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Gina DeJesus has never grown up mentally as she still sees the world as a 14-year-old girl

Nancy Clayson
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Gina DeJesus has never grown up mentally as she still sees the world as a 14-year-old girl

Gina DeJesus, the youngest of the three girls held captive in Cleveland by Ariel Castro, wants to go to the Prom and Valentine’s Dance that she missed out on when she was snatched off the street to be raped and chained up for more than a decade.

A close family friend said Gina DeJesus still views the world through the eyes of a 14-year-old and is determined to recreate some of the biggest events that other, normal teenagers enjoyed.

Meanwhile new details have emerged about her captivity and how alleged kidnapper Ariel Castro covered her head every time he allegedly raped her.

This was because Gina DeJesus was so young and was the best friend of Ariel Castro’s daughter when he allegedly snatched her off the street, according to the close family friend.

Ariel Castro knew Gina DeJesus’ family well and he felt “bothered” by her face but did not do the same to his other alleged victims, Michelle Knight and Amanda Berry.

The sickening revelation gives a new insight into the challenges that Gina DeJesus and the other girls face on their long road to recovery.

Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight – who was taken in by Gina’s family – are healing by having gone on a week long holiday to Puerto Rico, where the DeJesus’ are from.

Meanwhile, Amanda Berry has been relying on the support of friends but has endured fresh heartache upon learning her father John, who lives in Tennessee, is not well.

Gina DeJesus was only 14 when she vanished, Amanda Berry was 16 and Michelle Knight was 21.

They are now 23, 27 and 32 respectively.

Police have said Ariel Castro starved them and got Michelle Knight pregnant at least five times before punching her stomach until she miscarried.

He also fathered a child with Amanda Berry, a girl who is now six, and brainwashed them by pretending to leave the house and battering them if they tried to escape.

A family friend said: “Gina still has a lot of growing up to do.

“She has never grown up mentally, she’s still a 14-year-old little girl. 

“She was pulled away at that time. She never got a chance to go to the dances or the games or prom or the things that kids do. All the kids want the same thing, they missed out on anything.

“They never got a chance. Sweetest day, Valentine’s Day parties at school, homecomings.

“Amanda did all hers. Michelle was special needs so she didn’t get involved too much. Gina was only 14, she turned 14 the week before she went missing. She’s missed out.

“She has a look of… of a blank, a blankness to her eyes. She’s not really there, emotionally she’s not there.”

Gina DeJesus wants to go to the Prom and Valentine’s Dance that she missed out on when she was snatched off the street
Gina DeJesus wants to go to the Prom and Valentine’s Dance that she missed out on when she was snatched off the street

Another problem that Gina DeJesus faces is that her neck is “fused” because she was held in chains at an awkward angle for months on end as her bones developed.

This has given her restricted movement and doctors are now thought to be trying to rectify it, though the process will be hard to reverse.

One of the biggest challenges facing all three victims and their families as they readjust – especially Gina – is that they are no longer girls; they are grown women.

Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight spend their days with family and going to the park but they have to be supervised at all times, reflecting the strange limbo they inhabit between independence and a childlike reliance on their family, according to the family friend.

An added pain is that Ariel Castro knew the DeJesus family well before he allegedly kidnapped Gina and even turned up on rallies to help find her, handing out fliers and comforting her father.

Ariel Castro’s daughter Arlene, 22, was one of her best friends and one of the last people to see her alive when she vanished whilst walking home from school in 2004.

According to Ariel Castro’s son Anthony, he chose Gina DeJesus as a victim because of her friendship with Arlene.

All this would apparently weigh on Ariel Castro’s mind when he was allegedly raping Gina DeJesus.

The family friend said: “Gina told her family that when Castro would have s** with her he would cover up her face.

“Because they were friends, with the family. He was friends with her family when she went missing. It bothered him, and she was so young.

“He’s a liar. You’re friends with the family and you can’t she was 14 when she went to school with your daughter? Come on. Best friends with your daughter and you don’t know.

“It was just her he covered up her face. He knew what he was doing.”

