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Russia to deploy troops in Ukraine

Roy Siemens
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Russia to deploy troops in Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin’s request for Russian forces to be used in Ukraine has been approved by the upper house of parliament.

Vladimir Putin had asked that Russian forces be used “until the normalization of the political situation in the country”.

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is based in the Ukrainian region of Crimea, where many ethnic Russians live.

Kiev has reacted angrily to days of military movements in Crimea, accusing Moscow of trying to provoke the new government into an armed conflict.

Interim President Oleksandr Turchynov has called an emergency session of his security chiefs.

Vladimir Putin submitted the request for troops “in connection with the extraordinary situation in Ukraine and the threat to the lives of Russian citizens”, the Kremlin said.

The upper house went into a special session almost immediately after Vladimir Putin made the request, in what seems to have been a carefully co-ordinated series of events during the day

Earlier, the lower house of parliament had urged the president to take whatever measures were necessary to “stabilize” the situation in Crimea.

Russia's upper house of parliament has approved Vladimir Putin's request for Russian troops deployment in Ukraine
Russia’s upper house of parliament has approved Vladimir Putin’s request for Russian troops deployment in Ukraine

During the upper house debate, one legislator accused President Barack Obama of crossing “a red line” with his comments that there would be costs if Russia intervened militarily in Ukraine.

The upper house has recommended that the Russian ambassador the US should be recalled, although the decision lies with Vladimir Putin.

The request follow days of military activity in Crimea during which unidentified armed men moved in to take over the regional parliament, state television and telecommunications hubs.

Soldiers from Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, which is based in Crimea, are reported to be guarding some administrative buildings and military bases.

Amid the closure of airspace over Crimea’s regional capital Simferopol on Friday evening, there were unconfirmed reports that Russian planes were flying in thousands of troops.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Ihor Tenyukh said on Saturday there are now an extra 6,000 Russian troops in Crimea, alongside an additional 30 armored vehicles.

Under the agreement governing the presence of the fleet in Crimea, the Russians must co-ordinate all troop movements outside the fleet’s base with the Ukrainian authorities beforehand.

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Turkey to shut down Fethullah Gulen’s preparatory schools

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey to shut down Fethullah Gulen’s preparatory schools

The Turkish parliament has passed a bill to shut down private preparatory schools, many of which are run by influential preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Fethullah Gulen is embroiled in a bitter feud with PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has accused the US-based cleric of plotting against his government.

The schools are a major source of income for Fethullah Gulen’s 50-year-old Hizmet (“Service”) movement.

The law says the schools must close by September 1, 2015, local media reported.

Millions of students attend Fethullah Gulen's preparatory schools in Turkey
Millions of students attend Fethullah Gulen’s preparatory schools in Turkey

Millions of students attend the schools to prepare themselves for entrance examinations to win limited spots at state secondary schools and universities.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that abolishing the preparatory schools is part of a reform of an “unhealthy” educational system that ranks Turkey below most other developed countries in literacy, maths and science.

Until recently, Hizmet has generally avoided overt involvement in politics and Fethullah Gulen still denies he meddles.

Tensions between former allies Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Fethullah Gulen were exacerbated in 2013, when thousands of alleged Hizmet sympathizers in the police and judiciary were demoted while prosecutors with alleged links to the movement aggressively pursued investigations against allies of the prime minister.

FIFA lifts ban on head covers for religious reasons

Clyde K. Valle
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FIFA lifts ban on head covers for religious reasons

World football’s governing body FIFA has decided to allow the wearing of head covers for religious reasons during football matches.

The ruling was made following a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Zurich and will apply to male and female players.

The wearing of head covers had been banned, but a two-year trial started in 2012 has proved successful.

In 2011, Iran’s women’s team withdrew from an Olympic qualification match against Jordan in protest at not being allowed to wear headscarves.

FIFA has decided to allow the wearing of head covers for religious reasons during football matches
FIFA has decided to allow the wearing of head covers for religious reasons during football matches

There have also been calls from the Sikh community in Canada for the ban on the wearing of turbans to be lifted.

FIFA had claimed the wearing of head covers while playing competitive football posed too great a risk of injury to the head or neck.

