Home Blog Page 549

MTV VMA Nominations 2014: Full List

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
MTV VMA Nominations 2014: Full List

2014 MTV Video Music Award Nominees:

Video of the Year
Beyoncé ft. Jay Z, Drunk In Love
Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX, Fancy
Miley Cyrus, Wrecking Ball
Pharrell Williams, Happy
Sia, Chandelier

Best Hip-Hop Video
Childish Gambino, 3005
Drake ft. Majid Jordan, Hold On (We’re Going Home)
Eminem, Berzerk
Kanye West, Black Skinhead
Wiz Khalifa, “We Dem Boyz”

Best Male Video
Ed Sheeran ft. Pharrell Williams, Sing
Eminem ft. Rihanna, The Monster
John Legend, All of Me
Pharrell Williams, Happy
Sam Smith, Stay With Me

Best Female Video
Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea, Problem
Beyoncé, Partition
Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX, Fancy
Katy Perry ft. Juicy J, Dark Horse
Lorde, Royals

Best Pop Video
Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea, Problem
Avicii ft. Aloe Blacc, Wake Me Up
Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX, Fancy
Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz, Talk Dirty
Pharrell Williams, Happy

The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, August 24
The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, August 24

Best Rock Video
Arctic Monkeys, Do I Wanna Know?
Black Keys, Fever
Imagine Dragons, Demons
Linkin Park, Until It’s Gone
Lorde, Royals

Artist to Watch, Presented by Taco Bell
5 Seconds of Summer, She Looks So Perfect
Charli XCX, Boom Clap
Fifth Harmony, Miss Movin’ On
Sam Smith, Stay With Me
Schoolboy Q, Man of the Year

Best Collaboration
Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea, Problem
Beyoncé ft. Jay Z, Drunk In Love
Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne and Tyga, Loyal
Eminem ft. Rihanna, The Monster
Katy Perry ft. Juicy J, Dark Horse
Pitbull ft. Kesha, Timber

MTV Clubland Award
Calvin Harris, Summer
Disclosure, Grab Her!
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, Turn Down For What
Martin Garrix, Animals
Zedd ft. Hayley Williams, Stay the Night

Best Video With A Social Message
Angel Haze ft. Sia, Battle Cry
Avicii ft. Dan Tyminski, Hey Brother
Beyoncé, Pretty Hurts
David Guetta, One Voice
J. Cole, Crooked Smile
Kelly Rowland, Dirty Laundry

Best Cinematography
30 Seconds to Mars, City of Angels
Arcade Fire, Afterlife
Beyoncé, Pretty Hurts
Gesaffelstein, Hate Or Glory
Lana Del Rey, West Coast

Best Editing
Beyoncé, Pretty Hurts
Eminem, Rap God
Fitz and the Tantrums, The Walker
MGMT, Your Life is a Lie
Zedd ft. Hayley Williams, Stay the Night

Best Choreography
Beyoncé, Partition
Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz, Talk Dirty
Kiesza, Hideaway
Michael Jackson ft. Justin Timberlake, Love Never Felt So Good
Sia, Chandelier
Usher, Good Kisser

Best Direction
Beyoncé, Pretty Hurts
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, Turn Down For What
Eminem ft. Rihanna, The Monster
Miley Cyrus, Wrecking Ball
OK Go, The Writing’s On The Wall

Best Art Direction
Arcade Fire, Reflektor
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, Turn Down For What
Eminem, Rap God
Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX, Fancy
Tyler, the Creator, Tamale

Best Visual Effects
Disclosure, Grab Her!
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, Turn Down For What
Eminem, Rap God
Jack White, Lazaretto
OK Go, The Writing’s On The Wall

The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, August 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

Nokia X: Microsoft to stop developing Android-powered smartphones

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Nokia X: Microsoft to stop developing Android-powered smartphones

Microsoft will stop developing Android-powered smartphones beyond those already available.

Nokia X models will now become part of the Lumia range and run the Windows Phone operating system, although existing Android handsets will continue to be supported.

The move comes as Microsoft announced 18,000 job cuts across its workforce.

Microsoft acquired Nokia’s handset division earlier this year.

Nokia X models will now become part of the Lumia range and run the Windows Phone operating system
Nokia X models will now become part of the Lumia range and run the Windows Phone operating system

Nokia unveiled its first family of Android phones at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona in February.

The release of the smartphones, which were priced at the lower end of the market, was described as a “perplexing strategic move” at the time, given that Microsoft had its own mobile operating system, Windows Phone.

In an email to employees on Thursday, Stephen Elop, Microsoft’s executive in charge of mobile devices, announced that Android handsets were being phased out.

“In the near term, we plan to drive Windows Phone volume by targeting the more affordable smartphone segments, which are the fastest-growing segments of the market, with Lumia.

“In addition to the portfolio already planned, we plan to deliver additional lower-cost Lumia devices by shifting select future Nokia X designs and products to Windows Phone devices.

“We expect to make this shift immediately while continuing to sell and support existing Nokia X products.”

[youtube CCpC_ThYT3Y 650]

Malaysia Airlines MH17 plane crashes in Ukraine near Russian border

Roy Siemens
-
0
Malaysia Airlines MH17 plane crashes in Ukraine near Russian border

A Malaysia Airlines plane reportedly with 295 people on board has crashed in Ukraine near the Russian border, on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia Airlines said it had lost contact with Flight MH17 from Amsterdam and the last known position was over Ukraine, it said in a tweet.

