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One Direction is not breaking up after Zayn Malik’s departure

Sonia Pantiss
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One Direction is not breaking up after Zayn Malik’s departure

One Direction’s remaining members say the band is not on the verge of splitting up, despite rumors started on social media.

They will continue as a four-piece after Zayn Malik announced he was leaving the group last week to “live like a normal 22-year-old”.

Zayn Malik’s departure was followed by rumors on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook that One Direction was about to break up.

Liam Payne thanked fans for sticking with the band and for “not thinking it’s finished”.

He tweeted: “I can see a lot of people thanking us for staying but your the real Heros here thanks for not thinking it’s finished.”

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

One Direction continued their On the Road Again tour and have been playing concerts in South Africa.

They start the European leg of the tour by playing Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on June 5 and 6.

Zayn Malik left the group last week after flying back to the UK, having been “signed off with stress”.

It was after reports that he had cheated on his 21-year-old fiancée, Perrie Edwards.

Zayn Malik told The Sun that he was “upset” for the group’s fans and he said there was no bad blood between him and his former bandmates, who he said had been “really supportive”.

It’s thought Zayn Malik is working on a solo album with producer Naughty Boy, who has worked on tracks for Emeli Sande, Cheryl Cole and Leona Lewis.

Jay Z launches artist-friendly streaming site Tidal

Sonia Pantiss
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Jay Z launches artist-friendly streaming site Tidal

Kanye West, Jack White, Rihanna, Madonna and Coldplay are uniting behind Jay Z’s “artist-friendly” streaming site, Tidal.

They all turned their Twitter profiles teal blue, to reflect Tidal’s branding, on Sunday night.

Tidal launches on March 30, promising CD-quality streaming and thousands of music videos, for a subscription fee.

Taylor Swift, who pulled her catalogue off Spotify last November, is among those to feature on the service.

Her back catalogue – with the exception of her current album, 1989 – is already available on the service, which requires a monthly subscription of $9,99 for standard-quality music, and $19.99 for the “high fidelity” option.

A spokesperson for Taylor Swift said that the star’s back catalogue appears on all streaming services that require a subscription fee.

“This has never been changed. Big Machine Records believes music has value and we do not believe Taylor’s music should be made available for free,” they said.

Other artists publically backing Tidal on social media included DJ Calvin Harris, R&B star Usher, country singer Jason Aldean and Beyonce, who is married to Jay Z.

It has also been rumored that Rihanna’s much-anticipated eighth album will premiere on the service after Monday’s launch event.Jay Z launches Tidal

Rihanna is signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label, making such a deal possible, but there has been no official confirmation.

Jay Z’s company Project Panther bought Aspiro, a Swedish tech firm that runs two streaming music services (WiMP and Tidal) for $56 million on March 13.

According to Forbes, Jay Z intends to allow artists who sign up to his site reap more rewards than they would on rivals such as Spotify, Rdio, Rhapsody and Beats Music.

He will announce his plans at a live-streamed launch event in New York.

A press invitation for the event promised that “Shawn <<Jay Z>> Carter and special guests will announce a commitment to a new direction for the music industry from both a creative and business perspective”.

The launch comes as the streaming market becomes increasingly competitive.

The rapid success of Spotify, which now has more than 15 million paid subscribers and 60 million total users, has prompted many tech companies to launch similar services.

Last year, Google announced a subscription service that allows users to stream ad-free music videos, and download them for offline use.

The monthly fee for Music Key also provides membership to Google Play All Access, the company’s pre-existing “all-you-can-eat” music facility.

Apple is poised to launch its own service, after paying $3 million for headphone maker and music-streaming provider Beats Electronics last year.

Israel: Former PM Ehud Olmert found guilty in Morris Talansky case after corruption retrial

Diane A. Wade
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Israel: Former PM Ehud Olmert found guilty in Morris Talansky case after corruption retrial

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert has been found guilty in the Morris Talansky case after a corruption retrial.

The Jerusalem District Court on March 30 found Ehud Olmert guilty of fraud and breach of trust.

The judges noted that new evidence provided to the court disproves Ehud Olmert’s version of events, according to which he claimed the money involved in the case was “political money” and not a personal bribe.

All three judges ruled unanimously in finding Ehud Olmert guilty. His sentence will be determined on May 7.Ehud Olmert in Morris Talansky case

Ehud Olmert had been acquitted in 2012 of taking envelopes stuffed with money from a US-based supporter.

However, a retrial was ordered after the emergence of recordings in which he referred to receiving the money.

Ehud Olmert, who served as Israeli prime minister from 2006 to 2009, is currently appealing a conviction for bribery in 2014 for which he was sentenced to six years.

His lawyers say they are considering appealing the latest conviction.

Nigeria elections 2015: Counting ballots under way

Diane A. Wade
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Nigeria elections 2015: Counting ballots under way

Nigeria has continued counting ballots in its presidential election, with the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan facing a strong challenge from former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari.

The election commission (INEC) said it hoped to announce the winner on March 30.

The UN has praised the poll despite technical hitches, protests and violence linked to Boko Haram.

Voting was extended until Sunday in some parts of Nigeria after problems with new electronic card readers.

President Goodluck Jonathan was among those unable to cast his vote using the technology, which was introduced to prevent fraud.

His Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had opposed the card readers, called it a “huge national embarrassment”.Nigeria elections 2015 counting

The INEC chair, Attahiru Jega, stressed that only a fraction of the 150,000 card readers being used nationwide had failed.

The vote had been delayed by six weeks because of the insurgency by Boko Haram militants.

The Islamists attacked polling stations in north-eastern states, with a curfew declared in Bauchi State after fighting between the security forces and the group.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised the “determination and resilience” of Nigerian voters, despite the reports of attacks by Boko Haram and others.

Ban Ki-moon said in a statement voting had been “largely peaceful and orderly”.

His comments have been echoed by the regional bloc Ecowas, which urged Nigerians to accept the result.

There has been tension in the southern Rivers State, where thousands protested against alleged killings of opposition workers and voting irregularities.

INEC said it was “concerned” by the complaints, adding that one of their offices was set on fire during the unrest.

Results of the voting were expected to arrive overnight but so far there is no official indication of which party is in the lead.

The PDP has dominated Nigerian politics since 1999, but Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s All Progressives Congress is viewed as a serious challenge.

Voters have also elected members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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Solar Impulse 2 departs Myanmar for China on fifth leg of round-the-world flight

James J. Williams
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Solar Impulse 2 departs Myanmar for China on fifth leg of round-the-world flight

Solar Impulse 2 has left Myanmar for China on the fifth leg of its round-the-world flight.

The solar-powered plane, with Bertrand Piccard at the controls, left Mandalay in Myanmar (Burma) just after 3AM local time on Monday, March 30, and is heading for Chongqing in China.

The intention is to make a brief stop there, and then try to reach Nanjing on the east coast of China.

This would set up Solar Impulse 2 for the first of its big ocean crossings – a five-day, five-night flight to Hawaii.

Mission control will not make a decision on the Nanjing leg until late on Monday, March 30.

The decision may rest on the state of the energy reserves held in the plane’s batteries.

China’s air traffic authorities would like the team to start the sixth leg before dawn. But if the reserves are marginal then Solar Impulse will be held in Chongqing until the batteries can be charged.Solar Impulse 2 leaves Myanmar for China

The problem with this scenario is that poor weather is forecast in the Chongqing region in the coming days, and if Solar Impulse does not leave straightaway, it could be delayed for perhaps a week.

Solar Impulse 2 took off from Mandalay International Airport in darkness at 03:36 local time, on March 30. Leg five is a long one – about 1,375km – and is expected to take roughly 19 hours.

It would see Solar Impulse landing around midnight local time at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.

It is 20 days since the venture got under way from Abu Dhabi.

The Swiss-based project expects the circumnavigation of the globe to be completed in a total of 12 legs, with a return to the Emirate in a few months’ time.

Bertrand Piccard is sharing the flying duties in the single-seater plane with his business partner, Andre Borschberg.

In the past month, Solar Impulse 2 has set two world records for manned solar-powered flight.

The first was for the longest distance covered on a single journey – that of 1,468km between Muscat, Oman, and Ahmedabad, India.

The second was for a groundspeed of 117 knots (135mph), which was achieved during the leg into Mandalay, Myanmar, from Varanasi, India.

No solar-powered plane has ever flown around the world.

The Solar Impulse 2 venture does however recall some other recent circumnavigation feats in aviation – albeit fuelled ones.

In 1986, the Voyager aircraft became the first to fly around the world without stopping or refueling.

Piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, the propeller-driven vehicle took nine days to complete its journey.

Then, in 2005, this time was beaten by the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, which was solo-piloted by Steve Fossett.

A jet-powered plane, GlobalFlyer completed its non-stop circumnavigation in just under 3 days.

Solar Impulse 2 has a wingspan of 72m – bigger than that of a 747 jumbo jet airliner – but only weighs 2.3 tonnes.

Its four propellers are dependent on the electricity from 17,000 solar cells that line the top of the wings.

During the night, the props’ motors must call on the excess energy generated and stored during the day in lithium-ion batteries.

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Best Buy closes Canadian subsidiary Future Shop

Clyde K. Valle
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Best Buy closes Canadian subsidiary Future Shop

Best Buy has announced that it is closing its Canadian subsidiary, Future Shop.

The US consumer electronics chain is converting 65 of 131 Future Shop stores into Best Buy outlets.

As a result of the move, 500 full-time jobs and 1,000 part-time jobs will go, the retailer said.

Future Shop, Canada’s biggest electronics brand, had been owned by Best Buy since 2001.Best Buy closes Future Shop

After the changeover is completed, Best Buy will have 192 Canadian stores.

Best Buy said it would be investing C$200 million ($158 million) in its operations there over the next two years.

There would also be restructuring costs of at least C$200 million, it added.

Analysts say the move will rationalize Best Buy’s offer in Canada and get rid of duplication. Best Buy and Future Shop outlets are often found in close proximity, they say.

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France local elections 2015: Polls suggest Nicolas Sarkozy’s UMP win

Diane A. Wade
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France local elections 2015: Polls suggest Nicolas Sarkozy’s UMP win

Nicolas Sarkozy’s Conservative UMP Party and its allies appear to have come first in the final round of French local elections.

The UMP appeared set to secure more than 60 local councils, exit polls suggested, up from 41.

Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Front also appeared to have made gains, while the ruling Socialists and their allies may lose about 30 departments.

These elections are seen as a test case ahead of 2017’s presidential election.

Paris and Lyon, France’s two biggest cities, were excluded from Sunday’s election.

