Former US President George H.W. Bush prematurely announced Nelson Mandela’s death on Sunday morning.
The mix-up happened when George H.W. Bush’s spokesman Jim McGrath misread a Washington Post news flash.
“The 41 stmnt sent this morning was the result of my mis-reading the header on the WaPo news flash. Stupid mistake by me. Apologies to all,” Jim McGrath tweeted Sunday morning.
The original statement read: “Barbara and I mourn the passing of one of the greatest believers in freedom we have had the privilege to know. As President, I watched in wonder as Nelson Mandela had the remarkable capacity to forgive his jailers following 26 years of wrongful imprisonment – setting a powerful example of redemption and grace for us all. He was a man of tremendous moral courage, who changed the course of history in his country. Barbara and I had great respect for President Mandela, and send our condolences to his family and countrymen.”
The South African presidency corrected the statement, saying former President Nelson Mandela is still alive.
Former President George H.W. Bush announced Nelson Mandela’s death after his spokesman misread news flash
“It is clearly incorrect. We see it as an error on his side” and aren’t going to “make a big deal about it” presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said.
Nelson Mandela was discharged from the hospital Sunday after initially being admitted in June for a lung infection. He is still in critical condition.
South Africa’s first black president was taken by ambulance to his home in Johannesburg which has been set up to provide intensive care.
In a statement, the South African government said: “Madiba’s condition remains critical and is at times unstable.
“Nevertheless, his team of doctors are convinced that he will receive the same level of intensive care at his Houghton home that he received in Pretoria.”
George H.W. Bush, 89, is also dealing with health problems of his own.
He was unable to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial last Wednesday because his old age has confined him to a wheelchair.
Jim McGrath told the LA Times that he is “unable to participate in events like this anymore due to his mobility situation”.
As reports emerged that Khloe Kardashian has given Lamar Odom an ultimatum to seek help for drug addiction or move out of their home – the reality star has broken her silence on Twitter with a cryptic message.
Appearing to neither confirm nor deny the reports, Khloe Kardashian simply wrote: “As much as I wish I were made of steel… I’m not.”
Khloe Kardashian has given Lamar Odom an ultimatum to seek help for drug addiction or move out of their home
Showing that she’s still got a fighting spirit however, Khloe Kardashian then added: “I’m pretty damn close to it though hehe.”
TMZreported earlier that Khloe Kardashian asked Lamar Odom to leave after spending around four hours together on Saturday night.
The website claims that Khloe Kardashian – who has asked Odom to leave their family home in the past – was angered after learning about his DUI arrest from the news, rather than hearing it first from her husband.
Khloe Kardashian, 29, reportedly wants Lamar Odom, 33, to agree to a stint of rehab before he can return to their home.
Backstreet Boys will open the 48th annual MDA Show of Strength Telethon tonight at 9/8c, on ABC television stations across the country.
The multiplatinum group of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell will perform their newest single In A World Like This from their eighth studio album and nationwide tour of the same name.
In addition to their new song, the group will treat the viewing audience to a BSB classic when they launch into one of the most popular hits of their 20-year career, I Want It That Way.
Backstreet Boys will open the 48th annual MDA Show of Strength Telethon
“Performing at an event like the MDA telethon has a much deeper meaning to us now that we all have families or children of our own,” said Brian Littrell.
“When I met the families at the show, I made sure to tell them that their children are an inspiration to all of us, and I encouraged them to be strong, and to continue to hold their loved ones close and fight together. We hear that research for many of these diseases is moving at an incredible pace, so we all agree that we’ll continue to do our part to help MDA keep moving forward in its search for treatments and cures.”
In addition to the Backstreet Boys performance, the 2013 telethon will feature a star-studded celebrity lineup, including: Ryan Seacrest; Paula Abdul; country stars Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker and Lee Ann Womack; Enrique Iglesias; teenage pop sensation Austin Mahone; “Glee” star Matthew Morrison; hip-hop dance crew Jabbawockeez; American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez; Kenny Loggins with the Blue Sky Riders; American blues rock band Vintage Trouble; and Universal recording artist and star from The Voice Chris Mann.
Additional presenters for the 2013 show include: ABC’s Dr. Richard Besser; Dancing with the Stars contestant and Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson; Emmy award-winning journalist Jann Carl; Olympic gold medal gymnasts Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner; and No Doubt drummer Adrian Young and his son Mason Young.
Si Robertson’s character is one of the reasons Duck Dynasty has become such a phenomenal hit. Uncle Si’s love of long nonsensical tales has viewers enraptured and much of these he imparts on Twitter.
Si Robertson has some 237,000 followers on the platform, all eager to hear his missives.
Si Robertson’s character is one of the reasons Duck Dynasty has become such a phenomenal hit
Here are five of Si Robertson’s funniest Tweets:
“A dog is just like a car, a mattress…Or a tree you gotta test them out.”