Malaysia Airlines MH17 plane has been found burning on the ground in east Ukraine
Malaysia Airlines MH17 plane has been found burning on the ground in east Ukraine

An aviation source in Moscow told Reuters the plane had been found burning on the ground in east Ukraine.

Pro-Russian separatist rebels have been fighting government forces in the region.

A number of Ukrainian military planes have been shot down by missiles in recent weeks, with Ukraine accusing Russia’s military of supplying advanced missiles to the rebels.

Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian officials accused the Russian air force of shooting down one of its ground attack jets on Wednesday.

Anton Herashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s interior minister, was quoted by the Associated Press as saying the plane had been hit by a missile at an altitude of 33,000ft. The claim could not be verified independently.

The source which spoke to Reuters said the plane had failed to enter Russian airspace.

[youtube rGkoLvVcEFI 650]

Australia becomes first nation to abolish carbon tax

James J. Williams
-
0
Australia becomes first nation to abolish carbon tax

The Australian Senate has voted to repeal the carbon tax, a levy on the biggest polluters passed by the previous Labor government.

PM Tony Abbott, whose Liberal-National coalition beat Labor in an election last year, had made the repeal a central aim of his government.

Politicians have been locked in a fierce row about the tax for years.

Labor says it helps to combat climate change, but the Liberals claim it penalizes legitimate businesses.

Australia’s Senate voted 39 to 32 to repeal the tax.

The Australian Senate has voted to repeal the carbon tax
The Australian Senate has voted to repeal the carbon tax

Introduced in July 2012, it charges the 348 highest polluters A$23 ($22.60) for every tonne of greenhouse gases they produce.

Australia is the developed world’s worst polluter per head of population. But critics, including Tony Abbott, said that the tax cost jobs and forced energy prices up.

There were widespread protests against the introduction of the tax in Australia and its repeal formed a major part of Tony Abbott’s election manifesto.

He says he plans to replace it with a A$2.55 billion taxpayer-funded plan under which industries will be paid to reduce emissions and use cleaner energy.

Tony Abbott’s coalition does not hold a majority in the Senate but the repeal went through with the support of senators from mining tycoon Clive Palmer’s Palmer United Party.

Labor and the Greens voted against the repeal, with Greens leader Christine Milne describing the vote as an “appalling day for Australia”.

Labor accused Tony Abbott of “taking Australia backwards while the rest of the world is moving forward”.

The Climate Institute think-tank said in a statement that the move left Australia “bereft of credible climate policy”.

Australia has promised to reduce its emissions levels by 5% on 2000 levels by 2020.

[youtube D3BbTMGaJbs 650]

Microsoft to cut up to 18,000 jobs worldwide

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Microsoft to cut up to 18,000 jobs worldwide

Microsoft has announced it will cut up to 18,000 jobs marking the deepest cuts in the company’s 39-year history.

The bulk of the cuts, around 12,500, will be in its phone unit Nokia, which Microsoft bought in April, the tech giant said.

Microsoft pledged to cut $600 million per year in costs within 18 months of closing the acquisition.

The cuts are much more severe than the 6,000 initially expected.

Microsoft employs 127,000 globally.

Microsoft will cut up to 18,000 jobs marking the deepest cuts in the company's 39-year history
Microsoft will cut up to 18,000 jobs marking the deepest cuts in the company’s 39-year history

Chief executive officer Satya Nadella, who took the helm in February, wants the company to shift its focus away from software to online services, apps and devices.

“Making these decisions to change are difficult, but necessary,” Satya Nadella wrote in the announcement to staff.

Microsoft said it also planned to have fewer layers of management “to accelerate the flow of information and decision making.”

The company said staff affected by the job cuts would be notified over the next six months, and they would be “fully completed” by the end of June next year.

In total it said the cuts, including severance pay, would cost it between $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion over the next year.

Last week, Satya Nadella rebranded the company as “the productivity and platform company for the mobile-first and cloud-first world”.

The cuts are aimed at helping Microsoft better compete with rivals including Google and Apple.

The last significant job cuts at Microsoft were in early 2009, when previous chief executive Steve Ballmer axed 5,800 staff.

[youtube SRkrF3A6BrE 650]

Vladimir Putin denies Russian plans to reopen spy facility in Cuba

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Vladimir Putin denies Russian plans to reopen spy facility in Cuba

President Vladimir Putin has denied reports that Russia made a deal with Cuba to reopen an electronic listening post on the Caribbean island.

The Lourdes base near Havana was used by the Soviets to spy on the US during the Cold War.

Speaking at the BRICS summit in Brazil, Vladimir Putin said Russia could “meet its defense needs without this component”.

Russia’s Kommersant newspaper had earlier reported that Russia and Cuba had agreed to reopen the spy facility.

The Lourdes base near Havana was used by the Soviets to spy on the US during the Cold War
The Lourdes base near Havana was used by the Soviets to spy on the US during the Cold War (photo Reuters)

Vladimir Putin closed the base in 2001, citing concerns over its cost.

The paper said the deal to make the base operational again had been reached during Vladimir Putin’s visit to Cuba last week.

A Russian security source quoted by Reuters news agency had confirmed the Kommersant report, saying “a framework agreement” had been agreed.

The Lourdes base began operations in 1967 and provided intelligence for Soviet state security bodies. It also handled secret communications for the Soviet navy.

In Soviet times some 3,000 specialists worked there, then in the 1990s Russia reduced the staff by about half. Kommersant said staffing on that level would not be required now, because of improvements in technology.

When Russia shut the base in 2001 the annual cost – the rent paid to Cuba – was $200 million.