The National Front appeared to have won a significant number of seats in Sunday’s second round of elections, but it was not clear if it had gained control of any councils, the exit polls said.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Marine Le Pen hailed a “historic” day for the FN, saying: “I thank all our voters for this magnificent success.”

PM Manuel Valls admitted that the Socialist Party had lost ground, and said that the rise in the National Front’s popularity showed a lasting change in France’s political landscape.

He vowed to redouble efforts to boost the economy.

Nicolas Sarkozy said voters had rejected the policies of his successor as president, Francois Hollande.

“Never has our political family won so many councils,” he told supporters.

Francois Hollande has suffered from slumping personal ratings, boosted only briefly by his response to January’s terror attacks in Paris.

French voters have been electing representatives in 101 departments, or counties, charged with issues like schools and welfare.

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Top 5 Ruby on Rails Content Management Systems

Ricky Robinson
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Top 5 Ruby on Rails Content Management Systems

Framework Ruby On Rails software web development companies are using to create, publish and manage a website’s content, it is necessary having a reliable and easy-to-use content management system. CMS (content management system) is a computer program that is widely used for blogs, websites and also for corporate sites. This program provides a user-friendly UI and helps avoid hand coding. CMS gives an ideal environment for a hassle-free content management and does not require mastering any programing language to start using it. In other words, a content management system is understandable even for newbies.

Ruby on Rails is one of the most popular web development framework used for CMS developing. This powerful, open source web application framework enables running diverse web apps. It provides facilities for developing new pages, handling templates, querying the database and gathering information from the web server. Content management systems created with Ruby on Rails, are characterised by a secure UI and a wide set of functions that make content management apprehensible even for the most inexperienced users.

Here are top 5 CMS created with Ruby on Rails:

Radiant CMS

This is one of the most popular and widely used open source CMS. Users choose it for its elegant and intelligible UI and a huge collection of templates it comes with. When choosing Radiant CMS you get awesome page parts, snippets, plugins and layouts.

Casein CMS

This Ruby on Rails CMS is extremely lightweight. It comes with basic management, user authentication and minimal CURD user interface.

Refinery CMS

The main advantage of this content management system is that it is available absolutely for free. Refinery CMS is very easy to use and can be easily modified in accordance with your needs. The interface provided by this content management system is ideal for creating websites with a customized content management.

Browser CMS

A comprehensive set of efficient features has made Browser CMS a number one choice for editors. This content management system is very easy to use and therefore is suitable for newbies.

Locomotive CMS

This content management system is focused on a standard development process and front end technology. When choosing Locomotive CMS, you help your clients avoid a number of difficulties, including a bothersome and time-consuming learning process.

Whatever Ruby on Rails content management system you choose, you will get a wide range of useful functions that will make a website’s content management easier and more efficient. Moreover, you will get an excellent opportunity to increase your productivity and at the same time, save much effort and energy.

Ebola outbreak 2015: Guinea declares 45-day health emergency in five regions

Kathryn R. Bown
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Ebola outbreak 2015: Guinea declares 45-day health emergency in five regions

Guinea has declared a 45-day “health emergency” in five regions in the west and south-west of the country over Ebola.

The restrictions include the quarantining of hospitals and clinics where new cases are detected, new rules on burials and possible lockdowns.

The Ebola outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013.

In January, the World Health Organization reported a steady drop in cases in the three epicenter countries.

Renewed concern has been triggered by fresh setbacks in these countries – Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.Ebola outbreak Guinea

President Alpha Conde said he was declaring “a reinforced health emergency for a period of 45 days in the prefectures of Forecariah, Coyah, Dubreka, Boffa and Kindia” in a statement published in national media.

The focus of the virus “has shifted to our country’s coastal areas”, he said.

He added: “Wherever the need may be, throughout this period, measures of restriction and confinement will be taken.”

It is a first for the country since the outbreak began, Reuters reported.

On March 27, Sierra Leone began a three-day nationwide lockdown sparked by fears the virus was making a comeback in some parts of the country.

The southwest region of Guinea borders northern districts of Sierra Leone that are focus areas for the lockdown there.

On Friday evening Guinea deployed security forces to its south-west in response to reports Sierra Leoneans were crossing the border to flee the operation, an official told Associated Press.

Sierra Leone government spokesman Theo Nicol said the two countries had agreed to police the border so people with Ebola symptoms did not cross.

Since the Ebola outbreak began more than 24,000 people in nine countries have been infected with the virus, and over 10,000 of them have died.

Kids’ Choice Awards 2015: Angelina Jolie makes first post-surgery appearance

Lisa.Felice
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Kids’ Choice Awards 2015: Angelina Jolie makes first post-surgery appearance

Angelina Jolie made her first public appearance since announcing she had removed her ovaries and fallopian tubes to prevent cancer at the 2015 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

Angelina Jolie, 39, attended the event with her daughters Zahara and Shiloh.Angelina Jolie Kids Choice Awards 2015

Last week, Angelina Jolie wrote in an op-ed in the New York Times: “Two years ago I wrote about my choice to have a preventive double mastectomy. A simple blood test had revealed that I carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. It gave me an estimated 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer. I lost my mother, grandmother and aunt to cancer.

“I promised to follow up with any information that could be useful, including about my next preventive surgery, the removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes.”  