“Some people say I’m a dreamer, others say, <<If you fall asleep at work again we’re going to have to let you go>>.”
“I live by my own rules (reviewed, revised and approved by my wife)…but still my own”
“With these corrective lenses, I can see so good; I can see into the future. Hey, I see Willie getting fatter.”
Princess Charlene of Monaco, also known as ex-Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock, who retired in 2007, got back in the water for a charity swim today.
Princess Charlene of Monaco, 35, was seen swimming with children in Saint Geours de Maremne in southwestern France.
The Monégasque princess wore her blonde highlighted hair scraped back as she paddled through the pool and taught the group of enthusiastic children how to swim during the Live to Swim Day.
Princess Charlene proved the best possible coach at the event organized by the club Inshore Rescue Capbreton.
The event’s aim was to raise awareness of water safety and saw 150 children participate.
Princess Charlene of Monaco was seen swimming with children in Saint Geours de Maremne in southwestern France
Her own charity, The Princess Charlene Foundation, aims to help women and children on five of the world’s seven continents. One of the focus points is also reinforcing the awareness of water safe
“Some of my present and future projects for my foundation are underlining the importance and reinforcing the awareness of water safety,” writes Princess Charlene on her foundation’s website.
“We are all aware of horrible stories about small children drowning because they could not swim.
“Teaching them how to swim could save their lives, and the importance and awareness will help them to feel more comfortable and confident in all aquatic areas as well.”
Charlene Wittstock represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, with her team finishing fifth in the Women’s 4×100 m Medley. She retired from competitive swimming in 2007.
Her commitment to the sport, though, seems unwavering.
Ensuring Charlene Wittstock’s home-town of Durban, South Africa, becomes the premier city for swimming in the country, the princess is reportedly set to donate a “large amount” to the its swimming future.
This could make it the top sport in the city, ahead even of rugby and football.
Last month Princess Charlene’s husband Prince Albert, 55, showed off his sporting abilities as he played volleyball on a beach.
The princess finally put rumors to bed over the ‘turbulent’ start to her marriage last month in a rare interview.
She said the tears streaming down her cheeks at her wedding to Albert in 2011 were not the result of a series of rows over his womanizing ways, but in fact tears of happiness.
Princess Charlene described this speculation, as well as rumors she attempted to escape in the days leading up to her wedding, as “categorical lies”.
New reports claim that Khloe Kardashian has given Lamar Odom an ultimatum to seek help or move out of their home.
According toTMZ,Khloe Kardashian asked Lamar Odom to leave after spending around four hours together on Saturday night.
Khloe Kardashian has given Lamar Odom an ultimatum to seek help or move out of their home
The website claims that Khloe Kardashian – who has asked Lamar Odom to leave their family home in the past – was angered after learning about his DUI arrest from the news, rather than hearing it first from her husband.
Khloe Kardashian, 29, reportedly wants Lamar Odom, 33, to agree to a stint of rehab before he can return to their home.
A source told TMZ: “They’re still at an impasse and the prospects of saving their marriage are <<grim>>.”
It was revealed on Friday that a week before Lamar Odom was arrested on suspicion of DUI he was involved in a three-car collision on the exact same freeway.
The crash was not reported to authorities, however a journalist for the Los Angeles Times has claimed that his car was rear-ended by another vehicle hit by Lamar Odom’s white Mercedes on Saturday.
Secretary of State John Kerry says the US has evidence that the chemical nerve agent sarin was used in a deadly attack in Damascus last month.
John Kerry said samples from hair and blood gathered after the attack “tested positive for signatures of sarin”.
The US blames the Syrian government for the August 21 attack.
President Barack Obama has vowed punitive action but wants Congress to vote on it first.
Syria dismissed the delay and said it was ready for any strike.
UN experts have been in Syria gathering evidence to determine whether chemical weapons attacks have taken place on various occasions. They have now arrived in the Netherlands with samples for analysis.
The biggest and deadliest apparent attack took place on August 21 in east Damascus. The US says more than 1,400 people were killed.
Washington said only the Damascus government has the capacity to launch such an attack.
Syria has denied it was responsible and blames the rebels.
John Kerry says the US has evidence that the chemical nerve agent sarin was used in a deadly attack in Damascus last month
John Kerry implied that the US evidence was supplied by its own sources, rather than via the UN inspectors.
“In the last 24 hours, we have learned through samples that were provided to the United States that have now been tested from first responders in east Damascus and hair samples and blood samples have tested positive for signatures of Sarin,” Kerry said on NBC’s Meet The Press.
“So this case is building and this case will build.”
The US has previously said it had similar evidence of sarin use in other attacks.
John Kerry also said he was confident that Congress would give its approval for the US to launch strikes against Syria after it reconvenes on September 9.
