JAMES BOND star DANIEL CRAIG and his actress wife RACHEL WEISZ were among the Hollywood stars who were invited to an exclusive overnight event hosted by QUEEN ELIZABETH II at Windsor Castle this week (begs08Apr13). Reported by OK! 4 hours ago.

Patch Stratford, CT --

Frances Lucas Grosner, age 98, of Stratford, the beloved wife of the late Daniel Grosner passed away peacefully on April 8, 2013 in Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center with her loving family by her side.

Frances was born on May 31, 1914 in Bridgeport and was the daughter of the late John and Anna Krajnak Lucas.

Frances graduated from Booth and Bayliss Commercial School and worked as a secretary, when the Polio epidemic attacked, she collected for the “March of Dimes.”

Frances and her husband Daniel were charter members for the Pre-Cana program for the Diocese of Bridgeport, charter members of the Holy Name Seniors, a member of the St. James Seniors, St. Anthony Guild of the Franciscan Associates, Sacred Heart Auto League, a member of the Baldwin Center and sang in the Senior Choir for many years. God gave her a wonderful family and the courage to say “God’s will be done.”

Frances is survived by two sons Daniel S. Grosner and wife Marilyn of Stratford and Francis X. Grosner of Newtown, one daughter Rita Singer and partner Andrew Adam of Milford, four grandchildren Julieanne Capodagli and husband Al, Debra Grosner, Jeffrey Grosner and wife Rebecca and Jennifer Johnson and husband Bret, three great grandchildren Demetri, Althea and Twyla, one sister Josephine Skerencak of Shelton and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her cherished husband Daniel, Frances was also predeceased by her daughter Alberta Marie Grosner and three sisters Anna Konecny, Mary Marvin and Cecelia Lucas. 

Funeral services will take place on Friday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. in the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main St., Stratford and at 11 a.m. in Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1950 Barnum Ave., Stratford where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Andrew Marus.

Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday, April 12 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the staff of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center and the nurses and aids in Pavilion #2 for their care and compassion.

This obituary was courtesy of Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home. Reported by Patch 3 hours ago.

Patch Largo, FL --

The following report shows charges associated with Largo residents booked at Pinellas County Jail between April 1-7. All felony arrests were made by the Largo Police Department unless noted otherwise. 

Being arrested on charges does not mean a person has been convicted of the crime.

*April 1*

*April Durham*, 33, of Largo, was arrested and charged with possession of alprazolam. She was released on $2,000 bond.

*April 3*

*Andrew Loren Voigts*, 18, of Clearwater, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, resisting an officer with violence and possession of mephedrone (bath salts). He was released on $12,150 bond.

*Johny Rosas*, 29, of Largo, was arrested and charged with violation of probation and trespassing on property other than a structure/conveyance. He is in jail awaiting trial on $150 bond.

*Gerald Mark Lemmon*, 44, of Largo, was arrested and charged with violation of probation and trespassing on property other than a structure/conveyance. He is in jail awaiting trial on $150 bond.

*April 4*

*Richard Allen Chandler*, 56, of Largo, was arrested and charged with six counts of violation of probation. He is in jail awaiting trial on $50,000 bond.

*Staci Marie Joynerfalter*, 26, of Largo, was arrested and charged with domestic battery by strangulation. She was released on $1,000 bond.

*Devontae Lamar Jones*, 20, of Largo, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of probation. He was released on $6,000 bond.

*Darius Devante Hill*, 20, of Largo, was arrested and charged with three counts of violation of probation. He was released on $1,000 bond.

*Khalid Asim Dunnam*, 22, of New Port Richey, was arrested and charged with felony battery and burglary of an occupied conveyance. He is in jail awaiting trial on $35,000 bond. 

*Roy Louis Doernberger*, 27, of St. Petersburg, was arrested and charged with domestic battery by strangulation and violation of probation. He was released on $1,500 bond.

*April 5*

*Jessica Nicole Scott*, 20, of Seminole was arrested and charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling. She was released on $10,000 bond.

*William Patrick Ryan*, 27, of Largo, was arrested and charged with violation of probation. He is in jail awaiting trial.

*Morgan Buddy Holley*, of Largo, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and retail theft. He is in jail awaiting trial on $5,150 bond.

*April 6*

*Kaylee Marie Scruton*, 24, of Largo, was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. She was released on her own recognizance.

*Danielle Marie Payton*, 23, of Largo, was arrested and charged with failure to appear, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), possession of cocaine and trespassing on structure/conveyance after warning. She is in jail awaiting trial on $5,313 bond.

*James Mason Kitts*, 42, of Clearwater, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (third offense). He is in jail awaiting trial on $5,000 bond.

*Sarai Garcis*, 20, of Tampa, was arrested and charged with retail theft and possession of xanax. She was released on $2,150 bond.

*Daniel Scott Colby*, 28, of Holiday, was arrested and charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on $2,150 bond.

*April 7*

*Daniel J. Santos*, 51, of Largo, was arrested and charged with felony battery/domestic. He is in jail awaiting trial on $5,000 bond.

*Christopher Q. Riddle*, 36, of Largo, was arrested and charged with obstructing or resisting an officer without violence and domestic battery by strangulation. He was released on $5,150 bond.

*Leah Marie Orza*, 33, of Largo, was arrested and charged with being a fugitive from Santa Clara, CA. She is in jail awaiting trial.

*Richard Alan Geier*, 50, of Largo, was arrested and charged with battery. He is in jail awaiting trial on $15,000 bond.

*Harry Dejesus*, 57, of Indian Rocks Beach, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and two counts of burglary (assault during the course thereof). He is in jail awaiting trial on $30,250 bond.

--------------------

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-------------------- Reported by Patch 2 hours ago.

Daniel Reilly, 36, faces rape, child endangerment, and sexual abuse chargesEnglish teacher and ex-Marine taught girl at IS 237 in Flushing, New YorkHis lawyer wife Reported by CapitalBay 1 day ago.

Veteran television and theatre actor Eric Peterson and music producer Daniel Lanois are among the six Canadians who will be honoured with the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards. Reported by CBC.ca 1 day ago.

Patch Verona-Cedar Grove, NJ --

Daniel Drench of Verona, a past president of United Jewish Federation of Morris-Sussex and an architect of the merger between the group and the Jewish Community Federation of Metropolitan New Jersey, a pre-cursor to United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, died April 5, a published report said Tuesday.

Drench, 91, was a businessman who displayed his love of Israel through his wide array of philanthropic activities including serving as leader of the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest, JCC MetroWest and the Jewish Historical Society of which he was a founding member, according to a NJJewishnews.com report.

In addition, he served as chair of Israel Bonds and was a member of the Lester Society, honoring those who committed $100,000 or more to the UJA Annual campaign, the report said.

Max Kleinman, executive vice president/CEO of the Greater MetroWest federation said, “Dan was one of the most extraordinary leaders I’ve met. He had the unique ability to see the big picture while having both feet on the ground. He will be sorely missed.”

Drench lived in Verona and belonged to Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston.

