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Turkey Elections 2015: AKP Faces Challenge to Form New Government

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey Elections 2015: AKP Faces Challenge to Form New Government

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party AKP faces a challenge to form a new government after losing its majority at Turkey’s general election for the first time in 13 years.

AKP secured 41%, a sharp drop from 2011, and must form a coalition or face entering a minority government.

The pro-Kurdish HDP crossed the 10% threshold, securing seats in parliament for the first time.

The Turkish lira and shares dropped sharply on June 8 as markets reacted to the news.

The Turkish currency fell to near-record lows against the dollar, and shares dropped by more than 8% soon after the Istanbul stock exchange opened.

Turkey’s central bank acted quickly to prop up the lira by cutting the interest rate on foreign currency deposits.

The election result is a blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans to boost his office’s powers.Turkey elections 2015 Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Recep Tayyip Erdogan first came to power as prime minister in 2003 and had been seeking a two-thirds majority to turn Turkey into a presidential republic.

PM Ahmet Davutoglu said: “The winner of the election is again the AKP, there’s no doubt.”

He added: “Our people’s decision is final. It’s above everything and we will act in line with it.”

The HDP’s supporters were jubilant, taking to the streets to chant “we are the HDP, we are going to the parliament”.

HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas ruled out entering into a coalition with the AKP.

He said at a news conference in Istanbul “The discussion of executive presidency and dictatorship has come to an end in Turkey with these elections.”

With nearly all the votes counted, the AKP looks likely to win 258 seats in parliament, 18 fewer than it requires for a majority.

The Republican People’s Party (CHP) looks likely to be the second largest party, as in the previous parliament, polling around 25% of the vote.

In third place is the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on 16.5%, with the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) in fourth place with 13%.

The HDP is expected to finish with 75 to 80 seats after attracting votes beyond its Kurdish support base.

Many turned out to vote in the HDP’s heartland of Diyarbakir, two days after a bombing in the eastern city killed two people and injured 200 more.

The MHP’s leader Devlet Bahceli did not rule out the possibility of entering a coalition government, but said the results represented the “beginning of the end for the AKP”.

Once viewed as invincible, Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s party has been criticized in recent years for its clampdown on free speech and its growing authoritarianism.

After the official result is declared, Ahmet Davutoglu has 45 days to form a government.

G7 Summit 2015: Climate Change and Terrorism Top Agenda

Diane A. Wade
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G7 Summit 2015: Climate Change and Terrorism Top Agenda

The second day of the G7 summit in Germany is being dominated by the climate change and extremism talks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants the economic powers group to reach an agreement on limiting global temperature rises.

Angela Merkel also wants G7 members to contribute to a fund for poor countries suffering the worst effects of climate change.

There will also be talks on the threat from radical extremism with the leaders of Nigeria, Tunisia and Iraq.

G7 summit is being held at the picturesque Schloss Elmau hotel in Krun in the Bavarian Alps.

It is being attended by President Barack Obama, UK PM David Cameron, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, French President Francois Hollande, Canadanian PM Stephen Harper and Italian PM Matteo Renzi.G7 Summit 2015 Germany

The first working session on June 8 will focus on climate and energy, with Chancellor Angela Merkel trying to get leaders to agree to keeping temperature rises within 2C of pre-industrial levels.

Angela Merkel is hoping to secure commitments from her G7 guests on tackling global warming to build momentum before a major UN climate summit in Paris in December.

Later, G7 leaders will be joined by Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi to discuss the threat posed by groups like Islamic State (ISIS) and Boko Haram.

On June 7, David Cameron said the UK was sending an extra 125 military trainers to Iraq to help in the battle against IS, describing the militants as “the biggest threat” G7 leaders had to address.

ISIS continues to control large swathes of Iraq and Syria despite being the target of a US-led air campaign against them.

In Nigeria, a similar regional battle is being fought against Boko Haram militants who have carried out attacks since 2009 to try to create an Islamic state.

The 41st G7 summit is held in Schloss Elmau, Krün, Bavaria, Germany on June 7–8, 2015.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D85CIhhme8g

Kate Moss Escorted off EasyJet Plane at London Luton Airport

Lisa.Felice
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Kate Moss Escorted off EasyJet Plane at London Luton Airport

According to new reports, Kate Moss has been escorted off a plane at London’s Luton airport after being disruptive.

The EasyJet flight had arrived from Bodrum in Turkey on June 7.

In a statement, Bedfordshire Police said they “were called to assist staff in escorting a passenger from a flight arriving into Luton airport this afternoon”.Kate Moss escorted off plane

No formal complaints were made against Kate Moss and she was not arrested.

EasyJet confirmed police had met flight EZY2232 from Bodrum to Luton on June 7 owing to the behavior of a passenger onboard.