The psychological scars will no doubt run deep for all three girls.

The family friend said: “I know that somewhere deep in Gina’s heart in all these year they trusted this man to take care of them.

“They became accustomed to having him around and they miss him. I’m hoping it’s not that way but that’s not normally the case when they’ve been gone this long.

“With Michelle and Amanda I can’t say as much as there. With Gina, that’s all she knows. Think about it, that’s all she knows. In a way I hope she never gets into a relationship at all.

“I hope that it didn’t affect her so she gets in an abusive relationship.

“Mentally Georgina is fine but she will never get over this. It’s always going to be in the back of her mind.”

Since the girls emerged from Ariel Castro’s house on May 6, the effect on their families has been extraordinary.

Gin DeJesus’ mother Nancy Ruiz looks younger than before when she was weighed down with worry for her daughter. She is also eating again, something she stopped doing regularly before.

Her father Felix DeJesus is returning to his old self too, much to the delight of his family.

The process with Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight however will take a lot longer.

The family friend said: “The family doesn’t ask them absolutely any questions. When the girls want to talk they talk. They don’t bother the girls with what happened.

“They don’t ask the girls nothing. The girls don’t talk about what happened and they don’t question the girls about what happened.

“It will come out when they are ready about what happened in that house. Even in the police department…it was ten years for four hours of an interview.

“You can’t bring up ten years of what happened to you. You can almost remember every day of the beatings, every day of whatever.”

On Tuesday the three kidnap victims released a video to thank everyone who supported them. It marked the first on-camera appearance since they were rescued from the clutches of Ariel Castro.

Gina DeJesus speaks only one line in the video. When asked by a man behind the camera what she would like to say to the people who contributed to the Cleveland Courage fund, she responds: “I would say thank you for the support.”

Her mother and father then speak on her behalf through the rest.

Ariel Castro, 52, a former school bus driver, has pleaded not guilty to a 329-count indictment ahead of his trial which is due to start at the beginning of next month.

He is also charged with aggravated murder of a fetus for his treatment of Michelle Knight, for which he could face the death penalty.

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Kate pregnancy UPDATE: Royal birth to be celebrated with £5 silver coin release

Nancy Clayson
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Kate pregnancy UPDATE: Royal birth to be celebrated with £5 silver coin release

The arrival of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s first child is to be marked with a commemorative £5 silver coin.

The coin will feature an image of St. George and the Dragon first seen on a sovereign designed by Italian engraver Benedetto in 1817.

It was used last year on a limited edition coin to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

A source told the Daily Telegraph: “The Royal Mint’s plan is to announce it will be bringing out the silver coin when the royal baby is born.”

Kate Middleton and Prince William do not know the sex of their baby, which is expected imminently.

The arrival of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s first child is to be marked with a commemorative £5 silver coin
The arrival of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s first child is to be marked with a commemorative £5 silver coin

Photographers and reporters have been camped for days outside St Mary’s hospital in London, where Kate is imminently due to give birth to the future heir.

The Royal Mint has already revealed that babies born on the same day as the new prince or princess will be given a “lucky” silver penny.

Bookmakers have revealed they have taken a large number of bets on the potential name of the Royal couple’s child.

One of the names which many members of the public believe the baby could be called is George.

Bookmakers give the odds of the baby being called George at 10-1.

If Prince William and Kate Middleton named their child George, it would become King George VII.

It is believed the Royal Baby could result in a £250 million ($400 million) boost for Britain’s shops.

Speculation that Kate Middleton was expecting an early birth was quashed earlier this week after it emerged that Prince William plans to play in a charity polo match tomorrow.

Prince William will take part in the game at Cirencester Polo Club in Gloucestershire but he will not be accompanied by his heavily pregnant wife. She will not want to leave her London “safety zone” so close to her due date.

Kate Middleton herself let slip earlier this year that their baby was due in mid-July, a fact which has since been confirmed by palace officials.

