Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Kozak has dismissed the Sochi attack on protest group Pussy Riot. Five members of punk group Pussy Riot and a cameraman were attacked by Cossack security patrols as they performed under a sign advertising the Winter Olympics on Wednesday. Footage showed the Cossacks whipping band members, pulling off their ski masks,… Continue reading Dmitry Kozak dismisses assault on Pussy Riot in Sochi
Year: 2014
Matteo Renzi sworn in as Italy’s prime minister
A new Italian government led by Matteo Renzi has been sworn in Rome ceremony. Centre-left Matteo Renzi, 39, will be the youngest prime minister in Italy’s history, and one of its least experienced. Matteo Renzi, nicknamed Il Rottamatore (the Scrapper) rose to prominence as the mayor of Florence, but has never been elected to parliament… Continue reading Matteo Renzi sworn in as Italy’s prime minister
Charlotte Dawson found dead at her home in Sydney
Australian TV presenter Charlotte Dawson has been found dead at her home in Sydney. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of 47-year-old Charlotte Dawson, who had a long history of depression. Charlotte Dawson, a former model from New Zealand, was also a high-profile victim of cyber bullying. New Zealand PM John… Continue reading Charlotte Dawson found dead at her home in Sydney
Yulia Tymoshenko to be freed as Ukraine’s parliament votes without president’s approval
In fast-moving events on Saturday, Ukraine’s parliament voted for opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko to be released immediately. Former PM Yulia Tymoshenko was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2011 for abuse of power. Her supporters had always maintained this was simply Viktor Yanukovych taking out his most prominent opponent. Also in parliament, speaker Volodymyr… Continue reading Yulia Tymoshenko to be freed as Ukraine’s parliament votes without president’s approval
Why cardinals wear red
Pope Francis has appointed 19 new cardinals at a ceremony in Rome – the first such appointments of his papacy. Cardinals are the most senior Roman Catholic clergymen below the pontiff. The new cardinals received the traditional red hat and robes at the ceremony, known as a consistory, which was conducted in Latin and followed… Continue reading Why cardinals wear red
Pope Francis appoints 19 new cardinals at St Peter’s Basilica ceremony
Pope Francis has appointed 19 new cardinals at St Peter’s Basilica ceremony in Rome. This is the first such appointments of Pope Francis’ papacy. Cardinals are the most senior Roman Catholic clergymen below the pontiff. Correspondents say the inclusion of prelates from places such as Haiti and Burkina Faso reflects the Argentine Pope’s commitment to… Continue reading Pope Francis appoints 19 new cardinals at St Peter’s Basilica ceremony
Dogs can understand human language. Study findings
A new study suggests dogs can understand their owners’ language. Using MRI scanner on dogs, researchers from Hungary found that the canine brain reacts to voices in the same way that the human brain does. Emotionally charged sounds, such as crying or laughter, also prompted similar responses, perhaps explaining why dogs are attuned to human… Continue reading Dogs can understand human language. Study findings
Ukraine unrest: Viktor Yanukovych leaves Kiev
According to new reports, the Kiev offices of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych are unguarded, with opposition protesters apparently in full control of the government district. Ukraine’s capital is now quiet, a day after deal was signed to end a political crisis in which dozens have died. As parliament met on Saturday, the speaker, Volodymyr Rybak… Continue reading Ukraine unrest: Viktor Yanukovych leaves Kiev
Listeria outbreak linked to Ross Foods Hispanic-style cheese
One person died in California and other seven – including three newborns – have become ill in Maryland in a Listeria outbreak linked to Hispanic-style cheese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Friday that the outbreak is linked to semi-soft, Hispanic-style cheese called Caujada en Terron that is sold from a chain… Continue reading Listeria outbreak linked to Ross Foods Hispanic-style cheese
Dalai Lama Talks with Barack Obama Irk China
President Barack Obama has met exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at the White House, US officials say. Barack Obma vowed “strong support” for the protection of Tibetans’ human rights in China during the encounter with the Dalai Lama. China had urged the US to cancel the meeting, saying it would “seriously impair China-US… Continue reading Dalai Lama Talks with Barack Obama Irk China
Detroit files bankruptcy plan
Detroit’s state-appointed emergency manager Kevyn Orr has filed a plan to restructure the city’s debts in the wake of the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history. The plan, awaiting approval from a bankruptcy judge, includes cuts to pensions and creditors to drive down the $18 billion debt. Funds would also be devoted to demolishing abandoned… Continue reading Detroit files bankruptcy plan
Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro invites Barack Obama to join him in talks
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has invited President Barack Obama to join him in talks aimed at resolving the problems between his country and the US. Nicolas Maduro said the meeting would help “put the truth out on the table”. He has accused US conservatives and media organizations of plotting to overthrow his government. Earlier on… Continue reading Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro invites Barack Obama to join him in talks
The Budding Market of Home Automation
Revenue for the US home automation market is slated to reach 5.5 billion by 2016. In fact, home automation is the greatest technological leap forward in home technology in many decades. A number of factors are driving home automation – wariness about energy efficiency and a desire to streamline home entertainment both play a role.… Continue reading The Budding Market of Home Automation
Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day 15, February 22
Sochi Winter Games: Day 15, February 22 Medals to be won today: Alpine skiing (men’s slalom), biathlon (men’s relay), cross country skiing (women’s mass start), ice hockey (men’s bronze), snowboard (parallel slalom), speed skating (team pursuit). Highlights include: 05:15 Snowboard – parallel slalom. 12:45 Alpine skiing – men’s slalom. 13:30 Speed skating – team pursuit.… Continue reading Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day 15, February 22
Lamar Odom opens up on Khloe Kardashian split
Lamar Odom said Khloe Kardashian would “always” be his wife, even if they divorce – which he’s hoping doesn’t happen. During Us Weekly interview, Lamar Odom, 34, said: “I love my wife. She’ll always be my wife, no matter what.” Khloe Kardashian, 29, filed for divorce in December after four years of marriage. “Who knows?… Continue reading Lamar Odom opens up on Khloe Kardashian split
CNN expelled from Venezuela
CNN says Venezuela has revoked the accreditation of its Caracas-based reporter, Osmary Hernandez. Two journalists who had been sent to Venezuela to cover the current crisis had their working permits cancelled. President Nicolas Maduro had vowed to expel CNN unless it “rectified” its coverage of recent opposition marches. Eight people have been killed in the… Continue reading CNN expelled from Venezuela
Baby Kaitlyn’s thumb: Honey Boo Boo’s family faces medical decision
In the latest episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Alana Thompson’s family must make a scary medical decision about their youngest member, baby Kaitlyn. As we already know, Anna’s daughter, Kaitlyn, was born with two thumbs on one of her hands. Now that Kaitlyn is one year old, it’s time to consider removing it.… Continue reading Baby Kaitlyn’s thumb: Honey Boo Boo’s family faces medical decision
Sochi 2014: Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle and William Frullani sent home after failing drugs tests
German cross country skier and biathlete Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle and Italian bobsleigh brakeman William Frullani have been sent home from Sochi 2014 after failing drugs tests. Both tested positive for methylhexanamine with A and B samples. Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle, who won gold in 2002 and 2010, finished fourth in two events this year. Police officer William Frullani,… Continue reading Sochi 2014: Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle and William Frullani sent home after failing drugs tests
Phil Robertson gives son Jep marriage advice
When Jep Robertson set out to do a little home improvement he called on his father Phil to make sure it would come out correctly to please his wife Jessica. “When you’ve got a wife as hot as mine, you’ve got to keep her happy and then some,” Phil Robertson’s youngest son Jep said. “I’m… Continue reading Phil Robertson gives son Jep marriage advice
Si Robertson gets stuck in a marsh during paintball match
On the last episode of Duck Dynasty, Willie and Jase Robertson argue over an old GI Joe toy. This leads them into a debate over who would make a better soldier. To settle the score, Willie and Jase head out to the woods with their friends and children for a paintball match, but the game… Continue reading Si Robertson gets stuck in a marsh during paintball match
Willie Robertson reveals how he got invited to State of the Union
Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! how he got invited to this year’s State of the Union in Washington D.C. and what President Barack Obama thought of his outfit. Willie Robertson and Barack Obama ran into each other when the A&E star attended the State of the Union and caught up after… Continue reading Willie Robertson reveals how he got invited to State of the Union
Ukraine unrest: Viktor Yanukovych and opposition agree to early presidential poll
Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition protesters have agreed to an early presidential poll before the end of the year. The election is part of a deal to end the country’s political crisis. The deal has not been published, but Viktor Yanukovych referred to a national unity government and constitutional changes reducing the president’s power.… Continue reading Ukraine unrest: Viktor Yanukovych and opposition agree to early presidential poll
Somalia presidential palace attacked by al-Shabab group
Somalia’s presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu has been attack by a huge car bomb. The bomb has blown a hole in the wall of the presidential palace, followed by a fierce gun battle inside, officials say. It is not clear how many people died in the attack. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has told the… Continue reading Somalia presidential palace attacked by al-Shabab group
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues longer cut to be released in cinemas for one week
A longer cut of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is to be released in US and UK cinemas for a single week. The more stringently-rated version will “feature up to 763 entirely new jokes”. Director Adam McKay joked: “If you’re a hardcore Anchorman fan, go see this. If you’re not, stay very far away.” The… Continue reading Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues longer cut to be released in cinemas for one week
Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl and associated books vandalized in Tokyo libraries
More than 200 copies of Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl and associated books have been vandalized in public libraries in Tokyo, Japanese officials say. Pages have been ripped from at least 265 copies of the diary and other related books, they added. It is not clear who is behind the vandalism. A US… Continue reading Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl and associated books vandalized in Tokyo libraries