang to say 'can we come and record your reaction when this declaration is made?' Our reaction was 'what declaration?' We didn't know anything about it. "I haven't spoken to the media at all since the accident happened but after that treatment I decided it was time that we said something. It was a group decision that we speak to the media because (the authorities) never respond to anything we write to them or ask them about," she adds. CNN contacted both the Malaysian Government and Malaysia Airlines for a response to the families' claims, but did not receive an answer. For relatives like Gonzales and Nathan, each day is a struggle, a struggle to stop being overwhelmed by memories. "I am just going through the motions,' says Grace. "I am dead inside, I have stopped being happy. Every day basically I just force myself to get through the day."

Jaquita Gonzales' husband was a member of the cabin crew on board MH370 . She says she's unable to move on until she knows what happened to plane . She's one of many relatives of passengers who are angry with how authorities have treated them .

 from the back of a bedroom door.
His shoes no longer need shine.
"I've worn those shoes for 11 years and I don't think they're going to shine like they used to," she tells CNN on the phone, "not with the way I treat them these days."
Lance Corporal Michael J. Duferrier Jr. died at the age of 27 in a Taliban attack on his platoon of Australian marines in Afghanistan last week.
The news of his death was a shock for the 33-year-old Gonzales. He had been her neighbor in the small, two-storey townhome they'd shared with their two boys in California.
"We thought it was 'that guy' when the military came in the door with the grim news," Gonzales said.
Her first instinct was to drive over to their old home to pick up his shoes and uniform, a task she did two weeks ago when a representative from the Australian embassy knocked on the door.
But after she'd spent the previous night hugging her boys, who were five and six years old at the time of the attack, and her husband's shoes still sitting outside the front door waiting to be collected, she changed her mind.
Gonzales couldn't bring herself to pick them up, she said. But she can't imagine the pain of his wife, whose husband had served 12 tours of duty and survived two roadside bombs in Afghanistan before he was killed.
The couple met at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where Duferrier worked with wounded veterans.
After college, the pair moved to Australia, where Duferrier became an elite commando. The Australian marines described him as "a fearless young man" and "a great bloke." Gonzales said her husband had always loved children, and she wonders what his life might have been like if he'd settled down and stayed in Australia.
"The Australian way is to live for the now and think about tomorrow, not to worry about the future," she said.
"Here in America, we seem to worry too much about the future. But they say when you live in the moment you're not worrying about the past."
Her husband may have worried more about the past, she said, but he couldn't wait to get home to his boys at the end of every tour.
"He would just leave the country one


