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Prince Charles and Camilla visit US monuments

Lisa.Felice
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Prince Charles and Camilla visit US monuments

Prince Charles and Camilla have visited monuments to Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. as part of their three-day trip to the US.

They were joined by figures from the American civil rights movement, Jesse Jackson and Congressman John Lewis.

Later, speaking at an environmental conference, the Prince of Wales called on governments and businesses to end the dumping of plastics into the oceans.

Prince Charles and his wife will meet President Barack Obama at the White House on March 19.

The couple – who arrived in Washington DC for their three-day visit on March 17 – were given a guided tour of the Lincoln Memorial sculpture, pausing at the spot where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his famous “I have a dream” speech in 1963.

At Dr King’s nearby memorial, Prince Charles and Camilla met Rev Jesse Jackson and Congressman John Lewis, who helped organize the famous civil rights march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965 – dramatized in the recent movie Selma.Prince Charles and Camilla visit US monuments

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were also given a tour of Mount Vernon – home of America’s first president, George Washington.

The duchess also paid a visit to Washington’s Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Prince Charles also visited the National Archives, where he viewed the United States’ Charters of Freedom and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta.

He later told leading delegates to an environmental conference on marine waste of his concerns about the “increasing quantity of plastic waste” in oceans.

The prince said he had been “haunted” by images of seabirds found dead after mistakenly eating plastic, and called for better recycling and disposal of plastics.

The solution to problems caused by a “throw-away society” was to move towards a circular economy, where “materials are recovered, recycled and reused instead of created, used and then thrown away”, he said.

The US visit will see also the royals join in commemorating several important milestones.

These include the 150th anniversaries of the end of the American Civil War and the death of President Lincoln, and the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.

Prince Charles is also expected to receive an award for exceptional leadership in conservation from the International Conservation Caucus Foundation.

Prince Charles and Camilla will also visit the home city of boxer Muhammad Ali, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Victoria Beckham joins stars backing Elton John’s #BoycottDolceGabbana campaign

Lisa.Felice
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Victoria Beckham joins stars backing Elton John’s #BoycottDolceGabbana campaign

Victoria Beckham has joined Courtney Love, Ricky Martin and other stars in backing Elton John after fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana criticized same-gender couples having children and the use of IVF fertility treatment.

Elton John, who has two sons with David Furnish through a surrogate, posted on Instagram that everyone should boycott Dolce and Gabbana following the comments.

It wasn’t long until the #BoycottDolceGabbana hashtag was trending on Twitter.

Victoria Beckham tweeted: “Sending love to Elton David Zachary Elijah & all the beautiful IVF babies x vb.”Victoria Beckham backs Elton John anti Dolce and Gabbana campaign

In an interview with Italian magazine Panorama the fashion designers said they didn’t agree with the idea of gay families.

Domenico Dolce said: “You are born to a mother and a father – or at least that’s how it should be.

“I call children of chemistry, synthetic children. Rented uterus, semen chosen from a catalogue.”

Ricky Martin, who has 6-year-old twins Matteo and Valentino born via a surrogate, also backed Elton John campaign.

People with children born through IVF have also joined the campaign posting family pictures across social media.

Stefano Gabbana has now said “it was never our intention to judge other people’s choice”.

“We do believe in freedom and love,” Stefano Gabbana added.

Ringo Starr to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Sonia Pantiss
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Ringo Starr to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Paul McCartney will induct his former bandmate Ringo Starr into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month in Cleveland.

Ringo Starr is the last of The Beatles receive the musical honor.

Paul McCartney will usher in the 74-year-old at the 30th annual ceremony at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum next month.

The Beatles are already in the hall as a group, as are John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison as solo artists.

Other inductees will include Green Day, Lou Reed and Bill Withers.Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Hall of Fame

Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Ringo Starr said it meant “recognition” of his work.

He added: “And it means, finally, the four of us are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even though we were the biggest pop group in the land.”

Eagle Joe Walsh will perform some of Ringo Starr’s music, while Bill Withers’ music will be performed by John Legend.

It is not known if Bill Withers, who quit the music business more than 30 years ago, will sing himself.

Patti Smith will induct Lou Reed, who died in 2013, while Beck will perform the Velvet Underground singer’s music.

Joan Jett, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and the “5” Royales will also be elevated to the elite musical club at the Cleveland ceremony.

Artists become eligible to enter the Hall of Fame 25 years after their first release.