Cuba was a Cold War hotspot. The crisis over Soviet missiles in Cuba in 1962 almost escalated into nuclear war.

Yingluck Shinawatra given permission to travel abroad

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Yingluck Shinawatra given permission to travel abroad

Thailand’s ousted PM Yingluck Shinawatra has received approval to travel abroad for the first time since the military coup.

A military spokesman said the request had been approved because Yingluck Shinawatra had “kept a low profile” since her government was overthrown on May 22.

Reports suggest Yingluck Shinawatra will travel to France for the birthday of her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra.

Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted ahead of the military coup by Thailand’s Constitutional Court
Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted ahead of the military coup by Thailand’s Constitutional Court

The military seized power after months of anti-government protests in Bangkok.

Thaksin Shianwatra, who turns 65 on July 26, was ousted in a coup in 2006.

He was removed by the military, kicking off a cycle of political instability in Thailand. Convicted of corruption by a Thai court, he has been living in self-imposed exile overseas.

Yingluck Shianwatra had asked to travel to Europe from July 20 to August 10, the military said.

They agreed because she had not “violated any orders of the NCPO [military junta] or any agreements, being the ban from politics or the ban on overseas travels” and had “given good co-operation all along”, spokesman Col. Winthai Suvaree told a press conference.

At least 28 people died in the anti-government protests that brought Yingluck Shinawatra’s government down.

Yingluck Shinawatra herself was ousted ahead of the coup by a Constitutional Court ruling that said she had illegally transferred her national security head. She is currently facing charges linked to a controversial government rice subsidy scheme.

California bank robbery: Two suspects and one hostage die in Stockton shootout

Nancy Clayson
-
0
California bank robbery: Two suspects and one hostage die in Stockton shootout

Three women were taken hostage in a California bank robbery.

Two of the hostages were thrown from a fleeing SUV, as the bank robbers fired repeatedly at police during a high-speed chase. Police shot out their tires but the shooting continued, fatally wounding two suspects and the last hostage.

The violence began at 2 p.m. when officers responded to a call of a robbery at a Bank of the West branch in north Stockton. Arriving officers spotted three men taking three female hostages from the bank at gunpoint. The robbers stole a bank employee’s SUV and led officers on the pursuit, Stockton police Officer Joe Silva said.

During the chase that lasted 45 minutes and spanned several miles, one of the hostages was thrown from the SUV and was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound, Joe Silva said. The pursuit continued as the suspects fired with AK-47 style rifles from the SUV.

Fourteen police cars and an unknown number of homes along the robbers’ path were peppered with gunshots, Police Chief Eric Jones told a news conference late Wednesday.

Fourteen police cars and an unknown number of homes along the robbers' path were peppered with gunshots during Stockton shootout
Fourteen police cars and an unknown number of homes along the robbers’ path were peppered with gunshots during Stockton shootout (photo News10)

“It was such a chaotic … fluid situation, really one of the most dangerous, tense situations that a police officer could go through,” Eric Jones said.

“There was a lot on the line and the officers responded appropriately,” he said.

A second hostage was later thrown from the vehicle, and officers tending to her found she had suffered a grazing bullet wound, Joe Silva said.

When the SUV became disabled at a street intersection, officers exchanged a barrage of gunfire with someone inside the vehicle.

When it was all over, the third hostage was found dead in the SUV and one of the robbers was also dead. The police chief said the hostage was a bank customer, and that she appears to have been used by the suspects as a shield during the shootout.

Police said the other two suspects were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds, and one of them later died.

The surviving suspect was conscious, Eric Jones said.

Witnesses said the shootout that brought the episode to a close looked like a war.

Eric Jones said the robbers also tied up a bank security guard.

The bank said in a statement that it would not provide information about the victims.

[youtube XWmEOwPtQXw 650]

Ricin letters: Shannon Richardson sentenced to 18 years in jail

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Ricin letters: Shannon Richardson sentenced to 18 years in jail

Actress Shannon Richardson, who posted ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has been given an 18-year prison term.

Shannon Richardson, 36, from Texas, had accused her estranged husband Nathaniel of sending the three poisoned letters in an apparent attempt to frame him.

“I never intended for anybody to be hurt,” the actress told the court.

Shannon Richardson pleaded guilty in December to the charge of possessing and producing a biological toxin.

Shannon Richardson posted ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Shannon Richardson posted ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg

A federal judge gave her the maximum sentence under that plea deal and ordered her to pay restitution of about $367,000.

Shannon Richardson, a mother of six, has played small roles in The Vampire Diaries and The Walking Dead, according to IMDB.

Prosecutors say that after ordering the ingredients online, Shannon Richardson made the ricin and then posted three letters before going to police and claiming her estranged husband was to blame.

According to a federal indictment, one letter to Barack Obama read, exactly as she wrote it: “What’s in this letter is nothing compared to what ive got in store for you mr president.”

Another letter received by Michael Bloomberg, a gun control advocate, contained a threat to “shoot in the face” anyone who came for the sender’s guns.

A third ricin-laced letter was opened by Mark Glaze, director of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a gun control advocacy group founded by Michael Bloomberg.

In asking the judge for leniency on Wednesday, Shannon Richardson apologized and said: “I’m not a bad person. I don’t have it in me to hurt anyone.”

Shannon Richardson asked for “mercy and compassion” and said she’d already been punished by being parted from her six children.

Ellen DeGeneres cheated on Portia de Rossi before she went to rehab?

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Ellen DeGeneres cheated on Portia de Rossi before she went to rehab?

