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Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock dumped by favorite suitor Brooks Forester

Lisa.Felice
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Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock dumped by favorite suitor Brooks Forester

This year’s Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock was left red faced and sobbing after her favorite suitor, and “the only one she loved” dumped her at the last hurdle.

After eliminating 22 muscle-bound hunks Desiree Hartsock was down to her final three – shy Drew Kenney, “slightly awkward” Chris Siegfried and her “true love” Brooks Forester.

With both Drew Kenney and Chris Siegfried fawning over “Des” like schoolboys, she was apparently “saving her heart” for the outdoor adventurer Brooks Forester.

“I can see my future with him,” Desiree Hartsock she said at the start of the popular ABC dating show – which is set in Antigua for its double episode finale.

“I love Brooks and I miss him every day that I’m not with him. If he got on one knee now and proposed to me I would definitely say yes,” she sighed hopefully.

But while Desiree Hartsock was waxing lyrical about the 28-year-old sales rep his size 11.5 feet were getting seriously chilly.

As the only Bachelor to not yet spout the L-Word Brooks Forester went to visit his mother, before Antigua, for some advice.

“The idea of me proposing to her at the end of this makes me really uncomfortable,” admitted the 6’4″ “conversation-lover” who has nine siblings from his Utah-based parents.

“Don’t propose if you have any doubt at all,” said his mother sagely.

Before taking his mother’s advice Brooks Forester conversed with the show’s host Chris Harrison.

“It’s emotional, it’s agonizing,” confessed the long-haired indie music fan, who according to Life & Style magazine, had cheated on a previous girlfriend with a 51-year-old woman.

When Chris Harrison asked if he would propose, the whole point of the TV show, Brooks Forester said: “I don’t feel it…and I don’t feel like I am going to feel it.”

Making his decision to finally dump the pretty bridal stylist Brooks Forester added: “It’s heavy. It’s really consumed my thoughts all week. No matter what I do there’s going to be tears and heartbreak and it’ll be my fault.”

“In spite of my best efforts I’m not in love with her, and you cannot force a thing like love.”

When he finally broke the news to Desiree Hartsock, a 27-year-old brunette who “loves hiking in the great outdoors”, she went to pieces.

“Why now, why now?” blubbered the Colorado born beauty, while rubbing her eyes.

Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock was left red faced and sobbing after her favorite suitor Brooks Forester dumped her at the last hurdle
Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock was left red faced and sobbing after her favorite suitor Brooks Forester dumped her at the last hurdle

Curling into a ball theatrically the L.A. resident continued to weep: “Why, why? Stop it. I don’t know what to say, I love you. You’re the only one. You are breaking my heart.”

Crying so much she was hardly audible Desiree Hartsock lamented that she has “never known what it’s like to have love reciprocated”.

Brooks Forester also made use of his eye plumbing: “I’m surprised at the love that she has for me. I wasn’t expecting that.”

After the “shocking” rejection Desiree Hartsock was left stumped: “I didn’t want to share my heart, I wanted to give it to you.”

“When I was on dates I wanted to be on dates with you,” added Desiree Hartsock, who paradoxically has been filmed having “the most amazing time” with numerous men over the course of the last few weeks.

After Brooks Forester abandoned ship Des was left all at sea.

“It throws everything off having Brooks gone,” she bawled.

“Honestly, for me it’s over… I just want to go home.”

While The Bachelorette usually ends in a highly-staged marriage proposal next week will offer a live finale which the host described as “a big dumpster fire”.

“It’s a disaster,” Chris Harrison said while co-hosting on Kris show- the daytime talk show Kris Jenner has been frantically promoting all summer.

Before the drama unfolded Desiree Hartsock appeared to be enjoying herself with both Drew Kenney and Chris Siegfried.

Drew Kenney and Des decided to “explore the island together” which included prolific kissing, shopping in a market, limbo dancing and more kissing.

“Drew looks so great,” giggled Desiree Hartsock.

“His abs, his eyes, his face, his body, he looks amazing,” she gushed.

The date ended with a romantic walk to a viewpoint where Drew Kenney, 27, descended into full-scale mush.

“Every time I see her I fall more and more in love with her. She’s the woman of my dreams,” he prattled amid close ups of his moist eyes.

“I would get on one knee right now,” Drew Kenney continued to harp, while describing Desiree Hartsock as his “soul mate”.

The pair spent much of their time smooching in various locations and weather conditions.

“I love kissing in the rain,” chimed Desiree Hartsock.

“I can feel the love that comes from his lips. I don’t want to leave those lips,” she added before they headed to “The Fantasy Suite” for some more action.

“I want to hold her in my arms, and wake up next to her and say good morning to her,” said Drew Kenney who has a mentally disabled sister.

“Drew makes me feel like I am a princess,” said Des, revisiting her fairytale analogy, well worn throughout the season.

Her date with “open, kind and romantic” Chris involved a helicopter ride – despite the fact he’s ‘a little scared of heights’.

“As long as Des is there I’ll be OK,” he sighed somewhat in what might be construed as a wimpy move.

“I have no doubt in my mind that she and I are sharing the same feelings of love together,” said the love struck mortgage broker before a beachside picnic.

“Chris is so hot and we really do have the physical attraction down,” said Desiree Hartsock, as they canoodled in the shallows in their bathing suits.

Keen to talk about “the future” Des got into some heavy chat with the Seattle resident over dinner. Chris Siegfried made it clear that he’s not willing to move to L.A. a stumbling block for Des who “doesn’t feel at home” anywhere except California.

“But I do make sacrifices when I’m in love,” she conceded before leading him into a cabana for some late night saccharine.

Inclined to write very questionable poetry Chris Siegfried, 27, had yet another cheesy verse for Des.

The somewhat nauseating piece began with yet another reference to “their journey together” and ended with the line: “I’m excited to spend our lives together, forever.”

They then retreated to the pool for some light petting and the rose petal-strewn Fantasy Suite to “spend the night together”.

But, after plenty of extreme close-ups of washboard abs and Desiree Hartsock’s bikini body, it looks like she’ll have to search elsewhere for love.

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Robin Williams stars in new sitcom The Crazy Ones

Sonia Pantiss
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Robin Williams stars in new sitcom The Crazy Ones

Actor Robin Williams is returning to TV screens for the first time since starring in the 1970s show Mork & Mindy with a new comedy, The Crazy Ones.

