Home Blog Page 719

YouTube Music Awards 2013: Eminem wins Artist of the Year

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
YouTube Music Awards 2013: Eminem wins Artist of the Year

The first ever YouTube awards were held in New York and presided by Jason Schwartzman and Reggie Watts.

The event featured Eminem, Lady Gaga and M.I.A making live music videos directed by the awards’ creator, Spike Jonze, and others.

Eminem won Artist of the Year, while Taylor Swift’s I Knew You Were Trouble took the YouTube Phenomenon award.

The ceremony was streamed live online.

The inaugural YouTube awards reflect an increasing trend for people to turn to the internet, rather than television and radio, for music and video
The inaugural YouTube awards reflect an increasing trend for people to turn to the internet, rather than television and radio, for music and video

Nominees were chosen by taking into account the YouTube views, likes, comments and subscription figures for different artists.

Indie actress Greta Gerwig kicked off proceedings at the sprawling Pier 36 venue, performing in a live video for Arcade Fire and their new song Afterlife.

Lady Gaga was up next, tears rolling down her cheeks as she performed her single Dope for the first time wearing a baseball cap and flannel shirt.

The coveted Video of the Year award went to South Korean group Girls’ Generation for their song I Got A Boy, while Innovation of the Year went to DeStorm Power, the YouTube user whose 250 videos on the website have been watched more than 200 million times.

The inaugural YouTube awards reflect an increasing trend for people to turn to the internet, rather than television and radio, for music and video.

In August last year, the Nielsen rating agency published a survey in which 64% of American adolescents said they listened to music on YouTube, compared with 56% who listened to radio.

[youtube d4mwExUOMhg 650]

US Congress and White House reject clemency for Edward Snowden

Diane A. Wade
-
0
US Congress and White House reject clemency for Edward Snowden

The US Congress and the White House have rejected clemency for former NSA analyst Edward Snowden.

“Mr. Snowden violated US law. He should return to the US and face justice,” said White House adviser Dan Pfeiffer.

Edward Snowden, 30, asked for international help to persuade the US to drop spying charges against him in a letter given to a German politician.

He fled to Russia in June after leaking details of far-reaching US telephone and internet espionage.

Edward Snowden was granted temporary asylum, allowing him to live in Russia until July 2014.

In a surprise move last week, German Green MP Hans-Christian Stroebele met Edward Snowden in Moscow and revealed the former intelligence contractor’s readiness to brief the German government on NSA’s spying.

Edward Snowden set out his position in a letter, which Hans-Christian Stroebele showed to reporters at a news conference in Berlin on Friday.

The US Congress and the White House have rejected clemency for former NSA analyst Edward Snowden
The US Congress and the White House have rejected clemency for former NSA analyst Edward Snowden

“Speaking the truth is not a crime,” Edward Snowden wrote. He claimed that the US government was persecuting him by charging him with espionage.

On Sunday, the White House said that no offers for clemency were being discussed.

This view was echoed by the Republican Congressman Mike Rogers and Democratic senator Dianne Feinstein.

Dianne Feinstein said that if Edward Snowden had been a true whistleblower, he could have reported privately to her committee, but had chosen not to.

“We would have seen him and we would have looked at that information. That didn’t happen, and now he’s done this enormous disservice to our country,” Senator Dianne Feinstein said in an interview on CBS television.

“I think the answer is no clemency,” she said.

The scale of the alleged US espionage has provoked international concern and calls for tighter supervision.

Reports that the US bugged German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone for years have caused a diplomatic rift.

The head of US intelligence has defended the monitoring of foreign leaders as a key goal of operations but the US is facing growing anger over reports it spied on its allies abroad.

It has also been reported that the NSA monitored French diplomats in Washington and at the UN, and that it conducted surveillance on millions of French and Spanish telephone calls, among other operations against US allies.

[youtube 4LKz2XwsUSY 650]

Mohamed Morsi trial begins in Cairo

Roy Siemens
-
0
Mohamed Morsi trial begins in Cairo

Egypt’s ousted President Mohamed Morsi has arrived in court in Cairo where he is due to go on trial, state media say.

Mohamed Morsi and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood figures face charges of inciting the killing of protesters in clashes outside the presidential palace.

Security services are on high alert after supporters of the former president called for major protests.

Mohamed Morsi was ousted by the military in July after protests against his rule.

According to state TV, Mohamed Morsi arrived at the courtroom, inside the Police Academy in Cairo. Other key Brotherhood figures, Essam el-Erian, Mohammed al-Beltagi and Ahmed Abdel Aati are also there.

While Mohamed Morsi was airlifted into the compound by helicopter, other defendants were said to have been brought in by armoured personnel carriers.

