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Oscar de la Renta dies aged 82

Lisa.Felice
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Oscar de la Renta dies aged 82

Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta has died in Connecticut at the age of 82.

Oscar de La Renta, who most recently designed Amal Clooney’s wedding dress, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.

The Dominican-born fashion designer died at home Monday evening surrounded by family and friends and “more than a few dogs,” according to a handwritten statement signed by his stepdaughter Eliza Reed Bolen and her husband, Alex Bolen.

“While our hearts are broken by the idea of life without Oscar, he is still very much with us. Oscar’s hard work, his intelligence and his love of life are at the heart of our company,” the statement said.

“All that we have done, and all that we will do, is informed by his values and his spirit. Through Oscar’s example we know the way forward. We will make Oscar very proud of us by continuing in an even stronger way the work that Oscar loved so much.”

Oscar de la Renta made his name in the early 1960s when the then first lady, Jackie Kennedy, frequently wore his designs
Oscar de la Renta made his name in the early 1960s when the then first lady, Jackie Kennedy, frequently wore his designs

Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, Oscar de la Renta left home at 18 to study painting in Madrid, Spain.

He soon developed a love of fashion design and began an apprenticeship with Spain’s designer Cristobal Balenciaga.

Oscar de la Renta made his name in the early 1960s when the then first lady, Jackie Kennedy, frequently wore his designs. He launched his own label several years later.

The designer had been awarded the lifetime achievement award of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Oscar de la Renta was also involved in the fragrance and accessories business.

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China’s Q3 2014 economic growth marks its weakest performance since March 2009

Clyde K. Valle
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China’s Q3 2014 economic growth marks its weakest performance since March 2009

China’s economic growth has reached its slowest pace since the global financial crisis, causing speculation the government may introduce more stimulus measures.

China’s GDP rose by 7.3% in the third quarter from a year earlier, compared to 7.5% in the previous quarter, official data showed.

The figure beat market forecasts for 7.2% growth but still marked its weakest performance since March 2009.

Industrial production also came in better than analyst estimates.

Manufacturing output rose 8% in September against a year earlier. However, fixed asset investment and retail sales missed expectations.

China's economic growth has reached its slowest pace since the global financial crisis
China’s economic growth has reached its slowest pace since the global financial crisis (photo Reuters)

China’s National Bureau of Statistics said retail sales increased 11.6% from a year earlier, compared to forecasts for 11.7%.

Fixed-asset investment excluding rural households rose 16.1% in the first nine months from a year earlier, below analyst estimates for a 16.3% increase.

Overall, the figures show that growth continues to slow in the world’s second-largest economy, raising concerns it may have knock-on effects on the strength of the global recovery.

China’s government aims to achieve 7.5% economic growth this year, but many analysts believe that they will not be able to meet that target.

There is also speculation the government may take more steps to boost growth.

Beijing recently unveiled measures aimed at stimulating more consumer spending, including relaxing its limits on home purchases and injecting billions of dollars into its biggest banks.

China’s central bank also cut the interest rate it pays lenders for 14-day repurchase agreements last week.

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Monica Lewinsky joins Twitter and earns 8,000 followers in one day

Nancy Clayson
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Monica Lewinsky joins Twitter and earns 8,000 followers in one day

Monica Lewinsky joined Twitter on October 20, quickly earning thousands of followers.

The 41-year-old former White House intern tweeted: “#HereWeGo.”

Monica Lewinsky’s Twitter profile brands her as a “social activist” and contributor to Vanity Fair magazine.

Her second tweet was: “excited (and nervous) to speak to #Under30Summit” – an event taking place in Philadelphia on October 20 and hosted by Forbes.

Monica Lewinsky joined Twitter on October 20, quickly earning thousands of followers
Monica Lewinsky joined Twitter on October 20, quickly earning thousands of followers (photo Twitter)

Malala Lewinsky’s account has been verified by the microblogging service. She quickly earned more than 8,000 followers.

Earlier this year, Monica Lewinsky broke her silence about her affair with President Bill Clinton, in a piece for Vanity Fair.

“It’s time to burn the beret and bury the blue dress,” Monica Lewinsky wrote.

“I am determined to have a different ending to my story. I’ve decided, finally, to stick my head above the parapet so that I can take back my narrative and give a purpose to my past.”

Monica Lewinsky says she now wants to help victims of cyber-bullying and harassment.

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Michelle Knight forgives Ariel Castro and finds peace in her life

Nancy Clayson
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Michelle Knight forgives Ariel Castro and finds peace in her life

In a recent interview, Michelle Knight said she has been able to forgive kidnapper Ariel Castro and find peace in her life.