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Yingluck Shinawatra ordered to stand trial for negligence over rice subsidy scheme

Diane A. Wade
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Yingluck Shinawatra ordered to stand trial for negligence over rice subsidy scheme

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been ordered by the Supreme Court to stand trial for negligence over a controversial rice subsidy scheme.

Yingluck Shinawatra is facing a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

It is the latest blow to the dominance of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics, after Yingluck Shinawatra was banned from politics for five years.

Her government was ousted before the military took control in a coup in May last year, after months of protests.

In January, Yingluck Shinawatra was retroactively impeached for her role in the rice subsidy scheme by a military-appointed legislature.

Thailand’s attorney general then filed criminal charges against Yingluck Shinawatra in February, accusing her of dereliction of duty.

“The panel (of judges) has decided that this case falls within our authority. We accept this case,” said Judge Veeraphol Tangsuwan at the Supreme Court in Bangkok. The first hearing will be held on May 19.

Photo CNN
Photo CNN

The scheme paid rice farmers in the rural areas – the Shinawatra support base – twice the market rate for their crops, in a program that cost the government billions of dollars.

Yingluck Shinawatra says she was not involved in the scheme’s day-to-day operations, and has defended it as an attempt to support the rural poor.

The rice scheme was a factor in the street protests that led to the ousting of Yingluck Shinawatra’s government and the subsequent military coup.

It was the latest turn in the political turbulence that began when Yingluck Shinawatra’s brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, was removed by a previous coup in 2006.

Thaksin Shinawatra now lives in self-imposed exile. But the influence of the family persists, with parties allied to the Shinawatras winning every election since 2001.

Shinawatras are loved in the rural north for their populist policies, but hated by Thailand’s elite who accuse them of corruption.

Red Nose Day comes to USA

Sonia Pantiss
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Red Nose Day comes to USA

TV fundraiser Red Nose Day will make its debut in the US later this year.

Red Nose Day on NBC will raise money for charities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the US.

Comic Relief in the UK has raised more than £1billion ($1.5 billion) since the charity was co-founded by filmmaker Richard Curtis 30 years ago.

Richard Curtis, an executive producer for the NBC special, said he hoped it would make a “massive difference” to millions of children around the world.Red Nose Day comes to USA

Since the first TV fundraiser in 1988, the biennial Red Nose Day in the UK has seen celebrities and normal people do something funny for money on TV, at home, school, and work.

Emma Watson, Daniel Craig and Orlando Bloom were among the stars appearing in the 2015 special, which aired last week, helping to raise £78 million ($117 million) by the end of the live show.

NBC has yet to announce who will appear on the show, but Mad Men star Jon Hamm starred in an advert that aired during the Super Bowl.

The 12 charities that will benefit from donations to the US show include the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Children’s Health Fund and United Way.

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Dieudonne gets 2-month suspended sentence for condoning terrorism

Nancy Clayson
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Dieudonne gets 2-month suspended sentence for condoning terrorism

Dieudonne M’bala M’bala has been found guilty of condoning terrorism after Paris attacks two months ago.

The controversial French comedian had posted on Facebook: “I feel like Charlie Coulibaly” just days after the Paris attacks in January.

The post combined the “Je Suis Charlie” slogan with the name of one of the three gunmen involved in the attacks, which included a mass shooting at the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine.

The comedian was given a two-month suspended sentence by the Paris court.

Dieudonne M’bala M’bala posted the comment on Facebook – in French “Je me sens Charlie Coulibaly” – following a huge march in Paris to condemn the attacks, in which 17 people were killed.Dieudonne M'bala M'bala found guilty of condoning terrorism

“Je Suis Charlie” banners featured heavily amongst marchers and quickly became a widely used slogan in solidarity with those killed.

Dieudonne M’bala M’bala told the court that he condemned the attacks “without any ambiguity”. He said the post was intended to illustrate how he often feels treated like a terrorist.

He had faced up to seven years in prison and a potential €100,000 ($106,000) fine.

Amedy Coulibaly killed a policewoman near a Jewish school on January 8 before going on to murder four Jewish hostages in HyperCacher supermarket.

Dieudonne M’bala M’bala insists he is not anti-Semitic but has a number of convictions for inciting racial hatred.

Several French cities have banned Dieudonne M’bala M’bala from performing.

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Robert Durst on suicide watch

Nancy Clayson
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Robert Durst on suicide watch

Robert Durst, who is awaiting trial on a murder charge, has been moved to a mental health unit after being deemed a suicide risk.

The real estate tycoon was transferred on March 17 to a Louisiana state prison that handles severely mentally ill inmates.

Robert Durst appeared to confess to three killings while being filmed for documentary.

