Vatican has announced that Pope Benedict XVI has amended Roman Catholic Church law so that the conclave selecting his successor can be brought forward. The change to the constitution means cardinals will no longer have to wait 15 days after the papacy becomes vacant before beginning the conclave. As a result, the conclave can now… Continue reading Pope Benedict XVI changes law on conclave
Year: 2013
Horsemeat found in IKEA meatballs
Ikea has decided to halt sales of its meatballs in Sweden after meatballs set for sale at its stores in the Czech Republic were found to contain horsemeat. The discovery comes as European Union agriculture ministers meet in Brussels for talks widely expected to focus on the growing horsemeat scandal. Inspectors in the Czech Republic… Continue reading Horsemeat found in IKEA meatballs
Rodinia: Fragments of ancient continent buried beneath Indian Ocean
A new study suggests that fragments of an ancient continent called Rodinia are buried beneath the floor of the Indian Ocean. Researchers have found evidence for a landmass that would have existed between 2,000 and 85 million years ago. The strip of land, which scientists have called Mauritia, eventually fragmented and vanished beneath the waves… Continue reading Rodinia: Fragments of ancient continent buried beneath Indian Ocean
Emilio Fernández: model behind the iconic Oscar gold statue
Mexican actor Emilio Fernández was the model for iconic Oscar statue, which he posed for in 1928. Emilio Fernández was recruited by Mexican actress, Hollywood star, and future wife Dolores del Rio when then MGM chief art director Cedric Gibbons said he was looking for a model to help design the trophy. At the time… Continue reading Emilio Fernández: model behind the iconic Oscar gold statue
Oscars 2013: Jennifer Lawrence falls flat as she steps to accept Best Actress award
Jennifer Lawrence was left flustered after tripping up the steps on her way to accept her Oscar for Best Actress. As Jennifer Lawrence staggered to her feet the star-studded audience leapt up to give the blushing actress a standing ovation, much to her embarrassment. “Thank you so much,” she told them. “This is nuts. You… Continue reading Oscars 2013: Jennifer Lawrence falls flat as she steps to accept Best Actress award
Park Geun-hye, the first woman to lead South Korea, sworn in as president
Park Geun-hye was sworn in as South Korea’s president promising a tough stance on national security and an era of economic revival. Park Geun-hye, who defeated liberal rival Moon Jae-in in December’s general election, took the oath of office in front of tens of thousands of people. North Korea’s recent nuclear test posed a “challenge… Continue reading Park Geun-hye, the first woman to lead South Korea, sworn in as president
Vladimir Putin signs law banning smoking in public
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a tough new bill into law banning smoking in public. Under the new legislation, smoking in restaurants, long-distance trains and housing block entrance halls will be illegal. The government has made reducing smoking one of the cornerstones of its bid to improve public health. Russia has one of the highest… Continue reading Vladimir Putin signs law banning smoking in public
Raul Castro to step down as Cuba’s president in 2018
Cuba’s President Raul Castro has announced he will stand down at the end of his second term in 2018, following his re-election by the National Assembly. Raul Castro, 81, formally assumed the presidency in 2008 – two years after replacing his ailing brother Fidel. The Communist assembly, whose members ran for office unopposed, also chose… Continue reading Raul Castro to step down as Cuba’s president in 2018
Oscars 2013 Winners Full List
ACADEMY AWARDS 2013 WINNERS FULL LIST Best Picture: Argo Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained Supporting Actress: Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables Directing: Ang Lee, Life of Pi Foreign Language Film: Amour, Austria Adapted Screenplay: Chris Terrio, Argo Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained Animated Feature… Continue reading Oscars 2013 Winners Full List
Oscars 2013: Argo wins Best Picture and Daniel Day-Lewis becomes first person to win Best Actor three times
Daniel Day-Lewis has made history at Oscars 2013 after becoming the first person to win the best actor prize three times. British-born star Daniel Day-Lewis, who had been the runaway favorite, was rewarded for his role in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln. “I really don’t know how any of this happened. I do know I’ve received much… Continue reading Oscars 2013: Argo wins Best Picture and Daniel Day-Lewis becomes first person to win Best Actor three times
Reeva Steenkamp last picture captured by CCTV as she arrives at Oscar Pistorius home
CCTV images emerged today appearing to show a smiling Reeva Steenkamp arriving at Oscar Pistorius’ home, just hours before he shot her dead on Valentine’s Day. The video stills show Reeva Steenkamp, 29, looking happy as she pulled up Oscar Pistorius’ home in Pretoria, according to the respected South African investigative programme Carte Blanche. Reeva… Continue reading Reeva Steenkamp last picture captured by CCTV as she arrives at Oscar Pistorius home
Nicos Anastasiades wins Cyprus presidential election with 57.5%
Nicos Anastasiades has won the Cypriot presidential election with 57.5% of the vote. It was a comfortable victory of the centre-right leader over Communist-backed Stavros Malas on 42.5%. Stavros Malas has conceded victory. Nicos Anastasiades takes power as Cyprus stands on the brink of bankruptcy, hit by the knock-on effect of Greece’s economic woes. He… Continue reading Nicos Anastasiades wins Cyprus presidential election with 57.5%
Mobile World Congress 2013: Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and Huawei Ascend P2 launch
Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona kicks off with a fresh tablet from Samsung and a new Android handset from Huawei. About 1,500 exhibitors are taking part at the MWC in Barcelona. Samsung’s tablet features an 8 in (20.3 cm) screen with a resolution of 189 pixels per inch (ppi) making it slightly bigger and… Continue reading Mobile World Congress 2013: Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and Huawei Ascend P2 launch
Cleotha Staples of gospel group The Staple Singers dies aged 78
Cleotha Staples, a member of the chart-topping gospel group The Staple Singers, has died at the age of 78. The family group had eight US top 40 singles in the 1970s, including the number ones I’ll Take You There and Let’s Do It Again. The group enjoyed success on the Stax label and Curtis Mayfield’s… Continue reading Cleotha Staples of gospel group The Staple Singers dies aged 78
Oscars 2013: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Adele and other stars to perform live
Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Adele and other stars performing on the Oscar show have insisted that they will sing live and won’t cheat by miming. “They’re all singing live as far as I understand,” declared Cameron Mackintosh one of the producers of the Les Miserables movie. Cast members from the picture such as Anne Hathaway,… Continue reading Oscars 2013: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Adele and other stars to perform live
Oscars 2013 Swag Bags: $12,000 Australian holiday and $5,000 facelift for losers
Oscar is the most coveted award in Hollywood – reducing winners and losers in equal measure to tears when the iconic gold statue is handed out. But even the stars who don’t win an Oscar at this weekend’s ceremony won’t go home empty handed. A Los Angeles-based marketing firm will be handing out gift bags… Continue reading Oscars 2013 Swag Bags: $12,000 Australian holiday and $5,000 facelift for losers
Fauja Singh, world’s oldest marathon runner aged 101, runs last race in Hong Kong
Fauja Singh, a man believed to be the world’s oldest marathon runner at 101 years old, has run his last long distance competitive race in Hong Kong. Fauja Singh, from Ilford, east London, finished the Hong Kong 10 km (6.25 mile) event in one hour, 32 minutes and 28 seconds. “I will remember this day.… Continue reading Fauja Singh, world’s oldest marathon runner aged 101, runs last race in Hong Kong
Oscars 2013: Betty Ann Ong’s relatives attack Zero Dark Thirty
The relatives of Betty Ann Ong, a flight attendant who died in the 9/11 attacks, have criticized the film Zero Dark Thirty for using a recording of her last call. Zero Dark Thirty features the voice of Betty Ann Ong, who was on one of the planes that hit the World Trade Center. Brother Harry… Continue reading Oscars 2013: Betty Ann Ong’s relatives attack Zero Dark Thirty
Oscars 2013: Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre ready for Academy Awards
Hollywood stars are gearing up for what is likely to be one of the most unpredictable Academy Awards for years. No film is likely to sweep the board, although the best picture prize is expected to go to hostage drama Argo. That has overtaken historical epic Lincoln in most predictions. However, Daniel Day-Lewis, who plays… Continue reading Oscars 2013: Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre ready for Academy Awards
Pope Benedict XVI gives his last Sunday blessing
Pope Benedict XVI has given his final Sunday blessing at the Vatican before he steps down on February 28. In his last Angelus in St Peter’s Square, the Pope told thousands of cheering pilgrims his decision did not mean he was abandoning the Church. Pope Benedict, 85, announced his resignation last week, saying ill-health meant… Continue reading Pope Benedict XVI gives his last Sunday blessing
MC Hammer arrested and charged with obstructing police officer in California
Rapper turned preacher MC Hammer was arrested on Thursday after he was charged with obstructing an officer in the performance of their duties in Dublin, California. MC Hammer, 50, who legally changed his name from Stanley Kirk Burrell, was booked into Santa Rita Jail on Thursday night before bring cited and released, KTVU TV Oakland… Continue reading MC Hammer arrested and charged with obstructing police officer in California
Michelle Obama and Jimmy Fallon Evolution of Mom Dancing on Late Night
Michelle Obama showed off her dancing moves during her Friday appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. First Lady Michelle Obama was a crowd favorite on the NBC comedy show and wasn’t afraid to get physical in front of the New York audience at the program’s studio at Rockefeller Center. While in New York Michelle… Continue reading Michelle Obama and Jimmy Fallon Evolution of Mom Dancing on Late Night
Sofia Vergara hospitalized before Oscars ceremony
Sofia Vergara has canceled her Oscar plans, including an appearance at Madonna’s party, as she is hospitalized for an operation. The nature of the actress’ condition is not yet known. Sofia Vergara was in good spirits when she was seen dining out with her fiancé Nick Loeb on Friday night in West Hollywood. The happy… Continue reading Sofia Vergara hospitalized before Oscars ceremony
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West expecting a baby girl
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are reportedly expecting a baby girl. A source close to Kim Kardashian told Us Weekly that the couple are over the moon about the news. An insider close to the family revealed that Kanye West, 35, was particularly excited as he “always wanted a girl”. “They’re over the moon!” a… Continue reading Kim Kardashian and Kanye West expecting a baby girl
Manti Te’o press conference on Internet romance with fake girlfriend Lennay Kekua
Former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o explained again how he had been duped into an Internet romance he had with girlfriend Lennay Kekua he never met. He did his best to turn the page on an embarrassing chapter by talking football. This time, Manti Te’o even got to see it play out on live television… Continue reading Manti Te’o press conference on Internet romance with fake girlfriend Lennay Kekua