SimCity Problems: Maxis Admits Being 'Dumb'

The makers of the new SimCity game have admitted they were "dumb" for not anticipating the type of demand which shut out gamers this week.

The newly-released PC title has infuriated many fans who have been unable to get online to play due to server problems.

"A lot more people logged on than we expected," said Lucy Bradshaw, head of games developer Maxis in a blog post.

"More people played and played in ways we never saw in the beta. OK, we agree, that was dumb, but we are committed to fixing it."

Later in the blog she told gamers: "We're hoping you won't stay mad and that we'll be friends again."

The long-running franchise, first released in 1989, lets gamers build a virtual city - but in the latest instalment they must be connected to the internet.

But the botched launch has seen many players experiencing long delays logging on, as well as crashes.

Online retailer Amazon briefly stopped selling the game on Friday due to overwhelmingly bad feedback on the site.

A swift backlash on social networks has prompted the game's makers to take urgent action.

Electronic Arts (EA), which owns Maxis, has added extra servers to cope with demand, put in patches to stop the game crashing, and disabled some features in the game to speed things up.

Players can plan detailed elements of their city, such as water supply

In its latest update it says the number of "disrupted experiences" has dropped by about 80% but that some people are still having problems.

"We're close to fixed, but not quite there," said Maxis General Manager Lucy Bradshaw. "I'm hoping to post another update this weekend to let everyone know that the launch issues are behind us."

"The consensus among critics and players is that this is fundamentally a great game," she added.

Looking to appease angry fans, EA also said it would also be offering those affected a free downloadable game from its archive.

The online connectivity is nothing new for today's games and the feature allows users to link their cities up with others to create larger regions. It is also designed as a way to prevent piracy of the game.

However, because there is no option to play 'offline', even those wanting to play in single-player mode have experienced problems.

Early SimCity reviews were positive, with critics calling it a "fully realised evolution of the franchise" and "wonderfully complex".

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Falklands: Sky Poll Reveals Nations Divided

By Ian Woods, Senior Correspondent, Falkland Islands

Only 15% of Argentinians think Falkland Islanders should have a say in their own future, and a quarter still believe that the islands will one day be governed from Buenos Aires.

Those answers, in an opinion poll conducted by YouGov for Sky News, come on the eve of a referendum in which Falklanders will be asked whether they want to remain British.

It is expected to result in an overwhelming yes vote, but the islanders' enthusiasm for Britain doesn't seem to be reciprocated in the UK.

When asked what was the most important international issue affecting their country, only 1% of British respondents said the Falklands, while the figure was 24% in Argentina - just ahead of those worried about the economy.

Ballot boxes are prepared for Sunday's referendum

There was an even bigger divergence of opinion between the two countries over the rights of the people on the islands to have a say in their future.

Nearly nine out of 10 (88%) British people who were surveyed thought the islanders should have a say on who ruled them, while six out of 10 (59%) Argentinians thought they should have no say on sovereignty.

Jan Cheek, one of the eight members of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, told Sky News: "Sadly that says a lot about Argentina and their view of democracy.

"It's a populist theme. We saw it used by the military junta in '82 and it's being used in the same way by Christina Fernandez de Kirchner today."

The Union Flag bunting is going up

The Argentinian president has tried to buttonhole David Cameron on the issue and has raised it at the United Nations.

"We've seen a lot of propaganda going out from Argentina. Some of it entirely false, some of it a distortion of the facts," said Ms Cheek.

"We would like people to recognise that we have the right to self-determination and we hope that democratic countries would wish to afford us the same right."

It will arguably be the most significant moment in the history of the Falkland Islands since British forces liberated them 10 weeks after they were seized by an Argentinian invasion force in 1982.

The result is not in doubt, only the precise number voting yes. And those who have organised the referendum acknowledge that they need a high turnout to send a clear message.

Dick Sawle, another member of the Legislative Assembly, said: "I think if we got 100%, people would think it was rigged. I think we will get a very high percentage, in the nineties, voting for yes."

The referendum result is a foregone conclusion

There may be a few no votes, because while nobody is thought to favour Argentinian rule, there are a few who would prefer complete independence from Britain.

"One or two people might think that no means that they could have independence immediately," said Mr Sawle.

"I don't think this country is ready for independence yet, I think we have a long way to go in terms of government structure, in terms of responsibility for elected members and so on. We're too small."

Liam Felton-Short is a typical voter. "I'm British. I'm a sixth-generation Falklander," he said. "We are a British people. We're very much proud to be so."