Mohamed Morsi and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood figures face charges of inciting the killing of protesters in clashes outside the presidential palace
Mohamed Morsi and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood figures face charges of inciting the killing of protesters in clashes outside the presidential palace

The ousted president was seen from a distance in civilian clothes, Egyptian radio reported. This is his first appearance in public since he was ousted on July 3.

The trial had been due to take place at Tora prison on the other side of Cairo but had been switched late on Sunday, apparently to deter protesters.

Shortly after Mohamed Morsi’s arrival, a small crowd arrived and began chanting outside the sprawling police compound more than one hour’s drive from the centre of the city. The crowd soon grew to number some 200.

Although Mohamed Morsi won the presidency in a democratic election, during his 13 months in power he fell out with key institutions.

The ex-president is accused of “incitement to murder and violence” over the deaths of at least 10 people during intense clashes in December 2012 which followed a decree that gave him wide-ranging powers.

After he was ousted, a sit-in protest in Cairo by Mohamed Morsi’s supporters was violently broken up by the military, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people.

The interim government has also cracked down on the Muslim Brotherhood, from which Mohamed Morsi hails, banning the Islamist organization and arresting dozens of senior figures.

His supporters say he was removed in a coup and is now facing a politicized trial. Human rights groups accuse the security services of acting without accountability.

Mohamed Morsi and his co-defendants are expected to use the trial to underline what they see as the illegitimacy of their ousting. There is considerable interest in Egypt in whether the authorities decide to televise the former leader’s appearance in court.

[youtube X8z8nOTgVzw 650]

[youtube noKK_X8PPqY 650]

Gary Kubiak collapses on field at halftime at Reliant Stadium

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Gary Kubiak collapses on field at halftime at Reliant Stadium

Texans coach Gary Kubiak was in stable condition after he collapsed as he was running off the field at halftime at Reliant Stadium Sunday night, the team said.

Gary Kubiak, 52, was evaluated for stroke-like symptoms, a person close to the situation said. Kubiak did not suffer a stroke, the person said, but is undergoing further evaluation, including an MRI.

As the Houston Texans trickled into the locker room at halftime and learned that coach Gary Kubiak had collapsed leaving the field, their excitement over a big first half quickly disintegrated into dread.

They were soon informed that he was in stable condition, but the rattled team unraveled in the second half as Indianapolis rallied for a 27-24 victory Sunday night.

Texans coach Gary Kubiak collapsed as he was running off the field at halftime at Reliant Stadium Sunday night
Texans coach Gary Kubiak collapsed as he was running off the field at halftime at Reliant Stadium Sunday night

Gary Kubiak hunched over and dropped to his knees at the 24-yard line and was immediately surrounded by medical personnel. He was lifted off the field on a stretcher and taken by cart to the ambulance.

The Texans said Gary Kubiak didn’t have a heart attack. The team said the coach, a former NFL quarterback who calls the team’s plays, was conscious and was with his family as he was taken to the hospital.

“He had an episode; he was light-headed and dizzy,” Houston general manager Rick Smith said in an interview on NBC.

“He was evaluated by a number of specialists . . . he is awake and coherent.

We have to assess . . . obviously, there’s a lot of info. Hopefully, Gary will be back with us tomorrow.”

Up 21-3 when Gary Kubiak collapsed, the Texans struggled after halftime for their sixth straight loss after opening the season 2-0 with Super Bowl hopes.

Gary Kubiak’s collapse came a day after Denver Broncos coach John Fox was hospitalized in North Carolina as he awaits aortic value replacement surgery. The 58-year-old Fox will have surgery in a few days and will miss several weeks while recuperating.

Gary Kubiak has long been known as a top offensive coach, mentoring quarterbacks in Denver under Mike Shanahan and now Matt Schaub — and Case Keenum — in Houston. He has had no publicly known health problems.

[youtube A5d6z54FG2U 650]

John Kerry in first Egypt visit since Mohamed Morsi was ousted

Roy Siemens
-
0
John Kerry in first Egypt visit since Mohamed Morsi was ousted

Secretary of State John Kerry has called for an end to all violence in Egypt and urged moves to full democracy on his first visit to the country since President Mohamed Morsi was ousted.

“History has demonstrated that democracies are more stable, viable and prosperous than any alternative,” John Kerry told a news conference.

“With stability comes tourism and investment, and with both come jobs.”

John Kerry said the US was committed to working with Egypt’s military-backed rulers.

John Kerry on his first visit to Egypt since President Mohamed Morsi was ousted
John Kerry on his first visit to Egypt since President Mohamed Morsi was ousted

His visit to Cairo was not disclosed by US officials until he landed. It is the first time a US secretary of state has travelled to Egypt on a visit that is unannounced for security reasons.

