US man drinks liquid, dies in court after guilty verdict

AN Arizona man convicted today of deliberately burning down his $US3.5 million mansion in 2009 collapsed and died in the courtroom after the verdict was read.

A Phoenix jury found 53-year-old Scottsdale man Michael Marin guilty of arson of an occupied structure.

Shortly after he heard the verdict, video showed Marin taking a drink from a bottle of an unknown liquid. He then made a choking or throat-clearing noise, wheeled his chair around, and collapsed on the floor.

Paramedics attended to him, but could not save his life.

Marin was not in custody during the trial and it is possible he deliberately harmed himself.

Marin's mansion burned down in July 2009.

He told authorities he escaped the blaze by climbing down a rope ladder while wearing a scuba tank and diving mask to protect himself from the smoke. Prosecutors claimed Marin set fire to his house because he could no longer pay the mortgage.

Read more about the court case at myfoxphoenix.com

View the original article here

US man drinks liquid, dies in court after guilty verdict

AN Arizona man convicted today of deliberately burning down his $US3.5 million mansion in 2009 collapsed and died in the courtroom after the verdict was read.

A Phoenix jury found 53-year-old Scottsdale man Michael Marin guilty of arson of an occupied structure.

Shortly after he heard the verdict, video showed Marin taking a drink from a bottle of an unknown liquid. He then made a choking or throat-clearing noise, wheeled his chair around, and collapsed on the floor.

Paramedics attended to him, but could not save his life.

Marin was not in custody during the trial and it is possible he deliberately harmed himself.

Marin's mansion burned down in July 2009.

He told authorities he escaped the blaze by climbing down a rope ladder while wearing a scuba tank and diving mask to protect himself from the smoke. Prosecutors claimed Marin set fire to his house because he could no longer pay the mortgage.

Read more about the court case at myfoxphoenix.com

View the original article here

Stocks close higher after austerity vote

THE Australian share market ended the last day of the financial year on a strong note after Greece passed austerity measures to avoid a default on debt.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index today closed up 78.5 points, or 1.73 per cent, at 4608 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 80 points, or 1.75 per cent, to 4659.8 points.

On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was up 80 points at 4599 points, with about 37,000 contracts traded at 4.19 (AEST).

It was the third straight day of gains.

A positive vote in Greece on austerity measures designed to avoid the nation defaulting on its debts buoyed sentiment, EL&C Baillieu Stockbroking director Richard Morrow said.

He said short-sellers closing out trades on the last day of the month also pushed the market higher.

The ASX200 had fallen by more than 7.3 per cent since April 11 but the fall would have been greater if not for gains of 3.3 per cent in the past three days.

"It's not a bad knee-jerk reaction to the performance of the leading global equity markets overnight and Greece coming to a temporary solution, putting that to bed for at least a day," Mr Morrow said.

People on the short side of the market have done awfully well in their interest to close out trades."

The healthcare and industrials sector lead the broader market higher, with health stocks up 2.09 per cent and industrials 2.42 per cent.

Healthcare company CSL shot up 76 cents, or 2.35 per cent, to $33.06, and steelmaker BlueScope Steel rose 5.5 cents, or 4.78 per cent, to 120.5 cents.

Making news today, Insurance Insurance Australia Group was up two cents at $3.40 after maintaining guidance of an insurance margin of between eight and 10 per cent for 2010/11. This was after it said the Christchurch earthquake would cost up to $65 million in net insurance claims.

Preliminary national turnover was 2.96 billion shares worth $5.47 billion.

There were 822 stocks up and 415 down, and 423 unchanged.

View the original article here

NSW man in hospital after hay truck crash

A MAN who spent the night trapped in a crashed truck in NSW's west is recovering in hospital.

Police said the man, 64, was forced to spend the night in the cab of his truck, which was carrying hay, after it ran off an embankment near Lithgow at about 9pm (AEDT) on Tuesday.

The man, from Young, was found about 7.20am on Wednesday and airlifted to Liverpool Hospital, where he's being treated for leg injuries and hypothermia.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward.

View the original article here

Apple apologises after China attacks

A man walks past an Apple logo displayed above a street at a shopping mall in Beijing. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

APPLE issued an apology to Chinese consumers after government media attacked its repair policies for two weeks in a campaign that reeked of economic nationalism.

A statement Apple posted in Chinese to its website on Monday said the complaints had prompted "deep reflection" and persuaded the company of the need to revamp its repair policies, boost communication with Chinese consumers and strengthen oversight of authorised resellers.

State broadcaster CCTV and the ruling party's flagship newspaper, People's Daily, had led the charge, accusing Apple of arrogance, greed and "throwing its weight around" and portraying it as just the latest Western company to exploit the Chinese consumer.

The attacks started backfiring almost as soon as they began and were mocked by the increasingly sophisticated Chinese consumers who revere Apple and its products. State-run media also inadvertently revived complaints over shoddy service by Chinese companies.

Nonetheless, Apple responded with an apology from CEO Tim Cook.

"We've come to understand through this process that because of our poor communication, some have come to feel that Apple's attitude is arrogant and that we don't care about or value feedback from the consumer," Cook's Chinese statement said, as translated by The Associated Press.

"For the concerns and misunderstandings passed on to the consumer, we express our sincere apologies."