However, following a request from the Asian Football Confederation, the IFAB allowed for their safety to be tested during the trial.

At the annual general meeting at FIFA’s headquarters, IFAB members also voted to introduce a new law that will punish players who display messages on T-shirts underneath their club’s kit.

The new rule change – which will come into effect from June 1st – amends Law 4 of the game, which relates to players’ equipment.

Robert Todd Harrell put on house arrest

Lisa.Felice
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Robert Todd Harrell put on house arrest

3 Doors Down bassist Robert Todd Harrell has been ordered by a Nashville judge to move from Mississippi to Music City so he can be under house arrest until he faces a vehicular homicide trial.

According to The Tennessean, the prosecutors argued Friday that bassist Robert Todd Harrell was a danger to the community and needed to be jailed while awaiting trial.

Robert Todd Harrell, 42, has been arrested on three DUI-related charges in two years.

3 Doors Down bassist Robert Todd Harrell has been ordered to serve house arrest
3 Doors Down bassist Robert Todd Harrell has been ordered to serve house arrest

Police say the bassist was driving impaired in April of 2013 and caused a crash that killed another driver in Nashville.

Robert Todd Harrell’s attorney convinced the judge that house arrest was more appropriate. After the hearing, defense attorney Ed Ryan said Robert Todd Harrell has pleaded not guilty.

3 Doors Down announced last week that the band had suspended Robert Todd Harrell indefinitely.

Barack Obama, Bill Nye The Science Guy and Neil deGrasse Tyson team up for a selfie

James J. Williams
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Barack Obama, Bill Nye The Science Guy and Neil deGrasse Tyson team up for a selfie

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye the Science Guy and President Barack Obama walk into the White House’s Blue Room and teamed up for a selfie.

The three got together for Friday’s White House Student Film Festival, which featured student videos highlighting how technology can transform education.

Attendees also got a sneak peek at the new Cosmos TV series, hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson and due to premiere on March 9.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye the Science Guy and President Barack Obama walk into the White House’s Blue Room and teamed up for a selfie
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye the Science Guy and President Barack Obama walk into the White House’s Blue Room and teamed up for a selfie

“The Academy Awards are not until Sunday, but as you can see, we brought the Oscars to the White House a little bit early,” President Barack Obama told the student filmmakers.

“We’ve got the red carpet, we’ve got the big screens, the opening monologue. The only difference is, nobody asks what you’re wearing,” he added.

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Ukraine nationalist Alexander Muzychko attacks prosecutor’s employee in his office

Nancy Clayson
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Ukraine nationalist Alexander Muzychko attacks prosecutor’s employee in his office

A video showing former mercenary Alexander Muzychko entering a prosecutor’s office and attacking one of the employees in Central Ukraine has surfaced online.

Alexander Muzychko, who fought in Chechnya, is the current leader of the ultra nationalist group known as the Right Sector.

The video shows his method of dealing with the remaining authorities.

Ukraine nationalist Alexander Muzychko barged into the prosecutor's office and attacked an employee
Ukraine nationalist Alexander Muzychko barged into the prosecutor’s office and attacked an employee

The ultra nationalist barged into the prosecutor’s office and attacked an employee while demanding to see the prosecutor, who was not there.

Alexander Muzychkothen began to terrorize staff members, assaulting one of them and threatening to tie him up and drag him out “like an animal”.

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Barack Obama warns Russia against military intervention in Ukraine

Diane A. Wade
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Barack Obama warns Russia against military intervention in Ukraine

President Barack Obama has warned Russia against any military intervention in Ukraine.

The US president said he was deeply concerned by reports of Russian military movements inside Ukraine.

Ukraine’s acting President Oleksandry Turchynov has accused Russia of deploying troops to the Ukrainian region of Crimea and trying to provoke Kiev into “armed conflict”.

Crimea’s pro-Moscow PM Sergey Aksyonov has asked Russian authorities for help in maintaining peace in the region.

“I appeal to the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to provide assistance in ensuring peace and tranquility on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea,” Sergey Aksyonov said in a statement.

Sergey Aksyonov, who was appointed by the Crimean parliament on Thursday, also said he was taking control of Crimea’s interior ministry, armed forces, fleet and border guards “on a temporary basis”.