Congressmen “will do what is right because they understand the stakes”, he said, declining to explain whether Barack Obama would press ahead even if Congress voted against.
Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said Barack Obama’s decision to delay the strikes pending a vote in Congress was just “a political and media manoeuvre”.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remained defiant on Sunday, saying: “Syria… is capable of facing up to any external aggression just as it faces up to internal aggression every day, in the form of terrorist groups and those that support them.”
The Syrian government has been fighting rebel forces since March 2011.
More than 100,000 people are estimated to have died in the conflict, and at least 1.7 million have become refugees.
Syria is known to have extensive supplies of chemical weapons.
Barack Obama has often said that using them would cross a “red line”, prompting US intervention.
On Saturday, Barack Obama said any action would be limited, ruling out a ground invasion.
Congress is due to reconvene on September 9, meaning any military operation would not happen until then.
The opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC) said President Barack Obama’s decision to delay any strikes in Syria was a “failure in leadership” and could “embolden” the forces of President Bashar al-Assad.
Arab League foreign ministers are meeting in Cairo on Sunday, with Saudi Arabia urging them to back calls for strikes against Syria.
The UK has ruled out taking part in any attack, after PM David Cameron failed to win the support of parliament last week.
That leaves France as the only other major power that has said it could strike against Syria – though it says it will not act on its own before the vote in the US Congress.
David Frost has died at the age of 74 after a suspected heart attack while on board Queen Elizabeth cruise ship.
The family of the British veteran broadcaster issued a statement saying Sir David Frost had been giving a speech aboard the Queen Elizabeth on Saturday night.
David Frost’s career spanned journalism, comedy writing and daytime television presenting, including The Frost Report.
Internationally, David Frost will be remembered for his revealing interviews with former US President Richard Nixon.
A statement said: “His family are devastated and ask for privacy at this difficult time. A family funeral will be held in the near future and details of a memorial service will be announced in due course.”
Born in Kent, Sir David Frost studied at Cambridge University where he became secretary of the Footlights club, and met future comedy greats such as Peter Cook, Graham Chapman and John Bird.
After university he went to work at ITV before he was asked to front the BBC programme That Was The Week That Was, which ran between 1962 and 1963.
Casting a satirical eye over the week’s news, the show boasted scriptwriters including John Cleese, John Betjeman and Dennis Potter.
David Frost has died at the age of 74 after a suspected heart attack while on board Queen Elizabeth cruise ship.
The Frost Report brought together John Cleese, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett in a sketch show which would influence many comedy writers including the Monty Python crew.
David Frost’s often-mimicked catchphrase “hello, good evening and welcome” was by now in full use.
One of The Frost Report‘s most enduring pieces was the “class sketch”, featuring John Cleese, Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett.
The Frost Programme for ITV followed, which saw David Frost move away from comedy into in-depth interviews with political figures, royalty and celebrities.
It was on this programme that he had a terse interview with then PM Margaret Thatcher over the sinking of the Argentine cruiser Belgrano during the Falklands conflict.
At the same time, David Frost began work on The David Frost Show in the US.
He later conducted a series of interviews with Richard Nixon, who had resigned the presidency two years earlier, in which the former president came close to apologizing to the public for his role in the Watergate scandal.
Their exchanges were eventually made into the film Frost/Nixon – based on a play – which saw Michael Sheen portray David Frost to Frank Langella’s Richard Nixon.
David Frost himself appeared at the premiere of the film in 2008.
Former South African President Nelson Mandela has left a Pretoria hospital and has gone to his Johannesburg home, where he is continuing to receive intensive care, the presidency says on its website.
The announcement came a day after officials denied reports that Nelson Mandela, 95, had already been discharged.
The presidency’s statement says Nelson Mandela’s condition remains critical and at times unstable.
South Africa’s first democratically elected president has been in hospital since June with a lung infection.
Nelson Mandela, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is revered around the world for leading the fight against white minority rule and preaching reconciliation with the white community despite being imprisoned for 27 years.
“His team of doctors are convinced that he will receive the same level of intensive care at his Houghton home that he received in Pretoria [hospital],” the statement from President Jacob Zuma’s says.
It adds that Nelson Mandela’s home in the suburb of Houghton has been “reconfigured to allow him to receive intensive care there” and he will be treated by the same health care personnel who have been looking after him since June 8.
Nelson Mandela has left a Pretoria hospital and has gone to his Johannesburg home
If necessary, he will be readmitted to hospital, the presidency says.
Despite his various illnesses, the statement from Jacob Zuma’s office notes, the former president had displayed “immense grace and fortitude”.
The South African government has released few details about his condition, appealing for Nelson Mandela’s privacy and dignity to be respected.
