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FIFA Election 2016: Seven Candidates Confirmed

Clyde K. Valle
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FIFA Election 2016: Seven Candidates Confirmed

FIFA has confirmed that seven candidates will stand in its presidential election on February 26, 2016.

The candidates are:

  • Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, 39, president of the Jordan Football Association
  • Musa Bility, 48, president of the Liberian Football Association
  • Jerome Champagne, 57, former FIFA executive
  • Gianni Infantino, 45, UEFA’s general secretary
  • Michel Platini, 60, is UEFA president and FIFA vice-president
  • Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa, 49, Asian Football Confederation president
  • Tokyo Sexwale, 62, former South Africa’s government ministerFIFA election 2016

Trinidadian ex-soccer player David Nakhid was not included on the list, despite saying he had submitted his candidacy.

The election is to find a successor to the suspended Sepp Blatter, who is under criminal investigation.

Sepp Blatter, 79, announced he would be stepping down in June, with world soccer’s governing body at the centre of a corruption scandal.

Michel Platini, the head of European soccer’s governing body, is also suspended, but FIFA’s electoral committee says it may allow him to stand if his ban ends before the election date.

FIFA and Swiss prosecutors are investigating reports that a 2 million euros payment was made in 2011 for work Michel Platini did as Sepp Blatter’s adviser.

Both Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter deny any wrongdoing and are appealing against their 90-day bans.

Under FIFA electoral rules, all candidates had to obtain the written backing of five soccer associations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8d5u_PGGUc

3 Examples of Space Saving, Extendable Tables

Dana R
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3 Examples of Space Saving, Extendable Tables

For many homes in urban environments, floor space is a luxury. This circumstance often means that the dining table is one of the first pieces of furniture that has to be sacrificed. This means that mealtimes have become more casual affairs, often spent in front of the TV or at a kitchen counter turned breakfast nook.

This is a shame because a dining room setting is perfect for giving families the opportunity to spend more time with each other or as a place to entertain guests. Fortunately, there are a number of options available that can facilitate a full sized eating area, even in a small living space.

drop-leaf-table
Photo Source: workersalsa.blogspot.com

Drop-Leaf Tables

The classic drop-leaf table actually date back all the way to sixteenth century England. It has a fixed section in the center and a two hinged parts, commonly known as the “leaves,” on either side. On some pieces the leaves are supported by legs that swing out from the center rather than by the bracket. These are known as gateleg tables and they’re ideal for those living in smaller spaces that can’t accommodate a permanent dining area. The subtle design turns what appears to be a simple storage compartment into a practical and comfortable seating arrangement for two to four people.

Circular Designs

For those who need something larger, a circular design like the famous Braun Woodline, created by French designer Philippe Braun may be just what you’re looking for. This extendable table is the perfect implementation of what practical furniture should provide. Rather than having to own pieces of varying sizes to fit the number of guests, this table can adapt to your needs instead. It starts off as a small round table for four, though it’s easily expandable to seat eight or more by using a simple drawer mechanism. There are three sizes that seat up to 16, if necessary.

folding-tables
Photo Source: hometone.com

Foldaway Solutions

We often hear that the best kind of design is invisible and only apparent to us when we need it. If this is truly the case, then fully foldaway solutions that use a drop-down mechanism to sit flush inside are the pinnacle of well-designed extendable. The best examples of these are e to match seamlessly into the rest of the décor before seemingly appearing from nowhere. This seems to be the approach that Russian designer Oleg Trofimov is replicating with his incredible space saving apartment, that employs numerous foldaway, hidden furniture, sliding walls to make up for the immediate size restrictions.

Take a look here to see some more examples of what’s available and let us know about your own solutions in the comments below.

Asia Earthquake Homeless at Risk of Death from Exposure

Diane A. Wade
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Asia Earthquake Homeless at Risk of Death from Exposure

Afghans and Pakistanis made homeless by this week’s earthquake could die from exposure, aid workers have warned.

There is an urgent need for tents and blankets for those forced to spend a second night outdoors, they said.

Children are especially at risk of succumbing to the extreme cold.

Thousands spent last night in near-freezing temperatures, reluctant to go back inside for fear of aftershocks, Pakistani media reported.

At least 360 people are known to have died in both countries, but officials are warning the number will rise, particularly in Afghanistan.

The UN children’s fund said a combination of intense cold and insecurity were cutting off some communities.