Angelina Jolie went to see the surgeon who treated her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, who died of ovarian cancer at age 56 in 2007, for additional tests.

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Kids’ Choice Awards 2015: Full list of winners

Sonia Pantiss
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Kids’ Choice Awards 2015: Full list of winners

Nickelodeon presented the 2015 Kids’ Choice Awards on Saturday, March 28, live from The Forum in Inglewood, California.

Full list of winners:

Favorite Talent Competition Show*

America’s Got Talent

American Idol

America’s Next Top Model

Dancing with the Stars

So You Think You Can Dance

The Voice *WINNER 

Favorite Family TV Show*

Gotham

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Modern Family *WINNER

Once Upon a Time

The Big Bang Theory

The Flash

Most Addicting Game*

Angry Birds Transformers

Candy Crush Saga

Disney Infinity 2.0

Mario Kart 8

Minecraft *WINNER

Skylanders: Trap Team

Favorite New Artist

5 Seconds of Summer

Echosmith

Fifth Harmony *WINNER

Iggy Azalea

Jessie J

Meghan Trainor

Favorite Kids TV Show

Austin & Ally *WINNER

Dog with a Blog

Every Witch Way

Henry Danger

Jessie

Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn

Favorite TV Actor

Benjamin Flores Jr., – The Haunted Hathaways

Charlie McDermott – The Middle

Grant Gustin – The Flash

Jack Griffo – The Thundermans

Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory

Ross Lynch – Austin & Ally *WINNER

Favorite TV Actress

Chloe Bennet – Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Debby Ryan – Jessie

Jennifer Morrison – Once Upon a Time

Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting – The Big Bang Theory

Kira Kosarin – The Thundermans

Laura Marano – Austin & Ally *WINNER

Favorite Cartoon

Adventure Time

Phineas & Ferb

SpongeBob SquarePants *WINNER

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teen Titans Go!

The Fairly OddParents

Favorite Reality Show

American Ninja Warrior

Cupcake Wars

Dance Moms *WINNER

MasterChef Junior

Shark Tank

Wipeout

Favorite Movie

Guardians of the Galaxy

Maleficent

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 *WINNER 

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Favorite Villain

Angelina Jolie – Maleficent *WINNER

Cameron Diaz – Annie

Donald Sutherland – The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1

Jamie Foxx – The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Lee Pace – Guardians of the Galaxy

Meryl Streep – Into the Woods

Favorite Movie Actor

Ben Stiller – Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb *WINNER

Hugh Jackman – X-Men: Days of Future Past

Jamie Foxx – The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Mark Wahlberg – Transformers: Age of Extinction

Steve Carell – Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Will Arnett – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Lego Movie

Favorite Movie Actress

Angelina Jolie – Maleficent

Cameron Diaz – Annie

Elle Fanning – Maleficent

Emma Stone – The Amazing Spider-Man 2 *WINNER

Jennifer Garner – Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Megan Fox – Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesKids Choice Awards 2015

Favorite Animated Movie

Big Hero 6 *WINNER

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Penguins of Madagascar

Rio 2

The Lego Movie

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water

Favorite Male Action Star

Andrew Garfield – The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Channing Tatum – Jupiter Ascending

Chris Evans – Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Chris Pratt – Guardians of the Galaxy

Hugh Jackman – X-Men: Days of Future Past

Liam Hemsworth – The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 *WINNER

Favorite Female Action Star

Ellen Page – X-Men: Days of Future Past

Evangeline Lilly – The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Halle Berry – X-Men: Days of Future Past

Jennifer Lawrence – The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and X-Men: Days of Future Past *WINNER

Scarlett Johansson – Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Zoe Saldana – Guardians of the Galaxy

Favorite Music Group

Coldplay

Fall Out Boy

Imagine Dragons

Maroon 5

One Direction *WINNER

OneRepublic

Favorite Male Singer

Blake Shelton

Bruno Mars

Justin Timberlake

Nick Jonas *WINNER

Pharrell Williams

Sam Smith

Favorite Female Singer

Ariana Grande

Beyoncé

Katy Perry

Nicki Minaj

Selena Gomez *WINNER

Taylor Swift

Favorite Song Of The Year

All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor

Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj *WINNER

Dark Horse – Katy Perry

Fancy – Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX

Problem – Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea

Shake It Off – Taylor Swift

Favorite Book

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series *WINNER

Divergent series

The Heroes of Olympus series

Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods

The Fault in Our Stars

The Maze Runner

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Andreas Lubitz sought vision treatment before Germanwings crash

Nancy Clayson
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Andreas Lubitz sought vision treatment before Germanwings crash

Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz sought treatment for vision problems that may have jeopardized his ability to continue working as a pilot, the New York Times reported.

Andreas Lubitz, 28, was flying Germanwings flight 4U 9525 that slammed into a mountain in the French Alps on March 24.

The revelation of the possible trouble with his eyes added a new element to the emerging portrait of Andreas Lubitz, who the authorities say was also being treated for psychological issues and had hidden aspects of his medical condition from Germanwings. Antidepressants have been found during a search of his apartment on March 26.

Photo AFP
Photo AFP

It is not clear how severe Andreas Lubitz’s eye problems were or how they might have been related to his psychological condition.

Co-pilot Andreas Lubitz was alone in the cockpit of the Airbus A320 jetliner on the flight from Barcelona to Düsseldorf, ignoring demands from Captain Patrick Sonderheimer to be let back in, when the plane crashed.