The airline went on to say it “does not tolerate disruptive behavior and will always report any incidents to the authorities”.

A Bedfordshire Police spokesman said: “The passenger had been reported as being disruptive on the flight.

“Officers attended and escorted the passenger from the plane. No formal complaints were made against her and she was not arrested.”

Turkey Elections 2015: Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP Loses Majority

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey Elections 2015: Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP Loses Majority

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party AKP appears on course to lose its parliamentary majority after today’s general elections in Turkey, early projections suggest.

According to Turkish exit polls, the pro-Kurdish HDP is set to cross the 10% threshold, securing seats for the first time.

With 90% of the vote counted, the AKP had 42% of the vote, according to Turkish TV stations.

If confirmed, the result would end the AKP’s 13-year single-party rule, and upset President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans to boost his office’s powers.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who first came to power as prime minister in 2003, has been seeking a two-thirds majority to turn Turkey into a presidential republic.Turkey elections 2015 HDP

According to the TV projections, Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party’s share of the vote would translate into 263 seats in the 550-seat parliament, followed by the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) would get 11.6% – 75 seats.

An unnamed AKP official told Reuters news agency: “We expect a minority government and early election.”

Turkey’s PM Ahmet Davutoglu also said: “The people’s decision is the most correct decision.”

HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtas complained as he voted that the election campaign “was not a fair and equal race”. Four people died in an explosion at a party rally on June 5.

Selahattin Demirtas added: “Hopefully we will wake up to a new and freer Turkey on June 8.”

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, chairman of the CHP, echoed Selahattin Demirtas and called the campaign period “unequal”. He promised however to “continue to work with a sense of responsibility”.

The result may have ramifications beyond Turkey’s borders.

Turkey is a vital NATO member in a volatile Middle East and a rare mix of Islam and democracy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsA3-OjOepo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMpcikK7QM8

Enrique Iglesias Drone Injury Worse than Expected

Sonia Pantiss
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Enrique Iglesias Drone Injury Worse than Expected

Enrique Iglesias’ spokesperson has announced that the singer’s hand injuries are worse than expected.

Enrique Iglesias, 40, sliced his fingers open when he tried to grab a drone camera, which was taking pictures of the audience, at a concert on May 30.

Following reconstructive surgery on June 1, it was announced the singer would need several weeks to recover.

A statement on Enrique Iglesias’ website said: “The damage ended up being a bit worse than initially assessed.

“He suffered a fracture that needed to be corrected in addition to the reconstructive surgery.

“He will be recovering during the next few weeks, but a full recovery is anticipated.”Enrique Iglesias drone injury 2015

Enrique Iglesias was performing in Tijuana, Mexico when he reached for the drone, apparently in an attempt to give fans a point-of-view shot from the stage.

The singer was “semi-treated” at the side of the stage to stop the bleeding, and was advised to end the show.

However, Enrique Iglesias performed for another 30 minutes before seeking further treatment.

A representative for the singer said on Instagram: “He was rushed to the airport where an ambulance met him.

“He was then put on a plane to LA… to see a specialist.”

Enrique Iglesias, one of the highest-selling Latin musicians of all time, shifting more than 137 million albums worldwide, is expected to resume his tour on July 3 in Mexico City.

DARPA Robotics Challenge 2015: South Korea’s KAIST Team Wins DRC Finals

Nancy Clayson
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DARPA Robotics Challenge 2015: South Korea’s KAIST Team Wins DRC Finals

South Korea’s robotics team KAIST has won the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC).

The DRC is a competition of robot systems and software teams vying to develop robots capable of assisting humans in responding to natural and man-made disasters.

The contest was designed to be extremely difficult.

Participating teams, representing some of the most advanced robotics research and development organizations in the world, are collaborating and innovating on a very short timeline to develop the hardware, software, sensors, and human-machine control interfaces that will enable their robots to complete a series of challenge tasks selected by DARPA for their relevance to disaster response.

The contest is a battle of robots on an obstacle course meant to simulate conditions similar to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear plant disaster.

The DRC Finals took place from June 5-6, 2015 at Fairplex in Pomona, California.DRC Hubo humanoid robot South Korea

Team KAIST’s DRC-Hubo humanoid robot defeated 22 others to win the top $2 million prize from the US Department of Defense’s DARPA research unit.

The robots had an hour to complete a series of tasks, such as a driving a car and walking up steps.

The challenge involved a series of tasks for the robots to complete, somewhat autonomously, with intermittent connectivity with their operators to simulate real disaster conditions.

The challenge was the first where robots performed without being tethered and there were plenty of hard falls, soliciting groans and laughter from the crowds at the contest.

The other tasks the robots were set included getting out of a car, opening a door, drilling a hole in a wall, turning a valve and crossing rubble either by clearing a path or walking over it.