Portia de Rossi spent thirty days in a treatment facility in Malibu, California, In Touch magazine claimed earlier this month.

The actress entered the Passages Malibu rehab for a 30-day treatment and her wife allegedly visited her every weekend to offer support.

Now, the tabloid cited sources who claim that Portia de Rossi believes Ellen DeGeneres cheated on her before she went to rehab and the couple is now sitting down on a leather sofa somewhere, receiving couples therapy.

Portia de Rossi entered the Passages Malibu rehab for a 30-day treatment and Ellen de Rossi allegedly visited her every weekend to offer support
Portia de Rossi entered the Passages Malibu rehab for a 30-day treatment and Ellen de Rossi allegedly visited her every weekend to offer support (photo Getty Images)

“It’s going to take a lot for Portia to trust Ellen again,” a source told In Touch magazine.

“They kept up with the therapy after Portia got out of rehab, but they still have a long way to go.”

The magazine writes that Ellen DeGeneres’ alleged dalliance was “with one of their mutual friends right before Portia’s rehab stint in May”, according to a source.

This isn’t the first time that Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have seen their names attached to headlines declaring marital turmoil. Tabloid chatter has followed them consistently since they tied the knot in 2008. Ellen DeGeneres addressed one of the reports during a sit-down chat with People magazine in February, putting to rest any lingering questions of their commitment to one another.

“The truth is, and this is corny, I fall more in love with Portia all the time. I really do. She surprises me all the time,” Ellen DeGeneres said.

“It’s what anyone experiences when you find that person that gets you, wants to take care of you, wants the best for you. We’re really lucky because we know how rare it is,” she told People magazine.

[youtube EJogOOdn3FU 650]

Typhoon Rammasun kills 38 people and leaves millions without power in Philippines

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Typhoon Rammasun kills 38 people and leaves millions without power in Philippines

Typhoon Rammasun has killed 38 people and left millions without power in central Philippines.

Ten more people were injured by the powerful storm and another eight remain missing, according to authorities.

Typhoon Rammasun swept through the country on Tuesday night before making a shift away from Manila on Wednesday.

Typhoon Rammasun has killed 38 people and left millions without power in central Philippines
Typhoon Rammasun has killed 38 people and left millions without power in central Philippines

More than 530,000 people took refuge in evacuation centers. Many of those who died were killed while outdoors by falling trees and flying debris.

Millions living in provinces southeast of the capital still have no power, according to news agencies.

Officials have managed to restore power to only half of Luzon, which has 17 million people.

Much of the eastern region of Bicol, which was hit first by the storm and is home to five million, is also without electricity.

Manila was hit by widespread blackouts as well, but most of the city’s power has since been restored.

Officials said more than one million people were affected by the storm. Most of them were from Bicol.

Typhoon Rammasun is now heading westwards towards China’s Hainan island. The Tropical Storm Risk website is predicting it will gain in strength to Category 2 – one grade below its strength in the Philippines – within 24 hours.

[youtube 29zEpOWsSDY 650]

Ukraine: US escalates sanctions against Russia

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Ukraine: US escalates sanctions against Russia

The US has announced it is increasing sanctions against Russia over Ukraine, targeting major banks, defense and energy companies.

Among those on the list are Gazprombank and Rosneft as well as senior officials in Russia and the self-declared rebel entities in eastern Ukraine.

The US has steadily escalated its sanctions against Russia over what it says is Moscow’s backing of the rebels – a claim denied by the Kremlin.

The EU also agreed to tighten its own sanctions against Russia.

The leaders of the 28-member bloc are currently holding talks in Brussels.

The new round of US sanctions announced by the US treasury department significantly expands previous penalties by Washington, which were limited to individuals in Russia and Ukraine and a number of companies.

President Barack Obama said the US sanctions were imposed because Russia had failed to fulfill it promises to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine
President Barack Obama said the US sanctions were imposed because Russia had failed to fulfill it promises to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine

This time they include the giant oil firm Rosneft and two major banks – Gazprombank and Vnesheconombank.

The weapons manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern is also on the list.

Two self-proclaimed rebel entities in eastern Ukraine – the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic – are also targeted.

Speaking in Washington, President Barack Obama said the sanctions were imposed because Russia had failed to fulfill it promises to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine.

Barack Obama also stressed America’s support for Ukraine, saying that “Ukrainians deserve to forge their own destiny”.

The US penalties stop short of a complete disengagement with sectors of the Russian economy – a step that US officials said was being held in reserve in case Moscow launches a military invasion of Ukraine.

Russia denounced the US move. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia would take measures “that will be felt quite painfully in Washington”, Interfax news agency reports.

In Ukraine itself, heavy fighting continued in the east.

Ukrainian officials said 11 soldiers died in the space of 24 hours. The number of casualties among pro-Russian separatists was not immediately known.

[youtube gIKeuFp0nzE 650]

Gaza: Israel agrees to observe humanitarian ceasefire on July 17

Roy Siemens
-
0
Gaza: Israel agrees to observe humanitarian ceasefire on July 17

Israel has announced it will observe a “humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza on July 17, after days of deadly rocket and missile exchanges with militants.

A statement from the Israeli military said it would hold fire on Thursday, from 10:00 to 15:00, to allow residents to stock up on supplies.

Palestinian officials say Israeli raids have killed 220 Gazans and wounded almost 1,800 since July 8.

Hamas militants have fired more than 1,200 rockets, killing one Israeli.

The ceasefire had been requested by the UN and other international organizations.