French prosecutor Brice Robin said cockpit voice recordings and other data about the flight have revealed that Andreas Lubitz deliberately guided the plane, with another 149 people on board, into the mountains.

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Lee Kuan Yew state funeral held in Singapore

Diane A. Wade
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Lee Kuan Yew state funeral held in Singapore

The funeral of Singapore’s founding PM Lee Kuan Yew, who died on March 23 at the age of 91, is being held in the city-state.

Despite torrential rain, thousands of people are lining the streets to view the funeral procession carrying Lee Kuan Yew’s coffin from parliament, where it has been lying in state, across the city.

Following a state funeral attended by world leaders, Lee Kuan Yew’s body will be cremated in a private family ceremony.

One million people have visited tribute sites this week, say local media.

More than half a million people – 12% of Singaporean citizens – visited Parliament House to see Lee Kuan Yew ‘s coffin, while at least 850,000 others went to community sites to pay tribute.

The funeral procession began on Sunday, March 29, at 12:30 PM as Lee Kuan Yew’s body was taken from Parliament House on a gun carriage.Lee Kuan Yew state funeral held in Singapore

A 21-gun salute sounded, echoing across the city, as the procession moved on into the business district and Tanjong Pagar, the docklands constituency Lee Kuan Yew represented for his whole political life.

Military jets flew overhead while two Singaporean navy vessels conducted a sail-past of the Marina Bay barrage – the massive water conservation project spearheaded by Lee Kuan Yew.

Despite the pouring rain, crowds lined the route. They have been waiting almost silently but erupting in cheers and shouting Lee Kuan Yew’s name as the procession passes by.

The funeral service is expected to begin at 14:00 at a cultural centre in the west, with foreign leaders including former President Bill Clinton, Indian PM Narendra Modi, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Australian PM Tony Abbott and UK House of Commons leader William Hague attending.

The country will also observe a minute’s silence in the afternoon before singing the national anthem. The private cremation is taking place at the Mandai crematorium.

Singapore’s current PM Lee Hsien Loong, who is Lee Kuan Yew’s son, has described the past week as a “deeply moving experience” saying Singaporeans had “expressed their grief overwhelmingly”.

Many of the city-state’s shopping and commercial centers are expected to be closed on Sunday as a mark of respect to Lee Kuan Yew.

Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore’s prime minister for 31 years. He stepped down in 1990 but remained hugely influential in political life and was held in deep affection by Singaporeans.

Lee Kuan Yew oversaw Singapore’s independence from Britain and separation from Malaysia, and was widely respected as the architect of Singapore’s prosperity – the city-state’s GNP per capita increased 15-fold between 1960 and 1980.

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Graphene light bulb to go on sale

James J. Williams
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Graphene light bulb to go on sale

A graphene light bulb is to go on sale in the UK later this year.

The developers said the light bulb is the first commercially viable consumer product using the super-strong carbon.

The light bulb contains a filament-shaped LED coated in graphene. It was designed at Manchester University, where the material was discovered.

It is said to cut energy use by 10% and last longer owing to its conductivity.

The National Graphene Institute at Manchester University was opened this month.

The light bulb was developed by a Canadian-financed company called Graphene Lighting – one of whose directors is Prof. Colin Bailey, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Manchester.Graphene light bulb University of Manchester

It is expected to be priced lower than some LED bulbs.

Based on traditional light bulb design, the use of graphene allows it to conduct electricity and heat more effectively.

The discovery of graphene in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, two Russian-born scientists at the University of Manchester, earned the pair the Nobel Prize for Physics and knighthoods.

A micro-thin layer of graphene is stronger than steel and it has been dubbed a “wonder material” because of its potential uses.

More than 35 companies worldwide have already partnered with Manchester University to develop projects.

The race is now on to develop other practical and commercial uses of graphene, including lighter but more robust car and aircraft frames and false teeth.

Graphene has already been incorporated into products including tennis rackets and skis.

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Nigeria elections 2015: Voting extended after delays and attacks

Diane A. Wade
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Nigeria elections 2015: Voting extended after delays and attacks

Voting in parts of Nigeria have been extended until Sunday, March 29, after delays and a number of attacks.

Technical problems with new biometric cards slowed down voter registration, even affecting President Goodluck Jonathan.

More than 20 people have reportedly been killed in various attacks by unknown gunmen.

Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan is facing a strong challenge from Muhammadu Buhari.

The election is said to be the most closely fought since independence.

It was postponed from mid-February to allow the army time to recapture territory from the Islamist militants of Boko Haram.

The two main candidates had pledged to prevent violence during and in the aftermath of the elections.

Several hours after voting started, reports came in of violent incidents at polling stations in which at least 24 were reported to have been killed.

Thousands of Nigerians turned out to vote, despite threats from Boko Haram to disrupt the poll.

Voters are also electing members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.Nigeria elections 2015 extended

According to the Transitional Monitoring Group (TMG), the largest body observing the elections, voting had started in 75% of polling stations, while 92% had the materials they need to start the process.

Voters need to register using biometric cards with their fingerprints before they can cast their vote.

However, there have been problems with card readers at many polling stations.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the accreditation process had “gone on well in several places”, but was “slow” or had “not commenced at all” in others.

Goodluck Jonathan tried for some 50 minutes to register in his home village of Otuoke, before coming back a second time. When the electronic registration failed again, he had to be accredited manually before casting his ballot paper.

