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Sierra Leone: Hiding Ebola patients is illegal

Kathryn R. Bown
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Sierra Leone: Hiding Ebola patients is illegal

Sierra Leone’s parliament voted to pass a new amendment to its health act, imposing possible jail time for anyone caught hiding an Ebola patient.

Hiding an Ebola patient is a practice the World Health Organization (WHO) believes has contributed to a major underestimation of the current outbreak.

Those caught face up to two years in prison, the justice minister said. The measure still needs to be approved by the president.

Earlier, Ivory Coast closed its land borders to prevent the spread of the deadly Ebola virus on to its territory.

The WHO says the measures – taken by other countries as well – are counterproductive.

So far 1,427 people have died – more than in any other Ebola outbreak.

Sierra Leone’s parliament voted to pass a new amendment to its health act, imposing possible jail time for anyone caught hiding an Ebola patient
Sierra Leone’s parliament voted to pass a new amendment to its health act, imposing possible jail time for anyone caught hiding an Ebola patient

The number of cases now stands at 2,615. The speed and extent of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa are “unprecedented”, according to the WHO.

Ivory Coast, the largest economy in francophone West Africa, had previously imposed a ban on flights to and from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

“Faced with new outbreak sites and the reactivation of old sites… the Ivorian government decides to close its land borders with sister republics Guinea and Liberia,” it said in a statement on Friday.

Gabon, Senegal, Cameroon and South Africa have taken similar measures.

The WHO says travel bans do not work, and that what is needed is more doctors and officials to help trace those infected with Ebola, as well as more mobile laboratories.

On Friday, the WHO’s Dr. Keiji Fukuda expressed concern over so-called “shadow zones”, areas which cannot be reached and where patients are not being detected.

The organization confirmed 142 new cases of the disease had been reported since 19 August, as well as 77 deaths.

Speaking at a news conference in the Liberian capital Monrovia, Dr. Keiji Fukuda said combating the disease would take “several months of hard work”.

“We haven’t seen an Ebola outbreak covering towns, rural areas so quickly and over such a wide area,” he added.

Ebola has no known cure but some affected people have recovered after being given an experimental drug, ZMapp. However, supplies are now exhausted.

Why Ebola outbreak is underestimated?

  • Many families keep sick people at home, as there is no cure
  • Many health centers have closed because medical staff have fled
  • In Liberia, treatment centers are overwhelmed
  • The existence of “shadow-zones”, areas where there are reports of Ebola but which cannot be accessed because of local resistance or lack of staff

Source: World Health Organization

Beijing Independent Film Festival 2014 shut down on its opening day

Sonia Pantiss
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Beijing Independent Film Festival 2014 shut down on its opening day

Chinese authorities have shut down the 11th Beijing Independent Film Festival on its opening day, August 23.

Organizers said they had been under pressure from officials in recent days to cancel the festival, which had been due to run until the end of the month.

An attempt to move the venue from a suburb was blocked by local police.

It has been a rare opportunity for independent Chinese film makers to show their work, but is regarded with suspicion by the government.

The annual festival has suffered disruption in the past, including having its electricity supply cut.

Chinese authorities have shut down the 11th Beijing Independent Film Festival on its opening day
Chinese authorities have shut down the 11th Beijing Independent Film Festival on its opening day

The organizers said they had received a series of warnings from officials to cancel the festival – one report said they complied after being briefly detained on Friday.

Security was tight at the venue in the Beijing suburb of Songzhuang, with about two dozen men blocking the area and preventing around 30 film directors and members of the public from entering, the Associated Press reports.

The men, claiming to be villagers, tried to stop anyone from photographing or filming the scene, AP says.

The Chinese government keeps a tight control on information and the media – and is suspicious of independent films that could contain criticism of the Communist party and its policies.

President Xi Jinping has stepped up repression of government critics since coming to office with the arrest of hundreds of bloggers.

Iceland: Bardarbunga volcano eruption sparks red alert for aviation industry

Diane A. Wade
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Iceland: Bardarbunga volcano eruption sparks red alert for aviation industry

Iceland’s Bardarbunga volcano eruption sparked a red alert for the aviation industry, meaning significant ash emissions are likely.

Iceland’s meteorological office has warned that a small eruption under an ice cap has begun at Bardarbunga.

The air space over the site has been closed, but all Icelandic airports currently remain open, authorities say.

Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted in 2010, producing an ash cloud that severely disrupted air travel.

The red alert is the highest warning on the country’s five-point scale.

A team of scientists was flying across the region on Saturday afternoon to monitor seismic activity.

Bardarbunga volcano eruption sparks red alert for aviation industry
Bardarbunga volcano eruption sparks red alert for aviation industry

“The eruption is considered a minor event at this point,” police said in a statement.