On his six-hour stop John Kerry was meeting the interim leaders that assumed control following Mohamed Morsi’s removal in July – President Adly Mahmud Mansour, PM Hazem el-Beblawi, Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy and army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Egypt is the first stage of a nine-day tour that John Kerry will take in Middle Eastern and North African countries, as well as Poland.

Former President Mohamed Morsi goes on trial on Monday.

[youtube fKL7ausZtKs 650]

Hybrid Solar Eclipse 2013: Rare celestial event visible from US, Europe and Africa

James J. Williams
-
0
Hybrid Solar Eclipse 2013: Rare celestial event visible from US, Europe and Africa

A rare solar eclipse that began as a “ring of fire” and transformed into a spectacular total eclipse of the sun amazed skywatchers from North America to Africa on Sunday, November 3.

The celestial event was a rare hybrid solar eclipse, which began over the Atlantic Ocean as an annular eclipse and transitioned into a full total solar eclipse for observers along the narrow path of totality in the eastern Atlantic and over parts of Africa.

The rare solar eclipse that began as a ring of fire and transformed into a spectacular total eclipse of the sun amazed skywatchers from North America to Africa
The rare solar eclipse that began as a ring of fire and transformed into a spectacular total eclipse of the sun amazed skywatchers from North America to Africa

Observers along the US East Coast and parts of Canada, meanwhile, awoke to a partial solar eclipse at sunrise.

People watched the rare solar eclipse showing the Sun partially blocked by the Moon passing in front, as seen in Estoril near Lisbon, Portugal.

[youtube xyeMx4j_kiw 650]

Jimmy Kimmel Halloween prank 2013: “I ate all your Halloween candy”

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Jimmy Kimmel Halloween prank 2013: “I ate all your Halloween candy”

Jimmy Kimmel continued his Halloween prank on kids and issued a new YouTube challenge to their parents: “Tell your children you ate all of their Halloween candy.”

Jimmy Kimmel continued his Halloween candy prank on kids
Jimmy Kimmel continued his Halloween candy prank on kids

[youtube 0MHgZSGGZMA 650]

[youtube jC9d-T6jcfQ 650]

[youtube MEZRy2ZPSWo 650]

Paul Anthony Ciancia charged with murder following LAX shooting

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Paul Anthony Ciancia charged with murder following LAX shooting

Paul Anthony Ciancia – the man suspected of carrying out Friday’s gun attack at LA Airport – has been charged with murder.

Prosecutors say the death penalty could be sought if 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia is convicted. He is in hospital after being shot by police.

A federal US security agent was killed and others wounded in the attack. Police are attempting to establish a motive for the assault.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has now reopened fully.

About 1,550 flights with 167,000 passengers were affected, airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles said.

US Attorney Andre Birotte said Paul Anthony Ciancia was also charged with commission of violence at an international airport.

Andre Birotte said the gunman had pulled a “.223-calibre M&P-15 assault rifle out of his bag and fired multiple rounds at point-blank range” at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer Gerardo Hernandez, 39.

Paul Anthony Ciancia has been charged with murder after carrying out Friday's gun attack at LA Airport
Paul Anthony Ciancia has been charged with murder after carrying out Friday’s gun attack at LA Airport

The attorney said the shots did not kill the officer, but the gunman returned to “shoot the wounded officer again”.

Gerardo Hernandez’s widow, Ana, said he was “a joyful person, always smiling and took pride in his duty to the American public”.

The FBI has also given more details of a note found on the suspect.

David Bowdich, the head of the FBI’s LA office, said: “In the note that was handwritten by the defendant, that was signed by the defendant, we found a statement where he made a conscious decision to kill multiple TSA employees.

“He addressed them at one point in the letter, and stated that he wanted to <<instill fear into their traitorous minds>>.”

David Bowdich said investigators had not yet been able to interview Paul Anthony Ciancia.

The gunman appeared to target agents of the TSA, which manages security at US airports.

He pushed through screening gates and walked more than 100 yards into the secure area of the terminal before law enforcement officers caught up with him in a food court.

A law enforcement official told the Associated Press news agency that Paul Anthony Ciancia was shot in the mouth and leg by two airport police officers.

[youtube IqjmOA2K65c 650]

Ellen DeGeneres pays tribute to Nicki Minaj on Halloween episode

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Ellen DeGeneres pays tribute to Nicki Minaj on Halloween episode

Ellen DeGeneres decided to pay tribute to Nicki Minaj on her Halloween episode of her talk show.

