Home Blog Page 694

North Korean TV broadcasts images of Jang Sung-taek being escorted from party session

Diane A. Wade
-
0
North Korean TV broadcasts images of Jang Sung-taek being escorted from party session

North Korean state television KCNA has broadcast images of Jang Sung-taek – the once powerful uncle of leader Kim Jong-un – being removed from a meeting, confirming reports of his dismissal.

The dramatic images show Jang Sung-taek being escorted from a party session by uniformed guards.

The television accused Jang Sung-taek of forming factions against the state, corruption and “depraved” acts such as womanizing and drug abuse.

Analysts say such a public dismissal is unique and could signal a wider purge.

It is the biggest upheaval in North Korea’s leadership since Kim Jong-un succeeded his father Kim Jongil two years ago.

The KCNA state news agency said the decision was announced after a meeting of the ruling communist Korean Workers’ Party Politburo over the weekend.

News of Jang Sung-taek’s dismissal filtered out in South Korea last week along with reports that two of his close aides had been executed for corruption. It is unclear when these latest images date from.

Jang Sung-taek escorted from a party session by uniformed guards
Jang Sung-taek escorted from a party session by uniformed guards

The KCNA report accuses Jang Sung-taek of being part of a faction working against the North Korean state.

“Jang pretended to uphold the party and leader but was engrossed in such factional acts as dreaming different dreams and involving himself in double-dealing behind the scenes.”

It also accused Jang Sung-taek of offences such as financial mismanagement and selling off national resources for his personal gain, but it also denounced him for leading what it called “a dissolute and depraved life”.

“Ideologically sick and extremely idle and easy-going, he used drugs and squandered foreign currency at casinos while he was receiving medical treatment in a foreign country under the care of the party,” the KCNA report said.

It added that Jang Sung-taek had “improper relations” with several women and “was wined and dined at back parlors of deluxe restaurants”.

Such an official announcement detailing a leader’s alleged crimes is unique.

Almost overnight, Jang Sung-taek has morphed from uncle and mentor to North Korea’s young leader, to “anti-revolutionary” criminal outcast.

The move could be seen as the latest in a series of carefully calibrated moves to demonstrate Kim Jong-un’s control, yet another sign of his authority and an assertion of his independence.

Jang Sung-taek is reported to have been stripped of all his positions and expelled from the party.

On Saturday, North Korean state TV was also reported to have removed footage of Jang Sung-taek from a documentary.

Vladimir Putin closes down Russia’s state-owned news agency RIA Novosti

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Vladimir Putin closes down Russia’s state-owned news agency RIA Novosti

Vladimir Putin has abolished Russia’s state-owned news agency RIA Novosti.

In a surprise decree published on the Kremlin’s website on Monday, President Vladimir Putin announced it would be replaced by a news agency called Russia Today.

Russia Today will be headed by journalist and keen Kremlin supporter Dmitry Kiselev.

The state-owned Voice of Russia radio station has also been closed. The decree was effective immediately.

Sergey Ivanov, the head of the Kremlin administration, has told journalists in Moscow that the news agency is being restructured in order to make it more economical while increasing its reach, Interfax reports.

He was quoted as saying that the agency, which is being dissolved and reorganized as International News Agency Russia Today, needs to make “more rational use of public money” and that it has to be more effective.

Vladimir Putin announced Russia's state-owned news agency RIA Novosti would be replaced by Russia Today
Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s state-owned news agency RIA Novosti would be replaced by Russia Today

“Russia pursues an independent policy and robustly defends its national interests. It’s not easy to explain that to the world, but we can and must do this,” Sergey Ivanov said.

During Vladimir Putin’s time as Russia’s leader, RIA Novosti has tried hard to produce balanced coverage for Russian and international audiences.

Although state-owned, RIA Novosti has reflected the views of the opposition and covered difficult topics for the Kremlin.

Dmitry Kiselev is known for his ultra-conservative views, including recently saying that gay people should be banned from giving blood, and that their hearts should be burnt rather than used in transplants.

Reporting on its own demise, RIA Novosti noted in its news report that “the move is the latest in a series of shifts in Russia’s news landscape, which appear to point toward a tightening of state control in the already heavily regulated media sector”.

Venezuela local elections 2013: Nicolas Maduro’s socialist party ahead in polls

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Venezuela local elections 2013: Nicolas Maduro’s socialist party ahead in polls

According to Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, the governing United Socialist Party (USP) has won the greatest share of the vote in Sunday’s local elections.

With most votes counted, the USP has 49% while the opposition has about 43%.

The opposition was ahead in most of the larger cities, including the capital, Caracas, while the governing party won in rural areas.

The elections have been seen as a key test for President Nicolas Maduro, who replaced the late Hugo Chavez in April.

