What’s got Oprah all fired up?

Stars ... Selma director Ava DuVernay, actor David Oyelowo and producer/actor Oprah Winfrey participate in the ceremony to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in Selma, Alabama. Picture: David A. Smith/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey and other cast members of the film "Selma" march in Alabama to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Julie Noce reports.

OPRAH Winfrey, fellow actors from the movie Selma and hundreds of others marched to recall one of the bloodiest chapters of the civil rights movement on the eve of the American public holiday honouring Martin Luther King Jr.

The remembrance on Sunday comes after several incidents around the US in which unarmed black men were killed by police, leading to protests.

In Ferguson, Missouri, the site of the most persistent protests, leading black members of Congress pressed for further reforms of the criminal justice system in the name of equality.

Eight members of the Congressional Black Caucus joined US Rep. William Lacy Clay in Ferguson as they took up King's legacy in light of the recent deaths.

"We need to be outraged when local law enforcement and the justice system repeatedly allow young, unarmed black men to encounter police and then wind up dead with no consequences," said Clay. "Not just in Ferguson, but over and over again across this country."

In Selma, Alabama, Oprah Winfrey helped lead the march with Selma director Ava DuVernay, actor David Oyelowo, who portrayed King in the movie, and the rapper Common.

They and others marched from Selma City Hall to Edmund Pettus Bridge, where civil rights protesters were beaten and tear-gassed by officers in 1965.

"Every single person who was on that bridge is a hero," Winfrey told the marchers.

Tribute ... hundreds march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in honour of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Selma, Alabama. Picture: Sean Gardner/Getty Images/AFP Source: AFP

The film chronicles the campaign leading up to the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and the subsequent passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Law enforcement officers used clubs and tear gas on March 7, 1965 — "Bloody Sunday" — on marchers intent on seeking the right for blacks to register to vote.

McLinda Gilchrist, 63, said the movie should help a younger generation understand what life was like in the 1960s during the struggle to end racial discrimination. "They treated us worse than animals," Gilchrist said.

A new march, led by King, began two weeks later and arrived in Montgomery days later with the crowd swelling to 25,000.

Protest ... marchers line the streets of Selma towards Edmund Pettus Bridge in honour of Martin Luther King Jr. Picture: AP Photo/Brynn Anderson Source: AP

Rally ... demonstrators hold up signs calling for justice at a march in Selma, Alabama. Picture: Sean Gardner/Getty Images/AFP Source: AFP

Rally ... hundreds marched across Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to mark Martin Luther King Jr Day. Picture: Sean Gardner/Getty Images/AFP Source: AFP

For Monday's federal holiday, people around the country were remembering King's leadership, some in light of the fatal police shootings that had recently shaken the US, including the death of an unarmed black teen last year in Ferguson, Missouri.

The life and legacy of the Rev Martin Luther King Jr also was being celebrated at the church he pastored in Atlanta.

'Bloody Sunday' ... civil rights activist Marie Foster, 85, lying on the ground in Selma when Alabama state troopers beat protesters demanding voting rights in 1965. Picture: Supplied Source: News Corp Australia

Protest ... John Lewis, centre, of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, is forced to the ground by a trooper during the 'Bloody Sunday' demonstration in Selma, Alabama in 1965. Picture: AP Source: AP

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

High five: Kokkinakis, Kyrgios triumph

Australian teen Thanasi Kokkinakis has ousted 11th seed Ernests Gulbis in a five-set Australian Open epic.

Thanasi Kokkinakis celebrates after beating Ernests Gulbis. Source: AFP

AUSSIE young guns Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have pulled off stunning five-set victories on day one at the Australian Open.

The rising stars of Australian tennis lit up Melbourne Park's night session, showcasing their exciting futures.

Kokkinakis stunned Latvian No.11 seed Ernests Gulbis - staving off four match points - before prevailing 5-7, 6-0, 1-6, 7-6, 8-6.

Fifth seed Ana Ivanovic has been stunned at the Australian Open, losing to Lucie Hradecka.

Kyrgios was equally brave, overcoming a back complaint on his way to a 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 win over Argentine Federirco Delbonis.

It was a stunning performance from Kokkinakis as he served his way out of trouble on several occasions in the fourth and fifth sets.

Kyrgios never looked settled by a string of scorching winners overpowered Delbonis on Margaret Court Arena.

GET LIVE UPDATES BELOW AND SCROLL DOWN FOR THE REST OF THE DAY 1 NEWS

Earlier, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova have cruised into the second round of the Australian Open with straight set wins on Rod Laver Arena.

Federer eased past Yen-Hsun Lu 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 before Sharapova took to the court where she brushed past qualifer Petra Martic 6-4, 6-1.

Eugenie Bouchard also got her Australian Open off to a solid start, battling past Germany's Anna-Lena Friedsam in straight sets 6-2, 6-4.

Sam Groth is through to the second round of the Australian Open, beating Filip Krajinovic in straight sets.

On Hisense Arena Bernard Tomic won through to the second round of the Australian Open after a hard-fought four-set win over Germany's Tobias Kamke.

Tomic joins fellow Aussies Marinko Matosevic and James Duckworth in the next round after the pair had earlier won five-setters on Day 1.

Sam Groth was the fourth Australian man to progress to the second round when he overcame Filip Krajinovic in straight sets 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

PICTURES: IMG PLAYERS' PARTY AT CROWN

TAKE IT OUTSIDE: COURTSIDE CRACKDOWN ON SELFIE STICKS

NICK KYRGIOS: I FEEL LIKE A KID AT CHRISTMAS

Tomic was broken early but fought back to win the first set before losing the second; however, he settled after that to win 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2.

