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	Priest Leaves Post to Fight Claims Irish Independent March 3, 2008 http://www.independent.ie/world-news/priest-leaves-post-to-fight-claims-1304246.html?from=dailynews Father Pietro Gelmini, well known in Italy for his work with drug addicts, has left the priesthood following accusations he sexually abused young men at his drug rehabilitation centre. Fr Gelmini, who denies the accusations, said Pope Benedict had approved his request to leave the priesthood -- known in Church terms as "reduced to the lay state". Gelmini (83) said no longer being a priest will allow him to better defend himself legally without involving the Church. Son buys mother card for 2,250 A son has splashed out 2,250 (2,950) on what could be the most expensive Mother's Day card ever sold. Rob Partakides, from London, bought the card at auction, tempted by the accompanying 5,000 (6,500) one-carat diamond and because the proceeds will go to breast cancer charities. Businessman falls at first hurdle A businessman who aimed to walk from Britain to India without spending a penny to prove a world without money could exist has given up less than a month into his trip. Mark Boyle (28) set off at the end of January on his trek from Bristol to Gandhi's birthplace on India's west coast but he only managed to get to Calais, France, before the language and cold defeated him. He then used money to fund his journey back to Britain. Landmark hotel reopens doors Hundreds of New Yorkers and tourists alike flocked to The Plaza Hotel for the landmark's reopening after a three-year, $400m (264m) renovation. The Plaza, a US National Historic Landmark, first opened in 1907. 9/11 steel ship makes its bow The USS New York, an amphibious assault ship built with scrap steel from the ruins of the World Trade Centre, has been launched in Louisiana. The bow stem, which contains 7.5 tonnes of steel from the site, bore a shield with two grey bars to symbolise the twin towers. Jamaica examines legalising drug Jamaica is considering the legalisation of marijuana, a drug revered by members of the island's large Rastafarian population, who say smoking it is part of their religion. A seven-member government commission has been researching possible changes to the Caribbean nation's anti-drug laws.
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