Chinese employees pose for photographers at the opening of an Apple store at a Chengdu shopping centre in December. Picture: AP

Although Apple enjoys strong support from Chinese consumers, the vehemence of the attacks and the importance of the Chinese market appeared to have persuaded the company to smooth its relations with Chinese consumers and authorities.

The People's Daily newspaper ran an editorial last Wednesday headlined "Strike down Apple's incomparable arrogance."

"Here we have the Western person's sense of superiority making mischief," the newspaper wrote. "If there's no risk in offending the Chinese consumer, and it also makes for lower overheads, then why not?"

Chinese observers accused People's Daily of gross hypocrisy and pointed out that the newspaper had maintained a stony silence when Chinese companies were implicated over food safety, pollution and other scandals.

Meanwhile, CCTV was shamed when it was revealed that celebrities had been recruited to blast the company on Weibo, China's version of Twitter, in what had been billed as a grassroots campaign.

"The public responded in two ways to this incident," popular commentator Shi Shusi wrote on his Weibo account. "One group supports this criticism but quite a number of people felt that there are state monopolies which have severely violated customer's rights, but which are not being exposed."

Apple CEO Tim Cook has apologised after state media slammed it as an arrogant, Western company taking advantage of Chinese consumers. Picture: AP

Popular business magazine Caijing said its readers identified a long list of abusers, including state banks that lend to those with political connections while stiffing ordinary savers with low rates on deposits; a government oil company that sets gas prices and other rates as it sees fit; and state telecom providers notorious for their lack of customer service.

"If media is going to go after Apple, let's hope they spare some thought for those big Chinese communications companies and other monopolies, the ones that enrich special interests in the name of being publicly owned," Cai Tongqi, a lawyer from the eastern province of Jiangsu, wrote on Weibo.

Consumers thus far seem unfazed by the state media's attacks on Apple.

Perusing the wares at an Apple reseller in Beijing's tony China World mall, recent college graduate Zeng Lu said she considered the controversy a sign of the Chinese consumer's growing maturity.

"It's great to see Chinese consumers standing up for their rights, but it's ridiculous for the People's Daily to get involved," Ms Zeng said.

"They should be criticising state companies instead."

Apple's popularity flies in the face of China's ardent attempts to push its own brands and develop internationally competitive companies. The company also has resisted trends to enter joint ventures and move research and development to China. It also ignores big state media such as CCTV and People's Daily. Apple relies on Chinese factories, though, to make iPads, iPhones and other popular products.

Despite the government's pressures, sales of Apple products in the region, which includes Taiwan and Hong Kong, grew 67 per cent to $US6.8 billion ($6.5 billion) in the first three months of 2013, compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the company. Apple sold 2 million iPhone 5s during the first weekend it was available in China, in December.

The region is Apple's third largest market, accounting for 13 per cent of all sales last year. More than 17,000 outlets sell its products in mainland China, a figure that includes 11 Apple stores and 400 premium resellers. In January, Cook said he expects China to replace North America as its largest source of revenue in the foreseeable future.

The attacks on Apple centre on complaints over Apple's repair policies in China - specifically its practice of only replacing faulty parts rather than providing new iPhones, as it does in other markets.

Critics say that allows Apple to avoid having to extend its service warranty by another year. Until Monday, the Cupertino, California-based company had kept silent apart from issuing a statement March 23 explaining its repair policy and pledging its deep respect for the Chinese consumer.

Yet consumers and analysts say the complaints hardly justify Beijing's campaign of vilification. Such nationalist outbursts are not uncommon, although previous campaigns against foreign companies have often been tied to perceived national slights, as often befalls Japanese firms.

Google was attacked after the company announced in March 2010 that it would cease censoring its search responses inside China. Beijing accused Google of being an arm of American "information imperialism."

Beijing is also angry over Washington's effort to exclude Chinese high-tech firms including Huawei and ZTE from the US market. A spending bill signed by US President Barack Obama two weeks ago includes a clause barring NASA, the National Science Foundation and the Justice and Commerce Departments from contracting with firms tied to the Chinese government.

Washington and Beijing have also sparred over more recent hacking attacks, including a highly influential report by cybersecurity firm Mandiant that tied Chinese hacking to a unit of the People's Liberation Army based in Shanghai.

Apple, however, may have been singled out simply because it is "the biggest open target," said Jim McGregor, senior counselor at consultancy APCO Worldwide.

"We're still seeing a lot of things wrapped up in economic nationalism," Mr McGregor said.

Even before Monday's apology, he had predicted Apple would make some sort of show of contrition to get its relations with the Chinese authorities back on track.

Duncan Clark, managing director of BDA China, a Beijing research firm, said the assault probably stems from a combination of factors, including the failure of Chinese companies to make breakthroughs in high-end consumer electronics.

"There's a general sense of frustration that China can't move further up the value chain," Mr Clark said.
 

View the original article here

Stocks close higher after austerity vote

THE Australian share market ended the last day of the financial year on a strong note after Greece passed austerity measures to avoid a default on debt.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index today closed up 78.5 points, or 1.73 per cent, at 4608 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 80 points, or 1.75 per cent, to 4659.8 points.

On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was up 80 points at 4599 points, with about 37,000 contracts traded at 4.19 (AEST).

It was the third straight day of gains.