The new cabinet in Ukraine is due to meet for the first time on Saturday to discuss the deepening crisis over Russia’s reported military deployments.

Russia’s UN ambassador earlier insisted any troop movements in Crimea were within an existing arrangement with Ukraine.

Barack Obama has warned Russia against any military intervention in Ukraine
Barack Obama has warned Russia against any military intervention in Ukraine

Overnight reports said armed men in unidentified military uniforms had seized another airfield.

On Friday they took over airports in the Crimean capital, Simferopol, and Sevastopol, where Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is based.

Ukrainian media citing local officials said 13 Russian aircraft carrying nearly 2,000 suspected troops had landed at a military air base near Simferopol. The report remains unconfirmed.

Russian armored vehicles and helicopters were also seen in and around Simferopol and Sevastopol.

Flights from and to Simferopol were cancelled with airlines saying airspace over the peninsula had been closed.

The armed men also moved in on Crimea’s parliament, state television building and telecommunication centers.

Speaking from the White House, Barack Obama commended Ukraine’s interim government for its “restraint”.

“Any violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be deeply destabilizing, which is not in the interests of Ukraine, Russia or Europe,” he said.

“It would represent a profound interference in matters that must be determined by the Ukrainian people. It would be a clear violation of Russia’s commitment to respect the independence and sovereignty and borders of Ukraine – and of international laws.”

Barack Obama added: “Just days after the world came to Russia for the Olympic games, it would invite the condemnation of nations around the world. And, indeed, the United States will stand with the international community in affirming that there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine.”

The president did not spell out what any US response might be.

In a TV address on Friday, Ukraine’s interim President Oleksandr Turchynov said Moscow wanted the new government to react to provocations so it could annex Crimea.

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Crimea PM Sergey Aksyonov asks Vladimir Putin for help to ensure peace

Diane A. Wade
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Crimea PM Sergey Aksyonov asks Vladimir Putin for help to ensure peace

Pro-Moscow leader of Ukraine’s autonomous Crimea region Sergey Aksyonov has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for help to ensure peace.

A Kremlin source said it would “not leave unnoticed” the request from Sergiy Aksyonov.

Meanwhile President Barack Obama warned Moscow against intervention after mysterious troop movements.

Ukraine’s interim PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk accused Russia of seeking to provoke an escalation.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk was speaking at the first meeting of his cabinet, installed after the overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovych. The new Defense Minister, Ihor Tenyukh, accused Russia of “recently” deploying 6,000 extra soldiers to Ukraine.

Unidentified soldiers are guarding key buildings in Crimea
Unidentified soldiers are guarding key buildings in Crimea

Sergey Aksyonov, 41,who leads the main pro-Russian party in Crimea, was elected prime minister of Crimea by the region’s parliament this week in an emergency session, replacing Anatoliy Mohylyov.

In the same vote, the parliament called a referendum on the status of Crimea, a region dominated by ethnic Russians.

The Crimean prime minister has brought forward the vote to March 30, from May 25 – the date of Ukraine’s early presidential election.

Sergey Aksyonov’s election was not approved by the new authorities in Kiev, who traditionally appoint the prime minister of Crimea, in consultation with the regional parliament. He also refused to recognize Ukraine’s new government.

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Mary-Kate Olsen engaged to Olivier Sarkozy after two years of dating

Lisa.Felice
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Mary-Kate Olsen engaged to Olivier Sarkozy after two years of dating

Mary-Kate Olsen is reportedly engaged to her boyfriend of nearly two years, Olivier Sarkozy.

Sources confirm to Us Weekly that Mary-Kate Olsen, 27, and the half-brother of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, Olivier Sarkozy, 44, are now engaged.

They first stepped out together in 2012.

Mary-Kate Olsen is reportedly engaged to her boyfriend of nearly two years, Olivier Sarkozy
Mary-Kate Olsen is reportedly engaged to her boyfriend of nearly two years, Olivier Sarkozy

This will be Mary-Kate Olsen’s first marriage, and Olivier Sarkozy’s second.

Olivier Sarkozy was previously wed to Charlotte Bernard, with whom he has two kids: Julien, 12, and Margo, 10.