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Lac-Megantic train explosion death toll rises to 28

Nancy Clayson
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Lac-Megantic train explosion death toll rises to 28

According to Canadian police, 28 bodies have now been found following the train disaster in the Quebec town of Lac-Megantic.

Another 22 people are missing and presumed dead after the train carrying oil derailed and exploded in the town.

Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil scheduled for Friday evening was cancelled due to police concerns over large crowds.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of blast, which saw some 2,000 residents forced to flee their homes.

The town centre – where large areas have been wiped out – is being treated as a crime scene.

Saturday will mark one week since the disaster.

The train, carrying 72 cars of crude oil, was parked shortly before midnight on Friday in the town of Nantes about 7 miles away.

It later rolled downhill, gathering speed until it derailed in Lac-Megantic and exploded.

Officers working in the disaster zone have had “a great deal of difficulty” because of strong petrol fumes, Quebec provincial police spokesman Michel Forget said.

Police say they have identified eight of the recovered bodies.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of Lac-Megantic train blast, which saw some 2,000 residents forced to flee their homes
Investigations are continuing into the cause of Lac-Megantic train blast, which saw some 2,000 residents forced to flee their homes

One has been named as 93-year-old Elianne Parenteau.

Mourners laid flowers and tributes in memory of those killed at a church near the crash site on Friday.

The town’s mayor cancelled the first vigil planned, saying it would overwhelm the town.

“Our capacity to welcome visitors is really saturated,” Mayor Colette Roy-Laroche said.

“We are still in an emergency situation.”

Other vigils are being held across Quebec, including in Montreal, Gatineau and Trois-Rivieres.

Quebec Premier Pauline Marois visited Lac-Megantic on Thursday, and criticized the rail company’s response to the crash.

She said Rail World chief executive Edward Burkhart’s attitude was “unacceptable” and “deplorable”.

She also announced a C$60 million ($57 million) fund to help victims and rebuild the town.

Edward Burkhardt revealed on Wednesday that an engineer who was in charge of driving the train had been suspended without pay, after being accused of failing to set a series of hand brakes.

“I understand the extreme anger,” he said.

“We owe an abject apology to the people in this town.”

Authorities have asked the relatives of those still missing to provide DNA samples.

Officials have also warned that some of the bodies may have been burnt to ashes in the explosion.

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Chelyabinsk meteorite goes under microscope

James J. Williams
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Chelyabinsk meteorite goes under microscope

Russian scientists have released microscopic images of fragments of the meteorite that hit the central city of Chelyabinsk in February.

A team from the Ural Federal University was able to analyze some of the dozens of samples as soon as they were found.

But the technique they used allowed them to assess the rock’s chemical make-up at the microscopic level even as they snapped pictures of the fragments.

This will provide extra information on the space rock’s formation and journey.

The fragments represent just a small portion of the remains of the 17m-diameter body that struck the Earth’s atmosphere in a spectacular trail of light over the city of Chelyabinsk.

The team, led by Urals Federal University’s Viktor Grokhovsky, determined right away that the overall chemistry of the meteorite was a familiar “chondrite”.

“The fragments contain a standard number of minerals, including olivine, pyroxene, troilite and kamacite. These minerals that can be discovered only in outer space confirm the fragments’ extraterrestrial nature,” he told the Voice of Russia at the time.

But far more information was in the offing.

Russian scientists have released microscopic images of fragments of the meteorite that hit the central city of Chelyabinsk in February
Russian scientists have released microscopic images of fragments of the meteorite that hit the central city of Chelyabinsk in February

The team was using a scanning electron microscope, which fires a beam of electrons focused onto a tiny part of a sample, scanning around to see how the electrons are deflected and thereby building up a detailed picture of the sample’s nanometre-scale bumps and valleys.

But that process causes the emission of a small amount of X-ray radiation – with the exact energy of the X-rays corresponding to the chemical element present in the focus of the electron beam.

This is where a silicon drift detector comes in – harvesting these X-rays and determining their energy. The result is a series of what are called X-ray maps – pictures of the same sample showing the presence and quantity of different elements.

