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Typhoon Haiyan death toll rises to 5,209 in Philippines

Diane A. Wade
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Typhoon Haiyan death toll rises to 5,209 in Philippines

Typhoon Haiyan death toll has risen above 5,000, officials in the Philippines say, two weeks after the devastating storm hit the country.

Philippines’ National Disaster Agency says that 5,209 people are now known to have lost their lives, with many more still missing.

That makes Haiyan, known as Yolanda in the Philippines, the deadliest natural disaster in the country’s history.

Floods in the Ormoc region in 1991 killed 5,101 people.

Haiyan was one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded.

Winds of up to 270km/h hit the central Philippines when it made landfall on November 8.

Parts of low-lying islands were completely flattened.

Eduardo del Rosario, executive director of the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said that more than four million people were displaced by the storm.

Over a million houses were damaged.

Typhoon Haiyan death toll has risen above 5,000, two weeks after the devastating storm hit Philippines
Typhoon Haiyan death toll has risen above 5,000, two weeks after the devastating storm hit Philippines

Many residents in the worst hit areas are still without proper shelter as they try to rebuild their homes.

Many residents in the worst hit areas are still without proper shelter as they try to rebuild their homes.

Eduardo del Rosario told the Associated Press news agency he believed the worst was over.

“In the first week we can say we were in the emergency room,” he told the agency.

“This second week we are now in the ICU [intensive care unit], still critical but stabilized.”

He said he believed that the number of dead reported in the city of Tacloban was likely to go up.

The capital of Leyte province has reported 1,725 deaths.

More than 1,600 people are missing across the affected region.

Most of the dead had been buried in mass graves, and many bodies were unidentified, Eduardo del Rosario said.

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JFK assassination 50 years on

James J. Williams
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JFK assassination 50 years on

The US is marking 50 years since President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas, Texas.

Dallas, which has long struggled with the legacy of the murder, hosts a series of official events on Friday.

John F. Kennedy is often ranked among the nation’s most revered presidents, though he served less than three years.

He is commemorated for his youthful vigor, his leadership through the Cuban missile crisis, and his challenge to America to put a man on the Moon.

But he is also remembered for ordering one of the most disastrous episodes of the Cold War, the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of communist Cuba by a CIA-trained paramilitary force of Cuban exiles.

JFK’s family members laid a wreath on his grave at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington DC on Friday. His wife Jackie Kennedy and two of their children are also buried there.

Nearby, President Barack Obama ordered the White House flag be flown at half mast.

Among official events in Dallas on Friday, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform, Mayor Michael Rawlings will give an address, and bells will toll at the minute of Kennedy’s death.

Those events and others conclude a week of tributes to the slain US leader.

John F. Kennedy is often ranked among the nation's most revered presidents, though he served less than three years
John F. Kennedy is often ranked among the nation’s most revered presidents, though he served less than three years

Kennedy, a Democrat, was part of one of the most prominent US political dynasties of the 20th Century.

His father, Joseph, was a wealthy businessman who served in senior positions in the government of President Franklin Roosevelt, including as ambassador to Britain.

Two of his brothers later served as US senators and ran for president. One of them, Robert, was himself assassinated in 1968. Edward Kennedy, who died in 2009, was a champion of progressive causes including universal healthcare.

JFK’s daughter Caroline is now the US ambassador to Japan.

On November 22, 1963, JFK and his wife Jackie travelled to Dallas for early campaigning ahead of the following year’s election.

Crowds of supporters lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple. As the presidential motorcade entered Dealey Plaza at around 12:30 local time, JFK’s convertible passed the Texas School Book Depository.

Gunshots rang out across the plaza. Bullets struck the president in the head and neck. Half an hour later, JFK was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Soon after, Vice-President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as president aboard Air Force One.

Lee Harvey Oswald, an employee at the depository, was arrested in connection with the shooting.

On November 24, 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald was scheduled to be transferred from police headquarters to a county jail when he was shot and killed by Jack Ruby, a local nightclub owner.

Although JFK’s murder has provided endless fodder for conspiracy theorists, official inquiries have determined Lee Harvey Oswald alone was responsible for the assassination.

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JRR Tolkien biopic to be developed by Fox Searchlight

Sonia Pantiss
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JRR Tolkien biopic to be developed by Fox Searchlight

A JRR Tolkien biopic is being developed by Fox Searchlight.

Fox Searchlight was behind last year’s Hitchcock film.

The Lord of the Rings author’s biopic will chronicle how the key moments in the novelist’s life led him to write The Hobbit, and his acclaimed Rings trilogy.

Written by David Gleeson, the biopic film will focus on JRR Tolkien’s time at Oxford University and as a soldier during WW1.

Films based on JRR Tolkien’s books have grossed nearly $4 billion worldwide.

JRR Tolkien biopic will chronicle how the key moments in the novelist's life led him to write The Hobbit
JRR Tolkien biopic will chronicle how the key moments in the novelist’s life led him to write The Hobbit

Peter Jackson, who directed the Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy, will release the second chapter in the Hobbit trilogy, The Desolation of Smaug, next month.

Aside from his active role in WW1, JRR Tolkien also acted as a code breaker during WW2.

The film will also cover his friendship with fellow author CS Lewis, with whom he studied at university and formed the writing group known as The Inklings.

It will be produced by Chernin Entertainment, behind films such as cop-comedy The Heat and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

However, previous projects have been scuppered by the Tolkien estate, which is known to be protective of the author’s output.

Last year, the estate sued Warner Bros for at least $80 million in damages from unauthorized merchandising of the Tolkien books. Fox Searchlight, which was behind last year’s Hitchcock film

In July this year, Warner Bros launched its own counterclaim, alleging the Tolkien suit has caused the studio to miss out on millions of dollars in licensing opportunities.