Remote and mountainous quake-affected areas have been hit by heavy rain and snow for the past two days, according to a UNICEF statement.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

“Communication is poor and access difficult due to the tough terrain and security operations,” the statement says.

The earthquake’s epicenter was in the Afghan province of Badakhshan, where it damaged many of the province’s scarce roads, officials say.

Providing aid by air will be one of the most effective ways of reaching those in dire need, they say, but such operations are unlikely to start for many days – until survey teams on foot are able to visit the affected areas and report on the damage.

The Pakistani town closest to the epicenter is Chitral, but it also shook buildings in the capital, Islamabad, and in Peshawar.

The tremor lasted for up to 45 seconds early on October 26, creating cracks in walls across a wide region and leading to electricity blackouts.

Officials say more than 1,600 people in Pakistan were injured in the quake, and more than 4,000 homes destroyed.

The worst-hit area was the picturesque Swat Valley and areas around Dir, Malakand and Shangla towns in the mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Though relief is getting through to displaced people, Pakistani media reported that at least 5,000 villagers in the remote Kalash Valley remained homeless and charities could not reach them.

Many people remain trapped under piles of rubble, with officials warning that the death toll was set to rise.

In Afghanistan, the quake destroyed more than 7,600 homes, a statement from President Ashraf Ghani’s office said. He has ordered the military to make themselves available for the relief effort.

Taliban rebels urged Afghans “not to hold back in providing shelter, food and medical supplies'” to quake victims and said their fighters would help the relief effort.

Ben Carson Overtakes Donald Trump in New Poll

Nancy Clayson
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Ben Carson Overtakes Donald Trump in New Poll

Ben Carson has knocked Donald Trump off top spot in the Republican presidential campaign.

The retired neurosurgeon takes a narrow lead in a New York Times/CBS News poll, ousting Donald Trump who has led the pack for nearly four months.

The news comes on the eve of the third TV debate for Republican contenders.

The next-ranked candidates are Marco Rubio (8%), Jeb Bush and Carly Fiorina (7% each) but they are a long way behind.

Conservative Ben Carson, who has expressed extreme views on a range of issues, has 26% of Republican primary voter support, according to the telephone poll of 575 voters.

The 64-year-old lead of 4% over Donald Trump is well within the 6% margin of error.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has 8% support and the rest closely follow behind him.

Donald Trump has turned his fire to Ben Carson in recent days, attacking him as “low energy” and questioning his Seventh Day Adventist faith.

The two will meet on the stage at Boulder, Colorado, at the Republican debate on October 28.

Primary voting begins in February in Iowa, where Ben Carson also leads the polls.

Ben Carson was criticized this week for comparing abortion to slavery.

The retired doctor has said President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform was “the worst thing” since slavery and that the US government is acting like Nazi Germany.

He also asserted that being gay is a choice, Muslims aren’t qualified to seek the US presidency, the Holocaust could have been prevented if persecuted Europeans owned more guns and – just a few days ago – that the US government should cut off funding to universities that are found to exhibit “extreme political bias”.

Ben Carson’s comments on abortion have set off yet another cycle of outrage from the left – a reaction that he will likely wear as a badge of honor.

VW Reports $4 Billion Operating Loss Amid Emissions Scandal

Clyde K. Valle
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VW Reports $4 Billion Operating Loss Amid Emissions Scandal

VW has reported a €3.48 billion operating loss for Q3 of 2015, and a €2.52 billion pre-tax loss triggered by its emissions scandal.

The German automaker has taken a charge of €6.7 billion ($7.4 billion) to cover the costs of the scandal.

In September, Volkswagen admitted installing software designed to cheat emissions tests in 11 million of its diesel cars worldwide.VW loss after emissions scandal

VW CEO and chairman of the Board of Management, Matthias Müller, said: “The figures show the core strength of the Volkswagen Group on the one hand, while on the other the initial impact of the current situation is becoming clear. We will do everything in our power to win back the trust we have lost.”

The company said it expects profits for the full year to be “down significantly” as a result of the costs of dealing with the emissions scandal, but it said that it is still forecasting a rise of up to 4% in sales revenue.

Meanwhile VW has started retrenching and announced earlier this month it would reduce its research and development budget. In the last three months it has reduced R&D by over €1 billion.

Walgreens Buys Rite Aid for $17.2 Billion

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Walgreens Buys Rite Aid for $17.2 Billion

Walgreens Boots Alliance has agreed to buy its rival Rite Aid in a $17.2 billion all-cash deal.