Michelle Knight, 33, is one of the three women held captive by Ariel Castro in Cleveland’s house of horror for about a decade.

She was kidnapped in August 2002 when she was 21.

Michelle Knight said she realizes now that Ariel Castro had a disease, and therapy has taught her that what he did hadn’t been his fault, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.

Michelle Knight said she has been able to forgive kidnapper Ariel Castro and find peace in her life
Michelle Knight said she has been able to forgive kidnapper Ariel Castro and find peace in her life (photo Today Show)

Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight and Gina DeJesus broke out of the house in May 2013 after suffering years of torture. Michelle Knight said it wasn’t until about a year and a half after her rescue from Ariel Castro’s home that she reached a breakthrough.

“I was able to say his name, Ariel Castro,” she said.

“I was able to forgive him.”

Michelle Knight made the comments during an interview conducted by a radio host on October 18 at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School in Chardon, Ohio.

Ariel Castro pleaded guilty to a long list of charges and committed suicide in prison in September 2013.

Michelle Knight said her time in captivity has made her stronger and has allowed her to know herself better.

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Darren Vann case: Seven women found dead in Indiana

Nancy Clayson
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Darren Vann case: Seven women found dead in Indiana

Seven female bodies have been recovered in Indiana as suspect Darren Vann confessed to a recent murder and led authorities to more.

Darren Vann, 43, confessed to strangling a woman whose body was found at a local motel on October 17.

He directed authorities to at least three other bodies, while three more were found over the weekend.

The body of Afrikka Hardy, 19, was found at a Motel 6 on October 17. She was reportedly strangled.

A police official has said Afrikka Hardy was involved in prostitution and met Darren Vann at the motel. Authorities were contacted by someone attempting to but unable to reach the victim.

A second victim has been identified as Anith Jones, 35, though tests to determine cause of death have yet to be performed on her or the other unidentified victims.

Seven female bodies have been recovered in Indiana as suspect Darren Vann confessed to a recent murder and led authorities to more
Seven female bodies have been recovered in Indiana as suspect Darren Vann confessed to a recent murder and led authorities to more

Anith Jones, missing since October 8, was found in an abandoned home.

Officials say Darren Vann confessed during an interview and told police where several other victims were located.

Investigators have yet to say how he knew the victims or offer a motive in the attacks.

On October 20, Hammond, Indiana, Police Chief John Doughty informed reporters Darren Vann had told investigators he may have killed people for up to two decades.

John Doughty also said the victims discovered over the weekend had all been killed recently, but he did not stipulate whether there may be more murders unaccounted for.

The mayor of Gary, Indiana said Darren Vann had previously been convicted of s** crimes in Texas in 2009.

It is unclear how long Darren Vann has been in Indiana, or if more bodies will be found as the investigation continues.

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Warren Buffett loses $1 billion on IMB shares decline

Clyde K. Valle
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Warren Buffett loses $1 billion on IMB shares decline

Warren Buffett lost $1.06 billion after the plunge in IBM shares on October 20.

IBM stock fell $15.05 at the open, and Warren Buffett held about 70.2 million shares as of June 30, according to the most recent SEC filings. That means the sharp decline cost him $1.06 billion.

Warren Buffett lost $1.06 billion after the plunge in IBM shares
Warren Buffett lost $1.06 billion after the plunge in IBM shares

In April, after a prior weak earnings report, Warren Buffet told CNBC he had not “soured” on IBM, that he had bought more stock this year and that he had not sold a share.

IBM stock was recently the third-largest holding in Warren Buffett’s portfolio, trailing only Wells Fargo and Coca-Cola.

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Cam’ron Ebola mask to go on sale in November

Lisa.Felice
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Cam’ron Ebola mask to go on sale in November

As the WHO has declared the Ebola outbreak an “international public health emergency” rapper Cam’ron has stepped in to offer his help.

For $19.99, you can buy your own Cam’ron Ebola Mask, which the musician claims can “protect” you from catching the disease.

In an Instagram post, the rapper wrote: “Ebola is no joking matter. So if u have to be safe. Be fashionable. #CamEbolaMask.”

According to the site selling the masks, they are due to be shipped to customers in November.

For $19.99, you can buy your own Cam'ron Ebola Mask
For $19.99, you can buy your own Cam’ron Ebola Mask (photo Instagram)

“Provides complete protection while remaining light and comfortable,” said the product description.

“Polypropylene outer facing offers a soft, fluid protection barrier while the cellulose inner facing assures comfort and breathability.”

According to the WHO, Ebola is not an airborne virus – instead it is transmitted when people have direct contact through broken skin, or the mouth or nose, with the bodily fluids of an infected person.

Masks can help stop the spread of infection, advises the WHO, but gloves and other protective equipment is also recommended.