South African papers defy Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla house photo ban

Diane A. Wade
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South African papers defy Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla house photo ban

Most of South African newspapers have published images of President Jacob Zuma’s private residence in Nkandla, defying a government warning that this would break security laws.

Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla residence is at the centre of a row after it emerged that the government had used $20 million of taxpayers’ money to refurbish it.

Cabinet ministers on Thursday said anyone who published images or footage of the estate would face arrest.

A group of South African editors described the warning as “absurd”.

The Times newspaper has the headline “So, arrest us”, above a picture of the luxury thatched-roof compound.

The Star newspaper has a photo of the homestead with a big red cross over it and the caption: “Look away! What ministers don’t want you to see“.

The upgrades to Jacob Zuma’s private residence include a helipad and an underground bunker, which the government says are needed for security reasons.

Jacob Zuma's Nkandla residence is at the centre of a row after it emerged that the government had used $20 million of taxpayers' money to refurbish it
Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla residence is at the centre of a row after it emerged that the government had used $20 million of taxpayers’ money to refurbish it

The contract is being investigated by South Africa’s public protector, or anti-corruption watchdog, Thuli Madonsela, amid allegations that costs were inflated, and that the renovations went far beyond what the rules allow for a politician’s private home.

Earlier this month, security ministers went to court to try to block Thuli Madonsela from publishing her report.

State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele on Thursday warned newspapers: “No-one, including those in the media, is allowed to take images and publicize images even pointing where the possible security features are.”

“It is not done anywhere. We have not seen the images of the White House showing where the security features are. It is not done in any democracy.”

Following the publication of the photos, the government has issued a statement, saying that newspapers are within their rights to publish photos of the estate but “zooming into safety and security features… is a challenge as it compromises national security”.

The newspaper editors say the public paid for the upgrades and have a right to see how their money was spent.

The warning has created public outrage, with many expressing their dissatisfaction on Twitter and also posting pictures of the home.

The main opposition has lambasted the upgrade and called for investigations into why so much was spent and whether Jacob Zuma was aware of the cost burden to the state.

The Democratic Alliance has always insisted that the upgrade was not only morally wrong and unjustifiable given the country’s social needs, but that it is also possibly illegal.

Other opposition parties have called it an abuse of state funds.

They also want to know why Jacob Zuma’s home was classified as a place of national security, despite being a private residence.

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Maxima supermarket collapse death toll rises to 32 in Riga

Nancy Clayson
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Maxima supermarket collapse death toll rises to 32 in Riga

According to Latvian officials, at least 32 people have died after the roof of a Maxima supermarket collapsed in the capital Riga.

Rescue efforts continued through the night and police have launched a criminal investigation.

Three of those killed were emergency workers who were helping people trapped when more of the roof came down.

The number of deaths makes this the former Soviet republic’s worst disaster since independence in 1991, Latvia’s main news agency says.

It is unclear how many more people could still be inside.

The cause of the collapse is unclear although reports say a garden was being constructed on the roof at the time.

The supermarket, which opened in 2011, is part of the Maxima retail chain.

“The police have started the investigation already,” said PM Valdis Dombrovskis after visiting the scene.

At least 32 people have died after the roof of a Maxima supermarket collapsed in Riga
At least 32 people have died after the roof of a Maxima supermarket collapsed in Riga

“The criminal process has started about violating building standards.”

Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis told Latvian TV it was “clear” there had been a problem meeting building regulations.

TV footage showed rescue workers using mechanical cutters to clear debris from the single-storey concrete and glass building. Cranes were brought in to remove slabs of concrete.

More than 60 soldiers were helping the rescue effort, the army said on its official Twitter feed.

The initial collapse happened just before 18:00 local time on Thursday, when the store was busy with customers.

Walls and windows also crumbled, leaving the shell of the building piled with rubble, witnesses said.

About 20 minutes later another part of the roof caved in, trapping rescue workers who were trying to reach survivors.

The rescue services believe a total of about 500sq m (5,300sq ft) of roof caved in, according to reports.

Witnesses said customers tried to run out after the first part of the roof collapsed but the supermarket’s electronic doors closed, trapping them inside.

LETA news agency said the collapse represented the largest loss of life from a disaster since the restoration of independence in 1990, worse than a fire at a nursing home in 2007 that killed 25.

Normunds Plegermanis, deputy head of rescue services, said emergency teams faced difficult conditions at the supermarket.

“Falls are happening from time to time… it is very dangerous to work inside,” he said.

Local media said the building had been awarded a national architecture prize when it was completed in 2011.

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Ukraine mass rally after EU trade deal delay

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine mass rally after EU trade deal delay

A mass rally has taken place in Kiev following Ukraine’s decision to delay an association agreement with the European Union.

Opposition leaders including former world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko have joined the protest on Independence Square.

Activists are comparing the rally to Ukraine’s 2004 Orange Revolution. They plan to make it a permanent rally.

Anti-riot police have been deployed.

A Kiev court has ruled that tents must not be erected on the square. In 2004 tents were a big feature of the protests against Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Moscow presidential candidate whose election was marred by voting abuses. He is in power now and his arch-rival, Yulia Tymoshenko, is in jail.

Activists are comparing the rally to Ukraine's 2004 Orange Revolution
Activists are comparing the rally to Ukraine’s 2004 Orange Revolution

Ukraine came under intense pressure from Russia not to sign the historic EU deal at a summit next week.

Ukrainian activists are using social media to mobilise supporters, and on Thursday night opposition demonstrations also took place in the cities of Donetsk, Ivano-Frankovsk, Lutsk, Uzhgorod and Lviv.