“Because of pressure from the glacier cap, it is uncertain whether the eruption will stay sub-glacial or not.”

Bardarbunga is part of a large volcano system hidden beneath the 0.31-mile thick Vatnajokull glacier in central Iceland.

Authorities have previously warned that any eruption in the volcano could result in flooding north of the glacier.

On Wednesday, authorities evacuated several hundred people from the area over fears of an eruption.

The region, located more than 190 miles from Iceland’s Reykjavik, has no permanent residents but sits within a national park popular with tourists.

The move came after geologists reported that about 300 earthquakes had been detected in the area since midnight on Tuesday.

The Eyjafjallajokull eruption in April 2010 caused the largest closure of European airspace since World War Two, with losses estimated at between 1.5 billion and 2.5 billion euros.

Criticism following the strictly enforced shutdown resulted in the CAA relaxing its rules to allow planes to fly in areas with a low density of volcanic ash.

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Russian aid convoy leaves Ukraine as Angela Merkel arrives in Kiev

Roy Siemens
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Russian aid convoy leaves Ukraine as Angela Merkel arrives in Kiev

All Russian trucks from an unauthorized aid convoy have now crossed back over the border from Ukraine.

The convoy returned from the eastern city of Luhansk, which is held by pro-Russian separatists. Kiev and Western officials fear the trucks may have had military equipment to help the rebels.

Russia said they had delivered generators, food and drink.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is to receive a 500 million-euro loan from Germany after Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Kiev.

The money will be used to help rebuild Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure, Angela Merkel said in a joint press conference with President Petro Poroschenko in the Ukrainian capital on August 23.

A further 25 million euros will go toward helping refugees, the German chancellor said.

Four months of fighting in eastern Ukraine have left more than 2,000 people dead. More than 330,000 people have fled their homes.

The violence erupted when pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions declared independence from Kiev, after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in March.

Ukraine accuses Russia of arming the rebels and sending Russian soldiers into eastern Ukraine – a claim denied by the Kremlin.

Chancellor Angela Merkel met President Petro Poroschenko in the Ukrainian capital Kiev
Chancellor Angela Merkel met President Petro Poroschenko in the Ukrainian capital Kiev (photo EPA)

Prior to her arrival in Kiev, Angela Merkel described the Russian convoy’s movement into Ukrainian territory as a “dangerous escalation”.

Observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said there was no information about what most of the convoy – of more than 200 vehicles – was carrying.

The head of the OSCE mission, Paul Picard, said that only the first 37 trucks had been inspected by the Red Cross before they set off into Russia.

The trucks had already been waiting at the border for a week, while Russia, the Ukrainian government and the Red Cross tried to come to an agreement on their passage.

The Russians said the convoy started moving because it could not wait any longer, owing to the worsening humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine, which is held by pro-Russian separatists.

The White House and the Ukrainian government both described the deployment of the convoy as a flagrant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

In a phone call, President Barack Obama and Angela Merkel said the conflict had “continued to deteriorate” since a Malaysian airliner was downed last month over rebel-held territory, with the loss of all 298 people on board.

Ukraine called the Russian convoy a “direct invasion” of Ukraine.

NATO and the European Union have also criticized what they said was a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

NATO officials have accused Russia of building up troops on its border, saying significant numbers of Russian forces are operating within Ukraine, using artillery.

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Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop sued by Diet Detective over copyright infringement

Lisa.Felice
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Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop sued by Diet Detective over copyright infringement

Gwyneth Paltrow’s e-commerce website Goop.com has been sued by Charles Platkin, who owns and operates a business under the name Diet Detective.

Charles Platkin alleges that Gwyneth Paltrow’s company infringed on his Diet Detective copyright in a July 18th article posted on its website, which used the phrase as its title.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s e-commerce website Goop.com has been sued over copyright infringement
Gwyneth Paltrow’s e-commerce website Goop.com has been sued over copyright infringement (photo Getty Images)

He is the author of the Diet Detective syndicated column, as well as maintaining a website under that name. He demands that Goop Inc. be barred from using his “Diet Detective” trademarks, and is seeking monetary damages and a jury trial.

Charles Platkin is represented by William R. Samuels of W.R. Samuels Law PLLC.

Galileo Mission: Doresa and Milena satellites go into wrong orbit

James J. Williams
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Galileo Mission: Doresa and Milena satellites go into wrong orbit

Two of ESA’s Galileo satellites – Europe’s version of the American GPS satellite navigation system – have not gone into the correct orbit.

However, the European Space Agency says the fifth and sixth satellites – Doresa and Milena – launched from French Guiana on August 22 are under control.

The agency is examining the implications of the anomaly.

Doresa and Milena went up on a Soyuz rocket after a 24-hour delay because of bad weather.

