Hasta La Gadget!

LONDON (AP) — Publisher Faber and Faber says mystery writer P.D. James, who brought realistic modern characters to the classical British detective story, has died. She was 94.

James’ books, many featuring sleuth Adam Dalgliesh, sold millions in many countries and most were just as popular when adapted for television. The publisher said James died Thursday at her home in Oxford, southern England.

Because of the quality and careful structure of her writing — and her rather elegant, intellectual detective Dalgliesh — she was at first seen as a natural successor to writers like Dorothy L. Sayers, creator of Lord Peter Wimsey in the between-the-wars “Golden Age” of the mystery novel.

But James’ books were strong on character, avoided stereotype and touched on distinctly modern problems including drugs, child abuse and nuclear contamination.

“She has pushed, as a modernist must, against the boundaries of the classical detective story,” critic Julian Symons once wrote, adding that James could be “formidably realistic in a way that never would have been attempted by Sayers or any other Golden Age writer.”

“The greatest mystery of all is the human heart,” James said in a 1997 interview, “and that is the mystery with which all good novelists, I think, are concerned. I’m always interested in what makes people the sort of people they are.”

Although there was nothing remotely “genteel” about P.D. James’ writing, she was criticized by some younger writers of gritty urban crime novels.

They accused her of snobbery because she said she liked to write about middle-class murderers, preferably intelligent and well-educated, who agonize over right and wrong and spend time planning and justifying their crimes. Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard, hero of more than a dozen of James’ novels, is a decidedly gentlemanly detective, who writes poetry,loves jazz and drives a Jaguar.

Phyllis Dorothy James was born in Oxford on Aug. 3, 1920. Her father was a tax collector and there was not enough money for her to go to college, a fact she always regretted.

Even as a child, she said, she had been interested in death. As a little girl, when someone read “Humpty Dumpty” to her, she asked, “Did he fall or was he pushed?”

But she did not start producing her mysteries until she was nearly 40, and then wrote only early in the morning before going to the civil service job with which she supported her family. Her husband, Connor Bantry White, had returned from the war mentally broken and remained so until his death in 1964.

“It was a late beginning for someone who knew from early childhood that she wanted to be a novelist, and, looking back, I can’t help regret what I now see as some wasted years,” James wrote in a 1999 autobiography, “Time to Be Earnest.”

Phyllis White’s career took her from the National Health Service to the Home Office, where she worked in the forensic science department and then the criminal law department.

Her first novel, “Cover Her Face,” was published in 1962 under her maiden name and was an immediate critical success, but she continued to work in the Home Office until 1979.

In 1980, with the publication of her eighth book, “Innocent Blood,” her small but loyal following exploded into mass, international popularity.

“Monday, I was ticking along as usual, and by Friday I was a millionaire,” she once said.

The Crime Writers’ Association gave P.D. James its Diamond Dagger award in 1987 for lifetime achievement, and in 2005 the National Arts Club honored James with its Medal of Honor for Literature.

Her work was not confined to the mystery genre. Her 1992 science fiction novel “The Children of Men,” about a dystopian future in which humanity has become infertile, was turned into a critically praised 2006 movie by Alfonso Cuaron. In 2013 she published “Death Comes to Pemberley,” introducing a murder mystery into the lives of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”

Queen Elizabeth II made her Baroness James of Holland Park in 1991, in recognition of her work as a governor of the BBC, a position she held from 1988 to 1993.

James was a member of the Church of England’s Liturgical Commission and expressed doubts about the modernized Book of Common Prayer, the 16th- and 17th-century Anglican service book famous for the beauty of its language.

“Something vital is lost, surely, when ‘Let not your heart be troubled’ is translated as ‘Do not be worried and upset,'” she said.

James was often spoken of as an heir to Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, icons of the classic British mystery, but her admirers thought she transcended both.

“Doyle and Christie are genre writers — clever, yes, but one must suspend considerable disbelief right from the get-go when reading their works,” said author Anita Shreve. “No such acrobatics are necessary with a James novel.”