Ukraine’s PM Mykola Azarov has said the decision not to sign a wide-ranging trade and association agreement with the EU next week was motivated solely by economics and was “tactical”. He said it did not alter Ukraine’s overall development strategy.

“The decision to suspend the EU association agreement signing is difficult, but the only one possible in the current economic situation in Ukraine,” Mykola Azarov told parliament.

The Ukrainian government said on Thursday that it was instead looking into setting up a joint commission to promote ties between Ukraine, Russia and the EU.

North Korea urged to release veteran Merrill Newman

Diane A. Wade
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North Korea urged to release veteran Merrill Newman

North Korea has been urged by US to “let our citizens go free”, as reports say that US citizen Merrill Newman has been detained in the country.

Merrill Newman, an 85-year-old Korean War veteran, was taken off a plane by uniformed officers at the end of a guided tour in North Korea last month, his son said.

US officials have not specifically confirmed the case, but have called on North Korea to “resolve the issue”.

Another US citizen, Kenneth Bae, has been detained since last November.

Merrill Newman visited North Korea with a friend in October, his son, Jeffrey Newman said on Thursday.

The guided tour was arranged with a travel agent “approved by the North Korean government for travel of foreigners”, he added.

Merrill Newman was taken off a plane on October 26, the last day of his tour, as he was set to leave North Korea, Jeffrey Newman said.

Merrill Newman, an 85-year-old Korean War veteran, was taken off a plane by uniformed officers at the end of a guided tour in North Korea last month
Merrill Newman, an 85-year-old Korean War veteran, was taken off a plane by uniformed officers at the end of a guided tour in North Korea last month

The veteran appeared to have discussed his experience in the Korean War with North Korean officials the day before his detention, his son added.

Another veteran, also named Merrill Newman, was awarded a Silver Star medal for his efforts during the Korean War. In an interview with Reuters news agency, he said that he thought it was possible there had been “a case of mistaken identity”.

When asked about Merrill Newman’s detention, Secretary of State John Kerry would not comment directly on the case, but said: “They have other people, too… These are all very, very disturbing choices by the North Koreans.”

US Special Representative for North Korea Policy Glyn Davies, said: “We are calling on North Korea, as in the Kenneth Bae case, to resolve this issue and let our citizens go free.”

Glyn Davies added that he could not comment specifically about Merrill Newman’s case “because we do not have a privacy act waiver”.

The US State Department revised its travel guidance for North Korea this week, saying: “US citizens crossing into North Korea, even accidentally, have been subject to arbitrary arrest and long-term detention.”

However, a small number of tourists do enter North Korea every year.

Travel to North Korea is tightly controlled, with tourists only able to visit through tour companies that are accompanied by local guides.

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Victoria Beckham donates designer shoes to help Typhoon Haiyan victims

Lisa.Felice
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Victoria Beckham donates designer shoes to help Typhoon Haiyan victims

Victoria Beckham is giving fans the opportunity to walk in her shoes in exchange for major charity donations to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines on November 8.

Typhoon Haiyan was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded and left a path of destruction across the island country.

Now Victoria and her husband David Beckham are using their celebrity status and her fashion connections to help raise money. On the British Red Cross’s website, there’s a special section for the Beckhams’ donations.

Victoria Beckham is giving fans the opportunity to walk in her shoes in exchange for major charity donations to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan
Victoria Beckham is giving fans the opportunity to walk in her shoes in exchange for major charity donations to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan

“Dozens of pieces from the couple’s wardrobe will go on sale this Friday (November 22) at the British Red Cross shop in Kensington & Chelsea, which specializes in designer clothing. All the money raised will help those affected by the typhoon in the Philippines.”

The Beckhams’ donations include pieces from Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, and Roberto Cavalli.

Victoria Beckham posted several photos on Twitter of her donations. In one picture she is sitting inside a donation box with the caption: “Proud to support @BritishRedCross #ShopDrop Donating clothes for #Haiyan survivors. x vb.”

Another image shows a mountain of designer heels and a Manolo Blahnik box with the caption: “Big clear out of my shoes, on sale tomorrow in aid of @BritishRedCross #ShopDrop x vb.”

Hugh Jackman reveals he was treated for skin cancer

Lisa.Felice
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Hugh Jackman reveals he was treated for skin cancer

Hugh Jackman revealed he has been treated for skin cancer after seeking advice for a mark on his nose.

Hugh Jackman, 45, posted an image of his face with a bandage on his nose on his Instagram account and wrote: “Please don’t be foolish like me. Get yourself checked. And USE sunscreen!!!”

The actor said he had been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

BCC usually develops on skin exposed to the sun, and accounts for about 75% of skin cancers.

Hugh Jackman revealed he has been treated for skin cancer after seeking advice for a mark on his nose
Hugh Jackman revealed he has been treated for skin cancer after seeking advice for a mark on his nose

Hugh Jackman, who was nominated for an Oscar last year for his performance as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, said his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, had told him to seek medical advice.

“Deb said to get the mark on my nose checked. Boy, was she right!”

Hugh Jackman did not say when he was diagnosed or what treatment he received, but said that anyone with concerns should seek medical advice.

BCC produces cancerous cells on the surface of the skin. Surgery is the main treatment. If left untreated, it rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can damage or disfigure surrounding tissue.

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James Holmes’ trial postponed indefinitely

Nancy Clayson
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James Holmes’ trial postponed indefinitely

Colorado movie theater gunman James Holmes’ trial has been postponed indefinitely on Thursday.

District Judge Carlos Samour ordered the delay as attorneys on both sides debated whether the suspected shooter should undergo another psychiatric evaluation.

James Holmes’ trial had been set to begin with jury selection on February 3.