Robin Williams, 62, who rose to fame as the alien Mork in the hit series, will play an eccentric advertising agency boss in the sitcom.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s Sarah Michelle Gellar will play his daughter.

The show, from Ally McBeal creator David E. Kelley, is due to air in the US in September.

Robin Williams said he hopes audiences will be drawn to his character, Simon Roberts, and will enjoy watching how he relates to his daughter.

“You have to establish a character that people buy into,” he said.

Robin Williams stars in new sitcom The Crazy Ones with Sarah Michelle Gellar
Robin Williams stars in new sitcom The Crazy Ones with Sarah Michelle Gellar

“I think people will buy into not just my character but the relationship with everybody else. He has good ideas and bad ones.”

Robin Williams, who was known for his improvisation skills in Mork & Mindy, will be given the freedom to ad lib and be spontaneous in The Crazy Ones.

“He says my words perfectly. Then he uses his,” said David E. Kelley.

“He manages inside the box, then we give him a few takes where he gets to take out of it.”

The show is one of a number of new shows added to the autumn TV line-up in the US.

A new four-hour mini-series on NBC will see Diane Lane in the role of former first lady and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

NBC said the show, simply named Hillary, will track Hillary Clinton’s life and career from 1998 to the present.

The series will air ahead of the 2016 US presidential election.

Hillary Clinton has not said whether she will make another run for the Democratic nomination for president.

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Ireland Baldwin and Kim Basinger in make-up free mother-daughter selfie

Lisa.Felice
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Ireland Baldwin and Kim Basinger in make-up free mother-daughter selfie

Ireland Baldwin snagged an opportunity to take a photo of her mother Kim Basinger completely make-up free and apparently peacefully sleeping as she revealed in a cute Instagram snap on Monday.

Ireland Baldwin, 17, was also without make-up for the cute mother-daughter snap, and it was clear where she got her natural beauty from.

They appeared to be relaxing as they watched television in bed together.

Ireland Baldwin snagged an opportunity to take a photo of her mother Kim Basinger completely make-up free and apparently peacefully sleeping
Ireland Baldwin snagged an opportunity to take a photo of her mother Kim Basinger completely make-up free and apparently peacefully sleeping

Ireland Baldwin playfully pokes her tongue out at her mother as Kim Basinger has her eyes closed and a hairband keeping her hair off her completely clear face.

“She wasn’t as excited about Kids Jeopardy as I was…” Ireland Baldwin wrote alongside the photo.

Kim Basinger, now 59, started her career as a fashion model and has graced magazine covers worldwide, usually clad head-to-toe in spectacular ensembles and, of course, made up.

So it was a rare opportunity to see the actress in her natural state and refreshing to see just how beautiful she really is.

Ireland Baldwin, who is now taking the plunge into a modeling career, cannot get enough of social media and is known to use Instagram and Twitter frequently to communicate to the world, particularly to express how much she adores her boyfriend Slater Trout.

Jonathan Cheban describes baby North West

Lisa.Felice
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Jonathan Cheban describes baby North West

Jonathan Cheban has been one of the few people to be by Kim Kardashian’s side since the birth of baby North West.

Jonathan Cheban has revealed what’s in been like hanging out with Kim Kardashian and her six-week-old daughter, which he has described as looking “delicious”.

Speaking at the QVC Super Saturday event in the Hamptons, Jonathan Cheban gushed to Extra about baby North West, saying: “She’s gorgeous, she’s amazing.”

He also revealed that Kim Kardashian has taken to motherhood like a duck to water, saying: “Every time I’m on the phone with her, she’s with the baby. She’s always feeding her or playing with her… she really took it and ran with it.”

Jonathan Cheban added: “She’s a great, great mom.”

Talking about losing her baby weight, Jonathan Cheban said: “Knowing Kim, I’m sure she looks 80% at this point, she’s pretty much perfect.”

Speaking at the QVC Super Saturday event in the Hamptons, Jonathan Cheban gushed to Extra about baby North West
Speaking at the QVC Super Saturday event in the Hamptons, Jonathan Cheban gushed to Extra about baby North West

When asked if the baby looks more like Kim Kardashian or Kanye West, Jonathan Cheban replied: “It’s a split. She’s delicious, that’s all I can say.”

Although he admitted that he will babysit for Kim Kardashian, Jonathan Cheban point blank refused to change any diapers.

He also said that the proud parents are “obsessed” with their “kid” North, and remarked how the unusual name was better than naming it “something like a Jen or a Lisa”.

As well as getting visits from her BFF Jonathan Cheban, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are also said to have been visited by Jay-Z recently.

Jay-Z, 43, was spotted eating at ultra trendy gourmet restaurant Gjelina in Venice Beach, California, on Sunday after he was said to have paid a visit to Kanye West and baby North.

Earlier this month it was revealed that Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce splurged on nearly $8,000 worth in gifts on the newborn child.

The famous couple were also among some of the first non-family members to catch a glimpse of North, due to Jay-Z’s long-time friendship with Kanye West.

Among the gifts Jay-Z and Beyonce gave to the then two-week-old North West were personalized Christian Dior baby booties and a three-piece sterling silver Elsa Peretti Padova baby set with the tot’s name on, according to reports.

A source said: “Kanye is one of Jay-Z’s closest friends so he wanted to get the best gift. They’ve had a girl themselves, so they know the right type of present.”

Meanwhile it has been reported that Kim Kardashian is getting ready to step back into the limelight for the first time since giving birth, in less than two weeks.

Kim Kardashian is apparently keen to attend her sister Kylie Jenner’s Sweet 16 party on August 17.

But in order to avoid overshadowing the teen Kim Kardashian is plotting on making her public debut a few days prior, according to new reports.

Kim Kardashian is said to be discussing making a carefully choreographed appearance on her mother Kris Jenner’s new chatshow.

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Japan reports weaker-than-expected economic data

Clyde K. Valle
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Japan reports weaker-than-expected economic data

Japan has reported weaker-than-expected economic data, underlining the challenges the government faces as it tries to revive the country’s economy.

Industrial output fell 3.3% in June, from the previous month. Compared with the same month a year ago it fell 4.8%.

Meanwhile, household spending declined 0.4% from a year earlier. Analysts had expected growth of 1.0%.

Japan has been trying to boost domestic consumption in an attempt to revive its stagnant economy.

Analysts said that while the data was weak and highlighted the challenges faced by the government, it was not a cause for immediate concern.