Duckworth eventually prevailed over Slovenia's Blaz Kavcic after a slog on Court 6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 2-6, in three hours, 45 mins.

Matosevic also had to grind out a five-set win, coming back from two sets to one down to defeat Russian qualifier Alexander Kudryavtsev 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-5 6-3 on Court 3 in 3h 28mins.

Roger Federer has cruised through to the second round of the Australian Open, beating Yen-Hsun Lu in straight sets.

Meanwhile, Ana Ivanovic became the first high-profile casualty of this year's tournament, losing to qualifier Lucie Hradecka 1-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Fan favourite and seventh seed Eugenie Bouchard avoided a similar fate as she won 6-2, 6-4 over Anna-Lena Friedsam, in a match that was tougher than the scoreline would suggest.

Earlier, Jarmila Gajdosova broke her Melbourne Park hoodoo, finally winning an Australian Open match at the 10th attempt.

PHILIPPOUSSIS: KYRGIOS NEEDS A NEW HIGHLIGHTS REEL

SWEET TRADITION: DJOKOVIC'S WEIRD AUS OPEN RITUAL

POSTER GIRL: GENIE HOPING TO WORK HER MAGIC AGAIN

The Aussie beat Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru 6-3 6-4 at Margaret Court Arena to become the first Australian to secure a spot in the second round.

Storm Sanders failed to progress, however, beaten 7-5 6-4 by Czech Klara Koukalova, while Jordan Thompson also fell at the first hurdle, losing in straight sets to Portugal's Joao Sousa.

John Millman was eliminated by Argentinian No.26 seed Leonardo Mater in straight sets, 3-6 3-6 2-6, while Luke Saville was also beaten in straight sets by American Tim Smyczek, 6-7 (2) 5-7 4-6.

Originally published as High five: Kokkinakis, Kyrgios triumph

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why Indonesia won’t spare Bali Nine duo

Cindy Wockner speaks exclusively to the mother and family of death row inmate Myuran Sukumaran about the rejection of his clemency plea by the Indonesian President. Produced by Josh Wall

AUSTRALIA has never convinced a regional government to abandon plans to execute a drug runner and faces a bleak battle trying to persuade Joko Widodo to spare the lives of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan.

The new Indonesian President has reactivated executions as a way to stamp his authority and would struggle to find any reason to spare the two Australians, especially after it executed five foreigners at the weekend.

The Prime Minister has sent two letters to President Widodo appealing for clemency, which Mr Abbott's office yesterday declined to make public.

GRIM EXECUTION: What awaits Australia's Bali Nine pair

BALI NINE LAWYER: Appeals to stop firing squad

BALI NINE: Aussies to be execute together

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop — who met the families of both death-row prisoners at the weekend and has vowed to "exhaust all avenues" -- wrote to her counterpart in December appealing for mercy, which did not receive a positive response.

Professor Tim Lindsey, from Melbourne University's Centre for Indonesian Law, Islam and Society, says both will have their work cut out trying to persuade President Widodo to make exceptions of Chan and Sukumaran.

He said President Widodo was exercised by issues involving corruption, democracy and making life easier for small businesses, but human rights was not a strong point.

"We speak to people in Indonesia who say he's not particularly focused on human rights issues," Professor Lindsey said.

On death row ... Myuran Sukumaran in Kerobokan jail. Source: News Limited

Waiting news ... Andrew Chan inside Kerobokan Jail. Source: News Limited

"He's interested in transparency and openness. It reflects his background as a provincial, medium-sized business entrepreneur. Human rights is not at the forefront of his thinking.

"And we must understand that death sentence for drugs has wide support in Indonesia, because rightly or wrongly, they consider it akin to mass murder."

Further damaging the hopes of the two Australians who were sentenced to death in 2006 is that President Widodo, who arrived in power last year with wide public support, has few friends in Congress or Jakarta's political elite.

"This is not a strong first term president," says Professor Lindsey. "He's putting it together, trying to build his coalition and make it solid."

Making pleas ... Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she has vowed to do what she can. Source: News Corp Australia

Executing drug runners is seen as an uncontroversial mainstream decision in Indonesia, and President Widodo would not want to risk upsetting the partners he needs in Congress to pass legislation.

Ms Bishop said on Sky News yesterday that Chan and Sukumaran had been discussed in more than 50 one-on-one meetings between Australian and Indonesian leaders over the past decade, but to no avail.

Ms Bishop, who said executing the two would not solve the drug problem, said Indonesia argued it was "facing a crisis in terms of drug trafficking and it believes that the death penalty should apply".

Convicted ... Bail Nine drug traffickers Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan who have been helping prisoners with computer courses at Kerobokan prison. Source: News Limited

Brazil and the Netherlands recalled their ambassadors after two of their citizens were executed on Sunday, but Ms Bishop said it was important Australian diplomats remained in the country to make representations.

Further impeding diplomat overtures, one feature of last year's presidential race between Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto was their attempts to out-campaign each other on who would take the toughest stand on foreign interference.

Australia does not have the strong relationship it had with President Widodo's predecessor, Susilo Bambamg Yudhoyono — even if the relationship was strained at the end over revelations that Australia had tapped SBY's phone.

Sukumaran's bid for clemency has been rejected by President Widodo. The governor of Kerobokan prison in Bali, Sudjonggo, said yesterday that he was yet to receive any letter relating to Chan's clemency appeal.

A friend ... Australian artist Ben Quilty at Kerobokan Jail to visit Myuran Sukumaran. Picture: Lukman S Bintoro Source: News Corp Australia

Australian Consul-General in Bali ... Majell Hind before she visits Myuran Sukumaran. Picture: Lukman S. Bintoro Source: Supplied

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was too early to lose hope.