A memorial service was held on Monday, April 8 at Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston. Reported by Patch 21 hours ago.

New Chiefs backup quarterback Chase Daniel said it was hard to leave New Orleans but that he's ready to compete for a starting job, even if Alex Smith is the clear-cut No. 1 in Kansas City. "I think that's what makes quarterbacks, especially, competitive," he said. "Everyone trying to take the spot in front of them." Reported by KansasCity.com 1 day ago.

Patch Livingston, NJ --

Daniel Drench, a member of Temple B'nai Abraham in Livingston, who was a past president of United Jewish Federation of Morris-Sussex and an architect of the merger between the group and the Jewish Community Federation of Metropolitan New Jersey, a pre-cursor to United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, died April 5, a published report said Tuesday.

Drench, 91, was a businessman who displayed his love of Israel through his wide array of philanthropic activities including serving as leader of the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest, JCC MetroWest and the Jewish Historical Society of which he was a founding member, according to a NJJewishnews.com report.

In addition, he served as chair of Israel Bonds and was a member of the Lester Society, honoring those who committed $100,000 or more to the UJA Annual campaign, the report said.

Max Kleinman, executive vice president/CEO of the Greater MetroWest federation said, “Dan was one of the most extraordinary leaders I’ve met. He had the unique ability to see the big picture while having both feet on the ground. He will be sorely missed.”

Drench, who lived in Verona but belonged to Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston, died of congestive heart failure, his family said.

A memorial service was held on Monday, April 8 at the  Livingston synagogue. Reported by Patch 19 hours ago.

The Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe led a tearful farewell to his former co-star Richard Griffiths, who passed away last week. The Daily Express... Reported by ContactMusic 1 day ago.

Patch Channahon-Minooka, IL --

OUTSIDE CHICAGO, IL -- A 28-year-old Joliet man is accused of stabbing his brother in the back after an argument erupted during a cookout at Pure Rod and Gun Club, 23239 W. Main St., on April 4.

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Daniel J. Dupree, of the 1300 block of Morgan Street, was arrested following the melee at the Plainfled hunting and fishing club and charged with aggravated domestic battery, a felony.

He’s accused of stabbing his older brother during a fight over food, according to Will County Sheriff’s police.

*Read: Brothers Beaten, Stabbed in Domestic Dispute at Plainfield Gun Club: Police*

The victim — Dupree’s 31-year-old brother — said the brothers were about to cook ribs and lobster on the grill at about 9:30 p.m. April 4 when the argument broke out, according to police.

Sheriff’s department spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer said Daniel Dupree stabbed his brother in the back before the father of the two men intervened.

“While the two brothers were wrestling and fighting, the father got an axe and used the handle and was clubbing his son Daniel in an attempt to get him off the victim,” she said.

Daniel Dupree was taken to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, where he received seven stitches for a wound to his head, police said. He was then released to the custody of sheriff’s deputies.

The older brother was taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet to be treated for a stab wound. Hoffmeyer said his injury was non-life-threatening, but she did not know whether he had been released from the hospital. Police are not releasing the older brother’s name, and said there is currently no warrant for his arrest.

Police said a purple knife with black polka dots on it and an axe, both with blood on them, were found near a pavilion at the rod and gun club.

Hoffmeyer said the father, 52-year-old Dan Dupree of the 14000 block of Golden Lane in Plainfield, was also arrested after allegedly disregarding the orders of police. Despite the fact that the three men had been drinking, Hoffmeyer said, the elder Dupree attempted to take possession of Daniel Dupree’s truck.

“He was told numerous times that he couldn’t do that,” Hoffmeyer said. “Then he was attempting to enter the ambulance looking for keys to his son’s truck. He wanted to leave in the truck [and] he put up a struggle when deputies were going to arrest him.”

Dan Dupree was booked into the county jail on a charge of resisting a peace officer. According to jail records, he was released April 5, although bond information was not available.

The younger Dupree’s bond was set at $60,000. As of Wednesday, he was still listed as being in custody at the Will County jail. 

*Second stabbing arrest for Dupree*

The April 4 incident isn't the first time Daniel J. Dupree has been charged in a Plainfield stabbing.

In February 2012, Dupree was arrested following an incident at Uptown Eatery & Tap in which two other people were stabbed. At the time, Dupree was accused of pulling a knife on a man who was smoking a cigarette in an alley behind the Lockport Street bar and grill. A fight broke out that police said resulted in Dupree stabbing one man in the hand and the other in the face.

*Read: Bar Stabbing at Uptown Sunday Night Leaves 3 Injured, Police Say*

Aggravated battery charges against Dupree were dropped the following summer after one of the victims was a no-show in court, police said. Sgt. Kevin McQuaid said all three men knew each other, and one victim, who was stabbed in the face, did not want to cooperate with police.

Dupree spoke to Patch after the charges were dropped, saying he was not the aggressor in the fight.

*Read: Charges Dropped in Bar Stabbing*

“I got jumped,” he said. “I was protecting myself.” According to Dupree, the physical fight started after a verbal altercation between himself and another bar patron.

“The guy was running his mouth,” Dupree said. “We were all drunk — that’s what it boiled down to.

“ ... Since the incident, I’ve changed quite a few things [in my life],” Dupree told Patch. But employers get an unfavorable impression of him when the arrest shows up in Google searches, making it tough for him to find a job.

“It makes me look like a lunatic,” he said. Reported by Patch 7 hours ago.

NEW YORK -- The latest twist in the saga of Daniel McGowan, an environmental activist who was convicted of arson linked to the Earth Liberation Front, has his lawyer exasperated with the Bureau of Prisons, which is now conceding it cannot stop him from blogging for The Huffington Post.

McGowan was taken from his Brooklyn halfway house by marshals and put in jail last week in response to a blog post he wrote that was critical of the Bureau of Prisons. After his lawyers complained that his rights were being infringed upon, he was re-released to the halfway house where he had been serving out the final months of his term.

But there was a twist: Upon being released, McGowan was forced to sign a document stating that "writing articles, appearing in any type of television or media outlets, news reports and/or documentaries without prior BOP approval is strictly prohibited." Violating that agreement, which he signed under duress, might mean going back to jail.

It was, said Rachel Meeropol, his lawyer at the Center for Constitutional Rights, a form of "fast and loose retaliation."

When HuffPost contacted the Bureau of Prisons' regional office in Philadelphia, however, they quickly backtracked on the agreement.

"He's not prohibited from doing that, and we're going to address it with the (halfway house) contractor," said Lamine N'Diaye, a BOP public information officer. If McGowan wrote another HuffPost blog today, said N'Diaye, "he's not going to be punished."

The BOP's new position may be on firmer legal ground than the contract McGowan was forced to sign: as the CCR pointed out when they fought for his rerelease, a federal judge ruled in 2007 that attempts to prohibit inmates from writing articles under their own byline are unconstitutional.

"This chain of events is so ridiculous, it is almost laughable," said Meeropol. "What is sobering, however, is the impact of these repeated 'mistakes' -- a dedicated activist is being chilled from sharing important information with the public in violation of the First Amendment and the Bureau of Prison’s own regulations." Reported by Huffington Post 23 hours ago.