“Observations taken after the separation of the satellites from the Soyuz VS09 (rocket) for the Galileo Mission show a gap between the orbit achieved and that which was planned,” said launch service provider Arianespace, in a statement.

“They have been placed on a lower orbit than expected. Teams are studying the impact this could have on the satellites,” it added.

Galileo satellites Doresa and Milena have not gone into the correct orbit after launch
Galileo satellites Doresa and Milena have not gone into the correct orbit after launch (photo ESA/Arianespace)

Arianespace declined to comment on whether their trajectories could be corrected, the AFP news agency reports.

After years of delay, Galileo is now finally moving towards full deployment.

ESA, which is building the system on behalf of the EU, expects to have a 26-satellite constellation in orbit by 2017.

The EU is investing billions in its satellite navigation project.

It believes Galileo will bring significant returns to European economies in the form of new businesses that can exploit precise timing and location data delivered from orbit.

What is Europe’s Galileo system?

  • A project of the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA)
  • 30 satellites are likely to be launched in batches in the coming years
  • Galileo will work alongside GPS and the Russian Glonass systems
  • Full system promises real-time positioning down to a meter or less
  • It should deepen and extend high-value markets already initiated by GPS
  • Cost to date: 6 billion euros; budget set aside to 2020: 7 billion euros
  • European GDP reliant now on GPS applications: 800 billion euros per annum

Source: EC/ESA

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MH370 search: Fugro Equator and Zhu Kezhen vessels assembling bathymetric map

Diane A. Wade
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MH370 search: Fugro Equator and Zhu Kezhen vessels assembling bathymetric map

The hunt for the missing Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 has entered the next phase.

Two vessels – the Fugro Equator and the Zhu Kezhen – are currently mapping an area covering 60,000 sq km.

Detailed information being gathered about the shape of the ocean floor west of Australia confirms the seabed in some locations to be extremely rugged.

This survey will guide a metre-by-metre search using towed instruments and submersibles.

This is likely to get under way towards the end of September.

The Australian authorities have warned that this could take a year to complete.

The Dutch-owned Fugro Equator and the Chinese naval vessel Zhu Kezhen are presently assembling a bathymetric (depth) map.

It covers the general location in the southern Indian Ocean where investigators believe MH370 is most likely to have come down.

The map is akin to a broad canvas – a first-ever proper look at a terrain about which there is the slimmest of knowledge.

It is essential work. Without this map, which has a resolution of roughly 25m in the deepest depths, it would not be safe to put down submersibles, as there is a high risk these vehicles would be lost.

The Fugro Equator is equipped with a state-of-the-art multibeam echosounder.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 was lost on March 8, 2014, as it flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, carrying 239 people
Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 was lost on March 8, 2014, as it flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, carrying 239 people

The vast majority of the area it is covering has never been sampled before.

It has recorded depths near to 6,000m. Even the shallow regions are more than 1,000m down.

But it is the craggy nature of the seabed that will prompt extreme caution to be exercised in the next phase of operations.

Fugro has been contracted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to conduct this part of the search as well.

It will involve the Equator and another ship, the Fugro Discovery. Both ships will pull a deep-tow instrument very close to the sea floor using a 10,000m armored fiber-optic cable.

Echosounders are its ears; cameras represent its eyes; and a chemical sensor works like a nose.

This nose will “sniff” for the presence of any jet fuel in the water, down to a few parts per billion in concentration.

Assembling the bathymetric map has been a tough job in itself.

The Equator has had to contend with some terrible winter weather.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 was lost on March 8, 2014, as it flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, carrying 239 people.

Its disappearance has become one the biggest mysteries in aviation history.

The best information investigators have for its whereabouts come for a series of brief satellite communications with the jet during its flight.

The last of these connections suggests MH370 crashed into the water inside the “high priority” search zone now being surveyed by the Dutch and Chinese vessels.

Chinese Su-27 fighter intercepts US Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft on routine mission

Roy Siemens
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Chinese Su-27 fighter intercepts US Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft on routine mission

The US is accusing China of reckless mid-air intercept after a Chinese fighter came perilously close to a US military patrol plane over international waters east of China’s Hainan Island, the Pentagon has said.

Pentagon’s spokesman John Kirby said that the US had protested to the Chinese military over the mid-air intercept, calling the fighter pilot’s actions “unsafe and unprofessional”.

John Kirby said that the Chinese aircraft came within 3ft of the US Navy plane.

Correspondents say that it is the fourth such incident since March.

So far there has been no comment about the reported near-miss from China.

Rear Admiral John Kirby said that the incident happened on August 19, when an armed Chinese Su-27 fighter intercepted a US Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft that was on a routine mission.