"[The death penalty] demeans all of as human beings," he said. "We haven't given up and I'm sure the government hasn't given up the prospect of achieving clemency for these two Australians.

"Labor is at one with the government to try and save the lives of these Australians."

Matius Arif, an evangelist from Abalove Church, met both men in Kerobokan Prison yesterday. Mr Arif said they did not discuss their dire situation, but they had prayed for the six executed at the weekend.

"We had a joint prayer. We pray for them. May God bless them," said Mr Arif, who said both the condemned men had worked hard helping other prisoners with bible, art, cooking and drug rehabilitation classes.

Creative painter ... Myuran Sukumaran showing what he has been doing during his rehabilitation program, which he started inside the jail. Source: News Limited

"They (are) still doing a great job at the prison to help people rehabilitate themselves," he said, appealing to President Widodo that "this is a matter of life".

"They realise that they had (done) wrong. But those who have repented, they should also get something new. And let them live is much more beneficial rather than killing them."

While there were some signs of a nascent movement against the death penalty, it is still only an undercurrent.

Indonesia has campaigned to get brutalised maids off death row in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, but Professor Lindsey said Indonesians drew a sharp distinction between maids abused by their bosses and drug offenders.

Bali Nine mastermind ... Andrew Chan in a line-up among the other inmates. Source: News Corp Australia

"They've got a very difficult job," he said of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's clemency campaign.

President Widodo said in a Facebook post on Sunday: "A healthy Indonesia is an Indonesia without drugs."

Mercycampaign.org is asking people to sign its online petition, saying the two "deserve to be in jail, but not to be killed. We also humbly ask for mercy for other prisoners on death row, especially those who have reformed their lives."

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Two ladies and a baby on the way

Two mums-to-be ... Hayley Bateup and April Zekulich are expecting their first child. Picture: Paul Broben/Diimex Source: Supplied

CHAMPION ironwoman Hayley Bateup is "super excited" her long-time partner April Zekulich is pregnant with their much-wanted baby.

"We have hoped for this for so long," says the three-time Coolangatta Gold winner.

"Now we don't have much longer to wait and we will have achieved our dream.

"It's definitely getting more real now as April's bump is starting to show."

Hitting the baby jackpot on their second attempt with IVF specialist Dr Michael Flynn at Pindara Hospital, Hayley, 35, says it has been amazing to share the whole experience with April, 39.

"Seeing our baby on the scan was mind-blowing. When I'd seen the scan photos of friends it never really affected me but when I saw our own baby, well, that was a different story. It was so exciting!"

The committed couple intends to divvy up the motherhood experience.

"I think Hayley will be the disciplinarian," says April. "I'm a bit of a softie but so is Hayley."

"We'll share the load," says Hayley, who played Nitro on TVs Gladiators. "Of course, for the first six months April will be breastfeeding so that will mean more work for her. Although April is hoping I'll be able to breastfeed as well."

IRONWOMAN: Hayley's dream to start a family with April

STROKE OF LUCK: Hayley reunited with her long lost pup

Happy couple ... Hayley Bateup and April Zekulich cannot wait to be mothers. Picture: Paul Broben/Diimex Source: Supplied

While Hayley has her doubts about her own breastfeeding capabilities she definitely reckons two mums are better than one.

"Both being girls, we already get it," she says. "It's not like we have to explain anything to a man. Although the baby will have plenty of male role models in my father and April's dad and other good male friends."

Their little nipper, due midyear, will be the first child for both mums-to-be who are already preparing a nursery at their newly renovated Gold Coast home.

Little nipper on the way ... April Zekulich and Hayley Bateup. Picture: Picture: Paul Broben/Diimex Source: Supplied

"This baby is going to get heaps of love from both of us," says Hayley, now in training to complete as a professional cyclist. "We'll give him or her a strict but fair childhood — exactly like I had growing up. A stable upbringing filled with heaps of sports and lots of time at the beach. I had a tinny and a motorbike when I was a kid."

April, the eldest of five girls, says she's "feeling great" and has toned down her exercise regime since falling pregnant.

In love ... Hayley Bateup and April Zekulich. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

"We train a lot of pregnant women so I know all about taking it easier and not overheating," she says.

Together for the past eight years, Hayley and April, met at the Northcliffe surf club and have been keen on shared motherhood from the start.

"We have always wanted a baby together," says April.

"This is the right time for both of us," says Hayley, who retired from the Nutrigrain Ironwoman series in 2013 after shoulder surgery.

Real champion ... former Ironwoman Hayley Bateup. Source: News Limited

"It was the right time to retire so we could start on the next chapter of our lives," says Hayley, who is now concentrating on building up her popular fitness program, Bateup's Body Blitz, and training nippers as head coach at Mermaid Surf Life Saving Club.

"Kids and I get along really well and I love being able to teach them and show them how to do things," she says. "And I think training the nippers has given me some preparation for motherhood as well — well, I hope!"

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prince breaks ‘sex slave’ silence

Breaking his silence ... Prince Andrew is expected to offer his first public response this week to allegations that he slept with a teenage "sex slave". Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Sarah Ferguson has slammed the sex slave allegations against her ex-husband Prince Andrew as 'salacious lies'

PRINCE Andrew is expected to offer his first public response this week to allegations that he slept with a teenage "sex slave" provided to him by a rich paedophile pal.

The Duke of York is moving forward with his annual reception for 300 business titans and politicians at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, the Times of London reported.

The party will be his first public appearance since a Florida woman accused him of having sex with her three times in London, the Virgin Islands and New York in 2001, while she was underage according to US law.