If approved by regulators, the deal would see two of the biggest US drug stores combined.

Walgreens Boots Alliance was created when UK-based Alliance Boots merged with Walgreens in 2014.

Rite Aid is expected to initially continue operating under its own name.

The Pennsylvania-based company, which has been in operation since 1962, saw its shares soar more than 40% on October 27 after the Wall Street Journal reported that a deal may be in the wings.

Photo Fox Business
Photo Fox Business

Walgreens Boots Alliance said Rite Aid shareholders would receive $9 per share under the deal. Both companies said the transaction was expected to be completed half way through 2016.

Walgreens Boots Alliance said it expected to finance the transaction “through a combination of existing cash, assumption of existing Rite Aid debt and issuance of new debt”.

“Today’s announcement is another step in Walgreens Boots Alliance’s global development and continues our profitable growth strategy,” said CEO Stefano Pessina.

Rite Aid CEO John Standley said the deal would deliver “significant value” to the company’s shareholders. The retail chain has some 4,600 stores across the US and is the largest drugstore chain on the East Coast.

Walgreens Boots Alliance already employs more than 370,000 people and has a presence across some 25 countries. Walgreens is set to release its fourth quarter results on October 28.

Ivory Coast Elections 2015: Alassane Ouattara Wins Second Term with 84% of Vote

Diane A. Wade
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Ivory Coast Elections 2015: Alassane Ouattara Wins Second Term with 84% of Vote

Alassane Ouattara has won a second five-year term as Ivory Coast’s president with nearly 84% of the vote, electoral commission officials say.

He won a total of 2,118,229 votes, or 83.66% of votes cast, the commission said. Turnout was 54.63%.

Several opposition candidates pulled out of the campaign, complaining that it was not free and fair.

The last vote in 2010 was bitterly contested and resulted in a civil war in which 3,000 people lost their lives.Alassane Ouattara Wins Ivory Coast elections

Alassane Ouattara required more than 50% of the vote to avoid a run-off. His closest opposition rival, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, got just 9%.

In the 2010 vote, Alassane Ouattara defeated then-President Laurent Gbagbo, whose refusal to step down triggered months of violence in which thousands of people were killed.

Alassane Ouattara’s campaign this year centered around his economic program. Critics accused him of failing to foster reconciliation or reduce poverty.

The 54% turnout in Ivory Coast’s election was down from the 2010 first-round turnout of about 80%.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR3v2q-kjJ4

Libya: Helicopter Crashes in Tripoli Killing at Least 12 People

Roy Siemens
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Libya: Helicopter Crashes in Tripoli Killing at Least 12 People

A helicopter has crashed in Libya’s capital Tripoli killing at least 12 people, security sources say.

The helicopter had been carrying cash for a local bank on the way out and was returning with passengers to Tripoli.Libya helicopter crash

According to local media, the dead may include high-ranking militia members. Bank workers were also reportedly on board.

The civilian bank staff were from the town of Surman, a militia spokesman said.

Libya has been hit by instability since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with numerous militias each governing their own patches of territory.

Halloween Costumes: Walmart Sparks Controversy with Israeli Soldier Outfit for Kids

Nancy Clayson
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Halloween Costumes: Walmart Sparks Controversy with Israeli Soldier Outfit for Kids

Walmart has sparked outrage among customers by stocking an Israeli army Halloween outfit for kids.

The costume is available on the store’s website for $28.81 ahead of this year’s Halloween.

Some users of social media expressed outrage at the costume. It comes at a time of spiraling violence between Israelis and the Palestinians.

The store’s “Sheikh Fagin nose”, also available on Walmart’s website, has likewise drawn criticism.

Photo Walmart
Photo Walmart

Its large, hook-nosed appearance and the use of the name Fagin – referring to a character in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist – appear also to play into anti-Semitic stereotypes.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) costume was also heavily criticized by many on Twitter. Walmart has not as yet reacted to the criticism.

More than 40 Palestinians have died in unrest in Israel and the Palestinian territories in October 2015, many killed carrying out attacks on Israelis. Nine Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded in stabbings and some gun attacks.

Earlier this year, an outfit inspired by transgender reality star and former athlete Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover was condemned as “transphobic” and “deplorable.”

Another costume based on famed Zimbabwean lion Cecil, who was shot by American dentist Walter Palmer, was criticized by an animal welfare charity.