Team KAIST was the fastest, completing all the tasks in 44 minutes and 28 seconds.

Team IHMC Robotics came second, winning $1 million, and Tartan Rescue’s Chimp robot was third, winning $500,000, a day after taking a hard fall and then wowing the crowd by getting back up and back to work without human help.

The DRC Finals also included two mystery tasks over two days – on day one the mystery was pulling a lever and on day two it was pulling a plug out of one socket and inserting it into another.

Each team was given two attempts to complete the course.

There were meant to be 25 teams competing, but Japan’s team Hydra dropped out at the last minute because of an electronics accident during training.

A Chinese team was also due to compete but reportedly couldn’t get their visas in time.

Ludvik Vaculik Dies in Prague Aged 88

Sonia Pantiss
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Ludvik Vaculik Dies in Prague Aged 88

Czech novelist and dissident Ludvik Vaculik, who wrote the Two Thousand Words manifesto during the 1968 Prague Spring, has died at the age of 88.

Ludvik Vaculik’s June 1968 manifesto demanded openness from officials in the then Czechoslovakia and called for the resignation of those who misused power.

Two months later, Soviet-led forces invaded Czechoslovakia, ending hopes for political reforms.

Ludvik Vaculik’s novels include The Axe, The Guinea Pigs and The Czech Dreambook.Ludvik Vaculik dies at 88

The novelist – like his contemporary and fellow-writer Milan Kundera – initially supported the Communists when they took power in Czechoslovakia in 1948.

However, in 1967, a year after Ludvik Vaculik published his first major work, The Axe, he was expelled from the Communist Party, following a highly critical speech at a writers’ congress.

A year later, Ludvik Vaculik was asked to write his Two Thousand Words manifesto to support reformers within the Communist Party under the liberal leader Alexander Dubcek.

In 1970, Ludvik Vaculik wrote The Guinea Pigs – a bleakly comic novel about the cynicism pervading everyday life in the years after the pro-Soviet crackdown.

Several years later, Ludvik Vaculik was one of a group of dissidents who wrote the Charter 77 human rights manifesto, along with the playwright and future President Vaclav Havel.

After the 1989 Velvet Revolution, Ludvik Vaculik was widely published and received a number of literary rewards.

Richard Matt and David Sweat: Convicted Murderers Escape from New York Jail

Nancy Clayson
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Richard Matt and David Sweat: Convicted Murderers Escape from New York Jail

Two convicted killers are on the run after escaping from a maximum security jail in New York.

They used power tools to cut through steel pipes at a maximum-security prison near the Canadian border and escape through a manhole, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on June 6.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo described Richard Matt and David Sweat as “dangerous individuals”.

They cut through steel pipes at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora and fled through a man hole.

Andrew Cumo said the prison breakout was the first escape from the facility in 150 years.

Photo New York State Police
Photo New York State Police

“It was an elaborate plot,” the governor added.

David Sweat, 34, was serving a life sentence without parole for the first degree murder of Broome County sheriff’s deputy.

Richard Matt, 48, was given a jail term of 25 years to life for the kidnapping and beating a man to death in 1997.

The two men’s adjoining cells were found to be empty during a morning check, said Anthony Annuci, the acting state corrections commissioner.

“A search revealed that there was a hole cut out of the back of the cell through which these inmates escaped,” he added.

“They went onto a catwalk which is about six stories high. We estimate they climbed down and had power tools and were able to get out to this facility through tunnels, cutting away at several spots.”

Police are trying to determine how the men acquired the tools.

More than 200 officers are searching for the prisoners, using sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance.

Clinton Correctional Facility is about 20 miles from the Canadian border. Roadblocks have been set up in the area, according to local media.

David Sweat is described as a white male, 5ft 11in tall, with brown hair and green eyes. He weighs 165lb and has tattoos on his left bicep and his right fingers.

Richard Matt is also white and is 6ft tall.

He has black hair and hazel eyes and weighs around 210lbs.

Richard Matt’s tattoos include “Mexico Forever” on his back, a heart on his chest and left shoulder and a Marine Corps insignia on his right shoulder.

Turkey Elections 2015: Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP Challenged by Pro-Kurdish HTP

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey Elections 2015: Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP Challenged by Pro-Kurdish HTP

Turkey is voting in a general election which will determine whether President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party, AKP, can change the constitution.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who first came to power as prime minister in 2003, is seeking a big enough majority to turn Turkey into a presidential republic.

However, the pro-Kurdish HDP may cross the 10% threshold and enter parliament.

Explosions at its election rally in Diyarbakir on June 5 killed four.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Officials said the blasts were caused by improvised bombs.

HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas criticized Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s response to the killings.