“We have registered our strong concerns to the Chinese about the unsafe and unprofessional intercept, which posed a risk to the safety and the well-being of the air crew, and was inconsistent with customary international law,” he said.

Armed Chinese Su-27 fighter intercepted a US Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft that was on a routine mission over international waters
Armed Chinese Su-27 fighter intercepted a US Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft that was on a routine mission over international waters

John Kirby said that the Chinese maneuver detracted from efforts to improve American relations with China’s military.

The warplane flew close to the surveillance aircraft three times, he said, flying above, underneath and alongside it. At one point it performed “a barrel roll” in an apparent display of its weapons.

John Kirby said that the Chinese maneuver was “very, very close, very dangerous”.

Near-misses between aircraft and naval vessels of the US and China are commonplace off the coast of China.

In December China said one of its warships “encountered” a US guided missile cruiser, confirming US reports of a near-collision in the South China Sea.

Shortly before this incident China set up an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea, and said that aircraft flying through the zone must follow its rules, including filing flight plans.

The US, Japan and South Korea have rejected China’s zone, and flown undeclared military aircraft through it. The US has called the move a unilateral attempt to change the status quo in the region.

The most serious incident in recent years however took place in 2001, when a Chinese fighter jet collided with a US Navy EP-3 spy plane, killing the Chinese pilot.

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Duck Dynasty women take Ice Bucket Challenge

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck Dynasty women take Ice Bucket Challenge

The Robertson women accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challange after being nominated by the Junk Gypsy Company.

Duck Dynasty’s Korie, Missy, Jessica and Lisa Robertson took the challenge to raise awareness of ALS with the help of their husbands Willie, Jase, Jep and Alan.

Missy Robertson shared the moment with her fans via Facebook, saying: “Thanks to @junkgypsycompany for nominating us. And please, everyone who takes this challenge, donate!”

The Robertson women accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challange after being nominated by the Junk Gypsy Company
The Robertson women accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challange after being nominated by the Junk Gypsy Company (photo Facebook)

Hundreds of celebrities and sports stars across the US are getting soaked in the name of a good cause.

The Ice Bucket Challenge is aimed at helping strike out ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

People who participate are getting doused with ice water and then challenge other to do the same to raise awareness for the disease.

John Luke Robertson takes Ice Bucket Challenge

Sonia Pantiss
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John Luke Robertson takes Ice Bucket Challenge

The eldest son of Duck Dynasty stars Willie and Korie Robertson, John Luke, accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from his father.

Hundreds of celebrities and sports stars across the US are getting soaked in the name of a good cause.

The Ice Bucket Challenge is aimed at helping strike out ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

John Luke Robertson accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from his father Willie
John Luke Robertson accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from his father Willie (photo Twitter)

People who participate are getting doused with ice water and then challenge other to do the same to raise awareness for the disease.

Willie Robertson and his trademark beard are the latest to take the challenge. Friends dumped water on him from the roof of his West Monroe, Louisiana, business, Duck Commander. He challenged his son, John Luke, professional baseball player Adam LaRoche and NFL player Matt Light to go under the bucket.

John Luke Robertson accepted the challenge and nominated his friends.

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Jase Robertson takes Ice Bucket Challenge

Sonia Pantiss
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Jase Robertson takes Ice Bucket Challenge

Duck Dynasty’s Jase Robertson accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) after being nominated by Tim Tebow and Joba Chamberlain.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Joba Chamberlain took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge targeting Jase Robertson, Braves outfielder B.J. Upton, and his own manager, Brad Ausmus.

Jase Robertson accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge after being nominated by Tim Tebow and Joba Chamberlain
Jase Robertson accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge after being nominated by Tim Tebow and Joba Chamberlain (photo Facebook)

Missy Robertson’s husband has nominated his fellow reality stars John Godwin and Justin Martin.

Jase Robertson posted his Ice Bucket Challenge video on Facebook, saying: “Thanks to Tim Tebow and Joba Chamberlain for the challenge to raise awareness of ALS. Godwin and Martin are on the clock!”

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Derek Rieth dead: Pink Martini percussionist commits suicide at 43

Lisa.Felice
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Derek Rieth dead: Pink Martini percussionist commits suicide at 43

Pink Martini percussionist Derek Rieth has been found dead, band’s manager Bill Tennant has announced.

A police spokesman said on August 22 that the Oregon State medical examiner’s office has determined that 43-year-old Derek Rieth died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The death has been ruled a suicide.

Police found Derek Rieth’s body Wednesday night when they conducted a welfare check on behalf of someone who was concerned after not hearing from him for several hours.

Sgt. Pete Simpson says a shotgun was found and taken as evidence.