A positive vote in Greece on austerity measures designed to avoid the nation defaulting on its debts buoyed sentiment, EL&C Baillieu Stockbroking director Richard Morrow said.

He said short-sellers closing out trades on the last day of the month also pushed the market higher.

The ASX200 had fallen by more than 7.3 per cent since April 11 but the fall would have been greater if not for gains of 3.3 per cent in the past three days.

"It's not a bad knee-jerk reaction to the performance of the leading global equity markets overnight and Greece coming to a temporary solution, putting that to bed for at least a day," Mr Morrow said.

People on the short side of the market have done awfully well in their interest to close out trades."

The healthcare and industrials sector lead the broader market higher, with health stocks up 2.09 per cent and industrials 2.42 per cent.

Healthcare company CSL shot up 76 cents, or 2.35 per cent, to $33.06, and steelmaker BlueScope Steel rose 5.5 cents, or 4.78 per cent, to 120.5 cents.

Making news today, Insurance Insurance Australia Group was up two cents at $3.40 after maintaining guidance of an insurance margin of between eight and 10 per cent for 2010/11. This was after it said the Christchurch earthquake would cost up to $65 million in net insurance claims.

Preliminary national turnover was 2.96 billion shares worth $5.47 billion.

There were 822 stocks up and 415 down, and 423 unchanged.

View the original article here

Dr kills himself after Survivor death

Gerald Babin suffered a fatal heart attack on the first day of filming Koh Lanta, the French version of Survivor, in Cambodia. Picture: Supplied Source: news.com.au

THE doctor for the French version of hit reality TV show Survivor has killed himself in Cambodia, saying in a suicide note the media "sullied" his name after a contestant in his care died of a heart attack.

"In recent days my name has been sullied in the media," doctor Thierry Costa wrote in the note before committing suicide just over a week after the death of 25-year-old Gerald Babin on a remote Cambodian island.

Costa, 38, complained of "unfair accusations" against him in the note obtained from Media Medic, the subcontractor that provided the doctor for the hugely popular show Koh Lanta, a series by Adventure Line Productions (ALP).

Costa had been Koh Lanta's emergency physician for four seasons, ALP said in a statement, adding: "Everyone admired his great professionalism with the participants and the production staff."

Since Babin's death, French media outlets have questioned the production company’s treatment of the contestant, citing unnamed sources who claimed producers delayed the doctor's response time and interviewed Babin on camera despite the fact that he appeared ill.

Babin died of a heart attack on the first day of filming on the tropical island of Koh Rong on March 22, prompting French broadcaster TF1 to axe the show's 2013 season, its 16th.

It was the first death in any French reality TV program.

Costa said in his handwritten suicide note he was "sure of having treated Gerald in a respectable way, as a patient and not as a contestant".

He added: "Even though I regret this unhappy end, I acted in conformity with the Hippocratic Oath."

ALP said Costa administered emergency care to Babin when he complained of cramps during one of the challenges set for contestants before the contestant was airlifted to hospital in nearby Sihanoukville, where he died.

French authorities have opened a preliminary inquiry into "involuntary homicide" to determine the cause of death, although the Cambodian authorities have determined that Babin died of natural causes.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
 

View the original article here

US man drinks liquid, dies in court after guilty verdict

AN Arizona man convicted today of deliberately burning down his $US3.5 million mansion in 2009 collapsed and died in the courtroom after the verdict was read.

A Phoenix jury found 53-year-old Scottsdale man Michael Marin guilty of arson of an occupied structure.

Shortly after he heard the verdict, video showed Marin taking a drink from a bottle of an unknown liquid. He then made a choking or throat-clearing noise, wheeled his chair around, and collapsed on the floor.

Paramedics attended to him, but could not save his life.

Marin was not in custody during the trial and it is possible he deliberately harmed himself.

Marin's mansion burned down in July 2009.

He told authorities he escaped the blaze by climbing down a rope ladder while wearing a scuba tank and diving mask to protect himself from the smoke. Prosecutors claimed Marin set fire to his house because he could no longer pay the mortgage.

Read more about the court case at myfoxphoenix.com

View the original article here

US man drinks liquid, dies in court after guilty verdict

AN Arizona man convicted today of deliberately burning down his $US3.5 million mansion in 2009 collapsed and died in the courtroom after the verdict was read.

A Phoenix jury found 53-year-old Scottsdale man Michael Marin guilty of arson of an occupied structure.

Shortly after he heard the verdict, video showed Marin taking a drink from a bottle of an unknown liquid. He then made a choking or throat-clearing noise, wheeled his chair around, and collapsed on the floor.

Paramedics attended to him, but could not save his life.

Marin was not in custody during the trial and it is possible he deliberately harmed himself.

Marin's mansion burned down in July 2009.

He told authorities he escaped the blaze by climbing down a rope ladder while wearing a scuba tank and diving mask to protect himself from the smoke. Prosecutors claimed Marin set fire to his house because he could no longer pay the mortgage.

Read more about the court case at myfoxphoenix.com

View the original article here

Stocks close higher after austerity vote

THE Australian share market ended the last day of the financial year on a strong note after Greece passed austerity measures to avoid a default on debt.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index today closed up 78.5 points, or 1.73 per cent, at 4608 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 80 points, or 1.75 per cent, to 4659.8 points.