If the left-wing HDP succeeds in winning seats in parliament for the first time, it would reduce the number of seats won by Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP, thwarting its plans to change the constitution and transfer the prime minister’s executive powers to the president.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan served as prime minister until he won the presidential election in 2014.

A strong showing by the HDP might well deprive the ruling AKP of a parliamentary majority.

Sunday’s election is the biggest electoral challenge for the AKP since it came to power 13 years ago.

The result may also have ramifications beyond Turkey’s borders.

Turkey is a vital NATO member in a volatile Middle East and a rare mix of Islam and democracy.

Princess Charlotte and Prince George First Official Photos

Lisa.Felice
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Princess Charlotte and Prince George First Official Photos

Kensington Palace has released a series of pictures of Prince George and his little sister, Princess Charlotte.

The four pictures show Princess Charlotte being cradled by her elder brother as they sit on a couch at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, their family home with their royal parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton.Princess Charlotte and Prince George official photo 2 (2)

The photos were taken by their mother, Kate Middleton, just weeks after Princess Charlotte was born on May 2.Princess Charlotte and Prince George official portrait 2015 (2)

In each of the pictures, Princess Charlotte is lying on Prince George’s lap, wearing white. The prince is wearing a white shirt, blue shorts and blue socks.Princess Charlotte and Prince George official portrait 2015

In one, Prince George appears to be kissing his sister on the forehead.

Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children have been at Anmer Hall since leaving London shortly after the birth of Princess Charlotte.

The royal couple is expected to be based there for the next few years as they raise Princess Charlotte and Prince George, who is almost two, with the help of a full-time nanny.Princess Charlotte and Prince George photo 2015

Photography is listed as one of Kate Middleton’s hobbies in her biography on the royal website. The pictures were taken on a Canon EOS 5D Mark II camera.

The first official images of Prince George, released in 2013, were taken by Kate Middleton’s father, Michael Middleton, in the garden of their home in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

On June 5, it was announced Princess Charlotte will be christened on Sunday, July 5, at St Mary Magdalene Church at the Queen’s Sandringham estate.

Princess Charlotte was born on May 2 at London’s St Mary’s Hospital, weighing 8lbs 3oz.

Princess Charlotte and Prince George’s First Photo Together Revealed

Lisa.Felice
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Princess Charlotte and Prince George’s First Photo Together Revealed

Kensington Palace has released the first official photo of Princess Charlotte with her older brother, Prince George.

The palace tweeted the image of the royal siblings on June 6, having earlier described it as “very special”.

The picture is the first of four photos of Princess Charlotte that will be released Saturday, June 6. The candid shots were taken by the princess’ mother, Kate Middleton, who has a reputation as a “keen photographer,” at Anmer Hall, the family’s home in Norfolk.Princess Charlotte and Prince George first photo 2015

On June 5, Kensington Palace announced that Princess Charlotte would be christened on July 5 by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Princess Charlotte’s christening will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s second child was born on May 2 at London’s St Mary’s Hospital, weighing 8lbs 3oz.

Princess Charlotte is the fourth in line to the UK’s throne and her full name has been registered as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSaE0VjBITA

Beau Biden Funeral: Barack Obama Delivers Emotional Eulogy

Nancy Clayson
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Beau Biden Funeral: Barack Obama Delivers Emotional Eulogy

President Barack Obama has delivered an emotional eulogy at the funeral of Beau Biden, the son of Vice-President Joe Biden.

Former Delaware Attorney-General Beau Biden died on May 30 from brain cancer at the age of 46.

Beau Biden was seen as a rising star of US politics but suffered from health problems in recent years.

He had intended to run for Delaware state governor in 2016.

Barack Obama said: “Beau Biden was an original. He was a good man. A man of character. A man who loved deeply and was loved in return.”

About 1,000 people – including Bill and Hillary Clinton and numerous other top politicians – attended the funeral at a Roman Catholic church in Wilmington, the largest city in the state of Delaware.

Joe Biden led a procession into the church with his family at the beginning of the service.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Mourners heard Barack Obama describing Beau Biden as a public servant who learned through early tragedy what mattered most and as a result decided upon living “a life of meaning” that would inspire those around him.

“He was a scion of an incredible family, who brushed away the possibility of privilege for the harder, better reward of earning his own way,” the president said.

Barack Obama described Beau Biden as a son, a father, a soldier and a politician who refused to take short cuts in his determination to serve his country and others.

He said that a “cruel twist of fate” killed Beau Biden’s mother and infant sister in a car crash four decades ago and left Beau – three years old at the time – and his younger brother Hunter in hospital.

Coldplay singer Chris Martin was a soloist at the service – he volunteered to perform after hearing that Beau Biden liked the band.

Beau Biden was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2013 and underwent treatment that was initially successful. However, the cancer recurred earlier this year.