Mary-Kate Olsen’s twin sister, Ashley, is also dating an older man. Following her split from David Schulte, Ashley Olsen has been spending time with Moneyball director Bennett Miller, who is 20 years her senior.

Mein Kampf volumes signed by Adolf Hitler fetch $65,000 at LA auction

Sonia Pantiss
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Mein Kampf volumes signed by Adolf Hitler fetch $65,000 at LA auction

A signed two-volume set of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi treatise Mein Kampf has sold for $64,850 at a Los Angeles auction.

The two volumes date from 1925 and 1926 before Hitler became chancellor of Germany and were purchased by an anonymous American buyer, auctioneer Nate Sanders said.

Adolf Hitler inscribed the cloth-bound volumes, one a first edition and the other a second, to Josef Bauer, an early Nazi party member and SS officer.

The signed two-volume set of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf has sold for $64,850 at Los Angeles auction
The signed two-volume set of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf has sold for $64,850 at Los Angeles auction

The Nazi leader offered Josef Bauer his best wishes in the Christmas season.

The online bidding started at $20,000 and concluded on Thursday night. The books received 11 bids.

Written by Adolf Hitler while he was jailed for his role in a 1923 failed putsch attempt, Mein Kampf (My Struggle) rails against Judaism and communism.

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Philip Seymour Hoffman cause of death revealed

Lisa.Felice
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Philip Seymour Hoffman cause of death revealed

A New York medical examiner revealed Philip Seymour Hoffman died of an accidental overdose of a mixture of drugs including heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, and benzodiazepine.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead at his home in New York City on February 2 with a syringe in his arm. He was 46.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead at his home in New York City on February 2
Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead at his home in New York City on February 2

The actor had struggled with drug addiction and had recently acknowledged he had relapsed after being clean for years.

The New York medical examiner revealed the post-mortem results on Friday.

Philip Seymour Hoffman was survived by his partner of 15 years, Mimi O’Donnell, and their three children.

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Barack Obama and Joe Biden jogging at White House for Let’s Move campaign

Nancy Clayson
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Barack Obama and Joe Biden jogging at White House for Let’s Move campaign

President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden are taking part in First Lady Michelle Obama’s health campaign Let’s Move by making a film while jogging around the White House.

Michelle Obama’s initiative intends to fight childhood obesity by encouraging healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden are taking part in First Lady Michelle Obama’s health campaign Let's Move by making a film while jogging around the White House
President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden are taking part in First Lady Michelle Obama’s health campaign Let’s Move by making a film while jogging around the White House

The first lady has unveiled new changes to US nutrition labels, the most sweeping overhaul in more than two decades.

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Is Mama June Shannon pregnant?

Lisa.Felice
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Is Mama June Shannon pregnant?

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’s latest episode ended in suspense: Is Mama June pregnant or not?

This week’s episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo started with Alana Thompson walking into the bathroom and quickly emerging, flushed with horror, over someone who didn’t.

Declaring the situation “a poop mystery that we have to figure out,” Honey Boo Boo encountered a round of denials from the family, including Jessica “Chubbs”, who asks: “What are you, Sherlock Poop?”

After Honey Boo Boo failed to get to the bottom of the situation, the action shifted to Mama June and Sugar Bear, who once again asked for alone time, “which is baby-making time,” a notion June Shannon flat-out rejected as she wants no more kids.

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’s fans are now wondering if June Shannon is pregnant
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’s fans are now wondering if June Shannon is pregnant

However, June Shannon agreed to go on a double date with her sister, Doe-Doe, and her new paramour, Jose.

The action is back to Honey Boo Boo slinking around the house with a magnifying glass, tracking her family with a vow to get to the bottom of this “mess-tery”.

The two couples went on a double date to a Japanese restaurant.

Back at home, June Shannon mused about how important it is to create lasting family memories, then emerges from the bathroom and looks at the calendar in a panic, realizing her time of the month is late.

People commenting on the show’s Facebook page are now wondering if June Shannon is pregnant.

„i dont think she is pregnant they just want to keep the suspence up in the show and get viewers most likely!” said one of the show’s fans.