“I'm a good liberal, and I've always made a lot of assumptions about my own liberal purity,” says director Daniel Brooks. “I haven't thought a lot about race, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to enter a discussion about it.” Reported by Digital Journal 21 hours ago.

Guardian Digital Forensics is offering national CLE and other Training Courses on Digital Forensics, Cell Phone and Cell Tower Forensics, and Audio, Photo, and Video Forensics beginning Friday April 12, 2013 through May 20, 2013.

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) April 11, 2013

Larry E. Daniel and Lars E. Daniel, principals of Guardian Digital Forensics, are certified and qualified as experts in computer forensics, cell phone forensics, GPS, and cell tower data forensics. They provide digital forensic evidence services in criminal litigation cases involving complex capital and first degree murder, child pornography, financial fraud, kidnapping, and other crimes. Their extensive experience also extends to civil cases involving employee wrongdoing, wrongful death, fraud, and intellectual property.

Guardian Digital Forensics, has announced the following speaking engagements:

Friday, April 12, 2013
Lars Daniel - Columbus Bar Association CLE
Columbus, OH

Friday, April 12, 2013
Larry Daniel - VTLA & VACDL Advanced Criminal Law Retreat
Digital Forensics for Attorneys - Part I and Part II
VTLA: Discovering Evidence and Witnesses on the Internet
Columbus, OH

Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Larry Daniel and Lars Daniel - South Carolina Public Defender's Conference
Digital Forensics in Murder Cases

Friday, May 3, 2013
Larry Daniel and Lars Daniel - Oklahoma Bar Association CLE
Digital Forensics for Attorneys - Parts I & II
Cell Phone Forensics, Audio, Photo & Video Forensics, Digital Forensics in Child Pornography Cases, Digital Forensics in Murder Cases

Thursday May 16, 2013
Larry Daniel and Lars Daniel - CPCS Annual Training Conference
Worcester, MA

Monday May 20, 2013
Larry Daniel and Lars Daniel - West Virginia Annual Public Defender Conference
1.5 Hour Course Covering: Cell Phone Forensics, Audio, Photo & Video Forensics

See Guardian Digital Forensics Calendar to Register and for More Events

Larry E. Daniel is a Digital Forensics Certified Practitioner (DFCP), an Encase Certified Examiner (EnCE), an Access Data Certified Examiner (ACE), a Blackthorn Certified GPS Examiner (BCE) and a Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist (CTNS).

Lars E. Daniel is an Encase Certified Examiner (EnCE), an Access Data Certified Examiner (ACE), and forensic artist. Lars performs computer and cell phone forensics, video and photo forensics and audio forensics for Guardian.

Larry E. Daniel and Lars E. Daniel are co-authors of the book, "Digital Forensics for Legal Professionals: Understanding Digital Evidence From The Warrant To The Courtroom."

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GUARDIAN DIGITAL FORENSICS:
Larry E. Daniel, EnCE, DFCP, ACE, BCE, CTNS
Email: larry (at) guardiandf (dot) com Telephone: 919-868-6291
Website: http://www.guardiandf.com
Expert Witness Profile on Experts.com

ABOUT EXPERTS.COM - KNOWLEDGE CONNECTED!(TM)
Since 1994, Experts.com has offered expert witnesses and consultants worldwide an effective, efficient, and economical platform to promote their services and knowledge to legal professionals, the media and other prospective business clients worldwide. Experts.com does not broker the engagement between the clients and members. Clients may search over 1300 expert witness areas of expertise or have Experts.com knowledgeable staff complete the search for no added cost. 1-866-2-EXPERTS Reported by PRWeb 12 hours ago.

Patch Five Towns, NY --

HAFTR High School alumni basketball players will return to the school on Sunday to honor a classmate who died eight years ago, with proceeds of the event benefitting the victims of Hurricane Sandy. 

The following is a letter from North Woodmere reisdent Aaron Neufeld, an organizer of the tournment and classmate of the late Jacob Greenberg:

Eight years ago, HAFTR lost an ambitious student, star athlete, and extraordinary friend, Jacob Haden Greenberg. Anyone who knew Jacob will tell you that he lived life to the fullest and strived for excellence in everything he did. Jacob's exuberant personality and charming presence made him a friend to all. 

Last fall, Hurricane Sandy affected hundreds of thousands of people, destroying their homes and belongings. The storm uprooted and displaced entire families, many of whom are still a long way from putting their lives back together.

On Sunday, April 14, Jacob's life will be celebrated as HAFTR alumni all-star basketball players unite in the new HAFTR Sports Complex, the "Hawks' Nest," to honor the life of such a phenomenal person, while raising funds for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. 

Watch as the 2004-2007 Hawks compete against the 2008-2011 Hawks.

Players from the '04-'07 Hawks include: Rabbi Avi Webber, Daniel Bondarsky, David Braunstein, Josh Reiss, Ariel Nassim, Daniel Fiskus, Josh Gelnick, Adam Gelnick, Dan Gindea, and Jason Steinmetz. 

The '08-'11 lineup includes: Shelby Rosenberg, Matthew Zborowksi, Etan Golan, Michael Palgon, Mikey Gindea, Avi Gill, Yoni Lipshitz, Max Kuritzky, Jonny Daniel, and Daniel Braunstein.

Admission is $10, which includes entry and one free raffle ticket toward a chance at winning four New York Yankees tickets and a gift card to Ahuva's Grill. Additional raffle tickets will be sold for $5, with all proceeds going to assist those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Reported by Patch 8 hours ago.