Other advice includes covering your eyes as well as your hands and mouth.

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John Holt dies in London hospital aged 69

Sonia Pantiss
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John Holt dies in London hospital aged 69

Jamaican singer John Holt has died in a London hospital at age of 69.

The reggae vocalist’s manager Copeland Forbes told the Jamaica Observer John Holt died on Sunday, October 19. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

John Holt rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Paragons, writing and releasing The Tide is High in 1967.

He went solo in 1970 and went on to become one of the biggest stars of reggae music in Jamaica.

John Holt rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Paragons
John Holt rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of The Paragons

Musicians paying tribute to the singer have included Jamaican rapper Shaggy, who tweeted: “We have lost a legend. Very instrumental part of our reggae history! You’ll be missed.”

Born in 1947 in Kingston, Jamaica, John Holt penned a number of The Paragons’ hits including Tonight, I See Your Face and Ali Baba as well as The Tide is High.

Although The Tide is High was popular in Jamaica, it only went mainstream when Blondie topped the charts on both side of the Atlantic with their version in 1980.

It went on to be covered by a number of other artists including Atomic Kitten, Maxi Priest and Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall.

As a solo artist, John Holt’s 1972 track Stick By Me was the biggest-selling Jamaican record of the year.

John Holt went on to release almost 40 albums over his career, mostly through Trojan Records.

Lufthansa pilots strike cancels 1,511 flights

Clyde K. Valle
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Lufthansa pilots strike cancels 1,511 flights

A new Lufthansa pilots strike has triggered the cancelation of 1,511 flights over October 20 and October 21.

The strike was initially aimed at mostly European flights, but will be expanded to international routes on October 21, hitting 200,000 passengers.

Lufthansa said that the strike, over changes to retirement and pensions terms, would hit profits and its image.

However, the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union said it wanted to send a clear message.

Last week, VC called out its members at Lufthansa’s budget airline, Germanwings, for a 12-hour stoppage.

The union, which represents about 5,400 Lufthansa pilots, is calling on the airline to reconsider its decision to raise the age that they can retire from 55.

Lufthansa pilots strike has triggered the cancelation of 1,511 flights
Lufthansa pilots strike has triggered the cancelation of 1,511 flights

The company has offered to retain the scheme for existing members but not to extend it to new recruits.

VC said Lufthansa was “stonewalling” over talks. Union board member Markus Wahl said: “We are extending the strike in order to send a clearer signal. Perhaps now, Lufthansa will finally come round.”

Simone Menne, Lufthansa’s chief financial officer, said in a statement: “The strikes are not only causing significant financial damage but are also damaging our image, the consequences of which are significant and not yet clear.”

Lufthansa said it hoped to operate a third of its flights over the two days.

The Lufthansa strike follows a walk-out over the weekend by railway drivers.

The train drivers’ strike was over demands by the GDL for a 5% pay for 20,000 drivers and a shorter working week.

The head of the GDL union, Claus Weselsky, said there would be a week-long break before any further strikes.

The German Industry Federation business lobby condemned the strikes, saying they harmed “the entire economy” by affecting logistics, tourism and business travel.

Germany’s economy has been slowing recently. However, the Economy Ministry said although the strikes would certainly “impact some sectors of the economy”, there was no reason to change the 2014 growth forecast which was lowered this month to 1.2%.

Germany’s government is expected to produce a draft law later this year aimed at stopping small numbers of employees paralyzing large parts of the country’s infrastructure through strike action.

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IBM pays $1.5 billion to GlobalFoundries to take over its chip making division

Clyde K. Valle
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IBM pays $1.5 billion to GlobalFoundries to take over its chip making division

IBM is to pay $1.5 billion in cash to offload its loss-making chip manufacturing division to Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund GlobalFoundries.

IBM, which wanted to avoid the cost of upgrading the unit’s technology, said it would now focus on cloud computing, mobile and big data analytics.

The company will take a $4.7 billion charge in the third quarter as a result of the sale.

The sale came as IBM announced a 17% drop in third quarter profit.

IBM said it made $3.5 billion profit for the three months to the end of September, with revenues down 4% to $22.4 billion.

“We are disappointed in our performance,” chief executive Ginni Rometty said.

Ginni Rometty blamed a “marked slowdown” in client buying behavior for the drop in sales, which were lower than analysts had expected.

However, she said the results also reflected “the unprecedented pace of change in our industry.”

IBM is to pay $1.5 billion in cash to offload its loss-making chip manufacturing division to GlobalFoundries
IBM is to pay $1.5 billion in cash to offload its loss-making chip manufacturing division to GlobalFoundries

IBM is trying to adapt to industry-wide changes and has been restructuring to focus on its software products.