The 25-year-old faces charges of killing 12 people and wounding 70 others during the 2012 attack at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a premiere of The Dark Knight.

His attorneys have not disputed that he committed the shootings but have entered plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

James Holmes’ trial has been postponed indefinitely
James Holmes’ trial has been postponed indefinitely

Throughout a roughly 40-minute hearing on Thursday, James Holmes appeared expressionless as he sat in shackles and in a red prison jumpsuit and grown-in beard. He did not interact with his defense team or the bailiffs.

Prosecutors are challenging at least one of three aspects in the states’ first mental health evaluation and are seeking another examination. The findings of the evaluation have not been publically disclosed but the fact that prosecutors want further evaluation suggests the first exam might have found Holmes was insane.

If James Holmes were found by jurors to have been insane at the time of the shooting, he would be committed to state hospital instead of prison. As such, the findings of any psychiatric evaluations are crucial to the case.

Judge Carlos Samour set future hearings on further testing and other pre-trial issues for December 17 and 18.

A hearing scheduled for November 22 and a capitol motions hearings scheduled from December 2 to December 20 have been cancelled, but in the course of discussion today, the judge indicated he hoped that the trial could start as early as April.

Samsung to pay $290 million to Apple for copying iPhone and iPad features

Nancy Clayson
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Samsung to pay $290 million to Apple for copying iPhone and iPad features

Samsung must pay $290 million to Apple for copying iPhone and iPad features in its devices, a Silicon Valley jury has ruled.

This verdict comes after a previous jury found Samsung owed Apple $1.05 billion for copyright infringement.

However, District Judge Lucy Koh ordered a new trial because she said that jury miscalculated the amount Samsung must pay.

Samsung is expected to appeal.

The jury’s ruling covers 13 of the 26 Samsung devices that Apple had argued copied its technology. These are mostly older Samsung tablets and smartphones.

Samsung must pay $290 million to Apple for copying iPhone and iPad features in its devices
Samsung must pay $290 million to Apple for copying iPhone and iPad features in its devices

The $290 million figure comes on top of the $550 million Samsung owes Apple as a result of the initial verdict. In total, Apple has now been awarded close to $930 million in the case.

Apple shares traded slightly higher on the news. Samsung closed down slightly earlier in the day.

Samsung had argued that Apple should not have ownership over technology like what Samsung said was the “basic rectangle” shape of smartphones.

The jury in the courtroom – which is located just 15 minutes away from Apple’s headquarters in California – thought otherwise, awarding close to the $380 million Apple sought. Samsung said it owed just $52 million.

Samsung was found to have infringed Apple patents, including one that allows users to “pinch and zoom” on smartphone and tablet screens.

A separate trial to determine whether or not current Samsung devices violate Apple’s patents is scheduled for March 2014.

Apple has also asked Judge Koh to consider a sales ban against all of the older Samsung models that used Apple’s technology.

While Judge Koh has previously refused to issue such an injunction, a separate US Appeals Court asked her to reconsider this week.

Gerald Laing’s Lincoln Convertible: JFK assassination painting on display at Tate Britain

Sonia Pantiss
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Gerald Laing’s Lincoln Convertible: JFK assassination painting on display at Tate Britain

Gerald Laing’s Lincoln Convertible, the only known contemporary painting of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, has gone on display at Tate Britain.

Gerald Laing, who spent a large part of his life in the Highlands, created the artwork shortly after JFK’s assassination 50 years ago.

His New York dealer refused to exhibit it and it was put in storage.

Gerald Laing, who was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, had been living on the Black Isle when he died in 2011.

He spent much of the 1960s working in New York and was a close friend of artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

Gerald Laing’s Lincoln Convertible is the only known contemporary painting of the assassination of JFK
Gerald Laing’s Lincoln Convertible is the only known contemporary painting of the assassination of JFK

Lincoln Convertible was considered too controversial to be displayed so soon after JFK’s death in Dallas 1963.

It was kept in storage for about 30 years before galleries felt comfortable enough to exhibit it.

Almost 9.10ft long, Lincoln Convertible painting is based on film footage of the assassination taken by Dallas resident Abraham Zapruder.

The painting – in which Gerald Laing used colored dots for the first and only time in his career – depicts the Lincoln car in which the president and his wife had been travelling.

Jackie Kennedy can be seen in her pink pill-box hat, while her husband leans over having been shot.

The American flag is seen going off the screen to the right and below are the legs of secret service men running across the grass towards the car.

The bottom of the canvas shows in part an earlier frame of the film, where the head of JFK’s chauffeur and the American flag are visible.

The painting is owned by the artist’s estate.

Gerald Laing’s most famous works included images of actresses Brigitte Bardot and Anna Karina.

Riga supermarket roof collapse kills two people and traps other 50

Nancy Clayson
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Riga supermarket roof collapse kills two people and traps other 50

At least 50 people are feared trapped after a supermarket roof collapsed in the Latvian capital Riga, killing two people, say reports.

Other 17 people were injured in the collapse and emergency services recovered two bodies from the rubble.

The cause of the collapse is not known, but Riga’s deputy mayor Andris Ameriks is quoted as saying it might have been caused by an explosion.

There are conflicting reports of what might have caused the collapse, with reports of an explosion and other suggestions that a garden was being constructed on the roof.

At least 50 people are feared trapped after Maxima store’s roof collapsed in Riga
At least 50 people are feared trapped after Maxima store’s roof collapsed in Riga

The 500 sq m store run by the Maxima chain was built in 2011, say reports.

Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman Viktorija Sembele said one firefighter was among those killed, and seven were injured after another portion of roof fell on rescue workers as they searched for survivors, reported the Associated Press news agency.