Virginia Roberts, now 30, claims the prince's billionaire friend Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted paedophile, kept her as a "sex slave" and pimped her out to the royal for $US15,000 when she was 17.

LEAKED: Diary of a royal 'sex slave'

DISGRACED: How Prince Andrew's life fell apart

Accusations ... Prince Andrew allegedly had sex with Virginia Roberts when she was underage, according to US law. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

The World Economic Forum, an annual event for industry leaders, is usually closed to the press, but some cameras will be invited to record Prince Andrew's speech, according to British media.

His speech will focus on his Pitch@Palace business initiative for young entrepreneurs.

Any mention of the scandal will be in vague terms and offer firm denials without naming his accuser or specifying the allegations, the paper reported.

It would be the first time a British royal addressed his or her private life since the late Princess Diana gave a candid television interview detailing her failed marriage to Prince Charles.

Friends ... Prince Andrew now regrets his friendship with disgraced American financier Jeffrey Epstein. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

"This will hopefully be a chance for Prince Andrew to draw a line under the Epstein business and move on," a friend of the duke was quoted by The Daily Mail on Sunday.

"He accepts that his judgment has been questioned in the coverage surrounding the lawsuits."

The forum will also reveal just how much damage has been done to the duke's reputation.

PR advisers to attendees have warned their clients to steer clear of the duke and avoid getting photographed with him, and several Parliament members have urged Prince Andrew to stay away the Times reported.

Prince Andrew has reportedly hired a lawyer. Picture: Matthew Lloyd — WPA Pool/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Virginia Roberts claims she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

Meanwhile, Prince Andrew William Clegg, a well-known litigator specialising in white collar crimes lawyer, to help handle the "ex slave" accusations, according to The Daily Mail.

Recently leaked entries from Roberts' diary chronicle in grim detail her alleged encounters with Prince Andrew.

In them, Roberts recalls with disgust how the royal, 24 years her senior, awkwardly danced himself to a sweat at a posh club, showered the teen with compliments about her "blossoming" figure and sucked on her toes before having sex with her.

Buckingham Palace has denied all allegations that connect the duke to Epstein's alleged underage sex ring and dismissed reports that the duke might address the subject at the forum as "speculation."

This story originally appeared in The New York Post.

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Moped takes man out live on TV

Caught on camera ... the moment a moped slams into a pedestrian live on TV. Picture: ITV Source: Supplied

DURING a live cross about a truck fire in London, this journalist captured some surprise vehicular chaos of her own.

ITV's Ria Chatterjee was reporting outside St Pancras Station — near where the blaze had left thousands of commuters stranded — when a moped ploughed into a pedestrian live on TV.

The unlucky man can be seen crossing the road, wheeling a suitcase behind him, in the moments before the crash.

As Chatterjee describes the transport meltdown, the scooter speeds into frame and takes the man out with an audible yelp of pain.

He then picks himself up and continues toward the station.

Chatterjee, who continued her report uninterrupted, later tweeted that the pedestrian and motorcyclist "are both fine."

Meanwhile, viewers took to social media to express their disbelief at what happened — and to praise the reporter for her composure.

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Islamic State’s execution frenzy

Militants execute one of two gay men by throwing them from a tower as a large crowd watches from below. Source: Twitter

ISIS militants have gone on an execution frenzy in Iraq, murdering at least 20 people in a 48-hour period, including two men "found guilty" of being gay.

Photographs of the killings, shocking even by the group's barbaric standards, have been circulating on social media since last Thursday.

They include images of two blindfolded men being hauled to the top of a seven or eight story tower before being thrown to their deaths, one at a time, as a large crowd watches from below.

One picture is captioned: "The Muslims come to watch the application of the law."

A second man accused of being gay, is pushed to his death from the tower. Source: Twitter

The body of the first man can be seen on the ground as the second falls to his death. Source: Twitter

A large crowd gathers at the foot of the tower to watch the men fall to their deaths. Source: Twitter

Some Muslims — certainly those practising Sharia law — believe that the Prophet Mohammad said homosexuality should be punished with death and it still carries the death penalty in some Islamic countries. However, Iraq is not one of them.

Same-sex intercourse is legal in 22 nations with a Muslim majority, including Albania, Bahrain, Jordan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chad and Turkey.

A militant reads out the charges during a public execution in Iraq. Source: Twitter

The horrific event, believed to have taken place in the city of Mosul, has provoked global outrage but it was not the only one staged by the terror group last week. At least 17 young men were crucified before being shot in the head in a village square and an alleged adulteress was stoned to death.

Minutes after this photo was taken, the woman, accused of adultery, was stoned to death. Source: Twitter

Syrian news agency SANA said 11 of the 17 men had been charged with apostasy and fighting ISIS during a fierce battle in the province of Deir Ezzor, Syria's seventh largest city.

After they were shot dead, their bodies were mutilated — a practice popular with militants, who regularly post graphic photographs of people they have dismembered, on their Twitter and Facebook accounts.

It's not the first time militants have thrown people off the roof for being gay. The above picture was taken in December. Source: Supplied

SANA identified seven of the executed men as Ibrahim Jarad al-Hajr, Murad Subhi al-Hindawi,

Hamed Ali al-Mohammad, Hamed al-Tneika, As'ad Mohammad al-Assaf and Mohammad Yassin al-Hamad. Another man named as Ahmad Mostafa Ali al-Turki was beheaded, the agency reported.

The men were crucified in the village square before being executed with a shot to the head Source: Twitter

A militant reads out the charges (above) as two others prepare to shoot. Source: Twitter

Images showing the executions were attributed to the "Information Office of the mandate of Nineveh", a city in Iraq, and posted using Just Paste It. The site bears the logo and flag of the Islamic State the photos are dated January 15.