He was arrested in New Orleans on March 15 and has been charged with the murder of his friend, Susan Berman.

Also on March 17, investigators spent hours searching his home in Houston, Texas.

Officers were seen carrying away two boxes after spending several hours searching Robert Durst’s condominium.

Robert Durst’s lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, called the search “a publicity stunt” and said he would be surprised if investigators found any incriminating evidence.

Photo Getty Images
Photo Getty Images

“I don’t know what they could be looking for 15 years after Susan Berman was killed 1,500 miles away,” Dick DeGuerin said.

“They can search now till kingdom come. They’re not going to find anything because there isn’t anything.”

Robert Durst is being held in Louisiana on gun charges while waiting to be transferred to Los Angeles to face a murder charge for the 2000 shooting death of Susan Berman.

In a recording that was made during a break in the filming of HBO documentary about his life – The Jinx – Robert Durst can be heard saying: “I don’t know what’s in the house,” just before saying he “killed them all”.

Robert Durst appears to be speaking to himself the recording, while wearing an active wireless microphone inside a bathroom. The recording was given to police months ago, the filmmakers say.

He has long been suspected in the disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen Durst, who went missing from their country home in New York state in 1982. He has never been charged.

In 2003, Robert Durst was acquitted of murder in the death of his elderly neighbor, Morris Black, whose body was found floating in a Texas bay.

On March 16, Robert Durst agreed to be transferred to California to stand trial for Susan Berman’s death, but the move was delayed by gun and drug charges that were later filed.

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Solar eclipse 2015: Eye experts warn of selfie danger

Kathryn R. Bown
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Solar eclipse 2015: Eye experts warn of selfie danger

Eye experts warn people not to take pictures of March 20 solar eclipse on a smartphone because of blindness risk.

The danger comes as people look directly at the Sun as they position themselves for selfies or other shots.

Inadvertently, glancing at the Sun – even briefly while setting up a shot – can lead to burns at the back of eye.

Experts advise indirect viewing, using pinholes and facing away from the Sun.

For many, this will be the first time they have witnessed the phenomenon in 15 years, but eye specialists say people should not use their camera phones to capture the event.Solar eclipse 2015

The safest ways to view the eclipse include using a pinhole camera to project an image of the eclipse on to a piece of card.

Other options involve using colanders to make multiple pinholes or using specifically designed eclipse viewing glasses.

Experts warn the glasses must be checked for damage first and should be put on before looking up at the sky.

It’s a Total Solar Eclipse in the Faroe Islands and Svalbard (Norway), and a Partial Solar Eclipse in Europe, northern and eastern Asia and northern and western Africa. The eclipse starts at 07:41 UTC and ends at 11:50 UTC.

The sky will darken but the Sun will still peek out from behind the Moon.

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Tunisia museum attack: 19 dead after gunmen storm Bardo Museum

Roy Siemens
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Tunisia museum attack: 19 dead after gunmen storm Bardo Museum

Seventeen foreign tourists and two Tunisians have been killed after gunmen targeted Bardo Museum in Tunis, PM Habib Essid says.

Italian, Spanish, Polish and German citizens were among those killed, as well as a Tunisian and a police officer, the prime minister said.

Security forces killed two gunmen and were searching for accomplices, he added.

At the time of the attack deputies in the neighboring parliamentary building were discussing anti-terrorism legislation. Parliament was evacuated following the attack.

At least 22 tourists and two Tunisians were injured in the attack, Habib Essid said.

“It is a critical moment in our history, and a defining moment for our future,” he said.Tunisia Bardo Museum attack 2015

“We have not established the identity of the two terrorists,” the prime minister said.

He added: “Reports are not final, these two terrorists could have been assisted by two or three other operatives.”

Security operations were “still underway”, with forces “continuing to comb the area to find out the remaining operatives, if any”.

The remaining hostages held at the museum had been freed, Reuters news agency reported, citing an unnamed government official.

Local media reports said British, Italian, French and Spanish nationals were among those taken hostage during the attack.

Local television footage showed tourists fleeing to safety, escorted by security forces.

A museum employee told Reuters the two attackers “opened fire on the tourists as they were getting off the buses before fleeing into the museum”.

The attack is a huge blow for Tunisia’s tourism industry and its government, which only emerged at the end of a long political transition several months ago.

The Bardo museum, renowned for its collection of antiquities, is a major attraction in Tunis.

Tourism is a key sector of Tunisia’s economy, with large numbers of Europeans visiting the country’s resorts.