Local media say a “winter garden” was being planted on the roof using sand which had become sodden with rain.

Emergency services have recovered two bodies from the rubble.

Jimmy Kimmel in holiday-themed prank war with Emily Blunt and John Krasinski

Lisa.Felice
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Jimmy Kimmel in holiday-themed prank war with Emily Blunt and John Krasinski

Jimmy Kimmel has been involved in a holiday-themed prank war with his neighbors, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.

This year Jimmy Kimmel upped the ante by gift wrapping their entire home while turning it into a winter wonderland.

Upon returning home, John Krasinski was greeted by a group of carolers, and a small surprise sent to deliver Jimmy Kimmel’s yuletide cheer.

Upon returning home, John Krasinski was greeted by a group of carolers, and a small surprise sent to deliver Jimmy Kimmel's yuletide cheer
Upon returning home, John Krasinski was greeted by a group of carolers, and a small surprise sent to deliver Jimmy Kimmel’s yuletide cheer

Sadly, Emily Blunt was not with her husband to witness the magic — on camera, at least.

“You know what the worst part of this is? I’ll never get him back for this,” John Krasinski said.

“I don’t have enough money for something like this.”

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Boeing 747 Dreamlifter cargo lands at wrong airport in Kansas

Nancy Clayson
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Boeing 747 Dreamlifter cargo lands at wrong airport in Kansas

A Boeing 747 Dreamlifter cargo plane was heading for McConnell air force base in Wichita but instead touched down by mistake at nearby Colonel James Jabara airport in Kansas.

Airport officials believe the plane will be able to depart despite the much shorter runway at Colonel James Jabara airport.

An attempt is scheduled for lunchtime on Thursday.

The plane was heading for McConnell air force base in Wichita but instead touched down by mistake at nearby Colonel James Jabara airport in Kansas
The plane was heading for McConnell air force base in Wichita but instead touched down by mistake at nearby Colonel James Jabara airport in Kansas

The aircraft normally needs a runway of 9,119 ft to get airborne at maximum weight; Jabara’s runway is only 6,102 ft long.

Brad Christopher of the Wichita Airport Authority told the Associated Press news agency the company that operates the aircraft had “assured us they’ve run all the engineering calculation and performance and the aircraft is very safe for a normal departure at its current weight and conditions here”.

The Dreamlifter, which landed at Jabara on Wednesday evening, is a modified 747-400 passenger aeroplane, which can carry more cargo by volume than any aeroplane in the world, according to Boeing.

The aerospace company uses its fleet of four Dreamlifters to transport large assembled components of its 787 Dreamliner from suppliers around the world to the final assembly location in Washington state.

The City of Wichita tweeted that no-one was injured and no property damage occurred when the plane landed.

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Abdelhakim Dekhar left confused letters explaining Paris attacks

Roy Siemens
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Abdelhakim Dekhar left confused letters explaining Paris attacks

French investigators have found two “confused” letters which may explain the motives of suspect gunman Abdelhakim Dekhar behind two recent attacks in Paris.

Prosecutors said in one of the letters Abdelhakim Dekhar had denounced media manipulation and capitalism.

Abdelhakim Dekhar was arrested on Wednesday after a major manhunt.

According to the French authorities, he has been jailed before – in 1998, for his role in a string of previous Paris shootings.

After his release he lived in Britain for several years before returning to France in July, the authorities said.

After a two-day manhunt, Abdelhakim Dekhar was arrested on Wednesday evening in a stationary car in an underground car park following a tip-off from a member of the public.

One of Abdelhakim Dekhar’s letters was found beside him in the car, with details of his wishes for burial, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins told a press conference.

Another letter was reportedly given to officials by the man who housed him.

Abdelhakim Dekhar was arrested on Wednesday after a major manhunt
Abdelhakim Dekhar was arrested on Wednesday after a major manhunt

This man, according to Francois Molins, had been away from the building until recently, but on his return saw photos of the suspect in the Liberation shooting and recognized Abdelhakim Dekhar, who on confrontation confessed to being the man behind the attack.

Francois Molins said the second letter spoke of a “fascist plot” and accused the media of participating in the “manipulation of the masses”.

Police said that when Abdelhakim Dekhar was arrested, it appeared he had taken medication and did not seem very lucid.

Some media sources have suggested he may have attempted suicide.

Abdelhakim Dekhar is believed to have been the third man in the so-called Rey-Maupin affair, named after a young couple with links to anarchist groups who bungled an attempt to steal weapons from guards and then hijacked a taxi in 1994.

In the subsequent chase and shootout, three policemen and the taxi driver were killed, as well as Audry Maupin.

Aufry Maupin’s girlfriend, Florence Rey, was released from jail a few years ago.

Their story was compared to the controversial American film Natural Born Killers.

At his trial in 1998, Abdelhakim Dekhar protested his innocence, claiming he had been recruited by the Algerian secret service to infiltrate the French far-left.

Abdelhakim Dekhar was sentenced to four years in jail but released soon after the verdict, having already served his time in pre-trial detention.

In the wake of the two shooting incidents in Paris, hundreds of police were involved in a huge manhunt and security was stepped up at all media outlets.

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Ukraine suspends preparations for EU trade deal after refusing to release Yulia Tymoshenko

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine suspends preparations for EU trade deal after refusing to release Yulia Tymoshenko

Ukraine has suspended preparations for a trade deal with the EU after a government statement said the decision had been taken to protect the country’s “national security”.

Hours earlier MPs rejected a bill that would have allowed jailed former PM Yulia Tymoshenko to leave the country – which the EU had demanded as a condition for the deal to proceed.

Ukraine had come under intense pressure from Russia not to sign the historic EU deal at a summit next week.