Correspondents say this is not the discharge of a man who has made a significant recovery but the transfer of a patient from an intensive care ward in a hospital to a specially built intensive care unit in his own home, presumably in line with his family’s wishes.
“It is a day of celebration for us, that he is finally back home with us,” said his grandson Mandla Mandela.
On Saturday, sources close to Nelson Mandela told the international media that he had already returned home.
This was denied by South Africa’s presidency, which handles all communications about the former leader’s health.
Nelson Mandela’s lung condition is said to result from the tuberculosis he contracted during the 27 years he spent in prison for taking up arms against white minority rule.
He is been hospitalized four times in the past year and his latest stay lasted 84 days.
He became president after 1994 elections – the first time black South Africans were allowed to vote – and stepped down five years later.
Nelson Mandela’s last public appearance was at the 2010 football World Cup, which South Africa hosted.
Saturday night’s launch of The X Factor 2013 in the UK certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to unearthing a wealth of incredible new talent.
One of the most emotional performances of the night came from 17-year-old student Hannah Barrett, who broke down in tears as she spoke to judges Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.
Hannah Barrett said: “I wanna be the UK’s sweetheart. I like the A-levels I’m doing at school, it’s OK. I work in Gregg’s part-time, but my dream has always been to be a singer.
“My dad passed away a couple of years ago and my dad was my inspiration from a young age with music. My mum is supportive of me but we have a tough relationship.
Hannah Barrett broke down in tears as she spoke to X Factor judges
“Me and my mum don’t really get along, eventually I was kicked out and so basically I live in accommodation for young teenagers. I’m happy being there but it’s not home.”
After moving Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger to tears with her touching rendition of Read All About It, Sharon hugged her warmly, telling her: “I want you to do something for me. I want you to work on your performance.
“It’s tough competition and we want you to get through to the next round. You moved me, I love you. Your dad would be proud of you, you’ve got old school soul.”
Nicole Scherzinger added: “I’m speechless, you’re gorgeous when you sing. I’m blown away by you. Honey, I believe you. You are going all the way. This is just the beginning for you.”
Gary Barlow gushed: “It’s one thing to sing a song but it’s another to tell a story through your performance. I felt the pain within you and it really touched me.”
Also impressing were Alejandro Fernandez, 17, and Tom Mann, 19, a part-time football coach for kids.
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney have previously been subject to speculation about whether their relationship has ever crossed the line into romance.
Last week the rumor mill went into overdrive as George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attended the 70th Venice Film Festival together to promote their new film Gravity.
Whilst male and female co-stars are usually fairly affectionate when posing together on the red carpet, a series of intimate shots led to speculation that romance was definitely bubbling between the co-stars.
Newly single George Clooney, who recently split from his wrestler turned model girlfriend Stacy Keibler, was snapped on more than one occasion staring at Sandra Bullock somewhat like a love sick puppy.
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney have previously been subject to speculation about whether their relationship has ever crossed the line into romance
George Clooney’s body language only served to inflame the rumors as he kept leaning into Sandra Bullock and tending to her every need, at one point even affectionately mopping her brow.
This led to claims that George Clooney, 52, was “making eyes” at his long time friend.
Sandra Bullock was quick to shoot down the rumors telling Associated Press, “He was not making eyes. Maybe cross eyes but that’s the extent of his goggle eyes.”
The actress explained that the pair had known each other long enough to have enough “dirt” on each other to command a deep level of “respect and understanding”.
Despite not having romantic feelings for George Clooney, Sandra Bullock professed her deep affection for him saying: “I adore George.”
Meanwhile incorrigible bachelor George Clooney released a statement through Warner Brothers confirming the platonic nature of his relationship with Sandra Bullock saying: “We are just friends. We have known each other before either of us had success in films so there is no pretense.”
The latest episode of Duck Dynasty reality show attracted 9.6 million viewers on Wednesday night.
Duck Dynasty Season 4 premiered to a record-breaking 11.8 million on August 14, drawing the largest audience ever for a non-fiction cable show and the biggest telecast in the network’s history.
The latest episode of Duck Dynasty reality show attracted 9.6 million viewers
The A&E’s hit show, which follows the Robertson family in Louisiana premiered in March 2012 to 1.81 million viewers.
Duck Dynasty’s ratings have steadily increased over the years; the series closed Season 3 with an audience reach of 9.6 million.
New reports claim that Clint Eastwood’s estimated $340 million fortune will remain intact if he divorces his estranged wife Dina Ruiz.
Dina Eastwood, 48, signed a pre-nuptial agreement that protects the wealth of the legendary Hollywood actor and director.
Without that, she would have been entitled to half of Clint Eastwood’s earnings during their 17-year marriage.
Clint Eastwood, who has appeared in dozens of films including Dirty Harry and A Fistful of Dollars, paid $23 million when he divorced first wife Maggie Johnson in 1984, and was twice sued by long-time lover, actress Sondra Locke, after they split in 1989.