Vladimir Putin: “Russia Is Not a Threat to NATO”

Diane A. Wade
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Vladimir Putin: “Russia Is Not a Threat to NATO”

Vladimir Putin has dismissed the idea that Russia could attack NATO as “insane”.

In an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, President Vladimir Putin says Russia is not a threat to NATO.

The Russian president told the publication: “Only an insane person and only in a dream can imagine that Russia would suddenly attack NATO.”

The Western alliance is bolstering its military presence in its eastern European members in response to their fears of Russian threat, following its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

NATO says that Russia is backing rebels in Ukraine – a claim denied by Moscow.

Photo Kremlin.ru
Photo Kremlin.ru

Three Baltic countries are preparing to ask for a permanent presence of NATO troops on their soil to act as a deterrent to the Russian military.

Six NATO bases are being set up and a 5,000-strong “spearhead” force established.

In his interview with the Italian publication, Vladimir Putin said some countries were “simply taking advantage of people’s fears with regard to Russia” in order to receive “some supplementary military, economic, financial or some other aid”.

“There is no need to fear Russia,” he said.

“The world has changed so drastically that people with some common sense cannot even imagine such a large-scale military conflict today. We have other things to think about, I assure you.”

Heavy fighting has erupted in Ukraine this week, focusing on the towns of Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, west of rebel-held Donetsk.

The opposing sides have accused each other of shattering February’s Minsk ceasefire, requiring them to withdraw heavy weapons from the frontline.

Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko told a news conference on June 5 that Russia had massed troops on the border and in rebel-held areas “in unprecedented numbers” – but Russia again denied that its military was involved in Ukraine.

Petro Poroshenko said Ukraine has deployed 50,000 troops in the conflict zone to meet the threat.

More than 6,400 people have been killed in eastern Ukraine since the conflict began in April 2014, when rebels seized large parts of two eastern regions, following Russia’s annexation of the Crimea peninsula.

The Ukraine crisis is on the agenda of talks of leaders of the most industrialized group of countries – the G7 – beginning on June 7, without Russia – usually its eight member.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc4qnvGxF1U

Rock am Ring 2015: Lightning Injures 33 People at Germany Music Festival

Sonia Pantiss
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Rock am Ring 2015: Lightning Injures 33 People at Germany Music Festival

More than thirty people have been hospitalized in Nurburgring, Germany, after two lightning strikes at the Rock am Ring music festival on June 6.

In total, “33 people were placed under observation in nearby hospitals”, police from Rhineland-Palatinate said in a statement.Rock am Ring 2015 lightning

All were reported to be “in good health.”

Tens of thousands of people are expected at the Rock am Ring festival over the weekend, where Foo Fighters are headlining.

Other artists on the line-up include Die Toten Hosen, The Prodigy, Bastille, Jamie T and Slipknot.

Foo Fighters are the headline act for June 7, they are scheduled to be on stage at 22.30.

The Rock am ring festival runs from June 5 to 7.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhzRJcFp1tU

Pope Francis Celebrates Mass at Kosevo Stadium in Sarajevo

Diane A. Wade
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Pope Francis Celebrates Mass at Kosevo Stadium in Sarajevo

Tens of thousands of Catholics have attended a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at a stadium in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Pope Francis’ visit to Sarajevo is aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation across Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The pontiff is also meeting members of the Muslim, Orthodox Christian and Jewish communities during his one-day trip.

Bosnia remains divided along religious and ethnic lines, 20 years after its civil war which depleted the Catholic population.

“War never again!” Pope Francis urged in his homily before 65,000 worshippers at Sarajevo’s Kosevo stadium.Pope Francis Sarajevo Stadium 2015

He added: “War means children, women and the elderly in refugee camps; it means forced displacement, destroyed houses, streets and factories. Above all countless shattered lives.”

“You know this well having experienced it here,” Pope Francis added in reference to the 1992-19995 Bosnian conflict, which left some 100,000 dead and two million displaced.

Pope Francis also warned that the world faced “a kind of third world war being fought piecemeal and, in the context of global communications, we sense an atmosphere of war”.

The war between Christian Orthodox Serbs and Muslim Bosniaks in the early ‘90s resulted in deep ethnic divisions. There was also a Bosniak-Croat conflict within the wider war.

Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Catholics, from the Bosnian Croatian community, are estimated to number 10-15% of the population.

Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said a central aspect of the visit would be boosting the morale of Catholics, many of whom left the country after the conflict.

“In December the 20th anniversary of the war will be remembered but the traces and the wounds of war are still there,” Pietro Parolin told AFP news agency.

Pope Francis was welcomed in Sarajevo by children wearing traditional costume representing Bosnia-Herzegovina’s three main faiths.

