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Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Home Blog Page 1193

Listeriosis outbreak: FDA recalls Jensen Farms cantaloupe.

Listeriosis Outbreak: Jensen Farms Recalls Cantaloupe Due to Possible Health Risk.

 

The FDA announced a recall today for cantaloupes from Jensen Farms, after the Colorado company confirmed that one of its Rocky Ford melons had tested positive for the bacterium Listeria.

A Jensen Farms spokeswoman said today that more tests would be needed to determine whether the strain found in its produce was linked to two confirmed deaths and 16 cases of listeriosis, a potentially deadly infection, The Associated Press reported.

FDA recalls Jansen Farms cantaloupe
FDA recalls Jansen Farms cantaloupe

Amy Philpott, Jensen Farms representative said the farm had shipped more than 300,000 cases across the U.S. between July 29 and September 10 and has recalled the entire harvest.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that it was the first Listeria outbreak tied to cantaloupe in the U.S.

The listeriosis cases have been reported in five states and Colorado authorities have told retailers to remove Jensen Farms’ cantaloupes from the shelves.

It was also reported that a couple from Denver was expected to file the first lawsuit related to the listeriosis outbreak after the husband ate a Jensen cantaloupe and got sick. The man tested positive for listeriosis and remains hospitalized.

“Jensen Farms continues to stay committed to the highest levels of food safety and maintains many third party safety audits, as we have for many years. We continually look for ways to enhance our protocol,” said Ryan Jensen, partner at Jensen Farms.

Listeriosis Outbreak: Jensen Farms Recalls Cantaloupe Due to Possible Health Risk.

Listeriosis outbreak: FDA recalls Jensen Farms cantaloupe.

 

Jensen Farms Recalls Cantaloupe Due to Possible Health Risk. Press release.

Cantaloupe recall due to possible health risk
Cantaloupe recall due to possible health risk

Contact Consumer, 800-267-4561, recall@rfordcantaloupe.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 14, 2011 – Jensen Farms, of Holly, CO is voluntarily recalling their shipments of Rocky Ford whole cantaloupe because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria. The company is working with the State of Colorado and the FDA to inform consumers of this recall. L. monocytogenes is a bacterium that can contaminate foods and cause a mild non-invasive illness (called listerial gastroenteritis) or a severe, sometimes life-threatening, illness (called invasive listeriosis). Persons who have the greatest risk of experiencing listeriosis after consuming foods contaminated with L. monocytogenes are fetuses and neonates who are infected after the mother is exposed to L. monocytogenes during pregnancy, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.

The whole cantaloupes in question were shipped between July 29th, 2011 and September 10th 2011, and distributed to the following states: IL, WY, TN, UT, TX, CO, MN, KS, NM, NC, MO, NE, OK, AZ, NJ, NY, PA. The whole cantaloupes have a green and white sticker that reads: Product of USA- Frontera Produce-Colorado Fresh-Rocky Ford-Cantaloupe or a gray, yellow, and green sticker that reads: Jensen Farms-Sweet Rocky Fords. If the whole cantaloupe is unlabeled, please contact your retail store for sourcing information. Jensen Farms is requesting any consumer that many have one of these cantaloupes to please destroy the products.

The recall involves only whole cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms, and no other commodities are involved. Jensen Farms feels it is prudent to participate in the recall as the State of Colorado has stated (in their September 12th, 2011 press release) that people at a high risk for infection should not eat whole cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford growing region.

“Jensen Farms continues to stay committed to the highest levels of food safety and maintains many third party safety audits, as we have for many years. We continually look for ways to enhance our protocol,” said Ryan Jensen, partner at Jensen Farms. Jensen Farms is a 3rd generation family farm of the Holly, Colorado community.

Consumers with questions may contact Jensen Farms via email at recall@rfordcantaloupe.com or phone 1-800-267-4561 between the hours of 9am and 4pm MST.

Gavin DeGraw Starts Fall Tour

Gavin DeGraw resumes tour 15 days after was beaten and hit by car

 

Gavin DeGraw hospitalized beaten by criminals and hit by car

 

Chariot singer Gavin DeGraw will begin a tour on October 9 with American Idol seven season winner, David Cook and Swedish alternative rock band, Carolina Liar.

 

Gavin DeGraw starts fall tour in October.
Gavin DeGraw starts fall tour in October.

The tour starts in State College, Pennsylvania and ends in Orlando, Florida on November 12. David Cook will co-headline Gavin DeGraw in all cities, except Orlando. Carolina Liar will open for them in Columbus, Ohio  on October 10 and will be special guest in all cities but York, Pennsylvania, Cleveland, Ohio, Greenville, South Carolina.The tickets are available from September 16, but a pre-sale started on Wednesday.

David Cook will perform from his new album This Loud Morning. The Last Goodbye single was very well received as well as Fade Into Me. Cook’s The Time of My Life went platinum.

 

From September 14, Gavin DeGraw new album Sweeter (which will be release on September 20 on RCA Records) can be pre-ordered at walmart.com.

 

 

Gavin DeGraw fourth studio album has a “wide variety of styles” which due to his wide range of musical influences. Gavin enjoys “classic soul music, rock, modern rock and certain types of just beat rhythm music” and the ten tracks are “really a combination of all the stuff.”

 

Gavin DeGraw will play melodies from Sweeter on the tour. Not Over You( (not related with his ex-girlfriend he said) is “a soulful majestic ballad” (Entertainment Weekly), a“hot single” and his “welcome return” to the airwaves (People Magazine).

Gavin DeGraw Sweeter will be released on September 20.
Gavin DeGraw Sweeter will be released on September 20.

Gavin DeGraw debut album Chariot sold more than 1 million copies, earned platinum certification and had three hits:  I Don’t Want To Be, Follow Through, Chariot. In Love With A Girl, and the gold-certified We Belong Together are the hits from his second album. DeGraw had a tour with rockers  Maroon 5 and Train over the summer.

 

Gavin DeGraw interrupted the summer tour on August 8 because early in the morning he was beaten by three men and hit by a car, had a broken nose, concussion and bruises and was admitted to the hospital for a day.

 

The piano player told Today that the scars were mainly internal (poor memory regarding that night). Singer said he had been out for a drink with friends and had been walking home down a street in New York’s East Village. Three persons said something to him (“the tone was weird”) and “the lights went out.” Still no arrest has been made.

“I was very bloody, which caused me to panic, which made it that much worse. I am told I got clipped by a taxi. My head was so rocked from the concussion that my balance was off and my vision was blurred. The 911 call was, ‘Hey, I just saw this guy get hit by a taxi.’ Whether I got clipped by it, or possibly went up to it to say ‘can you help me?’ (I don’t know).”

Gavin DeGraw making of a Video "NOT OVER YOU"
Gavin DeGraw making of a Video "NOT OVER YOU" (Photo by Brad Barket/PictureGroup)

Gavin DeGraw said he had other priorities than his voice affected by broken nose, to meet his family at his mother’s 60th birthday the next week.

“We were all supposed to meet in Nashville for a show, and just seeing their faces after this was really the worst thing. But then after realizing how bad off I was by the looks on their faces, that’s when I started concentrating on my voice and thinking I could have trouble.”

 

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A Much More Gentle Method Of Weight Loss

Countless overweight men and women have starved themselves needlessly until they quickly threw in the towel.

 

It is centered on excess calories, among other things, so that may be one strategy. That tactic sounds like it will work, and it can, but it requires more lifestyle changes than people realize. Drastically minimizing daily calories means people have to modify their thinking and eating habits which is out of the question for most. When you take it into consideration, this necessitates significant changes, but that is still possible using different techniques. An individual will find that changing habits is very simple to do by scaling down the amount of change and building it up.


Except in cases where you have a hyperactive metabolism, then excessive daily calories will cause obesity.

 

Nonetheless, there are some that can eat all day and never put on pounds. You simply can’t exclude too many calories since your body needs energy frequently. In the event you keep up with starving yourself of calories, then that will definitely catch up to you and produce other issues. Therefore, the initial step would be to begin cutting back on foods that are not helping your weight difficulty. It’s always much easier to cut back, initially, than attempt to completely eliminate them.

Naturally you should make a parallel effort to begin eating healthier foods on a daily basis. Bear in mind you want to avoid changing everything simultaneously. This method is worth testing for people who have gone the route of starving yourself without success. Effortlessly begin by making small changes, and then keeping them on a daily basis for a period of time. As soon as you feel comfortable with that amount of change, then you can make another modification in your daily diet. Sooner or later it is a beneficial idea to begin doing some physical activity to help your efforts.

It’s going to be very beneficial if you take a look at the quality of calories and fats you eat each day.

 

Empty calories are probably the worst, and a good illustration of that are sweets. Then, you require fat in your diet, but it is the sort of fat that makes a impact. Ready-made foods and fast foods are great examples of unacceptable kinds of fats for you. Next simply make the effort to have less and less of them each day, or week. Your objective is to make a change that is meaningful, and you will feel better about yourself and is particularly good.

The more drawn out you can keep these adjustments going, you realize you’ll be building new eating habits. The problem is the benefits you desire will take longer to appear. Nevertheless, this strategy will certainly work for some people who cannot make drastic changes. The important thing here is to keep increasing your efforts as each change turns into a part of you. You are going to, at some point, make a good enough change so you begin to see greater success. There isn’t anything more encouraging than success in any endeavor.