The disposal of the unprofitable chip making business is the latest step by Ms Rometty to sharpen this focus.

IBM said the sale would enable it to “focus on fundamental semiconductor and material science research, development capabilities and commitment to delivering future semiconductor technologies”.

GlobalFoundries said it would offer jobs to all IBM employees affected.

IBM will spread the $1.5 billion payment to GlobalFoundries over the next three years.

Under the terms of the deal, GlobalFoundries will get intellectual property and technologies related to the chip business.

“IBM needs to find success and growth in the cloud through organic and acquisitive means in our opinion, otherwise there could be some darker days ahead for the tech giant,” said FBR Capital Markets analyst Daniel Ives.

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Serena and Venus Williams slurs: Shamil Tarpischev gets $25,000 fine

Clyde K. Valle
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Serena and Venus Williams slurs: Shamil Tarpischev gets $25,000 fine

Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev has been fined $25,000 for referring to Serena and Venus Williams as “the Williams brothers” on a TV chat show.

Shamil Tarpischev also received a one-year ban from involvement in the women’s tour.

Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) chief executive Stacy Allaster said the comments were “insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport”.

However, Shamil Tarpischev claimed it was a “joke” with no “malicious intent”.

Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev has been fined $25,000 for referring to Serena and Venus Williams as the Williams brothers
Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev has been fined $25,000 for referring to Serena and Venus Williams as the Williams brothers

He added in a statement: “I didn’t want to offend any athlete with my words. I regret that this joke has garnered so much attention. I don’t think this incident deserves so much fuss.”

Shamil Tarpischev added the Williams sisters are “outstanding athletes” who “personify strength and perseverance”.

World number one Serena Williams, 33, has won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, while 34-year-old Venus Williams has won seven.

Stacy Allaster said: “Mr. Tarpischev’s statements questioning their genders tarnish our great game and two of our champions.

“His derogatory remarks deserve to be condemned and he will be sanctioned.”

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Susan Schrivjer launches petition against Toys R Us’ Breaking Bad action figures

Nancy Clayson
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Susan Schrivjer launches petition against Toys R Us’ Breaking Bad action figures

Susan Schrivjer has launched an online petition to get Toys R Us to remove Breaking Bad action figures from its shelves.

In less than a week, Susan Schrivjer’s petition had garnered over a thousand signatures.

Breaking Bad is about a chemistry teacher who starts cooking crystal meth, the toy line features likenesses of characters Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. The Walter White figurine is holding a tray of crystal meth.

Susan Schrivjer has launched an online petition to get Toys R Us to remove Breaking Bad action figures from its shelves
Susan Schrivjer has launched an online petition to get Toys R Us to remove Breaking Bad action figures from its shelves

The Florida mom, who admitted to being a fan of the show, told Today that she was “appalled” that the items are being sold in a toy store, adding that Toys R Us’ “visions and values” need to be reevaluated.

“Anything to do with drugs is not doing the right thing,” Susan Schrivjer said.

A Toys R Us representative said in a statement that the toys are labeled as suitable for children ages 15 and over, with the toys located in the section for adult action figures.

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Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini: Cheryl Cole’s husband wins privacy payout over Reveal magazine article

Lisa.Felice
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Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini: Cheryl Cole’s husband wins privacy payout over Reveal magazine article

Husband of X Factor judge Cheryl Cole, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, has accepted substantial privacy damages over a “very upsetting” Reveal magazine article about his family life.

Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini took legal action against National Magazine Company Ltd, the publisher of Reveal magazine, over the three-page story.

His solicitor told a High Court judge that, despite his wife’s fame, he had no wish to be a public figure.

Reveal magazine said it expressed regret for the distress and hurt it caused.

Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini married Cheryl Cole in July
Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini married Cheryl Cole in July (photo Instagram)

Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini married Cheryl Cole in July.

The magazine’s article detailed his childhood, his life in France, where he was brought up, and gave information about his father, late mother, their personal finance and relationships.

Solicitor Callum Galbraith said the “deeply intrusive” article caused particular distress because Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini had actively sought to avoid the media’s glare.

The sum paid has not been disclosed. Reveal‘s solicitor Aimee Nisbet said it would not republish the article or any similar information about Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini in the future.

Joko Widodo sworn in as Indonesia’s president

Diane A. Wade
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Joko Widodo sworn in as Indonesia’s president

Joko Widodo has been sworn in as Indonesia’s new president in a Jakarta ceremony.

The 53-year-old charismatic outsider who won Indonesia’s presidency made a call for national reconciliation and unity as he was sworn in.

Popularly known as Jokowi, he took the oath of office at a ceremony held at parliament in Jakarta.