The Ukrainian government said on Thursday that it was instead looking into setting up a joint commission to promote ties between Ukraine, Russia and the EU.

Russia wants Ukraine to join its own customs union with Kazakhstan and Belarus, which it sees as a prototype rival to the EU.

Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych was later quoted by AFP as saying Ukraine “will work further on this path, this path to EU integration”, although it is not clear how this tallies with the suspension of preparations for the deal.

On Thursday MPs threw out six drafts of the bill which would have allowed Yulia Tymoshenko to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Ukraine has suspended preparations for a trade deal with the EU
Ukraine has suspended preparations for a trade deal with the EU

The EU is sending a top envoy to Kiev.

Stefan Fuele, European commissioner for enlargement, is travelling to the Ukrainian capital on Thursday, for the second time this week.

The bill failed to pass after MPs from President Viktor Yanukovych’s ruling Regions Party refused to cast their votes on any of the six proposed drafts.

The drafts all fell short of the 226 votes needed.

“It is President Viktor Yanukovych who is personally blocking Ukraine’s movement toward the European Union,” Arseniy Yatsenyuk, parliamentary leader of Yulia Tymoshenko’s opposition Fatherland group, told parliament after the vote failed.

Opposition MPs responded by shouting “shame” as the bill was thrown out.

The legislation proposed that convicts be allowed medical treatment abroad.

Yulia Tymoshenko, 52, is serving seven years in jail after a controversial conviction on charges of abuse of power over a gas deal with Russia.

The EU has made clear it believes the judicial campaign against Yulia Tymoshenko has been politically motivated.

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Monty Python to reunite for London one-off show in July 2014

Sonia Pantiss
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Monty Python to reunite for London one-off show in July 2014

Monty Python have announced their reunion will be a live, one-off show in London next July.

At a press conference, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones said they wanted to see if they “were still funny”.

Eric Idle – who will direct – said the audience should expect “comedy, pathos, music and a tiny piece of ancient s**”.

The stage show will be their first new project for three decades.

Monty Python have announced their reunion will be a live, one-off show in London next July
Monty Python have announced their reunion will be a live, one-off show in London next July

It is more than 30 years since the Pythons last performed together at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in September 1980, and 40 years since they last performed on stage in the UK.

In a press release issued ahead of the conference, the comedy troupe promised to perform “some of Monty Python’s greatest hits, with modern, topical, Pythonesque twists”.

Warwick Davis, who recently starred in the Monty Python-inspired musical Spamalot, introduced the “five legends” at the London’s Playhouse theatre, claiming the venue for the reunion had been decided after a series of bids.

Opening a series of gold envelopes, he claimed the winner was first, Qatar, then Meryl Streep.

Finally, Warwick Davis announced the show would take place in London at the O2 Arena on the 1 July, with tickets going on sale on November 25.

The top price for tickets will be £95 and the lowest will be £26.50 -“only £300 cheaper than the Stones”, quipped Eric Idle.

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It’s A Wonderful Life sequel: Paramount Studios threatens to take legal action

Sonia Pantiss
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0
It’s A Wonderful Life sequel: Paramount Studios threatens to take legal action

Paramount Studios have threatened to take legal action over a proposed sequel to the 1946 film It’s A Wonderful Life.

The sequel film, starring Karolyn Grimes – who starred in the original movie – was announced by Hummingbird Productions earlier this week.

However, Paramount Studios said no project could proceed without the “necessary rights”, which are owned by the film studio.

“We will take to take all appropriate steps to protect those rights.”

The original film, directed by Frank Capra, saw James Stewart playing George Bailey, a family man in the depths of despair who is assigned an angel to show him what life would have been like if he never existed.

Paramount Studios have threatened to take legal action over a proposed sequel to the 1946 film It's A Wonderful Life
Paramount Studios have threatened to take legal action over a proposed sequel to the 1946 film It’s A Wonderful Life

Set on Christmas Eve, the film has gone on to become a festive classic, despite being poorly received on its release.

Tennessee-based Hummingbird Productions announced on Monday that it had teamed up with Star Partners for a follow-up film based on George Bailey’s grandson.

It said Karolyn Grimes, who played George Bailey’s daughter Zuzu in the original movie, would star in the sequel as an angel.

Hummingbird’s Bob Farnsworth previously told The Hollywood Reporter that the rights to It’s a Wonderful Life were in the public domain.

“It’s a Wonderful Life is about showing a good guy can win,” Bob Farnsworth told the industry paper.

He said he had written a screenplay with Martha Bolton entitled It’s a Wonderful Life: The Rest of the Story, and was hoping it would be released in December 2015.

A lapsed copyright saw the film repeatedly broadcast on TV at Christmastime during the 1970s and ’80s.

However, Paramount is understood to have controlled the rights for the past 14 years, after the studio acquired Republic Pictures as part of its acquisition of Spelling Entertainment in 1999.

Frank Capra’s son, Tom, told the Associated Press that if his father was still alive, he would have deemed the sequel “ludicrous”.

“Why would you even attempt to make a sequel to such a classic film?”

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Black Beauty: Sahara rock identified as oldest Martian meteorite ever found

James J. Williams
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Black Beauty: Sahara rock identified as oldest Martian meteorite ever found

Black Beauty, a rock discovered in the Sahara Desert, has been identified as the oldest Martian meteorite ever found, scientists say.

Earlier research had suggested Black Beauty was about 2 billion-year old, but new tests indicate the rock actually dates to 4.4 billion years ago.

The dark and glossy meteorite would have formed when the Red Planet was in its infancy.

The research is published in the journal Nature.

Lead author Prof. Munir Humayan, from Florida State University, US, said: “This [rock] tells us about one of the most important epochs in the history of Mars.”