Concerns about security in Tunisia have increased in recent months as neighboring Libya has become increasingly unstable.

A large number of Tunisians have also left to fight in Syria and Iraq, triggering worries that returning militants could carry out attacks at home.

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Andy Fraser dies after long battle with cancer and AIDS aged 62

Sonia Pantiss
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Andy Fraser dies after long battle with cancer and AIDS aged 62

Free bassist Andy Fraser has died in California aged 62.

The London-born musician died on March 16 after a long battle with cancer and AIDS, according to an official statement regarding his death.

The Riverside County coroner said the cause of death was not yet known and remains under investigation.

Andy Fraser became a founding member of the British group when he was just 15.

He wrote most of his material with Free lead singer Paul Rodgers, who went on to front bands Bad Company and The Firm.Andy Fraser dead at 62

“A survivor of both cancer and Aids, Andy was a strong social activist and defender of individual human rights,” the statement read.

“He leaves behind his daughters Hannah and Jasmine Fraser, and their mother Ri, his sister Gail, brothers Gavin and Alex, and many friends and associates in the industry.”

Andy Fraser’s All Right Now was Free’s biggest hit, peaking at No 2 in the UK singles chart and No 4 in the US.

All Right Now was recognized by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers in 1990 for achieving over a million radio plays.

In 2006, Andy Fraser and Free singer Paul Rodgers were honored by the BMI in London to mark three million radio and television plays of All Right Now in the UK.

According to an interview with Free drummer Simon Kirke, All Right Now was written “after a bad gig in Durham”.

Study: Longer breastfeeding boosts child’s IQ in adulthood

Kathryn R. Bown
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Study: Longer breastfeeding boosts child’s IQ in adulthood

According to a long-term Brazilian study, there is link between breastfeeding and intelligence.

Children who are breast-fed for longer go on to become more intelligent, educated and successful adults, the study has found.

Researchers analyzed breastfeeding data on almost 3,500 babies who were given IQ tests when they reached the age of 30 and provided information on educational attainment and income.

The research found those who had been breastfed for longer went on to score higher on IQ tests as adults.

Experts say the results, while not conclusive, appear to back current advice that babies should be exclusively breastfed for six months.

However, they say mothers should still have a choice about whether or not to do it.

Regarding the findings – published in The Lancet Global Health – specialists stress there are many different factors other than breastfeeding that could have an impact on intelligence, although the researchers did try to rule out the main confounders, such as mother’s education, family income and birth weight.

Dr. Bernardo Lessa Horta, from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil, said his study offers a unique insight because in the population he studied, breastfeeding was evenly distributed across social class – not something just practiced by the rich and educated.Breastfeeding linked to higher IQ

Most of the babies, irrespective of social class, were breastfed – some for less than a month and others for more than a year.

Those who were breastfed for longer scored higher on measures of intelligence as adults.

They were also more likely to earn a higher wage and to have completed more schooling.

Dr. Bernardo Lessa Horta believes breast milk may offer an advantage because it is a good source of long-chain saturated fatty acids which are essential for brain development.

However, experts say the study findings cannot confirm this and that much more research is needed to explore any possible link between breastfeeding and intelligence.

Frankfurt riot: Blockupy protesters target new ECB headquarter

Diane A. Wade
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Frankfurt riot: Blockupy protesters target new ECB headquarter

Some 350 people arrested and dozens injured as anti-austerity demonstrators clashed with police in Frankfurt, Germany.

Police cars were set alight and stones were thrown in a protest against the opening of a new base for the European Central Bank (ECB).

Violence broke out close to Frankfurt’s Alte Oper concert hall hours before the ECB building’s official opening.

Thousands of “Blockupy” activists were due to take part in a rally.

Organizers were bringing a left-wing alliance of protesters from across Germany and the rest of Europe to voice their anger at the ECB’s role in austerity measures in EU member states, most recently Greece.

The ECB, in charge of managing the euro, is also responsible for framing eurozone policy and, along with the IMF and European Commission, has set conditions for bailouts in Ireland, Greece, Portugal and Cyprus.

Photo RT
Photo RT

Police set up a cordon of barbed wire outside the bank’s new 600ft double-tower skyscraper, next to the River Main.

But hopes of a peaceful rally were dashed as clashes began early on Wednesday, March 18.

Tires and trash bins were set alight and police responded with water cannon as firefighters complained they were unable to get to the fires to put them out. One fire engine appeared to have had its windscreen broken.

Activists said many protesters had been hurt by police batons, water cannon and by pepper spray.