Since November, Nicolas Maduro has been ruling by decree, promising to tackle corruption and control price rises.

The opposition accuses Nicolas Maduro of failing to deal with crime, inflation and a shortage of basic goods.

Nicolas Maduro’s United Socialist Party has won the greatest share of the vote in Venezuela's local elections
Nicolas Maduro’s United Socialist Party has won the greatest share of the vote in Venezuela’s local elections

Local elections in Venezuela are usually low key, but this one was filled with expectations for the government and the opposition.

Voters were electing mayors to 337 municipalities and officials to more than 2,000 city councils.

The opposition won mayoral races in the capital, Caracas, and the country’s second city. Maracaibo. They also won the capital of Barinas, from where former Hugo Chavez hailed.

So far, the USP has won in 196 of the municipalities being contested, while the opposition took 53, and independents another eight. The remainder have yet to be declared.

Nicolas Maduro called the results a “grand victory”, telling supporters at a rally in Caracas that “the Bolivarian Revolution continues now with more strength”.

The opposition’s failure to win a majority of the votes cast or significantly increase the number of municipalities under its control from the 46 won in the 2008 local elections was a disappointment to its leader Henrique Capriles.

Sunday’s elections coincided with the anniversary of Hugo Chavez’s famous speech in which he announced that his cancer had returned and named Nicolas Maduro as his preferred successor.

[youtube iRGPn5Swiqc 650]

Yingluck Shinawatra to dissolve Thai parliament after opposition resignation

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Yingluck Shinawatra to dissolve Thai parliament after opposition resignation

Thailand’s PM Yingluck Shinawatra has announced she will dissolve parliament and call an election, after sustained protests in the capital, Bangkok.

The move followed the resignation of all opposition MPs from parliament on Sunday, and a planned march on Government House on Monday.

Yingluck Shinawatra won elections in 2011.

However, the protesters allege Yingluck Shinawatra’s government is controlled by ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra, and have vowed to continue the demonstrations.

Thailand’s PM Yingluck Shinawatra has announced she will dissolve parliament and call an election
Thailand’s PM Yingluck Shinawatra has announced she will dissolve parliament and call an election

The announcement came as Yingluck Shinawatra addressed the nation on television.

“The government does not want any loss of life,” she said.

“At this stage, when there are many people opposed to the government from many groups, the best way is to give back the power to the Thai people and hold an election,” Yingluck Shinawatra said.

“So the Thai people will decide.”

No date was given for the polls but Yingluck Shinawatra said they would be held “as soon as possible”.

In the general election in July 2011, Yingluck Shinawatra ‘s Pheu Thai party won a majority, with 265 seats to the Democrat Party’s 159 seats.

Under Thailand’s electoral regulations polls must be held within two months of parliament being dissolved.

[youtube VXEmw0k60Gw 650]

North Korea confirms removal of Jang Sung-taek

Diane A. Wade
-
0
North Korea confirms removal of Jang Sung-taek

North Korea has confirmed for the first time that Jang Sung-taek has been dismissed from his post.

Jang Sung-taek had committed “criminal acts”, according to the state-run KCNA news agency.

Kim Jong-un’s uncle was seen as an economic reformer and regularly handled talks with China, Pyongyang’s only major ally.

North Korea has confirmed for the first time that Jang Sung-taek has been dismissed from his post
North Korea has confirmed for the first time that Jang Sung-taek has been dismissed from his post

Jang Sung-taek’s removal is the biggest upheaval in North Korea’s leadership since Kim Jong-un succeeded his father, analysts say.

Two of his close aides have been executed for corruption, according to earlier South Korean reports.

KCNA said the decision had come after a meeting of the politburo of the ruling Workers’ Party.

[youtube hpX_5lJNrTE 650]

Kim Kardashian invites fan in VIP section at Kanye West’s concert

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Kim Kardashian invites fan in VIP section at Kanye West’s concert

Kim Kardashian invited a fan and her friend to sit with her in the VIP section at Kanye West’s Yeezus concert in New Orleans on Thursday, December 5.

Myleeza, whose Twitter handle is @MyleezaKardash, tweeted before the show that she was looking for Kim Kardashian in the crowd. Seeing the tweet – and noticing what a huge fan the girl is – Kim Kardashian decided to reach out.

“Kim’s security came to get me & [my friend] Sara and when we got to the VIP section…Kim immediately stood up and waved for us and said, <<Hey Myleeza! Thank you for coming!>>” the teen recalled, noting that Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles and her son Juelz were also nearby.

Kim Kardashian invited Myleeza to sit with her in the VIP section at Kanye West’s Yeezus concert in New Orleans
Kim Kardashian invited Myleeza to sit with her in the VIP section at Kanye West’s Yeezus concert in New Orleans

“YES SHE KNEW ME & CAN PRONOUNCE MY NAME. I went CRAZY!”