On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was up 80 points at 4599 points, with about 37,000 contracts traded at 4.19 (AEST).

It was the third straight day of gains.

A positive vote in Greece on austerity measures designed to avoid the nation defaulting on its debts buoyed sentiment, EL&C Baillieu Stockbroking director Richard Morrow said.

He said short-sellers closing out trades on the last day of the month also pushed the market higher.

The ASX200 had fallen by more than 7.3 per cent since April 11 but the fall would have been greater if not for gains of 3.3 per cent in the past three days.

"It's not a bad knee-jerk reaction to the performance of the leading global equity markets overnight and Greece coming to a temporary solution, putting that to bed for at least a day," Mr Morrow said.

People on the short side of the market have done awfully well in their interest to close out trades."

The healthcare and industrials sector lead the broader market higher, with health stocks up 2.09 per cent and industrials 2.42 per cent.

Healthcare company CSL shot up 76 cents, or 2.35 per cent, to $33.06, and steelmaker BlueScope Steel rose 5.5 cents, or 4.78 per cent, to 120.5 cents.

Making news today, Insurance Insurance Australia Group was up two cents at $3.40 after maintaining guidance of an insurance margin of between eight and 10 per cent for 2010/11. This was after it said the Christchurch earthquake would cost up to $65 million in net insurance claims.

Preliminary national turnover was 2.96 billion shares worth $5.47 billion.

There were 822 stocks up and 415 down, and 423 unchanged.

View the original article here

Stocks close higher after austerity vote

THE Australian share market ended the last day of the financial year on a strong note after Greece passed austerity measures to avoid a default on debt.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index today closed up 78.5 points, or 1.73 per cent, at 4608 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 80 points, or 1.75 per cent, to 4659.8 points.

On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was up 80 points at 4599 points, with about 37,000 contracts traded at 4.19 (AEST).

It was the third straight day of gains.

A positive vote in Greece on austerity measures designed to avoid the nation defaulting on its debts buoyed sentiment, EL&C Baillieu Stockbroking director Richard Morrow said.

He said short-sellers closing out trades on the last day of the month also pushed the market higher.

The ASX200 had fallen by more than 7.3 per cent since April 11 but the fall would have been greater if not for gains of 3.3 per cent in the past three days.

"It's not a bad knee-jerk reaction to the performance of the leading global equity markets overnight and Greece coming to a temporary solution, putting that to bed for at least a day," Mr Morrow said.

People on the short side of the market have done awfully well in their interest to close out trades."

The healthcare and industrials sector lead the broader market higher, with health stocks up 2.09 per cent and industrials 2.42 per cent.

Healthcare company CSL shot up 76 cents, or 2.35 per cent, to $33.06, and steelmaker BlueScope Steel rose 5.5 cents, or 4.78 per cent, to 120.5 cents.

Making news today, Insurance Insurance Australia Group was up two cents at $3.40 after maintaining guidance of an insurance margin of between eight and 10 per cent for 2010/11. This was after it said the Christchurch earthquake would cost up to $65 million in net insurance claims.

Preliminary national turnover was 2.96 billion shares worth $5.47 billion.

There were 822 stocks up and 415 down, and 423 unchanged.

View the original article here

Stocks close higher after austerity vote

THE Australian share market ended the last day of the financial year on a strong note after Greece passed austerity measures to avoid a default on debt.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index today closed up 78.5 points, or 1.73 per cent, at 4608 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 80 points, or 1.75 per cent, to 4659.8 points.

On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was up 80 points at 4599 points, with about 37,000 contracts traded at 4.19 (AEST).

It was the third straight day of gains.

A positive vote in Greece on austerity measures designed to avoid the nation defaulting on its debts buoyed sentiment, EL&C Baillieu Stockbroking director Richard Morrow said.

He said short-sellers closing out trades on the last day of the month also pushed the market higher.

The ASX200 had fallen by more than 7.3 per cent since April 11 but the fall would have been greater if not for gains of 3.3 per cent in the past three days.

"It's not a bad knee-jerk reaction to the performance of the leading global equity markets overnight and Greece coming to a temporary solution, putting that to bed for at least a day," Mr Morrow said.

People on the short side of the market have done awfully well in their interest to close out trades."

The healthcare and industrials sector lead the broader market higher, with health stocks up 2.09 per cent and industrials 2.42 per cent.

Healthcare company CSL shot up 76 cents, or 2.35 per cent, to $33.06, and steelmaker BlueScope Steel rose 5.5 cents, or 4.78 per cent, to 120.5 cents.

Making news today, Insurance Insurance Australia Group was up two cents at $3.40 after maintaining guidance of an insurance margin of between eight and 10 per cent for 2010/11. This was after it said the Christchurch earthquake would cost up to $65 million in net insurance claims.

Preliminary national turnover was 2.96 billion shares worth $5.47 billion.

There were 822 stocks up and 415 down, and 423 unchanged.

View the original article here

US man drinks liquid, dies in court after guilty verdict

AN Arizona man convicted today of deliberately burning down his $US3.5 million mansion in 2009 collapsed and died in the courtroom after the verdict was read.

A Phoenix jury found 53-year-old Scottsdale man Michael Marin guilty of arson of an occupied structure.