“This is a minor blip, the overall trend is that of a recovery in Japan’s economy,” said Masaaki Kanno, Japan chief economist with JP Morgan Securities.

Japan has reported weaker-than-expected economic data, underlining the challenges the government faces as it tries to revive the country's economy
Japan has reported weaker-than-expected economic data, underlining the challenges the government faces as it tries to revive the country’s economy

PM Shinzo Abe’s government has unveiled a series of aggressive measures to boost domestic demand, which has been hurt in part by years of falling prices or deflation.

While falling consumer prices may sound good, they tend to hurt the economy as consumers and businesses put off big purchases in the hope of getting a better deal later on.

Policymakers and analysts have said that ending the deflationary cycle is the key to reviving Japan’s economy.

Earlier this year, the central bank doubled its inflation target to 2% in an attempt to boost consumer prices and spending.

There have been some indications that the steps are having an impact as data released last week showed that consumer prices rose in June, for the first time in more than a year.

The decline in Japan’s factory output was also bigger than forecast.

However, analysts said that the fall was likely to be temporary and predicted that production would jump in the coming months,

“Although June data for factory output was weak, manufacturers’ forecasts for July are strong,” said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute.

“I think there is no change in the trend that production is expected to stay on a steady recovery as June trade data was good, benefits from the yen’s weakness are appearing and domestic demand is solid.”

According to a survey conducted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), manufacturers expect production to rise by 6.5% in July.

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Anthony Weiner in fourth place for NYC mayor after recent texting scandal

Diane A. Wade
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Anthony Weiner in fourth place for NYC mayor after recent texting scandal

According to a poll released Monday afternoon by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, Anthony Weiner is coming up short in his run for New York City mayor.

Just 16% of likely Democratic primary voters now say they support him, a number that shrank from 26% less than a week ago.

Anthony Weiner, who once led the pack, is now in a disappointing fourth place.

And a majority of those same voters said Anthony Weiner should withdraw from the race entirely, by a 53-40 margin.

Anthony Weiner falls to fourth place in New York City mayoral poll after texting scandal
Anthony Weiner falls to fourth place in New York City mayoral poll after texting scandal

Black voters were the only demographic group that seems to be hanging on to their support for the embattled former congressman, whose latest round of texting accusations have brought journalists past the blushing point and brought his long-suffering wife out of the shadows to defend him.

Black voters also say Anthony Weiner should stay in the race, by a 53-42 margin. White voters say he should go, by a larger 64-25 split.

Anthony Weiner’s downfall has created opportunities for his rivals, including City Council Speaker Christine Quinn who now leads the Democratic pack with 27% support. Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Comptroller William Thompson are in a dead heat for second place, polling 21 and 20%, respectively.

If Anthony Weiner should drop out of the race, the remaining contenders would stay in the same positions. Christine Quinn would jump to 30% and Bill de Blasio and William Thompson would each hover at 25%.

Anthony Weiner spokeswoman Barbara Morgan did not respond to a request for comment about her candidate’s determination to remain in the hunt. The Democratic primary is September 10.

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Explosions at Blue Rhino propane plant in Florida

Nancy Clayson
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Explosions at Blue Rhino propane plant in Florida

At least seven people were injured by a series of explosions at Blue Rhino propane plant in Florida, officials say.

The blasts at the Blue Rhino propane plant, in the town of Tavares, began at about 23:00, blowing the roof off.

The explosions continued for about an hour and caused a large fire. The cause of the initial blast is not yet known.

Fifteen workers were found safe after initially being unaccounted for, while two others managed to escape unhurt.

At least seven people were injured by a series of explosions at Blue Rhino propane plant in Tavares
At least seven people were injured by a series of explosions at Blue Rhino propane plant in Tavares

A spokesman for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, John Harrell, said the missing workers had merely “scattered” when the explosions began and had since been contacted by their managers and emergency crews.

People living within 0.5 miles of the plant have been evacuated, although John Harrell said emergency crews believed the fire had been contained and that there was no immediate danger to them.

Officials are investigating the blasts. There were an estimated 53,000 tanks at the plant at the time.

Former plant supervisor Don Ingram told WESH-TV that Blue Rhino took in propane tanks used for home barbecues, cleaned them, checked their valves and then refilled them.

About 4,000 to 5,000 tanks were refilled each night and were stacked on plastic pallets four or five high behind the filling station, Don Ingram added.

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Switzerland: Two trains collision hurts at least 40 people in Granges-pres-Marnand

Diane A. Wade
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Switzerland: Two trains collision hurts at least 40 people in Granges-pres-Marnand

Two trains have collided in western Switzerland injuring at least 40 people have been injured, five of them seriously.

The crash happened in Granges-pres-Marnand in Vaud canton, about 30 miles south-west of the capital, Bern.

Reports say the regional trains collided head-on in the early evening.

Two trains have collided in western Switzerland injuring at least 40 people have been injured
Two trains have collided in western Switzerland injuring at least 40 people have been injured

The driver of one of the trains was still unaccounted for and thought to be inside the wreckage, police spokesman Jean-Christophe Sauterel said.

“These are regional trains. The speeds are a little lower and even if one deeply regrets the likely loss of life of one person as well as five serious injuries, the situation could have been much more catastrophic,” he said.

Jean-Christophe Sauterel said it was too early to determine the cause of the crash.

One of the injured was taken by helicopter to Lausanne. Others were treated at the scene by paramedics or taken to hospital by ambulance.

Earlier this month, 79 people were killed in a high-speed derailment in north-western Spain.

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Alzheimer’s blood test developed?

Kathryn R. Bown
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Alzheimer’s blood test developed?

Researchers say they are closer to developing a blood test that could diagnose Alzheimer’s.

There is no definitive test for the brain-wasting disease. Doctors rely on cognition tests and brain scans.

A technique published in the journal Genome Biology showed differences in the tiny fragments of genetic material floating in the blood could be used to identify patients.

The test was accurate 93% of the time in trials on 202 people.

One of the main goals of Alzheimer’s research is to find ways of detecting the disease earlier.

Researchers say they are closer to developing a blood test that could diagnose Alzheimer's
Researchers say they are closer to developing a blood test that could diagnose Alzheimer’s

It starts years before symptoms appear and it is thought that future treatments will need to be given before large parts of the brain are destroyed. This will require new ways of testing for the condition.