Sybie Summers owns a gift shop in Stanley and is angry about the detrimental effect the Argentinian government has had on her business which relies on tourism.

It's been a slow year because some cruise ships stayed away under pressure from Buenos Aires.

They were told they would not be allowed to sail in Argentinean waters if they sailed into Stanley.

"It annoys me to think what they're trying to do to our islands," said Ms Summers.

"They're trying to cut us off. And hopefully the rest of the world will realise that they just can't do that."

The anti-Falklands policy has become more inventive in recent years, with adverts being placed in British newspapers, and a video secretly shot in Stanley showing one of their Olympic athletes preparing for the London games by training on what the video said was Argentinian soil.

What angered islanders most was that the video showed deserted streets as if the people didn't exist.

They hope that the referendum will give them a voice which the world can't ignore, even if Argentina continues to deny their right to self-determination.

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Image Shows Boy Injured In Gang Attack

Police have released an image of a teenage boy's injured face after he was assaulted by a group of men in Manchester.

The assault began when three cars pulled up on Briscoe Lane, Newton Heath, last Saturday afternoon before a gang of around 12 men got out and began attacking a group of youths.

The 15-year-old boy was attacked by up to four of the men who chased him into nearby Harringay Road.

He was later taken to hospital with facial injuries and a broken arm.

Police have released this image of the boy

A teenage girl was also hit in the face and suffered a fractured cheekbone.

After the assault, which was caught on CCTV, the boy's attackers got back into their cars before before driving off towards Ten Acres Lane.

The boy's mother, who does not wish to be named, said: "I barely recognised my boy when I saw him, such were the extent of the injuries to his face.

"I cannot believe a bunch of grown men would attack an innocent teenage boy like this.

"He was not involved in any sort of trouble yet they waded in with fists and weapons and didn't give him any chance to respond or defend himself."

Police believe the incident may be linked to a dispute the previous evening in the Newton Heath area, however neither victim is understood to have been involved in this.

Detective Constable Paddy Connell, said: "While the CCTV footage we released shows a determined effort by a group of men to get at and assault a number of teenagers, what this injury picture shows is the real consequences of their actions.

"The boy is slight in build and was chased and beaten by burly men.

"Their actions were shameless and shocking and I want people to look at the injuries to the boy's face and if they know anything to come forward.

"We think this may be linked to an incident the previous evening and earlier that day in that general area and if that is the case then they have definitely got the wrong people as neither victim was there.

"If anyone knows anything about what may have prompted this or knows who is responsible, please get in touch."

:: Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3832, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Egypt: Rival Football Fans Angry Over Verdicts

A hardcore element of Cairo's Al Ahly fan base have stormed and set fire to Egypt's football headquarters after a court aquitted seven out of nine police officials on trial for their alleged role in a deadly stadium riot.

A nearby police club in the Egyptian capital was also set ablaze - and the mob, known as the Ultras, was said to be marching towards the interior ministry as well, according to state television.

The fire rages at the football headquarters

Security was beefed up and riot police deployed in the streets around the complex in central Cairo, as the twin fires sent plumes of thick black smoke billowing out over the city skyline.

A protester was killed in clashes with the police, according to a health official who said he suffocated after inhaling tear gas and died in the ambulance.

Several other people were reportedly hurt in the demonstrations.

Hundreds of the club's supporters took to the streets in celebration after a court earlier on Saturday upheld death sentences on 21 Port Said football fans for their role in the stadium riot last year.

Some 74 people were killed and around 1,000 injured at the end of a match between Cairo's Al Ahly and Al Masry, the local side, on February 1, 2012.

Spectators were crushed when panicked fans tried to get out the stadium after a pitch invasion by Port Said supporters.

Al Ahly fans take to the streets of Cairo after the verdicts are announced

In a live televised ruling, judge Sobhi Abdel-Maguid confirmed "the death penalty by hanging".

Al Ahly fans had warned police they would retaliate if the defendants, including nine policemen, were exonerated.

The city's former security chief, Major General Essam Samak, was jailed for 15 years along with several others including Brigadier General Mohammed Saad, who during the riot had the keys to the stadium gates, which were locked.

A further five people were also sentenced to life imprisonment for the riot, while 28 others - including seven police officers - were acquitted.

The rest of the 73 defendants involved received shorter prison sentences.

In Port Said, crowds gathered by the Suez Canal to protest against the verdicts.

The stadium deaths occurred on February 1, 2012

A military helicopter hovered overhead and army checkpoints were set up on main streets as protesters tried to disrupt shipping on the canal.