Myleeza went on to describe how she and Sara were “dancing so hard and screaming every lyric with ‘Ye,” which Kim Kardashian apparently found amusing.

“Kim and her bestie Brittny [Gastineau] turned around and laughed at us which [was] so cool and embarrassing at the same time!” she wrote, adding that the reality star even asked to take a photo with her.

After the concert – which Myleeza described as “amazing” – Kim Kardashian invited the teen and her pal to go backstage to meet Kanye West.

“I COULDN’T TALK! My mouth DROPPED!” Myleeza wrote.

“Me & Sara started screaming and hugging and Kim and Brittny were laughing so hard at us.”

La Toya Jackson marries Jeffre Phillips in private ceremony

Lisa.Felice
-
0
La Toya Jackson marries Jeffre Phillips in private ceremony

La Toya Jackson wed her longtime friend and business partner Jeffre Phillips in Los Angeles ceremony on December 6, according to RadarOnline.

Katherine Jackson and La Toya’s nephew Prince Jackson both reportedly attended the private ceremony.

La Toya Jackson, 57, and Jeffre Phillips, a performer-turned record-label exec and businessman, are co-founders of Ja-tail Enterprises, a management, marketing, publishing and entertainment company that represents former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Staub, among others.

La Toya Jackson wed her longtime friend and business partner Jeffre Phillips
La Toya Jackson wed her longtime friend and business partner Jeffre Phillips

The older sister of Michael Jackson, and Jeffre Phillips met in 1999 when they worked on the movie Shriek If You Know What I Screamed Last Friday the Thirteenth, according to their company website.

Jeffre Phillips proposed earlier this year on La Toya Jackson’s reality show, Life With La Toya.

This is the second marriage for La Toya Jackson, who was previously wed to manager Jack Gordon.

Texas winter storm causes travel hindrances and power outages

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Texas winter storm causes travel hindrances and power outages

A winter storm that started in Washington has hit Texas hard on Saturday, causing event cancellations, travel hindrances and power outages.

Almost 50 weekend holiday events had been cancelled or postponed across Texas, including Sunday’s 44th annual Dallas Marathon, which was expected to draw 25,000 runners, many of whom had trained for months. The same weather system also forced the cancellation of the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis, which had been expected to include 20,000 competitors.

Four hundred flights remained grounded Sunday at Dallas Fort Worth International airport, according to airport officials, as crews scrambled to clear airport runways.

In Chicago, people started flooding into warming centers Saturday night as wind chills dropped below zero.

Some parts of Illinois were already slammed by a foot of snow, and Chicago would get 1 to 3 inches on Sunday, according to The Weather Channel.

A winter storm has hit Texas, causing event cancellations, travel hindrances and power outages
A winter storm has hit Texas, causing event cancellations, travel hindrances and power outages

Residents in parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee also woke up to snow and ice on Sunday.

In Virginia, state Emergency Management spokeswoman Laura Southard said the storm had the potential to be an “historic ice event.”

Other areas of the US that could expect precipitation in the form of snow or freezing rain Sunday were the Middle Missouri Valley into the Great Lakes, the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, the Mid Atlantic and southern New England, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Mississippi, the Central Gulf Coast and the Tennessee Valley were all expected to dodge snowfall but could experience heavy, cold rain, the NWS predicted.

Residents in New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Baltimore were warned to be careful on the roads, as they could be hit by the first major snow accumulation of the season Sunday night. But the snow is expected to change to rain overnight, the Weather Channel reported, making the morning commute a messy one.

In the even colder areas of New England and upstate New York, even a slight snowfall could create Monday morning problems as it changes to freezing rain and slippery sheets of ice, according to The Weather Channel.

The storm is expected to move out to the Atlantic on Monday night, according to the NWS.

[youtube 4gl8hmH2Lrk 650]

Susan Boyle diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Susan Boyle diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome

Susan Boyle has revealed she has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.

The Scottish singer, who shot to fame after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, had spent years believing she suffered slight brain damage at birth.

Susan Boyle, 52, told The Observer of her relief at finally getting a “clearer understanding” of her condition.

She added: “It will not make any difference to my life.”

Susan Boyle shot to fame after appearing on Britain's Got Talent in 2009
Susan Boyle shot to fame after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009

Asperger’s is a form of autism which typically means people with the condition struggle with their emotions and have difficulty in social situations, often unable to pick up on non-verbal cues.

Susan Boyle revealed she was misdiagnosed after complications at birth.

She said: “It was the wrong diagnosis when I was a kid.

“I was told I had brain damage. I always knew it was an unfair label. Now I have a clearer understanding of what’s wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself.”

Susan Boyle has gone on to become one of the best-selling British female artists and recently had a cameo role in the festive film The Christmas Candle.