Joko Widodo was then cheered through the streets as he made his way on a horse-drawn carriage to the state palace.

The former Jakarta governor is the first president not to have come from the military or political elite.

Joko Widodo has been sworn in as Indonesia’s new president in a Jakarta ceremony
Joko Widodo has been sworn in as Indonesia’s new president in a Jakarta ceremony

Elected in July, the former furniture exporter and son of a carpenter now leads the world’s third-largest democracy, with a population of about 250 million people.

Secretary of State John Kerry and Australia’s PM Tony Abbott were among those who attended the inauguration.

After reading the oath of office, he told Indonesians that “unity and working hand in hand are prerequisites for us to be a great nation. We will never become a great nation if we are stuck with division”.

“This is a historic moment for us all to move together, to work and work,” he said.

Joko Widodo then travelled through the capital in a horse-drawn carriage to the state palace with Vice-President Jusuf Kalla.

He was met by former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the palace. The two had met on Sunday for a tour of the estate.

An outdoor concert featuring rock bands is scheduled for Monday night, with Joko Widodo expected to appear on stage.

About 24,000 police and military personnel have been deployed, but correspondents say that the mood in the capital is upbeat.

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WHO declares Nigeria free of Ebola after six weeks with no cases

Kathryn R. Bown
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WHO declares Nigeria free of Ebola after six weeks with no cases

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Nigeria free of Ebola after six weeks with no new cases.

Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous country, won praise for its swift response after an infected Liberian diplomat brought the disease there in July.

The WHO officially declared Senegal Ebola-free on Friday, October 17.

The Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,500 people in West Africa, mostly in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

The WHO has officially declared Nigeria free of Ebola after six weeks with no new cases
The WHO has officially declared Nigeria free of Ebola after six weeks with no new cases

An estimated 70% of those infected have died in those countries.

Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss how to strengthen their response to the threat posed by Ebola.

European countries have committed more than 500 million euros ($600 million).

The money is being sought to help reinforce over-stretched healthcare systems in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea and to mitigate the damage Ebola is doing to their economies.

Ahead of the talks, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier suggested the EU could send a civilian EU mission to West Africa that would serve as a platform for sending medical staff.

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Kate Middleton’s second child due in April 2015

Lisa.Felice
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Kate Middleton’s second child due in April 2015

Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child in April 2015, Kensington Palace has announced.

Kate Middleton's second child is due in April 2015
Kate Middleton’s second child is due in April 2015

Kate Middleton’s pregnancy had already been announced but the due date had not been released.

Kensington Palace said in a statement that the Duchess of Cambridge continued to suffer from extreme morning sickness but her condition was “steadily improving”.

Captain America’s motorcycle from Easy Rider auctioned for $1.35 million

Sonia Pantiss
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Captain America’s motorcycle from Easy Rider auctioned for $1.35 million

Easy Rider motorcycle has been auctioned for $1.35 million despite claims it is not authentic.

The customized motorcycle is said to have “starred” in the 1969 movie classic.

California auction house Profiles in History said bidding had been fierce but did not name the buyer.

Reportedly used in Easy Rider‘s climactic crash scene, the Harley-Davidson was restored by actor Dan Haggerty.

Yet the bike’s authenticity has been questioned by another collector who claims he owns the actual chopper used.

Gordon Granger of Texas also claims he has a certificate, signed by Grizzly Adams star Dan Haggerty, proving his bike is the genuine article.

The customized motorcycle sold at California auction is said to have starred in 1969 movie classic Easy Rider
The customized motorcycle sold at California auction is said to have starred in 1969 movie classic Easy Rider

Dan Haggerty, who had a small role in the counterculture classic, admitted to the Los Angeles Times he had authenticated and sold two Captain America bikes – the character played by Peter Fonda in the film.

Yet he insisted that only of them was genuine – the one belonging to California real estate agent Michael Eisenberg that was sold on October 18.

Michael Eisenberg bought the bike in 2014 from another man who had purchased it from Dan Haggerty 12 years earlier.

The chopper bears the signature of Peter Fonda on its teardrop-shaped gas tank, though he too has queried its veracity.

Decorated with the American flag, the bike sold on October 18 features a forward-angled front wheel and handlebars and fishtail exhaust pipes.

The chopper previously spent 12 years on display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.

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Australia’s parliament lifts veil ban

Diane A. Wade
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Australia’s parliament lifts veil ban

Australia’s government has reversed a decision which would have restricted access to parliament in Canberra for women wearing full-face Islamic veils.

Earlier this month, parliament said anyone visiting the building with their face covered would have to sit in a separate area of the public gallery.