As is tradition, The Huffington Post has asked some of the biggest names in media what they were most grateful for this year. The list ranges from the standard (friends, family and health), to the not so standard (coconut champagne, Taco Bell and Spanx), and everything in between (Taylor Swift).

And we at HuffPost Media are thankful, of course, to all the anchors, correspondents and commentators around the globe who keep us gainfully employed by giving us something to write about each day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Joy Reid, MSNBC “Reid Report” Host

“This year, I’m thankful for my home family’s patience and love, and for my work family’s forbearance, sense of humor, tirelessness and brilliance. I’m also thankful for the continued willingness of communities and individuals to struggle out from the margins, and to stand up for justice, freedom and fairness, anywhere around the world.”

Jorge Ramos, Fusion “America with Jorge Ramos” Host

“I’m thankful for having the life that I always wanted to have. I’m thankful for this country (that gave me the opportunities that my country of origin couldn’t give me). I’m thankful for being able to enjoy my son Nicolas and my daughter Paola. I’m thankful for having the best job in the world, a job that at 56 keeps me young.”

Norah O’Donnell, “CBS This Morning” Co-host

“Well, Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday. And while I love the mashed potatoes, bacon stuffing and the drumsticks, I really cherish that for almost 15 years now its the one time of the year when the whole extended family gets together. I am truly thankful for family, our annual touch football game, and a husband who designs the menu and rents the plates and glasses so I don’t have to wash them!”

Christiane Amanpour, CNN Chief International Correspondent

“This Thanksgiving I am grateful that I still have the platform to speak truth to power, that I inhabit the fact-based world of journalism, and that I have not lost the passion to seek the truth no matter the risks, and hold power and influence accountable on behalf of our viewers.”

Anthony Mason, “CBS This Morning: Saturday” Co-host and CBS News Senior Business Correspondent

“First, always, I’m so thankful for my three extraordinary kids (Emily, Olivia and Nick) and to my smart and beautiful wife, Christina, who has stuck with me for 20 years now. Lastly, I’m grateful for our move back into NYC (after 17 years in the suburbs) because we now live around the corner from Gray’s Papaya (open all night!) where at any hour you can always pick up a hot dog and a Coconut Champagne after a long day at CBS!”

Robin Meade, HLN “Morning Express” Anchor

“In my personal life: I’m so thankful my mother’s health bounced back quickly this year. She gave us a big scare in the spring with a cranial hemorrhage. Thank goodness it was a one-time thing and didn’t affect her speech or her ornery personality! While I won’t be home in Ohio for Thanksgiving, I know she’ll be the one, head-honcho-ing the culinary activities in my family house. And I’m so grateful for that.”

Alexander Marquardt, ABC News Correspondent

“I’m ever grateful to have a roof over my head and food on my plate, unlike so many I meet in this job who don’t. I’m thankful for a career that takes me to places I couldn’t otherwise imagine seeing, for the brilliant people I work with and friends I’ve made who share this peripatetic lifestyle. Above all, I’m thankful for such a loving and supportive family, even when I miss things like Thanksgiving.”

Lisa Ling, CNN “This is Life” Host

“First and foremost, I’m grateful for my family. My daughter Jett has allowed my husband and me the opportunity to know a love of which we never knew we were capable. After multiple miscarriages, this feisty little person is the child we were supposed to have.

And I wake up everyday and pinch myself that I get to tell stories about people that inspire compassion and better understanding of one another.”

Nando Vila, Fusion “The Soccer Gods” Co-Host

“I am thankful to whatever genius invented Taco Bell’s Beefy Crunch Burrito because it is pure perfection. I mean, it has spicy Frito chips in a burrito! I am also eternally grateful to Simon Carr, Pablo Sanchis, Zac Rigg, Gigi Robles and everyone else that works on The Soccer Gods. It’s the most fun thing in the world. And most importantly I’m thankful for Sergio Ramos’ goal in the 93rd minute of the Champions League final, a titanic last gasp effort to send the game into overtime, allowing Real Madrid to win its TENTH Champions League Title.”

Gio Benitez, ABC News Correspondent

“Grateful for my family and friends who cherish the time we can spend together, for the bosses who help me live this adventure, for the mentors who have pushed me to dream big, and for the ABC teams around the world who work so very hard to get us on the air.”