The 'crackers' TV licence cannot survive for another decade, Boris Johnson warned today as he insisted the BBC uses it to 'demolish' its competition. The senior Conservative said changing viewing habits mean it is harder to justify the 'full whack' of the levy on every family with a television. He admitted that he now never watches TV news, although he admitted that this is in part because he struggles to turn his television on. Scroll down for video . London Mayor Boris Johnson admitted that he now never watches TV news, although he admitted that this is in part because he struggles to turn his television on . A committee of MPs said last week that a new tax could be imposed on every all households – not just those with televisions – to replace the £145.50-a-year licence fee which has funded the BBC for the past 69 years. BBC director general Tony Hall has said he is open to the idea, even though it would mean an estimated 500,000 extra households having to pay for a service they do not use or currently get free. But Mr Johnson today insisted the idea of funding the full slate of BBC output was now in doubt, and the BBC 'needs to think about its future'. Speaking on LBC radio, the London Mayor said: 'Many people now no longer get their news, many young people in particular, no longer get their news from TV. 'They don't listen to the Today programme. I don't watch TV news now, I'm afraid to say, I get it all on the web. So the BBC needs to think about its future.' He went on: 'I have to say I can't see how it can go on forever having a tax on TVs that not everybody uses any more. 'I can barely make my TV work. Frankly I come down and I sit at home wait shouting pathetically for some child to come and help me turn it on.' The Culture, Media and Sport select committee suggested the licence fee could continue for another decade, before being reformed in the 2020s. But Mr Johnson insisted: 'That seems to me to be too long not to be taking account of the very rapid changes. 'At the moment every house pays £150 in a levy on their television which is crackers. This thing needs to be rethought, the licence fee is plainly anachronistic. 'It needs to be trimmed, it needs to be cut but you are never going to get away from the situation in which people feel the certainty that we are supporting really, really high quality broadcasting in this country.' BBC director general Lord Tony Hall has said he believes the licence fee 'has got at least another ten years in it' He said there would be a case for some money raised from taxpayers to be used to ensure a very high standard of public broadcasting. But he said he doubted whether this meant the 'full whack of the licence fee' was necessary. 'There is going to have to be a change. I think that we are moving in that direction. 'The basic question is do you need public sector broadcasting. Should we be putting taxpayers' money into broadcasting? The argument would be we put taxpayers' money into supporting all sorts of arts, and they would die in this country if you didn't have support for the arts. 'I think you probably do need to support quality broadcasting, proper fantastic productions that the BBC specialises in. 'Whether you need to support the whole machine… The BBC can be extremely anti-competitive. They take huge sums of money from the taxpayer, from the licence payer, and use it to cross-subsidise businesses that demolish local newspapers, local websites.' A BBC spokesman said: 'We agree with Boris on supporting high quality public broadcasting in this country, and that it would be a shame to lose that, which is why it is important that the BBC is able to continue offering the high quality news, drama, and entertainment the British public loves.' The Corporation insisted that 96 per cent of people use BBC services every week. Changing viewing habits, including watching online and subscription services, mean the TV licence has become harder to justify . BBC boss Lord Hall yesterday defended the licence fee and said the corporation's opponents have to be 'honest about the consequences' of their plans for the organisation. In a speech at New Broadcasting House in central London, he said the corporation was at 'a crossroads' and the licence fee - which is not currently required to watch catch-up TV on iPlayer - must be amended to cover 'catch-up television as soon as possible'. The director general said: 'We've always said that the licence fee should be updated to reflect changing times. I welcome the committee's endorsement of our proposal to require people to pay the licence fee even if they only watch catch-up television. The committee has suggested another route to modernising the licence fee - a universal household levy. 'Both proposals have the same goal in mind: adapting the licence fee for the internet age. This is vital. Because I believe we need and we will need what the licence fee - in whatever form - makes happen - more than ever. 'In fact, I'm going to go further and argue that if we didn't have a BBC funded by a licence fee, such is the world we face, we'd have to invent it.'

London Mayor says many people no longer watch news on television TV . Reveals he  gets all his news online, because he struggles with his remote . Changing viewing habits mean it is harder to justify the 'full whack' levy . Committee of MPs called for reform after another 10 years of licence fee . But Johnson insists it cannot go on that long and change is needed . Senior Tory warns the BBC uses public money to 'demolish' local rivals . Corporation insists 96% of people use BBC services every week .

'crackers' TV licence deal – which sees over-75s pay nothing but younger viewers between 18-24 pay £152.
Mr Johnson said as he announced the BBC's plans to shake-up the £7.1billion BBC and its radio services (and increase its budget by £650million over three years) that a more competitive media world meant it could not survive in its current form for much longer. He said it had to be much more agile and more flexible if it was going to attract younger viewers.
"How can anyone justify paying a licence fee as a 21st century Tory and a taxpayer?" he asked in a speech in Whitehall. "I have made the point before that I think that people with a licence fee should get a discount. I think that the licence fee should change. "I think that if we're going to deal with the changing media in this country the BBC has got to move. I think that this has got to be the first in a new series of negotiations between the BBC and the Government.
"The BBC has a brilliant role to play. What happens is that the BBC just demolishes its commercial competition. We've got to have a much more competitive licence fee than we have at the moment. "We've got to have a competitive BBC." BBC director-general Tony Hall has previously made the case that younger licence fee-payers are more likely to watch the BBC at home and on mobile devices – so it makes sense for the licence fee not to be paid by those people – and he will unveil a plan to scrap the fee for 18-24 year-olds who watch television "primarily" on the BBC.
The BBC had already said it was 'considering' scrapping the TV licence fee for those who use 'alternative' ways to watch television. Mr Johnson added that the BBC should consider changing the licence fee system so that it paid the same amount of funding whether viewers watched it in a traditional way or watched it via an app or via subscription.
"It's not just the BBC," he said. "I think every public service broadcaster should be under the same scrutiny as the BBC. It seems to me that the BBC can't get away with it (not paying the licence fee) when we've got all these competitors. It's a great business but it needs to think again about what a public service broadcaster is. "This