Derek Rieth played many percussion instruments for Pink Martini, including bongos, congas, cymbals, and the triangle
Derek Rieth played many percussion instruments for Pink Martini, including bongos, congas, cymbals, and the triangle (photo Getty Images)

Bill Tennant said they are not releasing additional information at this time.

“Right now, to respect the family and friends, we’re not going to make a further statement,” he said.

Derek Rieth played many percussion instruments for Pink Martini, including bongos, congas, cymbals, and the triangle.

The Oregonian reports that Derek Rieth was a founding member of Pink Martini, playing everything from bongos to finger cymbals.

The publication said Pink Martini was scheduled to play the Oregon Zoo with the von Trapps on August 22 and 23, shows that will go on.

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Ferguson: National Guard begins withdrawal

Nancy Clayson
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Ferguson: National Guard begins withdrawal

The National Guard has begun withdrawing from Ferguson, Missouri, where the shooting of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown by white policeman Darren Wilson has sparked days of protests.

The National Guard troops were deployed in Ferguson on August 18 when demonstrations became more violent.

On August 21, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon ordered their withdrawal when it appeared that tensions had eased.

Michael Brown, 18, was killed on 9 August after being stopped by a police officer for walking in the street.

Jay Nixon had called in the National Guard to support police operations, amid unrest driven by anger over Michael Brown’s death and the police response.

However, August 20 and 21 were relatively calm with only a few arrests made.

Despite the easing of tension, some caution violence could flare up again when Michael Brown is buried on August 25.

The National Guard troops were deployed in Ferguson when demonstrations became more violent over Michael Brown’s shooting
The National Guard troops were deployed in Ferguson when demonstrations became more violent over Michael Brown’s shooting

“Monday night will be a critical night,” St Louis based Bishop Edwin Bass told the Reuters news agency.

“The funeral could have a big impact on the mood of the community,” he said.

Officer Darren Wilson, has been suspended with pay and Michael Brown’s family and supporters have called for him to be prosecuted.

A grand jury panel of residents has begun hearing evidence in the case, though officials have not said when it will reach a decision.

Attorney General Eric Holder arrived in Ferguson on August 20 to talk to justice department officials leading a separate federal investigation into the killing.

Eric Holder, who is the first black US attorney general, said on August 21 that the “national outcry we have seen speaks to the mistrust and mutual suspicions that can take hold between law enforcement and certain communities”.

“I wanted the people of Ferguson to know I personally understood that mistrust,” he said.

“This attorney general and this department of justice stand with the people of Ferguson.”

Eric Holder added that while he had gone to Ferguson to “provide reassurance, in fact they gave me hope”.

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Mark Chapman: John Lennon’s killer denied parole again

Sonia Pantiss
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Mark Chapman: John Lennon’s killer denied parole again

The New York authorities have denied parole to Mark Chapman, the man who shot dead John Lennon in 1980, for the eighth time.

Mark David Chapman, now 59, was sentenced to 20 years to life in 1981 after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

He shot John Lennon four times outside a Manhattan apartment block on December 8, 1980.

Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon four times outside a Manhattan apartment block on December 8, 1980
Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon four times outside a Manhattan apartment block on December 8, 1980

The parole board said the murder of the famous British musician and former member of The Beatles “devastated a family and those who loved the victim”.

“Your release would be incompatible with the welfare of society and would so deprecate the serious nature of the crime as to undermine respect for the law,” the board said.

Mark Chapman can reapply for parole in two years.

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Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon divorce: Singer issues gag order

Lisa.Felice
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Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon divorce: Singer issues gag order

Nick Cannon has confirmed that he and Mariah Carey have been living separately for months, but it seems that’s all he’s allowed to say about the matter in public.

According to TMZ, Mariah Carey’s attorneys established a provision of the settlement in which Nick Cannon is on the hook for “serious financial penalties” should he reveal anything more than the fact that they are living apart.

TMZ als claims that Kim Kardashian is somehow involved in their decision to divorce after six years of marriage.

Mariah Carey, meanwhile, is allowed to announce the details of their split as she sees fit.

A Mariah Carey’s representative told Us Weekly in a statement on August 22: “I don’t comment on Mariah’s personal life, but Mariah is focusing on her children and her upcoming tour.”

Nick Cannon has confirmed that he and Mariah Carey have been living separately for months
Nick Cannon has confirmed that he and Mariah Carey have been living separately for months (photo Getty Images)

Mariah Carey, 44, and Nick Cannon, 33, have already worked out settlements regarding their children, twins Monroe and Moroccan, as well as their property.

With no prior announcement on April 30, 2008, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey got married at her private estate on Windermere Island in The Bahamas.

In April 2011, Mariah Carey gave birth to fraternal twins Monroe Cannon and Moroccan Scott.

On January 4, 2012, Nick Cannon was hospitalized after suffering from mild kidney failure. He was then hospitalized on February 17, 2012, for blood clots in his lungs.