Problems were also reported from the north’s biggest city of Kano, where thousands of voters waited for election officials and voting materials to arrive.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari did not have any problems registering in his hometown, Daura.

Attacks were reported in north-eastern Gombe state, including incidents where gunmen opened fire on voters at polling stations.

It is unclear whether the attacks were the work of Boko Haram militants or political thugs.

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Amanda Knox speaks out for first time after Italy’s top court overturned her murder conviction

Nancy Clayson
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Amanda Knox speaks out for first time after Italy’s top court overturned her murder conviction

Amanda Knox said she’s “incredibly grateful” that Italy’s highest court overturned her murder conviction in the murder of her roommate, Meredith Kercher, in Perugia, Italy, in 2007.

Amanda Knox spoke out for the first time after Italy’s Supreme Court overturned her murder conviction.Amanda Knox about final verdict

She and her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were again cleared of the murder of Meredith Kercher in the final ruling of a long-running case.

Amanda Knox, now 27, told the press: “I’m incredibly grateful for what has happened, for the justice I have received.”

When asked about Meredith Kercher, Amanda Knox said: “She deserved so much in this life, I’m the lucky one.”

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Roger Moore denies making racist comments about Idris Elba

Sonia Pantiss
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Roger Moore denies making racist comments about Idris Elba

Roger Moore has denied making racist comments about Idris Elba.

The former James Bond star gave an interview to French magazine Paris Match. It says he was asked about Idris Elba succeeding Daniel Craig.

Roger Moore was quoted as saying the next 007 should be “English-English”.

Those comments initially drew criticism from some online but he’s insisted the quotes were “lost in translation”.

In the magazine, the quote appears under the title Idris Elba: le prochain Bond?, translated as Idris Elba: the next Bond.Idris Elba James Bond

The quote that appears below, when translated into English, reads: “Several years ago I said Cuba Gooding Jr. would make an excellent Bond, but that was a joke.

“Even though James has been played by a Scotsman, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he has to remain English-English. It’s an interesting idea, but unrealistic.”

However, Roger Moore insists that he wasn’t talking about Idris Elba, only the nationality of James Bond.

Elaborating further, the veteran actor said in a tweet: “When a journalist asks if <<Bond should be English>> and you agree, then quotes you saying it about Idris Elba, it’s out of context.”

In December 2014, following the hack at Sony Pictures, emails suggested that former co-chairman Amy Pascal wanted Idris Elba to be the next Bond.

At the time, Idris Elba responded with a selfie and a tweet: “Isn’t 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I’ve got a shot…”

Tim Cook to donate his wealth to charity

Clyde K. Valle
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Tim Cook to donate his wealth to charity

Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced he is donating most of his wealth to charity before he dies.

The boss of the world’s most profitable company is worth over $800 million.

Tim Cook told Fortune Magazine that he would leave his wealth to philanthropic causes but not before paying for his 10-year-old nephew’s college education.

He joins a growing number of the world’s super-rich who are giving away their wealth, including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.Tim Cook to donate his wealth to charity

Five years ago, billionaire investor Warren Buffett and Microsoft founder Bill Gates launched the campaign The Giving Pledge. It aims to convince billionaires to give at least half of their fortunes to charity.

Mark Zuckerberg and over 100 others have so far signed up to the “moral commitment”.

Tim Cook’s base salary went up by 43% in February 2014, rising to $9.2 million a year.

According to Fortune Magazine, Tim Cook holds $120 million worth of Apple shares and a further $665 million of restricted stocks.

Earth Hour 2015: “Use Your Power to Change Climate Change”

James J. Williams
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Earth Hour 2015: “Use Your Power to Change Climate Change”

This year’s Earth Hour is celebrated on Saturday, March 28, again between 8:30 and 9:30 pm local time.

In 2015, the tagline for the global campaign was Change Climate Change, returning to the movement’s original focus to initiate citizen action on global warming.

Earth Hour is a worldwide event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It is held worldwide annually encouraging individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the last Saturday in March.Earth Hour 2015 Change Climate Change

On March 27, a day before the event, over 170 countries and territories have confirmed their participation; with more than 1200 landmarks and close to 40 UNESCO world heritage sites set for the switch off.

For the second year running, Earth Hour Blue aims to raise funds for WWF organized climate focused projects on a crowdfunding platform. This year, crowdfunding projects include solar light distribution in the Philippines and India, and wildlife based projects from Colombia, Uganda and Indonesia.

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Andreas Lubitz’s health timeline

Nancy Clayson
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Andreas Lubitz’s health timeline

Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately crashed his plane in the French Alps, killing 150 people on March 24.

2009: Andreas Lubitz breaks off pilot training while still in his early 20’s after suffering “depressions and anxiety attacks”, the German tabloid Bild reports, quoting Lufthansa medical files. He resumes training after 18 months of treatment, according to Bild.

2013: Andreas Lubitz qualifies “with flying colors” as pilot, according to Lufthansa.

2013-2015: Medical file quoted by Bild marks Andreas Lubitz as requiring “specific regular medical examination” but no details are given.

Photo BILD
Photo BILD

February 2015: Andreas Lubitz undergoes diagnosis at Duesseldorf University Clinic for an unspecified illness; clinic has clarified the illness was not depression.

March 10, 2015: Andreas Lubitz again attends Duesseldorf University Clinic.