However, the episode was filmed last summer… so, most probably, June Shannon is not pregnat.

Turkey: Ministers’ sons Baris Guler and Kaan Caglayan freed

Diane A. Wade
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Turkey: Ministers’ sons Baris Guler and Kaan Caglayan freed

The sons of two former ministers in Turkey’s government have been freed amid major corruption investigation.

Baris Guler and Kaan Caglayan, arrested in December, were among dozens of people held in an investigation into bribery relating to public tenders.

The inquiry enraged PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who saw it as a “plot” against him.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded with a purge of top police and judicial officials.

Azeri businessman of Iranian origin Reza Zarrab was also released on Friday.

Azeri businessman of Iranian origin Reza Zarrab was also released on Friday
Azeri businessman of Iranian origin Reza Zarrab was also released on Friday

The son of a third cabinet minister was also arrested in December, but was soon released.

The three ministers – Environment Minister Erdogan Bayraktar, Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan and Interior Minister Muammer Guler – resigned in December as the police investigation intensified.

All three denied any wrongdoing.

Police are investigating allegations of illicit money transfers to Iran and bribery for construction projects.

Earlier this month Suleyman Aslan, the former chief executive of Halkbank, was also released.

Suleyman Aslan is suspected of money-laundering in connection with the alleged bribery. When they searched his home police found $4.5 million (3.2 million euros) in cash hidden in shoeboxes.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his supporters in the ruling Islamist-rooted AK Party see the investigation as a plot masterminded by Fethullah Gulen, an Islamist cleric based in the US.

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Duck Dynasty ratings drop to 5.2 million viewers

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck Dynasty ratings drop to 5.2 million viewers

Wednesday’s episode of Duck Dynasty reality show drew only 5.2 million viewers.

However, this week’s episode drew more viewers than everything else on cable Wednesday night – roughly two and a half times the audience for the much-ballyhooed return of FX’s The Americans, and even surpassed a new episode of ABC’s Nashville.

Wednesday’s episode of Duck Dynasty reality show drew only 5.2 million viewers
Wednesday’s episode of Duck Dynasty reality show drew only 5.2 million viewers

The latest figures represent a massive 40% collapse from the 8.6 million viewers the show pulled in just one year ago this week.

Wednesday’s episode drew the smallest audience for a new installment of Duck Dynasty since Season 2 finale in November 2012.

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Duck Dynasty family honored with Governor’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck Dynasty family honored with Governor’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence

Duck Dynasty family received a new business award from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal on Thursday afternoon.

Bobby Jindal is honoring the Robertsons’ work with their business Duck Commander, which makes popular duck calls and other hunting merchandise in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Duck Dynasty family received a new business award from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal
Duck Dynasty family received a new business award from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal

The Robertson family will be the first recipient of the Governor’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, which has never been given out before.

“The reason for this award is the tremendous impact that Duck Commander’s expansion has had on our community and on all Louisianians,” said Bobby Jindal, according to a statement.

Governor Bobby Jindal said the award would be given out periodically to “homegrown Louisiana businesses” that are expanding.

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Is Quentin Elias death caused by overdose?

Lisa.Felice
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Is Quentin Elias death caused by overdose?

Earlier this week, Armani and Jean Paul Gaultier model Quentin Elias died of a massive heart attack at the age of 39.

According to some rumors, Quentin Elias’ cause of death was an overdose while others claim that it was a case of suicide as the model was extremely depressed due to a bad break up with his boyfriend that financed his wonderful life.

Although, he was in great shape rumor has it that Quentin Elias was not getting enough modeling gigs to take care of himself. A source claims a note and photo of the man that recently ended the relationship with the model have been found at his home.

Quentin Elias died of a massive heart attack at the age of 39
Quentin Elias died of a massive heart attack at the age of 39

In order to maintain his physique, Quentin Elias exercised regularly, repeatedly declaring he avoided drugs, and denying rumors that he used steroids.

Quentin Elias indulged in having a great number of tattoos and appeared in a great number of photoshots and video footage.

A statement posted on Quentin Elias’ Facebook page confirmed the news of his death saying: “Quentin Elias passed away at his home in New York on February 25th, 2014. The family would like to thank everyone for supporting Quentin’s career as he truly loved to perform for his loving fans.”