Police said as many as 80 of their officers had been affected by pepper spray or an acidic liquid. Eight suffered injuries from stone-throwing protesters.

Police spokeswoman Claudia Rogalski spoke of an “aggressive atmosphere” and the Frankfurt force tweeted images of a police van being attacked. They were braced for further violence as increasing numbers of activists arrived for the rally.

Blockupy accused police of using kettling tactics to cordon off hundreds of protesters and appealed for supporters to press for their release.

As the number of protesters grew in the streets away from the new ECB building, the bank’s president, Mario Draghi, gave a speech marking its inauguration.

The new headquarters, which had been due to open years earlier, cost an estimated €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) to build and is the new home for thousands of central bankers.

Blockupy activists said on their website that there was nothing to celebrate about the politics of austerity and increasing poverty.

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St. Patrick’s Day 2015: White House fountain dyed green

Nancy Clayson
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St. Patrick’s Day 2015: White House fountain dyed green

The White House gets in the fun by dyeing the water in the fountain on the south lawn green on St. Patrick’s Day.

The tradition started in 2009, when first lady Michelle Obama, a native of Chicago, decided to bring a version of her city’s tradition to Washington D.C.White House fountain dyed green St Patrick Day's 2015

For St. Patrick’s Day, some cites in the USA get festive by dyeing local bodies of water green.

Chicago officials dyed a portion of the Chicago River green on March 14. The tradition dates back to 1962 when Mayor Richard J. Daley and the chairman of the parade Stephen Bailey first did it. Stephen Bailey got the idea after realizing the dye used to detect leaks from plumbing into the river was a perfect shade of “Irish green”, according to the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee.

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Israel elections 2015 results: Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party wins surprise victory

Diane A. Wade
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Israel elections 2015 results: Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party wins surprise victory

Benjamin Netanyahu has won a fourth term as Israel’s prime minister after his right-wing Likud Party has won a surprise victory in the country’s general elections.

Exit polls had forecast a dead heat but with almost all votes counted, results give Likud a clear lead over its main rival, the centre-left Zionist Union.

The outcome gives PM Benjamin Netanyahu a strong chance of forming a right-wing coalition government.

It puts the incumbent on course to clinch a fourth term and become Israel’s longest-serving prime minster.

The latest tally gives Likud 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset, with Zionist Union on 24 seats.

In a speech to jubilant supporters in Tel Aviv after Tuesday’s polls closed, Benjamin Netanyahu described the vote as a “great victory” for Likud, which had trailed the Zionist Union in opinion polls in the run-up to the election.

Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters

Benjamin Netanyahu “plans to immediately begin forming a government in order to complete the task within two to three weeks,” a statement from Likud said.

It said he had already spoken to parties he saw as possible coalition partners, including right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties and centrist Kulanu, which won 10 seats.

Zionist Union leader Yitzhak Herzog called Benjamin Netanyahu early on March 18 to congratulate him on the result and wished him “good luck”.

“Nothing has changed, we will keep fighting for a just society,” Yitzhak Herzog was quoted as saying by Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

“This is not an easy morning for us and for those who believe in our way,” Yitzhak Herzog and Zionist Union co-leader Tzipi Livni said in a statement.

Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed not to allow the creation of a Palestinian state, while Zionist Union expressed support for a two-state solution and promised to repair relations with Palestinians and the international community.

In the wake of the vote, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Palestinians would step up their bid for statehood.

“It is clear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will form the next government, so we say clearly that we will go to the International Criminal Court in the Hague and we will speed up, pursue and intensify diplomatic efforts,” he told AFP news agency.

Almost 72% of those eligible voted in Tuesday’s election. Turnout was four points higher than the previous election in 2013.

Israel’s form of proportional representation always produces smaller parties and coalition government. None has ever won an outright majority under Israel’s proportional representation voting system.

The Joint Arab List, an alliance of Israeli Arab-dominated parties that united for the first time, came third with 14 seats.

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Solar Impulse 2 takes off from Ahmedabad heading to Varanasi

James J. Williams
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Solar Impulse 2 takes off from Ahmedabad heading to Varanasi

Solar Impulse 2 is in the air again, crossing India and hoping to make it to Myanmar on March 19.

The solar-powered plane attempting to fly around the world, with Andre Borschberg at the controls, took off from Ahmedabad at 07:18 local time.

Solar Impulse 2 is heading to Varanasi in India’s Uttar Pradesh region, where it will make a short “pit stop” before pushing on over the Bay of Bengal.

The leg to Mandalay in Myanmar (Burma) will be flown by Bertrand Piccard.