Riders were left shaken after the  Cyclone at Coney Island got stuck at the top of its track forcing them to climb down to safety on opening day of the amusement park. The 24 passengers made their way slowly from around 10ft from the top of the the 88-year-old roller coaster after it stopped at about 12pm on Sunday. The riders were enjoying the first public ride during the opening of Luna Park's summer season before it malfunctioned. They were able to climb down to safety and there were no reported injuries following the incident. Scroll down for video . Riders were left stranded after the legendary Coney Island Cyclone got stuck at the top of its track during its inaugural run. Passengers on the roller coaster had to climb down to safety . The 24 passengers were evacuated by climbing down the walkway lining the 88-year-old rollercoaster after it stopped around 10ft from the top at 12pm on Sunday . Some of the passengers called the experience 'terrifying' after they safely made it to the bottom . After the roller coaster came to a halt, riders were stranded for about ten minutes before they climbed down the small walkway lining the track, according to CBS. One passenger said the entire experience was scary. 'It was terrifying, because I was up there and everything was spinning,' Gabriella Centeno said once she climbed to the bottom. 'I didn't know what to do.' A small mechanical glitch was likely the cause of the roller coaster getting stuck, said Luna Park spokeswoman Erica Hoffman. Angie Morris, the park's brand manager, said a problem like this one had not happened in a long time, and that tests were conducted on the roller coaster during the last month ahead of opening day, according to NBC. Riders were enjoying the first public ride of the 2015 season before it came to a halt and left them stranded for about ten minutes . A rider who is afraid of heights said 'it was insane' but that she made it down with the help of employees . A member of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club runs out of the ocean after taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean on March 29, 2015 during opening day of Luna Park for the season . A member of the club dries off after his quick swim in the ocean at Coney Island while others were wrapped up in coats . Another rider, who is afraid of heights, said the climb down was made easier with the help of the park's employees. Ann Dartany said: 'I'm scared of heights. But with their help I made it down. This was insane.' Prior to the two dozen passengers getting stuck, a group of dignitaries had taken a ride on the Cyclone. The roller coaster was closed while technicians repaired it and officials said they hoped it would only be shut down for a maximum of two hours. A mechanical glitch was likely the cause of the historic roller coaster stopping on its track, said Luna Park spokeswoman Erica Hoffman . The ride was closed while technicians repaired it which officials hoped would only take a couple of hours . 'The most important part obviously is that everybody was safe,' said Hoffman. During opening day, the first 100 guests were given a free ride on the Cyclone, according to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Some riders waited overnight so that they could be at the front of the line and one of the first to take part in the Cyclone's inaugural run. While thrill-seekers flocked to the amusement park in not-so-summery temperatures, it did not stop members of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club from taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. The group, who calls themselves the oldest winter bathing organization in the United States, went for a swim in the chilly water. And to officially set off the 2015 season with what has become a yearly ritual, Brooklyn Borough president Eric Adams broke a bottle of Egg Cream on the roller coaster. The first 100 guests were promised a free ride on the Cyclone which caused some riders to wait overnight so they could be in the front of the line . Brooklyn Borough president Eric Adams kicked off the 2015 season at Luna Park by breaking a bottom of Egg Cream on the the Cyclone .

24 riders were left stranded for around ten minutes after it came to a stop . 88-year-old roller coaster malfunctioned during its inaugural run on Sunday . It was likely caused by a mechanical glitch and no injuries were reported . First 100 guests were given a free ride on the Cyclone during opening day .

 (3m) up to the ground below, according to the NY Daily News.
One rider told the newspaper: "It was the longest 10 seconds of my life.
"People started to panic but then we got a lot of people in orange safety vests down there telling us it's okay, that the Cyclone wasn't coming down.
"The Cyclone at Coney Island got stuck on its last hill causing some excitement for riders.
"According to one rider: "It was the longest 10 seconds of my life.” "
They added that they then slowly and "safely" climbed down the pole.
Another added: "People started to panic but then we got a lot of people in orange safety vests down there telling us it's okay, that the Cyclone wasn't coming down."
They explained: "This is an old train and it got stuck on the last hill. It's normal."
New York state officials were on the scene and inspected the attraction immediately afterward.
They later said in a statement: “The ride was in full compliance with the law, regulations and standards of operation.
“The ride was inspected by the State as part of the annual certification process and was found to be in full operation.
“The operator was present and the ride functioned as designed with no riders coming off.”
It added: “The operator and ride staff were responsive and appropriately handled the situation.”
Riders said the delay lasted less than 10 minutes before it was cleared that the Cyclone was stuck at the top.
A ride-along video shows the train coming to a halt at the top of a hill before the riders climb down.
The ride's owner, Palace Amusements, did not respond to The Sun's requests for a comment on the incident.
Earlier this month, a 42-year-old man from Minnesota was caught on camera riding the Cyclone's "heartline" - the track running right in the middle of the iconic wooden roller coaster.
The daredevil, named Jason VanOort, appeared to have little fear while sitting on the ride's signature heartline seat - which is situated directly in the middle of the roller coaster's track.
He can be seen flying through the air before reaching the top of the track where the roller coaster's train sits ready to hurtle down the hill.