It is this understanding of the minerals at a microscopic level that goes far beyond simply telling us what the meteorite is made of, said Simon Burgess of Oxford Instruments, which made the X-max silicon drift detector used by the team.

“For the researchers who are looking at this meteorite, it’s going to be telling them information about which (mineral) phase is associated with which,” he told BBC News.

“When they get into more detail beyond what the main chemistry of the meteorite is, they may be looking at processes in terms of how it formed, the temperature it formed at, what its history has been since its formation, possibly things about what happened to it during its impact with the Earth.

“A lot of that you cannot tell just by crushing it up and getting a ‘bulk analysis’; you have to look at the chemistry of the individual parts and associations between the different minerals in the meteorite.”

The X-max technology is in the running for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s MacRobert Award, to be announced on Friday July 19.

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Typhoon Soulik hits Taiwan killing one person and leaving 21 injured

Diane A. Wade
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Typhoon Soulik hits Taiwan killing one person and leaving 21 injured

Typhoon Soulik has hit Taiwan, bringing strong winds and torrential rain to the island.

So far one person is reported to have died while 21 have been injured in the extreme weather.

More than 8,500 people have been evacuated from mountainous and other dangerous areas and thousands of soldiers have been deployed.

Typhoon Soulik is set to arrive in mainland China’s eastern provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang later on Saturday.

Local authorities there have been asked to implement emergency response plans, China’s state-run news agency Xinhua reported, after recent torrential rain across large parts of the country reportedly left 200 people dead or missing.

Typhoon Soulik, a medium-force typhoon, had wind speeds of around 100 mph on Saturday morning.

It made landfall at around 03:00 local time on Saturday, Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau reported.

A police officer was killed by falling bricks but other people suffered mostly light injuries, including from fallen trees or being blown off their scooters.

Typhoon Soulik has hit Taiwan, bringing strong winds and torrential rain to the island
Typhoon Soulik has hit Taiwan, bringing strong winds and torrential rain to the island

The strong winds and heavy rain have caused electricity disruptions, a run on food and essential supplies in supermarkets, and uprooted trees and signs in some areas.

This typhoon is the first to hit Taiwan this year and there had been fears of major damage because the island was the first place it made landfall.

Nearly 50,000 soldiers have been put on standby.

Schools and offices in Taipei and several other cities had closed on Friday afternoon as the tropical storm neared.

Some flights to Taiwan have been disrupted, with both Cathay Pacific and China Airlines announcing cancellations.

Precautionary measures have been taken to close the roads and bridges along areas most susceptible to disaster, officials said.

Fishing boats had been returned to the shore before the typhoon hit, and members of the public were urged to avoid mountain and coastal areas.

Evacuated residents – including 3,000 from Kaohsiung city and 2,000 from Pingtung county in the south of Taiwan – have been taken to local government buildings that have been turned into shelters, AFP reported.

More than 2,000 tourists had earlier been evacuated from Taiwan’s Green Island, near the city of Taitung, as a precaution.

Typhoons are common during the summer in parts of East Asia, where the warm moist air and low pressure conditions enable tropical cyclones to form.

In 2009, Taiwan was hit by Typhoon Morakot, which left hundreds dead in floods and mudslides.

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Asiana flight 214 crash: Third Chinese girl dies from her injuries at San Francisco hospital

Diane A. Wade
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Asiana flight 214 crash: Third Chinese girl dies from her injuries at San Francisco hospital

A third victim of Asiana Airlines plane crash landing, a Chinese girl, has died from her injuries, a San Francisco hospital has announced.

She was among about a dozen injured still in hospital after Asiana flight 214 struck a sea wall as it approached the airport too low last week.

Meanwhile officials confirm another victim was hit by a fire truck as she lay on the tarmac, police say.

Ye Mengyuan, 16, was found covered in fire-fighting foam in the tyre tracks of the truck.

It is not clear if she was still alive when it hit her.

A third victim of Asiana Airlines plane crash landing, a Chinese girl, has died from her injuries
A third victim of Asiana Airlines plane crash landing, a Chinese girl, has died from her injuries

Dozens of passengers were also wounded, although most suffered minor injuries.