The pontiff also spoke to the three-member presidency and called on Bosnia-Herzegovina to reject division and continue working for peace to create “a melody of sublime nobility and beauty, instead of the fanatical cries of hatred”.

Speaking to reporters on his flight to Sarajevo, Pope Francis described Bosnia-Herzegovina’s capital as the “Jerusalem of the West”.

Princess Charlotte and Prince George Photo to Be Released by Kensington Palace

Lisa.Felice
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Princess Charlotte and Prince George Photo to Be Released by Kensington Palace

A very special photo of newborn Princess Charlotte with her older brother Prince George is to be released on Saturday, June 6 by Kensington Palace.

Princess Charlotte was born on May 2 at London’s St Mary’s Hospital, weighing 8lbs 3oz.

Kensington Palace announced on Twitter: “We’ll be posting a very special photo of Prince George & his little sister Princess Charlotte late tonight. Can’t wait to share it with you!”

Yesterday, Kensington Palace announced Princess Charlotte will be christened on Sunday, July 5.Prince George and Princess Charlotte

Princess Charlotte’s christening will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church at the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children have been at their home, Anmer Hall, since leaving London shortly after the birth of the princess.

The royal couple is expected to be based there for the next few years as they raise Princess Charlotte and Prince George, who is almost two, with the help of a full-time nanny.

Princess Charlotte is the fourth in line to the UK’s throne and her full name has been registered as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge.

Roland Garros 2015: Serena Williams Wins French Open Final After Beating Lucie Safarova

Clyde K. Valle
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Roland Garros 2015: Serena Williams Wins French Open Final After Beating Lucie Safarova

Serena Williams won this year’s French Open final against Czech 13th seed Lucie Safarova to claim her 20th Grand Slam title.

WTA No 1 Serena Williams, 33, needed two hours and one minute to win 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 at Roland Garros.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Lucie Safarova, who played her first Grand Slam final, led by a break in the decider but Serena Williams won the last six games.

Serena Williams becomes the third player – male or female – to win 20 major singles titles.

Only Germany’s Steffi Graf on 22 has won more since the open era began in 1968, with Australia’s Margaret Court collecting 24 between 1960 and 1973.

Victory at Wimbledon in July would see Serena Williams hold all four major titles at once, having managed the feat already in 2003.

Steve Martin Receives AFI Life Achievement Award

Sonia Pantiss
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Steve Martin Receives AFI Life Achievement Award

Steve Martin received the American Film Institute’s life achievement award, its highest honor, on June 4.

Steve Carell, Diane Keaton and Martin Short were among those who joined Steve Martin at the Los Angeles ceremony.

Tina Fey called the actor “the first rock star comedian”, while Jack Black sang The Thermos Song from The Jerk.

Steve Martin said, as he received the award: “How do I top this parade of stars who have been so, so funny?

“Easy.”Steve Martin AFI Life Achievement Award 2015

“Tonight is especially meaningful to me, because when I was a kid, I used to get all dressed up and play AFI Lifetime Achievement Award,” he added.

Steve Martin, who turns 70 this year, is best known for movies including Parenthood, The Man With Two Brains, Planes, Trains & Automobiles and Roxanne.

The comedian is also an author and a prolific banjo player, releasing a Bluegrass album in 2009 called The Crow.

Steve Martin was presented with the award by Mel Brooks, who received the same honor in 2013.

The comedian, who has won an Emmy, four Grammys, a Kennedy Center Honor and an Honorary Oscar, concluded on a humble note: “Last year I was walking down the street and a young girl about 17 said to me: <<Did you do that (1979) movie The Jerk?>> I said, <<Yes, I did>>.

“And she said, <<You gonna do another movie?>>”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHBkhA0-eAc

Yangtze Ship Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 396 as Emergency Workers Search Vessel

Diane A. Wade
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Yangtze Ship Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 396 as Emergency Workers Search Vessel

According to Chinese authorities, the death toll from the Eastern Star cruise ship disaster now stands at 396 as emergency workers search the vessel in the Yangtze River.

The Eastern Star capsized in a storm on June 1 and was turned upright in an operation on June 5.

Just 14 of the 456 passengers and crew are known to have survived. More than 40 are still missing.

The tragedy looks set to be China’s worst shipping disaster in more than 60 years of Communist rule.

Hooks were welded onto the ship and a net stretched around the entire structure in order to lift it by crane.

Most of the bodies retrieved were inside the vessel. State television says the focus of the recovery operation is the top and bottom decks of the ship.Eastern Star cruise ship disaster Yngtze River

Officials said there had been no further signs of life inside the ship, Xinhua news agency reports.

President Xi Jinping promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster, after angry relatives protested at the scene.

Authorities tightly controlled access to the site, leading family members and journalists to complain about a lack of information.