Israel has agreed to 5-hour ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza
Israel has agreed to 5-hour ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza

But the statement by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) added that Israel would respond “firmly and decisively” should the humanitarian window be used by militants “for the purpose of launching attacks against Israeli civilian or military targets”.

The move was announced hours after Hamas, the dominant force in Gaza, confirmed that it had rejected an earlier ceasefire proposed by Egypt.

Israel initially observed the ceasefire on Tuesday, but resumed its strikes amid continued rocket fire from Gaza.

Four children were among those killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday. They died while playing on a beach near Gaza City.

The IDF said they were “carefully investigating” the incident, adding that “based on preliminary results, the target of this strike was Hamas terrorist operatives”.

“The reported civilian causalities from this strike are a tragic outcome,” the statement said.

Israel launched its Operation Protective Edge on July 8. Its stated objective is to halt Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel, but the UN says most of those killed in Gaza have been civilians.

Gaza militants fired dozens of rockets into Israel on Wednesday.

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters that the group did not accept Egypt’s ceasefire proposal and that Israel would pay a heavy price for its strikes.

Hamas – designated a terrorist organization by Israel and the US, among others – is demanding the easing of border closures in Gaza and the release of Hamas prisoners.

[youtube bVkVFA_WgdA 650]

Mexico bans TV commercials for soft drinks and high-calorie food

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
Mexico bans TV commercials for soft drinks and high-calorie food

Mexico has decided to restrict TV commercials for high-calorie food and soft drinks, as part of its campaign against obesity, the government says.

Such ads will be banned with immediate effect on terrestrial and cable TV between 14:30 and 19:30 on weekdays and between 07:30 and 19:30 at weekends.

Restrictions will also be imposed on similar ads shown at the cinema.

Mexico is restricting television advertising for high-calorie food and soft drinks, as part of its campaign against obesity
Mexico is restricting television advertising for high-calorie food and soft drinks, as part of its campaign against obesity

According to official figures, 70% of adults and 30% of children in Mexico are obese or overweight.

Overall, 40% of commercials for soft drinks, confectionery and chocolates will disappear from TV, in favor of products which “meet nutritional standards”, the health ministry is quoted as saying.

As an additional measure, from 2015, manufacturers will be made to label the sugar, fat and saturated fat content on their food and drink products.

Mexicans have the highest incidence of diabetes among the 34 member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

They are also the world’s heaviest consumers of sugary drinks, at 163 liters per year, and their diet is rich in fried food.

Health experts estimate Mexico’s weight problems will cost the public health care system $11.7 billion by 2017.

Last year, the Mexican government introduced taxes on high-calorie foods and drinks, as part of its obesity prevention strategy.

Real Madrid tops Forbes World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams List in 2014

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Real Madrid tops Forbes World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams List in 2014

Real Madrid has topped Forbes’ 2014 annual list of World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams.

The Spanish soccer club, which won the Champions League in May, is worth an estimated $3.44 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

The top three slots are occupied by football clubs, with Barcelona in second place at $3.2 billion, and Manchester United third, with a value of $2.81 billion.

Forbes calculated the value of the teams based on equity, debt and stadium deals.

Real Madrid has topped Forbes’ 2014 annual list of World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams
Real Madrid has topped Forbes’ 2014 annual list of World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams

MLB baseball team the New York Yankees were in fourth spot, valued at $2.5 billion.

In fifth place is NFL team the Dallas Cowboys, worth $2.3 billion.

NFL teams fill 60% of the top 50 slots, occupying 30 places.

The 20 non-NFL teams in the top 50 include six from MLB, eight from football, four from NBA basketball, one from the NHL ice hockey league and one from Formula 1 motor racing.

Forbes calculates that the average value of the top 50 teams is $1.34 billion, an 8% increase on last year.

Baseball team the New York Mets are one of three teams that dropped off this year’s list of the top 50.

The other two to fall out of the list are also familiar names, the Oakland Raiders from the NFL and F1 team McLaren.

Marvel’s Thor is becoming a woman

Sonia Pantiss
-
1
Marvel’s Thor is becoming a woman

Thor is becoming a woman, Marvel Comics has announced.

The comic book superhero character first appeared in 1962 and is based on the Norse hammer-wielding god.

Marvel’s Thor is becoming a woman
Marvel’s Thor is becoming a woman

The publisher said the female Thor was an attempt to attract new readers and appeal to women and girls.

Marvel says they have been ignored in comics.

Jason Aaron, writer of the new Thor series, said in a statement: “This is not She-Thor. This is not Lady Thor. This is not Thorita. This is Thor.”

The female Thor is due to appear in her first adventure in October and be illustrated by Russell Dauterman.

Cher’s Dressed To Kill to become highest-grossing tour of 2014

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Cher’s Dressed To Kill to become highest-grossing tour of 2014

Cher’s latest tour, Dressed To Kill, is on course to become the highest-grossing tour, so far, of 2014.

The tour has made a reported $54.9 million during its first leg, which ended last weekend, according to Billboard Boxscore.

Dressed To Kill is Cher’s first tour since her Living Proof Farewell tour, which ended in 2005 after playing 325 shows around the world over three years.

The second leg of the current tour kicks off in New York on September 11.

Cher's latest tour, Dressed To Kill, is on course to become the highest-grossing tour, so far, of 2014
Cher’s latest tour, Dressed To Kill, is on course to become the highest-grossing tour, so far, of 2014 (photo tour.cher.com)

So far Cher has played 49 sell-out shows across the US, to more than 610,000 fans. Tickets are priced between $61-$560.