On March 5, 2012, Nick Cannon announced that he had been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, lupus nephritis, which was the cause of his recent kidney problems.

On May 1, 2013, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey lived out a fairy-tale “Fantasy” wedding at the Disneyland Resort, where they marked their fifth wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows and celebrated their twins’ second birthday.

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Most important meal may not be breakfast

Kathryn R. Bown
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Most important meal may not be breakfast

Nutrition science has in recent years been bisected over the importance of breakfast.

Recent studies land a weight of evidence thoroughly outside the realm of “most important meal”.

In one study, 300 people ate or skipped breakfast and showed no subsequent difference in their weight gained or lost.

According to researcher Emily Dhurandhar, the findings suggest that breakfast “may be just another meal”.

Recent research suggests that breakfast may be just another meal
Recent research suggests that breakfast may be just another meal

Another small new study from the University of Bath found that resting metabolic rates, cholesterol levels, and blood-sugar profiles were the same after six weeks of eating or skipping breakfast. Breakfast-skippers ate less over the course of the day than did breakfast-eaters, though they also burned fewer calories.

The crux of the breakfast divide is a phenomenon known among nutrition scientists as “proposed effect of breakfast on obesity”, or the PEBO. It’s the idea people who don’t eat breakfast actually end up eating more and/or worse things over the course of the day because their nightly fast was not properly broken.

Some studies have supported that idea, but a strong meta-analysis of all existing research last year by obesity researchers found that “the belief in the PEBO exceeds the strength of scientific evidence”, citing poor research and bias in reporting.

Another study published last year researchers at Cornell had people go without breakfast for science, and those who skipped ended up eating less by the end of the day.

In a third study published in July 2013 in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation found that eating breakfast was associated with significantly lower risk of heart disease. That remains the most persuasive pro-breakfast case to date.

Ukraine: Lithuania’s honorary consul Mykola Zelenec killed in Luhansk

Roy Siemens
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Ukraine: Lithuania’s honorary consul Mykola Zelenec killed in Luhansk

Lithuania’s honorary consul in Luhansk, Mykola Zelenec, has been killed in the rebel-held Ukrainian city.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius tweeted that Mykola Zelenec was “kidnapped & brutally killed by terrorists there”.

Ukraine routinely calls the pro-Russian separatists in Luhansk “terrorists”.

The news came amid reports that some Russian aid trucks had reached Luhansk without any permission from Ukraine.

There has been no comment from the rebels yet on the Lithuanian diplomat’s death.

Lithuania is among the most vociferous EU member states in its criticism of Russian actions in Ukraine. The EU and US accuse Russia of fomenting the separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine.

The news of Mykola Zelenec’s killing came amid reports that some Russian aid trucks had reached Luhansk without any permission from Ukraine
The news of Mykola Zelenec’s killing came amid reports that some Russian aid trucks had reached Luhansk without any permission from Ukraine

Linas Linkevicius described the entry of the Russian aid convoy into eastern Ukraine as “a blatant violation of international law”, echoing Ukraine’s condemnation of the move.

The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session at Lithuania’s request to discuss the issue.

The Ukraine crisis has heightened tensions between Russia and the three Baltic republics – including Lithuania – which used to be Soviet republics governed from Moscow.

Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, lambasted the Lithuanian delegation on Friday.

He scorned “the indefatigable delegation of Lithuania, which is always torpedoing all productive, constructive initiatives we’ve had in the Security Council”.

Vitaly Churkin said Lithuania had amended a Russian proposal calling for a ceasefire while the aid was distributed in Luhansk. He said the Lithuanian delegation “sent in amendments where they dropped the reference to Russia and included a reference to the European Union, and then dropped the reference to a ceasefire”.

At the UN, Vitaly Churkin added, “the Lithuanian delegation starts working, and of course we know the division of labor – the US and UK are not far behind”.

Kaum De Heere: India blocks Indira Ghandi assassination movie

Sonia Pantiss
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Kaum De Heere: India blocks Indira Ghandi assassination movie

India has blocked the release of Kaum De Heere (Diamonds Of The Community), a movie about the assassination of former PM Indira Gandhi, after complaints it glorified her killers.

Intelligence agencies had warned of potential violence if the movie is released.

Kaum De Heere had been scheduled for release on Friday, August 22.

The movie tells the story of Indira Gandhi’s Sikh bodyguards who shot her dead apparently to avenge her decision to send troops in a deadly raid on the Golden Temple.

Sikhs say thousands were murdered when the army entered Sikhism’s holiest shrine in Amritsar to flush out militants.

Kaum De Heere had been scheduled for release on August 22
Kaum De Heere had been scheduled for release on August 22

Indira Gandhi’s assassination triggered an outburst of communal violence targeted at Sikhs and more than 3,000 Sikhs were killed in attacks across India.