Ye Mengyuan’s cause of death has not yet been established, but county coroners have suggested their findings could be released next week.

“We know for sure she was at least run over one time, but at the time she was under foam, so nobody could have seen her,” San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Ye Mengyuan and another Chinese 16-year-old who died, Wang Linjia, had been in the rear of the plane, where many of the most seriously injured passengers were seated. Their bodies were found on the tarmac.

The third victim’s name and age were not released at the request of her parents.

About a dozen passengers remain in hospital on Friday, including three in critical condition.

The plane came in much too shallow last Saturday before its main landing gear struck a sea wall well short of the end of the runway. The tail of the 777 was ripped off.

The plane went into a 360-degree spin before coming to rest.

Officials have said that pilots only realized the plane was flying too slowly seconds before the crash.

The pilot, who was about half way through his training, pushed the throttles to speed up and then tried to abort the landing, but it was too late.

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Randy Travis remains in critical condition after having emergency surgery following stroke

Sonia Pantiss
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Randy Travis remains in critical condition after having emergency surgery following stroke

Randy Travis has had emergency surgery following a stroke at a Texas hospital.

Publicist Kirt Webster said the 54-year-old country singer remained in a critical condition after the operation to relieve pressure on his brain.

Randy Travis had been in hospital since Sunday after being treated for heart failure caused by a viral infection.

He suffered the stroke hours after doctors said he had been responding to treatment.

Randy Travis has had emergency surgery following a stroke
Randy Travis has had emergency surgery following a stroke

Randy Travis was initially admitted to hospital suffering from cardiomyopathy – a condition which weakens the heart – and congestive heart failure.

The singer’s publicist had said on Tuesday he had undergone a procedure to place a device in his heart to help it pump on its own.

Randy Travis, he added, was surrounded by family and friends, including actor Chuck Norris and fellow country singers Kenny Rogers, Lyle Lovett and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Other country stars, including Lady Antebellum and Martina McBride, have taken to Twitter to express their support for the Grammy winner.

“We’re all pulling for you Randy,” tweeted the singer Brad Paisley.

Randy Travis is best known for his songs Forever and Ever, Amen, Diggin’ Up Bones and I Told You So.

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What Kate Middleton needs to pack in hospital bag

Lisa.Felice
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What Kate Middleton needs to pack in hospital bag

When Kate Middleton goes into labor – July 14 reported as due date – she’s expected to check into her suite in the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital.

The hospital recommends several items Kate Middleton and  Prince William should bring.

First and foremost, the expectant couple should bring her “maternity notes and birth plan.”

Pregnant Kate Middleton is expected to check into her suite in the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital on July 14
Pregnant Kate Middleton is expected to check into her suite in the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital on July 14

Kate Middleton should also pack some clothing, including a dressing gown and slippers, nightshirts, pajamas, socks and T-shirts (front-opening shirts are recommended because they’re useful in the early days of breast-feeding), nursing bras and an outfit for both mom and baby to wear home from the hospital. She should also pack a baby blanket, a pair of socks or booties, a baby hat and two or three baby sleep suits for the tiny prince or princess.

Although the Lindo Wing provides an extensive and nutritious menu, catering to each individual’s dietary requirements, it’s recommended that patients pack some extra snacks and drinks.

Each suite is equipped with a satellite TV, a radio, a safe, bedside phone, Internet access and a fridge, but patients are encouraged to pack any books, magazines, games or music they would like to help pass the time.

Kate Middleton should bring her own hairbrush and toiletries, any medication she takes as well as insurance documents (if appropriate), according to the hospital recommendations.

It is also recommended to have a small amount of cash on her and leave any valuables behind. While each room has a safe, the hospital does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.

Kate Middleton’s hospital menu during her stay at Lindo Wing

Nancy Clayson
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Kate Middleton’s hospital menu during her stay at Lindo Wing

According to the latest reports, Kate Middleton’s supposed hospital menu is kind of extravagant.