The executions were a show of brute force after several militants, from ISIS and its affiliates, were reportedly assassinated, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The word "Shaheed" in the above tweet refers to the state of martyrdom.

The group has been steadily gaining ground in Iraq and Syria, despite the Coalition stepping up its bombardment in recent weeks.

Then and now: ISIS continues to gain ground. Source: Supplied

This morning, Israeli government officials confirmed seven Israeli Arabs from the northern Galilee region had been arrested for setting up an ISIS cell — the first detected in the country. The men, aged from 22 to 40, were arrested in November and December but authorities only made the case public today.

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man’s three-day ordeal in frigid wilderness

Lost hope ... Craig Johnson cried as he recalled hearing rescue helicopters flying past him. Picture: ABC USA Source: Supplied

A MAN in Alaska says it is a miracle that he survived for three days in the wilderness, freezing cold and stalked by a wolverine.

Craig Johnson was part way through a 129-kilometre journey in remote northern Alaska when his snowmobile crashed through the ice, leaving him soaking wet, freezing and forced to proceed on foot, US ABC reports.

Mr Johnson first crawled towards the thicker parts of the ice as his snowmobile sank. "I almost gave up ... But I couldn't give up. I had to do it for my boys, my family," he said. "I think it's a miracle that I'm alive."

Remote ... Craig Johnson was rescued after three days lost in the Alaskan wilderness, as temperatures plummeted. Picture: ABC USA Source: Supplied

He was on his way to visit family when the accident happened.

The 38-year-old walked 48 kilometres seeking help while being stalked by a wolverine. "You could hear it on the ice, just playing with me, toying with me," he said.

Wolverines look like small bears, but have a formidable reputation for being fearless, vicious and voracious. Although they feed mostly on the carcasses of dead animals, they are not fussy eaters and have been known to hunt creatures far larger than themselves, including caribou.

Mr Johnson says warning shots failed to deter the predator.

Predator ... Wolverines have a formidable reputation for being fearless, vicious and voracious. Picture: Wikimedia/Zefram Source: Supplied

Eventually, he came across a wooden box and took shelter, crying as he recalled hearing rescue helicopters flying past him. "That third night when they passed right by me — not even 200, 300 yards [183-274 metres] — that's when I lost hope," Mr Johnson said. "I just laid back down in that box I was in. It just felt like that was an open grave for me."

More ABC News Videos | ABC World News

As temperatures dropped to minus-37 degrees Celcius, a search team drew close to Mr Johnson, led by his cousin Clifford Benson.

Mr Benson said the wind and snow obscured nearly all signs of Mr Johnson, but then he heard him yelling.

Shelter ... Craig Johnson could hear rescue helicopters pass him by from the wooden box he too refuge in. Picture: ABC USA Source: Supplied

"If Clifford didn't saw me, that was going to be my last night," said Johnson. They were going to bring me home in a body bag."

Mr Johnson is currently in hospital being treated for frostbite. His own father died in 1998 after he fell through the ice and drowned.

Survivor ... Craig Johnson is being treated in hospital for frostbite. Picture: ABC USA Source: Supplied

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sledging war on pitch ‘out of control’

Wisden India editor, Anand Vasu thinks a war is looming between the Indian and Australian cricket sides after a heated Day three at the MCG.

Former Test quick, Trent Copeland believes the Australia-India sledging war is good for the game.

David Warner has an injured forearm and an injured thumb. Source: News Corp Australia

FOLLOW the live coverage of day four of the third Test at the MCG.

Showers are expected in Melbourne, with a top temperature of 26C.

Play starts at 10.30am AEDT. Continue the conversation on Twitter @jaibednall

Scroll to the bottom of the page for blow-by-blow coverage.

LIVE SCOREBOARD: AUSTRALIA vs INDIA THIRD TEST

7pm — SLEDGING 'OUT OF CONTROL'

Mitchell Johnson angrily reacts to being given a send-off by the Indian team late on day four. Source: Getty Images

AUSSIE Test great Ian Healy believes the bad blood between the two teams in this series has gone too far.

Tensions threatened to explode yesterday when Mitchell Johnson hit Virat Kohli while trying to run him out and continued on day four.

David Warner engaged with several of the Indians in the field during his quickfire 40 and Ishant Sharma gave Shane Watson a send-off when he was out for 17.

Mitchell Johnson also turned back and gestured angrily at the visitors after he was dismissed late in the day.

Healy says it's time for it to stop.

"I reckon it's out of control," Healy said on Channel 9.

Wisden India editor Anand Vasu agreed, describing the situation as a "time bomb ticking away".

"It's a matter of time before someones crosses the line and gets either really personal about someone's family or even worse — you have something racist," Vasu said.

"And then you're going to have a real problem on your hands."

But former Aussie Test quick Trent Copeland believes sledging is good for the game.

He said it was good to see professional athletes showing emotion and has enjoyed the way Kohli has stood his ground — on and off the field.

"I think it's very good for the game and I think Virat Kohli, since he's come to Australia, has been great the way he's held himself in the media and particularly on the field," Copeland said.

You can hear more from Vasu and Copeland in the video player above.

Australia lost steady wickets on day four to finish 7/261 at stumps.

The home side's lead is 326, setting up a tantalising final day tomorrow.

Shaun Marsh (62 not out) is playing a key role in the Australian innings, bringing up his half century with a six down the ground off Ravi Ashwin.

But how long Steve Smith decides to bat on tomorrow remains to be seen.

Continue reading for all the highlights from today's play and rejoin us for live coverage tomorrow.