Clint Eastwood’s estimated $340 million fortune will remain intact if he divorces his estranged wife Dina Ruiz
“Clint was determined not to lose a fortune to Dina, no matter how much he loved her,” an insider said last night.
“She’ll be looked after, but it won’t bring Clint to his knees.”
The news came after Clint Eastwood finally emerged for the first time since it was announced that he and his wife had split.
Looking tired and under strain, the 83-year-old director headed back on set to direct his new movie Jersey Boys on Thursday.
Meanwhile, The National Enquirer has reported that former TV news anchor Dina Ruiz has re-kindled a romance with Scott Fisher, 50, an old high school boyfriend of hers.
A source told the publication: “Dina is in love with Scott. It’s like high school all over again.”
Dina Eastwood confirmed the news of the split to Us Weekly on Thursday.
She told the publication that she and Clint Eastwood have been living apart for some time.
According to a new book, Carole Middleton was worried about the absence of a ring on Kate’s finger and she took Prince William aside to press him on his marriage plans.
The meeting took place when Prince William visited the Middleton family just before Christmas 2009.
In the book – Kate: The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl – a family friend tells how Carole Middleton expressed her fears to Prince William. But he assured her that not only would there be an engagement and subsequent marriage, the couple hoped to have children – and he promised Kate Middleton’s mother that she would be fully involved in their upbringing.
Prince William stayed true to his word. The couple were engaged the following November and since their son, Prince George, was born on July 22, Carole Middleton has become the most famous grandmother in Britain.
Carole Middleton and her husband, Michael, were the first family members to visit the new baby after his birth – ahead of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall – while Kate and William have even set aside a “granny flat” for the Middletons at their lavish Kensington Palace apartment.
Another of the Middletons’ friends, former neighbor George Brown, says: “It was a condition when Kate and William got married that Carole and Michael would be a part of the grandchildren’s lives.”
Kate Middleton paid tribute to “Granny” Carole last week during her first public appearance since the birth.
Carole Middleton looked after Prince George when Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the start of a marathon on Anglesey on Friday. Kate Middleton’s presence at the event was a surprise – it was only revealed that morning that she would attend.
It is thought it could be one of the couple’s last engagements on Anglesey before they leave their home on the Welsh island next month to settle into a new life in London.
Kate The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl reveals how Carole Middleton had a secret meeting with Prince William over marriage to Kate
The new book also untangles the tale of how Kate Middleton came to choose St Andrews for her university – starting at the same time as Prince William and on the same course.
It has previously been put down to mere coincidence, but it seems Kate Middleton deliberately plotted to be there at the same time as the prince.
Jasper Selwyn, a careers adviser at Kate Middleton’s former school, Marlborough College, and Joan Gall, her house tutor, confirm in the book that her first choice was not St Andrews at all, but Edinburgh.
Despite achieving the required grades for Edinburgh, one of the country’s top universities, Kate Middleton changed her mind after Prince William’s own choice of university was made public.
In a bold move, Kate Middleton turned down the place she had been offered at Edinburgh, decided to take a gap year, just as Prince William was doing, and reapply for St Andrews – a risky strategy as there was no guarantee that she would get a place. Since then, of course, their relationship has flourished.
In another fascinating insight into the Royal romance, the book reveals that although Kate Middleton has taken on a higher public profile since her marriage, she in fact began doing secret charity work six years ago.
In 2007 the Queen quietly suggested to Prince William that Kate Middleton get involved with a charity, and they both considered it an excellent idea.
The Middletons’ family firm, Party Pieces, already had a connection with Starlight, a children’s charity which grants terminally ill children an once-in-a-lifetime wish.
Kate Middleton arranged to meet the charity’s chief executive officer Neil Swan to see how she could help more.
Neil Swan said: “Kate was working with Party Pieces at the time and she came up with a clever idea for a party bag that doubled up as a coloring-in gift.
“She also designed some Starlight-themed crayons and other bits and pieces to go in the bags. To us, she was just Kate, and we would go and have meetings with her at Party Pieces, and sometimes she would come to us.
“She came up with lots of creative ideas for parties that we were arranging for sick children, and she did a lot of work below the radar.”
It is also revealed that Kate Middleton made numerous secret visits to the Naomi House children’s hospice in Hampshire.
Recent reports claim that Justin Bieber has been attacked in a nightclub in his native Canada.
Justin Bieber, 19, was mingling with patrons in a Toronto nightspot at 3 a.m. on Saturday when an angry man charged at him.
Justin Bieber has been attacked in a Toronto nightclub in his native Canada
His rival got a hold of his shirt but was prevented from tackling Justin Bieber by quick acting bouncers, who grabbed the assailant and dragged him to the floor.