The team at the Saarland University, in Germany, analyzed 140 microRNAs (fragments of genetic code) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and in healthy people.

They found 12 microRNAs in the blood which were present in markedly different levels in people with Alzheimer’s. These became the basis of their test.

Early trials showed it was successful and was “able to distinguish with high diagnostic accuracies between Alzheimer’s disease patients and healthy” people.

However, more research to improve accuracy and to see whether it would work in the clinic is still needed before the test would be considered as a way of diagnosing patients.

Kim Kardashian plans her first public post-baby appearance ahead of Kylie Jenner’s Sweet 16 party

Lisa.Felice
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Kim Kardashian plans her first public post-baby appearance ahead of Kylie Jenner’s Sweet 16 party

After nearly a month in seclusion, Kim Kardashian is plotting her first post-baby appearance.

Kim Kardashian, 32, is apparently keen to attend her sister Kylie Jenner’s Sweet 16 party on August 17.

But in order to avoid overshadowing the teen Kim Kardashian is plotting on making her public debut a few days prior, according to new reports.

Kim Kardashian is said to be discussing making a carefully choreographed appearance on her mother Kris Jenner’s new chatshow Kris!

This would have the double advantage of pushing up ratings for Kris Jenner’s show, while giving the family complete editorial control.

Kim Kardashian is apparently keen to attend her sister Kylie Jenner's Sweet 16 party on August 17
Kim Kardashian is apparently keen to attend her sister Kylie Jenner’s Sweet 16 party on August 17

“Believe it or not, it’s not all about Kim,” a source told the New York Daily News.

“She really wants to go to Kylie’s party, and when it comes to the family, Kris wants everyone there. Kim is just working with Kris to figure out the best plan of action.”

So far Kim Kardashian’s sisters have tweeted vociferously to encourage fans to watch the family matriach’s show, while Khloe has even co-hosted an episode.

Kim Kardashian’s first appearance would be a guaranteed winner for Kris Jenner, who as Kim’s momager surely has every hope of securing the sought after guest.

But fans hoping for a peek at the newborn North West will be disappointed.

“Kris won’t ask anything that Kim can’t make money off of in the future,” the source said.

“They’ll keep it light and just talk diet and exercise. No baby photo will be shown.”

Christian Benitez dies in Qatar at the age of 27

Clyde K. Valle
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Christian Benitez dies in Qatar at the age of 27

International footballer Christian Benitez has died in Qatar at the age of 27.

The Ecuador international striker was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains shortly after making his debut for Qatari side El Jaish on Sunday.

Christian Benitez’s heart failed hours later, the Ecuador Football Federation said.

The footballer capped 58 times by his country and spent the 2009-2010 season on loan at Blues from Santos Laguna but returned to the Mexican side when they decided not to sign him permanently.

Christian Benitez, also known as “Chucho”, had been playing in El Jaish’s 2-0 win against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup.

His new club, who signed Christian Benitez on July 6, confirmed the news a few hours later.

Christian Benitez was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains shortly after making his debut for Qatari side El Jaish
Christian Benitez was admitted to hospital with severe stomach pains shortly after making his debut for Qatari side El Jaish

Their statement said: “The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the player.

“Benitez had recently joined the club from Club America for three seasons. The player participated for the first time with the team during yesterday’s match against Qatar Sports Club in the Sheikh Jassem Cup without complaining of any health problems.

“His sudden departure is a big shock for each member of the technical and administrative staff. He was a player that over the short period he was here was regarded for his high moral character.”

Christian Benitez’s former Birmingham team-mate Craig Gardner, now at Sunderland, tweeted: “Cannot believe Christian Benitez has died.

“I had the pleasure to play with him. He was a top bloke. My thoughts go out to his family.”

Christian Benitez scored four goals in 36 appearances during his time in England and came to prominence during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The son of Ermen Benitez, one of Ecuador’s all-time leading goalscorers, Christian Benitez left Santos Laguna for Club America, another Mexican side, in 2011.

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Fifty Shades of Grey lingerie collection launched by BlueBella

Lisa.Felice
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Fifty Shades of Grey lingerie collection launched by BlueBella

British lingerie company BlueBella teamed up with writer E L James to create the official Fifty Shades of Grey lingerie collection taking inspiration from her bestselling novels.

Gift sets feature some of the book’s most memorable catchphrases embroidered into the fabric such as “laters baby” and “You. Are. Mine”.

There’s also baby doll sets, detailed lace button-up briefs and bra and knicker sets with detachable silk satin ties.

The Fifty Shades of Grey collection will be debuted at the Moda Lingerie & Swimwear Show at the NEC Birmingham in August and will then go on sale with items ranging in price from £12 ($19) to £40 ($63).

BlueBella teamed up with writer E L James to create the official Fifty Shades of Grey lingerie collection
BlueBella teamed up with writer E L James to create the official Fifty Shades of Grey lingerie collection

Emily Bendell, chief executive and founder of BlueBella, said: “The <<Fifty Shades effect>> has benefited our business and the books have played a significant role in shifting perceptions of female sensuality.

“This is core to our vision too, so we feel this is a perfect partnership.”

BlueBella have launched the first collection this summer in the hope it will become a must-have stocking filler at Christmas.

A second collection will hit the shops next summer to coincide with the launch of the anticipated film adaptation.

BlueBella was founded in 2005 by Oxford graduate Emily Bendell, with a mission to inspire female confidence.

Emily Bendell wanted to create seductive fashion lingerie and sensual products, designed by women, for women.

Fashion Star: Jessica Simpson’s reality show canceled following dismal ratings

Lisa.Felice
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Fashion Star: Jessica Simpson’s reality show canceled following dismal ratings

Jessica Simpson’s fashion reality show was cancelled after dismal ratings for Fashion Star led NBC to pull the plug on the show after just two series.

Jessica Simpson, 33, who has her own fashion line, was one of the mentors on the show along with Nicole Richie.

The series had initially launched with former supermodel Elle McPherson as the presenter and was seen as a direct competitor to the hugely successful Project Runway.

Contestants were asked to come up with new designs, with the celebrities acting as mentors.

After just one season Elle McPherson was replaced by Louise Roe but the reality show continued to struggle in the ratings.

On average, the show rated 0.7 in the advertiser-coveted Adults 18-49 demographic and 2.76 million total viewers.

Dismal ratings for Fashion Star led NBC to pull the plug on the show after just two series
Dismal ratings for Fashion Star led NBC to pull the plug on the show after just two series

After the poor showing in season one NBC replaced H&M, who sold the show’s designs, with Express.