India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) decided to halt the release “because of the law and order situation that might result from the showing of the film”, the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported.

Kaum De Heere‘s producer Ravinder Ravi has defended his film vociferously, but has not yet responded to the latest decision.

In Punjab the Congress Party – which Indira Gandhi led – threatened to carry out protests if the film was released and the party’s youth wing also wrote to PM Narendra Modi asking for the film to be banned, saying it presented her assassins as heroes.

Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, her two bodyguards, are the main focus of the movie, which is what has given rise to such anger.

Beant Singh was killed by police shortly after the murder while Satwant Singh was later hanged.

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Duck Dynasty Season 6 finale: Will the show be renewed for another season or canceled?

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck Dynasty Season 6 finale: Will the show be renewed for another season or canceled?

Duck Dynasty Season 6 wrapped up on August 13 after ten episodes, with the last one titled Lake Boss.

The sixth season premiered on June 11. Episodes 9 and 10 aired on August 13, for a one-hour season finale.

According to the description for Lake Boss: “Jase plans a trip to the lake when Korie seeks ideas for celebrating Willie’s birthday; Phil and the grandchildren hunt for a raccoon that has taken up.”

Fans are wondering whether the show will be renewed for another season or canceled.

There’s no official word yet, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It sometimes takes weeks or even months after a season ends for official confirmation of a renewal or cancellation.

Duck Dynasty ratings have slipped this year, hitting a low of 3.4 million in episode 8 on August 6.

Duck Dynasty Season 6 wrapped up on August 13 after ten episodes
Duck Dynasty Season 6 wrapped up on August 13 after ten episodes (photo A & E TV)

The show premiered back in March 2012 with only 1.8 million viewers, but climbed to 2.5 million by the end of the season.

Duck Dynasty Season 2, running from October through December 2012, found 6.4 million viewers at the season finale, and Season 3 in early 2013 climbed to about 8.5 million per episode. Season 4 in August through December 2013 had almost 12 million viewers in its premiere, although it later dipped to as low as 7.3 million.

Duck Dynasty Season 5 saw a big dropoff, down to as low as 4.7 million viewers.

This season has been the worst since season 1, with just the premiere above 4 million viewers.

On July 17, 2014, the show came in with 3.7 million viewers over all–but most importantly, with 1.4 million in the coveted 18-49 age bracket, the best for the night.

Si Robertson launches Tea Cup Photo Contest

Sonia Pantiss
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Si Robertson launches Tea Cup Photo Contest

Duck Dynasty’s Si Robertson has launched his Tea Cup Photo Contest.

Participants can win one of Si Robertson’s signed tea cups and a bobble head from the Duck Commander Store.

Si Robertson has launched his Tea Cup Photo Contest
Si Robertson has launched his Tea Cup Photo Contest (photo Facebook)

Si Robertson announced on his Facebook page: “The #MyTeaCup Photo Contest starts today JACK! Submit your best tea cup photo for a chance at winning a signed tea cup and bobble head from the Duck Commander Store! Your picture could even be posted on my page! Click this link to enter: https://a.pgtb.me/zW63nC.”

Willie, Korie, Uncle Si and Al Robertson at Columbus North Gym on August 23

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Willie, Korie, Uncle Si and Al Robertson at Columbus North Gym on August 23

Duck Dynasty stars Willie, Korie, Uncle Si and Al Robertson will be in Columbus, Indiana, on August 23.

They will meet fans at the Columbus North Gym and will talk about their family, their business and how their Faith has laid the foundation in these areas.

Willie, Korie, Si and Alan Robertson will answer audience questions and comments.

Si Robertson wrote on his Facebook page: “It’s four days ’till I’m gonna be in Columbus, IN with Willie and Korie! You can still get tickets JACK! On Saturday at 5:00 PM TWO meet & greet passes will be raffled off. There will also be FREE outside activities planned for the entire afternoon.”

Willie, Korie and Uncle Si Robertson will be in Columbus, Indiana, on August 23
Willie, Korie and Uncle Si Robertson will be in Columbus, Indiana, on August 23 (photo Facebook)

Location:Columbus North Gym
1400 25th Street
Columbus, 47201

A Night with A&E’s Duck Dynasty: Willie, Korie, Si, and Alan

Great seats are available starting at $25.  Prices are from $25 – $55

How to purchase tickets: By phone to Blank Slate Ticket Office 812-343-9762, on line at www.blankslatepro.org, or locally at Midwest Computer Solutions in Columbus IN

Time: August 23, 2014 7:00 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm.