The outfit made headlines during Nicki Minaj’s guest appearance in September.

Ellen DeGeneres decided to pay tribute to Nicki Minaj on her Halloween episode of her talk show
Ellen DeGeneres decided to pay tribute to Nicki Minaj on her Halloween episode of her talk show

Ellen DeGeneres: “This year I decided to go as something really scary … Nicki was on the show a few weeks ago and her shirt was not … she took our show from PG to double D, that’s what she did!”

 

Jimmy Kimmel dressed as Snow White for Halloween

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Jimmy Kimmel dressed as Snow White for Halloween

Jimmy Kimmel decided to try Snow White costume for his Halloween show.

His Snow White costume was his best Jimmy Kimmel Live getup since he dressed up as Jay Leno in 2010.

Jimmy Kimmel decided to try Snow White costume for his Halloween show
Jimmy Kimmel decided to try Snow White costume for his Halloween show

Jimmy Kimmel’s guest, Mindy Kaling, meanwhile, turned up as Peter Pan’s nemesis — though Kimmel initially took her for Prince.

The two sat down to talk about their childhood Halloween costumes.

Jimmy Kimmel seems to know where his bread is buttered: His show airs on Disney-owned ABC, and his theater is owned by the Walt Disney Company. So no one will poison his apple at this year’s company Christmas party.

Belgrade encourages Kosovo’s Serb population to take part in municipal elections

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Belgrade encourages Kosovo’s Serb population to take part in municipal elections

Ethnic Serb communities are encouraged to go to the polls for the first time as the votes are being cast in Kosovo’s municipal elections.

The governments of both Serbia and Kosovo have been promoting a strong turnout, but many people in the north are likely to boycott the vote.

Kosovar Serbs are concerned that if they vote, it will legitimize the independent state of Kosovo.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Ethnic Serb communities are encouraged to go to the polls for the first time as the votes are being cast in Kosovo's municipal elections
Ethnic Serb communities are encouraged to go to the polls for the first time as the votes are being cast in Kosovo’s municipal elections

The move had the support of Kosovo’s majority Albanian population, but not the small Serbian minority, which refuses to recognize the country’s independence.

For the first time, the government in Belgrade is putting pressure on Kosovo’s Serb population to take part in the municipal elections.

The change is down to a new agreement between Serbia and Kosovo to normalize relations, as Serbia seeks membership of the European Union.

Polling stations opened at 07:00 and will close at 19:00 local time.

Calls for independence from ethnic Albanians in Kosovo after the break-up of the former Yugoslavia led Serbia to stage a violent crackdown in the territory, which was bought to an end by a NATO military intervention in 1999.

Until it declared independence in 2008, Kosovo was administered by the United Nations.

[youtube 44InAhxQ6pI 650]

Jay Leno on David Letterman during “Plead The Fifth” with Andy Cohen on Tonight Show

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Jay Leno on David Letterman during “Plead The Fifth” with Andy Cohen on Tonight Show

Jay Leno told his guest Andy Cohen during Friday’s Tonight Show that the assumed beef between him and David Letterman is a tabloid creation.

Jay Leno said he and David Letterman actually like each other: “We started out together, he still makes me laugh as much as anybody.”

He added: “Brilliant wordsmith, very funny guy.”

Jay Leno said the two spoke a month ago, talking about “things in TV and what was going on here” – presumably meaning Leno’s second Tonight Show exit.

Jay Leno told his guest Andy Cohen during Friday’s Tonight Show that the assumed beef between he and David Letterman is a tabloid creation
Jay Leno told his guest Andy Cohen during Friday’s Tonight Show that the assumed beef between he and David Letterman is a tabloid creation

The candid conversation occurred when Andy Cohen turned the tables on Jay Leno, asking him to play “Plead the Fifth” from Cohen’s own talk show, Watch What Happens Live.

Andy Cohen asks a celebrity three questions, they can “plead the fifth” to one, but must answer the other two honestly. The question that prompted the open answer was his first one to Jay Leno: “What is the misconception about you that irritates you the most?”

After the explanation, Andy Cohen also asked Jay Leno what he would say to Johnny Carson if he had the chance. Jay Leno answered: “Thank You.”

[youtube Ei58uq-dTSI 650]

Walt Bellamy dies aged 74

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Walt Bellamy dies aged 74

NBA legend Walt Bellamy, who averaged 20.1 points and 13.7 rebounds in 14 seasons, died Saturday at the age of 74.

The Atlanta Hawks confirmed the death, but didn’t provide details.

The Hawks said Walt Bellamy attended the team’s home opener Friday night.