Most of the 14 people known to have survived jumped from the ship as it began to sink. Three were rescued by divers from air pockets in the upturned hull.

The cause of the sinking is not yet known, but survivors have spoken of an intense storm which flipped the boat over in minutes.

The captain and chief engineer, who were among those who escaped, have since been detained.

Maritime agency records showed the Eastern Star was investigated for safety violations two years ago. It was held alongside five other vessels in 2013 over safety concerns.

The Eastern Star could become China’s deadliest boat accident since the SS Kiangya sank off Shanghai in 1948, killing somewhere between 2,750 and 4,000 people.

Princess Charlotte Godparents: Princess Beatrice and Peter Phillips Tipped by Oddmakers

Lisa.Felice
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Princess Charlotte Godparents: Princess Beatrice and Peter Phillips Tipped by Oddmakers

Princess Charlotte’s christening was announced for Sunday, July 5.

The christening of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s second child will be held at St. Mary Magdalene’s Church on Queen Elizabeth II’s Sandringham estate, in the same church where late Princess Diana was baptized.Princess Charlotte godparents odds

Although Princess Charlotte’s godparents won’t be announced until her christening, bookmakers are dusting off their odds on June 5 as the date for the service was announced by Kensington Palace.

According to People Magazine, oddsmakers Ladbrokes has Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie as heading the list of favorite family and friends for Princess Charlotte’s godparents, while gamblers also have Pippa Middleton and Prince Harry as top potential picks.

Peter Phillips, the cousin of Prince William, is tipped by Ladbrokes to get the job at ½, the publication says. Peter Phillips would join the ranks with his sister Zara Tindall, who is already a godparent to Princess Charlotte’s big brother Prince George.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nfbhKxNNU0

Pope Francis Visits Bosnia-Herzegovina

Diane A. Wade
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Pope Francis Visits Bosnia-Herzegovina

Pope Francis is visiting Bosnia-Herzgovina, where about 100,000 people are expected to greet him.

The Pope’s visit to the capital Sarajevo is aimed at prompting peace and reconciliation across Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The pontiff, who arrived today in the country, will hold a Mass at a Sarajevo stadium and also meet members of the Muslim, Orthodox Christian and Jewish communities.

Bosnia remains divided along religious and ethnic lines, 20 years after its civil war.Pope Francis visits Bosnia Herzegovina

Cardinal Vinko Puljic urged people of all faiths to “keep their ears and hearts open for the pope’s message”.

“We have put a lot of love into the preparations for the visit,” he said.

“The city is radiating joy.”

The war between Christian Orthodox Serbs and Muslim Bosniaks in the early 90s resulted in deep ethnic divisions.

Pope Francis will attempt to bolster reconciliation, by encouraging communities to come together.

In a message to the residents of Sarajevo earlier this week, Pope Francis wrote: “I come amongst you… to express my support for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, and above all to encourage peaceful cohabitation in your country.”

At least 5,000 police will be on duty and authorities have published a helpline number if members of the public spot any suspicious activity during the visit.

On June 5, local media reported jihadists claiming to be from Islamic State had issued a video, calling for action in the Balkans. However, it is not thought to be linked to the papal visit.

Eighteen years ago, Pope John Paul II travelled to Sarajevo during a severe snowstorm in 1997. A monument was erected in the late pontiff’s honor in 2014.

Jennifer Aniston Is Writting a Cookbook

Lisa.Felice
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Jennifer Aniston Is Writting a Cookbook

According to new reports, Jennifer Aniston is in the process of writing a cookbook.

In an interview with Yahoo Beauty, Jennifer Aniston revealed that she is currently “working on” one. She hints that it will probably be about healthy eating.Jennifer Aniston to publish cookbook

When asked what new projects she would like to launch, Jennifer Aniston responded: “I would like to do a lifestyle thing, for people who struggle with dieting. I could just make anything for a diet taste delicious.”

Jennifer Aniston, 46, is the latest famous person to announce that they are writing a cookbook or entering the lifestyle space. Fellow Brad Pitt-ex Gwyneth Paltrow has dominated the category for years. The actress has published multiple cookbooks and has started a whole lifestyle company called Goop.

Gwyneth Paltrow recently announced that she is launching a health food line, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Zs67eLvCs

Female Viagra: Flibanserin Approval Backed by Federal Advisory Panel

Kathryn R. Bown
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Female Viagra: Flibanserin Approval Backed by Federal Advisory Panel

A federal advisory panel has urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve Sprout Pharmaceuticals’ flibanserin, nicknamed the “female Viagra”.

The experts backed flibanserin, but said it must carry warnings about strong possible side effects including fainting and tiredness.