The move was widely seen as being aimed at Muslim women in burkas or niqabs, prompting discrimination accusations.

Officials said visitors would now have to show their face briefly to security.

“Once this process has taken place, visitors are free to move about the public spaces of the building, including all chamber galleries, with facial coverings in place,” the Department of Parliamentary Services said in a statement.

The plans would have affected Muslim women wearing niqabs, full-length garments where only the eyes are visible, and burkas, where no part of the face can be seen.

Stephen Parry, president of the Senate, said the initial ruling had been made because of rumors that a group of people were planning to attend prime minister’s questions on October 2 wearing veils and stage a protest in the public gallery.

Australia’s government has reversed a decision which would have restricted access to parliament in Canberra for women wearing full-face Islamic veils
Australia’s government has reversed a decision which would have restricted access to parliament in Canberra for women wearing full-face Islamic veils

He said the measure was intended to be temporary and, as it had come on the last day of the parliamentary session, had never been enforced.

PM Tony Abbott – who has previously described burkas as a “confronting” item of clothing which he wished people would not wear – had asked Speaker Bronwyn Bishop to “rethink that decision”.

The rule had come amid growing concern about the threat of terror attacks in Australia and the involvement of Australian jihadists in the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group fighting in Iraq and Syria.

Australia has joined the US-led coalition fighting IS in Iraq, and domestically, police have conducted anti-terror raids in recent weeks.

However, critics said that as everyone entering parliament was subject to security checks there was no reason for people with faces covered to be considered a specific threat.

There are about half a million Muslims in Australia, making up just over 2% of the population.

Teresa Romero tests negative for Ebola after being given human serum with antibodies

Kathryn R. Bown
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Teresa Romero tests negative for Ebola after being given human serum with antibodies

Spanish nurse Teresa Romero, who became the first person to contract Ebola outside West Africa, has now tested negative for the virus, the Spanish government says.

The result suggests Teresa Romero, 44, is no longer infected – although a second test is required before she can be declared free of Ebola.

Teresa Romero contracted the virus when treating two infected patients in a Madrid hospital earlier this month.

The Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,500 people across West Africa.

Spanish nurse Teresa Romero became the first person to contract Ebola outside West Africa
Spanish nurse Teresa Romero became the first person to contract Ebola outside West Africa

Teresa Romero tested positive for the virus on October 6, after she treated two missionaries who had been repatriated from West Africa. The missionaries later died from the virus.

The nurse has said she might have become infected when she removed her protective suit.

A doctor in Madrid said Teresa Romero may have touched her face with her gloves after treating one of the missionaries.

Teresa Romero has been treated at Carlos III hospital in Madrid, and was reportedly given a human serum containing antibodies from Ebola survivors.

A government statement on October 19 said that a blood test appeared to show that the virus was no longer in her body.

She would be given a second test overnight, the statement said, adding that her health was “developing favorably”.

Fifteen other people, including Teresa Romero’s husband, remain under observation in quarantine, but have not shown any symptoms so far, the hospital said.

The incubation period for Ebola can last from two days to three weeks.

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Pope Paul VI beatified by Pope Francis on the last day of Synod on the Family

Diane A. Wade
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Pope Paul VI beatified by Pope Francis on the last day of Synod on the Family

Pope Paul VI has been beatified by Pope Francis on the last day of the Synod of Bishops on the Family.

This year’s synod of the Catholic Church has ended in clinches over how to minister to gay people or whether to give Holy Communion to Catholics who have divorced and remarried.

Paul VI, who was pontiff from 1963 until his death in 1978, had faced similar pressures during the advent of free love, when the church came out against birth control. Pope Paul VI based the decision on Catholic teachings on marriage.

But the church is honoring other aspects of his work, highlighting his efforts to spread social justice and minister to the poor, topics Pope Francis also carries on his banner.

Paul VI is also known for having pioneered papal world visits, traveling to Africa, Latin America and Asia. He was the first pope to visit five continents, the Vatican has said.

He was also the first pope to visit the Holy Land since St. Peter, the Catholic News Service said.

Pope Paul VI has been beatified by Pope Francis on the last day of the Synod of Bishops on the Family
Pope Paul VI has been beatified by Pope Francis on the last day of the Synod of Bishops on the Family

A trip to the Philippines in 1970 could have cost him his life, but it also provided one of the two necessary precursors for his beatification, a relic.

When he was attacked by a man with a bayonet in Manila, two vests he was wearing were stained with blood, according to historian John-Peter Pham. One of the vests was brought to the beatification in a reliquary.

The second precursor required for beatification is a miracle. Pope Paul VI’s involves an unborn child in California, Vatican Radio said.