This is South Devon -- MAGISTRATES' COURT REGISTER Thursday, March 28 Paul Craig BARNARD, Moorland View, Newton Abbot. Age: 36. On 30/08/2012 at Teignmouth Road, Teignmouth had possession of 393g of amphetamine, a controlled drug of class B with intent to supply it. Remanded in custody until 29/05/2013. Mark Sanders COPPERWAITE, St. Andrews Road, Paignton. Age: 40. On 26/03/2013 at Paignton assaulted a male occasioning him actual bodily harm. Plea: Guilty. Remanded on bail until 24/04/2013 for a pre-sentence report. Andrew CRONIN, NFA. Age: 22. On 08/03/2013 at Paignton used towards another threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause those persons to believe that immediate unlawful violence would be used against them. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on bail until 17/05/2013. Alan DUFFY, NFA. Age: 46. On 17/02/2013 at Paignton jointly with another stole meat and cheese , to the value of £48, belonging to Waterside Co-Op Stores. Plea: Guilty. Plus breach of conditional discharge. Committed to prison for four weeks. Michael David HEDGES, Alpine Road, Torquay. Age: 24. On 09/03/2013 at Torquay stole a bottle of vodka to the value of £9.20 belonging to Asda. Plea: Guilty. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Pay victim surcharge of £15. Costs of £85. Daniel HULME, Manor Terrace, Paignton. Age: 22. On 07/03/2013 at Paignton without lawful excuse, damaged Transit van to the value of £50 and a Fiat Multipla to the value of £100. Plea: Guilty. Fined £200. Compensation of £150. Victim surcharge of £20. Costs of £85. Leona THOMPSON, Marlborough Road, On 11/02/2012 at Newton Abbot committed fraud in that dishonestly made a false representation to a member of staff employed by Sainsbury's that she was lawfully authorised to tender a Chase visa card in the name of another for goods, intending to make a gain. Plus six related charges. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on unconditional bail until 22/05/2013. Stephen Thomas Peter WILLS, Norman Road, Paignton. Age: 24. On 08/03/2013 at Paignton used towards another threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on bail until 17/05/2013 for the trial. Stacey Mallin WRIGHT, York Road, Paignton. Age: 19. On 06/11/2012 at Paignton assaulted a male by beating him. Plea: Guilty. Community order made. Carry out unpaid work for 100 hours. Compensation of £100. Costs of £85. Gary James HEATH, Langley Crescent, Plymouth. Age: 47. On 22/12/2012 at Chudleigh unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to a male with intent. Sent for trial to Exeter Crown Court on 12/04/2013. Nicholas LOCK, Furze Road, Totnes. Age: 27. Breach of a community order for driving whilst disqualified. Plea: Admits breach. Committed to prison for 12 weeks suspended for 12 months. Reason for custody: breach of court order and persistent failure to comply with community sentence. Participate in Thinking Skills for 30 days. Jasmine MOORE, Old Coach House, Bridgetown, Totnes. Age: 20. On 13/07/2012 at Totnes jointly with another produced 3.73kg of cannabis, a controlled drug of class B. Also possession 0.64g of 2CI; 38.5g of Psilocin and 14.64g of DMT, all controlled drugs of class A. Remanded on unconditional bail until 22/05/2013 for committal to crown court. Elliott SMITH, Old Coach House, Bridgetown, Totnes. Age: 27. Charges as above. Remanded as above. Darren John WALES, Luxton Road, Ogwell, Newton Abbot. Age: 37. On 28/11/2012 at Newton Abbot stole bottles of alcohol, to the value of £195, belonging to LWC Southwest. Plea: Guilty. Community order made. Compensation of £90. Costs of £85. Michelle Claire DAVIS, Waterloo Street, Teignmouth. Age: 26. Between 15/08/2012 and 27/08/2012 within the jurisdiction of England and Wales pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment of a male in that made 962 telephone calls and 19 text messages. Plea: Not Guilty. Adjourned until 11/04/2013. Adam STANTON, Elmsleigh Road Paignton. Age: 22. On 23/08/2012 at Torquay assaulted a male by beating him. Plea: Not Guilty. Dismissed (no evidence offered). Luke TEMPLETON, The Reeves Road, Torquay. Age: 22. On 26/11/2012 at Torquay assaulted a female by beating her. Plea: Guilty. Remanded in custody until 16/04/2013. Tuesday, April 2 Steven MCKENNA, Ellmore Road, Kitsgreen, Birmingham. Age: 27. On 13/03/2013 at Torquay assaulted a female by beating her. Plea: Guilty. Remanded on bail until 29/04/2013 for a pre-sentence report. Jason BARTON, Allington Close, Taunton, Somerset. Age: 45. On 27/02/2013 at Torquay had without good reason or lawful authority in South Street an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed, namely a kitchen knife. Plea: Guilty. Remanded in custody until 09/04/2013. Luke TEMPLETON, The Reeves Road, Torquay. Age: 22. Between 23/01/2013 and 17/02/2013 at Paignton caused a female to fear that violence would be used against her. On 12/02/2013 at Paignton without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, had in a public place, namely The Palace Hotel an offensive weapon, namely a knife. Remanded in custody until 16/04/2013 for committal. Michael George THOMPSON, Factory Row, Torquay. Age: 52. On 14/01/2013 at Torquay having entered as a trespasser a dwelling, on Lower Ellacombe Church Road stole a Dell laptop, a Raymond Weil ladies' wrist watch and three cigarettes to the value of £1,003. Plea: Not Guilty. On 19/01/2013 at Torquay attempted to steal a coffee cup containing staff tip money of a value unknown belonging to Costa Coffee in Torquay. Plea: Not Guilty. Plus three related charges. Remanded in custody until 30/04/2013. Barry John TAYLOR, Factory Row, Torquay. Age: 34. At Torquay intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that touching was sexual when she did not consent. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded in custody until 08/04/2013. Michael Shaun BAILEY, Higher Cadewell Lane, Torquay. Age: 29. On 25/10/2010 at Torquay committed fraud in that dishonestly made a false representation, namely submitted a credit agreement form to Provident for a £2,000 loan for another intending to make a gain. Plea: Not Guilty. On 22/11/2010 at Torquay committed fraud in that dishonestly made a false representation, namely you submitted a credit agreement form to Provident for a £1,000 loan another intending to make a gain of £600 loan. Plea: Not Guilty. Adjourned to 21/06/2013. Lisa Jane DRYSDALE, Moorland View, Newton Abbot. Age: 29. On 02/09/2012 at Newton Abbot assaulted a female by beating. Plea: Not Guilty. Verdict: Found Not Guilty. Dismissed. Wednesday, April 3 Christopher Jeffrey LAMEY, Lydwell Road, Torquay. Age: 69. Between 01/05/2011 and 04/06/2011 at Torquay being a bankrupt caused the making of a false entry in a record relating to his estate or affairs, namely proof of debt forms for Zohati Limited. Adjourned to 28/05/2013. Gordon Vincent PRICE, Higher French Park, Newton Abbot. Age: 44. On 19/08/2011 at Totnes committed fraud in that dishonestly made a false representation, namely '88,000 miles' in a Riviera Sports Car purchase invoice in relation to a Ford Transit camper van intending to cause loss to another. On 04/10/2011 at Totnes being a trader engaged in a commercial practice which was a misleading action in that it contained false information and was therefore untruthful, namely that it had travelled approximately 88,000 miles when in fact it had travelled in excess of 130,000 miles and it caused or was likely to have caused the average consumer to take a transactional decision he would not have taken otherwise. Plus two related charges. Adjourned to 19/04/2013. Lewis James NEVARD, Batson Gardens, Paignton. Age: 24. On 02/04/2013 at Torquay jointly with another attempted to steal lead from the roof of a porch belonging to Tor Housing. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on bail until 21/05/2013 for the trial. Thomas POULIER, Mckay Avenue Torquay. Age: 20. On 02/04/2013 at Torquay jointly with Lewis NEVARD attempted to steal the lead as above. Plea: Guilty. Remanded on unconditional bail until 21/05/2013. Veronica BRESLAN, Thurlow Road, Torquay, Age: 25. On 22/11/2012 at Torquay were the owner of a dog which was dangerously out of control in a public place, namely Asda car park, Regents Close, and while so out of control injured a male. Plea: Guilty. Unless the dog collie type called 'Snoopy' is kept under proper control by being muzzled in a public place, it must be destroyed. Fined £50. Compensation of £50. Victim surcharge of £20. Joseph Peter MCKENNA, Tarraway Road, Paignton. Age: 31. On 20/03/2013 at Torquay assaulted a female by beating her. Plea: Guilty. On 20/03/2013 at Torquay without lawful authority, used violence for the purpose of securing entry into premises on Carlton Road knowing that there was someone present on those premises who was opposed to the said entry. Plea: Guilty. Remanded on bail until 24/05/2013. Yvonne Heather MOON, Garlic Rea, Brixham. Age: 47. Between 19/09/2012 and 02/01/2013 at Torquay with intent to pervert the course of public justice, did a series of acts, namely providing a false statement to police and perverted the course of public justice. Sent for trial to Exeter Crown Court on 16/04/2013. Emma Jane PASSMORE, Woodhaye Close, South Brent. Age: 39. On 30/11/2012 at South Brent used towards a female threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent. Plea: Guilty. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Restraining order made. Victim surcharge of £15. Tommy ROBERTS, Plymouth Road, Buckfastleigh. Age: 22. On 04/11/2012 at Buckfastleigh jointly with another assaulted a male. Plea: Not Guilty. Adjourned to 31/05/2013 for the trial. Suzanna Marie WALSH, Pembroke Road, Torquay. Age: 34. On 13/03/2013 at Torquay assaulted two constables in the execution of their duty. Plea: Guilty. Committed to prison for 4 months. Reason: alcohol induced incident; biting to an officer and throwing glass at a second officer; history of offences. Gerald BOSTON, Highweek Street, Newton Abbot. Age: 76. Between various dates indecently assaulted a girl under the age of 14 years. Plea: Not Guilty. Plus three related charges. Committed for trial to Exeter Crown Court on 24/05/2013. Martin Lawrence JONES, Padacre Road, Torquay. Age: 45. On 29/09/2008 at Torquay concealed, disguised, converted, transferred or removed criminal property, namely £30,000 by means of the part purchase of Flat 1, 19 Old Mill Road, Torquay. Committed for trial to Exeter Crown Court on 24/05/2013. Plus seven related charges. Committed for trial to Exeter Crown Court on 24/05/2013. Paul Anthony BLACKHAM, Hele Road, Torquay. Age: 20. On 12/10/2012 at Blackpool in Lancashire destroyed a gambling machine to the value of £100 belonging to Coral Island Amusement Arcade. Convicted Fylde Coast Magistrates' Courts 01/03/2013. Fined £50. Compensation of £100. Victim surcharge of £20. Costs of £85. Oliver James LINCOLN, NFA. Age: 19. On 11/11/2012 at Paignton having entered as a trespasser a dwelling on Clifton Road stole an Onda Elite computer tablet, a leather Fossil bag and a Sony Experia mobile phone. Plea: Not Guilty. Committed for trial to Exeter Crown Court on 16/04/2013. Scott David RACKLEY, Teignmouth Road, Torquay. Age: 23. On 19/01/2013 at Torquay assaulted three females by beating. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on bail until 24/06/2013 for trial. Wesley Barry TREVAN, Factory Row, Torquay. Age: 27. On 08/03/2013 at Torquay in a public place, namely Barton Road were guilty while drunk of disorderly behaviour. Plea: Guilty. Fined £50. Victim surcharge of £20. To be detained in the courthouse. Detention deemed served by reason of time already spent in custody. Stuart Wayne ENSTON, All Saints Road, Warwick. Age: 28. On 29/01/2013 at Torquay assaulted a female by beating and the offence was racially aggravated. Plea: Guilty. Remanded on bail until 29/04/2013 for a pre-sentence report. Thomas Antony LOCK, Manor Close, Ivybridge. Age: 22. On 01/09/2012 at Dartmouth assaulted a female by beating her. Plea: Not Guilty. Dismissed. Thursday, April 4 Samuel James BOON, Plymouth Road, Buckfastleigh. Age: 19. On 02/04/2013 at Torquay stole lead flashing of value belonging to The Royal Torbay Yacht Club. Plea: Guilty. Community order made. Victim surcharge of £60. Costs of £85. Stuart Wayne ENSTON, All Saints Road, Warwick. Age: 28. On 29/01/2013 at Torquay assaulted a female by beating and the offence was racially aggravated. Plea: Plea changed to Guilty. Breached bail. Committed to prison for 90 days. Reason: because racially aggravated assault. Restraining order made. Ben Andrew READ, NFA. Age: 26. On 27/12/2012 at Chudleigh had possession 0.199g of methylenedioxymethylamphetamine a controlled drug of class A. Plea: Guilty. Discharged conditionally for 6 months. Michael John ROBERTS, Bampfylde Road, Torquay. Age: 20. On 02/04/2013 at Torquay assaulted a female by beating her. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on bail until 29/05/2013 for the trial. Paul Anthony ASTLE, Dartmouth Road, Paignton. Age: 37. On 12/10/2012 at Brixham stole three cans of Lynx deodorant, to the value of £9.27, belonging to Spar, Castor Road. Plea: Guilty. On 24/02/2013 at Brixham stole three jars of Nescafe coffee, to the value of £13.17, belonging to Spar, Drew Street. Plea: Guilty. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Compensation of £9.27. Costs of £40. Compensation of £13.17. Millan MASAWI, Radford Park Drive, Plymouth. Age: 27. Between 01/06/2012 and 21/01/2013 at Brixham stole Apple iTouch, Apple iPad, £800 John Lewis vouchers, £5,000 diamond ring, £80 cash, Dell laptop, Dell laptop charger, Kindle hd fire, Sony Cybershot camera and Louis Vuitton suit bag, to the value of £7,115. Plea: Guilty. Committed to Exeter Crown Court for sentence on 02/05/2013. Mark Charles BURNER, Maryknowle Farm, Marlborough Kingsbridge. Age: 49. On 13/11/2012 at Kingsbridge stole a Tom Tom satellite navigation system, to the value of £100. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on unconditional bail until 30/05/2013 for the trial. Alexander MILLAR, Greenbank Road, Darlington, County Durham. Age: 20. On 15/12/2012 at Ashburton having entered as a trespasser a building, namely Bathe, 26a North Street stole therein bath oils, candles and diffusers to the value of £319.50. Plea: Guilty. Community order made. Programme Requirement: Participate in Thinking Skills Programme for 29 days. Victim surcharge of £60. Darren George POWELL, Oldway, Chudleigh, Newton Abbot. Age: 19. On 23/12/2012 at Chudleigh having entered as a trespasser a dwelling, on Moor View, Chudleigh, stole a white Samsung Galaxy S3 mobile phone to the value of £400. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on unconditional bail until 05/06/2013. Mark Allen STOREY, Raleigh Close, Dartmouth. Age: 41. Between 19/02/2010 and 01/04/2010 at Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot, had possession of an indecent photograph of a child. plus two related charges. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on unconditional bail until 05/06/2013 for committal to crown court. Adam WAKENSHAW, Second Avenue, Teignmouth. Age: 38. On 16/03/2013 at Newton Abbot assaulted a female occasioning her actual bodily harm. Discontinued. Lee AXTELL, Totnes Road, Paignton. Age: 39. On 19/03/2013 at Paignton in a public place, namely Marine Drive were guilty, while drunk, of disorderly behaviour. Plea: Guilty. Discharged conditionally for 6 months. Victim surcharge of £15. Steven David GREENWOOD, Braddons Hill Road West, Torquay. Age: 34. On 13/03/2013 at Torquay in a public place, namely Fleet Walk, were guilty, while drunk, of disorderly behaviour. Plea: Guilty. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Victim surcharge of £15. Matthew Paul KELLY, White Lake Place, Newton Abbot. Age: 31. On 13/01/2013 at Newton Abbot assaulted two females and a male by beating. Plea: Not Guilty. Dismissed (no evidence offered). Restraining order made. Daniel POLITANSKI, HM Prison Dartmoor. Age: 34. Between 04/10/2011 and 08/10/2011 at Paignton assaulted a female by beating her. Plea: Guilty. Plus criminal damage. To be detained in courthouse. Detention deemed served by reason of time already spent in custody. Steven Peter FRENCH, Oldway, Chudleigh, Newton Abbot. Age: 27. On 15/03/2013 at Chudleigh assaulted a male by beating him. Plea: Not Guilty. Remanded on bail until 11/04/2013. Friday, April 5 Joshua Alfred Alan BAKER, Broadlands Avenue, Newton Abbot. Age: 21. On 05/05/2012 at Newton Abbot had possession of 1.3g of cannabis. Plea: Guilty. Plus criminal damage. Fined £105. Victim surcharge of £15. Costs of £85. Compensation of £170. Alexander CARTER, Tor Close, Paignton. Age: 19. Between 13/12/2012 and 21/02/2013 had possession an indecent photograph of a child. Plus 17 related charges. Remanded on bail until 12/06/2013. Reported by This is 8 hours ago.