Ed Woodward and the Glazers love an eye-catching signing at Manchester United but for manager Louis van Gaal the enforced absence of £59.7million winger Angel di Maria against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday might be the best news he’s had this season. Of all the troubles that have afflicted Van Gaal in the last few months, none will have frustrated him more than the most expensive player in Premier League history. Di Maria flickered brightly when he first arrived from Real Madrid but the last six months have signalled a steady decline due to injury, loss of form, an unfortunate burglary and most recently a stupid red card for pulling referee Michael Oliver against Arsenal on Monday night. Angel di Maria pleads his innocence after being booked by referee Michael Oliver in the defeat to Arsenal . Oliver shows the red card to Di Maria  after he tugged at the referee's shirt following a yellow card . Di Maria  walks off the pitch after receiving the red card during the FA Cup quarter-final with Arsenal . United now have to face Spurs without him as they begin a run of key fixtures that will define their chances of getting into the Champions League. Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea all await in just over a month. Yet Di Maria’s absence also gives Van Gaal an opportunity. By his own admission, the United manager likes to kill off opponents by applying pressure through extended spells of possession. It requires patience from fans and players. For an instinctive risk-taker like Di Maria, it’s akin to being a square peg in a round hole. And for United, the deliberate build-up doesn’t work if after 20 passes, their star man dribbles into a defender and doesn’t fight to win the ball back. LVG has tried the Argentine in several positions but none have worked. Without Di Maria against Spurs, themselves pushing for a top-four place, Van Gaal has greater options. He can opt for two traditional wingers, Ashley Young and Adnan Januzaj, recall the flair of Juan Mata or goal-poacher’s instinct of Radamel Falcao, or play a midfield three of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Daley Blind to give him the control he craves. For now, Van Gaal is treading carefully with Di Maria. It wouldn’t be wise to tell the board they’ve wasted their money and with the player’s confidence at a low ebb after his red card hastened United’s FA Cup exit, the manager wants to build him up, not destroy him. Manchester United ace Ander Herrera battles for the ball with fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla at Old Trafford . Manager Louis van Gaal speaks to Ashley Young during the FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford . Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick vies for the ball with former team-mate Danny Welbeck . Even so, it’s significant when the United manager said on Saturday: ‘You pick up players like Juan Mata and Angel di Maria as they are very creative and dangerous, but when you lose the ball too much every trainer-coach will say, “You don’t have to lose so many balls”, as we have to fight back to win the ball again, or the opponent can score. ‘That is always the balance between creative and measuring the risk and ball possession of the opponent. And that is not only for Mata and Di Maria but for every player.’ United have invested too much in Di Maria to jettison him at the first sign of trouble, particularly if no other club is willing to financially compensate a great deal of their outlay. But should United convincingly overcome a Spurs side brimming with youthful energy in the form of Harry Kane, Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason, questions will be asked if they are a better unit without their most expensive acquisition. Tottenham Hotspur's French midfielder Nabil Bentaleb battles Bobby Zamora for the ball at Loftus Road . Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ryan Mason looks to beat QPR ace Matt Phillips to the ball . Of course, the break-in at Di Maria’s house was horrible for his family, who have effectively been forced from their home and now live in a hotel. But it leaves Van Gaal in a tricky position. In the build-up to Sunday's showdown, the United manager tried to address all sides. He said he expected Di Maria to be at the club next season, but at the same time would be sympathetic to any player who was experiencing off-field problems and wanted to leave. He also pointed out that financial considerations meant the club couldn’t allow Di Maria to go cheap. In shorthand it’s unlikely United would beat off any suitors who waved £50m at them to sign Di Maria this summer. Van Gaal and Ryan Giggs stand with an official as they look to get their tactics across at Old Trafford . The manager’s immediate priority is to try and beat Spurs. Any other result would hand the advantage of Champions League qualification to Arsenal, Liverpool and also Mauricio Pochettino’s team. Failure to be among Europe’s elite for a second consecutive season would be cataclysmic for United on many levels. For Van Gaal, a manager who has won championships with Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich, the price would be hurtful in football terms even without the monetary implications. ‘I don’t think that I’m here to think about the financial consequences — that is (for) Ed Woodward,’ he argued. ‘I’m here to manage the professional football department of Manchester United and I’m here because of my qualities and my philosophy. Di Maria celebrates a rare goal in a Manchester United shirt after scoring against Everton at Old Trafford . ‘I think they are pleased with my way of managing the club. I am not thinking of the consequences if I am not in fourth or third. It is very bad for the club but why do we have to speak about things that have not happened yet?’ United have lost only two league games since November 2 but their form has been unconvincing and their fans have booed players for an often safety-first approach. The United manager insists everything is on track and the players are buying into his famed philosophy, even if some supporters are impatient with his pragmatic approach. Due to his price tag, it would have been hard to imagine Di Maria being dropped for such an important fixture as this one against Spurs. Now he can’t play, it will be interesting to see if United gel better as a team without him. Di Maria takes on Argentina team-mate Pablo Zabaleta as Manchester United face rivals Manchester City .