E! News has obtained a list of food items that Kate Middleton may choose from during her stay the posh Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in London.

Meals are three courses each and include options like “cream of tomato soup before moving on to an entrée of lamb chops or Mediterranean grilled chicken with a choice side dishes.” Desserts include cakes, fruit and cheeses.

Kate Middleton and her visitors can toast the royal baby’s arrival in high style: The menu also includes a list of wines and champagnes.

Kate Middleton's supposed hospital menu is kind of extravagant
Kate Middleton’s supposed hospital menu is kind of extravagant

If she’s got a hankering for something quick nibbles, the Lindo Wing has what it calls a Light Bite Menu, which is available daily and includes options like soups, salads, omelettes and potatoes, as well as sandwiches and baguettes.

Breakfast, meanwhile, offers up a bevy of selections of juice, fruit, yogurt, cereal, bread and hot beverages.

The hospital’s menu also takes into account a variety of special dietary needs and cultural or religious requirements, and patients can opt for vegetarian, kosher and halal meals, which are prepared on-site at the Lindo Wing’s kitchens.

Kate Middleton is ready to give birth any day now as her due date is reported to be either July 13 or 14.

The hospital holds special significance for the royal family as Princess Diana gave birth to Prince William at the very same wing 31 years ago.

Following tradition, a proclamation announcing the royal baby’s birth and gender will be delivered from the hospital to Buckingham Palace, where the notice will be placed on an easel that was used to herald Prince William’s own arrival.

Duck The Halls: Duck Dynasty family release their own Christmas album

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck The Halls: Duck Dynasty family release their own Christmas album

Fans of Duck Dynasty will get a special treat this holiday season when the Robertson family release their own Christmas album.

Universal Music Group Nashville announced that the album, called Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas, will hit stores October 29.

The Duck Dynasty family has been in a Darius Rucker music video. They’ve hung out with Kellie Pickler, they’ve been to two CMT Music Awards shows, they are good buddies with Jason Aldean.

“A Robertson family Christmas album,” said Korie Robertson.

“And the title is, you can probably guess it, Duck the Halls.”

 “The whole family’s going to be involved. It will be kind of a variety show-style music CD, and we got some surprises for you, so I think it’ll be a lot fun.”

Fans of Duck Dynasty will get a special treat this holiday season when the Robertson family release their own Christmas album
Fans of Duck Dynasty will get a special treat this holiday season when the Robertson family release their own Christmas album

“We do have some special guests, but we’re not announcing them yet,” she added.

“Got some things in the works and hopefully we’ll let y’all know about that pretty soon.”

Duck Dynasty follows the lives of the Louisiana-based Robertson family and their multi-million dollar company Duck Commander – a fabricator of top-of-the-line duck calls and decoys.

The family grew up singing in church and has many musical members who will be showcasing their talents on the album.

“Faith, family and ducks – in that order – have always been our priorities,” said reality star Willie Robertson, the CEO of Duck Commander.

He added: “Christmas is an important holiday for us not only because of our strong faith but also our holiday family traditions. We’re having a great time making this album. We hope you enjoy it.”

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France train crash: At least seven people killed at Bretigny-sur-Orge

Nancy Clayson
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France train crash: At least seven people killed at Bretigny-sur-Orge

At least seven people have been killed in a train crash at Bretigny-sur-Orge, south of the French capital Paris.

The intercity train had just left Paris and was heading towards Limoges when it derailed, crashing into a station platform at about 17:00 local time.

At least seven people have been killed in a train crash at Bretigny-sur-Orge
At least seven people have been killed in a train crash at Bretigny-sur-Orge

Passengers were said to be trapped inside the train and a local official said there were “many casualties”.

Interior Minister Manuel Valls said seven people died and dozens were hurt.

Local MP Michel Pouzol said some carriages were lying on their sides.

A police source quoted by Le Figaro website said the train had split in two for reasons that were as yet unclear.

Other media reports spoke of passengers being electrocuted and crushed.

Jean-Paul Boulet of French rail company SNCF, said the train was carrying some 350 passengers when it derailed, Associated Press news agency reports.