Nicholas Hytner is stepping down as artistic director of the National Theatre. Who will take his place? It's a crowded field – with some surprise inclusions

The National Theatre's artistic director, Nicholas Hytner, announced his departure this week. After overseeing the NT's 50th birthday celebrations this October (and a renovation of Denys Lasdun's and Peter Softley's distinctive concrete building, due to be completed next year), Hytner expects to be gone by spring 2015, having, by then, been in charge for 12 years. He is expected – with his executive director, Nick Starr, who is also leaving – to set up a commercial repertory company in the West End, following Michael Grandage's example after he left London's Donmar Warehouse.

As a result, the National Theatre board, chaired by John Makinson, is now preparing to advertise for a successor. Someone close to the process tells me that "around 50" people in theatre have already been sounded out, either because they would be a likely candidate or might recommend one. Although Hytner's exact departure date is uncertain, the plan is to appoint someone in good time to have a substantial handover period before becoming the theatre's sixth boss – after Sir Nicholas, Sir Trevor Nunn, Sir Richard Eyre, Sir Peter Hall and Lord Olivier.

That list suggests that successful applicants can expect recognition from the honours system, and that the National is overdue a female leader. But the task of the board is made harder by the reluctance of some strong candidates to be considered for the role.

During the last few years, many arts correspondents have identified Grandage as the obvious next boss of the National because of his record of creating commercial hits – including Peter Morgan's Frost/Nixon and John Logan's Red – at the small Donmar. Those close to the Hytner regime have privately identified two outstanding candidates: Dominic Cooke, who has just left London's Royal Court theatre after seven years, and Marianne Elliott, an associate director at the National, whose work there includes the international hits War Horse (co-directed with Tom Morris) and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

But all three, widely seen as likely final interviewees, have publicly ducked the crown. Grandage insisted, in interviews to launch the Michael Grandage Company, that he sees himself running the eponymous outfit, or something like it, "for the rest of my life." And both Elliott and Cooke, during recent interviews for Radio 4's Front Row, told me that they would not be a candidate for the job "this time", with Cooke pleading administrative exhaustion from his Court years and Elliott citing the demands of a young family.

As I personally saw her as an ideal choice – bringing intelligence, personability, National experience and a facility with both new and classic plays – I checked that Elliott wasn't playing the politician's game of announcing no plans to run at this time, but then smirking later that both time and plans have changed. However, she insisted that she wouldn't be interested at this stage of her life "even if they offer me a million pounds", an eventuality which, given recent Arts Council funding cuts, seems unlikely.

So, if those denials of interest are final, the board will need to find someone else, although, intriguingly, three prominent figures who would not have been expected to apply have been careful, while not ruling themselves in, to leave the boardroom door open. Sam Mendes, during a radio interview, told me that he will decide when the time comes, while Stephen Daldry was similarly cagey and, perhaps significantly, was then specifically mentioned as a strong contender by Cooke, a friend and collaborator.

More unexpectedly, Kenneth Branagh concluded an interview we did last year by saying that one of his remaining ambitions is to run a theatre, and we can suspect that he might be tempted by the company established by Olivier, whose career he has often shadowed and who he portrayed in the movie My Week with Marilyn, directed by Simon Curtis, who, with a long theatrical record before he made TV and movies, might also be a possible contender.

It would be surprising if no one sends at least a speculative email to Danny Boyle, who boasts not only Oscar-winning clout from Slumdog Millionaire, but directed one of the National's biggest recent hits (the Benedict Cumberbatch/Jonny Lee Miller Frankenstein). A Boyle appointment would ensure international headline coverage and, with his hero status from directing the Olympic Games opening ceremony, he would surely be the person that the present and next governments would least like to see striding in to Whitehall to demand talks on artistic subsidy.

Boyle, though, almost certainly remains a fantasy candidate, because it seems implausible that he could give up film-making for the minimum five years to which a new NT boss would have to commit. And cinematic itchiness is also likely to count against other contenders with Oscars on their mantlepieces.

My suspicion is that Daldry, Mendes and Branagh are all considering runs, having perhaps reached a stage in careers and relationships when it is attractive to spend less time on aeroplanes and film sets. But the problem is that, while Hollywood glamour might prove attractive to the National board – especially in an era when corporate fundraising is so important – there would be the risk of the talent remaining glamorous to Hollywood. Since Peter Hall was allowed leaves of absence for other projects by sometimes grumbling chairmen (as charted in his published Diaries), there has been an emphasis on the job being full-time. Hytner, for example, has even refused to take royalties from commercial transfers of his shows (including One Man, Two Guvnors and The History Boys), as part of a public service discipline that is unlikely to be repeated by his replacement.

The full-time nature of the commitment is one reason that the position is so hard to fill. Startlingly, both Peter Hall and Richard Eyre in their diaries admit to being forced to thoughts of suicide by the pressures of the job. Hytner insists that he has enjoyed almost all of his time, but actors who have worked with him say that they are aware, arriving for rehearsals of Hytner's own productions at around 10:30am, that he had already spent some hours reading scripts and attending – with Nick Starr – to problems with the other productions and the building. Hytner, they say, would also sometimes be called out of rehearsals to deal with a catastrophe (a seriously ill actor, say) that they would read about next day in the papers, but of which he would show no sign on this return.