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Cyprus bailout jeopardized by parliament vote against privatization plan

Clyde K. Valle
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Cyprus bailout jeopardized by parliament vote against privatization plan

Cyprus’ parliament rejected a key part of the country’s bailout plan.

As part of the 10 billion-euro ($13.7 billion) deal with the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF), lawmakers have until March 5 to pass a bill allowing state firms to be privatized.

On Thursday, the lawmakers threw it out, jeopardizing the next tranche of cash.

The government says it will re-submit the bill with some amendments.

Cyprus' parliament rejected a key part of the country’s bailout plan
Cyprus’ parliament rejected a key part of the country’s bailout plan

The deal was agreed in March last year in an attempt to stave off the collapse of Cyprus’s banking sector and the wider economy.

It included moves to restructure the banks, along with other measures such as tax rises and privatizations.

Late on Thursday, the privatization bill was narrowly defeated after parliament split 25-25 on the vote, with five abstentions. This meant the legislation failed to pass.

The vote took place as hundreds of people opposed to privatization staged a protest outside the parliament building.

A government spokesman, Christos Stylanides, said the bill would be amended to reflect concerns over workers’ rights after privatization.

The new version of the bill would be submitted to the House of Representatives on Friday.

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Viktor Yanukovych holds news conference in Russia

Diane A. Wade
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Viktor Yanukovych holds news conference in Russia

Ukraine’s ousted President Viktor Yanukovych has made his first public appearance since being removed from office last week.

Viktor Yanukovych said at a news conference in Russia he would fight for his country.

He said he was “not overthrown”, but was compelled to leave Ukraine after threats to his life.

Those who drove him from power were “young neo-fascist thugs”, he said.

Viktor Yanukovych said current tensions in Crimea were “understandable” but stated his desire for Ukraine to remain united.

The focus of unrest in Ukraine has shifted to the Russian-majority Crimea region since Viktor Yanukovych was ousted by Western-leaning opponents last Saturday.

It followed a bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters who had taken over central Kiev since Viktor Yanukovych rejected an EU trade deal in favor of one with Russia last November.

Viktor Yanukovych has made his first public appearance since being removed from office at a news conference in Russia
Viktor Yanukovych has made his first public appearance since being removed from office at a news conference in Russia

On Friday, Ukraine accused Russia of carrying out an “armed invasion” in Crimea by sending naval forces to occupy Sevastopol airport. Moscow has denied the claims.

“I intend to continue to struggle for the future of Ukraine, against terror and fear,” Viktor Yanukovych told the news conference in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

“I can’t find words to characterize this new authority. These are people who advocate violence – the Ukrainian parliament is illegitimate.

“What’s going on now is lawlessness, lack of authority, and terror. Decisions in parliament were taken under duress.”

He apologized to the Ukrainian people for not having “enough strength to keep stability” and for allowing “lawlessness in this country”.

Viktor Yanukovych insisted he did not “flee anywhere”, explaining that his car was shot at as he left Kiev for the north-east city of Kharkiv and he was forced to move around Ukraine amid fears for the safety of himself and his family.

He said he arrived in Russia “thanks to a patriotically minded young officer” and was given refuge in Rostov, near the Ukrainian border, by an old friend.

Speaking in Russian, Viktor Yanukovych said he would return to Ukraine “as soon as there are guarantees for my security and that of my family”.

Viktor Yanukovych ruled out taking part in elections planned for May 25, describing them as “illegal”.

He made clear his view that the only way out of the crisis is to implement an EU-backed compromise agreement he signed with opposition leaders last week before he was deposed.

Viktor Yanukovych said the current turmoil in Crimea was “an absolutely natural reaction to the bandit coup that occurred in Kiev” and added that he was surprised by the restraint shown by Russian President Vladimir Putin so far.

He also stressed that “military action in this situation is unacceptable” and said he wanted Crimea to remain part of Ukraine.

Earlier, Ukraine’s general prosecutor said he would ask Russia to extradite Viktor Yanukovych on suspicion of mass murder following the deaths of more than 80 people in last week’s violent clashes between protesters and the police.