French routes were particularly busy at the time of the crash due to the run-up to a holiday weekend marking Sunday’s Bastille Day.

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Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet catches fire at Heathrow airport

Diane A. Wade
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Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet catches fire at Heathrow airport

London Heathrow airport’s runways have reopened after a fire on a parked Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet.

Arrivals and departures were suspended after the incident at 16:30 BST, a spokesman for the airport said. No passengers were aboard at the time.

Fifty Dreamliners worldwide were grounded in January after malfunctions with the plane’s lithium-ion batteries.

Boeing later modified the jets with new batteries and flights resumed in April.

The Ethiopian Airlines Dreamliner in the Heathrow incident – named the Queen of Sheba – flew from Addis Ababa to Nairobi on the first commercial flight since the grounding.

Pictures of the Heathrow fire showed the Queen of Sheba close to a building and surrounded by fire vehicles. London Fire Brigade said its crews were standing by to assist Heathrow staff.

Fire-retardant foam appeared to have been sprayed at the airliner, but no damage was immediately apparent.

Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Airlines Dreamliner in the Heathrow incident flew from Addis Ababa to Nairobi on the first commercial flight since the grounding
Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Airlines Dreamliner in the Heathrow incident flew from Addis Ababa to Nairobi on the first commercial flight since the grounding

A Heathrow spokesman said: “Heathrow’s runways are now fully open following an earlier fire on board an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft which the airport’s emergency services attended.

“The aircraft was parked on a remote parking stand. There were no passengers on board and there are no reported injuries at this time.

“The aircraft was parked on a remote parking stand and there were no passengers on board. Arrivals and departures were temporarily suspended while airport fire crews attended to this incident.

“This is a standard procedure if fire crews are occupied with an incident.”

Heathrow reopened shortly before 18:00 BST but is advising passengers to check the status of their flights with the airlines.

Meanwhile, Gatwick airport said it was experiencing minor delays on departing flights as it assisted Heathrow with flights that were diverted.

The battery problems followed production difficulties for the Dreamliner, marketed as a quiet, fuel-efficient aircraft carrying between 201 and 290 passengers on medium-range routes.

It was due to enter passenger service in 2008 but it was not until October 2011 that the first commercial flight was operated by Japan’s All Nippon Airways.

The Dreamliner’s electrical system drives air conditioning and hydraulic functions that are run from compressed air on traditional aircrafts.

British Airways is due to take delivery of the first two of its 24 Dreamliners, and Virgin Atlantic is to get the first of its 16 planes in September 2014.

Boeing shares fell more than 6% on the New York Stock Exchange on news of the fire.

A Boeing spokesman said: “We’re aware of the event. We have Boeing personnel on the ground at Heathrow and are working to fully understand and address this.”

Edward Snowden holds meeting with human rights groups and lawyers at Moscow airport

Diane A. Wade
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Edward Snowden holds meeting with human rights groups and lawyers at Moscow airport

Edward Snowden has been holding a meeting with leading human rights groups and lawyers at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow.

The fugitive US intelligence leaker requested the meeting with around 10 activists in the airport transit zone.

Edward Snowden told activists he was seeking political asylum in Russia. He had earlier dropped his application when Moscow said he could stay only if he stopped leaking US secrets.

The Kremlin reiterated this condition on Friday.

“Mr. Snowden could hypothetically stay in Russia if he first, completely stops the activities harming our American partners and US-Russian relations and second, if he asks for this himself,” President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Edward Snowden is wanted by the US on charges of leaking secrets about US surveillance schemes.

He has sent requests for political asylum to at least 21 countries, most of which have turned down his request.

However, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Venezuela have indicated they could take him in.

It is thought he is considering seeking political asylum in Russia because he cannot fly out of Moscow.

Edward Snowden has been holding a meeting with leading human rights groups and lawyers at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow
Edward Snowden has been holding a meeting with leading human rights groups and lawyers at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow

“He wants to stay here until he can fly to Latin America,” Tatyana Lokshina of Human Rights Watch is quoted as saying.