The two pilots are taking it in turns to guide Solar Impulse 2 on its circumnavigation of the globe.

So far, they have covered about 2,000km in two segments since beginning the adventure in Abu Dhabi.

It will likely be another five months before they return to the United Arab Emirates, having crossed both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans in the process.

Today’s take-off was delayed by almost two hours because of customs issues.Solar Impulse 2 heads to India

The roughly 1,100km from Ahmedabad to Varanasi is the third leg of the mission and should take Borschberg about 15 hours to complete.

The team will then lay over for a few hours before taking off for Mandalay.

This fourth leg is longer – about 1,500km – and has some tricky conditions to negotiate.

“In Varanasi, we can expect to have foggy mornings, which could be a problem for an early take-off,” explained Christophe Beesau, who works on flight strategy.

“And for leg four, of course, we will cross the Bay of Bengal. This may be challenging because we have often at altitude an important wind, and, on the other hand, due to air traffic control restrictions, we have to keep the track.

“We know that we will have to adjust carefully the flight profile to avoid this problem.”

About two hours before landing in Mandalay, Solar Impulse 2 will have to fly over a big range of mountains up to 3,000m in height.

It will aim to get this done before sunset so that it can then gently descend towards the Myanmar city in the dark.

The Solar Impulse project has already set plenty of world records, including the greatest distance covered in a single solar-powered flight.

This was the 1,468km attained on leg two from Muscat in Oman to Ahmedabad.

The wingspan of the vehicle is 72m, which exceeds that of a 747 jumbo jet airliner. It does, however, only weigh 2.3 tonnes.

Its light weight will be critical to its success over the coming months.

The Pacific and Atlantic crossings will require Solar Impulse 2 to fly non-stop for several days at a time.

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Chicago Bulls’ Jack Haley dies of heart disease aged 51

Clyde K. Valle
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Chicago Bulls’ Jack Haley dies of heart disease aged 51

Former NBA player Jack Haley has died at the age of 51.

Jack Haley’s family confirmed his death, saying the cause was heart disease.

The sportsman died on March 16 at Los Alamitos Medical Center, according to the Orange County coroner’s office website. There were no indications of foul play and an autopsy will be performed, the coroner said.

Jack Haley played for Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs during his career, when he averaged 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds mostly as a reserve. He sat out the entire 1992-1993 season because of injury.

The Bulls drafted the 6-foot-10 forward-center as the 97th pick overall in 1987 out of UCLA, where he played three seasons and helped the Bruins with the NIT championship in 1985.

He graduated from Huntington Beach High and spent one season at Golden West College before transferring to UCLA. He played in Spain before joining the Bulls.Chicago Bulls Jack Haley dead at 51

Jack Haley had two different stints with the Bulls, starting his career with them and then returning to the team in 1995-1996. He appeared in only the final game of the regular season, scoring five points in seven minutes. He didn’t make the playoff roster, and the Michael Jordan-led Bulls set a record for victories in a season, going 72-10 on their way to winning the NBA title.

He was known on that team for his friendship with Bulls star Dennis Rodman, and he bristled at suggestions that he primarily served as a baby sitter for the eccentric rebounder.

Dennis Rodman posted a photo of Jack Haley kissing him on the cheek on Twitter, with the comment: “RIP to my brother Jack Haley. Sending love to his family.”

After his playing career ended, Jack Haley worked as an assistant for the Nets under current Kentucky coach John Calipari, who tweeted: “Jack was one of the most positive, upbeat guys I’ve ever been around. He was on that unbelievable 1996 championship team in Chicago. Sad day.”

Jack Haley later worked as a broadcaster on Lakers telecasts. He lived in the Orange County city of Seal Beach.

He appeared in the movies Eddie and Rebound, and was in Aerosmith’s music video Love in an Elevator.

Jack Haley is survived by his sons Jack Jr. and Jeff, his mother Jeanette, brother Tim, sister Sondra and ex-wife Stacey.

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Glastonbury 2015: Fans petition against Kanye West’s headlining slot

Sonia Pantiss
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Glastonbury 2015: Fans petition against Kanye West’s headlining slot

As Glastonbury festival organizers announced that Kanye West will headline this year festival’s Saturday lineup, outraged fans are already demanding that rapper be dumped from the lineup.

According to a Change.org petition signed by more than 21,000 people as of Tuesday afternoon, it’s because “Kanye West is an insult to music fans all over the world” and not “deserving.”Glastonbury fans petition against Kanye West's headlining slot

“Cancel Kanye West’s slot and get a rock band,” the petition demanded.