Shortly after he heard the verdict, video showed Marin taking a drink from a bottle of an unknown liquid. He then made a choking or throat-clearing noise, wheeled his chair around, and collapsed on the floor.

Paramedics attended to him, but could not save his life.

Marin was not in custody during the trial and it is possible he deliberately harmed himself.

Marin's mansion burned down in July 2009.

He told authorities he escaped the blaze by climbing down a rope ladder while wearing a scuba tank and diving mask to protect himself from the smoke. Prosecutors claimed Marin set fire to his house because he could no longer pay the mortgage.

Read more about the court case at myfoxphoenix.com

View the original article here

Ellen at Taronga after tweeting party

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi wave from the back of Sydney ferry Borrowdale as it heads into Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay. Picture: Simon Black Source: The Daily Telegraph

ELLEN DeGeneres has gone on a tour of Sydney Harbour in a vintage ferry.

Ellen  DeGeneres, her partner, Australian actress Portia de Rossi, and DeGeneres' mother were mobbed when they arrived at Circular Quay.

"Wow this is crazy," DeGeneres said as she made her way through to the ferry terminal.

She shouted "It's amazing" from the top deck of the ferry as fans continued to chant her name.

The US talk show host did not board a luxury yacht or speed boat for the US talk show host with her posse boarding the Borrowdale - a 1985 steel twin catamaran vessel owned and operated by Sydney Ferries Corporation.

Ellen was welcomed aboard the ferry and watched her own private indigenous welcome to country ceremony.

Talk show queen Ellen DeGeneres has arrived in Sydney to film segments for her daytime program Ellen. Courtesy: Nine News

The ceremony was performed on the back deck of the 105 tonne vessel by Tracy Keys, the first aboriginal deckhand for Sydney ferries, and regular crew member of the Borrowdale.

Customer experience manager for the ferries, Mark Champney, said the crew were surprised to discover who they were transporting today.

"We only found out late they would use our service and they kept all the regular crew," he said. "They didn't pick and choose, there didn't ask for anything glamourous.

"Just the rostered crew and that's it."

Then she tweeted the news that her fans wanted to read:

Ellen arrives at Sydney Airport, stopping to dance with fans. Photo: Simon Black

"All right Sydneysiders, tomorrow's on! Come to the Opera on the Harbour at the Fleet Steps. The fun starts at noon.

"If you’re planning on coming tomorrow, and I hope you are, Sydney, you can’t line up over night. The line starts at 6am!"

Her warning was designed to prevent crowds turning up tonight and interrupting the opening night of Carmen, which starts at 7:30pm and finishes at 10:30pm.

The entourage cruised past the Opera House before taking a scenic tour around the harbour and stopping at Taronga Zoo.

Ellen and her followers hopped in a troupe of black vans before headed in the direction of the VIP entrance.

Ellen DeGeneres has arrived in Australia

DeGeneres is getting an amazing reception since this morning's arrival.

Naomi Vidler, who had travelled from Wagga Wagga, said seeing Ellen was "fantastic".

"It was amazing. She waved and said hello," Ms Vidler said.

Another fan, who asked only to be known as Josh, said he was nervous waiting to see her.

"She seemed very happy and glad to see everyone, like her usual positive self," he said.

Ellen's tech team have posted a video to Twitter via 'Vine' video app, of Ellen meeting the Qantas flight crew.

"She waved to me and said she loved my t-shirt."

Earlier today she checked into her penthouse suite in Sydney's prestigious Intercontinental Hotel. She  immediately went to a window and admired the view of Sydney Harbour on a sunshine-filled autumn day.

DeGeneres, de Rossi and their crew earlier arrived at Sydney Airport to the delight of hundreds of screaming Aussie fans.

The US talkshow queen stopped to groove along with the "Ellen choir" as she walked into the international arrivals lounge with Portia.

Ellen stopped and chatted to fans before being swept into waiting black vans swamped by her fans.

Even embattled Prime Minister Julia Gillard got in on the act.

Crowds at Sydney Airport ahead of talkshow queen Ellen's arrival. Photo: Simon Black

Ms Gillard tweeted: "Welcome to Australia @TheEllenShow. Hope you get to see as much as possible of our beautiful country. JG"

Hundreds of screaming fans crowded into the international arrivals terminal of Sydney airport waving banners and bearing gifts.

Several more hardcore fans clutched gifts they hoped would reach the US star.

Ellen stops to dance with fans in the arrivals lounge of Sydney Airport. Photo: Simon Black Source: The Daily Telegraph

"She embodies everything that's good about people," mother of two Lucy Brightman said. "She's so positive, what she does for people is amazing."

"She's so genuine."

Olympic star Geoff Huegill joined organiser Swiss' CEO, Radek Sali, at the gates.

"One of the measures of success if an event is how many people come and ask us for freebies," Mr Sali said.

"And we've organised sporting events, speaking events, but we have never had so many requests and so much buzz around an event as this."

"I'm sorry to Geoff but this has been number one for us."

US TV personality Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Australian actress Portia de Rossi, arrive at Sydney Airport. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

"Not at all, this is huge," Mr Huegill agreed. "What a crazy atmosphere."

Olympic swimming champ Geoff Huegill joins Ellen fans at Sydney Airport. Photo: Simon Black Source: The Daily Telegraph

But not everyone was here for the festivities.