It is this skill of dividing time and mind between putting on your own plays and supervising other productions that is the key requirement for the role. The NT boss also becomes, by default, a sort of prime minister of British theatre, required to appear before select committees and on Newsnight to make the case for artistic subsidy. (It is this aspect of the job that may have dissuaded Grandage, a notably reserved personality.)

Another vital requirement is the ability to attract and direct major stars and, without being opportunistically populist, to stage productions with good box-office prospects. At the moment, the NT has a record four productions running in the West End – One Man, Two Guvnors, War Horse, Untold Stories and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – which have created an invaluable income stream against funding cuts and the credit crunch.

The attractiveness of finding someone comfortable in both subsidised theatre and hot-ticket commercialism may commend the credentials of Ian Rickson who, with administrative experience from running the Royal Court, has freelance directorial credits including Jez Butterworth's international hit Jerusalem, starring Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas in Pinter's Betrayal and Old Times and Keira Knightley in The Children's Hour. In the part of the interview that invites candidates to outline their ideal first season, Rickson could score highly by promising Scott Thomas and Knightley, along with a new play by Butterworth.

The remarkable artistic and commercial success of Hytner's tenure has complicated the process of replacing him, because of a feeling among some of the potential leaders that they will be found wanting in comparison. And this fear may have encouraged another frustration for the NT: the number of possibles who have recently taken other jobs.

An extensive merry-go-round of British artistic directors has taken place in the last 18 months. Vicky Featherstone left the National Theatre of Scotland to replace Dominic Cooke at the Royal Court in London, while Rupert Goold is about to take over from Michael Attenborough at the Almeida and Josie Rourke has followed Grandage into the Donmar, with her seat at the Bush in London going to Madani Younis and, across the city at the Kilburn Tricycle, Indu Rubrasingham taking over from the retiring Nicholas Kent and Edward Hall now running Hampstead. Roxana Silbert has just been appointed to the restored Birmingham Repertory theatre and James Brining is settling in behind Ian Brown's former desk at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, while the British actor-writer-director Kwame Kwei-Armah has been appointed to run the prestigious Centre Stage theatre in Baltimore.

These moves are significant because the above list includes some strongly backed National candidates – especially Goold, who led the Headlong company, and Featherstone – but no recent appointee to another theatre could now express interest in Hytner's job without disqualifying themselves through proven fickleness. Morris has technically been at Bristol for four years, but for most of that time, the venue was closed for renovation.

The recent London and regional appointments have also belatedly addressed the masculine bias of British theatre direction and many at the National would like to have ended its historical imbalance, which makes the apparent unavailability of Elliott, such a blow.

When considering the field for the post of chief executive of the Royal Opera House (where Alex Beard has just succeeded Tony Hall), the Guardian pointed out that there is almost a constitutional requirement for Jude Kelly, currently artistic director of the Southbank Centre in London, to be mentioned in connection with vacant UK cultural posts, and so her name will doubtless come up in connection with the National.

But, despite its title, her Southbank role is more administrative than artistic, and the question would be whether Kelly could meet the key NT requirement of staging shows matching the quality of guest directors' work. Conversely, the leading women theatre directors – Katie Mitchell and Deborah Warner – have always given the impression of being happier in a rehearsal room than behind a desk and are not associated with the commercial instincts that have become a necessity at the National.

An intriguing possibility is Thea Sharrock, who has run a small theatre (the Southwark Playhouse in London) and worked impressively at both the National, with a brilliant rediscovery of Terence Rattigan's After the Dance, and in the West End, directing Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths in Peter Shaffer's Equus, but, at 36, would be very young to inherit the view of the Thames from the director's office. Similarly, Josie Rourke at the Donmar has been described privately by an NT board member as the "next-but-one artistic director".

Significantly, a major reason that Elliott gives for not running – the incompatibility of artistic directorship with being a mother – was also mentioned by Rachel Kavanaugh when she resigned from Birmingham Rep citing family commitments. Elliott, who grew up while her father, Michael, was running the Manchester Royal Exchange, has a particular insight into the effects on family life. Despite the ideological and legal victories for equality – and although to be a working mother ought to be no different from being a working father – many women still find themselves torn between professional and personal responsibilities. Historically, a large majority of British artistic directors have been single, childless or divorced men.

The strongest women contenders come from regional theatres: Gemma Bodinetz at Liverpool's Everyman and Playhouse and Sarah Frankcom at Manchester's Royal Exchange, who are established theatre-runners but may lack the directorial track record of two other likely applicants from outside London. Daniel Evans at the Crucible in Sheffield and Jonathan Church at Chichester Festival theatre, who have both achieved popular hits and artistic innovation during catastrophic financial times. Evans's ambitious seasons of living playwrights (David Hare, Michael Frayn) and feel-good shows (Dominic West in My Fair Lady) would gleam on a CV, while Church can boast an impressive list of subsidy-boosting West End transfers: Sweeney Todd, Singin' in the Rain, Yes, Prime Minister. Both have more theatre-running experience than Hytner had in 2003. Evans and Church also bring the advantage of having established working relationships with executive directors – Dan Bates and Alan Finch respectively – who might replace Starr.

As in all job appointments, the crucial judgment is the relevance and transferability of previous experience. For example, does having run a smaller or niche theatre (for example, Dominic Dromgoole or Mark Rylance at the Globe) translate to the larger stages and demands of the National? Another clinching question in the interview will be who the new boss would have as their living house playwright, in the way that Peter Hall used Alan Ayckbourn, Richard Eyre backed David Hare, Trevor Nunn produced several Tom Stoppards and Hytner made new plays by Alan Bennett and Kwame Kwei-Armah central to his schedules. These relationships have emblematic power and all applicants would be well advised to point to a director-writer relationship they will build.

Because of the number of strong possibles who have ruled themselves out, there is a feeling, one member of the board told me, that there may be a case for what could be called a "Pope Francis" candidate: an older cardinal of the dramatic establishment who would serve a shortish term until members of the next generation are ready to compete. This happened in recent NT history when Trevor Nunn, having already run the Royal Shakespeare Company, was installed as a transitional figure between the longer tenancies of Eyre and Hytner.

One compelling such candidate this time would be Michael Boyd, who recently went freelance after presiding over a spectacular financial and architectural turnaround at the Royal Shakespeare Company. At 57, he is around the same age that Nunn was when appointed to the South Bank, and would become the third man, after Nunn and Hall, to have directed both of the UK's biggest subsidised companies.

So, assuming that those have who have ruled themselves out will remain unpersuadable, it is possible to construct a longlist consisting of different categories of contenders:

*Movie-theatre glamour*

Stephen Daldry, Sam Mendes, Danny Boyle, Kenneth Branagh, Simon Curtis.

*Experienced management hands*

Michael Boyd, Ian Rickson, Jonathan Church, Daniel Evans, Gemma Bodinetz, Jonathan Church, Sarah Frankcom.