A doctor advised a pregnant woman to abort her child because of danger to her life and his, but she refused and instead had a nun pray for her using a photo of Pope Paul, CNS reported. The child was born healthy.

The announcement of Pope Paul VI’s beatification came in May, two weeks after Pope Francis canonized two other predecessors, John XXIII and John Paul II, allowing them to ascend to sainthood.

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Barack Obama urges Americans not to give in to Ebola hysteria

Kathryn R. Bown
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Barack Obama urges Americans not to give in to Ebola hysteria

President Barack Obama urged Americans not to give in to Ebola hysteria, stressing that the two cases contracted in the US were not an epidemic or an outbreak.

Barack Obama has also ruled out imposing a travel ban on Ebola-hit countries of West Africa.

He said isolating an entire region, a move urged by some Republicans, would make the situation worse.

The Ebola virus has killed about 4,500 people in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, according to the UN.

Barack Obama said the best way to tackle the disease was at its source, before it spreads.

“Trying to seal off an entire region of the world, if that were even possible, could actually make the situation worse,” he said.

“It would make it harder to move health workers and supplies back and forth.

“Experience shows that it could also cause people in the affected region to change their travel, to evade screening, and make the disease even harder to track.”

President Barack Obama urged Americans not to give in to Ebola hysteria
President Barack Obama urged Americans not to give in to Ebola hysteria (photo White House)

Barack Obama stressed that the US was not in the middle of an outbreak or an epidemic and urged Americans to stay calm.

However, the New York Times has reported that the president was furious with his aides over an inadequate response to the disease.

The newspaper said medical officials had given information that turned out to be wrong, local guidance was inadequate and categories of threats were unclear.

Some 60 Republicans in the House of Representatives have informally said they would support a travel ban, according to an unofficial count on the Hill website.

They were joined by a handful of Democrat representatives and a small number of Republicans in the Senate.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner, who supports travel restrictions, has hinted that he may propose a vote on the issue.

Several US airports have begun screening for Ebola, despite experts saying such moves were unlikely to have an impact.

Two American nurses contracted the virus after treating Liberian Thomas Eric Duncan, who subsequently died of the disease at a hospital in Dallas.

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Michael Brown’s blood found on Darren Wilson’s gun

Nancy Clayson
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Michael Brown’s blood found on Darren Wilson’s gun

According to forensic evidence, Michael Brown’s blood was found on the gun, uniform and inside the car of Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, law enforcement officials told the Washington Post.

Authorities believe the forensic evidence potentially corroborate Darren Wilson’s story that the unarmed 18-year-old tried to take his gun.

The evidence will make it harder for the Justice Department to prosecute Officer Darren Wilson on federal charges that he violated Michael Brown’s civil rights, said the officials.

Michael Brown’s blood was found on the gun, uniform and inside the car of Officer Darren Wilson
Michael Brown’s blood was found on the gun, uniform and inside the car of Officer Darren Wilson

Such evidence would also make it difficult for a county grand jury to indict Darren Wilson on state charges, such as murder or manslaughter, said county sources who also are prohibited from talking on the record about the pending case.

The St. Louis County police, the FBI and a county grand jury are investigating the shooting. The Justice Department is investigating Ferguson and St. Louis County policing practices and whether they have violated the rights of residents.

Darren Wilson, who is white, fatally shot Michael Brown, an African American, on August 9 in the majority black St. Louis suburb of Ferguson.

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Hurricane Gonzalo: Power and communications restored in Bermuda

Nancy Clayson
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Hurricane Gonzalo: Power and communications restored in Bermuda

Hurricane Gonzalo left a trail of damage in its wake on the tiny Atlantic territory of Bermuda.

Bermuda was “bruised” but came out of the storm better than expected, Premier Michael Dunkley said in a radio broadcast.

The storm made landfall on October 17, with strong winds and rain causing power cuts for most residents.

Only minor injuries were reported in the wake of 110mph winds.

It was the strongest storm to hit the British overseas territory in a decade.

Initially a category 4 storm, Hurricane Gonzalo was downgraded to category 2 on October 17 as it weakened on its approach to Bermuda.

Hurricane Gonzalo left a trail of damage in its wake on the tiny Atlantic territory of Bermuda
Hurricane Gonzalo left a trail of damage in its wake on the tiny Atlantic territory of Bermuda

Hurricane Gonzalo caused power cuts to 31,200 homes, but two-thirds had had their electricity restored by Saturday afternoon, according to the Bermuda Electric Company.

The hurricane caused flooding, felled trees, knocked down power lines and damaged buildings, including the island’s main hospital.

Bermuda’s international airport closed in anticipation of the storm and many roads were closed after being blocked by falling debris.

The main hospital saw some damage to its roof but otherwise fared well, Michael Dunkley said.