”Walt Bellamy was an enormously gifted Hall of Fame player who had a tremendous impact on our game,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement released by the league.

”Off the court, he was an even more extraordinary person. Walt is going to be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. On behalf of the entire NBA family, our condolences and thoughts go out to Walt’s family.”

Walt Bellamy, a former Indiana University star, won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and was the first overall pick by the Chicago Packers in 1961. He was the rookie of the year with Chicago, averaging 31.6 points and 19.0 rebounds, and also played for the Baltimore Bullets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta and New Orleans Jazz. He played in four All-Star games and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Walt Bellamy won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and was the first overall pick by the Chicago Packers in 1961
Walt Bellamy won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and was the first overall pick by the Chicago Packers in 1961

”The Atlanta Hawks family is saddened to learn of the death of Walt Bellamy at the age of 74 earlier today,” the Hawks said in a statement.

‘’The Hawks and the National Basketball Association have lost a giant. As an Olympic gold medalist, the first overall pick in 1961, Rookie of the Year in 1962, a four-time All-Star and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, his on-court accomplishments were overwhelming. Off the court, he was equally impactful as a family man, leader in the community, mentor and friend to many.’’

Walt Bellamy was traded three times, going from the Bullets to the Knicks in November 1965 for Jim Barnes, Johnny Egan, Johnny Green and cash, then to Detroit along with Howard Komives in December 1968 in the deal that brought star forward Dave DeBusschere to New York. Detroit sent Walt Bellamy to Atlanta in February 1970 for John Arthurs.

In three seasons at Indiana, the 6-foot-11 former New Bern, N.C., Walt Bellamy averaged 20.6 points and 15.5 rebounds.

[youtube ZZJR3_PPe_E 650]

Cirque De Soleil acrobat fell during Zarkana show in Las Vegas

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Cirque De Soleil acrobat fell during Zarkana show in Las Vegas

A Cirque De Soleil artist slipped and fell during a performance in Las Vegas on Friday night, according to the organization.

The incident came just a few days after Cirque du Soleil was told it would be fined in the death of another performer.

The Cirque De Soleil acrobat was performing in an act known as the “Wheel of Death” during the 7 p.m. showing of the Zarkana stage production at the Aria Resort and Casino when he slipped and fell off the wheel, according to a statement on the group’s official Facebook page.

The Cirque De Soleil acrobat was performing in an act known as the "Wheel of Death" during showing of the Zarkana stage production at the Aria Resort and Casino when he slipped and fell off the wheel
The Cirque De Soleil acrobat was performing in an act known as the “Wheel of Death” during showing of the Zarkana stage production at the Aria Resort and Casino when he slipped and fell off the wheel

The performance was stopped and the artist was taken by ambulance to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, according to Cirque de Soleil spokesman Ann Paladie. He was in stable condition Saturday and was expected to be released in the next few days.

Ann Paladie said the acrobat was previously a performer in the group’s production KOOZA prior to performing in Zarkana.

The Clark County Fire Department confirmed it responded to a call that someone had fallen about 20 feet.

Zarkana includes Cirque du Soleil’s signature acrobatics far above the stage.

[youtube Gb086JRWyvw 650]

Cuba orders privately-run cinemas closure

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Cuba orders privately-run cinemas closure

Cuban government has ordered the immediate closure of dozens of privately-run cinemas and video-game salons.

The government said the cinemas were never authorized, and that it needed to bring “order” to the management of independent businesses.

Cuba recently relaxed restrictions on the private sector.

But some Cuban entrepreneurs had used restaurant and other types of business licenses to operate backroom movie and entertainment parlors.

“Cinematic exhibition (including 3D rooms) and computer games will cease immediately in whatever kind of private business activity,” read a government announcement in the state-run newspaper Granma.

Cuban government has ordered the immediate closure of dozens of privately-run cinemas and video-game salons
Cuban government has ordered the immediate closure of dozens of privately-run cinemas and video-game salons

It warned of decisive action against any violations of the law, and defended its decision to instill “discipline” in the private sector, adding that this was not “a step backward”.

“Quite the contrary, we will continue to decidedly advance in the updating of our economic model.”

Cuba’s President Raul Castro, who replaced his brother Fidel in 2008, has relaxed some economic restrictions on the set-up of private businesses in the communist island, where the state still employs 79% of the five million-strong labor force.

Raul Castro opened up retail services to “self employment” in the form of nearly 200 licensed activities such as seamstresses, taxis and small restaurants.

But some residents had used these categories to operate cinema and video-game parlors.

The closure is a huge blow to those entrepreneurial Cubans who invested heavily, especially in 3D cinemas, importing equipment at considerable cost from abroad.