March 24, 2015: Andrea Lubitz is believed to have deliberately crashed airliner, killing himself and 149 others.

March 26, 2015: Prosecutors announce that two sick notes have been found torn up at Andreas Lubitz’s addresses in Germany.

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Andreas Lubitz’s ex-girlfriend reveals co-pilot predicted Germanwings plane crash

Nancy Clayson
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Andreas Lubitz’s ex-girlfriend reveals co-pilot predicted Germanwings plane crash

Andreas Lubitz’s ex-girlfriend claims the Germanwings co-pilot thought to have deliberately crashed his plane in the French Alps, killing 150 people, predicted “one day everyone will know my name”.

In an interview with German newspaper Bild, Andreas Lubitz’s ex-girlfriend recalled a comment the pilot made last year.

“One day I’m going to do something that will change the whole system, and everyone will know my name and remember,” Andreas Lubitz told her.

Germanwings flight 4U 9525 crashed into the French Alps on March 24.

Andreas Lubitz’s ex-girlfriend, a 26-year-old flight attendant who flew with him for five months last year, was “very shocked” when she heard the news, the publication reports.

She is referred to only as Maria W.

If Andreas Lubitz deliberately brought down the plane, “it is because he understood that because of his health problems, his big dream of a job at Lufthansa, as captain and as a long-haul pilot was practically impossible”, Maria told Bild.

Photo AFP/Getty Images
Photo AFP/Getty Images

Meanwhile, German newspaper Die Welt said that investigators had found evidence of a serious “psychosomatic illness”, and that Andreas Lubitz had been “treated by several neurologists and psychiatrists”.

Several medicines used to treat mental illnesses were found at his home, but there were no signs of drug or alcohol addiction, the publication, citing an unnamed investigator, said.

Separately, the New York Times, citing officials, reported that Andreas Lubitz had sought treatment for eye problems.

French investigator Jean-Pierre Michel also told the AFP news agency that Andreas Lubitz’s personality was “a serious lead [in the investigation] but… can’t be the only one”.

“We’re going to try to understand what in his life could have left him to carry out the act,” Jean-Pierre Michel said, adding that investigators had not discovered any “particular element” so far.

The black box voice recorder indicates that Andreas Lubitz locked his captain out of the cockpit and crashed the plane into a mountainside in what appears to have been a suicide and mass killing.

German prosecutors say they found medical documents at Andreas Lubitz’s house suggesting an existing illness and evidence of medical treatment. They found torn-up sick notes, one of them for the day of the crash.

They say Andreas Lubitz seems to have concealed his illness from his employers.

His former girlfriend told Bild they separated, “because it became increasingly clear that he had a problem”.

She said he was plagued by nightmares and would at times wake up screaming “we’re going down”.

She added that he became stressed when they spoke about work: “He became upset about the conditions we worked under: too little money, fear of losing the contract, too much pressure.”

A hospital in the German city of Duesseldorf has confirmed Andreas Lubitz was a patient there recently but it denied media reports that he had been treated for depression.

Andreas Lubitz’s employers insisted that he had only been allowed to resume training after his suitability was “re-established”.

A fellow member of the flight school where Andreas Lubitz took lessons said the co-pilot had known the area of the French Alps where the plane crashed from going there on gliding holidays.

French newspaper Metro News reported that Andreas Lubitz had holidayed with his parents at a flying club nearby.

French police say the search for passenger remains and debris on the mountain slopes could take another two weeks.

Relatives of some of the passengers and crew who died, including the family of the captain, have visited Seyne-les-Alpes, near the crash site.

In the aftermath of the crash, the EU’s aviation regulator, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), has urged airlines to adopt new safety rules.

In future, the EASA says, two crew members should be present in the cockpit at all times.

Lufthansa and Germanwings have taken out full-page notices in German newspapers, expressing their “deepest sympathy” and condolences for “the unfathomable loss of 150 lives”.

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Harry Styles breaks down in tears as One Direction performs without Zayn Malik in Indonesia

Sonia Pantiss
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Harry Styles breaks down in tears as One Direction performs without Zayn Malik in Indonesia

One Directions’ Harry Styles broke down in tears as band took to the stage without Zayn Malik.

On Wednesday, March 25, when the news of Zayn Malik’s decision to quit the band was still breaking around the world, One Direction was performing in Indonesia.

Harry Styles walked around on stage, head in hands as he started to cry.

A statement released by Zayn Malik on March 25 said “it’s time for me to leave”.

It began: “My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined.

“But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologize to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.Harry Styles crying on stage in Indonesia

“I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.

“I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”

The footage of Harry Styles was taken as One Direction performed on stage in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, the latest stop on their On The Road Again Tour.

Last week it was announced Zayn Malik had been signed off from the current tour with “stress”.

It is unclear from the footage whether Harry Styles, 21, was crying because of the news of Zayn Malik or because fans were showing support by shouting his name.

At one point in the concert Liam Payne reportedly comforted him.

In a black T-shirt and with his hair up in his trademark man bun, Harry Styles wandered around the stage with his head in his hands and wiping away tears.

Liam Payne told his 19.7 million Twitter followers: “So glad to be in bed after a long and strange 24 hours.”

Harry Styles sent a simple message to his 24.1 million Twitter followers, which read: “All the love as always. H.”

Louis Tomlinson has also tweeted: “Your support has been incredible, truly incredible so thank you so much!