But as viewing figures plummeted the show was moved from Tuesday night the graveyard slot of Friday night.

NBC chief Bob Greenblatt confirmed at the Television Critics Association Press Tour that the show was cancelled.

While Jessica Simpson’s reality show career might be over her clothing line goes from strength to strength.

The Jessica Simpson Collection, which produces shoes, handbags, coats and clothing took in $750 million in retail sales last year.

Its success has meant Jessica Simpson is now worth over $100 million.

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Gwyneth Paltrow secrets to maintaining a lean body

Kathryn R. Bown
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Gwyneth Paltrow secrets to maintaining a lean body

Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed her secrets to looking so great and maintaining her lean figure.

Writing for The Telegraph, Gwyneth Paltrow said that the key to staying in shape is a consistent exercise regime, regular detoxes and the occasional weekend treat.

Gwyneth Paltrow, 40, is an avid fan of Tracy Anderson – author and multi-platform wellness entrepreneur whose clients also include Madonna and Shakira.

Tracy Anderson and Gwyneth Paltrow are now business partners. Together they’ve produced four exercise DVDs and a book, Tracy Anderson’s 30-Day Method.

Gwyneth Paltrow also reveals that working with Tracy Anderson has completely changed her body.

The actress said: “Still, when I first started working with Tracy, finding motivation was hard. She advised me to think of exercise as an automatic routine, no different from brushing your teeth, to avoid getting distracted. Now it is part of my life.”

Gwyneth Paltrow explains how important routine is and that she exercises Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. and always sticks with it.

She advises people to create muscle tone and boost their metabolism by moving more and says we sit around for too much of the day.

Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed her secrets to looking so great and maintaining her lean figure
Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed her secrets to looking so great and maintaining her lean figure

In terms of her diet, Gwyneth Paltrow – who famously follows a super healthy macrobiotic diet – says that scheduling in a detox is very important.

After a gruelling schedule and lapse of overindulgence two years ago, Gwyneth Paltrow was left feeling fatigued and faint and a trip to the doctor later revealed that she was anaemic, vitamin D deficient, and that her stress levels were sky high.

Her doctor prescribed an elimination diet banning coffee, alcohol, sugar, eggs, wheat, meat and processed food to clear out her system and help her body heal – and she thinks everyone else should get on board.

Gwyneth Paltrow did, however, warn of the dangers: “I’ve done juice cleanses in the past, and in my twenties I did the Master Cleanse, which left me hallucinating after 10 days.

“Be aware: a juice detox can crash your metabolism and lead to future weight gain.”

To avoid getting distracted from your healthy eating plan, she says you should always keep healthy snacks nearby.

Gwyneth Paltrow loves healthy salad dressings (her favorite being her homemade Mexican green goddess dressing – goat’s yogurt, jalapeño, coriander and honey), which she stores in the fridge for the rest of the week and then drizzles over salads and chicken.

When it comes to monitoring weight, Gwyneth Paltrow believes it’s more important to measure in inches with a measuring tape because weighing yourself can lead to shame and guilt.

Although she maintains that following a healthy, balanced diet is key, Gwyneth Paltrow admits you should always allow yourself programmed treats.

“I often have a glass of red wine in the evening and smoke a cigarette on a Saturday. I love those moments because they are just the right amount of naughty.

“That balance keeps you vibrant. You have to live your life, after all.”

Syrian army retakes key rebel stronghold Khalidiya

Roy Siemens
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0
Syrian army retakes key rebel stronghold Khalidiya

Syrian army has fully captured Khalidiya district that was a key rebel stronghold in the central city of Homs, state media report.

The Sana news agency said the military had “restored security and stability to the neighborhood of Khalidiya”.

Activists reported clashes in Khalidiya on Monday morning, but said that most of the area was under army control.

The announcement comes a month after troops launched an offensive to oust rebels from Syria’s third largest city.

Homs has been one of the focuses of a two-year nationwide uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, in which the UN says more than 100,000 people have died.

Correspondents say the capture of Khalidiya would add further impetus to the counter-offensive by government troops and their allies, which saw the nearby town of Qusair fall in June.

On Monday, an unnamed army officer told Syrian state television: “Today, we can report having complete control of the area of Khalidiya.”

Syrian army has fully captured Khalidiya district that was a key rebel stronghold in the central city of Homs,
Syrian army has fully captured Khalidiya district that was a key rebel stronghold in the central city of Homs,

“That was a victory of all our fighters and the whole Syrian Army and especially our dear leader, Bashar al-Assad. And God willing, we will get rid of the terrorists in the entire country and the future will be free of killings and under the control of the army.”

However, UK-based activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights cast doubt on the claim.

While the group acknowledged that government forces were in control of most of Khalidiya, it said fighting was continuing on Monday.

“Clashes took place between rebels and regime forces, supported by Hezbollah and National Defence Forces, in the southern parts of the Khalidiya neighborhood,” it said.

“Regime forces are bombarding parts, and military reinforcements are arriving as advancing regime forces try to establish full control.”

Opposition activists told the AFP news agency that about 90% of Khalidiya was now controlled by the army. One told the Associated Press that the battle for the district was “almost over”.

On Sunday, the Arabic TV station al-Mayadeen, which is seen as close to the Syrian government, broadcast what it said was footage of Khalidiya, showing heavily damaged buildings and piles of rubble.

It also showed pictures of the interior of the historic Khaled bin Walid mosque, a focal point for anti-government protesters. Troops reportedly seized it on Saturday, days after activists accused them of firing shells at the tomb of Khaled bin Walid, a revered figure in Islam.

Only the Old City of Homs and a few other districts are still held by the opposition. On Monday, government jets bombed the Bab Hud district of the Old City, just south of Khalidiya, according to the Syrian Observatory.

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Sound of Music costumes sell for $1.3 million at Hollywood memorabilia auction in California

Sonia Pantiss
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Sound of Music costumes sell for $1.3 million at Hollywood memorabilia auction in California

The Sound of Music costumes have sold for $1.3 million at a Hollywood memorabilia auction in California.

The outfits included the main costume worn by lead character Maria, played by Julie Andrews.

The costume was described by auction house Profiles in History as “a heavy brown homespun Austrian-style dress with a wheat-colored homespun blouse.”