There had been hints this crackdown was coming. Cuban Culture Ministry officials talked of the “banality” and “frivolity” of films on offer, mostly produced in America, and out of line, they complained, with the cultural policy of the revolution.

Correspondents say private cinemas had become a popular alternative to poorly-maintained, state-run movie theatres that shy away from showing Hollywood and other mainstream films.

According to government figures, more than 400,000 people in Cuba are self-employed, of whom around 100,000 work as employees of s mall businesses.

[youtube v55PjvvT8oU 650]

LAX shooting: Gerardo I. Hernandez became first TSA agent killed in line of duty

Diane A. Wade
-
0
LAX shooting: Gerardo I. Hernandez became first TSA agent killed in line of duty

The LAX gunman, who injured at least two others, was wounded in the shootout with airport police and taken into custody, authorities said.

Paul Anthony Ciancia’s condition was not disclosed.

Gerardo I. Hernandez, 39, became the first TSA officer in the agency's 12-year history to be killed in the line of duty
Gerardo I. Hernandez, 39, became the first TSA officer in the agency’s 12-year history to be killed in the line of duty

When the shooting stopped, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer was dead. Gerardo I. Hernandez, 39, became the first TSA officer in the agency’s 12-year history to be killed in the line of duty.

Five other people were hurt, including two other TSA employees and gunman Paul Ciancia, 23, of Pennsville, New Jersey. He was shot four times by airport police and remained hospitalized but there was no word on his condition.

Paul Ciancia apparently had been living in Los Angeles for about 1½ years, authorities said.

[youtube 6TL52S1esEI 650]

RFI journalists Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont killed in Mali

Roy Siemens
-
0
RFI journalists Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont killed in Mali

RFI journalists Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont have been killed after they were kidnapped in the northern town of Kidal in Mali.

Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont were abducted after interviewing a local political leader. Their bodies were found outside the town soon after.

French President Francois Hollande called the killings “despicable”.

The killings come days after France was celebrating the release of four hostages from neighboring Niger.

Radio France Internationale (RFI) said Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont were on their second assignment in Kidal, having travelled to the town in July to cover the first round of the presidential election.

RFI journalists Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont have been killed after they were kidnapped in the northern town of Kidal in Mali
RFI journalists Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont have been killed after they were kidnapped in the northern town of Kidal in Mali

Ambeiry Ag Rhissa, a local official of the MNLA ethnic Tuareg separatist group, said Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont had just finished interviewing him when they were kidnapped outside his house.

“When they left, I heard a strange noise outside,” he told Reuters news agency by telephone.

“I immediately went out to see and when I opened my door, a turbaned man pointed a gun at me and told me go back inside.”

Sources said four men forced the journalists into a beige truck which was then driven off into the surrounding desert.

One report said the kidnappers’ vehicle was being pursued by the security forces, possibly including the French army. A French attack helicopter was seen above Kidal a few hours after the abduction occurred.

The bodies of the two journalists were found some 8 miles outside Kidal, sources said.

Confirming their deaths, the French foreign ministry said it would “in conjunction with the Malian authorities, make every effort to find out as soon as possible about the circumstances of their death”.

A statement from President Francois Hollande’s office said he “expresses his indignation over this despicable act”, adding that he is meeting ministers on Sunday to discuss the incident.

Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont’s deaths bring to 42 the number of journalists around the world killed so far in 2013.

Hakimullah Mehsud’s death: Pakistan summons US ambassador over drone strike

Roy Siemens
-
0
Hakimullah Mehsud’s death: Pakistan summons US ambassador over drone strike

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said the death of Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud has destroyed the country’s nascent peace process.

“This is not just the killing of one person, it’s the death of all peace efforts,” Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said.

Pakistan has summoned the US ambassador to protest over Friday’s drone strike that killed Hakimullah Mehsud.

The move came a day before a Pakistani delegation had been due to fly to North Waziristan to meet Hakimullah Mehsud.

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan accused the US of “scuttling” efforts to begin peace talks, and said “every aspect” of Pakistan’s co-operation with Washington would be reviewed.

Information Minister Pervez Rashid said: “The US has tried to attack the peace talks with this drone but we will not let them fail.”

Pakistan has summoned the US ambassador to protest over Friday's drone strike that killed Hakimullah Mehsud
Pakistan has summoned the US ambassador to protest over Friday’s drone strike that killed Hakimullah Mehsud

Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif had pledged to talk with the Taliban to try to end its campaign of violence, which has left thousands dead in bombings and shootings across the country.

Hakimullah Mehsud was killed along with four other people – including two of his bodyguards – when four missiles struck their vehicle in the north-western region of North Waziristan, a senior Taliban official confirmed.