Nelson Mandela funeral: List of participants at memorial service or state funeral

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Nelson Mandela funeral: List of participants at memorial service or state funeral

More than 60 international leaders have announced they will take part in the memorial service or state funeral of Nelson Mandela, South Africa says.

Barack Obama, Francois Hollande and UK’s PM David Cameron will be among those attending Tuesday’s memorial at a Soweto stadium.

South Africa’s first black president died on Thursday and the nation has held a day of prayer and reflection.

Mourners in their millions visited places of worship and community halls.

At Soweto’s Regina Mundi Catholic Church, a centre of the anti-apartheid struggle, the priest Sebastian Roussouw said the late leader had been “a light in the darkness”.

Nelson Mandela’s ex-wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, was among the congregation at the Bryanston Methodist church in Johannesburg, where President Jacob Zuma urged South Africans not to forget the values he had stood for.

In Cape Town, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said Nelson Mandela was a powerful and continuing reminder that individuals have the power to make change happen in the world.

Over the next eight days, a series of events will commemorate the man who steered their country out of white-minority rule.

More than 60 international leaders have announced they will take part in the memorial service or state funeral of Nelson Mandela
More than 60 international leaders have announced they will take part in the memorial service or state funeral of Nelson Mandela

Heads of state and government, global figures and celebrities will join 95,000 ordinary South Africans at the memorial service at FNB stadium in Soweto, where Nelson Mandela made his final major public appearance during the 2010 football World Cup.

The event is likely to be one of the biggest such gatherings of international dignitaries in recent years. The government said 59 leaders had so far confirmed they would be attending: an indication of the special place Nelson Mandela held in people’s hearts across the world, officials say.

Among those on the list are UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, German President Joachim Gauck, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Crown Prince Felipe of Spain.

Three former US presidents, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, will join President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and India’s Pranab Mukherjee will also be there. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has not yet confirmed whether he will travel.

Leading celebrities in the anti-apartheid movement Peter Gabriel and Bono are also expected to attend as are former international leaders such as Marti Ahtisaari who, along with Nelson Mandela, were part of a group known as The Elders, promoting peace and human rights.

Nelson Mandela’s body will lie in state in Pretoria on the following three days and he will be given a state funeral on Sunday, 15 December.

A smaller number of international dignitaries including the Prince of Wales will attend the burial in the Eastern Cape village of Qunu, where the late president grew up.

While Tuesday’s memorial service will clearly be a big organizational challenge, the state funeral will be a greater logistical one because of its rural remoteness.

[youtube ENfHMi6wbSs 650]

Ukraine: Pro-EU protesters topple Lenin statue in Kiev

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Ukraine: Pro-EU protesters topple Lenin statue in Kiev

Hundreds of thousands of pro-EU demonstrators have taken to the streets of Kiev seeking the Ukrainian government’s resignation.

Protesters, who oppose a customs union with Russia, toppled a statue of Lenin and smashed it with hammers.

President Viktor Yanukovych has said he shelved the EU deal after Russian opposition.

Protest leaders have given him 48 hours to dismiss the government.

As darkness fell, protesters were blockading key government buildings with cars, barricades and tents.

Witnesses said a group of protesters toppled the statue of Soviet leader Lenin at the top of Shevchenko’s Boulevard using metal bars and ropes and then began smashing it up with hammers.

Others stood by chanting “glory to Ukraine”.

A group of protesters toppled the statue of Soviet leader Lenin at the top of Shevchenko's Boulevard
A group of protesters toppled the statue of Soviet leader Lenin at the top of Shevchenko’s Boulevard

Correspondents say the statue has symbolic importance as it underlines Ukraine’s shared history with Russia.

In another development on Sunday, the Ukrainian Security Service said it was investigating some politicians on suspicion of what it called “actions aimed at seizing state power”.

It did not name the politicians.

Amid rising tensions, the European Commission said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton would travel to Ukraine this week “to support a way out of the political crisis”.

Waving EU and Ukrainian flags, protesters on Sunday congregated on Kiev’s Independence Square – the scene of previous clashes with police.

Ukraine’s special police force, Berkut, has been widely condemned for beating protesters in the square – known as Maidan.

The opposition party of jailed former PM Yulia Tymoshenko has urged people to “chase” the president “until he falls”.

“We are on a razor’s edge between a final plunge into cruel dictatorship and a return home to the European community,” Yulia Tymoshenko said in a message to the crowd read out by her daughter.

“Don’t give in, not a step back, don’t give up, the future of Ukraine is in your hands,” the message read.

The protests are the largest since the pro-democracy Orange Revolution in 2004.

A smaller pro-government rally was held close to the opposition march with police separating the two.