Angel di Maria will miss Manchester United's clash with Tottenham . Di Maria is suspended after being sent off in the midweek defeat to Arsenal . But could his unavailability be a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils? Former Real Madrid ace has been poor for Val Gaal's side recently .

s had in weeks.
The Argentine has been named in United’s starting XI for the first time in three months, with the arrival of Memphis Depay and Adnan Januzaj seemingly consigning Di Maria to the periphery of Van Gaal’s plans.
But the Dutchman’s insistence on playing the £59.7m man, even though he’s been far from convincing so far this season, has been an astonishing act of stubbornness.
The 27-year-old has struggled since United paid £59.7m for him in a world-record deal last summer, missing almost six months of the season to injury and being hauled off by Van Gaal in the FA Cup defeat to Arsenal back in February.
He has started just five times this season and, despite his recent upturn in form and fitness, he has appeared as a substitute in four of United’s last eight league games — a staggering decision from Van Gaal, whose insistence on playing players not at the top of their game has been a huge stumbling block to United’s success this season.
He’s not alone. Van Gaal also kept faith in out-of-form midfielder Ander Herrera and, even when United needed to inject more urgency in midfield against Arsenal, played Phil Jones ahead of Juan Mata against Burnley last week.
The reason for this is two-fold. First is the fact that Van Gaal has a blind spot when it comes to the players who sign for United, with Di Maria and Herrera just two cases in point. The other is because the Dutchman has struggled to understand the league and the culture of the Premier League.
Van Gaal has been here for 15 months and even after spending over £300m in the summer he has no idea how to deal with some of the Premier League’s most basic concepts, such as pace and physicality.
This is why United are struggling for goals and they simply haven’t been good enough over the past 12 months. It is why there is no team shape to play around Di Maria. It is why the manager still appears to have a complete lack of an idea when it comes to the tactics he employs to play against the big teams.
Van Gaal can’t see it and it can’t be for lack of data. His ‘secret’ stats, the ones he doesn’t share with anyone else, show that United have been doing well under him so far.