A show in Las Vegas on May 25 at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena has proved the most lucrative venue, earning $1.75 million.

Cher, 68, has insisted it is her final tour, nearly a decade on from her previous swansong tour.

“I’m never going to come back, I swear to God,” she said, ahead of a gig at Los Angeles’ Staples Center last week.

“What’s your granny doing tonight?” she added.

The tour marries extravagant reprisals of classic hits such as Believe and If I Could Turn Back Time with more contemporary tracks from her most recent album, Closer to the Truth.

Bon Jovi had the biggest international music tour of the year in 2013, playing to more than two million fans during 90 sell-out shows and grossing $205 million.

[youtube jLNaBuhBAXA 650]

Bank of America profits fall 43% in Q2 2014

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Bank of America profits fall 43% in Q2 2014

Bank of America has reported a 43% drop in its quarterly profits after a fall in mortgage revenue and a rise in legal costs.

The US’s second largest bank said net income of $2.3 billion in Q2 2014 was down from $3.4 billion a year earlier.

Its finances have been hit recently by huge payments to the authorities to fend off accusations of wrong-doing.

Bank of America has reported a 43 percent drop in its quarterly profits after a fall in mortgage revenue and a rise in legal costs
Bank of America has reported a 43 percent drop in its quarterly profits after a fall in mortgage revenue and a rise in legal costs

In 2013, Bank of America’s shares have fallen from 32 cents to 19 cents per share.

In April the bank agreed to pay $9.5 billion for misleading US mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the financial crisis in 2008.

It then agreed separately to pay $783 million in fines and refunds, for mis-selling payment and identity theft insurance to nearly three million credit card customers.

Bank of America’s chief financial officer Bruce Thompson acknowledged the rise in litigation costs and praised the bank for doing “a good job managing expenses”.

Bruce Thompson also said that during the quarter the bank’s credit losses remained “near historical lows”.

Bank of America’s results come as analysts have noted a split in the US lenders’ quarterly results between banks that cater mainly to US customers and those with a more prominent global presence.

[youtube I8V93u9JPYc 650]

Srebrenica massacre: Netherlands liable over killings of 300 Bosniaks

Roy Siemens
-
0
Srebrenica massacre: Netherlands liable over killings of 300 Bosniaks

The Netherlands is liable over the killings of more than 300 Bosniak (Bosnian Muslims) men and boys at Srebrenica in Bosnia-Hercegovina in July 1995, a Hague court has ruled today.

The men and boys were among 5,000 Bosniaks, mostly women and children, sheltering with Dutch UN peacekeepers.

But the Dutch state was cleared over the deaths of more than 7,000 other men killed in and around Srebrenica.

The Srebrenica massacre is considered Europe’s worst since World War II.

The case was launched by relatives of the victims under the name “Mothers of Srebrenica”.

The Netherlands is liable over the killings of more than 300 Bosniak men and boys at Srebrenica in July 1995
The Netherlands is liable over the killings of more than 300 Bosniak men and boys at Srebrenica in July 1995 (photo Wikipedia)

The Hague district court said that the Dutch peacekeeping forces, Dutchbat, did not do enough to protect more than 300 of the Bosniaks and should have been aware of the potential for genocide to be committed.

It said the state should have known they would be killed by Bosnian Serbs when they handed them over from the UN compound of Potocari.

“It can be said with sufficient certainty that, had Dutchbat allowed them to stay at the compound, these men would have remained alive. By co-operating in the deportation of these men, Dutchbat acted unlawfully,” the court added.

It said that the Dutch state must accept some degree of responsibility for what happened and pay compensation to the families of more than 300 victims.

However, the court stopped short of holding the Netherlands liable for the fate of the majority of men killed in Srebrenica, saying that many of the male refugees at the time had not fled to the UN compound but “fled to the woods in the vicinity of Srebrenica”.

During the 1992-1995 war, Bosniaks from the surrounding area sought refuge in the town of Srebrenica as the Bosnian Serb army carried out a campaign of ethnic cleansing, expelling non-Serb populations.

The UN declared Srebrenica a “safe area” for civilians in 1993. It fell in July 1995, after more than two years under siege.

Thousands of Bosniaks went to the UN base just outside Srebrenica at Potocari.

However, the Dutch soldiers told them they would be safe and handed the men and boys over to the Bosnian Serb army.

The women and young children were transported to a Bosniak-majority area.

The two key figures of the wartime Bosnian Serb leadership – one-time President Radovan Karadzic and General Ratko Mladic – are on trial for war crimes at the UN tribunal in The Hague.

[youtube uasCa29bIEw 650]

Manuel Noriega sues Call of Duty publisher over Black Ops II character

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Manuel Noriega sues Call of Duty publisher over Black Ops II character

Former dictator of Panama Manuel Noriega is suing Call of Duty‘s video games publisher after a character based on him featured in Activision’s 2012 title Black Ops II.

The ex-military ruler is seeking lost profits and damages.

Manuel Noriega, 80, is currently serving a jail sentence in Panama for crimes committed during his time in power, including the murder of critics.

One lawyer said this was the latest in a growing trend of such lawsuits.

“In the US, individuals have what’s called the right to publicity, which gives them control over how their person is depicted in commerce including video games,” explained Jas Purewal, an interactive entertainment lawyer.