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Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are engaged

Lisa.Felice
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Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are engaged

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, who are couple for nearly two years, are now engaged, Us Weekly reported.

“She is crazy about him!” a source close to the couple told the publication.

Mila Kunis, 30, dropped a subtle hint while shopping with her mom at The Grove in Los Angeles on Thursday as she wore a noticeable ring on her engagement finger.

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are now engaged
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are now engaged

If they get married, it will be the first marriage for Mila Kunis and the second for 36-year-old Ashton Kutcher, who finalized his once-contentious divorce from Demi Moore last November.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, 51, split in fall 2010 following his infamous San Diego fling with Sara Leal.

Mila Kunis ended her 8-year relationship with Macauley Culkin around the same time.

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Kim Kardashian assaulted by Richard Lugner at Viennese Ball

Lisa.Felice
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Kim Kardashian assaulted by Richard Lugner at Viennese Ball

Kim Kardashian’s decision to attend a Viennese ball on Thursday night as the paid guest of Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner, was not a good one.

Kim Kardashian, 33, received an estimated $500,000 for her troubles at the Viennese ball, RadarOnline reported.

According to TMZ, Kim Kardashian “stormed out” of the gala after a staffer approached her wearing blackface and pretended to be her fiancé Kanye West.

Kim Kardashian told her camp that Richard Lugner, 81, was “aggressive, at times grabbing her and imploring her to lose her security”. He apparently wanted to be alone with her.

The reality star also faced down a guest who didn’t like being turned away for a dance.

Richard Lugner apparently wanted to be alone with Kim Kardashian at Vienna Ball
Richard Lugner apparently wanted to be alone with Kim Kardashian at Vienna Ball

Richard Lugner had trouble with Kim Kardashian from the start. Seems he didn’t appreciate that Kim Kardashian, who arrived in Vienna with daughter North West and mom Kris Jenner, filmed scenes for Keeping Up With the Kardashians at a local schnitzel joint.

“Kim is annoying me, because she’s not sticking to the program,” Richard Lugner is quoted as telling reporters.

“She’s filming, and so she doesn’t want to have me around. The guest should be with me and not anywhere else that is not agreed upon.”

Richard Lugner, who claims he gussied up before the big event with “15 shots of Botox”, has long invited celebrities to accompany him to the annual ball, starting in 1991 with Gina Lollobrigida. Lindsay Lohan was tapped in 2010, but she failed to show after missing her flight.

More recent dates have included Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton, Carmen Electra, Dita Von Teese.

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MtGox Bitcoin exchange files for bankruptcy in Japan

Nancy Clayson
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MtGox Bitcoin exchange files for bankruptcy in Japan

MtGox Bitcoin exchange has reportedly filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan.

The application was made in Japan by lawyers acting on behalf of the exchange and comes only days after MtGox went offline.

On Tuesday, the exchange’s boss said he was working hard to find a “solution to our recent issues”.

Before going offline, technical troubles meant it prevented customers transferring digital cash to other exchanges on February 7.

MtGox Bitcoin exchange has filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan
MtGox Bitcoin exchange has filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan

Details of the bankruptcy are scant but the application for protection has been accepted by a district court in Tokyo, reported AFP. At the court hearing, the company said it had outstanding debts of about 6.5 billion yen.

MtGox’s lawyers are believed to have decided to apply to the court for protection after US regulators filed a subpoena against the company.

Reports suggested the site shut down after it discovered that an estimated 744,000 Bitcoins – about $350 million – had been stolen due to a loophole in its security.

MtGox’s troubles have put pressure on the price Bitcoin owners can get for their holdings. Currently one Bitcoin is worth about $561, a price far lower than the high of $1,000 per coin it hit in November 2013.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has banned its banks from handling Bitcoin saying the virtual cash is not legal tender. Vietnam’s state bank said trading in Bitcoins carried “potential risks” for users.

At the same time, Japan’s deputy finance minister said any regulation of Bitcoin would have to involve international cooperation to avoid opening up loopholes that traders could exploit.