3 Useful Storage Tips for Children’s Bedrooms

Dana R
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3 Useful Storage Tips for Children’s Bedrooms

While we all try to limit the amount of toys we buy our children, it’s not long until there’s a huge buildup of clutter in their bedrooms. As other family members start chipping in with gifts, it’s surprising just how many options kids can have today. This is why coming up with unique storage solutions for children’s rooms is so important.

Make the Most of What You Have

Keeping stuff stored under the bed might seem an obvious choice, but when it’s time to get them back out kids will often end up pulling out everything available and you can be certain that tidying up won’t be their first priority. Fortunately, there are lots of bed frames that come with built-in storage options. These Stompa singles found here give you a greater range of drawers, shelves and openings to keep things neat. Mid-level or high sleeper beds are also another great way to utilize the most of your space. These place the bed high up, like a bunk bed, but use the underlying space for a desk or other useful solutions.

children-bedroom

Remember to Think Vertically

If you don’t have any more floor space to utilize, remember to think vertically and add some shelving. While it might be tempting to build all the way to the ceiling, a small child could easily try to scale the shelves trying to get a specific toy on the highest shelf. Keep it safe and be careful of what you place on the highest points. A more unique way of doing this is to use magnetic strips to hold metal toys, like toy cars. You can use the same strip as what you’d use for a magnetic knife holder in the kitchen. Not only does this provides a great way to keep things organized, but it’s also inexpensive.

Favor Dual-Role Solutions

Finally, finding good storage containers for your child’s room can be harder than you’d imagine. You’ll need something that’s sturdy enough to withstand some wear and tear and preferably that could double up as another piece of furniture. Large trunks are a great way to store a large amount of toys. They can also be used to fit in with a variety of different themes in the bedroom, too, like pirates or fantasy. Similarly, if you regularly read to your child in bed, rather than using a standard bedside table consider using a small storage cabinet to give yourself the a few more options instead.

Congo-Brazzaville Referendum Backs Denis Sassou Nguesso’s Third-Term Bid

Diane A. Wade
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Congo-Brazzaville Referendum Backs Denis Sassou Nguesso’s Third-Term Bid

Congo-Brazzaville’s controversial referendum has approved constitutional changes to allow President Denis Sassou Nguesso to run for a third term with more than 92% of votes.

Under the current constitution, President Denis Sassou Nguesso, one of Africa’s longest-serving ruler, has been unable to seek re-election because he is over the age of 70 and has already served two terms.

The opposition say turnout was low and the vote should be annulled.

However, official results put the turnout in October 25 referendum at 72%.

More than 1.2 million people voted in favor of the change (92.3% of voters) while nearly 102,000 rejected it, the electoral commission said.

The opposition called for a boycott of the poll and one of its leaders described the official results as a “fraud”.

“From what we could see on the day of the vote, the announcement that turnout was more than 72% is extremely scandalous,” Clement Mierassa told the AFP news agency.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Denis Sassou Nguesso, 71, is one of Africa’s longest-serving rulers, first coming to power in 1979 and ruling until 1992 when he lost elections.

He returned as president in 1997 after a brief civil war and has since won two elections.

Denis Sassou Nguesso is now coming to the end of his second seven-year term.

Tens of thousands of people took part in a peaceful demonstration against the referendum in September.

Four people died last week, when security forces dispersed angry protesters in the capital, Brazzaville, and the economic hub of Pointe-Noire.

Congo-Brazzaville’s presidential election is due to take place in 2016.

ISIS Executes Three Captives in Palmyra

Roy Siemens
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ISIS Executes Three Captives in Palmyra

ISIS militants have executed three captives in Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra by tying them to columns and blowing them up, activists say.

The identities of those reportedly killed on October 25 have yet to be given.

However, they are thought to be the first to have been killed in that way since the jihadist group seized the ruins in May.

ISIS has destroyed two 2,000-year-old temples, an arch and funerary towers at Palmyra, one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world.

The Islamic State believes that such structures are idolatrous. The UN cultural agency, UNESCO, has condemned the destruction as a war crime.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based group that monitors the conflict in Syria, cited local sources in Palmyra as saying that on October 25 ISIS militants tied three detainees to Roman-era columns and then blew up the structures with explosives.ISIS kills captives in Palmyra

An activist from Palmyra, Khaled al-Homsi, said ISIS had yet to tell locals the identities of the three individuals or say why they had been killed.

“There was no-one there to see [the execution]. The columns were destroyed and IS has prevented anyone from heading to the site,” he told the AFP news agency.