6.25pm — JOHNSON'S HITTING DOESN'T LAST

Mitchell Johnson clubbed two boundaries but was out for 15. Source: Getty Images

INDIA is three wickets away from having a very gettable target to chase after dismissing Mitchell Johnson for 15.

The Aussie tailender attempted to hook a short delivery from Mohammed Shami but didn't connect well and lobbed up a catch to Ajinkya Rahane at midwicket.

Australia is 7/234 with a lead of 299 runs.

Ryan Harris has joined Shaun Marsh (44 not out) at the crease and survived a big shout at the beginning of his innings.

6.10pm — MARSH RIDING HIS LUCK

Shaun Marsh is playing a key innings for Australia. Source: Getty Images

SHAUN Marsh is enjoying the type of innings a batsman needs to escape a form slump.

The Aussie No. 5 has been slightly lucky to make it to 42 not out in the second innings — sending one shot in the air just wide of gully, narrowly missing his stumps with a french cut and then dodging an LBW decision when he failed to play a shot.

But he's adding key runs to Australia's lead, which now stands at 286 runs.

Mitchell Johnson is four not out. The score is 6/221.

5.35pm — HADDIN GOES, PRESSURE ON TAIL

Brad Haddin became the latest Aussie batsmen to be caught down the leg side. Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIA will once again rely on its tail to dig the side out of trouble after Brad Haddin's wicket left the score 6/202.

Haddin (13 from 27 balls) was involved in an extremely slow partnership with Shaun Marsh (28 from 67 balls) which stole the momentum from Australia's innings.

The lead is currently 267 runs — still well short of a target the home side would feel comfortable defending.

Mitchell Johnson has joined Marsh at the crease.

4.55pm — BURNS FAILS AGAIN

It hasn't been much of a debut test for Joe Burns. Source: Getty Images

JOE Burns has completed a forgettable debut Test by falling to Ishant Sharma for nine.

The 25-year-old, who made 13 in the first innings, poked at a ball that bounced a bit more than expected and sent an edge through to MS Dhoni.

The Indians built pressure with some tight bowling following the tea break and earnt their reward.

Shaun Marsh (15 from 35 balls) has become bogged down and Australia's plans to start attacking the Indian bowlers must remain on hold until the total (5/176) is a little higher.

Australia's middle order frailties have been exposed as India mounted a stirring fightback with the ball at the MCG.

4.20pm — ASHWIN BOWLS ROGERS

Chris Rogers has failed to convert another half century into a big score. Source: Getty Images

RAVI Ashwin is continuing his strong match for India, picking up Chris Rogers's wicket for 69.

The Indian offspinner (2/17) had Rogers play the ball onto his own wicket to leave Australia 4/173 at tea.

The home side still has some work to do with the lead at 238 runs but Shaun Marsh has looked good so far and is 14 not out.

Joe Burns is eight not out in his second Test innings.

Rogers has bounced back to form after a slow start to the series.

It's typical of the Aussie opener, who averages under 25 in the first two Tests of series but 56 in tests three and onwards.

You can look at it two ways. Rogers does just enough to save his place in the side each series — or once he's figured out an opposition he takes advantage.

India claimed the wickets of Shane Watson and Steve Smith in quick succession to give themselves some hope before tea at the MCG.

3.40pm — SMITH'S WICKET A GAME CHANGER

Steve Smith fell cheaply on day four. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA'S attention has turned from worrying about when to declare to posting a defendable score after the fall of Steve Smith.

Smith fell to a well-planned Indian trap on 14, glancing a Umesh Yadav ball to Ajinkya Rahane at leg slip.

It leaves Australia 3/131 and in need of at least 150 more runs to start feeling safe.

With out of form Shaun Marsh and debutant Joe Burns the last of the recognised batsmen, there's still work to do.

3.30pm — ROGERS NEGOTIATING THE NERVOUS FIFTIES

The runs have dried up for Chris Rogers since he posted his half century. Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Rogers has posted his fourth consecutive 50 in the series to all but book his place for next year's Ashes.

The opener's last four scores are 55, 55, 57 and 53 not out — and he appears determined to go further today.

Since reaching 50 off 81 balls, Rogers has scored just three runs from 16 deliveries.

Steve Smith is 12 not out. Australia is 2/127 with a lead of 192 runs.

2.50pm — WATSON FALLS FOR 17

Shane Watson will face renewed calls for his head after failing today. Source: News Corp Australia

SHANE Watson has departed early in the second session to leave Australia 2/98.

The No. 3 was drawn forward by Ishant Sharma and sent a thick edge through to MS Dhoni, who caught a low ball cleanly.

Steve Smith has joined Chris Rogers at the crease.

2.05pm — DOES SMITH TRY TO WIN OR DRAW?

Steve Smith has hardly put a foot wrong as Australian skipper. Source: Getty Images

PLAY looks set to resume soon at the MCG, creating a testing situation for Steve Smith in his second match as Australian captain.

Already up 2-0, Australia can win the series by drawing this game — a result they're in a great position to achieve given they have nine wickets in hand and a lead of 155 runs with just five sessions to play.

But no one really wants a draw do they?

Like Michael Clarke did in the first Test in Adelaide, Smith is probably going to have to make a sporting declaration if he wants to win this game.

Deciding when to pull the pin won't be an easy call, but if Chris Rogers (33 not out) and Shane Watson (15 not out) can score quickly when play resumes it will make Smith's job slightly easier.

1.15pm — COVERS ON IN MELBOURNE

Virat Kohli blows a kiss to the crowd during the first session. Source: News Corp Australia

THERE'S been a delay to the start of the second session because of rain in Melbourne.

The covers are on at the MCG with Australia 1/90 in the second innings.

There was some good news in the break, when Michael Clarke revealed he's one week ahead of schedule in his recovery from hamstring surgery.