"I'm just here to pick up my mom," Canadian holiday-maker Chelsea McDonald said. "This is weird timing."

"There's so much jumping around. I had to come and sit down."

A number of additional police are in the arrival lounge.

While the terminal is incredibly crowded the atmosphere is overwhelmingly positive.

"What the hell is happening," one passenger snaps as he tries to push his way through the crowd.

Told Ellen is arriving he immediately brightens. "Oh I love her," he says. "Nice lady."

The Destination NSW cheerleaders marking the arrival of US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and hier partner, Portia de Rossi.

A fan of talkshow queen Ellen shows off her scrapbook at Sydney Airport. Photo: Simon Black Source: The Daily Telegraph

Meanwhile, an excited group of 40 Ellen fans have gathered at The Rocks this morning before they embark on a tour of Sydney on a double decker bus to celebrate Ellen DeGeneres's arrival in the county today.

The fans won a competition run by Destination NSW and The Sunday Telegraph to spend the day touring Sydney on the official fan bus.

A group of cheerleaders have also gathered and the bus has been decked out with "Sydney loves Ellen" signage.

Amanda O'Connor entered the competition with her daughter Erinn, 17, who has always wanted to travel to LA to meet the popular talk show host.

"Erinn loves Ellen, ever since she's watched her on TV, she's wanted to go and watch her overseas," Ms O'Connor said.

Ms O'Connor said they were hoping to catch a glimpse of Ellen on their tour.

"Apart from going around beautiful Sydney, we're hoping to get a glance of beautiful Ellen and be part of the excitement of welcoming her to Sydney," she said.

"She's funny, she's kind, fun-loving. She's got a really nice personality and she likes to make other people happy."

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said Ellen's trip was a "golden" opportunity to promote Sydney.

"I think Ellen has a very diverse audience and has done a lot of work for charity and animal welfare," Ms Chipchase said.

"She personifies Sydney. She's friendly, funny, witty and people love being with her."

"Who knows where she'll pop up but we're very excited about having her and her team in Sydney."

"There is a lot of excitement around the personality of someone like Ellen," Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Bell told reporters at The Rocks on Friday.

During the next two days, Ellen and her team will be involved in a number of events in the NSW capital.

"Our message is clear - enjoy the moment but consider other people, keep safe and listen to any direction of security or event staff and police," Supt Bell said.

Portia de Rossi and Ellen Degeneres arrive at LAX airport. Picture: Rupert Thorpe / News Limited Source: news.com.au

US TV personality Ellen DeGeneres geets a Welcome Ellen cheer squad at Sydney Airport. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

View the original article here

Ellen at Taronga after tweeting party

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi wave from the back of Sydney ferry Borrowdale as it heads into Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay. Picture: Simon Black Source: The Daily Telegraph

ELLEN DeGeneres has gone on a tour of Sydney Harbour in a vintage ferry.

Ellen  DeGeneres, her partner, Australian actress Portia de Rossi, and DeGeneres' mother were mobbed when they arrived at Circular Quay.

"Wow this is crazy," DeGeneres said as she made her way through to the ferry terminal.

She shouted "It's amazing" from the top deck of the ferry as fans continued to chant her name.

The US talk show host did not board a luxury yacht or speed boat for the US talk show host with her posse boarding the Borrowdale - a 1985 steel twin catamaran vessel owned and operated by Sydney Ferries Corporation.

Ellen was welcomed aboard the ferry and watched her own private indigenous welcome to country ceremony.

Talk show queen Ellen DeGeneres has arrived in Sydney to film segments for her daytime program Ellen. Courtesy: Nine News

The ceremony was performed on the back deck of the 105 tonne vessel by Tracy Keys, the first aboriginal deckhand for Sydney ferries, and regular crew member of the Borrowdale.

Customer experience manager for the ferries, Mark Champney, said the crew were surprised to discover who they were transporting today.

"We only found out late they would use our service and they kept all the regular crew," he said. "They didn't pick and choose, there didn't ask for anything glamourous.

"Just the rostered crew and that's it."

Then she tweeted the news that her fans wanted to read:

Ellen arrives at Sydney Airport, stopping to dance with fans. Photo: Simon Black

"All right Sydneysiders, tomorrow's on! Come to the Opera on the Harbour at the Fleet Steps. The fun starts at noon.

"If you’re planning on coming tomorrow, and I hope you are, Sydney, you can’t line up over night. The line starts at 6am!"

Her warning was designed to prevent crowds turning up tonight and interrupting the opening night of Carmen, which starts at 7:30pm and finishes at 10:30pm.

The entourage cruised past the Opera House before taking a scenic tour around the harbour and stopping at Taronga Zoo.

Ellen and her followers hopped in a troupe of black vans before headed in the direction of the VIP entrance.

Ellen DeGeneres has arrived in Australia

DeGeneres is getting an amazing reception since this morning's arrival.

Naomi Vidler, who had travelled from Wagga Wagga, said seeing Ellen was "fantastic".

"It was amazing. She waved and said hello," Ms Vidler said.

Another fan, who asked only to be known as Josh, said he was nervous waiting to see her.

"She seemed very happy and glad to see everyone, like her usual positive self," he said.

Ellen's tech team have posted a video to Twitter via 'Vine' video app, of Ellen meeting the Qantas flight crew.

"She waved to me and said she loved my t-shirt."