"Today's verdict is unfair - we are demanding a fair verdict. This judge is unjust," said Mohamed Al Sayed.

The death sentences - originally handed down in January - have previously provoked deadly clashes in Port Said and Cairo.

The riot - the worst case of football violence in the country and the deadliest worldwide since 1996 - erupted after the home team Al Masry beat Egypt's top club Al Ahly in the league fixture.

Subsequent widespread violence and protests have sparked fresh concerns about Egypt's stability.

Political turmoil is sweeping across the country with demonstrators demanding concessions from Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, while others want him removed altogether, saying his Muslim Brotherhood is monopolising power.

His government is struggling to halt the slide in law and order, hampered by a strike by some protesting police.

At least eight people have been killed in Port Said this week, including three police officers.

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UN Peacekeepers Freed At Jordanian Border

A group of UN peacekeepers captured by Syrian rebels have been handed to Jordanian authorities at the border.

The 21 Filipino peacekeepers were captured by the Martyrs of Yarmouk brigade on the Syrian side of the border south of the village of Jamla, near the Golan Heights, three days ago.

"They are all on the Jordanian side now and they are in good health," Abu Mahmoud, a rebel who scrossed over into Jordan with them, said.

In the Syrian capital, Mokhtar Lamani, who heads the Damascus office of UN-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi,confirmed the men had crossed into Jordan.

The group were part of the UN Disengagement Observer Force, which has been monitoring a ceasefire line between Syria and Israel in the Golan Heights since 1974.

The 21 troops are all from the Philippines

After their capture the rebel fighters described them as "guests" and said they would be freed once President Bashar al Assad's forces stopped shelling and withdrew from around Jamla.

In several videos released by the rebel group, the peacekeepers said they were being treated well.

Syria's ambassador to the UN, Bashar Jaafari, said the army was targeting areas outside Jamla where the rebels were concentrated, rather than the village itself.

"We know for sure what we are doing and we know where the peacekeepers are," he said.

A brief truce was called in the area on Saturday morning, providing a sufficient lull in fighting to get the peacekeepers out.

Syria's civil war has spilled periodically across the Golan Heights ceasefire line and Syria's borders with Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.

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Brian Lynch: Police Warn Over Escaped Killer

By Clare Fallon, Sky Reporter

Police say a convicted killer who has escaped from custody in Lancashire could be a risk to the public.

Brian Lynch, 44, disappeared while on day release for the first time since he was jailed 25 years ago.

He was convicted of murder in 1988 after beating to death 21-year-old Chi Keung Yip in Manchester.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Gilbert, who is leading the search for the escaped prisoner, warned people not to approach him.

"Because he has been in prison for 25 years he won't know the area very well so he may approach the public and ask for directions," he told Sky News.

"I'd ask the public to be aware of his description and ask themselves whether they've been approached by this man."

Since Lynch disappeared in Preston city centre on Thursday afternoon, there have been two potential sightings of him.

A man matching his appearance was seen at Preston bus station just after 3pm on Thursday.

The second potential sighting was on Stanley Grove in Penwortham at 5.15pm on the same day.

Police think he may have travelled to his home city of Manchester, where he has family and friends.

Lynch had been moved to HMP Kirkham in Lancashire, which is an open, category D prison in December. 

He was on day release at the time of his escape as part of his rehabilitation preparing him for life outside prison.

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Abu Qatada Ordered To Be Returned To Jail

A judge has ruled in a special hearing that radical preacher Abu Qatada must remain in custody after being arrested for allegedly breaching bail conditions.

The arrest came just days ahead of a new Government attempt to have him deported.

"At a telephone hearing this afternoon with lawyers for both sides, Mr Justice Irwin, Chairman of SIAC (Special Immigration Appeals Commission), ordered the return of Omar Othman, otherwise known as Abu Qatada, to prison," the Judicial Office said in a statement.

He will be detained at Belmarsh prison until a further hearing on March 21.

The court heard evidence suggesting Qatada had broken the bail condition which prohibits him from permitting mobile phones to be switched on in his house while he is present, the Judicial Office added.

The radical cleric, who has been convicted of terror charges in Jordan, was arrested by UK Border Agency officials on Friday following raids by the Metropolitan Police Service Counter Terrorism unit.

Searches at two residential homes and a business in northwest and west London began on Thursday, while a search on a third property in northwest London is ongoing, Scotland Yard said.

The searches were carried out in connection with ongoing inquiries by the Counter Terrorism Command, a spokesman for Scotland Yard said.