Pakistani media say Hakimullah Mehsud’s funeral has taken place at an unknown location in the tribal area of North Waziristan.

A Pakistani Taliban spokesman, Azam Tariq, vowed revenge, as Pakistan’s security forces were put on high alert.

“Every drop of Hakimullah’s blood will turn into a suicide bomber,” he said.

“America and their friends shouldn’t be happy because we will take revenge for our martyr’s blood.”

The Taliban’s ruling council met on Saturday to choose a new leader. Unconfirmed reports say regional commander Khan Said Sajna has been elected to the top job.

As well as Hakimullah Mehsud, the previous Pakistan Taliban leader was killed in a drone strike, in 2009.

Caitlin Hayden, a spokesperson for the US president’s National Security Council, would not comment on any US government involvement or confirm the death but said it would be a serious loss for the group.

The Pakistan government has strongly condemned the drone attack as a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

Hakimullah Mehsud’s death is seen as another setback for the militant group after the recent capture of a senior commander by US forces in Afghanistan.

Hakimullah Mehsud, who led the insurgency from North Waziristan, had a $5 million FBI bounty on his head and was thought to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of people.

He came to prominence in 2007 as a commander under the militant group’s founder Baitullah Mehsud, with the capture of 300 Pakistani soldiers adding to his prestige among the militants.

World Beard and Moustache Championships 2013 hosted by Germany

Nancy Clayson
-
0
World Beard and Moustache Championships 2013 hosted by Germany

Hundreds of contestants have gathered for the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Germany.

The 2013 World Beard and Moustache Championships take place on November 2, 2013 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen.

Entrants were competing for the best facial hair in a range of categories.

Hundreds of contestants have gathered for the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Germany
Hundreds of contestants have gathered for the World Beard and Moustache Championships in Germany

Organizer Juergen Burkhardt said the turnout was better than expected.

The World Beard and Moustache Championships will return to America in September 2014 with Portland, Oregon, serving as host city.  This will be the third bearding worlds to take place in America.

Carson City, Nevada hosted the event in 2003 and Anchorage, Alaska did so in 2009.

[youtube muzkavc4jT4 650]

RFI journalists kidnapped in Mali

Roy Siemens
-
0
RFI journalists kidnapped in Mali

Two French journalists have been kidnapped in the northern Mali town of Kidal.

The governor of the region, Colonel Adama Kamissoko, told Reuters news agency “they were abducted by four armed men”. He said the pair left the capital Bamako for Kidal on Tuesday.

Radio France Internationale (RFI) confirmed on its website that two of its journalists had been kidnapped.

They have been named in French media as Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont.

Two French journalists have been kidnapped in the northern Mali town of Kidal
Two French journalists have been kidnapped in the northern Mali town of Kidal

The French foreign ministry says it is checking the reports.

The journalists had been interviewing Kidal resident Ambeiry Ag Rhissa, a local official of the MNLA ethnic Tuareg separatist group, Reuters reports.

“When they left, I heard a strange noise outside. I immediately went out to see and when I opened my door, a turbaned man pointed a gun at me and told me go back inside,” he told Reuters by telephone.

“I could not see how many men were there,” he said.

France led an operation to oust Islamist rebels from northern Mali – its former colony – earlier this year, sending in thousands of troops.

It handed over responsibility for security to a UN force in the summer, however French troops are still in the country helping to prevent a resurgence of militant activity in the region.

Joel Brandon: 14-pound Utah baby possibly biggest newborn in US

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Joel Brandon: 14-pound Utah baby possibly biggest newborn in US

America has welcomed its biggest newborn for 2013, Joel Brandon Jr., who weighed in at 14 lbs the day he was delivered via C-section in Utah.

Joel Brandon Jr., or “JJ”, is part of 2013’s global trend of big, chubby babies, an elite clique that includes George King in England (born at 15 lbs 7 oz.), baby Jasleen from Germany (13.74 lbs) and Addyson Cessna of Pennsylvania (13 lbs, 12 oz.).

Joel Brandon Jr. weighed in at 14 lbs the day he was delivered via C-section in Utah
Joel Brandon Jr. weighed in at 14 lbs the day he was delivered via C-section in Utah

According to Joel Brandon’s proud mom, Sara: “He is so sweet, just the happiest guy, he laughs all of the time and he is just very calm …We feel very, very lucky to have him.”  

[youtube 3xMeZxppWmI 650]

Tunisia suspended from Davis Cup over Malek Jaziri’s Israel row

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Tunisia suspended from Davis Cup over Malek Jaziri’s Israel row

Tunisia has been suspended from the Davis Cup after tennis player Malek Jaziri was ordered not to compete against an Israeli opponent last month.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said there was no room for prejudice in sport and the one-year ban was a “fitting penalty”.