[youtube JAhfS9R1Kvg 650]

World’s largest gingerbread house built in Texas

Nancy Clayson
-
0
World’s largest gingerbread house built in Texas

A giant gingerbread house in Bryan, Texas, has been declared the biggest ever by Guinness World Records.

Coming in at 35.8 million calories and covering an area of 2520 square feet, or nearly the size of a tennis court, the 21-foot high gingerbread house in Bryan, 90 miles northwest of Houston, has been declared the biggest ever by Guinness World Records.

The house, with an edible exterior mounted over a wooden frame, was built by the Traditions Club near Texas A&M University to help raise money for a trauma center at the regional St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The giant gingerbread house in Bryan, Texas, has been declared the biggest ever by Guinness World Records
The giant gingerbread house in Bryan, Texas, has been declared the biggest ever by Guinness World Records

The Texas creation topped the previous record holder for gingerbread houses, a 36,600-cubic-foot model constructed in Bloomington, Minnesota’s Mall of America in 2012.

The recipe is simple. Mix 1,800 pounds of butter, 2,925 pounds of brown sugar, 7,200 eggs, 7,200 pounds all-purpose flour, 1,080 ounces ground ginger and a few other ingredients, bake and form into panels for mounting.

The bakers tried to cut back on the butter and baking soda as much as possible to help the gingerbread better stand up to the weather.

The edible and aromatic panels, icing and candy were mounted over the wooden frame and have so far stood up to the Texas sun as well as a few storms.

[youtube 3xmXgd3ogHE 650]

Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner spotted leaving Gansevoort Hotel together

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner spotted leaving Gansevoort Hotel together

Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner were spotted leaving the Gansevoort Hotel in New York City together on Saturday.

Harry Styles, 19, and Kendall Jenner, 18, tried to keep a low profile while exiting the building to grab breakfast, but didn’t have such luck.

The One Direction singer immediately was swarmed by a group of young fans as security tried to escort him out.

Harry Styles wore a peacoat, bandana and sunglasses.

Harry Styles previously denied that he is dating Kendall Jenner
Harry Styles previously denied that he is dating Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner got caught up in the frenzy as she walked a few feet away from the singer. Appearing to be a bit startled by the commotion, the reality star donned tight-fitting jeans, a white shirt, a green jacket, and kept her brunette locks down. Kendall Jenner also slung a Louis Vuitton bag over her right shoulder.

Harry Styles previously denied that he is dating Kendall Jenner. Rumors first swirled after they were spotted on a dinner date together in West Hollywood on November 20.

Three days later, Piers Morgan asked Harry Styles if he was dating Kris Jenner’s daughter during One Direction’s 1D Day event.

“We just went out to dinner so no; I guess. I don’t know,” the rocker replied.

On November 25, Harry Styles was spotted leaving Bruce Jenner’s Malibu home at 9:30 a.m. Two hours later, Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner met up for lunch at Soho House in West Hollywood.

[youtube m6fIN-cjnyk 650]

Nelson Mandela funeral: Day of prayer and reflection in South Africa

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Nelson Mandela funeral: Day of prayer and reflection in South Africa

South African people are taking part in a day of “prayer and reflection” for late ex-President Nelson Mandela.

President Jacob Zuma will attend a service in a Methodist church in Johannesburg, with other multi-faith services planned throughout the day.

A national memorial service will be held on Tuesday, ahead of a state funeral on December 15.

South Africans have been holding vigils since Nelson Mandela died on Thursday at the age of 95.

Jacob Zuma urged South Africans to go to stadiums, halls, churches, and other places of worship on Sunday to remember their former leader.

South African people are taking part in a day of "prayer and reflection" for late ex-President Nelson Mandela
South African people are taking part in a day of “prayer and reflection” for late ex-President Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela’s successor as president, Thabo Mbeki, will attend a service at the Oxford Shul synagogue in Johannesburg in the afternoon.

Other senior politicians and ANC officials will go to services across the city, and the country.

Nelson Mandela’s body will lie in state on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the heart of the South African government in Pretoria.

Members of the public have been encouraged to line the route and form a “guard of honor” when his remains are taken to the site.

A funeral cortege bearing his body is to travel through the streets of Pretoria for three consecutive days before his burial next Sunday.

On Saturday it was announced that President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend Tuesday’s memorial service, along with three other former US presidents, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.

One government minister has predicted the 95,000-seat stadium being used for the event will be overwhelmed, and promised that overflow areas would be set up.

On Saturday Nelson Mandela’s family gave their first public statement since his death, describing the difficulty of the past two days and the week ahead.

Family spokesman Lt Gen Matanzima likened Nelson Mandela to a baobab tree that had provided shade and protection to his family.