“Been a crazy couple of days but know that we are going to work harder than ever to deliver the best album we’ve ever made for you guys!”

Niall Horan was the last to tweet. He said: “Been a mad few days and your support has been incredible as per usual! This in turn Spurs us on to make the best music we possibly can.

“Put on great shows / tours for you guys. You are the best fans in the world and you deserve nothing less from us!

“The lads and I arrived in South Africa this morning. We cannot wait to see all you SA fans for the first time and have great shows.”

It’s not the first time Harry Styles has appeared to cry on stage.

Footage showed him snivelling at a gig in Melbourne, Australia, in 2013 while singing Over Again.

One Direction released a statement on March 25 confirming to fans that the band would continue as a four-piece.

They will record their fifth album in Zayn Malik’s absence and will continue with the remaining dates on the band’s world tour.

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Zayn Malik admits letting fans down after leaving One Direction

Sonia Pantiss
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Zayn Malik admits letting fans down after leaving One Direction

Zayn Malik admits he has “let the fans down” by leaving One Direction.

The 22-year-old singer announced he was quitting the band on March 25.

In an interview with The Sun just hours after announcing he was leaving the band, Zayn Malik said: “I can’t do this anymore.”

Zayn Malik admitted his decision was “crazy and wild and a bit mad”.

“But I’ve never felt more in control in my life. I feel like I’m doing what’s right, right by myself and right by the boys.”

He denied there were any rifts between the band members, saying those claims “couldn’t be more wrong”.Zayn Malik quits One Direction

Zayn Malik also confessed he had wanted out of the band for some time.

He said: “You know, I did try to do something that I wasn’t happy doing for a while, for the sake of maybe other people.

“Basically, I’m only upset [because] I feel like I may have let them down.

“It’s not that I’ve turned my back on them [the fans] or anything, it’s just that I just can’t do that anymore because it’s not real to me.”

Zayn Malik also dismissed rumors it was the beginning of the end for the band, who were put together on The X Factor in 2010.

He refused to comment on speculation he could return in the future.

Zayn Malik quit the globally-successful pop group a week after walking away from their world tour due to “stress”.

It came after he was pictured with his arm around a blonde girl in Thailand, prompting speculation he had cheated on his fiancée, Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards.

Immediately after the announcement Zayn Malik flew back to the UK, and wrote on Twitter: “I’m 22 years old… I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there’s a lot of jealous [people] in this world. I’m sorry for what it looks like.”

Announcing he was leaving One Direction for good on March 25, Zayn Malik said: “After five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band.”

In the interview with The Sun, Zayn Malik said his two-year engagement to Perrie Edwards had not been broken off.

He described Perrie Edwards as “a good girl” who was “supportive” of his decision.

Meanwhile, Zayn Malik has reportedly visited a west London recording studio to work on solo material with Naughty Boy; who helped launch the careers of Emeli Sande and Sam Smith.

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Jeremy Clarkson offered job by Russian Army TV

Clyde K. Valle
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Jeremy Clarkson offered job by Russian Army TV

Jeremy Clarkson has been offered a new job less than 24 hours after being dropped from Top Gear.

The Russian Armed Forces Broadcasting Company, known as Zvezda, has invited Jeremy Clarkson to present their motoring television show.

In a statement on its website, Zvezda says it “expresses deep honor” to Jeremy Clarkson and “kindly asks for cooperation”.

Zvezda has asked Jeremy Clarkson to travel to Moscow to “discuss all the details”.Jeremy Clarkson offered job by Russian Army TV

The former Top Gear presenter has yet to reveal whether or not he is interested in the job.

Zvezda has published an email apparently from a spokesperson for Jeremy Clarkson.

The text claims he said: “I can only imagine what an episode… would [be] like. It could feature a Tsar in a reasonably priced car.”

The “spokesman” may be from a company which supplies high-profile people to give talks at corporate events.

Jeremy Clarkson has left Top Gear after his “fracas” with show producer Oisin Tymon earlier this month.

Dermot O’Leary leaves X Factor after 8 years and becomes favorite for Top Gear

Sonia Pantiss
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Dermot O’Leary leaves X Factor after 8 years and becomes favorite for Top Gear

Dermot O’Leary has announced he is quitting The X Factor after eight years as the show’s host.

Dermot O’Leary, 41, said in a statement: “After eight wonderful years on The X Factor it’s time for me to move on.

“I’d like to thank ITV, Simon [Cowell], The X Factor family and particularly the viewers, all of whom have been a big part of my life for so long.”

He took over from Kate Thornton in 2007 as host of the popular talent show.

Dermot O’Leary currently presents a show on Radio 2 and recently completed a 24-hour dance challenge for Comic Relief.Dermot O'Leary leaves X Factor

“I’d like to wish the team all the best for the future, especially whoever takes over from me,” he said in the statement.

“You’re about to be the conductor on the most brilliant, runaway train in showbiz. Good luck you’ll love it!”

The news of Dermot O’Leary’s departure may fuel speculation that he is a contender to replace Jeremy Clarkson on the Top Gear motoring show.

Before The X Factor, Dermot O’Leary hosted Big Brother’s Little Brother, Channel 4’s companion show to its long-running reality show.

A spokesman for ITV said Dermot O’Leary had been “a fantastic host of The X Factor” and that the channel was “sorry to see him go”.

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