There are about 100 Martian meteorites, but almost all of them are younger, dating to between 150 million and 600 million years old.

They would have fallen to the Earth after asteroid or comet impacts had dislodged them, setting the rocks free to travel through space before eventually crash landing here.

This particular Martian meteorite, which is formed of five fragments, is much older.

Black Beauty rock has been identified as the oldest Martian meteorite ever found
Black Beauty rock has been identified as the oldest Martian meteorite ever found

An earlier analysis of one piece, called NWA 7034, put the age at 2 billion years.

But this latest research has found that another piece, NWA 7533, dates to 4.4 billion years ago, which suggests that NWA 7034 also must be older.

The team said it would have formed when Mars was just 100 million years old.

“It is almost certainly coming from the southern highlands – the cratered terrain that makes up the southern hemisphere of Mars,” said Prof. Munir Humayan.

This would have been a turbulent period of Martian history, when volcanoes were erupting all over the surface.

Prof. Munir Humayan explained: “The crust of Mars must have differentiated really quickly, rather than gradually over time. There was a big volcanic episode all over the surface, which then crusted up, and after that the volcanism dropped dramatically.

“When it did this it also must have out-gassed water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other gases to produce a primordial atmosphere… and also a primordial ocean.”

He added: “This is a very exciting period of time – if there were to be life on Mars, it would have originated at this particular time.”

Prof. Munir Humayan said that team now plans to study the rock to see if there were any signs of past life. But he added that while the rock was lying in the Sahara Desert, living organisms probably would have occupied it, masking potential evidence.

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Fed to cut stimulus efforts in coming months

Clyde K. Valle
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Fed to cut stimulus efforts in coming months

Federal Reserve’s stimulus efforts will be cut in “the coming months”, the central bank’s officials confirmed.

They believe that the US recovery is strengthening, according to minutes from their October meeting.

The Fed is currently engaged in an $8 billion a month bond buying programme to lower interest rates and boost the US economy.

US markets fell on the news of a potential slowing of easy money.

In the meeting minutes, released on Wednesday, policy makers said they “generally expected that the data would prove consistent with the Committee’s outlook for ongoing improvement in labor market conditions and would thus warrant trimming the pace of purchases in coming months”.

Federal Reserve's stimulus efforts will be cut in the coming months
Federal Reserve’s stimulus efforts will be cut in the coming months

However, they also stressed that investors should be assured that short-term interest rates will remain low for an extended period of time – perhaps even after the unemployment rate drops below 6.5% benchmark.

Many meeting participants indicated a desire to better coordinate the Fed’s communication policy regarding the easing back of bond purchases, and of interest rates setting.

Mortgages rates spiked over the summer, after outgoing Chairman Ben Bernanke indicated the central bank was considering a slowing of its easy money policy.

They only declined after the Fed, in a surprise move, decided to maintain the programme – known as quantitative easing – after its September meeting.

The last Federal Open Market Committee meeting under Ben Bernanke’s leadership is scheduled to take place from December 17 – 18.

The minutes also note that Fed policymakers had an unscheduled conference call on October 16 – just before the US was set to breach the so-called debt ceiling and potentially default on its debt obligations.

According to the minutes, policymakers agreed that had Congress been unable to come to an agreement, the situation would have been “potentially catastrophic”.

Star Wars R2-D2 set for return in Episode VII

Sonia Pantiss
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Star Wars R2-D2 set for return in Episode VII

Iconic Star Wars character R2-D2 is to make an appearance in the next outing, Episode VII, LucasFilm have confirmed.

The squat, squeaking android is being created at Pinewood Studios by two British men who are members of a Star Wars robot-building group.

Lee Towersey and Oliver Steeples say they feel “very privileged” to be working on the film.

Star Wars: Episode VII is currently in pre-production and filming is due to begin in the spring.

The new outing is being directed by JJ Abrams and is set for release in December 2015.

The two robot builders have previously employed their skills on Star Wars-themed commercials, but it was a visit of LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy to a convention in Germany that got their work noticed – and landed them jobs on the new film.

R2-D2 is to make an appearance in Star Wars Episode VII
R2-D2 is to make an appearance in Star Wars Episode VII

“I mentioned that the R2-D2 Builders in the UK were available if required, as a semi-joke. When I was contacted to work on the film by executive producer Jason McGatlin, it was on her recommendation,” said Oliver Steeples.

“It’s a dream come true,” he added.

“I hope I can live up to the expectations of the thousands of R2-D2 builders around the world, let alone the millions of Star Wars fans.”

The pair, who have been constructing R2-D2 units for some years, will be responsible for maintaining the robots during the making of the film, and will try to improve on its design.

The robot is a mesh of gears, lights and electronics which need to be kept in excellent condition throughout the production of the movie.

British actor Kenny Baker was inside the machine for the first six Star Wars films. It has not been revealed whether he will rejoin the series for Episode VII.

R2-D2, an astromech android, is best known as a companion to the human heroes of the Star Wars franchise, including Luke and Anakin Skywalker, using its resources to rescue them from perilous situations.

He built up an endearing partnership with his fussy fellow android C-3PO, who is able to understand R2-D2’s language and interprets it for humans.

The droid’s name is an abbreviation of “reel 2, dialogue 2” – which Star Wars creator George Lucas overheard in the editing suite for his second film, American Graffiti.

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Forbes World’s Highest-Paid Musicians List 2013

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Forbes World’s Highest-Paid Musicians List 2013

Madonna tops Forbes magazine’s World’s Highest-Paid Musicians List in 2013 with $125 million, beating Lady Gaga.

Madonna, 55, made $125 million from June 2012 to June 2013, according to Forbes magazine.