Slim Kirstie Alley strutted down the catwalk at New York Fashion Week.

Kirstie Alley showed full of confidence as she strutted down the catwalk at New York Fashion Week on Wednesday.

And this is not surprising, because the Cheers actress has reached a huge milestone in her battle to lose weight.

Kirstie Alley said she lost 100 pounds (about 50 kg) after she participated into Dancing With The Stars contest, according to a recent interview she gave to Entertainment Tonight.

Kirstie Alley took to the runway for Malaysian designer Zang Toi at New York Fashion Week
Kirstie Alley took to the runway for Malaysian designer Zang Toi at New York Fashion Week

In the same interview Kirstie Alley said:

“I feel like I’m back in my element. I honestly didn’t even realize what I looked like.”

Kirstie Alley, the yo-yo dieter, who now says she’s a US size 4, is clearly thrilled with her new look and insists she’s not tempted follow up with a nip and tuck.

“I haven’t had plastic surgery but here’s the reason: People do plastic surgery to make you look younger.”

“I don’t think it makes you look younger. I like it can make you look weirder.”

Kirstie Alley, 60, who once tipped the scale at 230 lbs, outdid celebrities and models alike as she took to the runway for Malaysian designer Zang Toi at New York Fashion Week.

The Cheers star stole the show as she paraded her newly slimmed down physique in front of a packed house at The Studio at the Lincoln Centre.

Kirstie Alley was wearing a stunning cobalt blue embellished gown and matching dress coat while she garnered cheers and loud ovation as she swept up the long catwalk, looking maybe 20-years-younger than her actual age.

But she didn’t stop, Kirstie Alley also donned a fitting black dress over a pair of leggings.

Kirstie Alley’s blonde hair was pulled up into a large beehive-style bun, no doubt with hair extensions added to create the full look.

One day before the show, she tweeted:

”Waaaa Hooooo!!! Kitty is ready to walk the Cat!!! False Bravado will guide me…Let’s have some fun @ZANGTOI!!!”

“Will be winkin and blinking at y’all. DONT make me laugh! Gotta keep model face. Oh, who am I kidding?? Haha,” she tweeted.

“DO NOT make eye contact! I will start giggling and fall on my well-dressed ass. Look away!”

In the end, Kirstie said:

“Thank You all the REAL Models for letting me share @ZANGTOI runway with you!!!!! You all were sooo sweet and looked soooo gorgeous!!!

“THANK YOU @ZANGTOI !!!! I love you!!! I had the time of my life!!!!”

Kirstie Alley told Entertainment Tonight that she had known Zang Toi since 1993.

“I did the cover of Redbook and I wanted something really beautiful…he just has the most beautiful clothes, period.”

Kirstie Alley enjoyed the experience, and the clothes, so much that she walked out of the Lincoln Centre wearing one of the outfits she modelled.

Kweku Adoboli, the rogue trader arrested in London for $2 bn UBS losses.

UBS rogue trader arrested in London for $2 bn losses.

 

Kweku Adoboli is the suspected rogue trader who was arrested in London at early hours today on suspicion of losing $2 billion of UBS, the major investment Swiss bank group.

Ghanaian Kweku Adoboli, 31, was detained on suspicion of committing fraud while working at Swiss bank UBS, after police raided his home at 3.30am.

After the raid UBS shares fell by 8%, as the bank warned that the unauthorized trading could tip the firm into a third-quarter loss.

Kweku Adoboli, the rogue trader arrested in London for $2 bn UBS losses (Facebook image)
Kweku Adoboli, the rogue trader arrested in London for $2 bn UBS losses (Facebook image)

 

UBS CEO, Oswald Gruebel sent a memo to UBS staff yesterday that the rogue deals had been discovered within the past 24 hours.

Gruebel told staff:

“We regret to inform you that yesterday we uncovered a case of unauthorised trading by a trader in the Investment Bank. We have reported it to the markets in line with regulatory disclosure obligations.

“The matter is still being investigated, but we currently estimate the loss on the trades to be around 2 billion US dollars.”

Oswald Gruebel vowed to “establish exactly what has happened” and underscored that “no client positions were affected”.

The UBS CEO urged staff to remain focused on their clients as the investigation continues.

“We want to reassure you that we, together with the rest of the management, are working closely with the Investment Bank’s management and risk and controlling to get to the bottom of the matter as quickly as possible, and will spare no effort to establish exactly what has happened. We will keep you updated on the progress of our investigation.”

Trader Kweku Adoboli worked at the UBS’ headquarters in the very heart of London’s finance district.

UBS has around 65,000 employees worldwide, but it said the bank has recently reduced its staff by 3,500 as part of a bid to save $2.3 billion by the end of 2013.

The cuts came as it said pre-tax profits dropped 23% on the previous quarter to $2 billion at the end of June.

As well as the economic downturn, UBS said regulatory changes such as the Basel rules, which require the bank to hold more capital, were behind the need for the cost reductions.

Despite being one of the biggest wealth managers in the world, UBS has a chequered recent history.

In 2008, UBS was rescued by the Swiss state following huge losses on toxic assets held by its investment bank.

The bank then became embroiled in a serious tax evasion dispute with US authorities and was forced to hand over 300 client names and pay a $780 million fine. There was then a second case in which bank agreed to hand over data on 4,450 American clients.

A restructuring then saw UBS launch a multi-million dollars advertising campaign which used the slogan ‘we will not rest’.

UBS Investment Bank’s offices in Stamford, Connecticut boasts the largest trading floor in the world – it is the size of two American football pitches, and sees more than $1 trillion in assets traded every day.

UBS rogue trader arrested in London for $2 bn losses.

 

London police have arrested a man in connection with allegations of unauthorized trading which has cost Swiss banking group UBS an estimated $2 billion.

The 31 year-old man was detained in the early hours of Thursday and remains in London Police custody.

UBS shares fell today 8% after it announced it was investigating rogue trades which would mean the bank making a loss for the third quarter of 2011.

UBS, the Swiss bank said no customer accounts were affected.

London police have arrested a man in connection with allegations of unauthorized trading which has cost Swiss banking group UBS an estimated $2 billion
London police have arrested a man in connection with allegations of unauthorized trading which has cost Swiss banking group UBS an estimated $2 billion

City of London Police said:

“We can confirm we arrested a 31-year-old man at 3:30am on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.”

In a letter to its 65,000 staff, UBS said:

“The matter is still being investigated, but UBS’s current estimate of the loss on the trades is in the range of $2bn.

“It is possible that this could lead UBS to report a loss for the third quarter of 2011. No client positions were affected.

“While the news is distressing, it will not change the fundamental strength of our firm.

“We urge you to stay focused on your clients, who are counting on you to guide them through these uncertain times,” the bank said.

“All the clever systems that the banks now have still cannot stop a determined individual .”

In 2008, UBS was rescued by the Swiss state following huge losses on toxic assets held by its investment bank.

The bank then became embroiled in a serious tax evasion dispute with US authorities and was forced to hand over 300 client names and pay a $780 million fine. There was then a second case in which bank agreed to hand over data on 4,450 American clients.

UBS declined to say in which department, or country, the rogue trader operated. However, there is already speculation that the losses may have occurred in foreign exchange trades.

At the beginning of September, the Swiss Central Bank shocked the markets by capping the franc against the euro at 1.20 francs. The move sent the franc-euro pairing up 10%, and it is rumored that some traders lost money.

Chanel Taper has the longest tongue. Guinness World Records 2012.

The Dog With The Longest Ears On The Planet.

 

One Ton Crocodile Captured In Philippines. Largest Crocodile In The World.

 

A woman with a four-inch tongue and another one with 10-foot fingernails are among entries in the 2012 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Aevin Dugas, 36, from New Orleans, US, is also gets an entry for having grown the world’s largest natural afro.

She is the proud owner of the largest natural afro in the world – her massive head of hair has a circumference of 4ft 4in (1.32m).

Craig Lenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief said the book celebrates “the weirdest and wackiest” with this edition.

Rob Hull from Doncaster, UK, is also in the book for having 571 Daleks – despite not being a Doctor Who fan.

 

Rob Hull from Doncaster, UK, is in the 2012 edition of Guinness Book of World Records for having 571 Daleks
Rob Hull from Doncaster, UK, is in the 2012 edition of Guinness Book of World Records for having 571 Daleks

 

The 49 year-old Dalek collector, Rob Hull bought his first replica at the age of 29, and while he may not love the BBC sci-fi series, he says he became “enchanted” with them after seeing one in a toy shop.

The 2012 edition of the Guinness Book of world Records also has a new entry, the woman claiming the prestigious title of longest fingernails in the world.

Christine Walton from Las Vegas, US, has 10ft 2in (3.1m) fingernails on her left hand and a 9ft 7in (2.92m) on her right hand.

“I hate all the cleaning, but I do it. And the makeup, I only wear so much,” said Christine Walton, 45, who has also been working on a singing career while raising a family.

Christine Walton from Las Vegas, US, has 10ft 2in (3.1m) fingernails on her left hand and a 9ft 7in (2.92m) on her right hand
Christine Walton from Las Vegas, US, has 10ft 2in (3.1m) fingernails on her left hand and a 9ft 7in (2.92m) on her right hand

The previous record-holder, Lee Redmond from Salt Lake City, US, lost her nails in a car crash in 2009.