However, no arrests have been made in connection with the police investigation, he added.

The Home Office said: "The UK Border Agency arrested a 52-year-old man from north London for alleged breaches of his bail conditions imposed by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC)."

Qatada was reportedly arrested by officials outside his family home in London.

The Sun newspaper showed pictures of him being escorted out of his house with his hands hidden under a jacket.

Qatada was due to appear at the Court of Appeal on Monday for Home Secretary Theresa May's attempt to overturn a judge's decision to allow him to stay in the UK.

Ms May will challenge the decision in front of three Court of Appeal judges led by Lord Dyson, the Master of the Rolls.

Once described by a Spanish judge as "Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe", Qatada has used human rights laws to fight deportation for more than a decade.

SIAC decided last November that Qatada could not lawfully be deported to Jordan, where he was convicted of terror charges in his absence in 1999.

SIAC judges ruled there was a danger that evidence from Qatada's former co-defendants Abu Hawsher and Al Hamasher, said to have been obtained by torture, could be used against him in a retrial in Jordan.

He was granted bail following the ruling by three SIAC judges and released from Long Lartin prison in November last year.

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Conclave Cardinals Vote With Latin Remote

By Nick Pisa in Vatican City

Cardinals taking part in secret discussions ahead of next week's Conclave to elect a new Pope have been using a remote control with buttons in Latin.

The state-of-the-art devices have been handed to the so-called "Princes of the Church" as the College of Cardinals hold their daily meetings at the Nervi hall in the Vatican.

Latin is the official language of the Vatican and numerous signs and documents are in the ancient language - as is a cashpoint machine just inside the walls by the Sant'Anna gate.

The remote control is used by the cardinals as they vote on a series of themes and topics that have come up for discussion ahead of the start of Tuesday's Conclave in the Sistine Chapel.

The electronic devices have a small display with a Vatican stem showing the "sede vacante" or empty see, which denotes the fact that no Pope is in office since former Pontiff Benedict XVI stepped down last month.

Below the screen are two buttons - one coloured green with the word "confirmo" for send and one in red with "deleo" for delete.

Cardinals discuss matters in the Vatican ahead of the Conclave on Tuesday

Then there are four grey buttons with the words "placet" (agree), "non placet" (don't agree), "abstineo" (abstain) and "luxta modum" - agree in principle.

During voting and meetings, the wifi system in the nearby press centre is switched off and a jamming device also prevents the use of mobile telephones to ensure that cardinals have no contact with the outside world.

The same principle is used for the Conclave, with a jamming system being place to prevent cardinals receiving and giving information on the secret ballot.

However, the voting procedure inside the Sistine Chapel follows a more traditional method, with the 115 elector cardinals (those under 80 years old) writing their nominations on a ballot paper - again written in Latin.

It says "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" (I elect to the Pontifical See) and then their chosen cardinal's name. This is then put in an urn and the names are counted by scrutineers with a hole being pushed through each paper with a needle and thread.

These are then collected and burned in a stove inside the Sistine Chapel with chemicals being added which turn the resulting smoke white to signify a new Pope has been chosen or black to say there is still no decision.

Recently, the Vatican has been stepping up its use of social networks with a Papal Twitter account, Facebook site and YouTube page, plus all announcements from the Vatican are uploaded into its press office site and Twitter account.

Emeritus Pope Benedict was the first to have a Twitter account - before he stepped down he had more than three million followers.

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Nelson Mandela In Hospital For Tests

Former South African leader Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital for a scheduled medical check-up where he is having tests.

It comes just months after Mr Mandela, 94, was treated for a lung infection and gallstones.

The government said he was in hospital for a "routine test", and a spokesman for the country's president Jacob Zuma said there was "no need for panic".

He added that doctors were treating Mr Mandela for a pre-existing condition.

According to a statement by the presidency, he was taken to a hospital in Pretoria.

It said: "Doctors are conducting tests and have thus far indicated that there is no reason for any alarm."

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said: "Former president Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital in Pretoria this afternoon for a scheduled medical check-up to manage the existing conditions in line with his age."

More follows...

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Nigeria Islamists Claim To Have Killed Hostages

The Foreign Office confirms it is looking into claims a Nigerian Islamist group has killed seven foreign hostages.

The were taken from the compound of Setraco, a Lebanese construction company, in the town of Jama'are in Bauchi state on February 7.

The al Qaeda-linked Ansaru group, believed to be an offshoot of the larger Boko Haram group, is said to be behind the abductions.

Nigerian authorities said they had no information to confirm the claims.

More follows...

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