“As far as roads and infrastructure, we are in a much better position than many people might have thought,” he said, adding that the damage could be replaced, that thankfully no lives were lost, and only minor injuries were reported.

The Royal Navy has deployed a frigate, HMS Argyll, along with trained medical personnel to help with the provision of humanitarian assistance in Bermuda, the UK Ministry of Defense said.

It said the ship was en route to Bermuda, where it will help recover power, communications and water supplies, while a helicopter on the ship will carry out surveillance over the island.

Just days earlier, Tropical Storm Fay damaged homes and knocked down trees and power lines there.

“To be struck twice by two different cyclones is unusual, to say the least,” said Max Mayfield, a former director of the US National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Bermuda, an affluent island chain in the western Atlantic Ocean, is a popular tourist destination as well as a global hub for insurance companies and frequently sees strong tropical storms.

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Hong Kong protesters clash with police for Mong Kok site

Diane A. Wade
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Hong Kong protesters clash with police for Mong Kok site

Hong Kong protesters have clashed with police in a battle for territory in the district of Mong Kok.

Some reports suggested police charged after the demonstrators had breached their barriers, sparking scuffles that caused minor injuries on both sides.

Protesters on social media accused the police of an unprovoked attack.

Leaders on both sides have called for calm, and confirmed that talks between protest leaders and the government delegates will take place on October 21.

The protesters, many of them youths and students, are angry at China’s rulers for limiting their choice of leader in the next election in 2017.

They accuse Hong Kong’s current leader, CY Leung, of failing to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party.

Hong Kong protesters have clashed with police in a battle for territory in the district of Mong Kok
Hong Kong protesters have clashed with police in a battle for territory in the district of Mong Kok (photo Reuters)

Protests erupted last month and have been going on intermittently around government buildings and the business district on Hong Kong island, and in Mong Kok, a residential and shopping area in Kowloon.

On October 17, police had all but cleared the Mong Kok site and protesters’ numbers had substantially dwindled elsewhere.

Clashes resumed later as protesters launched a sustained effort to reoccupy a busy road junction in Mong Kok.

About 9,000 protesters pushed police back, with 26 people arrested.

At about midnight on October 18, police charged protesters, beating them with batons and deploying pepper spray.

A stand-off resumed shortly afterwards with neither side having gained any ground.

Talks between the two sides were announced earlier.

Carrie Lam, CY Leung’s deputy, said both sides would send five representatives to the negotiations, which will be broadcast live on television.

The talks will last about two hours, and be focused on constitutional reform, Carrie Lam said.

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Annapurna Circuit death toll rises to 39 after four days of searches

Nancy Clayson
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Annapurna Circuit death toll rises to 39 after four days of searches

The death toll of Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit has risen to 39 after days of searches, officials say.

Snowstorms and avalanches have killed the trekkers on one of the most popular hiking routes in the Himalayas.

After a fourth day of searches, 384 people have been rescued from the Annapurna trail, 216 of them foreigners, in the country’s worst-ever trekking disaster.

Helicopters have been searching parts of the trail high as 19,000ft for survivors.

The government said the priority was to rescue 22 stranded hikers.

The trekkers are stranded at Thorung La pass, and face a shortage of food and water. Army helicopters tried to rescue them but failed after being unable to land.

It is still unclear which climbers have been accounted for and which are still missing.

The task of the authorities is made more complicated because there are thousands of climbers in Nepal at this time of the year.

Army helicopters tried unsuccessfully to rescue them on October 18 between the Mustang and Dolpa districts, government rescue coordinator Suresh Acharya said.

The death toll of Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit has risen to 39 after days of searches
The death toll of Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit has risen to 39 after days of searches

Twenty bodies have been recovered but 19 bodies are still in the snow and a rescue team will be deployed on October 19 to dig them out and retrieve them by air, he said.

One of the main trekking routes – the Thorung La pass, the high point of the Annapurna Circuit – is now “relatively safe” after the army cleared snow, he said earlier.

Rescuers have only limited resources and most of the missing and dead are believed to be at the maximum heights that helicopters can reach.

Nepalese, Japanese, Israeli, Canadian, Indian, Slovak, Vietnamese and Polish trekkers are said to be among the dead.

Many survivors have been left with severe frostbite and will have to have limbs amputated.

Nepal earns huge revenues from the tens of thousands of trekkers and climbers who flock to the Himalayas every year.

This has been a particularly deadly year for Nepal’s trekking and mountaineering industry.

An avalanche on Mount Everest in April killed 16 Sherpa guides and resulted in a significant drop in the number of expeditions to the world’s highest peak.

The latest disaster comes at the height of the trekking period.

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