In pictures shown on TMZ, Justin Bieber then appears to land some sneaky kicks while his opponent is on the ground.
According to eyewitnesses, Justin Bieber had left the safety of the club’s VIP section to mingle with ordinary clubgoers.
This is when the angry young man rushed at him, grabbed his shirt and attempted to take him to the floor.
While his assailant was escorted out of the club, Justin Bieber soon made his way home of his own accord.
According to reports, police were never called about the nightclub fracas.
China has announced a corruption investigation into Jiang Jiemin, the head of the commission that oversees state-owned companies.
The supervision ministry said Jiang Jiemin was suspected of a “serious violation of discipline”.
The term is used to refer to corruption by managers of state companies.
President Xi Jinping has vowed to eradicate corruption in China, warning that it threatens the Communist Party.
Jiang Jiemin was suspected of a serious violation of discipline
Recent months have seen several high-profile corruption cases against high-ranking officials, including disgraced senior party official Bo Xilai, who was put on trial for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power in August.
The verdict in his case is expected “at a date to be decided”. Bo Xilai denies all charges.
Until March Jiang Jiemin was head of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which has faced a number of corruption allegations.
Last week it was announced that another four CNPC executives were under investigation for corruption.
Earlier in August the general manager of state-owned phone company China Mobile Ltd was detained in the southern province of Guangdong. He too is being investigated for discipline violations.
Internet users are also increasingly pursuing those perceived as having done wrong through online exposes and campaigns.
In recent weeks there have been signs that this has worried the authorities, with a number of journalists arrested for “rumor-mongering” and a high-profile blogger arrested.
Peru’s government has decided to extend to nine more regions a state of emergency called to cope with unusually cold weather and heavy snowfall.
Until now, at least two people have died and 33,000 others have been affected by the cold spell, local officials say.
Tens of thousands of animals have frozen to death over the past week.
Tens of thousands of animals have frozen to death in Peru over the past week
President Ollanta Humala has travelled to Apurimac, one of the worst-hit areas, to oversee the distribution of emergency aid.
The state of emergency would be in place for 20 days, an official statement said.
The heaviest snow fall to hit Peru in a decade has killed tens of thousands of llamas, alpacas, cattle and sheep, and left farmers destitute.
A man died when the roof of his hut caved in under the weight of the snow in southern Carabaya province but the circumstances of the second death were unclear.
Three people were rescued on Saturday from the same region after their home was cut off by snow.
Rescue workers said the three, two girls and an elderly woman, were suffering from frostbite and snow blindness.
The cold front has also hit Peru’s south-eastern neighbor, Bolivia, and Paraguay, where a combined total of five people have died.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her poll rival, centre-left Peer Steinbrueck, are due to take part in their only televised election debate.
The event is seen as the Social Democrat (SPD) leader’s biggest chance to claw back Angela Merkel’s lead in the opinion polls before this month’s vote.
Although Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc is expected to win, her coalition partners are faring poorly.
The 90-minute debate starts at 18:30 GMT and will be aired on main channels.
With three weeks to go before the September 22 vote, the two candidates will be grilled by four journalists before an estimated TV audience of up to 20 million.
Peer Steinbrueck will face the first question and Angela Merkel will have the final answer, with each answer limited to 90 seconds.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her poll rival, centre-left Peer Steinbrueck, are due to take part in their only televised election debate
So far, there have been few campaign issues that have exposed major policy differences between the two figures and the parties have focused on their personalities.
Peer Steinbrueck is often witty but prone to gaffes, while Angela Merkel often seems less than comfortable in the cut and thrust of live debate.
The TV duel may shift enough opinion to alter the election result.
Peer Steinbrueck, 66, served as finance minister under Chancellor Angela Merkel when his SPD party was in a “grand” coalition with her Christian Democrat (CDU) after the 2005 election. But he has refused to enter a similar power-sharing deal.
The pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), currently part of the coalition, are widely expected to perform badly in the polls.
However, an opinion poll on Friday gave Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc 41% of the vote, which might enable her to stay in power with the FDP. Peer Steinbrueck’s Social Democrats were trailing on 26%.
If Peer Steinbrueck does narrow the gap, Angela Merkel, 59, is likely to remain chancellor but the two parties would be forced to consider rebuilding a coalition.
Yemen’s PM Mohammed Salem Basindwa has survived an assassination attempt unharmed, officials in the capital Sanaa say.
Gunmen in a vehicle opened fire on the prime minister’s motorcade as he returned home from his office, one of his advisers said.
Yemen’s PM Mohammed Salem Basindwa has survived the assassination attempt unharmed
It is the first time Mohammed Salem Basindwa has come under attack, the AFP news agency says, although other members of his cabinet have previously been targeted.
The government is battling militants of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
A senior intelligence officer was killed by suspected militants in southern Labous province late on Friday.