By a vote of 18-6, the advisory committee to the FDA favored approval of the drug for women whose lack of s**ual desire was not attributable to other causes such as disease or relationship troubles, providing that certain steps were taken to limit the risks of the drug. Doctors might be required, for instance, to inform patients of potential side effects — like low blood pressure, fainting, nausea and dizziness — and physicians might have to become certified to prescribe the drug.

The final decision now moves to the FDA.

Now the drug could be approved by August 18, the FDA’s deadline for making a decision.Flibanserin female Viagra

The FDA has rejected the drug twice since 2010 but it usually follows the advice of its experts.

The agency has previously approved Viagra for men in 1999.

The move was immediately hailed by some women’s organizations. Their controversial campaign by to win federal approval was waged under the banner Even the Score, which accused the FDA of gender bias because it had approved Viagra and other drugs to help men while leaving women without options. The participants in the campaign had been brought together by a consultant to Sprout Pharmaceuticals, the developer of flibanserin.

According to experts, the drug has “modest results”, however, Dr. Julia Heiman of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University said: “But on the other hand, even modest results can make a lot of difference when you’re at a certain point in the clinical problem.”

One patient who received the drug explained its appeal.

“For us, flibanserin is a relationship-saving and life-changing drug,” said Amanda Parrish.

Some criticized the campaign as providing cover for a drug with marginal effects.

“To approve this drug will set the worst kind of precedent – that companies that spend enough money can force the FDA to approve useless or dangerous drugs,” said, Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman of Georgetown University, the New York Times reported.

If approved, flibanserin will be aimed at pre-menopausal women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ-Y-8Sl3uA

Azamat Tazhayakov: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s Friend Jailed for Boston Bombing Cover-Up

Nancy Clayson
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Azamat Tazhayakov: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s Friend Jailed for Boston Bombing Cover-Up

osAzamat Tazhayakov, has been sentenced to three and a half years in jail for obstructing police after Boston Marathon bombings.

Azamat Tazhayakov, a Kazakh exchange student, tearfully apologized on June 5 for removing a backpack containing fireworks from Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s room.

He denounced the Boston bomber’s actions, which killed three and injured 264 at the finishing line of the marathon in 2013.

In 2014, Azamat Tazhayakov was convicted of obstruction of justices.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s three friends went into his dormitory to collect the evidence, a backpack and a laptop.Azamat Tazhayakov jailed for Boston bombing cover up

One of them, Dias Kadyrbayev, took the lead in removing the items, texting with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev as he did so, while the two other friends, including Azamat Tazhayakov and American Robel Phillipos, stood by and assisted, according to reports from the Boston Globe.

Dias Kadyrbayev pleaded guilty in 2014 to removing the backpack from Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s room and was sentenced on June 2 to six years in prison.

Judge Douglas Woodlock said: “There is no question that this was a very serious offence, the failure to act properly when confronted with the devastating event.”

Azamat Tazhayakov said the decision to bomb the Boston marathon “made him sick”. His father wept as he apologized.

Robel Phillipos was sentenced to three years in prison on June 5 for lying to investigators.

The three friends all attended the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

Judge Douglas Woodlock said he thought Dias Kadrybayev was “most culpable” of the three friends.

The authorities are not claiming that Robel Phillipos, Azamat Tazhayakov and Dias Kadyrbayev were aware of the Boston Marathon bombing before it happened.

Princess Charlotte Christening Date Set for July 5

Lisa.Felice
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0
Princess Charlotte Christening Date Set for July 5

Princess Charlotte will be christened on Sunday, July 5, Kensington Palace has announced.

The christening of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s daughter will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church at the Queen’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Princess Charlotte was born on May 2 at St Mary’s Hospital in London, weighing 8lb 3oz.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said he was “delighted” to have been invited to conduct the baptism.

He said: “It will be an extraordinary honor and privilege to help welcome the princess into the family of the church.”

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

The princess is the fourth in line to the UK’s throne and her full name has been registered as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge.

On June 1, Prince William returned to work as a pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance after taking a break over the birth of Princess Charlotte.

Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children have been at their home Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate since leaving London shortly after the birth of the princess, their second child.

The family is expected to be based at Anmer Hall for the next few years as they raise Princess Charlotte and their first born Prince George, who is almost two, with the help of a full-time nanny.

Prince George’s christening took place in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace in London in October 2013.

He was born at St Mary’s Hospital on July 22, 2013.

The prince, who is the third in line to the throne, wore a replica of the lace and satin christening gown made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, the Princess Royal, in 1841.

Prince George’s christening was private, with only senior royals, four members of the Middleton family, the seven godparents and their spouses among the 22 guests.

The prince’s godparents are the Princess Royal’s daughter Zara Tindall, Oliver Baker, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, Earl Grosvenor, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Julia Samuel, William van Cutsem.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have yet to announce Princess Charlotte’s godparents.

 

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