Reverend Darrell Best from Illinois, US, is a newcomer to the famous records book, having taken the title for the fastest wedding chapel after converting his 1940s fire truck into a wedding chapel on wheels.

The wedding chapel, which is entitled The Best Man, allows lovers to tie the knot while they are on the road and is capable of reaching speeds of 62 mph (about 100 km/h).

Chanel Taper in the 2012 edition of Guinness Book of World Records for the longest tongue , measuring 4 inches (about 10.16 cm)
Chanel Taper in the 2012 edition of Guinness Book of World Records for the longest tongue , measuring 4 inches (about 10.16 cm)

Chanel Taper, a student from California entered the 2012 edition of Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest tongue in the world, measuring 4 inches (about 10.16 cm).

Sarah Palin’s other face: drugs and illicit affairs. A new Joe McGinniss book claims.

Sarah Palin took cocaine while snowmobiling with friends and had illicit affairs with the NBA star Glen Rice and one of her husband’s business partners, a new Joe McGinniss’ book sensationally claims.

Sarah Palin, 47, who probably hopes for joining the 2012 presidential race is said to have taken the class A drug with her husband, while smoking marijuana at college in secret liaisons with one of her professors.

The explosive Joe McGinness’ book  could halt Sarah Palin's 2012 bid before it has started
The explosive Joe McGinness’ book could halt Sarah Palin's 2012 bid before it has started

“The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin”, Joe McGinniss’ book is due to be published on September 20.

The book also alleges that Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska is far from the traditional family woman she claims to be.

Sarah Palin had a one-night stand with Miami Heat basketball star Glen Rice less than a year before she eloped with her husband, the book claims.

She is said to have met Glen Rice in 1987 when he was playing in a college basketball tournament in Alaska and Sarah Palin worked as a sports reporter for KTUU television.

The book also claimed that Sarah Palin had a six-month affair with Brad Hanson, who ran a snowmobile dealership with her husband Todd. The betrayal led to Todd Palin dissolving the business.

In a bid to expose Sarah Palin’s skeletons, Joe McGinness has studied the former vice presidential candidate for three years and last year even moved in to a home next door in Wasilla, Alaska, to dig some more.

McGinness writes that after college Sarah Palin developed a “fetish” for black men.

Palin allegedly had a tryst with basketball star Glen Rice in her younger sister Molly’s University of Alaska dorm room, while she was dating Todd and just nine months before the couple were married.

Sarah Palin got pregnant with Todd and they eloped in August 1988.

Palins son Track, the oldest of five, was born eight months later in April 1989.

According to the National Enquirer, a friend said Sarah Palin spent the night with the basketball star but could not confirm whether they had sex.

“I remember Sarah feeling pretty good that she’d been with a black basketball star,” the source told the magazine.

Glen Rice is said to have confirmed the night of passion in Joe McGinniss’s book.

The book goes on to claim that while married Sarah Palin also had an affair with her husband’s business partner, Brad Hanson.

Todd Palin is alleged to have ended all businesses with Brad Hanson after he found out about the affair in 1996.

Both Sarah Palin and Brad Hanson have denied the allegations.

Sarah Palin is said to have taken the class A drug with her husband, while smoking marijuana at college in secret liaisons with one of her professors
Sarah Palin is said to have taken the class A drug with her husband, while smoking marijuana at college in secret liaisons with one of her professors

Joe McGinniss writes that while Sarah Palin attended Mat-Su College she took marijuana with a professor who was also the father of one of her female friends.

Before Palin was elected governor she is also said to have snorted cocaine with her husband off an overturned oil drum while snowmobiling with friends.

Todd Palin, who was arrested for DUI in 1986 used cocaine a lot and was “on the end of a straw plenty,” according to a long-term associate quoted in the book.

The explosive book goes on to quote those who knew the family growing up, claiming Sarah Palin was a “bad mum” who would lock herself in her room for hours on end asking not to be disturbed while her children cooked themselves dinner.

The former Alaska governor was plucked from obscurity to be the Republican vice presidential candidate in 2008.

The “pitbull in lipstick”, Sarah Palin sparked a media storm after accepting the nomination, despite questions over her experience.

Sarah Palin has remained tight-lipped on whether she would stand next year, but said she would likely make an announcement at the end of this month.

There have also been frequent rumors that Palin is set to divorce her husband Todd, which have always been denied.

Sarah Palin also has faced accusations by the father of her daughter’s child, Levi Johnston, that she wanted to keep Bristol’s pregnancy a secret and adopt the child herself.

She has yet to declare whether she intends to run for election in next year’s presidential race.

Joe McGinniss, 68, has written several political books including works on former president Richard Nixon and on Alaska.

Joe McGinniss is a controversial writer who has built a career on immersing himself in extreme subjects in order to “search for the truth, however elusive… Penetrating the façade of institutions and people in public life”.

Joe McGinniss
Joe McGinniss

The author gained notoriety aged 26 when his first book about how Richard Nixon marketed himself, titled The Selling of the President 1968, became an overnight success – leading to him becoming the youngest living author with a book on the New York Times bestseller list.

McGinniss has since written a combination of true crime books and political exposés, as well as one non-fiction account of a year exploring Alaska.

In 1983, his take on the notorious Jeffrey MacDonald murder case led him being sued, with MacDonald alleging Joe McGinniss made him believe he was on his side before slamming him in the book. The case settled out of court.

Even before moving in next door Sarah Palin, Joe McGinniss had tried to get close to her, offering more than $60,000 to have dinner with the politician at a charity auction in 2009. The writer lost to a winning bid of 63,500.

When Sarah Palin found out about her new neighbor, she wrote on her Facebook page:

“We’re sure to have a doozey to look forward to with this treasure he’s penning.

“Wonder what kind of material he’ll gather while overlooking Piper’s bedroom?”

Silvio Berlusconi’s vulgar comments about Angela Merkel.

Silvio Berlusconi is at the centre of a new controversy after claims emerged he had insulted Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Silvio Berlusconi, the 74 year-old Italian prime minister is now accused of making insulting comments about Angela Merkel during a telephone conversation with a newspaper editor.

The vulgar remarks referred to sex and Angela Merkel’s physique and were picked up by investigators probing a 500,000 euro blackmail plot against Silvio Berlusconi.

Silvio Berlusconi is accused of making insulting comments about Angela Merkel during a telephone conversation with a newspaper editor
Silvio Berlusconi is accused of making insulting comments about Angela Merkel during a telephone conversation with a newspaper editor

It has been suggested that, in a phone call in early July, Silvio Berlusconi referred to 57-year-old Angela Merkel as “an un****able fat b***”.

Silvio Berlusconi was also taped while branding his own country “s**t” and claimed the judiciary were out to get him during the phone call with Valter Lavitola, which took place in early July.

Fragments of the taped conversation have been circulating in Italian newspapers for days. Though the alleged comment has not been published, it has been posted on a number of websites.

Today the scandal moved to Germany where the Bild newspaper ran the story under the headline “Did Berlusconi insult our Chancellor Merkel?”.

Silvio Berlusconi’ spokesman said they had no comment to make.

Il Giornale, the newspaper owned by Berlusconi family, described the allegation as “gossip”.

This is not the first time when Silvio Berlusconi is accused of insulting the German Chancellor though the previous instances have been relatively trivial.

Two years ago, he kept Angela Merkel waiting at an official summit while he chatted on his mobile telephone.

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In 2008, Silvio Berlusconi “jumped” out at her from behind a statute and showed “peek a boo” when Merkel arrived in Italy for an official visit.

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The taped phone calls are part of an investigation into allegations that Valter Lavitola, businessman Giampaolo Tarantini and his wife Angela Devenuto had blackmailed Silvio Berlusconi.

It is claimed Silvio Berlusconi had paid hush money to all three over allegations about his dealings with escort girls who attended so-called “bunga bunga” parties at his official residences.

Giampaolo Tarantini is accused of bringing the women to events at Palazzo Grazioli in Rome. Prosecutors allege he was paid at least 500,000 euro to tell officials Silvio Berlusconi had no idea that they were escort girls.

One of the women was Patrizia D’Addario who claimed she was paid to spend the night with the Italian prime minister.

Tarantini is also under investigation for supplying cocaine to high-profile clients in parties held on the Italian island of Sardinia – where Silvio Berlusconi has a home.

Ten days ago Berlusconi confirmed he had paid the money but insisted had “merely been helping out someone who was going through a rough time.”

At the beginning of this week Silvio Berlusconi had been due to meet prosecutors to discuss the blackmail but he pulled out at the last minute insisting he had to meet European Union chiefs in Brussels and Strasbourg to reassure them Italy was tackling its financial crisis.

Prosecutors have told him he must present himself at their office in Naples before Sunday at 8pm or they will declare him a hostile witness and call in police to forcibly bring him in for questioning.

Giampaolo Tarantini and Angela Devenuto were arrested earlier this month in their luxury apartment in Rome as part of the probe and they are now in custody. Valter Lavitola is said to be in Brazil.

Silvio Berlusconi, who is not under investigation but considered a victim, is currently involved in four trials. One of the trials is for having sex with an underage prostitute.

It was reported that Silvio Berlusconi have paid Moroccan born belly dancer Karima El Mahroug to spend the night at his villa near Milan when she was just 17 and therefore still a minor under Italian law.