Alex Wagner, MSNBC “Now” Host

“I’m thankful for Sam Kass, paper to-go cups with those fancy lids, Bryan Stephenson at the Equal Justice Initiative, individually-wrapped Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, Google translate, the NYC Food Bank, the saintly patience of everyone who works with me, and my impossibly feisty grandmother, Mya Mya Thant Gyi – who, at 97, definitely gets to have both turkey drumsticks this year.”

Simon Carr, Fusion “The Soccer Gods” Co-Host

“In 2014 I have been grateful to “The Soccer Gods” for channeling their foibles into a semi-coherent TV show that amazingly pays the rent, the dept. of immigration for continuing to let me work in the glorious USA and my mum for giving me a full head of hair. Oh and Nando Vila for being Nando Vila.”

Ryan Smith, ABC News Correspondent

“This year, I’m most thankful for my 11-month old twin boys, Blake and Cole. Nothing better than to see two booming grins every time I come home!”

Mariana Atencio, Fusion “Fusion Live” Anchor

“This Thanksgiving is unlike any other. I’m thankful my only sister is alive after a near fatal accident in New York City. I’m specially grateful for my mom who, during these past difficult months in-and-out of the hospital, has demonstrated the most admirable resilience in bringing my family together and renewing our faith in God.”

Nicholas Kristof, New York Times Columnist

“I’m grateful that a path appeared for Sheryl and me to survive another book tour! And that we’re with family for Thanksgiving!”

Abby Huntsman, MSNBC “The Cycle” Co-host

“On Thanksgiving I’m always thankful for family, health, and the men and women who serve to protect our freedom.

But this year let’s also not forget the simple pleasures in life — like an extra serving of chocolate cake, a fresh cup of your favorite coffee, or coming home after a long day to a dog waiting at the door to shower you with kisses.”

Dr. Drew, HLN “Dr. Drew on Call” Host

“Gratitude is truly one of the most important emotions to call to mind as often as possible. I guess I feel most thankful that most of the time I do feel grateful: grateful to have regained my health after treatment for Prostate Cancer, grateful for a wonderful wife and three amazing children roaring in to the world, and grateful to have an interesting creative career where I can ply my skills in such a way as to make a difference.”

Pedro Andrade, Fusion “Fusion Live” Anchor

“I am grateful for living a life I could only have dreamed of when I was a child … Simple as that.”

Sanjay Gupta, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent

“Every Sunday, since any of my children were born, I have taken a picture of them in the same spot– next to a small stone wall in our backyard. At first they were lying in a small bundle in the grass, but over the years, they have become stronger, taller and more confident. Looking at these pictures from time to time creates unbelievable surges in emotion — from laughing out loud to wiping away tears. This year, I want to give thanks for that. I am grateful for the ability to feel such powerful emotions, and to have people around me who feel that same passion.

I am also grateful for the ability to finally and genuinely enjoy the present — not worry so much about the future — and to let go of the past.”

Vinita Nair, “CBS This Morning: Saturday” Co-host

“I’m thankful for the amazing editors and producers at CBS, Spanx, a piping hot bowl of Ramen, and friends/family.”

Sam Sifton, New York Times Food Editor

“I’m thankful that our launch of Cooking went well this fall, and that it seems to be thriving. I’m thankful to work at a place that supports new ideas and bold thinking about service journalism. It keeps us in work. And I’m thankful for my wife and kids, for their support and love and curiosity about all things.”

Michaela Pereira, CNN “New Day” Co-host

“After my first full year in NYC I am thankful for good walking shoes, a warm coat, frequent flier miles and a Seamless account. In all seriousness, family is love…and I am so grateful for a big, huge, loving, crazy family.”

Rebecca Jarvis, ABC News Chief Business and Economics Correspondent

“I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends – authentic and true to their core. For good health, joy, meaning, burrito bowls, and a job I love that also happens to earn me frequent flier miles. And for my incredible husband who supports me through it all and constantly gives me good reason to put down my iPhone and laugh.”

Chris Cuomo, CNN “New Day” Co-host

“Health, Family, and Opportunity…what more is there? For me – and for most – it comes down to these three essentials.”