[youtube ymFbVZ2p7SA 650]

Merrill Newman arrives in San Francisco after North Korea ordeal

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Merrill Newman arrives in San Francisco after North Korea ordeal

Merrill Newman has arrived in San Francisco after being released by North Korea.

North Korea’s state news agency said Merrill Newman was expelled on “humanitarian grounds” after confessing to “crimes” in the 1950-53 war and “apologizing”.

The US veteran of the Korean War had been held since October 26 on charges of “hostile acts” against the North, while visiting as a tourist.

Although Merrill Newman, 85, did serve during the Korean War, his family says he is the victim of mistaken identity.

Merrill Newman has arrived in San Francisco after being released by North Korea
Merrill Newman has arrived in San Francisco after being released by North Korea

The US welcomed Pyongyang’s decision.

“We are pleased that Mr. Merrill Newman has been allowed to depart the DPRK [North Korea] and re-join his family. We welcome the DPRK’s decision to release him,” said state department spokeswoman Marie Harf.

“I’m delighted to be home,” Merrill Newman said in San Francisco.

“It’s been a great homecoming. I’m tired, but ready to be with my family.”

He thanked the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang and US embassy in Beijing for helping to secure his release.

Merrill Newman – a pensioner from Palo Alto, California – had been held in North Korea since being taken off a plane as he prepared to leave the country on October 26, following a 10-day tourist visit.

[youtube MnJca5jaVJM 650]

Oklahoma City hit by 4.5 magnitude earthquake

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Oklahoma City hit by 4.5 magnitude earthquake

Central Oklahoma has been hit by a 4.5-magnitude earthquake on Saturday, just weeks after the two-year anniversary of the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the Sooner state.

The earthquake was centered near Arcadia, about 14 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, and was about 5 miles deep, the US Geological Survey reported.

Central Oklahoma has been hit by a 4.5-magnitude earthquake on Saturday
Central Oklahoma has been hit by a 4.5-magnitude earthquake on Saturday

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management spokeswoman Keli Cain said no injuries or damage were reported. The state is crisscrossed with fault lines that generate frequent small earthquakes, most too weak to be felt. But after decades of limited seismic activity in this region, earthquakes have become more common in the last several years.

The strongest earthquake on record in Oklahoma was a magnitude-5.6 earthquake on November 5, 2011. That time, the football stadium in Stillwater, about 70 miles north of Oklahoma City, started shaking just after OSU defeated No. 17 Kansas State and left ESPN anchor Kirk Herbstreit wide-eyed during a postgame telecast.

Nelson Mandela funeral: Barack and Michelle Obama to attend memorial service on Tuesday

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Nelson Mandela funeral: Barack and Michelle Obama to attend memorial service on Tuesday

Barack and Michelle Obama will travel to South Africa to attend the memorial service for Nelson Mandela on Tuesday.

The memorial service on Tuesday, December 10, is part of a week of official observances that will culminate in a state funeral a week from Sunday.

Barack Obama will travel to South Africa to attend the memorial service for Nelson Mandela
Barack Obama will travel to South Africa to attend the memorial service for Nelson Mandela

The official events honoring Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday, December 5, at the age of 95, begin on Sunday, when the government will observe a national day of prayer and reflection.

On Sunday, December 15, a funeral service and interment ceremony will take place at Nelson Mandela’s home and final resting place at Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

South Korea to expand air defense zone

Roy Siemens
-
0
South Korea to expand air defense zone

South Korea is expanding its air defense zone, which will now partially overlap with a similar zone announced by China.

The two zones will now both include a rock claimed by both countries and controlled by South Korea.

The defense ministry said it would co-ordinate with “related countries”.

China announced a new Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) last month, in a move that raised regional tensions.

Both countries’ zones will cover the airspace above a rock called Ieodo by South Korea and Suyan by China, which is claimed by both countries.

As well as Ieodo rock, South Korea’s Defense Ministry also said the new military air defense zone would cover the airspace above Marado and Hongdo islands controlled by Seoul in waters south of the peninsula.

The new parameters are a direct challenge to China’s own air defense zone, which covers part of the same area.

South Korea is expanding its air defense zone, which will now partially overlap with a similar zone announced by China
South Korea is expanding its air defense zone, which will now partially overlap with a similar zone announced by China

South Korea said its zone would take effect on December 15, and that neighboring countries had already been notified of the change.

The government would continue to consult with neighboring countries to stop accidental military clashes, it said.

“We will co-ordinate with related countries to fend off accidental military confrontations and to ensure safety of airplanes,” defense ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told the AFP news agency on Sunday.

South Korea has already challenged China’s attempt to impose its authority in the area by flying military planes through the zone announced by Beijing.

Commercial airlines in South Korea have also been advised not to comply with China’s demands for planes to identify themselves to it.

The US and Japan have also rejected China’s zone and flown undeclared military aircraft through the zone.