Silvio Berlusconi is also said to have paid 32 other women for sexual favors with cash, jewellery and cars to attend the parties and the trial is set to resume in Milan in October.

Obesity duration and diabetes risk: new study findings

The risk of diabetes type 2  is higher for persons who are living long time with overweight or obesity, said researchers from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Long term obesity lead to higher risk of diabetes
Long term obesity lead to higher risk of diabetes

 

The medical scientists made a survey of 8157 adolescents and young adults (aged 14 to 21 years in 1979) from 1981 until 2006. The patients had self-reported measures of height, weight, and diabetes status (type unspecified). The scientists conducted logistic regression models to predict presumed type 2 diabetes (after excluding presumed type 1 diabetes).

Joyce M. Lee, Achamyeleh Gebremariam, Sandeep Vijan, James G. Gurney discovered that the degree and duration of excess weight, or obesity was a better predictor of diabetes risk than a single measurement of excess weight.

“Our study finds that the relationship between weight and type 2 diabetes is similar to the relationship between smoking and the risk of lung cancer. The amount of excess weight that you carry and the number of years for which you carry it dramatically increase your risk of diabetes,” said Joyce Lee, pediatric endocrinologist.

Children are becoming overweight or obese earlier, they are carrying extra weight for longer periods. “When you add the findings from this study, rates of diabetes in the United States may rise even higher than previously predicted,” Dr Lee said.

The researchers, who published their findings in September issue of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, said people with a BMI of 35 for 10 years would be considered to have 100 years of excess BMI. White men aged 40 years with 200 excess BMI-years had 2.94 times higher odds of developing diabetes compared with men of the same age and race with 100 excess BMI-years. For a given level of excess BMI-years, younger compared with older and Hispanic and black compared with white had higher risk of developing diabetes. Yet the study is limited by use of self-reported data without specification of diabetes type.

 

Diabetes type 2 is a metabolic disorder with high blood glucose, insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Long-term complications from high blood sugar: heart attacks, strokes, amputation, diabetic retinopathy, kidney failure, loss of hearing, eyesight, cognitive ability. Diabetes, often found in persons with obesity, is  manageable through exercise and diet, later oral medication (pills) might be necessary, or even insulin.

 

What is obesity in adults and in children? Overweight and Obesity Definition

 

Obesity in adults is evaluated through BMI, its duration correlates with diabetes type 2 risk
Obesity in adults is evaluated through BMI, its duration correlates with diabetes type 2 risk

 

Overweight and obesity designate the weight values over what is accepted to be healthy for a given height. These terms also name ranges of weight that increase the risks of health problems. For adults, overweight and obesity are determined by calculating body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated using weight and height. This index is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat. A BMI over 25 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is considered obese. BMI ranges for children and teens take into account normal differences in body fat between boys and girls and differences in body fat at various ages.

 

How many people have obesity?

 

According to CDC 33.8% of U.S. adults are obese and around 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents are obese.

In 2010, all states had a prevalence of obesity over 20%, 36 states had a prevalence of 25% or more; 12 of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia) had a prevalence of 30% or more. 

Weight loss is a remedy to lots of obesity related health problems.

Weight Loss: A Much More Gentle Approach

Which is the best way to burn belly fat?

Trim your belly fat with high protein dairy diets.

 

Listeria infection kills 5 following cantaloupe consumption.

The outbreak of listeriosis, an illness caused by the food-borne pathogen Listeria, has killed 5 people and sickened many others across at least six states in US following the consumption of cantaloupe.

Three of the five deaths that have been attributed to Listeria contamination were in New Mexico, and people in Colorado, Texas and Nebraska were also infected following the consumption of cantaloupe.

Rocky Ford cantaloupe is the likely culprit of Listeria infection
Rocky Ford cantaloupe is the likely culprit of Listeria infection

Listeria infection is generally contracted from deli meats and hot dogs, and can result from consumption of dairy as well.

The higher risk of Listeria infection is among the elderly, small children, people with compromised immune systems and particularly pregnant women, who risk a miscarriage or stillbirth from exposure to the pathogen.

A person who comes down with Listeria infection usually experiences fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and confusion. The infection almost always spreads to the gastrointestinal tract, but can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.

Two of the five deaths, which have been related to Listeria infection, occurred in Colorado, and public health officials believe they may have traced the outbreak to “cantaloupe from the famed Rocky Ford area” as the “likely culprit” of the severe illnesses and deaths.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a cantaloupe warning after 16 cases of a strain of Listeria were reported in five states, including 11 from Colorado, two from Texas, and one each from Indiana, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

The agency said it was the first Listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe in the United States. The US Food & Drug Administration said it had not recalled the cantaloupes while it worked to locate the source.

Most FDA recalls are voluntary, but since January 2011, the FDA now has the authority to require a recall through the Food Safety Modernization Act.

For a recall to be ordered or requested, FDA must identify products involved and have at least some evidence that there is a “reasonable probability that an article of food … will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals.”

“Both FDA and state public health officials have collected product and environmental samples,” the FDA said in the statement. “Laboratory testing is under way.”

Rocky Ford cantaloupes, named for a region along the old Santa Fe Trail about 130 miles (200 kilometers) southeast of Denver, are prized for their above-average sugar content.

Dr. Chris Urbina, director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, commented on the investigation into the Listeria outbreak:

“People at high risk for listeria infection should not eat cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford growing region… The department expects additional test results later this week that may help identify the specific source of the cantaloupe linked to the multistate outbreak.”

According to officials, general recommendations for avoiding Listeria infection include heating deli meats and hot dogs to steaming hot, and avoiding soft cheeses. In the particular case of the Listeria outbreak affected states, they are cautioning residents to refrigerate cut melon as well as to discard any melon that has remained at room temperature for more than 4 hours.

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Bestival 2011 closes UK summer festival season

 

Voted the best major UK festival in the UK festival awards last year, Bestival 2011 has colored Robin Hill Country Park on Isle Of Wight last weekend.

 

Pendulum at Bestival 2011
Primal Screen at Bestival 2011
Primal Screen at Bestival 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The four day music festival, organized by Rob da Bank, features all kind of music and its best point is the atmosphere. 

 

Bestival 2011 started on Thursday with music everywhere, coming from Bestival FM and Freesports Park.

 

Santigold at Bestival 2011
Santigold at Bestival 2011

 

On the Big Top arena Back to the Phuture and Santigold (singing Lights Out, L.E.S Artistes) kick off a weekend full of rhythm.

Brian Wilson performed his retro-set of Beach Boys classics (I Get Around, Surfin’ USA) on Friday afternoon. Beardyman, The Correspondence (live), Crystal Fighters, Public Enemy, Chromeo (audio sex and liquid funk) energized the festival goers and Pendulum provided light and bass on the main stage.

Mr Motivator, Katy B, Paloma Faith, The Village People, Crystal Castles performed on the main stage on Saturday, while Metronomy took The Psychedelic Worm tent, Yuck took Sailor Jerry’s stage and Jaguar Skills Bollywood tent. Primal Scream was another big hitter of the evening.

PJ Harvey attracted the concert goers with songs from her Mercury-winning new album, Let England Shake. She presented an imposing gothic vision dressed in black, with a headdress of black feathers.

 

The Cure (with Robert Smith), Bestival 2011 headliner, sang for two and a half hours in front of a large and eager audience.

 

The Cure at Bestival 2011
The Cure at Bestival 2011

 

The legendary Crawley’s finest played all the hits from an 30-year career (Boys Don’t Cry, Friday, I’m in Love, Just Like Heaven, A Forestand, Lovecats).

English Nation Ballet performed on the main stage Sunday morning followed by the musical comedians The Cuban Brothers. Johnny Flynn, English anti-folk singer, charmed a young-looking audience on Sunday afternoon. Kelis said “I’m not here to entertain you…I’m here to pleasure myself” and played an energetic show while Swedish pop-star, Robyn, had the public singing along to melodies like Dancing on My Own, Call Your Girlfriend. Brooklyn indie outfit, The Drums, played an uninspired and dull afternoon set to a largely bored public. In White Campsite Andy C played Drum ‘n’ Bass at Arcadia’s steampunk-inspired, flame-shooting stage The Afterburner giving people a dancing in the rain experience. Swamp Shack, in the back of the Wishing Tree Field, hosted everything from gospel to jive to jungle. DJ Shadow, Tweak Bird (Sailor Jerry), Fatboy Slim (Big Top), Health (the Psychedelic Worm) performed during the night.

 

Icelandic goddess Bjork, Bestival 2011 exclusive, accompanied by a haunting choir of young girls closed the main stage with her spectacular Biophilia show.

 

 

Bjork at Bestival 2011
Bjork at Bestival 2011

 

She said she wasn’t offering the beats you might expect at a festival, but the festivals goers seem to think different. Hallucinogenic visuals that soar from the outer cosmos down to cellular microcosms, a cerebral video backdrop of erupting volcanoes, spasmodic DNA and the rotating moon completed the ethereal sound of her album. The avant-garde artist performed new music and hits including Hyperballad and Declare Independence from Volta. Biophilia is offered in the form of an interactive iPad app.

 

Wishing Tree at Bestival 2011
Wishing Tree at Bestival 2011

 

 

Bestival 2011 fancy dress theme was “Rock Stars, Pop Stars and Divas”.