The singer made her money through her MDNA world tour, merchandise sales, a clothing line and a brand of perfume.

Lady Gaga, 27, earned $80 million in the same period with Bon Jovi, Toby Keith and Coldplay in third, fourth and fifth spots.

She made most of her money though her Born This Way Ball tour before she injured her hip and cancelled the remaining dates.

Hip-hop artist Sean “Diddy” Combs is 11th on the list because of his vodka business while rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z is in 18th spot.

DJs Calvin Harris and Tiesto are in 13th and 25th.

Madonna tops Forbes magazine’s World's Highest-Paid Musicians List in 2013 with $125 million
Madonna tops Forbes magazine’s World’s Highest-Paid Musicians List in 2013 with $125 million

Hip-hop artist Dr Dre topped Forbes‘ highest-paid musicians list last year but is down to 20th place this time.

The top 25 is put together by using data from Pollstar, the RIAA, Nielsen SoundScan, managers, lawyers and artists.

Concert ticket sales, royalties for recorded music and publishing, merchandise sales, endorsement deals and other business ventures are also taken into account.

Estimates reflect pre-tax income before fees for agents, managers and lawyers are deducted and ranges from 1 June 2012 to 1 June 2013.

Only living artists are eligible for the list.

Top 10 highest-paid musicians

  1. Madonna – $125 million
  2. Lady Gaga – $80 million
  3. Bon Jovi – $79 million
  4. Toby Keith – $65 million
  5. Coldplay – $64 million
  6. Justin Bieber – $58 million
  7. Taylor Swift – $55 million
  8. Elton John – $54 million
  9. Beyonce – $53 million    9. Kenny Chesney – $53 million

Chris Brown ordered to return to rehab for three months

Lisa.Felice
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Chris Brown ordered to return to rehab for three months

Chris Brown has been ordered by LA judge to return to rehab for three months to deal with anger management issues.

LA Superior Court Judge James Brandlin also said Chris Brown must do at least 24 hours of community service a week and be tested for drugs.

Chris Brown, 24, agreed to the terms, which were suggested by probation officers overseeing his sentence for beating Rihanna in 2009.

The singer left rehab earlier this month after throwing a rock through a window.

After a joint counseling session with his mother on November 10, where she suggested he needed to remain in treatment, Chris Brown threw the stone through the window of her car.

Chris Brown was kicked out of the rehab centre because he had signed a contract agreeing to refrain from violence while in treatment.

He had gone to the facility voluntarily on October 29 having been arrested in Washington DC days earlier. A man accused Chris Brown of punching him after he tried to get in a photo with the singer.

Chris Brown has been ordered by LA judge to return to rehab for three months to deal with anger management issues
Chris Brown has been ordered by LA judge to return to rehab for three months to deal with anger management issues

The event could still be considered a probation violation and result in further punishment for the singer. Chris Brown is due to appear in court in Washington DC on Monday.

Judge James Brandlin ordered probation officers to get more information on the arrest in Washington for a hearing on December 16.

He also said Chris Brown’s focus should be on his treatment and community service, where he will have to do tasks like litter picking or cleaning graffiti.

In his probation report it says the singer has said he wants treatment for his anger management issues.

Chris Brown said he was depressed after being ordered to re-do 1,000 hours of community service earlier this year after a hit-and-run incident.

He has performed 20 hours so far, according to the report. An officer said Chris Brown wouldn’t complete his assignment if he was not required to perform at least 25 hours of work per week.

Chris Brown appeared in court on Wednesday with his girlfriend Karrueche Tran and only spoke once to acknowledge he agreed to the terms given by the judge.

His mother, who has been to many of her son’s court hearings, was not there.

Chris Brown’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, said that the musician was also ordered to take any medications his doctor prescribed.

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Abdelhakim Dekhar: Paris gun suspect named by French police

Roy Siemens
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Abdelhakim Dekhar: Paris gun suspect named by French police

Abdelhakim Dekhar has been identified by the French authorities as the man arrested on suspicion of carrying out recent gun attacks in Paris.

Abdelhakim Dekhar was taken into custody at about 19:00 from a vehicle in a car park in Bois-Colombes, north-west of Paris.

Authorities said the gunman had been jailed in 1998 for his role in a string of fatal shootings in Paris.

Last Friday a gunman threatened a Paris TV station and on Monday attacked Liberation newspaper office and Societe Generale HQ.

Prosecutors said late on Wednesday that samples of Abdelhakim Dekhar’s DNA matched that from the crime scenes.

They said he was not yet in a position to be questioned and the reading of his rights had been postponed.

Abdelhakim Dekhar was arrested in a stationary car in an underground car park following a tip-off from a member of the public.

French authorities have named the man arrested on suspicion of carrying out recent gun attacks in Paris as Abdelhakim Dekhar
French authorities have named the man arrested on suspicion of carrying out recent gun attacks in Paris as Abdelhakim Dekhar

Police union official Christophe Crepin said: “My colleagues noticed he was not very lucid. They deduced that he had taken medicines, because of the capsules nearby.”

Some media sources have suggested he may have attempted suicide.

Abdelhakim Dekhar is believed to have been the third man in the so-called Rey-Maupin affair, named after a young couple with links to anarchist groups who bungled an attempt to steal weapons from guards and then hijacked a taxi.

In the subsequent chase and shootout, three policemen and the taxi driver were killed, as well as Audry Maupin.

Audry Maupin’s girlfriend, Florence Rey, was released from jail a few years ago.

Their story was compared to the controversial American film, Natural Born Killers.

At his trial in 1998, Abdelhakim Dekhar protested his innocence, claiming he had been recruited by the Algerian secret service to infiltrate the French far-left. He served four years.

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