Manuel Noriega is suing Call of Duty's publisher after a character based on him featured in Black Ops II
Manuel Noriega is suing Call of Duty’s publisher after a character based on him featured in Black Ops II

“There’s also been a very well-known action by a whole series of college athletes against Electronic Arts, and the American band No Doubt took action against Activision over this issue among other cases.

“It all focuses upon the American legal ability for an individual to be only depicted with their permission, which in practice means payment of a fee.

“But Noriega isn’t a US citizen or even a resident. This means that his legal claim becomes questionable, because it’s unclear on what legal basis he can actually bring a case against Activision.”

In Activision’s video game, Manuel Noriega initially helps the CIA capture a Nicaraguan terrorist, but later turns on the Americans and is hunted himself.

In reality, Manuel Noriega did work as a CIA informant before the agency broke ties with him. After the US became concerned about his violent rule, President George Bush ordered the invasion of Panama in 1989, which resulted in his capture.

A 13-page document filed in Manuel Noriega’s name claims that he is portrayed as a “kidnapper, murderer and enemy of the state” responsible for “numerous fictional crimes” in Black Ops II, according to Courthouse News Service.

It alleges his inclusion heightened the game’s sense of realism, helping boost its sales.

Black Ops II – which was scripted by David Goyer, screenwriter of the recent Batman movies – was 2012’s biggest-selling title in the US, UK and elsewhere.

[youtube xxpb31oLDs0 650]

AIDS epidemic can be tamed by 2030

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
AIDS epidemic can be tamed by 2030

According to a report by the United Nations AIDS agency, there is a chance the AIDS epidemic can be brought under control by 2030.

It said the number of new HIV infections and deaths from AIDS were both falling.

However, it called for far more international effort as the “current pace cannot end the epidemic”.

And charity Medecins Sans Frontieres warned most of those in need of HIV drugs still had no access to them.

The report showed that 35 million people around the world were living with HIV.

There were 2.1 million new cases in 2013 – 38% less than the 3.4 million figure in 2001.

AIDS-related deaths have fallen by a fifth in the past three years, standing at 1.5 million a year. South Africa and Ethiopia have particularly improved.

UNAIDS report said the number of new HIV infections and deaths from AIDS were both falling
UNAIDS report said the number of new HIV infections and deaths from AIDS were both falling

Many factors contribute to the improving picture, including increased access to drugs. There has even been a doubling in the number of men opting for circumcision to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting HIV.

While some things are improving, the picture is far from rosy.

Fewer than four in 10 people with HIV are getting life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

And just 15 countries account for three-quarters of all new HIV infections.

The report said: “There have been more achievements in the past five years than in the preceding 23 years.

“There is evidence about what works and where the obstacles remain, more than ever before, there is hope that ending Aids is possible.

“However, a business-as-usual approach or simply sustaining the Aids response at its current pace cannot end the epidemic.”

Michel Sidibe, the executive director of UNAIDS, added: “If we accelerate all HIV scale-up by 2020, we will be on track to end the epidemic by 2030, if not, we risk significantly increasing the time it would take – adding a decade, if not more.”

Dr. Jennifer Cohn, the medical director for Medecins Sans Frontieres’ access campaign, said: “Providing life-saving HIV treatment to nearly 12 million people in the developing world is a significant achievement, but more than half of people in need still do not have access.”

In Nigeria, 80% of people do not have access to treatment.

Dr. Jennifer Cohn added: “We need to make sure no-one is left behind – and yet, in many of the countries where MSF works we’re seeing low rates of treatment coverage, especially in areas of low HIV prevalence and areas of conflict.

“In some countries, people are being started on treatment too late to save their lives, and pregnant women aren’t getting the early support they need.”

[youtube YwUmdpUIoW8 650]

Time Warner rejects 21st Century Fox’s $80 billion takeover bid

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Time Warner rejects 21st Century Fox’s $80 billion takeover bid

Time Warner has rejected an initial takeover approach from rival 21st Century Fox estimated at $80 billion.

The takeover approach by the Rupert Murdoch owned company was made last month, it was revealed.

21st Century Fox confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that its offer for Time Warner had been rejected.

It added it was not currently in talks with Time Warner about pursuing the deal further.

Time Warner has rejected an initial takeover approach from rival 21st Century Fox estimated at $80 billion
Time Warner has rejected an initial takeover approach from rival 21st Century Fox estimated at $80 billion

“21st Century Fox can confirm that we made a formal proposal to Time Warner last month to combine the two companies,” the company said.

“The Time Warner board of directors declined to pursue our proposal. We are not currently in any discussions with Time Warner.”

21st Century Fox owns movie studio 20th Century Fox and cable news channel Fox News.

According to the New York Times, Fox offered to sell Time Warner-owned CNN as part of the takeover deal proposal for its rival in order to clear any objections US regulators might have had to the deal.

A statement released by Time Warner said after lengthy discussions it had decided it was not in its best interests or those of its shareholders to accept the proposal or to pursue any further discussions with Fox.

Time Warner’s share price jumped some 16.35% higher in the first 20 minutes of trade on the New Stock Exchange to $82.62 per share.

Harper Lee denies approval of authorized memoir

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Harper Lee denies approval of authorized memoir

To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee has denied she approved the writing of a memoir about her life in Alabama by former neighbor Marja Mills.

“Rest assured, as long as I am alive any book purporting to be with my cooperation is a falsehood,” Harper Lee, 88, wrote in a letter.

Its circulation coincided with the publication of the book, by former Chicago Tribune reporter Marja Mills.

Marja Mills responded by saying her book had the “blessing” of Harper Lee and her sister.