 

Night Forest  at Bestival 2011
Night Forest at Bestival 2011

 

The revelers were dressed like Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, The Village People, Madonna (Vogue-era), Jedward, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury (vacuuming housewives from the I Want to Break Free and boys with moustache, yellow jacket and white trousers).

 

Lords of Lightning at Bestival 2011
Lords of Lightning at Bestival 2011

 

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Fireworks at Bestival 2011

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Insulin could slow Alzheimer’s progression.

Early-onset dementia: symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.

 

A new study has found that inhaling a concentrated cloud of insulin through the nose two times per day appears to slow — and in some cases reverse — symptoms of memory loss in people with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study was run by researchers from the Veterans Administration’s Puget Sound Health Care System in Washington on 104 subjects and is considered very preliminary. However, the study findings suggests that a safe, simple and cheap measure that boosts flagging metabolism in key areas of the brain could hold off or possibly derail the progression of the devastating neurological disorder in its early stages.

The preliminary results were published online this week by the Archives of Neurology.

Inhaling a cloud of insulin two times per day appears to slow symptoms of memory loss in people with early signs of Alzheimer's disease
Inhaling a cloud of insulin two times per day appears to slow symptoms of memory loss in people with early signs of Alzheimer's disease

As a metabolic hormone, insulin is best known for its role in treating diabetes, a condition in which the hormone is either insufficiently produced or poorly used by the body’s organs.

But in recent years, several studies have found that people with diabetes and pre-diabetes are at high risk of developing Alzheimer‘s. The autopsies have shown that diabetics whose condition was tightly managed had fewer of the brain tangles and plaques that are the hallmark of disease.

Studies involving animals have suggested that insulin deficiency in the brain may be a key factor in the progression of Alzheimer‘s.

Researchers decided to test insulin on people without diabetes who had been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s or amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a disorder characterized by increased forgetfulness that often progresses to dementia.

Subjects were divided into three groups: 36 of them inhaled 20 mg of insulin twice a day for four months, 38 got 40 mg twice a day, and 30 were given a saline solution.

After two months of treatment, 20 mg of insulin group had improved performance on a memory test. The gains persisted after four months of treatment and were still evident two months after the insulin treatment stopped.

Participants who got 40 mg of insulin had no change in their memory abilities, while those who got the placebo saw a decline. The differences between those on insulin and those on the placebo were “small in absolute terms,” the authors wrote. But they were robust enough that by generally accepted research standards, they are unlikely to have been the result of chance.

Patients taking either dose of insulin were rated by their caregivers as holding steady in their overall social, mental and everyday functioning, while those on the sham medication were rated as having declined. And on physician-administered tests of cognitive function, patients taking insulin showed less decline than those on the placebo.

In a subset of subjects who underwent additional measurements, researchers found that there were fewer amyloid plaque deposits, protein tangles and other physiological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s in those whose memory improved most on the insulin treatment compared with those who had weak responses or were on the placebo.

But the persistence of insulin’s effect was a mixed picture. Two months after the insulin treatments stopped, caregivers of people in all three groups noted similar declines in their overall daily function.

About 5.4 million Americans are believed to have Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Scientists acknowledge that while they can diagnose the disease earlier and offer medications to temporarily slow the progression of symptoms, they have been stymied in their search for ways to prevent, halt or reverse it.

“It will take a larger study involving more patients over a longer time to figure out whether nasally administered insulin merely slows the march of Alzheimer’s or thwarts it,” said Laurie Ryan, a neuropsychologist who directs clinical trials involving dementia at the National Institute on Aging, which funded the pilot study.

“In the meantime, intranasal insulin has two things going for it: Insulin is already in wide use at relatively low cost, and the nasal inhaler allows it to be delivered directly and safely to the brain. That minimizes the risk of the hormone affecting blood sugar levels elsewhere in the body, which could be dangerous to kidneys, eyes and blood vessels.

“A safe, easy delivery system — those are things we’d love to see for any kind of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease,” Laurie Ryan said.

Bystanders lifted a burning car off a motorcyclist trapped underneath.

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A crowd of bystanders lifted a burning car off a motorcyclist trapped underneath in a dramatic rescue near Utah State University on Monday. The good Samaritans action was captured on video.

Chris Garff , who captured the event on video, said he was doing what any good videographer would do when he grabbed his camera and went to investigate the black smoke billowing outside the Logan, Utah, business building where he was preparing to videotape a lecture for a business professor.

Motorcyclist saved by the crowd of good Samaritans
Motorcyclist saved by the crowd of good Samaritans

Then he realized he was capturing something extraordinary.

“I knew there was some pretty remarkable footage,” he told The Times.

“Then it really starts to set in, that this is going to be a big deal.”

Moments earlier, a motorcycle and a BMW had collided, leaving the motorcyclist trapped underneath the car; the motorcycle quickly went up in flames that spread to the front of the BMW.

By the time Chris Garff started shooting from his perch on the ninth floor, a few bystanders had rushed over and frantically tried to lift the vehicle – but it wouldn’t budge. Then they tried again, including some nearby construction workers still wearing their hard hats.

The crowd hoisted up the side of the car so that it was resting on just two wheels. That created just enough space for one of the construction workers to dart underneath and pull the man’s seemingly lifeless body to safety.

Chris Garff said he continued to roll and tried to figure out what to do next and then he realized the man was moving.

“I was just freaking out, you can hear my voice on the video, I thought that guy was a goner,” Chris Garff, 31, said.

 “I couldn’t believe it when I saw him move.”

The man, later identified as Brandon Wright, 21, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and treated for broken bones and other injuries. He faces a long recovery, and his family released a statement thanking the strangers who saved him.

“Brandon and our entire family would like to express our deep gratitude to all of the people who stopped at the crash scene on Monday to help rescue Brandon,” the statement said.

“The fact that so many people would risk their own lives to save Brandon is a testament to the spirit of the community, and we will forever be thankful for these angels saving our son.”

Chris Garff said he had to get back to work after the rescue – the media production specialist still had a lecture to shoot. But when class was over, he prepped the video and contacted local media to see if they might be interested.

In less than 24 hours, the video has had more than 42,000 views on YouTube, and Chris Garff’s phone is ringing off the hook with interview requests from CNN and other media outlets.

Chris Garff said he’s pleased with the attention, but he’s more pleased to know he lives in a world where strangers will put their lives in danger to help others.

“The guy survived, thankfully he did. Those people didn’t stop to think… they acted. Strangers stopped and lifted a car and saved a man’s life. It tells you that there’s hope.”

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Missoni collection crashed Target.com website

The long-anticipated Missoni for Target collection was launched yesterday and almost immediately the Target.com website crashed.

“You may not be able to access our site momentarily due to unusually high traffic. Please stay here and we’ll try to get you in as soon as we can! Please know that there is no need to refresh your browser. Your request will automatically retry in 30 seconds,” the Target.com website displayed in a message. But the website still doesn’t work.

The zig-zag Missoni collection crashed Target.com website
The zig-zag Missoni collection crashed Target.com website

 

People had begun forming the lines at Target stores around Los Angeles for the new Missoni collection at 5:30 a.m., with the line at the West Hollywood store wrapping twice around the block, according to KTLA.

Hundreds of shoppers lined up at many of Target stores early in the morning on Tuesday for a sale of limited offerings of its Missoni for Target collection of bikes, luggage, clothes and housewares.

And the Glendale store was reportedly sold out by 9 a.m. in Los Angeles.

The 400-piece Missoni collection includes apparel, accessories and housewares in the upscale Italian design house’s famous zigzag patterns. Prices range from $2.99 to $599.99, with most items $40 or less.

A preview showing in a New York pop-up shop sold out in less than two days last week. Ahead of the launch, Target also opened a temporary store in Manhattan at the start of New York Fashion Week last Thursday. But the colorful shop, which spanned six city blocks, was supposed to stay open for three days, but winded up closing after six hours because items sold out.

The Missoni collection was supposed to be available to the public from September 13 until October 22.

Target had planned to continue selling the line into October at all 1,700 stores around the country. But shoppers will be lucky if they can find something they want. In fact, based on a spot check by Target of stores in Minneapolis area, everything had sold out by Tuesday morning. Target is replenishing some merchandise over the next few days, but it will trickle in.

Some shoppers already are trying to capitalize on the fleeting nature of the Target’s Missoni collection. As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 1,591 listings for Missoni for Target on eBay.com that were selling for more than double the price found at the discounter. Travel totes were going for $169, while shoes were selling for $129.99.

Reese Witherspoon: first pictures after accident.

Reese Witherspoon hit by car whilst jogging.

 

Reese Witherspoon was hit by a car last week and taken to hospital with minor injuries.

For the first time after the accident, Reese Witherspoon showed the extent of her injuries – a black eye and bandage on her forehead – as she arrived for a friend’s birthday party in Los Angeles.

Reese Witherspoon also appeared to have a bruise on one of her knees from the fall which happened last Wednesday when an elderly woman knocked her down as she jogged over a pedestrian crossing.

Reese Witherspoon has a black eye after she was hit by a car last week
Reese Witherspoon has a black eye after she was hit by a car last week

Her injuries didn’t appear to be troubling the famous actress too much. Wearing a smart blue dress, Reese Witherspoon shared a joke with her friend before going into the party.

It is the first time Reese Witherspoon, 36, has appeared with her injuries visible in public.