While you wait, it's 20 years to the day since Shane Warne's hat-trick at this ground in the 1994 Ashes. You can relive it in the video below.

Fox Sports looks back at Shane Warne's famous Ashes hat-trick.

12.30pm — ROGERS PICKING UP THE SLACK

Chris Rogers has played a leading role since David Warner's departure. Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Rogers looks headed for his fourth 50 in as many innings as Australia continues to build its lead at the MCG.

Rogers is 33 not out and with the help of Shane Watson (15 not out) has Australia 1/90 at lunch with a lead of 155 runs.

Rain is expected this afternoon so Australia needs to maintain a quick tempo when play resumes.

12.05pm — WARNER FALLS FOR 40

David Warner was there for a good time, not a long time. Source: AFP

DAVID Warner's quickfire start to the second innings is over after he was trapped LBW by Ravi Ashwin for 40.

Warner played all around a straightening delivery that hit his back leg to leave the score at 1/57.

The Australian lead is 122 runs.

11.15am — WARNER RACES OUT OF THE BLOCKS

David Warner is giving it to India. Source: Getty Images

DAVID Warner has quickly pushed Australia's lead past 100 with a sparkling start to the second innings.

The fiery opener has smashed 31 from 17 balls, including five boundaries, to move the home side to 0/34 from five overs.

He's verbally engaging with the Indians in the field also as the tensions between the two sides continue to bubble along.

By the looks of the following tweet, Warner just couldn't wait to get at the Indians today.

10.40am — INDIA ALL OUT FOR 465

Mitchell Johnson's figures went from 0/133 to 3/135. Source: News Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA has a 65 run first innings lead after Mitchell Johnson quickly killed off the Indian tail this morning.

After removing Umesh Yadav for a duck, Johnson had Mohammed Shami caught at second slip for 12.

It was a wasteful finish for the visitors, given they were 3/409 yesterday. After the end of a 262 run partnership between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane the last seven wickets fell for just 56 runs.

With showers expected this afternoon Australia will need to score quickly if they want to win this game.

David Warner has opened the batting and so far doesn't look hindered by nasty injuries to his forearm and thumb.

10.30am — JOHNSON STRIKES IN FIRST OVER

Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin combined for the second time this innings. Source: News Corp Australia

MITCHELL Johnson has removed Umesh Yadav with the third delivery of day four to leave Australia one wicket away from wrapping up the Indian innings.

Yadav edged a rising delivery through to Haddin to fall for a second ball duck. India is 9/462.

10.15pm — WARNER 'HOPEFUL' OF BEING ABLE TO BAT

David Warner has been in the wars of late. Source: News Corp Australia

DAVID Warner is going to have to push through the pain barrier if he's going to drive the Australian second innings on day four.

The left-handed opener is nursing a badly damaged thumb and an injured forearm after being struck twice in the past few days.

Warner just spoke on Channel 9 and said he was "hopeful" of being able to open the batting after Australia takes the last two Indian wickets.

Warner was hit on the forearm in the nets by Peter Siddle during this Test and said his thumb — which was struck in the Brisbane Test — was still very sore.

But Warner said he was in no doubt for the fourth Test in Sydney, citing his determination to honour fallen teammate Phillip Hughes in his first game back at the SCG.

India resumes today at 8/462, with tailenders Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav at the crease. The visitors trail by 68 runs.

"It was a good fightback from India yesterday, if we took our chances it might be a different story, but that's cricket," Warner said.

India superstar Virat Kohli has blasted Australia and Mitchell Johnson in a scathing attack.

The main talking point overnight continued to be the renewed rivalry between Mitchell Johnson and Virat Kohli.

Kohli was annoyed with being struck by an errant Johnson throw on day three and went on to say he only respected some members of the Australian team.

"It was quite funny listening to his press conference," Warner said.

"When you're out there and give it you've also got to take it. He played well yesterday and deserved to say whatever he wanted to."

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tragic end: ‘I watched my husband die’

A helicopter winched a family to safety after a fire broke out on a ferry travelling from the western Greek port of Patras to the Italian port of Ancona on Sunday, leaving one dead and hundreds stranded. The vehicle passenger ferry Norman Atlantic was transporting 411 passengers, 56 crew-members and 222 vehicles when it caught fire approximately 78 kilometres (48 miles) northwest of the Greek island of Corfu. The Italian Navy said that they have transported the victims and those injured to the southern Italian city of Brindisi. The evacuation operation of those stranded has been hampered due to choppy seas and gale force winds of 90 kilometres (55 miles per hour). Only 149 people have been rescued from the ferry and the blaze is still burning.

The burning ferry "Norman Atlantic" adrift off Albania. Picture: AFP / HO/ GUARDIA COSTIERA Source: AFP

A SURVIVOR of the tragic Greek fire ferry disaster has recounted in saddening detail the events leading up to her husband's death.

Teodora Douli, 56, said she watched her husband die as they tried to swim from the burning ship to a lifeboat.

"We spent four hours in the water," she said on Monday. "I tried to save him but I couldn't. We are dying, we're dying, he told me.

"I watched my husband die," she added in an interview with the Italian news agency ANSA. "He was bleeding through his nose, perhaps because he banged his head on the side of the ship."

Her 62-year-old Greek husband's body was recovered from the water on Sunday as she was flown to a hospital at Galatina near Lecce on Italy's south-eastern heel.

Survived ... a journalist interviews a passenger of the Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic. Picture: AP Source: AP

At least five people have died after the ferry caught fire in the Adriatic Sea of the coast of Greece. Four bodies were recovered from the water around the stricken Norman Atlantic on Monday.