Another activist, Mohammed al-Ayed, said ISIS was “doing this for the media attention”.

After overrunning the ruins of Palmyra and the adjoining modern town, also known as Tadmur, ISIS militants used the ancient theatre for the killing of 25 Syrian soldiers.

They also beheaded archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad, who looked after ruins for 40 years, after he reportedly refused to reveal where artifacts had been hidden.

Earlier this week, ISIS posted images online purportedly showing militants driving a tank over a captured soldier, who it alleged had himself driven over militants.

Saudi Prince Arrested in Lebanon over Drug Smuggling

Diane A. Wade
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Saudi Prince Arrested in Lebanon over Drug Smuggling

Prince Abdel Mohsen Bin Walid Bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia and four other people have been arrested in Lebanon in the largest drug seizure in the history of Beirut airport, a security source has said.

The prince was among those detained by airport security while allegedly “attempting to smuggle about two tonnes of Captagon pills and some cocaine,” the security source said.

“The smuggling operation is the largest one that has been foiled through the Beirut International Airport,” the source told the AFP news agency on condition of anonymity. Prince Abdel Mohsen Bin Walid Bin Abdulaziz arrested in Lebanon

Captagon is the brand name for the amphetamine phenethylline, a synthetic stimulant.

Manufacturing of the substance thrives in Lebanon and war-torn Syria, which have become a gateway for the drug to the Middle East and particularly the Gulf.

The UN Office of Drugs and Crime said in a 2014 report that the amphetamine market is on the rise in the Middle East, with seizures mostly in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria accounting for more than 55% of amphetamines recovered worldwide.

The security source said the drugs had been packed into cases that were waiting to be loaded onto a private plane that was headed to Saudi Arabia.

Lebanon’s state news agency said the private plane was to head to Riyadh and was carrying 40 suitcases full of Captagon.

The five Saudi citizens were still in the airport and will be questioned by Lebanon’s customs authority, the source added.

Lamar Odom Needs Kidney Transplant

Lisa.Felice
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Lamar Odom Needs Kidney Transplant

According to multiple reports, Lamar Odom is “definitely” in need of a kidney transplant.

Lamar Odom, 35, is suffering from major kidney failure and is currently on dialysis. His days are full of good and bad moments, Us Weekly reports.

His brain functions are of the utmost concern, considering the multiple strokes he had while in the hospital, the publication says.

Photo Khloe Kardashian
Photo Khloe Kardashian

People magazine is reporting that the former NBA star severely damaged his lungs, as well.

According to police report, Lamar Odom had cocaine in his system when he was found unconscious in Nevada earlier this month.

Meanwhile it was reported that Lamar Odom’s brother-in-law, Rob Kardashian, 28, is ready to donate one of his kidney’s in order to save the former NBA star‘s life.

Rob Kardashian and Lamar Odom were once as close as brothers.

Donald Trump Reveals He Started out with a “Small Loan” of $1M from His Father

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump Reveals He Started out with a “Small Loan” of $1M from His Father

Donald Trump has revealed he got his start in business with a “small loan” of $1 million  from his father.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in New Hampshire, voters asked the tycoon to show some humility and common ground with average Americans.

The Republican presidential candidate said he “often drives himself” and recently ate at McDonald’s.

Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer who gave him seed money to begin investments.

“It has not been easy for me,” the GOP front-runner said.

Photo AP
Photo AP

“And I started off in Brooklyn, my father gave me a small loan of $1 million. I came into Manhattan and I had to pay him back, and I had to pay him back with interest.”

The town hall’s host, NBC’s Matt Lauer, said most people would not consider that a small amount.

One woman at the town hall said some would only vote for Donald Trump if he would “eat a piece of humble pie once in a while”, to which he responded that doing so would expose weaknesses to foes like Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Opponent Ben Carson, a former neurosurgeon, has been gaining on Donald Trump in some polls.

In the last few days, he has been on the receiving end of attacks from the billionaire businessman, who says Ben Carson is “low energy”.

Voting in the party primary contests begins in February and the presidential election is in November 2016.

Spectre World Premiere Attended by Prince William and Kate Middleton

Sonia Pantiss
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Spectre World Premiere Attended by Prince William and Kate Middleton

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry have joined Spectre stars for its world premiere in London.

Daniel Craig, Monica Belluci and Lea Seydoux walked the red carpet ahead of the Royal Albert Hall screening.