Reed Robertson leaves West Monroe for Nashville to pursue a music career

Sonia Pantiss
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Reed Robertson leaves West Monroe for Nashville to pursue a music career

Duck Dynasty’s Reed Robertson, the son of Jase and Missy Robertson, has left his West Monroe’s home for Nashville to pursue his music career, his mother has announced.

Jase and Missy Robertson’s teenage son is actually a talented musician who landed himself a spot on a tour with American Idol alum Colton Dixon, among others.

Duck Dynasty’s Reed Robertson is the son of Jase and Missy Robertson
Duck Dynasty’s Reed Robertson is the son of Jase and Missy Robertson (photo Facebook)

If you were able to pick up Duck the Halls, you might remember Reed Robertson as the album’s high point in the tune Camouflage and Christmas Lights.

Reed Robertson boasted a pretty good voice — as well as some guitar skills — which he showed off in a school performance last year.

Missy Robertson wrote on Facebook: “Reed, our firstborn, left the nest for Nashville this morning to follow his dream of music. Jase and I are trusting God to lead him in this endeavor. We’re very proud of how he has chosen to live for Jesus and the risks he is willing to take to pursue this step in his life. Please keep him in your prayers…and us as well. We’ve raised him to leave home, but it’s still hard on this mama.”

Anthony Carbajal: Photographer with ALS explains Ice Bucket Challenge

Lisa.Felice
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Anthony Carbajal: Photographer with ALS explains Ice Bucket Challenge

Photographer Anthony Carbajal, who was recently diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), has posted a hilarious video of himself as part of his very own Ice Bucket Challenge.

However, the rest of the video, where Anthony Carbajal explains his story and addresses the “haters” of the challenge sparked his call to arms to go viral.

“ALS is so, so f***ing scary,” Anthony Carbajal says.

“That’s probably why nobody talks about it. No one wants to see a depressing person that’s dying.”

ALS runs in the wedding photographer’s family – his mother has the disease and his grandmother passed away from it.

Anthony Carbajal, who was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year, had to stop working and is already experiencing lack of muscle control
Anthony Carbajal, who was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year, had to stop working and is already experiencing lack of muscle control

The disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, slowly breaks down the motor neurons that send signals to the spine and brain. When all the motor neurons are broken down, the ultimate result is death.

Anthony Carbajal was diagnosed with ALS on January 27, 2014.

“Eventually I won’t be able to walk, talk or breathe on my own” he says.

The video shows Anthony Carbajal caring for his bed-ridden mother.

According to his YouCaring crowd-funding page, Anthony Carbajal also had to stop working and is already experiencing lack of muscle control. His message has spread, because so far, the page has raised over $100,000 – a little over half of his goal.

Despite arguments against the challenge, Anthony Carbajal is grateful for the support: “You have no idea how every single challenge lifts my fears, lifts every single ALS patients’ fears.”

“You are making a difference.”

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UN: Syrian conflict death toll exceeds 191,000

Diane A. Wade
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UN: Syrian conflict death toll exceeds 191,000

UN human rights chief Navi Pillay has announced that 191,369 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict up to April 2014.

Navi Pillay said the figure was “probably an underestimate” and criticized what she called “international paralysis” on the issue.

The figure is more than double the UN estimate given a year ago.

Opposition groups in Syria have been fighting President Bashar al-Assad for over three years, but have lost ground in recent months.

More than 191,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict up to April 2014
More than 191,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict up to April 2014

The UN report was based on data from four different monitoring groups and the Syrian government which was then cross-checked.

“Tragically it is probably an underestimate of the real total number of people killed during the first three years of this murderous conflict,” Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said.

“The killers, destroyers and torturers in Syria have been empowered and emboldened by the international paralysis” she added.

The highest number of killings was recorded in Damascus province, with 39,393 deaths, followed by Aleppo, with 31,932.

Both the Syrian government and Syrian rebel groups have been accused of war crimes by the UN.

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Miley Cyrus’ Dominican Republic concert banned on morality grounds

Lisa.Felice
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0
Miley Cyrus’ Dominican Republic concert banned on morality grounds

Miley Cyrus’ Dominican Republic concert planned for September 13 has been banned by a governmental commission that oversees public performances on morality grounds, Associated Press reported.

The commission said in a statement on August 21 that it took the action because Miley Cyrus, 21, often “undertakes acts that go against morals and customs, which are punishable by Dominican law”.

Miley Cyrus’ Dominican Republic concert has been banned by a governmental commission on morality grounds
Miley Cyrus’ Dominican Republic concert has been banned by a governmental commission on morality grounds (photo Getty Images)

Tickets ranging from $27 to $370 for the concert in Santo Domingo have been on sale since July.

Some critics have declared Miley Cyrus’ onstage antics, including twerking, as vulgar.

Concert organizers in the Dominican Republic did not comment on the ban.

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