Mohammed Salem Basindwa was a senior opposition figure before being appointed in November 2011 to head the government set up after veteran leader President Ali Abdullah Saleh left power.
One of his aides, Ali al-Sarari, told Reuters news agency security forces were trying to track down the vehicle used in the attack.
Earlier this month, the US and several other Western countries temporarily shut their embassies in Sanaa after reports of an imminent al-Qaeda attack.
Place potatoes in a stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. When cool enough to handle, peel and slice potatoes; cool completely.
For dressing, in the top of a double boiler or metal bowl over barely simmering water, heat water, butter and vinegar until butter is melted. In a small bowl, beat eggs; add sugar and cornstarch. Add to butter mixture; cook and stir for 5-7 minutes or until thickened. Transfer to a large bowl; cool completely.
In a small bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Stir Miracle Whip into cooled dressing mixture; fold in whipped cream. Stir in onion, green onions, salt and pepper. Add potatoes; toss lightly to combine. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled.
To serve, top with hard-cooked eggs; sprinkle with paprika. Yield: 24 servings (3/4 cup each).
New York City food phenomenon cronut is now taking over Asia.
South Koreans are the latest to catch the cronut-bug with incarnations of Dominique Ansel’s original rings of deep-fried croissant dough being sold at Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in Soeul.
Dunkin’ Donuts South Korea is calling their versions of the crispy layered pastries “New York Pie Donuts”.
The donuts are being sold at shops in Seoul, and have even inspired their own epically-long lines at the upscale Gangnam neighborhood branch.
According to Quartz, commenters on the store’s Facebook page have even said that customers are only allowed two – the same ration New Yorkers get when they stand in the early morning lines at Dominique Ansel’s Bakery in SoHo.
South Koreans are the latest to catch the cronut-bug with incarnations of Dominique Ansel’s original rings of deep-fried croissant dough being sold at Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in Soeul
Dunkin’ Donuts has over 3,000 stores in 30 countries outside the U.S. Their shops in the Philippines also started selling versions of the cronut. Their “Donut Croissant” come in flavors such as Apple Cinnamon and Choco Almond. The donut chain doesn’t have plans to launch a version of the cronut in the U.S. yet, according to Quartz.
Since Dominique Ansel copyrighted the named “cronut” in May, copycats in the U.S. have had to come up with their own names – like “doissants” and “croughnuts” – for their pastries or face cease and desist letters.
In June, Dominique Ansel’s Bakery posted a message on their Facebook page explaining their need to copyright the name, while at the same time taking no credit for inventing the pastry.
“Our desire to protect the name is not an attempt to claim or take credit for all cooking methods associated with the recipe or all croissant and doughnut products in general,” the statement said.
“Instead, it offers the bakery and Chef protection against un-granted affiliations with the bakery or confusion from customers.”
However, that hasn’t stopped bakeries all over Asia, trying their best to create their own flaky bite of heaven.
A list on Buzzfeed includes bakeries in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan peddling their versions of the donut.
The annual MDA Labor Day Telethon will air on ABC in prime-time, on Sunday, September 1.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s nationally broadcast telethon, one of America’s longest-standing and beloved fundraising and entertainment events, will return this Labor Day weekend with a new broadcast home: the ABC Television Network.
ABC has signed on to air the two-hour MDA Show of Strength Telethon on its stations across the country on Sunday, September 1, 9/8c. As in the past, the entertainment event will raise funds and awareness to support MDA’s mission to help children and adults affected by progressive and often fatal muscle diseases.
“This is a remarkably hopeful time for MDA and our mission to find new treatments and cures as we set our sights on pursuing muscle health,” said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks.
“We’re delighted to partner with ABC. Broadcasting our show nationwide and on prime-time TV provides a critically important way to tell our story of progress in fighting muscle disease, while recognizing and engaging new supporters.”
This is the first time in MDA’s 48-year history of doing annual telethons that it will broadcast on a single television network. Previously, MDA partnered with an ad-hoc lineup of network affiliates in markets across the U.S. In recent years the majority of the stations have been ABC affiliates, which makes the new exclusive agreement with ABC a natural fit.
MDA is in the process of securing artists for this year’s telethon and all performers generously donate their time and talent to help make the event a success. The MDA telethon also will feature compelling stories of survival and hope profiling children and adults affected by muscle disease.
The annual MDA Labor Day Telethon will air on ABC in prime-time, on Sunday, September 1
R.A. (RAC) Clark, longtime executive producer of the Academy of Country Music Awards, served as the MDA telethon’s executive producer in 2012 and will return this year. Clark has extensive producing credits on all major networks, including ABC.