Floral lederhosen worn by the Von Trapp children also went under the hammer.

The Sound of Music costumes have sold for $1.3 million at a Hollywood memorabilia auction in California
The Sound of Music costumes have sold for $1.3 million at a Hollywood memorabilia auction in California

The Sound of Music, a story of a singing Austrian family trying to escape the Nazis prior to World War II, won five Oscars in 1966.

Julie Andrews told Oprah Winfrey in a 2010 interview that the cast had no idea the film would be so successful when it was first released.

“It made my career. It was that big of a movie,” Julie Andrews said.

Other auctioned items included a painting of Tara from Gone With The Wind, used in the film’s opening sequence. It fetched $270,000.

A diving helmet from 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea sold for $75,000.

And a costume worn by James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano in his final scene of the final episode of The Sopranos, sold for $22,000.

The costume was placed in the auction before James Gandolfini died of a heart attack last month at the age of 51.

JFK: The Smoking Gun. New documentary alleges Secret Service agent was second shooter in JFK’s assassination

James J. Williams
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1
JFK: The Smoking Gun. New documentary alleges Secret Service agent was second shooter in JFK’s assassination

The official account of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination has pointed to evidence many conspiracy theorists believe shows that he was shot twice, from different directions.

New documentary JFK: The Smoking Gun has come up with a new twist on the conspiracy theory, claiming that a Secret Service agent was the man who fired that shot by accident.

JFK: The Smoking Gun claims that George Hickey, a Secret Service man riding in the car behind JFK, accidentally fired his weapon on November 22, 1963.

It alleges that a cover-up was then carried out to save the blushes of the agency whose main role is to protect serving and former U.S. leaders – leaving the many loose ends that have long raised suspicions.

It is said that as much as 75% of the American public do not believe the official account of JFK’s assassination.

The new documentary is based on the work of Colin McLaren, a veteran Australian police detective, who has undertaken a four-year investigation into the killing.

Colin McLaren’s theories are based on the work of Howard Donahue, who himself has spent two decades probing the assassination and had his findings documented in Bonar Menninger’s book Mortal Error: The Shot That Killed JFK. Bonar Menninger and Colin McLaren spoke yesterday about the film at the Television Critics Association press tour in Los Angeles, California.

Central to their case is the claim that Agent George Hickey and his Secret Service colleagues had been out partying the night before Kennedy’s motorcade drove through Dallas.

New documentary claims that Secret Service Agent George Hickey riding in the car behind JFK, accidentally fired his weapon on November 22, 1963
New documentary claims that Secret Service Agent George Hickey riding in the car behind JFK, accidentally fired his weapon on November 22, 1963

To compound the problems the hungover agent faced, Colin McLaren says he has found evidence that George Hickey had not been properly trained to use the AR-15 gun he was carrying that morning.

“It was his first time in the follow car, his first time holding the assault weapon he was using,” the Huffington Post reported Colin McLaren as saying.

The theory is that as the assassin opened fire, George Hickey grabbed his own gun. But when the whole motorcade shunted to a halt, the agent was jolted by the sudden stop and accidentally pulled the trigger – firing a bullet straight at the back of JFK’s head.

Colin McLaren said he believes George Hickey’s AR-15 was loaded with different from the ammunition used by Lee Harvey Oswald, who the Warren Commission declared in 1964 to be the lone gunman in the assassination. That, he claims, explains what they believe are the different ballistic profiles of the two bullets that struck Kennedy.

Lee Harvey Oswald was himself assassinated before he could stand trial over the killing.

Bonar Menninger insisted that they do not believe that George Hickey intentionally fired at JFK. Rather, the Huffington Post reported him as saying: “This was a tragic accident in the heat of the moment.”

Both of them do allege that the government moved swiftly, with the help of JFK’s brother Robert Kennedy, to cover up the Secret Service’s involvement and save the agency from embarrassment.

JFK: The Smoking Gun will be broadcast on the Reelz Channel on November 3. A spokesman for the network said: “What makes McLaren’s investigation different than those that came before it is the fact that he had all the evidence, facts and eyewitness testimony from fifty years ago as well as modern forensic technology.

“McLaren’s findings are a far cry from the fanciful conspiracy theories that usually surround this assassination.

“His case is methodically constructed from simple logic and available evidence using time-tested investigative techniques to solve the crime; including key archival photographic evidence, medical reports and bullet science.”

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Lewis Hamilton dedicates Hungarian Grand Prix win to Nicole Scherzinger

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Lewis Hamilton dedicates Hungarian Grand Prix win to Nicole Scherzinger

Lewis Hamilton has won back the Hungarian Grand Prix title on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton, 28, dedicated the trophy to his ex-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger, as he continues to show signs that he wants her back.

During a Sky Sports interview, Lewis Hamilton made his emotional tribute: “I feel like, the thought on my mind through the entire race was of someone really special to me. And I want to dedicate it to her.”

Asked by the interviewer if that person was Nicole Scherzinger, 34, he smiled and confirmed her question.

Lewis Hamilton then opened up about how trying it has been since they announced their split at the beginning of July.

Lewis Hamilton dedicated Hungarian Grand Prix win to Nicole Scherzinger
Lewis Hamilton dedicated Hungarian Grand Prix win to Nicole Scherzinger

“It’s been the toughest couple of months in my life,” Lewis Hamilton confessed.

“So coming in to the race they [his parents] really wanted to lift my spirits keep my focus on and clearly it’s not affecting my driving.

“But it just doesn’t feel the same. A couple of years ago we were here together and I won, so I have great memories.”

However, Lewis Hamilton has had his parents rallying round to keep his spirits up, and help get him race ready for new team Mercedes.

“I’ve been on the phone to my mum this weekend who’s been incredibly supportive,” Lewis Hamilton said following his win.

“My dad’s been calling me, I’ve been talking to my dad a lot the last week and he’s been really supportive and just really trying to keep my spirits.

“And to come here after a real downer for the last few weeks, I really wasn’t expecting [the win].”

This isn’t the first attempt to public reach out to Nicole Scherzinger by Lewis Hamilton, as he wrote on Twitter last week: “If you’ve found that special someone, don’t EVER let them go no matter what!! Nothing in this world is more important.”

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Hugo Chavez’s birthday celebrated in Venezuela

Diane A. Wade
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Hugo Chavez’s birthday celebrated in Venezuela

Venezuela is holding a week-long festivities honoring late Hugo Chavez’s birthday, almost five months since his death on March 5.