Malek Jaziri withdrew from the Tashkent Challenger last month ahead of a match against Amir Weintraub.

Malek Jaziri withdrew from the Tashkent Challenger last month ahead of a match against Amir Weintraub
Malek Jaziri withdrew from the Tashkent Challenger last month ahead of a match against Amir Weintraub

He was cleared of wrongdoing.

Officials found Malek Jaziri – who had claimed to be suffering from a knee injury – had been ordered to pull out of the match.

The ITF board voted unanimously to suspend the Tunisian Tennis Federation for one year from the Davis Cup, one of the most important tournaments in men’s tennis.

“There is no room for prejudice of any kind in sport or in society. The ITF Board decided to send a strong message to the Tunisian Tennis Federation that this kind of action will not be tolerated by any of our members,” said ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova gone missing since prison move

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova gone missing since prison move

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova – one of the jailed members of Russian protest band Pussy Riot – has vanished from sight since she was moved to a new prison 10 days ago.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova’s husband told a US news website he had not received any news about her and her current location was being kept secret.

She had been on hunger strike at a penal colony in Mordovia.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and another band member were jailed over a protest in a Moscow cathedral.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova has vanished from sight since she was moved to a new prison 10 days ago
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova has vanished from sight since she was moved to a new prison 10 days ago

They were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after performing a crude protest song in February 2012. A third band member was released on appeal.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova has complained of abuses by the prison staff in Mordovia.

Her husband said he last knew her precise whereabouts on October 21, when guards put her on a train en route to a different prison.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova was seen on October 24 by a fellow passenger as the train arrived in the city of Chelyabinsk, in the Ural mountains.

Her husband, Pyotr Verzilov, told the Buzzfeed website he believed the decision to move his wife came from the authorities in Moscow: “They want to cut her off from the outside world.”

Pyotr Verzilov said Nadezhda Tolokonnikova was still weak after two hunger strikes, and accused the authorities of trying to punish her because of her protests.

Pussy Riot’s act was regarded as blasphemous by many Russians, but their prosecution caused an international outcry.

Mordovia, some 275 miles east of Moscow, has labor camps dating back to the notorious Gulag system set up by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

[youtube HQhPNErja0s 650]

Malaysia summons US and Australian ambassadors over Asia spy claims

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Malaysia summons US and Australian ambassadors over Asia spy claims

Malaysia has summoned the heads of the US and Australian diplomatic missions in Kuala Lumpur over a row about an alleged American-led spying network in Asia.

According to the Malaysian foreign ministry, the reports of spying could “severely damage” relations.

It said a protest note was handed over.

Malaysia has summoned the heads of the US and Australian diplomatic missions in Kuala Lumpur over a row about an alleged American-led spying network in Asia
Malaysia has summoned the heads of the US and Australian diplomatic missions in Kuala Lumpur over a row about an alleged American-led spying network in Asia

China and Indonesia have already protested at the claims that Australian embassies were being used to monitor phones and collect data for the US.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said “such activities are not done amongst close friends”.

Anifah Aman said his Australian counterpart, Julie Bishop, replied that it was not her government’s policy to comment on intelligence matters, but she accepted Malaysia’s concerns.

The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) has reported that Australian diplomatic posts in Asia were being used to intercept phone calls and data.

The reports were based on an NSA document leaked by whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has declined to comment on the reports.

Australian PM Tony Abbott said: “Every Australian governmental agency, every Australian official… operates in accordance with the law.”

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West sue Chad Hurley over leaked proposal video

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West sue Chad Hurley over leaked proposal video

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have filed a suit against YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley who posted a video of the couple’s engagement on his new web venture, MixBit.

The lawsuit filed Thursday claims Chad Hurley violated a confidentiality agreement when he posted the fuzzy footage of the lavish proposal on his new web venture, MixBit.

The 2.5 minute video captured Kanye West’s October 21 proposal to Kim Kardashian at San Francisco’s AT&T Park and the ensuring celebration.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are suing a co-founder of YouTube over a video of their marriage proposal that was posted online
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are suing a co-founder of YouTube over a video of their marriage proposal that was posted online

The lawsuit states Kanye West contracted with a producer to film the event for possible broadcast on E! Entertainment Television, home to his fiancée’s hit show Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are seeking unspecified damages from Chad Hurley and his company, Avos Systems Inc.

[youtube DKBg79ulYYM 650]

[youtube ylkXT-QiRks 650]

1...718719720...1,246Page 719 of 1,246