*Markers for next time*

Josie Rourke, Thea Sharrock, Edward Hall, Indu Rubrasingham, Tom Morris, Madani Younis.

It should be noted, however, that two of the last three director generals of the BBC (Mark Thompson and Tony Hall) got that job without applying for it and that the present British prime minister and deputy prime minister, as well as the current American president, were all regarded as unlikely winners at the time they launched a bid to lead their parties. The NT board may hope that a similar outsider will surprise them. The current National incumbent, it should be remembered, was widely depicted as a second-best candidate in 2003 because of reports that Daldry and Mendes had declined to apply.

Ironically, those two refuseniks will now be seriously considered to succeed Hytner. If I happened to be walking past Paddy Power with a wad of spare cash, my betting slip would have Ian Rickson and Jonathan Church as front-runners, with Daldry, Mendes and Boyd as potential short-term transitional directors, and Evans and Bodinetz as the best punts to do what Hytner did last time and win as a long-shot. Unless, that is, Grandage, Cooke or (in the view of many, the dream candidate) Elliott can be persuaded to change what seem to be firm minds. One possible solution might be for Elliott – and Tom Morris, having co-directed War Horse – to explore a possible co-artistic directorship of the NT.

But the problem, although in some ways a nice one, is that Nicholas Hytner has become the directorial equivalent of an actor whom people fear understudying because of the risk of disappointing the audience. Reported by guardian.co.uk 8 hours ago.

Patch Ames, IA --

Weekend activities in Ames include a Messiah Sing-Along, Fiddler on the Roof and the start of the Ames Public Library Book Sale.

Read on to find something to do or add your event in the comments. 

*Ames Choral Society*

Ames Choral Society will hold a Messiah Sing-Along 7 p.m. Saturday at St Andrew's Lutheran Church, 209 Colorado Ave, Ames, IA 50014. People are free to bring a score and sing along to celebrate the Messiah Sing-Along's anniversary.

 

*Fiddler on the Roof*

Iowa State University Theater will present Fiddler on the Roof at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Fisher Theater. Tickets are $21 for adults and $16 for students.

 

*Ames Public Library Book Sale*

The Ames Public Library will host its annual book sale this weekend at 809 E. Lincoln Way. The sale will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission to Friday's sale is $2 and on Saturday and Sunday admission is free.

 

*The Mousetrap*

Agatha Christie's murder mystery the Mousetrap continues Friday at ACTORS, (Ames Community Theater). The theatrical performance runs 7:30 p.m. Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. April 14. Tickets are available at Gallery 319, 310 Main Street, and at the door.

*Dance Social*

The ISU Ballroom Dance Club will hold its Dance Social from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Friday at in the Forker Building. People should dress casually and indoor shoes or socks are required.

*General B*

General B and the Wiz with Bull of Arc plays Saturday at Zeke's.

*DG's TapHouse*

Live performances at DG's TapHouse include Roster McCabe with TUGG on Friday and Dave Zolo with Body Electric and Dylan Boyle on Saturday. Participants must be 21 to enter. Tickets are $5.

*Upcoming Events at the Iowa State Center*

 

Seussical Mon, Apr 15, 10:00 am–11:30 am and 12:30 pm–1:30 pm

California Guitar Trio + Montreal Guitar Trio Thu, Apr 18, 7:30 pm–9:00 pm

Romeo and Juliet Thu, Apr 25, 10:00 am–11:30 am

Ramona Quimby Mon, Apr 29, 10:00 am–11:30 am

*Upcoming Ames/Metro Events:*

*Jon Bon Jovi:* The New Jersey rocker and his band will return to Des Moines on April 14 on the "Because We Can" Tour. Ticket prices start at $19.50.
 The event takes place at Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
 tickets for the Iowa show went on sale Dec. 3 at dahlstickets.com.

*B.B. King Tickets:* Blues guitarist B.B. King and his guitar, named Lucille, will be in town later this spring, but tickets are on sale now. The 87-year-old legend comes to Prairie Meadows on May 24. Tickets are $44-$84 and go on sale now through Ticketmaster.

*Daniel Tosh: *Tosh.0's Daniel Tosh will visit the Iowa State Center June 4. Tickets to his The June Gloom Tour go on sale Friday. He will present two shows one at 7 p.m. and another at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday June 4 at Stephen's Auditorium.

*Fleetwood Mac: *Fleetwood Mac plans to make a stop at the Wells Fargo Arena on June 26 to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the Rumours album. Tickets range from $49 to $149 plus fees through dahlstickets.com. The line up includes original members Mick Fleetwood and John McVie and Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.

*Taylor Swift:* Country star Taylor Swift returns to Wells Fargo Arena on Aug. 1 with her Red tour. Tickets are on sale through dahls.tickets.com. Tickets range from $31.50 to $86.50 plus fees.

*Justin Bieber:* Pop star Justin Bieber will also make an appearance at the Wells Fargo Arena on July 7. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets range from $40 to $95.

*Pink:* P!nk will bring her Truth About Love Tour to Wells Fargo Arena Nov. 8. Tickets are already on sale. They range from $39.50 to $300.

*Keith Urban:* Keith Urban will bring his “Light the Fuse Tour 2013” to Wells Fargo Arena on Nov. 9. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Friday at DahlsTickets.com

Ames Newsletter/Ames Patch Facebook page/Twitter: @AmesPatch Reported by Patch 3 hours ago.

The childhood home of singer Daniel O'Donnell, which was a Mecca for thousands of fans for many years, is up for sale. Reported by BBC News 7 hours ago.

Patch Wayne, NJ --

Environmental learning stations have been setup in the nine elementary schools as part of the second phase of the school district’s environmental education program.

The program is a collaborative effort between Wayne and Ramapo College of New Jersey. Ramapo educators visited the district, teaching students at the district’s new environmental center, as part of the first phase of the program.

The program is designed to broaden students’ experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by using the natural environment as the unifying theme across all subjects.

“Our primary goal with this new phase of the curriculum is immersing students in environmental education,” Diane Pandolfi, the district’s director of elementary education said in a statement. “Our teachers and students have never been more excited about the environmental center and we're getting rave reviews not only about the content of the lessons but also the overall experiences the students are getting.”  

The district recently began the second phase of the program. Learning stations have been set up in each elementary school. Each grade has a specific focus.

The curriculum for fourth graders focuses on the night sky.  The lessons were successful enough that the students incorporated what they learned into a Family Science Night, which featured an inflatable planetarium with a simulated night sky. The lesson helped students identify constellations in the night sky and then encouraged them to create their own.

“These hands-on lessons are developing more motivated learning,” Pandolfi said. “We're thrilled about this progress.”

Officials discussed possibly eliminating or changing the program last year due to budget constraints but parents, teachers, and students spoke out against such a move at Board of Education meetings.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Reported by Patch 5 hours ago.

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Burger King Worldwide, Inc. Elevates Company’s Top Talent as C.E.O. Bernardo Hees and C.F.O. Daniel Schwartz Assume New Roles within BKW Reported by Business Wire 7 hours ago.