In addition to funds contributed by the public, substantial support also comes from MDA’s family of national sponsors, whose work throughout the year on behalf of MDA will be recognized on the telethon. Among the sponsors: International Association of Fire Fighters, CITGO Petroleum Corp., Safeway, Lowe’s, Harley-Davidson, Jiffy Lube International, National Association of Letter Carriers, 7-Eleven, Dr Pepper Snapple Group/7UP, Acosta and Burger King.
At the community level, MDA is planning telethon viewing parties with hundreds of local groups to rally support for the more than 1 million Americans it helps with lifesaving support and services. MDA also is planning a comprehensive digital and social media campaign to drive online fundraising and engage supporters in new ways.
Over the decades, funds raised by MDA telethons also have contributed to the organization’s worldwide research program. Today, through current clinical trials, there is growing excitement that new lifesaving treatments and discoveries are on the horizon for many of the disorders MDA is dedicated to defeating, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“Individuals with neuromuscular diseases are living longer, stronger lives thanks to the advances we’ve made over the years – particularly in the last decade – thanks in large part to past MDA supporters,” said MDA Chairman of the Board R. Rodney Howell, M.D.
“We’re redoubling our efforts to find and fund new discoveries that will save lives.”
MDA’s first Labor Day weekend telethon was broadcast in 1966 on a single New York station and has become the most successful fundraising event in the history of television. The show, with help from Jerry Lewis and a legion of top celebrities and entertainers, has raised millions each year to provide life-enhancing support and services for the families MDA serves.
The telethon has consistently enjoyed robust support from thousands of the biggest stars in show business. However, the real stars on the broadcast have always been the MDA families who have graciously agreed to open their homes and hearts to America and tell their stories of strength.
About MDA:
MDA is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding breakthrough research, by providing lifesaving support, services and advocacy, and by rallying communities to fight back, all made possible by its generous supporters. For more information, visit mda.org and follow us on facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews.
President Barack Obama says he will seek congressional authorization for taking military action against Syria.
The US says the Syrian government carried out chemical weapons attacks on August 21 in which 1,429 people died.
Barack Obama said the operation would be limited in duration and strong to deter future chemical attacks. Congress is due to re-open on September 9.
The Syrian government denies it was behind the attacks and blames rebels.
UN inspectors have now left Syria with samples from site visits, which will go to laboratories in Europe for testing.
President Barack Obama says the US should take military action against Syria
President Barack Obama said the military operation could happen tomorrow, next week or in the near future.
“We cannot and will not turn a blind eye to what happened in Damascus,” he said.
As commander-in-chief, Barack Obama has the constitutional authority to order military action without the backing of Congress.
However, he said it was important to have the debate.
Last week, British MPs defeated a government motion to take military action in Syria.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has challenged the US to present to the UN evidence that Syria attacked rebels with chemical weapons.
Vladimir Putin said it would be “utter nonsense” for Syria’s government to provoke opponents with such attacks.
Russia – a key ally of Syria – has previously warned that “any unilateral military action bypassing the UN Security Council” would be a “direct violation of international law”.
Moscow, along with China, has vetoed two previous draft resolutions on Syria.
Everybody wants to know who are the hot girls in the Geico Money Man Boat commercial.
Julie Docherty and Sarah Hester playing in Geico Money Man Boat commercial
The girl wearing light blue swimsuit is Julie Docherty.
Julie Docherty is a fashion model. She is affiliated with several model agencies, including Elite Models and Next Models and No Ties agencies.
The girl in dark blue is Sarah Hester.
Sarah Hester is an actress/model who has performed in nearly every type of media, including commercials. Here is Sarah Hester’s official website, IMDb, Model Mayhem, Twitter, and YouTubes.
Reports that Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital are incorrect, South Africa’s presidency says.
News outlets earlier quoted sources close to the former South African president as saying he had returned home.
The presidency said in a statement that Nelson Mandela was critical but stable, but at times his condition became unstable, prompting medical intervention.
Nelson Mandela, 95, was admitted with a recurring lung infection on June 8.
Reports that Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital are incorrect
The country’s first black president, Nelson Mandela is revered by many as the father of the nation.
His prolonged hospital stay – by far the longest since he was released from prison in 1990 – has caused concern both in South Africa and abroad.
The family has long hoped that he would improve sufficiently at least to enable him to make the journey home in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton and be treated there.
But one of the sources quoted by international media has now spoken of being misinformed about Nelson Mandela’s release.
The confusion could have arisen out of a possible move soon to get Nelson Mandela home, which would clearly depend on his health at the time.
The infection Nelson Mandela is being treated for is said to date back to a period of nearly three decades he spent in prison for anti-apartheid activity.
People from South Africa and around the world have sent him their best wishes, and flowers and other tributes have collected outside Pretoria’s MediClinic Heart Hospital.
Throughout Nelson Mandela’s stay in hospital, President Jacob Zuma has urged the country to pray for him and keep him in their thoughts.