If you've ever misplaced your wallet at home, left it in a bar or had it stolen a new smart wallet could give you some peace of mind. Called Woolet, the $99 (£67) pouch syncs to a phone over Bluetooth to offer five different ways to locate it when it's lost. This includes sending an alert to the phone, a built-in distance tracker and a 'howling' alarm to pinpoint its precise location. Scroll down for video . The $99 (£67) Woolet syncs to a phone over Bluetooth to offers five different ways to locate it. This includes sending an alert to the phone, a built-in distance tracker and a 'howling' alarm to pinpoint its precise location . Woolet was created by Delaware-based Wooletco that has raised almost $160,000 (£108,000) on Kickstarter to fund the accessory. It is fitted with a mini-sensor and if left behind, the phone will vibrate to warn its owner - and vice versa if the phone is lost. And this distance can be customised, from between 20 and 85ft (six and 25 metres). Once an alert has been sent to the phone, a built-in distance tracker helps the owner pinpoint the Woolet's location, and clicking 'Ring to Find' will cause the wallet to emit a sound. Woolet and its app (pictured) was created by Delaware-based Wooletco. The firm has already raised almost $160,000 (£108,000) on Kickstarter to fund the accessory. Woolet is fitted with a mini-sensor and if its owner leaves it behind, the phone will vibrate to warn them - and vice versa if the phone is left behind . This distance can be customised, from 20 and 85ft (six and 25 metres), and once an alert has been sent to a phone, a built-in tracker and notification tool (pictured) will help the owner pinpoint the Woolet's location . Woolet was created by Delaware-based Wooletco. It is fitted with a mini-sensor and if left behind the phone will vibrate to warn its owner - and vice versa. Once an alert has been sent to the phone, a built-in distance tracker will help the owner pinpoint the Woolet's location, and clicking 'Ring to Find' will cause the wallet to emit a sound. Plus the app will show the owner the wallet's last recorded location, and when in a crowd the Woolet sends signals to other Woolet owners so they can relay its location. It also has self-charging batteries. This sound is also customisable and includes a ringer or a 'howling' noise. Plus the app will show the owner the wallet's last recorded location, and when in a crowd the Woolet sends signals to other Woolet owners so they can relay its location. It also has self-charging batteries and the company is still experimenting on whether these batteries will charge through movement or heat. 'Woolet is just 9.9mm thin, yet ready for anything,' said the designers. 'Unlike other smart wallets, Woolet is a ‘full wallet’. This means you don’t need to compromise on what you take. '[Plus] batteries are an essential component of any smart device but are also often its weakest component. 'That’s why we designed self-charging batteries to provide dependable power that lasts.' Other specifications include four credit card slots, a bank note sleeve and a hidden money pocket. It has a maximum range of 250ft (60 metres) and the app works with iOS and Android. Woolets can be pre-ordered for $99 (£67) from Kickstarter and are expected to ship in May this year. Clicking 'Ring to Find' will cause the wallet to emit a sound, and the app can reveal the wallet's last recorded location. Additionally, when lost in a crowded place the Woolet will beam signals to other Woolet owners so they can relay its location to the original owner . Other specifications include four credit card slots, a bank note sleeve and a hidden money pocket. It has a maximum range of 250ft (60 metres) and the app works with iOS and Android. Woolets can be pre-ordered for $99 (£67) from Kickstarter and are expected to ship in May this year .

Woolet's mini-sensor syncs to a phone to offer support in five ways . If Woolet is left behind the phone will vibrate to warn you - and vice versa . A built-in distance tracker will then help you pinpoint its location . Clicking 'Ring to Find' causes the wallet to emit a sound . And the app will show you the wallet's last recorded location . Plus, in a crowd the Woolet sends signals to other Woolet owners so they can relay its location to the owner . Woolets can be pre-ordered for $99 (£67) from its Kickstarter page and the wallets are expected to ship in May this year .

 smartphone app and vibrates and flashes to alert you if you leave it behind. You can order a limited-edition grey one via Kickstarter until July 17th.
See also:
- You Could Soon Have This World's Smartest Wallet
- Apple Is Working On TouchID For The iPhone, But They Need Your Help
- Sony's Smart Wallet Uses NFC For Mobile Payments
Woolet is the brainchild of Romanian designer Andrei Lupu. The 26-year-old graduate of the Romanian Institute of Theatrical Architecture and Design told The Next Web that the idea for Woolet came when he and his partner, Mariana, misplaced their wallet.
"It was quite expensive and we lost it so quickly that we wanted to find a way to make sure that such an unpleasant thing would not happen again to us, our friends, or our family," said Lupu.
Woolet
The pouch uses Bluetooth 4.0 for communication with your smartphone and the NFC chip that allows you to tap-and-pay for stuff, just like Android Pay and Apple Pay, among others.
The design is pretty sleek and a lot slimmer than most smart wallets out there. It measures 5.6 x 3.1 x 0.2 inches (14 x 8 x 0.5cm) and weighs just 4oz (113g). The back of the pouch is padded with microfiber to protect your phone and the inside is lined with a soft microfibre lining.
Woolet
It's built in Germany and you'll be able to charge it via a standard microUSB port. A full charge gives you two days of standby time and two-and-a-half hours of NFC operation. You can order a limited edition black version for a pledge of $149 (£95) via Kickstarter until July 17th.
See also:
- You Could Soon Have This World's Smartest Wallet
- Apple Is Working On TouchID For The iPhone, But They Need Your Help
- Sony's Smart Wallet Uses NFC For Mobile Payments
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