Spectre is the first James Bond movie to open in theaters on the same day as its premiere.

The movie goes on general release in the UK and Ireland on October 26.

Cast members Christoph Waltz, Naomie Harris, Andrew Scott, Ben Whishaw, and Ralph Fiennes also attended the screening.

The 24th official entry in the franchise sees James Bond battling a criminal syndicate led by Franz Oberhauser, played by Christoph Waltz.Spectre world premiere London

Spectre is directed by Skyfall‘s Sam Mendes, who is also on the red carpet with producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Daniel Craig said Sam Mendes was “one of the best directors there is” and that he had enjoyed being “creatively involved from the very beginning”.

Spectre is the third James Bond movie chosen for the Royal Film Performance since its inception in 1946. It follows previous premieres for Die Another Day (2002) and Skyfall (2012).

Early reviews have been positive.

Spectre was shot at Pinewood Studios and filmed on location in London, Mexico City, Rome and Tangier and Erfoud, in Morocco.

The shadowy organization SPECTRE – which was previously an acronym for the Special Executive for Counter-Intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion – last made an appearance in 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, with Sean Connery as James Bond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QBy6RdmXkQ

Asia Earthquake: Afghanistan, India and Pakistan Hit by 7.5-Magnitude Quake

Diane A. Wade
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Asia Earthquake: Afghanistan, India and Pakistan Hit by 7.5-Magnitude Quake

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake has struck northern Afghanistan, with tremors felt in Pakistan and northern India.

At least 51 people are said to have been killed in Pakistan, with 19 deaths reported in Afghanistan.

According to the US Geological Survey, the tremor was centered in the mountainous Hindu Kush region, 46 miles south of Faizabad.

Buildings were evacuated in the capitals of all three countries and communications disrupted in many areas.

In the Afghan province of Takhar, a stampede at a girls’ school triggered by the quake left 12 students dead and another 25 were injured, local reports said.South Asia earthquake October 2015

Seven people have been reported killed and 71 injured in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar.

In Pakistan, 28 people have been killed in the northern tribal areas, another 20 in the north-west and three more in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, officials told AFP news agency.

Officials said the quake happened at a depth of 212km. The magnitude was initially put at 7.7 but later downgraded.

An aftershock measured at 4.8-magnitude struck shortly afterwards.

People in the Indian capital Delhi ran into the streets after the tremor struck, and schools and offices were evacuated. The Delhi metro was also briefly halted.

Indian PM Narendra Modi tweeted that he had ordered an urgent assessment of any damage.

“We stand ready for assistance where required, including Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he said.

The region has a history of powerful earthquakes caused by the northward collision of India with central Asia.

In 2005, a magnitude 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Pakistan-administered Kashmir left more than 75,000 people dead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax5xv65Bt4I

WHO: Processed Meat Causes Cancer and Is as Bad as Smoking

Kathryn R. Bown
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WHO: Processed Meat Causes Cancer and Is as Bad as Smoking

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, processed meats – such as bacon, hot dogs, sausages and ham – do cause cancer.

The WHO’s report said 50g of processed meat a day – less than two slices of bacon – increased the chance of developing colorectal cancer by 18%.

Meanwhile, the health agency said red meats were “probably carcinogenic” but there was limited evidence.

The WHO did stress that meat also had health benefits.

Processed meat is meat that has been modified to increase its shelf-life or alter its taste – such as by smoking, curing or adding salt or preservatives.

It is these additions which could be increasing the risk of cancer. High temperature cooking, such as on a barbeque, can also create carcinogenic chemicals.

The WHO has come to the conclusion on the advice of its International Agency for Research on Cancer, which assesses the best available scientific evidence.Processed meat and cancer

The International Agency for Research has now placed processed meat in the same category as plutonium, but also alcohol as they definitely do cause cancer.

However, this does not mean they are equally dangerous. A bacon sandwich is not as bad as smoking.

“For an individual, the risk of developing colorectal [bowel] cancer because of their consumption of processed meat remains small, but this risk increases with the amount of meat consumed,” Dr. Kurt Straif from the WHO said.

Estimates suggest 34,000 deaths from cancer every year could be down to diets high in processed meat.

That is in contrast to one million deaths from cancer caused by smoking and 600,000 attributed to alcohol each year.

Red meat does have nutritional value too and is a major source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

However, the WHO said there was limited evidence that 100g of red meat a day increased the risk of cancer by 17%.