The star was spotted wearing sunglasses with husband Jim Toth, just two days after the accident.

However, Reese was quickly discharged and spent some time “resting at home”, according to her representative.

“The whole incident really frightened her,” a source close to the actress said.

“Now she’s just resting up.

“The odd thing about all of this is that Reese has always been very afraid of being hit by a car.

“It’s been an ongoing fear of hers. She is always the first person to pull people away from the edge of the curb.”

It has emerged that Reese Witherspoon will not be pressing charges against the woman who hit her after failing to yield to the actress on the crossing on the 20th street and Georgina Avenue Area in Santa Monica.

The car was travelling at around 20 mph (30 km/h) when it hit Reese Witherspoon and the 84-year-old driver was cited for failure to stop for a pedestrian.

Reese Witherspoon also appeared to have a bruise on one of her knees
Reese Witherspoon also appeared to have a bruise on one of her knees

According to TMZ, the elderly woman feels “awful” about the accident.

However, TMZ reports she is of the impression that the Santa Monica corner where the incident happened is dangerous, due to a large tree blocking a sight line for drivers.

The old woman was very “shaken up” by the accident and had no idea she had hit a famous Oscar winner.

Having received a citation to retake her driving test after the incident, the woman is planning to do so as early as today, having stayed off the road since the accident.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s interviews. About Martin Luther King, Charles de Gaulle, Indira Ghandi and more.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s voice on the tapes released yesterday is breathy and girlish, often using childishly simple vocabulary, but the sentiments expressed are withering.

Recorded in 1964 and released yesterday by her daughter Caroline, Jacqueline Kennedy’s intimate recollections were confided to historian and former White House aide Arthur M. Schlesinger. ABC News airs the eight-hour tapes in series starting with September 13.

The transcripts of the released tapes are published in a book form – “Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life With John. F. Kennedy”, which is launched today, September 14.

Jacqueline Kennedy talked about her disgust towards Martin Luther King
Jacqueline Kennedy talked about her disgust towards Martin Luther King

Jacqueline Kennedy was speaking just months after her husband President John F. Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas in November 1963. The former First Lady aim was to provide insider material for historians on the condition that the tapes would not be released for half a century. Her daughter, Caroline Kennedy has brought that release forward to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her father’s election as president.

The former First Lady talked about her disgust towards Martin Luther King after claimed he tried to arrange a sex party while in Washington for a march.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King became strained as a result of wire taps arranged by FBI director J. Edgar Hoover.

This information had been passed to her by brother-in-law Bobby Kennedy, who as attorney-general authorized the bugging.

“He told me of a tape the FBI had of Martin Luther King when he was here for the freedom march. And he said this with no bitterness or anything, how he was calling up all these girls and arranging for a party of men and women, I mean, sort of an orgy in the hotel, and everything.”

Jacqueline Kennedy says Bobby also told her that Martin Luther King made derogatory comments about Kennedy’s funeral, apparently at the expense of the Archbishop of Boston, who gave the eulogy.

“He made fun of Cardinal Cushing and said that he was drunk at it,” Jacqueline Kennedy says.

“And things about they almost dropped the coffin and – well, I mean Martin Luther King is really a tricky person.”

This is not the first time that Martin Luther King, a Baptist minister and father-of-four with his wife Cor¬etta, has been accused of leading a rampant extra-marital sex life.

It has long been known that J Edgar Hoover, the FBI chief who ran the bureau as his personal fiefdom, detested him. An FBI memo called King “the most dangerous and effective Negro leader in the country”, and Hoover kept him under constant surveillance to try to prove he was a crypto-communist.

Hoover failed to do so but the wire tapping did provide salacious details of Martin Luther King’s sex life which former FBI chief set about using to discredit him. The tapes and transcripts were passed to JFK’s successor as president Lyndon B. Johnson who told one assistant:

“God dammit, if only you could hear what that hypocritical preacher does sexually.”

According to another assistant, the transcripts were as graphic as “an erotic book” and the tapes captured the noise of bedsprings.

There is an obvious irony about Jacqueline Kennedy’s remarks given what is well known about JFK’s infidelities.

But her daughter Caroline is anxious to put the tapes in the context of her mourning and Hoover’s determination to discredit Martin Luther King.

“Obviously J Edgar Hoover had passed on something that Martin Luther King said about my father’s funeral to uncle Bobby and to mummy. And obviously she was upset about that,” Caroline Kennedy told ABC News this weekend.

“It shows you the poisonous activities of J Edgar Hoover and the idea that this is going on at the highest levels of government is really twisted. If you asked her what she thought of Martin Luther King overall – I mean she admired him tremendously.”

Jacqueline Kennedy also shares her thoughts on the tapes about Charles de Gaulle whom the Kennedys met during a state visit to France in 1961. The occasion led John F. Kennedy to joke that he was “the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris”.

Jacqueline Kennedy and JFK during the official visit in France
Jacqueline Kennedy and JFK during the official visit in France

Charles de Gaulle claimed after JFK’s death that Jackie Kennedy was “bound to end up on the yacht of an arms dealer”. For that, she brands the French president “spiteful” as well as an “egomaniac”.

Jacqueline Kennedy also tells she met Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi when the latter visited Washington in 1961 and a year later in New Delhi. The former First Lady des¬cribes Indira Ghandi as “a real prune – bitter, kind of pushy, horrible woman”.

Jackie Kennedy freely shares her husband’s derogatory attitude to Lyndon B. Johnson, his vice-president, whom he had only selected as a running mate to remove him from his powerful post in the Senate where his “enormous ego” would have led him to block Kennedy’s law-making agenda.

“Everyone was even amazed that he accepted,” she says.

JFK’s fear was that Lyndon Johnson would succeed him as president after his second term ended in 1968.

“Bobby told me this later and I know Jack said it to me sometimes. He said, <<Oh God, can you ever imagine what would happen to the country if Lyndon was president?>>. He didn’t like that idea that Lyndon would go on and be president because he was worried for the country.”

Jackie also refers to Johnson’s wife Lady Bird as a “trained hunting dog” because she followed her husband around, making notes of his conversations.

“She had every name and phone number – it was a funny kind of way of operating.”

Again Caroline Kennedy insists these were not her mother’s true feelings.

“It’s funny because she was really fond of Lyndon Johnson and really loved Lady Bird and always stayed in touch with her and they would visit.

“The description of Lyndon Johnson here is more of his capabilities as a president, more negative than she certainly felt about him as a person. I think she really appreciated the efforts that he made for her, when she was leaving the White House, and towards me and [my brother] John and she found him really amusing and warm hearted. And I think that it’s interesting because she’s able to separate those human qualities from some of his shortcomings as president.

“I also think that there’s stuff going on – again, this is a moment in time – between him and uncle Bobby. That is probably colouring her opinion here.”

Despite the former First Lady reported extra- marital relationships with married Bobby Kennedy and the unhappiness of her later marriage to tycoon Aristotle Onassis, the public image of Jacqueline Kennedy has always been that of the grieving widow who watched the handsome husband who became America’s youngest president gunned down alongside her.

American Red Cross Safety Tips for Returning Residents Affected by Wildfire

The American Red Cross has time-tested tips to help people affected by the wildfires across Bastrop, Travis, and Williamson counties speed their recovery after this disaster.

 

Regional CEO Marty McKellips says, “returning to your home after the devastation of a wildfire is a stressful time fraught with real dangers. There are important steps each family should take to assure their continued safety and the Red Cross wants to get this information to our community.”

 

Firefighters from the Lassen National Forest in Calif are cleaning hot spots in Bastrop Texas (Photo: Eric Schlegel - POOL / AP)
Firefighters from the Lassen National Forest in Calif are cleaning hot spots in Bastrop Texas (Photo: Eric Schlegel - POOL / AP)

 

Returning to Your Neighborhood

 

Don’t return home until fire officials say it is safe – Wildfires can be unpredictable so it’s best to listen to the experts.

Use caution and exercise good judgment when entering burned areas – Hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.

Avoid damaged or fallen power poles or wires – Immediately report electrical damage to authorities. Electric wires can deliver shocks or ignite new fires. If possible, remain on the scene to warn others of the hazard until repair crews arrive.

Be careful around burned trees and power poles – Theymay have become unstable because of fire damage or loss of support from surrounding trees.

Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety – Ash pits are holes full of hot ashes, created where intense fire has burned trees or stumps deep into the ground. People or animals can be seriously burned by falling into ash pits. Warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits. Erect a barrier with nonflammable materials such as wire mesh fencing or otherwise clearly mark such areas.

 

Returning to Your Home

 

Inspect roofs immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers – Windsmay have deposited burning embers that could reignite.

If there is no power, check to make sure the main breaker is on – Firesmay cause breakers to trip. If the breakers are on and power is still not present, contact your utility company.

For several hours afterward, recheck for smoke and sparks outside and inside the home, including the attic – Thewinds of wildfires can blow burning embers anywhere. Keep checking your home for embers that could cause new fires.

Take precautions while cleaning your property as you can be exposed to potential health risks from new hazards.