The writer moved next door to Harper Lee and Alice Lee’s Monroeville home in 2004, remaining there for 18 months.

“Nelle Harper Lee and Alice F. Lee were aware I was writing this book,” she went on.

“The stories they shared with me that I recount in the book speak for themselves.”

Harper Lee first distanced herself from The Mockingbird Next Door: Life with Harper Lee when Penguin announced its publication in 2011
Harper Lee first distanced herself from The Mockingbird Next Door: Life with Harper Lee when Penguin announced its publication in 2011 (photo Penguin)

Harper Lee first distanced herself from The Mockingbird Next Door: Life with Harper Lee when Penguin announced its publication in 2011.

At the time, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author said she had not “willingly participated” or “authorized” [sic] the book and that “any claims otherwise [were] false”.

Harper Lee reiterated her position earlier this week, claiming Marja Mills had befriended her sister and that she had been “hurt, angry and saddened, but not surprised” to discover her “true mission” had been “another book about Harper Lee”.

“I immediately cut off all contact with Miss Mills, leaving town whenever she headed this way.”

In her rebuttal, Marja Mills referred to a letter she received from Alice Lee in 2011 saying her sister’s initial denial had been written by others for her to sign.

“Poor Nelle Harper can’t see and can’t hear and will sign anything put before her by anyone in whom she has confidence,” Alice Lee’s letter went on.

Harper Lee’s latest letter says her sister “would have been 100 years old at the time” she made that statement.

In her book, Marja Mills writes that she became part of the Lee sisters’ social circle and that she had won their trust.

On Tuesday, Penguin Press said it was “proud” to publish the memoir, which it said had been “a labor [sic] of love”.

[youtube FLV3O6FVNPI 650]

California announces drought fines for water wasters

Nancy Clayson
-
0
California announces drought fines for water wasters

California officials have approved fines of up to $500 a day for residents who waste water, as the state faces its worst drought in nearly four decades.

The measures have been introduced to stop water being wasted on lawns, landscaping and car washing.

Water consumption rose by 1% in the year up to May, despite an appeal for people to make a 20% reduction.

About 75% of water used in California is for agricultural purposes.

The fines will be enforced only in cases of wasteful outdoor watering, officials say, such as landscaping to the extent where run-off flows onto pavements.

Other practices frowned upon by the authorities include washing a vehicle without a nozzle on the hose, or watering down hard surfaces such as pavements and driveways.

California officials have approved fines of up to $500 a day for residents who waste water
California officials have approved fines of up to $500 a day for residents who waste water (photo Reuters)

“Our goal here is to light a fire under those who aren’t yet taking the drought seriously,” Water Resources Control Board Chairwoman Felicia Marcus said.

Felicia Marcus described the vote that introduced the measures as historic and unprecedented, because the board is trying to ensure that it is not just the state’s farmers who suffer because of the drought.

“Many communities and water suppliers have taken bold steps over the years and in this year to reduce water use; however, many have not and much more can and should be done state-wide to extend diminishing water supplies,” a water board statement says.

Exemptions will be provided for public health and safety, officials say, such as allowing cities to power-wash alleyways to get rid of human waste left by homeless people.

The water control board estimates that the restrictions, which take effect in early August, could save enough water state-wide to supply more than 3.5 million people for a year.

California’s historic drought has lasted for much of this year.

In 2013 it rained less than it had in any previous year since the state’s founding in 1850. Rivers have flowed at record low levels, reservoirs have been drier than ever, and the mountain snowpack – snow that melts over the warmer months and provides water throughout the year – has amounted to only about 20% of expected levels.

[youtube RJnGUne5RmY 650]

Moscow metro workers Valery Bashkatov and Yury Gordov arrested over deadly derailment

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Moscow metro workers Valery Bashkatov and Yury Gordov arrested over deadly derailment

Two Moscow metro workers have been arrested for safety breaches after a train derailed, killing 21 people, Russian investigators have announced.

The track supervisor and his assistant are suspected of using inadequate wiring during works on the line in May, the Investigative Committee said.

They have been questioned and charges are expected to be brought soon, it said in a statement.

A power surge is said to have caused the crash, which injured 162 people.

Wednesday has been officially declared a day of mourning in Moscow.

Two Moscow metro workers have been arrested for safety breaches after a train derailed, killing 21 people
Two Moscow metro workers have been arrested for safety breaches after a train derailed, killing 21 people (photo AP)

The two men arrested, named as track supervisor Valery Bashkatov and assistant supervisor Yury Gordov, are suspected of failing to properly monitor work carried out on a track switch mechanism in an underground tunnel.

“The switch mechanism was fixed with ordinary 3-mm wire, which snapped,” the Investigative Committee said.

The Moscow metro, one of the world’s busiest, is a vital transport artery for the city, transporting more than nine million people on weekdays below its traffic-clogged streets.

The train derailed between Slaviansky Boulevard and Park Pobedy (Victory Park) stations in the west of the city.

More than 1,100 people were evacuated.

The packed commuter train was travelling from the north-west of Moscow to the city centre at the time of the crash.

The tunnel where crash happened was built about 10 years ago.

Critics accuse the authorities of spending too much on extending the metro system, and not enough on maintenance.

Park Pobedy is the deepest metro station in Moscow, 84m (275ft) underground, which made the rescue operation particularly hard.

No foreigners were among the injured, the Interfax news agency said.

Militant attacks on Russia’s railways and transport networks have killed dozens of people in the past, but the emergencies ministry said there was no suspicion of such a cause in this case.

1...548549550...1,247Page 549 of 1,247