It then added: “We spend hundreds of pounds to attend glasto, and by doing so, expect a certain level of entertainment.”

For the record, Foo Fighters are headlining Friday night’s Glastonbury lineup.

In 2008, there was an outcry over Jay-Z being the first rapper to headline Glastonbury, apparently because he wasn’t “rock” enough to handle the top slot on the bill.

However, anyone on the Internet can sign this petition, regardless of whether they’re going to Glastonbury or even live in the UK. So these 21,000-and-counting signatures don’t exclusively come from Glastonbury fest-goers.

Cyanide letter posted to White House

Diane A. Wade
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Cyanide letter posted to White House

Further tests are being conducted on an envelope posted to the White House which may contain cyanide, the Secret Service says.

Tests at a post screening facility were found to have traces of the poison.

The Secret Service, which is responsible for President Barack Obama’s security, said an investigation was under way.

Initial tests on March 16 were negative but more tests on March 17 returned a “presumptive positive” for cyanide.Cyanide letter posted to White House

“The sample was transported to another facility to confirm the results,” Secret Service spokesman Robert Hoback said in a statement.

He added there would be no further comment.

There were no injuries or exposure concerns for the screening facility employee who first opened the letter, a law enforcement official told CNN.

The discovery was first disclosed by The Intercept, which obtained an internal law enforcement document.

On March 17, the Secret Service director Joseph Clancy was questioned by a congressional committee about a series of recent security lapses.

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Israel elections 2015: Likud and Zionist Union are neck and neck

Diane A. Wade
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Israel elections 2015: Likud and Zionist Union are neck and neck

Israel’s ruling party Likud and the opposition Zionist Union are neck-and-neck in the country’s general election, according to exit polls.

Estimates by two Israeli broadcasters gave both sides 27 seats each in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.

Both would need support from other parties to form a governing coalition.

PM Benjamin Netanyahu described the vote as a “great victory” for his Likud party, which is credited with a better result than expected.

In a speech to his jubilant supporters in Tel Aviv, Benjamin Netanyahu said this was achieved “against all odds”.

Likud had trailed the centre-left Zionist Union in opinion polls in the run-up to the poll.Israel elections results 2015

However, the centre-left Zionist Union dismissed what it termed “spin” from Likud as “premature”.

Yitzhak Herzog, head of the Zionist Union, told his supporters that he was confident of forming the next government.

“We have achieved an unbelievable achievement today.

“I will do all that I can in order to create a real socially-minded government for Israel.”

While the final results were not yet known, Yitzhak Herzog said: “I will do all that I can in order to create a real socially minded government for Israel.”

Final results are not expected until Wednesday morning, March 18.

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Mia Robertson to undergo new cleft palate surgery on March 27

Sonia Pantiss
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Mia Robertson to undergo new cleft palate surgery on March 27

Duck Dynasty’s Mia Robertson is set to once again undergo cleft palate surgery on March 27.

Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, Mia Robertson, now 11-year-old, has since been forced to endure one surgery after another.

Mia Robertson’s family posted an update about her on Facebook, explaining: “On March 27, our sweet Mia will have another surgery. It will be a major surgery which will involve breaking her jaw.”

Photo Facebook
Photo Facebook

Her mother, Missy Robertson wrote her website: “Some of my family members as well as Duck Commander have posted about this surgery on their Facebook pages, Twitter and Instagram because they want our fans and supporters to pray for Mia, the doctors and all the medical staff that will be performing this very intricate surgery.  The need for this surgery is not new as many children have needed and had this problem corrected by surgical means for many years.  However, Mia’s amazing surgeon, Dr. David Genecov, has invented a brand new procedure that will not be nearly as invasive as the one we have been dreading for the last year.  Originally, she was to have a procedure where a device called a “Halo” would be inserted into her skull to stabilize her top jaw, which will be broken and moved forward, for up to 12 weeks post-op.  As you can imagine, this is a very traumatic procedure and recovery for any child.  As relieved and excited as we are that Mia will not have to endure the Halo, we are also pretty frightened of the unknown.  Her jaw still has to be broken and moved to another position inside her mouth, but Dr. Genecov has a new way of stabilizing it, all to be done internally for less recovery time, hopefully somewhere between 6-10 weeks.  He and his entire team is an answer to our daily prayers to help spare Mia from the type of suffering she was on the road to endure.  This team loves these kids and is always looking for new and better ways to make their lives better.  And for that, we are most grateful!”