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Subrata Roy: Sahara chairman arrested in Lucknow

Clyde K. Valle
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Subrata Roy: Sahara chairman arrested in Lucknow

Subrata Roy – the chairman of Sahara, one of India’s biggest businesses – has been arrested after he surrendered to the police.

The Supreme Court had ordered the arrest of Subrata Roy on Wednesday after he failed to appear before judges in a case of fraud.

Two Sahara firms are accused of raising 240 billion rupees ($3.9 billion) through bonds that were found to be illegal.

Market regulators say Subrata Roy failed to refund the money to millions of investors despite a court order.

He is expected to remain in custody until March 4 as the Supreme Court refused to take up his bail petition on Friday, saying it was “not urgent”.

“Mr. Roy willfully submitted himself before [the northern city of] Lucknow police. He is co-operating with all authorities,” his son, Seemanto Roy, told a press conference in Delhi.

Senior police official Habibul Hasan in Lucknow said the businessman would be produced before the magistrate soon.

The Supreme Court had ordered the arrest of Subrata Roy on Wednesday after he failed to appear before judges in a case of fraud
The Supreme Court had ordered the arrest of Subrata Roy on Wednesday after he failed to appear before judges in a case of fraud

Earlier on Friday, Subrata Roy issued a statement saying he was not “absconding” from arrest after police in Lucknow said they had raided his house on Thursday, but failed to find him.

Subrata Roy said he was indeed in Lucknow but had stepped out to consult doctors about his ailing mother.

On Wednesday, angry judges ordered the businessman’s arrest after his lawyer said the Sahara chief had been unable to appear in court since his 92-year-old mother was very unwell.

Subrata Roy and his rags-to-riches life story is a household name in India.

Sahara group, worth 682 billion rupees ($11 billion), has businesses ranging from finance, housing, manufacturing, aviation and the media. It also has interests overseas – it owns New York’s landmark Plaza Hotel and London’s iconic Grosvenor House.

Subrata Roy’s group also sponsors the Indian hockey team and owns a stake in Formula One racing team, Force India.

With more than 1.1 million workers, Sahara is India’s biggest private sector employer.

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David O. Russell pulls out of ABC’s The Club drama

Sonia Pantiss
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David O. Russell pulls out of ABC’s The Club drama

David O. Russell has decided to pull out of TV drama The Club  he was set to make, a month after it was commissioned.

The American Hustle director had co-written ABC’s The Club, a drama set in a private country club.

David O. Russell has decided to pull out of TV drama The Club he was set to make
David O. Russell has decided to pull out of TV drama The Club he was set to make

No official reason has been given for his departure, although it is thought David O. Russell wants to focus on film-making, according to Deadline Hollywood.

The series is still set to go ahead.

The director had co-written and developed The Club with Erin Brockovich scribe Susannah Grant, who will remain on the project and also executive produce.

David O. Russell suggested at an industry event over the weekend he was not ready to move from cinema to the small screen.

Michelle Obama to star in Parks and Recreation Season 6 finale

Lisa.Felice
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Michelle Obama to star in Parks and Recreation Season 6 finale

First Lady Michelle Obama will guest star in Parks and Recreation Season 6 finale, her White House office confirmed.

Michelle Obama’s appearance, in an episode titled Moving Up, will centre on her campaign against child obesity.

“Time to get real about Pawnee’s obesity… @FLOTUS is coming to town for our #ParksandRec season finale Thursday, April 24!,” the show tweeted.

FLOTUS is an acronym for First Lady Of The United States and Pawnee, Indiana is the fictional town where the show takes place – home to public servant Leslie Knope.

Michelle Obama will guest star in Parks and Recreation Season 6 finale
Michelle Obama will guest star in Parks and Recreation Season 6 finale

Amy Poehler – who plays Leslie Knope in the show – joined Michelle Obama’s campaign earlier this month when she appeared at a Let’s Move event in Miami.

Michelle Obama is not the first US politician to appear on the show – Vice President Joe Biden made a cameo on the show in 2012.

Three further senators, including presidential runner John McCain, have also guest starred in the show, which is currently in its sixth season.

Parks and Recreation executive producer Michael Schur told the Hollywood Reporter last month that he was still hoping to persuade Hillary Clinton to make an appearance on the show.

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