Wrapped in blankets and with many of them sporting bandages, 49 of the 478 passengers and crew who were on board the ferry when it caught fire shortly after dawn on Sunday disembarked from the merchant ship Spirit of Piraeus at the Italian port of Bari.

Rescue effort ... passengers being evacuated from the burning ferry Norman Atlantic. Picture: AFP/Marina Militaire Source: AFP

Two dual Australian citizens were on the ferry but no further details are known.

They and other evacuees told how the fire triggered terror and panic, which the crew appeared ill-prepared to deal with.

One of the first passengers off in Bari told reporters he had thought he was going to die as parts of the boat became engulfed by thick smoke as the ferry was travelling from Greece from Italy.

"We did not know what to do. The staff had no idea how to get people off the boat," he said.

"The lifeboats did not work, there was only one of them in the water and none of the crew were there to help people."

Survivors ... passengers and crew of the Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic, that caught fire in the Adriatic Sea, are rescued from the Italian Navy ship San Giorgio. Picture: AP/Italian Navy Source: AP

All passengers are reported to have been evacuated, with about 60 people, thought to be mainly crew, remaining on the ferry shortly before 12pm GMT (11pm Monday AEDT), nearly 36 hours after the fire broke out on the car deck and left the huge vessel drifting dangerously in high seas off the coast of Albania.

With a second navy boat at the scene and able to provide a landing deck for helicopters, the pace of the evacuation accelerated significantly on Monday.

As fears for those on board receded, questions began to be asked about how the fire started and why it was not contained.

Awaiting assistance ... Italian and Greek rescue crews have battled gale-force winds and massive waves as they struggle to evacuate hundreds of people from the ferry. Picture: AP/Italian Navy Source: AP

Bari prosecutor Giuseppe Volpe announced a criminal investigation that will seek to establish whether negligence contributed to the disaster.

The Italian navy and coastguard worked through the night trying to get people off the vessel that was being buffeted by powerful, bitingly cold winds and huge waves.

Despite their efforts, more than 200 people were still on board at dawn, having spent 24 hours being lashed by sleety rain and gale-force winds and fearing for their lives.

Lost at sea ... Italian coast guards carry the body of a dead passenger of Norman Atlantic into a truck at port of Brindisi. Picture: AFP/ Carlo Hermann Source: AFP

The Italian-owned ship, which was travelling from Patras in western Greece to Ancona in Italy, started drifting off the coast of Albania after the fire put its steering system out of action.

Some of the rescued passengers displayed mild symptoms of hypothermia but doctors treating the evacuees indicated that they were mainly dealing with shock and trauma.

The crew, headed by Italian skipper Argilio Giacomazzi, 62, were expected to be the last off, in keeping with maritime tradition.

Struggled to breathe ... a woman is conveyed by paramedics to a hospital in southern Italy. Picture: AP/Max Frigione Source: AP

The fire broke out before dawn on Sunday on a car deck of the ferry, carrying 422 passengers and 56 crew members. Passengers huddled on the vessel's upper decks, pelted by rain and hail and struggling to breathe through the thick smoke, passengers told Greek media by phone.

"We are outside, we are very cold, the ship is full of smoke," passenger Giorgos Stiliaras told Greek Mega TV.

He recalled people being awakened by "the smell of burning plastic" and that the heat from the fire felt like the floors were "boiling."

Rescue efforts ... passengers of the Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic, that caught fire in the Adriatic Sea, disembark from a ship in Bari Harbour. Picture: AP Photo/Luigi Mistrulli Source: AP

Dotty Channing-Williams, mother of ferry passenger Nick Channing-Williams, said she had managed to speak to her son before he and his Greek fiancee were airlifted to safety. In an interview with The Associated Press from her home in Newbury, Britain, she said she had complained to her son that there was no information available for families.

"He said 'Well, it's an awful lot worse for us because we're actually standing out here in the pouring rain, and thunder and lightening, and we really just don't know exactly what's going to happen."'

The president of the Brindisi Port Authority, Hercules Haralambides, said the passengers were still out on deck after midnight, but that blankets had been provided by rescue crews from the Brindisi-based St George navy ship, which was leading the rescue. Medical personnel had also boarded to check on passengers and crew, the navy said.

In the dark ... passengers pleaded by mobile phone live on TV to be saved from the burning ferry Picture: AFP/Guardia Costiera Source: AFP

The ferry was last inspected by the Patras Port Authority on December 19 and six "deficiencies" were found, but none were so grave as to keep it in port, according to the report on the European Maritime Safety Agency's website.

The deficiencies involved a "malfunctioning" fire door as well as "missing" emergency lighting and batteries and defective "watertight doors."

The ship manufacturer, Carlo Visentini, was quoted by the ANSA news agency as saying that only one of the 160 fireproof doors was found to be problematic in the inspection and that it was located above the fire zone. Visentini said the problem was fixed immediately to the satisfaction of the inspectors.

Minister of Shipping Miltiadis Varvitsiotis speaks to journalists during a press conference in Athens. Picture: AFP/ STR Source: AFP

Passengers described scenes of terror and chaos when the fire broke out as they slept in their cabins.

"They called first on women and children to be evacuated from the ship," Vassiliki Tavrizelou, who was rescued along with her 2-year-old daughter, told The Associated Press.

"Ships could not approach us because of the rain and winds," Tavrizelou said in a telephone interview from Lecce. "We were at least four hours on the deck, in the cold and rain."

She recalled the ship alarm going off and seeing fire from her cabin. "Then we heard explosions," she said.

The ship, run by a Greek ferry company, was packed with holiday-makers and truck drivers making the popular transport run between Greece and Italy.

23.18 | 0 komentar | Read More