It will be the first time that South Korea has adjusted the zone since it was first set up by the US military in 1951 during the Korean War, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reports.

China’s recently announced ADIZ also covers islands claimed and controlled by Japan.

China said aircraft flying through the zone must follow its rules, including filing flight plans.

What are air defense identification zones?

  • Zones do not necessarily overlap with airspace, sovereign territory or territorial claims
  • States define zones, and stipulate rules that aircraft must obey; legal basis is unclear
  • During WW2, US established an air perimeter and now maintains four separate zones – Guam, Hawaii, Alaska, and a contiguous mainland zone
  • UK, Norway, Japan and Canada also maintain zones

Edouard Molinaro dies in Paris hospital of lung failure aged 85

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Edouard Molinaro dies in Paris hospital of lung failure aged 85

Director Edouard Molinaro, best known for classic French farce La Cage aux Folles, has died in Paris aged 85.

After starting out in crime films, Edouard Molinaro switched to comedies, notably starring actor Louis de Funes.

La Cage (1978), about a gay couple’s hilariously ill-starred attempt to pass themselves off as straight, was remade in the US as The Birdcage (1996).

After starting out in crime films, Edouard Molinaro switched to comedies, notably starring actor Louis de Funes
After starting out in crime films, Edouard Molinaro switched to comedies, notably starring actor Louis de Funes

French President Francois Hollande paid tribute to Edourad Molinaro’s popular appeal.

“Edouard Molinaro possessed the talent for attracting a broad public to quality films,” a statement from the Elysee Palace said.

“This film-maker, who had a rich and varied career, directed the greatest actors of French cinema while winning over the public, and winning the admiration of his peers, at the same time.”

Among Edouard Molinaro’s numerous other films were Oscar (1967) with Louis de Funes and My Uncle Benjamin (1969), which starred the Belgian singer and songwriter Jacques Brel.

Edouard Molinaro died in a Paris hospital of lung failure.

[youtube D7oEEC-ZkS4 650]

CAR: French troops deployed to Bossangoa to restore security

Roy Siemens
-
0
CAR: French troops deployed to Bossangoa to restore security

French soldiers have reached the town of Bossangoa in the Central African Republic (CAR), which has been paralyzed by communal fighting.

France is deploying 1,600 troops to help end the fighting in the CAR, alongside a larger African Union force.

The CAR has been in turmoil since the president was ousted in March.

Francois Bozize was overthrown by a rebel alliance known as Seleka in March. Its leader, Michel Djotodia, took over as president.

Armed gangs, mainly former Seleka rebels, now control most of the landlocked country.

The town of Bossangoa in the Central African Republic has been paralyzed by communal fighting
The town of Bossangoa in the Central African Republic has been paralyzed by communal fighting

Recently the violence in the chronically unstable country has taken on a sectarian tone, with Muslim and Christian communities pitted against one another.

French President Francois Hollande said he believed security could be restored within six months.

Around 80 French troops reached Bossangoa late on Saturday.

Some 30 people have been reported killed there in the past three days and African peacekeepers have been struggling to help nearly 1,000 displaced civilians who have fled to their base.

[youtube o51qhNf6MW4 650]

Nelson Mandela’s body to lie in open casket at Union Buildings in Pretoria

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Nelson Mandela’s body to lie in open casket at Union Buildings in Pretoria

The South Africa’s government has released an updated schedule of official observances in honor of Nelson Mandela, culminating in a state funeral a week from Sunday.

Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane released the new details and said that the government would work closely with Nelson Mandela’s family “to ensure that all events conform to the family’s wishes and are culturally compliant”.

The official events honoring Mandela begin on Sunday, December 8, when the government will observe a national day of prayer and reflection “in which South Africans will celebrate the life of Mandela and his legacy in places of worship, homes and communities”, Collins Chabane said.

Nelson Mandela’s funeral service and interment ceremony will take place at his home
Nelson Mandela’s funeral service and interment ceremony will take place at his home

On Tuesday, December 10, an official memorial service for Nelson Mandela will be held at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, also known as the Soccer City stadium, the site of the 2010 World Cup final. The ceremony will be attended by members of the public and by a number of visiting heads of state and government, though Collins Chabane said the list of world leaders that would attend had not yet been finalized.

Nelson Mandela’s body will lie in state in an open casket at the Union Buildings, the official seat of the South African government, from Wednesday through Friday, with viewing open to “South Africans and selected international visitors and guests”, Collins Chabane said.

He also said Nelson Mandela’s remains would be transported daily between a nearby military hospital and the Union Buildings. South Africans wishing to view the late president’s remains will be shuttled from two yet-to-be named locations to the Unions Building.