The WHO said its findings were important for helping countries give balanced dietary advice.

David Bowie’s Blackstar Album to Be Released in January 2016

Sonia Pantiss
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David Bowie’s Blackstar Album to Be Released in January 2016

David Bowie has announced his new album, Blackstar, will be released on his 69th birthday on January 8, 2016.

David Bowie made the announcement on his official website and Facebook page, adding that Blackstar will also be the title of his forthcoming single.

The singer said the single, released on November 20, will not be part of his theatre piece Lazarus.

Blackstar will follow-up 2013’s The Next Day.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

The Next Day was David Bowie’s first album release for a decade, and was announced on the singer’s 66th birthday.

David Bowie is yet to release details regarding the sound and content of the album, stating on Facebook that there had been inaccurate reporting on the subjects.

The singer has co-written Lazarus with Irish playwright Enda Walsh, the award-winning writer of the musical Once.

Lazarus is based on the 1976 sci-fi film starring David Bowie – The Man Who Fell to Earth – and is set to premiere at the New York Theatre Workshop in December.

David Bowie has confirmed he will not be appearing on stage in the play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pepBD2uNNk

Steve Jobs Biopic Fails to Impress at US Box Office

Sonia Pantiss
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Steve Jobs Biopic Fails to Impress at US Box Office

Steve Jobs biopic has failed to impress at the North American box office, taking just $7.3 million in its first general week of release.

Danny Boyle’s movie, for which Michael Fassbender has been tipped for a best actor Oscar, entered the chart at number seven.

Ridley Scott’s The Martian reclaimed the top spot taking $15.9 million.

Elsewhere, Jem and the Holograms made one of the worst debuts of all time for a major studio release opening in over 2,000 locations with $1.3 million.Steve Jobs biopic box office

The adaptation of the 1980s cartoon about the quest of a group of aspiring musicians to become global superstars, entered the chart in 15th place.

The Steve Jobs biopic cost around $30 million to make and has taken $9.98 million to date, after two limited release weeks and one week on full release.

Co-starring Kate Winslet and Seth Rogen, the movie is the most high-profile of half-a-dozen documentaries and films about the Apple founder since his death in 2011 and has generally received strong reviews.

Vin Diesel’s The Last Witch Hunter also failed to meet expectations, earning $10.8 million, while Bill Murray’s Rock the Kasbah pulled in just $1.5 million.

Rock the Kasbah, which features Bill Murray as a rock promoter in Afghanistan, cost $15 million to make.

Goosebumps, based on the popular children’s book series and starring Jack Black, fell a place to number two on the chart, earning $15.5 million.

North America box office Top 5:

  1. The Martian – $15.9 million
  2. Goosebumps -$15.5 milion
  3. Bridge of Spies – $11.4 million
  4. The Last Witch Hunter – $10.8 million
  5. Hotel Transylvania 2 – $9 million

Toyota Overtakes VW in Global Car Sales After Dieselgate Scandal

Clyde K. Valle
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Toyota Overtakes VW in Global Car Sales After Dieselgate Scandal

Toyota has overtaken VW in global vehicle sales after releasing figures for the first nine months of 2015.

The Japanese automaker sold 7.5 million in the first three quarters of 2015, beating VW’s 7.43 million and General Motors’ 7.2 million.

After six months of 2015, VW was ahead of Toyota, in pole position for the first time.

VW’s emissions scandal emerged towards the end of September.

The discovery of software that was able to mislead emissions tests on diesel cars may have more effect on VW’s sales in the remainder of the year.Toyota Overtakes VW in Global Car Sales

Toyota’s sales for the first nine months were 1.5% below the level at the same stage last year.

Toyota first overtook GM to take the top slot in 2008 and has kept it every year since, except 2011 when GM was the top seller after a tsunami in north-eastern Japan disrupted Toyota’s production.

Separately, there was relief for General Motors on October 25 when it reached an agreement with the United Auto Workers union, averting a threatened strike.

Details of the four-year labor deal were not released. It will now go to a vote of UAW leaders and then the union’s 52,700 workers at GM.

“We believe that this agreement will present stable long-term significant wage gains and job security commitments to UAW members now and in the future,” said UAW president Dennis Williams.

The union had threatened that it would terminate its existing contract at midnight Eastern time on October 25, meaning there could have been a strike.