Earlier today she checked into her penthouse suite in Sydney's prestigious Intercontinental Hotel. She  immediately went to a window and admired the view of Sydney Harbour on a sunshine-filled autumn day.

DeGeneres, de Rossi and their crew earlier arrived at Sydney Airport to the delight of hundreds of screaming Aussie fans.

The US talkshow queen stopped to groove along with the "Ellen choir" as she walked into the international arrivals lounge with Portia.

Ellen stopped and chatted to fans before being swept into waiting black vans swamped by her fans.

Even embattled Prime Minister Julia Gillard got in on the act.

Crowds at Sydney Airport ahead of talkshow queen Ellen's arrival. Photo: Simon Black

Ms Gillard tweeted: "Welcome to Australia @TheEllenShow. Hope you get to see as much as possible of our beautiful country. JG"

Hundreds of screaming fans crowded into the international arrivals terminal of Sydney airport waving banners and bearing gifts.

Several more hardcore fans clutched gifts they hoped would reach the US star.

Ellen stops to dance with fans in the arrivals lounge of Sydney Airport. Photo: Simon Black Source: The Daily Telegraph

"She embodies everything that's good about people," mother of two Lucy Brightman said. "She's so positive, what she does for people is amazing."

"She's so genuine."

Olympic star Geoff Huegill joined organiser Swiss' CEO, Radek Sali, at the gates.

"One of the measures of success if an event is how many people come and ask us for freebies," Mr Sali said.

"And we've organised sporting events, speaking events, but we have never had so many requests and so much buzz around an event as this."

"I'm sorry to Geoff but this has been number one for us."

US TV personality Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Australian actress Portia de Rossi, arrive at Sydney Airport. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

"Not at all, this is huge," Mr Huegill agreed. "What a crazy atmosphere."

Olympic swimming champ Geoff Huegill joins Ellen fans at Sydney Airport. Photo: Simon Black Source: The Daily Telegraph

But not everyone was here for the festivities.

"I'm just here to pick up my mom," Canadian holiday-maker Chelsea McDonald said. "This is weird timing."

"There's so much jumping around. I had to come and sit down."

A number of additional police are in the arrival lounge.

While the terminal is incredibly crowded the atmosphere is overwhelmingly positive.

"What the hell is happening," one passenger snaps as he tries to push his way through the crowd.

Told Ellen is arriving he immediately brightens. "Oh I love her," he says. "Nice lady."

The Destination NSW cheerleaders marking the arrival of US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and hier partner, Portia de Rossi.

A fan of talkshow queen Ellen shows off her scrapbook at Sydney Airport. Photo: Simon Black Source: The Daily Telegraph

Meanwhile, an excited group of 40 Ellen fans have gathered at The Rocks this morning before they embark on a tour of Sydney on a double decker bus to celebrate Ellen DeGeneres's arrival in the county today.

The fans won a competition run by Destination NSW and The Sunday Telegraph to spend the day touring Sydney on the official fan bus.

A group of cheerleaders have also gathered and the bus has been decked out with "Sydney loves Ellen" signage.

Amanda O'Connor entered the competition with her daughter Erinn, 17, who has always wanted to travel to LA to meet the popular talk show host.

"Erinn loves Ellen, ever since she's watched her on TV, she's wanted to go and watch her overseas," Ms O'Connor said.

Ms O'Connor said they were hoping to catch a glimpse of Ellen on their tour.

"Apart from going around beautiful Sydney, we're hoping to get a glance of beautiful Ellen and be part of the excitement of welcoming her to Sydney," she said.

"She's funny, she's kind, fun-loving. She's got a really nice personality and she likes to make other people happy."

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said Ellen's trip was a "golden" opportunity to promote Sydney.

"I think Ellen has a very diverse audience and has done a lot of work for charity and animal welfare," Ms Chipchase said.

"She personifies Sydney. She's friendly, funny, witty and people love being with her."

"Who knows where she'll pop up but we're very excited about having her and her team in Sydney."

"There is a lot of excitement around the personality of someone like Ellen," Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Bell told reporters at The Rocks on Friday.

During the next two days, Ellen and her team will be involved in a number of events in the NSW capital.

"Our message is clear - enjoy the moment but consider other people, keep safe and listen to any direction of security or event staff and police," Supt Bell said.

Portia de Rossi and Ellen Degeneres arrive at LAX airport. Picture: Rupert Thorpe / News Limited Source: news.com.au

US TV personality Ellen DeGeneres geets a Welcome Ellen cheer squad at Sydney Airport. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

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US man drinks liquid, dies in court after guilty verdict

AN Arizona man convicted today of deliberately burning down his $US3.5 million mansion in 2009 collapsed and died in the courtroom after the verdict was read.

A Phoenix jury found 53-year-old Scottsdale man Michael Marin guilty of arson of an occupied structure.

Shortly after he heard the verdict, video showed Marin taking a drink from a bottle of an unknown liquid. He then made a choking or throat-clearing noise, wheeled his chair around, and collapsed on the floor.

Paramedics attended to him, but could not save his life.

Marin was not in custody during the trial and it is possible he deliberately harmed himself.

Marin's mansion burned down in July 2009.