On Saturday, December 14, Nelson Mandela’s body will be moved to the Eastern Cape province, where members of the ruling African National Congress party will bid him farewell. Later, a procession will take place from Mthatha to Qunu, where the Thembu community, of which Nelson Mandela was a member, will conduct a traditional ceremony.

On Sunday, December 15, a funeral service and interment ceremony will take place at Nelson Mandela’s home and final resting place at Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

[youtube C1_tZhKCbDE 650]

Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse not amused at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards

Clyde K. Valle
-
1
Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse not amused at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards

Jay Mohr was back for his second stint as host of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards on Friday night in Las Vegas.

Jay Mohr made jokes and jabs, but Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who attended the event, were not laughing.

Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards
Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards

In his opening monologue, Jay Mohr took aim at Danica Patrick, joking she was not used to being so close to the front. The joke drew an immediate reaction from the crowd in attendance, while Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse did not seem to find the humor in the situation.

[youtube

Al Ruscio’s wife Kate Williamson dies in California

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Al Ruscio’s wife Kate Williamson dies in California

Actress Kate Williamson, who was born as Robina Jane Sparks, died Friday night after a period of failing health.

The actress was best known for a run on the Ellen DeGeneres comedy Ellen.

Kate Williamson’s death comes in less than one month after the death of her husband, actor Al Ruscio, who died at the age of 89 on November12.

Kate Williamson's death comes in less than one month after the death of her husband, actor Al Ruscio
Kate Williamson’s death comes in less than one month after the death of her husband, actor Al Ruscio

The actress died surrounded by her four children at her Encino, California, home.

Kate Williamson’s decades-long acting career included the 1994 Barry Levinson film Disclosure,  the 2002 film Dahmer and the 1993 James Spader film Dream Lover.

She married Al Ruscio in 1954, and had four children together — actress and poet Elizabeth Ruscio, director and editor Michael Ruscio, production designer Nina Ruscio and teacher Maria Ruscio.

Kate  Williamson is survived by her children and five grandchildren.

India faces Olympic expulsion

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
India faces Olympic expulsion

India is facing expulsion from the Olympic movement unless the country complies with ethics rules, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach says.

The IOC suspended India last year because of government interference in its election process.

India has yet to agree to IOC demands to bar officials who have been charged with a criminal offence – an impasse which has led to the final ultimatum.

The Indian body is due to meet on Sunday to consider their position.

India is facing expulsion from the Olympic movement unless the country complies with ethics rules
India is facing expulsion from the Olympic movement unless the country complies with ethics rules

“The [Olympic] charter is clear,” Thomas Bach told Associated Press.

“If the suspension leads to no solution, then further steps could be withdrawal of recognition.”

No country has been banned from the Olympics since the South Africa team was expelled between 1968 and 1988 during the apartheid era.

“We need to be strict and to make sure the rules of good governance are being applied,” Thomas Bach added.

India won two silver medals and four bronze at the London Olympics 2012.

[youtube X8Lzekp7i-k 650]

Sochi talks: Russia and Ukraine closer on gas price

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Sochi talks: Russia and Ukraine closer on gas price

Differences between Russia and Ukraine on reducing the price of Russian gas have been narrowed after talks in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russian officials announced.

President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitriy Peskov said the talks would continue at a later date.

Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had been expected to debate Kiev joining a Moscow-led customs union.

But Dmitry Peskov said the issue was not discussed.

Last month Viktor Yanukovych shelved a partnership deal with the EU, triggering angry protests in Ukraine’s capital Kiev.

Russia was unhappy with the deal and Vladimir Putin has been urging Ukraine to join a Russian customs union with Belarus and Kazakhstan.

The two neighbors have also been trying to resolve a long-running dispute over energy supplies.

Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin
Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin

Ukraine depends on imports of Russian gas, but the supplier, Gazprom, has recently complained that Kiev had fallen behind in payments.

Disputes over supplies to Ukraine before 2009 saw Gazprom temporarily cutting off supplies.

Pipelines passing through Ukraine also pump Russian gas to many EU member states.

Dmitriy Peskov told Interfax news agency that “great attention has been devoted to the co-operation in the energy sphere”.

“Both sides narrowed the gap between their positions as a result of the discussion. However, no final agreement has been reached.”

He added: “The issue of Ukraine joining the customs union was not discussed during the meeting in Sochi.”

Ukraine has so far not commented on the talks.

Correspondents had earlier speculated that an agreement on Ukraine joining the customs union might be reached in return for reduced energy prices.

Many Ukrainians were furious that Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign the association agreement with the EU, which had followed years of negotiations.

On Saturday, nearly 1,000 supporters of the EU deal braved snow and swirling winds as they maintained control of Kiev’s Independence Square for the seventh successive day.

[youtube kwSWPqR2ybU 650]

1...693694695...1,246Page 694 of 1,246