Hugo Chavez, who dominated Venezuela’s political scene from the moment he took office in 1999 to his death on March 5, would have turned 59 on Sunday.

President Nicolas Maduro is marking the occasion with public dances and concerts. He even plans to go house-to-house in some neighborhoods bearing gifts and a message from the “supreme comandante.”

Hugo Chavez’s legacy however has divided the country, with about half the population blaming him or Nicolas Maduro for the country’s miserable economy and sky-high crime rate.

Ground zero for the Chavez worship is the Cuartel de la Montana, an old fort on a Caracas hillside deep within a working-class pro-government neighborhood. Over the years it has housed a military academy, government offices, and a military museum.

Today it is also a mausoleum for the late leader, who died after a long battle with cancer that captivated the nation’s attention for months.

Venezuela is holding a week-long festivities honoring late Hugo Chavez's birthday
Venezuela is holding a week-long festivities honoring late Hugo Chavez’s birthday

Hugo Chavez’s marble sarcophagus is protected by an honor guard, and every day at 4:25 p.m. a cannon is fired to mark the moment he died.

Nicolas Maduro was at the Cuartel on Sunday, and surrounded by the most senior government and military officials he celebrated Hugo Chavez’s birthday by vowing to continue the late leader’s policies.

The self-declared “first Chavista president”, 50 year-old former bus driver Nicolas Maduro promised to battle crime and corruption, and urged Venezuelans to have faith in the government’s policies.

“There are two models: that of the stateless bourgeoisie and the Chavista and Bolivarian, but only one path – that which Chavez left us,” Nicolas Maduro concluded, amid a burst of fireworks and as musicians began to play Happy Birthday.

Just outside the Cuartel, at the crest of a hill of tightly-packed dwellings adorned with murals of Hugo Chavez, stands a small chapel with painted wood walls and tin roof that overflows with flowers and candles.

At the altar a poster of the “eternal comandante” is placed under a cross and next to a clay bust of the late leader.

Many Venezuelans are still adapting to the post-Chavez world, but as time goes by the shock of his death is giving way to the struggles of everyday life.

Many loyalists, or Chavistas, acknowledge that things are tough and support Nicolas Maduro – but others grumble that Maduro isn’t up to the task.

Critics say Hugo Chavez’s 14 years in power were a disaster, and point to Venezuela’s 25% inflation rate, the erratic availability of goods, and a hair-raising crime rate that resulted in 16,000 murders in 2012.

Henrique Capriles has been careful to avoid offending Hugo Chavez in public and has asked the government to let the late president “rest in peace”. But he has let loose on Nicolas Maduro, accusing him of using the image of his charismatic predecessor to “cover up the problems” of Venezuela – which he claims have worsened since Maduro took office.

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Boeing in worldwide aircraft inspection

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Boeing in worldwide aircraft inspection

Boeing has requested airlines from worldwide to carry out inspections of a transmitter used to locate aircraft after a crash.

A UK regulator had recommended the inspection after a fire broke out on a 787 Dreamliner jet parked at Heathrow airport earlier this month.

It was traced to the upper rear part of the plane where the part – Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) – is fitted.

Boeing said it had asked operators of 717, Next-Generation 737, 747-400, 767 and 777 airplanes to inspect aircraft.

“We’re taking this action following the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch [AAIB] Special Bulletin, which recommended that airplane models with fixed Honeywell ELTs be inspected,” Randy Tinseth, vice president marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a blog post.

“The purpose of these inspections is to gather data to support potential rulemaking by regulators.”

Boeing has requested airlines from worldwide to carry out inspections of a transmitter used to locate aircraft after a crash
Boeing has requested airlines from worldwide to carry out inspections of a transmitter used to locate aircraft after a crash

As a result of the fire on the parked Ethiopian Airlines plane, London’s Heathrow airport was closed for 90 minutes.

After the fire, the regulator had asked all Boeing 787s switch off an electrical component until further notice and suggested a safety review of similar components in other aircraft.

In a statement, the AAIB had said that the component needed more “airworthiness action”.

It had said that “it was not clear whether the combustion in the area of the ELT was initiated by a release of energy within the batteries or by an external mechanism such as an electrical short”.

It added that as the ceiling space where the ELT is located does “not typically carry the means of fire detection… had this event occurred in flight it could pose a significant safety concern and raise challenges for the cabin crew in tackling the resulting fire”.

Honeywell International, the company that makes the emergency transmitters, had said that it backed the proposal to switch them off while investigations continued, but added that it was “premature to jump to conclusions”.

Last week, two airlines disclosed issues with the wiring on their Boeing 787’s emergency transmitters,

Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA), the world’s biggest operator of Dreamliners, said last week it found damage to the battery wiring on two 787 locator transmitters during checks.

United Airlines said that it found a pinched wire during an inspection of one of its six 787s.

Dannielynn Birkhead matches her father at The Smurfs 2 premiere

Lisa.Felice
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0
Dannielynn Birkhead matches her father at The Smurfs 2 premiere

Dannielynn Birkhead played up the chance to throw on her best new dress as she and her father Larry attended the premiere for The Smurfs 2 in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Dannielynn Birkhead, 6, dolled herself up for the film in a grey chevron frock with blue and yellow accents, complete with a picture of her favorite smurfette on the centre.

And always eager to play a part in his daughter’s well being was father Larry Birkhead, who dressed to match in a grey, yellow and blue T-shirt and jeans.

Larry Birkhead was granted custody of the youngster after her mother Anna Nicole Smith passed away from a drug overdose in 2007.

Dannielynn Birkhead is reportedly set to inherit her mother’s fortune, which got a $49 million boost as part of oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall’s estate.

Dannielynn Birkhead and her father Larry attended the premiere for The Smurfs 2 in Los Angeles
Dannielynn Birkhead and her father Larry attended the premiere for The Smurfs 2 in Los Angeles

Anna Nicole Smith and J. Howard Marshall were married in 1994 when she was just 26, and he was 89.

J. Howard Marshall died a year later.

Meanwhile, Dannielynn Birkhead is growing up to be the spitting image of her mother, who was aged just 39 when she was found dead in a Florida hotel room.

Her father Larry Birkhead, who was forced to establish paternity in a suit against Anna Nicole Smith’s then partner and lawyer Howard K. Stern, seems to have done an excellent job raising his daughter by himself.