José Díaz-Balart, MSNBC “The Rundown with José Díaz-Balart” Host

“This and every Thanksgiving I am grateful for the privilege of being able to give seldom heard voices a place to share their stories, and for the extraordinary family I am blessed to have.”

Alisyn Camerota, CNN Anchor

“I’m thankful for my big new CNN family where they supply doughnuts every Friday morning. And eternally grateful for the good health of my kids and husband.”

Ari Melber, MSNBC “The Cycle” Co-host

“I’m thankful for Taylor Swift!”

Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post President and Editor-in-Chief

“What I’m most thankful for in 2014 is that this was the year that awareness of the dangers of burnout and exhaustion — and of the ways to combat them — finally broke though into the mainstream. The challenge now for the next year is to go from awareness to action, from knowing that we need to change to actually doing it.”

LONDON (AP) — Fourteen men have been convicted in Britain of running a sex ring that involved the abuse, rape and prostitution of girls as young as 13.

The men, all from Somali backgrounds, were convicted in two trials that ended Wednesday. Reporting restrictions were lifted Thursday.

Prosecutors said the men, in their early 20s, groomed vulnerable girls in Bristol, southwestern England, and persuaded them to have sex in return for money, drugs or alcohol.

The case is the latest in a series of trials that have exposed sexual exploitation of children in cities across Britain.

The cases have sparked criticism of local authorities for failing to protect the victims. They have also stoked racial tensions, as the perpetrators in several cases were from Pakistani backgrounds and many of the victims were white.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we are most grateful for in our lives. Often these are the people in our lives who love and cherish us and who continue helping us grow.

This year for Thanksgiving, HuffPost Religion invited our readers to reflect on the people in their lives who have offered them guidance and inspiration in a spiritual realm. We gathered some of these messages of gratitude and encourage you to share your own using the hashtag #ThankASpiritualMentor.

Give it up for the spiritual mentors!

My dear friend and pastor Nema LeCuyer of El Calvario United Methodist in Las Cruces, NM!!! –Deidra Schaub

Ernest Holmes, founder of the Religious Science / Science of Mind / Centers for Spiritual Living movement, who wrote the Science of Mind textbook. He reminded me of Truths that I already knew deep down inside me. Truths that I had yet to put into my own words. Reading him was an affirmation of what I already knew to be True, and an affirmation of my connection with the All. –Beau Lewis Smith

Janice Onigbinde Boy oh boy have you been a spiritual mentor for me love you, girly You are a light. Keep on shining on… –Haley Phelps

Thank you to Miriam L. Gentile and Bob Gentile for answering all my questions with patience! –Alison Teliha Lively

Apostle DrPreston T Adams & Bishop DrTom Benjamin Jr. #ThankASpiritualMentor –Nicolas Von O’Rourke

My good friend and Sikh brother Sat Sangeet Singh. –Nicklas Niranjan Singh Foresti

My friend J. Paul Womack guided me though some very hard times and deepened my understanding of my own spirituality. He changed my life. –Beth Maxwell Boyle

My wonderful kind and loving mother. –Florence Mattar

Loyal Bishop. He was my pastor in the 70’s, got me through a very hard time in my life, and years later, officiated at my son’s wedding to his wife. –Lee Meyers

My awesome sponsor! My spiritual mentor for sure! –Matthew Thomas Mccune

I don’t have a mum, but this angel from heaven was sent to me from the time I needed my nappies changed. She’s been there for me through my life when I needed her and quietly retreated as I’ve travelled, worked, moved, lived. When I had my first baby I had terrible PND and she came marching back into my life with a cup of tea to make it all better. If it weren’t for her I wouldn’t be here today and neither would my boys. She held my hand when I gave birth to my second son. She’s my ‘Mum’, my best friend, my husband’s mother-in-law and my boy’s granny. I am so blessed to have her in my life. –Shannon Smith Gukelberger

Irradiated smoked turkey? Check. Thermo-stabilized candied yams? Present. Freeze-dried cornbread dressing? Of course! This is what the American astronauts aboard the ISS will be feasting on today.

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