In spite of a long recovery period, Mia Robertson continues to put on a brave face, even joking to a doctor that her family has a history of brain disorders.

Mia Robertson’s cheer squad competing at 2015 UCA International All Star Championship in Disneyworld

Sonia Pantiss
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Mia Robertson’s cheer squad competing at 2015 UCA International All Star Championship in Disneyworld

Duck Dynasty’s Mia Robertson had a big event over the weekend – her cheer squad from North Elite Cheer Athletics in Monroe was competing at the 2015 UCA International All Star Championship in Disneyworld.

The UCA International All Star Championship brings together the best all star cheer and dance teams from around the globe at the most magical place on Earth—the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Photo Facebook
Photo Facebook

Mia Robertson competed with North Elite Cheer Athletics on March 14 and 15 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.

After the event, Mia’s mom, Missy Robertson, wrote on her Facebook page: „Headed home and couldn’t be more proud of our Mia last night! <<Work at it with all of your heart, as working for The Lord and not for men>> – Col. 3:23. We are Disney’d out!”

Honey Boo Boo moves in to new house in Hampton

Lisa.Felice
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Honey Boo Boo moves in to new house in Hampton

Honey Boo Boo, her mother June Shannon and her sisters moved in to their $149,000 new home last month in Hampton, Georgia.

Mama June’s estranged partner Sugar Bear is reportedly allowed to visit Honey Boo Boo over the weekends.

Photo TLC
Photo TLC

Sugar Bear, also known as Mike Thompson, will be traveling the 90 minutes from his home in McIntyre to visit his daughter, TMZ reported.

June Shannon revealed she is having strict new cleaning rules – no shoes inside and all the girls will have chores to keep the home in tip-top condition.

Sugar Bear, 43, lives in a trailer with his brother.

TLC canceled Here Comes Honey Boo Boo on October 24 after only four seasons following reports that June Shannon had been involved with convicted child molester Mark McDaniel.

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Bruce Jenner gets a nose surgery to look more feminine

Lisa.Felice
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Bruce Jenner gets a nose surgery to look more feminine

Bruce Jenner, who is the midst of a gender transformation, reportedly underwent a nose job a few weeks ago, TMZ has reported.

The 65-year-old former Olympian allegedly opted to smooth out his beak in effort to “soften his features” and make it “look more feminine,” the website noted.

Bruce Jenner’s reported new procedure follows his choice to go under the knife last year to reduce his Adam’s Apple.Bruce Jenner nose surgery

While Bruce Jenner has not yet spoken out on his new lifestyle, the topic will reportedly be addressed by him on this season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which premiered over the weekend.

The revelation was made to his daughters in front of the cameras and will air during episode 13 of the new season, a source told Us Weekly earlier this month.

St. Patrick’s Day 2015: Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer turns green

Nancy Clayson
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St. Patrick’s Day 2015: Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer turns green

Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue turned green to mark St. Patrick’s Day.Christ the Redeemer St Patrick's Day 2015

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5 Tips For Writing Excellent Essays

Nancy Clayson
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5 Tips For Writing Excellent Essays

Most students have a habit of last minute protocol. The reason most instructors give assignments early is so that a student can manage themselves having their own time. This formula is great hence reducing pressure on them. Planning ahead is necessary for every stage of life not only for students; everyone needs to be a wise master builder. It is important for the students to stop the idea that they are professional writers since everyone has to plan ahead before writing

It is clever for one to start in the middle since one can always go back to the beginning or end after they have had the right information at hand. Most students begin with the introduction part and by the time they are at mid-way they are blank. According to the experts at this website that provides customized essay writings, it is important for everyone to start with a draft in writing. By merely writing drafts one can pinpoint any lost point, and do additional corrections.

Abstaining from plagiarism, this is usually the biggest problems with students, most of them like natural things hence they end up copy-pasting information from the internet that is very unprofessional. This problem has cost them a lot of time in referral programs. Following instructions is an important point to follow when writing an essay. Every tool we use in life has a basis for everything, most students are quick to finish an assignment, and they forget that the instructions are the backbone for every assignment.

Avoiding Wikipedia is a good idea. Usually you can only get a brief overview of any topic or research. Self-involvement in the course work or writing is very crucial since there is a sense of originality and perfection of the individual.

It is important for one to counter check the written paper. Hitting the nail on the head is paramount, if one goes offline content wise you can quickly lose a lot of points in writing.Proofreading; this is also very handy in order to produce quality results, minor mistakes are easily dealt with before delivering the primary outcomes. A conclusion is equally important the introduction since it helps in summarizing the whole paper for the readers.

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