Wet down debris to minimize health impacts from breathing dust particles

Use a two-strap dust particulate mask with nose clip and coveralls for the best minimal protection

Wear leather gloves to protect hands from sharp objects while removing debris

Wear rubber gloves when working with outhouse remnants, plumbing fixtures and sewer piping as they can contain high levels of bacteria

Hazardous materials such as kitchen and bathroom cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers need to be handled properly to avoid risk; local authorities can provide hazardous disposal assistance

If you have a propane tank system, turn off valves and leave them closed until a propane supplier inspects the system – Heatcan damage tanks, brass and copper fittings, and lines, leaving them unsafe. If fire heated the tank, the pressure relief valve probably opened and released the contents.

If you have a fuel oil tank system, contact your supplier for an inspection of the system before use – Thetank may have shifted or fallen from its stand and fuel lines may have kinked or weakened. Heat from the fire may have caused the tank to warp or bulge. Non-vented tanks are more likely to bulge or show signs of stress. The fire may have loosened or damaged fittings and filters.

Check your trees for stability – Any tree that has been weakened by fire may be a hazard. Winds topple weakened trees and the loss of trees can change wind patterns in your area.

Look for burns on the tree trunk. If the bark of a trunk has been burned off or scorched completely around the circumference, that tree is unlikely to survive. Where fire has burned deep into the trunk, the tree should be considered unstable.

Check for burned roots by probing the ground around the base of the tree and several feet away from the base with a rod. Roots are generally six to eight inches below the surface. If the roots have been burned, you should consider this tree very unstable and subject to being toppled by the wind.

A scorched tree is one that has lost part or all of its leaves or needles. Healthy deciduous (broadleaf) trees are resilient and may produce new branches and leaves as well as sprouts at the base of the trunk. Evergreen (needled) trees may survive when partially scorched. An evergreen tree that has been damaged by fire is subject to bark beetle attack. Seek assistance from the forestry service or a professional for ways to protect evergreens from insect attack.

 

Central Texans who wish to make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross of Central Texas can call 800 or 512-928-4271, send a financial contribution to 2218 Pershing Drive, Austin, 78723 or make a secure online donation at www.centex.redcross.org. For information on Red Cross services or volunteer opportunities please call 800 or 512-928-4271 or visit www.centex.redcross.org.

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Source: www. centex.redcross.org

 

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Lady Gaga carried by the bodyguard as she couldn’t walk in her block heels.

Lady Gaga always proves she is a fanatic fashionista and will choose style over comfort any day, but the unpractical block heels that pop star insists on wearing have finally proved too much.

After a day of modelling for famous photographer Annie Leibowitz in New York, Lady Gaga had to be carried by her bodyguard to the last set for the rest of the shoot.

Lady Gaga carried by the bodyguard as she couldn't walk in her block heels.
Lady Gaga carried by the bodyguard as she couldn't walk in her block heels.

The bodyguard was seen holding Lady Gaga up throughout the day as she walked around the sets in the block heels.

Lady Gaga, 25, who was carried from a car in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, was wearing a spectacular feather hat, twice the size of her head.

Her hat was paired with a sheer gold, full-length gown with a fur boa and a thin gold belt.

Lady Gaga's photographs will feature in Vanity Fair magazine
Lady Gaga's photographs will feature in Vanity Fair magazine

The photographs will feature in Vanity Fair magazine and are likely to be stunning, judging by Annie Leibowitz’s previous work.

Annie Leibowitz, 61, shot the 1991 Vanity Fair cover featuring pregnant Demi Moore naked, and the classic 1994 image of Kate Moss and her then boyfriend Johnny Depp on a bed at the Royalton Hotel, again in New York.

Lady Gaga today’s photo shooting took place on the streets of New York City.

Bastrop Texas: wildfire under control, recovery begins

Bastrop Texas: Lost Pines Forest massive damages

Bastrop Texas: Urgent need of a federal disaster declaration

Bastrop Texas: Two deaths in the dreadful wildfire

Bastrop Texas: Major wildfire

 

Residents evacuated because of Bastrop Texas wildfire hopefully will be allowed to return to their properties by Thursday, public safety officials said.

 

Firefighter from the Lassen National Forest cleans up hot spots in Bastrop Texas (AP Photo/Eric Schlegel)
Firefighter from the Lassen National Forest cleans up hot spots in Bastrop Texas (AP Photo/Eric Schlegel - Pool)

 

Depending on conditions, the re-entry plan might change. People in Tahitian Village will be allowed back in Wednesday. The Bastrop Convention Center continues to serve as a communications center for evacuees.

Circle D, Pine Valley, KC Estates and Pine Hill Estates opened on Monday and the road blocks were removed on Highway 21. All communities are scheduled to open until Thursday.

Texas Task Force 1 has completed an entire grid search of the burn zone on Monday. Two people are missing, Arlene Page and Steve Ingram. Bastrop County Sheriff Terry Pickering do not think they have perished in the fire. “We don’t know if they’re actual residents. It may just be a summer home or something like that,” he said.

Aqua Water Supply are disinfecting water system on Monday and water should be drinkable without boiling by Tuesday afternoon. Bluebonnet Electric restored power to some homes, but those in the heavily damaged areas may not receive power until September 21.

1,350 firefighters struggles to contain the wildfire, while power and water are cut off to some areas. There are still some hot spots, fallen power lines and trees need to be cleared out while crews are trying to restore power. The fire was more than 70 percent contained, said Texas Forest Service.

 

A DC-10 airplane drops retardant near Magnolia, Montgomery, Texas, to help fight a large wildfire almost like ones in Bastrop Texas (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool)
A DC-10 airplane drops retardant near Magnolia, Montgomery, Texas, to help fight a large wildfire almost like ones in Bastrop Texas (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool)

 

The recovery program begins in Bastrop Texas.

 

Home destroyed in Bastrop Texas, the management of debris is very important (Doug Shupe/KXAN)
Home destroyed in Bastrop Texas, the management of debris is very important (Doug Shupe/KXAN)

Barack Obama signed the federal disaster declaration late Friday night, then federal funds, resources and Federal Emergency Management Agency support for the victims were available for Texas.

On Sunday night the FEMA started a temporary shelter and assistance program and made wildfire victims eligible for money to pay for nights in a hotel. Rick Perry has launched a similar program this weekend. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low interest disaster loans both to businesses and individuals affected by fire.

The debris management is very important, fallen trees have to be removed and destroyed properties will require removing large amounts of burned building materials.

 

 

On Monday children returned to school in Bastrop Texas. Schools re-opened in the Bastrop and Smithville school districts.

 

Bastrop Independent School District headquarters received donations of backpacks, pencils, notebooks and binders and distributed to the children.

Buses picked kids up outside their homes or made detours to shelter hotels. The school district provided breakfast and lunch for all students.

Only 6 percent of pupils were absent because were left homeless, moved in with relatives in other communities, or fell ill with smoke inhalation or other fire-related problems.

“Today has really been a smooth day. A lot of smiles from the kids. It looked from afar mostly like a normal day, except for a few more hugs and a little extra loving and attention,” said Martha Werner, principal of Mina Elementary School.

 

Massive damages in Bastrop Texas (Eric Gay/AP)
Massive damages in Bastrop Texas (Eric Gay/AP)

 

Over 5,000 people were evacuated by the most destructive blaze that has covered drought-stricken Texas since Labor Day weekend. Hundreds of families are homeless and lots of people remained just with little more than the clothes which they were wearing.

Fed by winds whipped up by Tropical Storm Lee, over 190 wildfires statewide have burned thousands homes and killed four people. In Bastrop Texas two small fires has formed a dreadful blaze, Bastrop County Complex fire, that has destroyed more than an estimated 1,554 homes and blackened over 34,000 acres, heavily damaging Lost Pines and Bastrop State Park.

 

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“Jacqueline Kennedy: In Her Own Words” on ABC News tonight.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s interviews. About Martin Luther King, Charles de Gaulle, Indira Ghandi and more.

 

Jackie Kennedy’s interviews to be released on September 13.

 

JFK assassination: mystery unveiled? Jackie Kennedy Onassis secret recordings released this fall.

 

ABC News’ Diane Sawyer will host a prime-time, two-hour special based on the tapes Tuesday, September 13, featuring exclusive, never-before-heard extended audio of Jacqueline Kennedy’s oral history, rare photographs, plus an exclusive interview with Caroline Kennedy.

The audio and transcripts of the interviews, conducted by friend and longtime JFK aide, historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., are being released in book form this month in “Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy.”

ABC News airs "Jacqueline Kennedy: In Her Own Words" in a two-hour special reported by Diane Sawyer
ABC News airs "Jacqueline Kennedy: In Her Own Words" in a two-hour special reported by Diane Sawyer

JFK’s brief presidency, ended with an assassin’s bullet in November 1963, still has an enormous influence on many today, not just for its actual policies and actions but also for the notion of “Camelot,” a mythologized, golden moment in American politics full of hope, promise and high style.

And no one knew “Camelot” better than First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (later Onassis).

Tuesday at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific time, ABC News airs “Jacqueline Kennedy: In Her Own Words” in a two-hour special reported by Diane Sawyer.

By Jackie Kennedy’s request, the never-heard recordings were kept under seal until after her death in 1994, but the Kennedy Library in Boston has held them back until this month.

According to some reports the tapes were not to be released until 50 years after the former first lady’s death. But daughter Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, the last surviving child of John F. Kennedy and the de facto protector of the family legacy who had her own brief unsuccessful flirtation with politics, decided to release them early.