“I see her mom in everything she does,” Larry Birkhead told UsWeekly.

Dannielynn Birkhead recently appeared in an advertising campaign for Guess Kids.

John Williams to score Star Wars: Episode VII

Sonia Pantiss
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0
John Williams to score Star Wars: Episode VII

John Williams returns to score Star Wars: Episode VII, it has been announced.

Oscar-winner John Williams, who has composed all six films in the Sci-Fi saga, said he was “happy to be continuing to be part of the whole fun” of the franchise.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the news at a Star Wars fan event in Germany.

In an interview with StarWars.com, John Williams hinted he would likely use some of the music from previous films.

John Williams returns to score Star Wars: Episode VII
John Williams returns to score Star Wars: Episode VII

“I haven’t seen the script, so the story is still unknown to me, but I can’t image there will not be some references to the existing stories that would make appropriate use of some of the earlier themes,” he said.

The composer has won five Oscars over his 60-year career for his famous film scores including Jaws, E.T The Extra-Terrestrial and the first Star Wars film.

John Williams has also been nominated for more than 40 other Academy Awards for his work on movies including Superman, the Indiana Jones films, Saving Private Ryan and most recently, Lincoln.

In April, Episode VII director JJ Abrams indicated he wanted John Williams to score his film, but said it was “early days”.

In his latest interview, John Williams praised the director saying he was “perfectly chosen to continue George Lucas’s great odyssey”.

Star Wars: Episode VII is scheduled to be released in 2015.

Bar Rafaeli goes make-up free revealing heavy bags under her eyes

Lisa.Felice
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0
Bar Rafaeli goes make-up free revealing heavy bags under her eyes

Bar Rafaeli went make-up free as she strolled around Manhattan on Sunday, revealing some heavy bags under her eyes.

For the casual outing, Bar Rafaeli, 28, wore a sleeveless embroidered beige top and ripped skinny jeans.

She had been in Spain just days before where she had been tweeting photos of herself wearing an assortment of bathing suits and partying with friends.

Bar Rafaeli is currently filming Israel's X-Factor
Bar Rafaeli is currently filming Israel’s X-Factor

Meanwhile, according to news reports, Bar Rafaeli’s boyfriend and business partner David Balsar’s e-commerce lingerie venture Under.me had to lay off most of its employees last week after sales failed to take off.

The company was started 18 months ago.

David Balsar acknowledged the problems the online underwear company was encountering, but denied that the company was about to be closed.

“We’re cutting costs in order to keep the business very lean and profitable. We have one and a half people doing everything. The responsibility at the moment is to be a profitable business, even if that means slashing manpower,” he said in an interview in Jewish Business News.

Meanwhile, Bar Rafaeli has got her hand in several other ventures, besides her top modeling contracts.

Bar Rafaeli is also filming Israel’s X-Factor and reportedly earning $270,000 to host the show, which is scheduled to air in autumn.

Italy: Avellino coach crash leaves at least 38 people dead

Nancy Clayson
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0
Italy: Avellino coach crash leaves at least 38 people dead

A coach has plunged off a flyover near the town of Avellino, southern Italy, leaving at least 38 people dead, rescue services say.

The coach hit several vehicles before smashing through a parapet and toppling down a steep slope near the town of Avellino, in the Campania region.

At least 10 people have been injured, some of them seriously, Italian media report.

The coach was taking about 50 people, including children, back to Naples following a pilgrimage, reports say.

The cause of the accident is not clear.

TV footage showed smashed vehicles on the flyover and shrouded bodies lined up by the side of a road.

The coach hit several vehicles before smashing through a parapet and toppling down a steep slope near the town of Avellino
The coach hit several vehicles before smashing through a parapet and toppling down a steep slope near the town of Avellino

The driver of the coach is said to be among the dead.

“The situation is critical,” leading fireman Pellegrino Iandolo told Italian television.

“Our men are working to save as many lives as possible.”

A police spokesman told the French news agency AFP that the number of victims could not yet be confirmed.

“We are still pulling people from the vehicle,” he said.

He added that the Naples-Bari motorway had been closed to traffic because of the accident.

Reports say the bus smashed through a guardrail on the flyover and dropped 30 m (98 ft), coming to rest in heavy undergrowth.

The injured have been taken to hospitals in Avellino, Salerno and Nola, Ansa said.

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South Korea proposes final talks on restarting operations at Kaesong Industrial Complex

Clyde K. Valle
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0
South Korea proposes final talks on restarting operations at Kaesong Industrial Complex

South Korea has proposed “final talks” on reopening the joint Kaesong industrial zone, amid deadlock with North Korea.

Kaesong Industrial Complex has been closed since April, when North Korea withdrew its workers.

The two sides have held six rounds of talks on a restart, but are deadlocked on Seoul’s insistence that Pyongyang agree not to unilaterally close the complex again.

On Sunday Seoul’s unification minister said a written guarantee was needed.

“We want a clear answer from the North on preventing a recurrence,” Ryoo Kihl-jae said.

“Otherwise, we will be left with no choice but to make a grave decision to prevent even bigger damages on our companies in the future.”

North Korea blames the shut-down on South Korean provocations, including military exercises.

Kaesong Industrial Complex has been closed since April, when North Korea withdrew its workers
Kaesong Industrial Complex has been closed since April, when North Korea withdrew its workers

The proposal for “final talks” was formally communicated to North Korea on Monday via the communication line at the truce village of Panmunjom, South Korean media reported.

It did not include a date or time for the mooted talks, Yonhap news agency reported citing the Unification Ministry.

The Kaesong industrial zone, which lies just inside North Korea, is a major symbol of inter-Korean co-operation and a key earner for Pyongyang.

More than 120 South Korean manufacturers employ some 53,000 North Koreans at the zone, which has been in operation for a decade.

But work stopped in April when North Korea ordered its workers out.

The move came amid high tensions on the peninsula in the wake of North Korea’s February 12 nuclear test and then annual US-South Korea military drills.

Tensions have decreased somewhat in recent weeks, but the two Koreas have not yet found a mutually acceptable solution to the Kaesong issue, despite multiple rounds of working-level talks.

On Sunday Ryoo Kihl-jae met representatives of the South Korean firms, which have now been shut down for four months.

“It’s been almost 120 days. As you mentioned, I think the support [of the government] is not enough. We have not any income for four months,” said Han Jae-kwon, president of the association representing South Korean companies in Kaesong.

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