WHO to Reveal Red Meat Cancer Risk

Kathryn R. Bown
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WHO to Reveal Red Meat Cancer Risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) is to reveal whether some meats should be classed as carcinogens.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the WHO, has been reviewing evidence on whether red and processed meats increase the risk of bowel and other cancers.

According to experts, eating a lot of red and processed meat probably increases the risk of bowel cancer.

However, red meat can be part of a healthy diet.

Red meat includes beef, lamb, and pork. It looks darker in color than white meat, like poultry, because of higher levels of hemoglobin and myoglobin, the iron and oxygen-binding proteins you find in blood and muscle.

Processed meat is not fresh meat, in other words something has been done to it to extend its shelf life or change its taste such as smoking, curing or adding salt or preservatives.Red meat cancer risk

Processed meat includes bacon, sausages, salami and ham. Simply putting fresh meat through a mincer does not make it processed

Meat is a good source of protein, B vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc.

Expert scientists’ advice is to consume healthier meat or meat products, such as lean cuts and lean mince, and cut down on processed meat.

Since 1971, more than 900 agents, including lifestyle factors and chemicals, have been evaluated by expert scientists for the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

More than 400 have been identified as carcinogenic, probably carcinogenic, or possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Bacon, ham and sausages are set to be classed alongside cigarettes, arsenic and asbestos as cancer-causing by global health experts.

Oklahoma Car Crash: Adacia Chambers Charged with Second-Degree Murder

Nancy Clayson
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Oklahoma Car Crash: Adacia Chambers Charged with Second-Degree Murder

Adacia Chambers, who drove into a crowd of spectators at the Oklahoma State University homecoming parade, killing four people, has been charged with second-degree murder.

However, the woman’s lawyer said the 25-year-old was not drunk at the wheel of her car, as police suspected, when she hit the people in Stillwater.

“I absolutely can rule out alcohol,” said attorney Tony Coleman, adding his client might have mental problems.

Adacia Chambers is due in court on October 26.

Witnesses described dozens of bodies being flung into the air, after Adacia Chambers’ car hit a parked police motorbike before plunging into spectators at the OSU homecoming parade.Adacia Chambers charged

Three adults and a two-year-old boy died, with nine children among about 50 people injured. Five people remain in critical condition.

Adacia Chambers was detained on suspicion of DUI. Police are still awaiting the results of blood tests.

Tony Coleman said she was not intoxicated but added: “I have deep concerns about her competency at this point. I’m not a psychologist or psychiatrist, but I can tell you she’s suffering from mental illness.

“She doesn’t remember a whole lot about what happened. There was a period where I think… she could have even blacked out,” the attorney said.

The four counts of second-degree murder each carry a possible penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment.

Adacia Chambers lives in Stillwater, a town 65 miles north-east of Oklahoma City, but is not believed to be an OSU student.

Her father, Floyds Chambers, told The Oklahoman newspaper his daughter was timid and not an alcoholic.

A vigil to remember the victims was held at the OSU campus on October 25.

Robert Witt: American Soldier’s Remains Returned from North Korea after 65 Years

James J. Williams
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Robert Witt: American Soldier’s Remains Returned from North Korea after 65 Years

North Korea has returned the remains of an American soldier missing since the Korean War to his family in California.

Army Cpl. Robert V. Witt of Bellflower was believed captured when his unit was attacked by Chinese forces in late November 1950, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports.

Fellow troops later repatriated to the US said Robert Witt died from malnutrition in January 1951.

The US lists more than 8,000 soldiers as missing in the Korean War.

Robert Witt’s remains were found, along with those of other soldiers, in a joint US-North Korea excavation in North Korea in 2000.

Photo Tumblr
Photo Tumblr

However, it took many years since for them to be conclusively identified.

They have now been returned to his sister, 82-year-old Laverne Minnick.

Laverne Minnick told the local newspaper: “I am so happy. He’s going to be home, where he belongs, with his family.”

Robert Witt, 20-years-old when he went missing, will be buried with full military honors in Rose Hills Memorial Park in Los Angeles on October 30.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, during which he went missing, was part of a Chinese offensive early in the Korean War that succeeded in driving US and other UN forces out of north eastern Korea.

The Korean War lasted from June 1950 until July 1953 and pitted the US and its allies against the USSR, North Korea and communist China.

At least two million Korean civilians, up to 1.5 million communist forces, and around 30,000 American, 400,000 South Korean and 1,000 UK troops are believed to have died.

A peace treaty has never been signed and the two Koreas would remain technically at war.

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