He told authorities he escaped the blaze by climbing down a rope ladder while wearing a scuba tank and diving mask to protect himself from the smoke. Prosecutors claimed Marin set fire to his house because he could no longer pay the mortgage.

Read more about the court case at myfoxphoenix.com

View the original article here

Stocks close higher after austerity vote

THE Australian share market ended the last day of the financial year on a strong note after Greece passed austerity measures to avoid a default on debt.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index today closed up 78.5 points, or 1.73 per cent, at 4608 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 80 points, or 1.75 per cent, to 4659.8 points.

On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was up 80 points at 4599 points, with about 37,000 contracts traded at 4.19 (AEST).

It was the third straight day of gains.

A positive vote in Greece on austerity measures designed to avoid the nation defaulting on its debts buoyed sentiment, EL&C Baillieu Stockbroking director Richard Morrow said.

He said short-sellers closing out trades on the last day of the month also pushed the market higher.

The ASX200 had fallen by more than 7.3 per cent since April 11 but the fall would have been greater if not for gains of 3.3 per cent in the past three days.

"It's not a bad knee-jerk reaction to the performance of the leading global equity markets overnight and Greece coming to a temporary solution, putting that to bed for at least a day," Mr Morrow said.

People on the short side of the market have done awfully well in their interest to close out trades."

The healthcare and industrials sector lead the broader market higher, with health stocks up 2.09 per cent and industrials 2.42 per cent.

Healthcare company CSL shot up 76 cents, or 2.35 per cent, to $33.06, and steelmaker BlueScope Steel rose 5.5 cents, or 4.78 per cent, to 120.5 cents.

Making news today, Insurance Insurance Australia Group was up two cents at $3.40 after maintaining guidance of an insurance margin of between eight and 10 per cent for 2010/11. This was after it said the Christchurch earthquake would cost up to $65 million in net insurance claims.

Preliminary national turnover was 2.96 billion shares worth $5.47 billion.

There were 822 stocks up and 415 down, and 423 unchanged.

View the original article here

US man drinks liquid, dies in court after guilty verdict

AN Arizona man convicted today of deliberately burning down his $US3.5 million mansion in 2009 collapsed and died in the courtroom after the verdict was read.

A Phoenix jury found 53-year-old Scottsdale man Michael Marin guilty of arson of an occupied structure.

Shortly after he heard the verdict, video showed Marin taking a drink from a bottle of an unknown liquid. He then made a choking or throat-clearing noise, wheeled his chair around, and collapsed on the floor.

Paramedics attended to him, but could not save his life.

Marin was not in custody during the trial and it is possible he deliberately harmed himself.

Marin's mansion burned down in July 2009.

He told authorities he escaped the blaze by climbing down a rope ladder while wearing a scuba tank and diving mask to protect himself from the smoke. Prosecutors claimed Marin set fire to his house because he could no longer pay the mortgage.

Read more about the court case at myfoxphoenix.com

View the original article here

Stocks close higher after austerity vote

THE Australian share market ended the last day of the financial year on a strong note after Greece passed austerity measures to avoid a default on debt.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index today closed up 78.5 points, or 1.73 per cent, at 4608 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 80 points, or 1.75 per cent, to 4659.8 points.

On the ASX 24, the September share price index futures contract was up 80 points at 4599 points, with about 37,000 contracts traded at 4.19 (AEST).

It was the third straight day of gains.

A positive vote in Greece on austerity measures designed to avoid the nation defaulting on its debts buoyed sentiment, EL&C Baillieu Stockbroking director Richard Morrow said.

He said short-sellers closing out trades on the last day of the month also pushed the market higher.

The ASX200 had fallen by more than 7.3 per cent since April 11 but the fall would have been greater if not for gains of 3.3 per cent in the past three days.

"It's not a bad knee-jerk reaction to the performance of the leading global equity markets overnight and Greece coming to a temporary solution, putting that to bed for at least a day," Mr Morrow said.

People on the short side of the market have done awfully well in their interest to close out trades."

The healthcare and industrials sector lead the broader market higher, with health stocks up 2.09 per cent and industrials 2.42 per cent.

Healthcare company CSL shot up 76 cents, or 2.35 per cent, to $33.06, and steelmaker BlueScope Steel rose 5.5 cents, or 4.78 per cent, to 120.5 cents.

Making news today, Insurance Insurance Australia Group was up two cents at $3.40 after maintaining guidance of an insurance margin of between eight and 10 per cent for 2010/11. This was after it said the Christchurch earthquake would cost up to $65 million in net insurance claims.

Preliminary national turnover was 2.96 billion shares worth $5.47 billion.

There were 822 stocks up and 415 down, and 423 unchanged.

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US stocks fall after 10-day winning streak

US stocks fell on Friday, bringing the Dow's 10-day winning streak to a halt as a decline in a key consumer sentiment index highlighted continuing weaknesses in the economy.

Trade was heavy in banks after the Fed completed its stress tests and capital plan reviews, and as a Senate committee report blasted JPMorgan Chase for how it handled its massive "London Whale" losses last year.

At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 26.57 points (0.18 per cent) to 14,512.57, the first time in nine days it did not finish at an all-time record.

The broad-based S&P 500 lost 2.59 (0.17 per cent) at 1,560.64, after having pushed higher on Thursday to a tantalising three points short of its all-time high.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 9.86 (0.30 per cent) to 3,249.07.

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