ABC News disputed reports of sexual content in the recordings, but they do reveal candid insights into Jacqueline Kennedy’s feelings and thoughts about Lyndon Johnson, the Vietnam War and the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

Among other stories, it is reported that Jackie Kennedy believed JFK was skeptical of success in Vietnam.

On his appointing Republican Henry Cabot Lodge as US ambassador to Vietnam, Jacqueline Kennedy says:

“I think he probably did it … rather thinking it might be such a brilliant thing to do because Vietnam was rather hopeless anyway, and put a Republican there.”

Believing FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover’s report that his agency’s wiretaps revealed Martin Luther King Jr. tried to arrange a sex party while in the nation’s capital for the historic March on Washington in August 1963, Jackie Kennedy says:

“I just can’t see a picture of Martin Luther King without thinking, you know, that man’s terrible.”

Those original surveillance tapes of Martin Luther King Jr. remain sealed by court order until 2027.

According to ABC News, Jacqueline Kennedy also recalls a scene in which historian David Donald in 1962 spoke to JFK and some of his friends and aides about Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.

Jacqueline Kennedy reports her husband’s reaction, saying,

“<<Do you think>> – it’s the one thing that was on his mind – <<would Lincoln have been as great a president if he’d lived?>>. And Donald, really by going round and round, had agreed with him that Lincoln, you know, it was better – was better for Lincoln that he died when he did.”

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Miss Universe 2011: Miss Angola wins the crown

The 60th annual Miss Universe Pageant crowned its winner Miss Angola on September 12 in São Paulo, Brazil. Miss Ukraine (Olesia Stefanko) was First Runner Up, followed by Miss Brazil (Priscila Machado), Miss Philippines (Shamcey Supsup) and Miss China (Luo Zilin).

 

Ximena Navarette (Mexico), Miss Universe 2010, crowns Leila Lopes (Miss Angola) as Miss Universe 2011
Ximena Navarette (Mexico), Miss Universe 2010, crowns Leila Lopes (Miss Angola) as Miss Universe 2011

 

Miss Angola, Leila Luiliana da Costa Viera Lopes, 25, is a business student from Benguela and thinks her smile was her best card since her friends have always told her that she has a smile which can “motivate people” and indeed her appearances on the stage of  Credicard Hall theater were very well received by the public.

Ximena Navarrete (Mexico), the last year’s winner, crowned Leila Lopes, the first from Angola who won Miss Universe.

 

Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011, says she focuses on fight against AIDS and poverty
Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011, says she focuses on fight against AIDS and poverty

 

When Lea Salonga, member of Miss Universe jury, asked Miss Angola: “If you could change one of your physical characteristics, which one will it be and why?”, Leila said she was very happy with her look and she would not change a thing.

Leila Lopes said she wished to “become an important businesswoman” in her country and to continue the battle against AIDS and poverty.

 

Olesia Stefanko, Miss Ukraine, was First Runner Up at Miss Universe 2011
Olesia Stefanko, Miss Ukraine, was First Runner Up at Miss Universe 2011

 

 

With seven titles won in the last ten years, the contestants from Latin America were considered the biggest favorites of Miss Universe 2011.

 

Shamcey Supsup (Miss Philippines) was an early fan favorite of  the first online fan vote of Miss Universe 2011
Shamcey Supsup (Miss Philippines) was an early fan favorite of the first online fan vote of Miss Universe 2011

 

Vanessa Gonçalves, Miss Venezuela, the biggest favourite, did not enter the Top 10 round.

Shamcey Supsup placed Third Runner-Up after she answered  a question asked by Vivica A. Fox. When she was asked if she would marry someone of a different religion, Shamcey, wearing a silver and transluscent white long gown, said she would not marry a man that will ask her to change her religious beliefs. “The first person that I love is God, ” she said. Miss Philippines, 25, is a magna cum laude architecture graduate and she was an early fan favourite, receiving the most of online votes (first ever worldwide fan vote debuted for the 60th annual Miss Universe Pageant) before the Miss Universe telecast from Credicard Hall.

 

The two-hour Miss Universe 2011 ceremony was watched by over 190 millions people from over 190 countries.

 

Natalie Morales (NBC) and Andy Cohen ( Bravo) hosted the show that featured live musical performances by Brazilian artists Claudia Leitte and Bebel Gilberto.

Nikolina Loncar (Montenegro) won Miss Congeniality, Ronnia Fornstedt (Sweden) won Miss Photogenic award and Sheldry Saez (Panama) was awarded for Best National Costume.

The competitors from Kosovo, Colombia, Puerto Rico, The Netherlands, USA, and Venezuela entered Top 16 round for the swimsuit competition, while the contestants from Australia, Costa Rica, France, Portugal, and Panama made it to the Top 10 round for the evening gown competition.

The contestants have to be between 18 and 27 years old and unmarried women, who have not been pregnant and have not posed naked.

The jury members were: Lea Salonga (Filipina actress), Vivica A. Fox (American actress and television producer), Isabeli Fontana (Brazilian model), Adrienne Maloof-Nassif (American businesswoman ), Amelia Vega (Miss Universe 2003), Connie Chung (American news anchor), Helio Castroneves (Brazilian auto racing driver).

The Miss Universe Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture, is a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for young women of today.

Photos from www.missuniverse.com

 

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Novak Djokovic won the US Open title.

Serena Williams fined for verbal abuse at US Open.

 

Serena Williams’ verbal attack on an umpire during US Open final.

 

Novak Djokovic won the US Open title after a more than four hours match against Rafael Nadal.

After it appeared the Serbian player Novak Djokovic, 24, was down and out, when he had lost the third set and was groaning on the sidelines while a trainer stretched and pulled and pounded on his aching back, he came out for more.

Novak Djokovic won the US Open title after a more than four hours match against Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic won the US Open title after a more than four hours match against Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic played the final games as if pain didn’t matter and, after making a sign of the cross, he bounced the ball 10 times, hit a serve and then a forehand winner, a massive thing that left Rafael Nadal almost immobile.

For the sixth time in a row Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1, in 4 hours 10 minutes.

The win made Novak Djokovic 64-2 this year, gave him his first U.S. Open title and also placed him among the all-time greats.

Novak Djokovic became the sixth man to win three of the four major titles in the same year since tennis’ open era began in 1968.

Djokovic also won the Australian Open over Andy Murray in the final and beat Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon final.

Overall, this was Novak Djokovic’s fourth major title. He won his first major title at the Australian Open in 2008.

Novak Djokovic kissing the court after his victory
Novak Djokovic kissing the court after his victory

“It’s been an incredible year,” said Novak Djokovic after the match, while he was wearing a blue baseball cap with FD/NY on it in honor of New York City firefighters, a day after the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Rafael Nadal, the defending champion, said:

“Obviously I am disappointed now. This guy is doing unbelievable things.”

Then Nadal looked toward Novak Djokovic and said:

“What you did this year is probably impossible to repeat, so well done.”

Serena Williams fined for verbal abuse at US Open.

Novak Djokovic won the US Open title.

 

Serena Williams’ verbal attack on an umpire during US Open final.

 

Serena Williams has been fined $2,000 for verbal outburst against chair umpire Eva Asderaki during Sunday’s U.S. Open women’s final.

In a statement of U.S. Open organizers, Brian Earley said the fine was for the code violation of verbal abuse.

“This fine is consistent with similar offenses at Grand Slam events,” the statement said.

“After independently reviewing the incident which served as the basis for the code violation, and taking into account the level of fine imposed by the U.S. Open referee, the Grand Slam Committee Director has determined that Ms. Williams’ conduct, while verbally abusive, does not rise to the level of a major offense under the Grand Slam Code of Conduct.”

Serena Williams was fined $2,000 for verbal outburst against chair umpire Eva Asderaki
Serena Williams was fined $2,000 for verbal outburst against chair umpire Eva Asderaki

 

The incident happened in the first game of the second set, when Serena Williams appeared to have hit a winning forehand against eventual champion Australian Samantha Stosur.

Serena Williams yelled “come on” in celebration before the ball landed. Samantha Stosur barely was able to touch the ball, but the winner was taken away because of the hindrance rule that allows for a point penalty if the “hindrance” is considered to be on purpose.

After the point penalty, which ended up giving the game to Samantha Stosur, Serena Williams launched into a verbal attack against Greek chair umpire, Eva Asderaki.

During the next changeover and the break, Serena Williams was heard to say:

 “What a loser,” “You’re a hater,” “A code violation because I expressed who I am? Really. Don’t even look at me. I promise you, don’t look at me. … Don’t look my way.” And, in a comment that could be interpreted as threatening, she said, “If you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way.”

Serena Williams was technically still under two-year probation in major tournaments as a result of her obscene outburst during her 2009 U.S. Open semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters
Serena Williams was technically still under two-year probation in major tournaments as a result of her obscene outburst during her 2009 U.S. Open semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters

The $2,000 fine Serena Williams received wasn’t even the largest issued so far at the Open. Men’s doubles players Mike Bryan was fined $10,000 for an “off court” incident after he and brother Bob Bryan lost in the first round. Because Mike Bryan can still appeal the fine, a U.S. Open official said, the nature of the offense would not be disclosed.

Serena Williams was technically still under two-year probation in major tournaments as a result of her obscene outburst during her 2009 U.S. Open semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters.

If Sunday’s incident had been deemed “major,” Serena Williams could have been suspended from the 2012 U.S. Open.

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