Edward Snowden, 30, is unable to leave the transit zone without asylum documents, a valid passport or a Russian visa, none of which he reportedly has.

He has reportedly been stuck in transit since arriving in Moscow from Hong Kong on June 23.

On Friday, the first photo in three weeks of Edward Snowden emerged. It was taken by Tatyana Lokshina during the airport meeting.

Other activists present at the gathering included Sergei Nikitin, the head of Amnesty International’s Russia office, prominent Moscow lawyer Genri Reznik and Russia’s presidential human rights ombudsman, Vladimir Lukin.

A large press scrum gathered at the airport ahead of the meeting, while Interfax reported Edward Snowden had moved from his room in the airport’s Capsule Hotel to attend the meeting.

Tatyana Lokshina earlier posted the text of Edward Snowden’s invitation email on her Facebook page.

In the message, Edward Snowden complained that the US government was waging an “unlawful campaign” to prevent him from securing asylum.

“This dangerous escalation represents a threat not just to the dignity of Latin America or my own personal security, but to the basic right shared by every living person to live free from persecution,” the message read.

The email said the fugitive wanted to discuss the “next steps forward” in his situation.

It also instructed those attending to bring a copy of the invite and identification papers, as “security will likely be tight at this meeting”.

The meeting was not open to the press. Edward Snowden said he planned to address journalists at a later stage.

Edward Snowden had previously applied for Russian asylum but President Vladimir Putin said he would only be welcome if he stopped “his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners”.

Even if a country accepted Edward Snowden’s application, getting there could prove difficult.

Last week, several European countries refused to allow the jet of Bolivian president Evo Morales to cross their airspace on its way back from Moscow – apparently because of suspicions that Edward Snowden was on board.

Washington seeks to prosecute Edward Snowden over the leaking of thousands of classified US intelligence documents.

The leaks have led to revelations that the National Security Agency (NSA) is systematically seizing vast amounts of phone and web data.

They have also revealed that both the UK and French intelligence agencies allegedly run similarly vast data collection operations, and the US has been eavesdropping on official EU communications.

The case has strained relations between the US and China.

President Barack Obama said on Thursday he was “disappointed” that China had chosen not to hand over Edward Snowden to the US authorities when he was in Hong Kong in June.

A US government official said the decision had undermined calls for co-operation between the two countries.

But China said Hong Kong – which allowed Edward Snowden to leave for Russia – had acted in accordance with the territory’s law.

“Its approach is beyond reproach,” Chinese state councillor Yang Jiechi said.

Cote de Pablo leaves NCIS role as Ziva David after eight years

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Cote de Pablo leaves NCIS role as Ziva David after eight years

NCIS fan favorite Cote de Pablo announced Wednesday that she would be stepping down from her role after eight years.

Cote de Pablo, 33, who plays Ziva David on CBS’ hit drama NCIS has announced that she is leaving the show.

NCIS fan favorite Cote de Pablo announced Wednesday that she would be stepping down from her role after eight years
NCIS fan favorite Cote de Pablo announced Wednesday that she would be stepping down from her role after eight years

The actress released an official statement on July 10 to The Hollywood Reporter:“I’ve had eight great years with NCIS and Ziva David. I have huge respect and affection for Mark [Harmon], Gary [Glasberg], Michael [Weatherly], David [McCallum], Rocky [Carroll], Pauley [Perrette], Brian [Dietzen], Sean [Murray], all of the team and CBS. I look forward to finishing Ziva’s story.”

CBS also confirmed Cote de Pablo’s departure soon after: “We respect Cote’s decision, thank her for being an important part of the NCIS team, and for eight terrific years playing Ziva David. Cote and CBS share a great respect for the NCIS audience, and we look forward to working with her and the producers on appropriate closure in this chapter of Ziva’s story.”

As of now there is no clear reason why Cote de Pablo would choose next season as the time to leave the show – it’s still successful, she was one of the most featured actors last season, and she doesn’t have any other roles on the horizon – but it’s certainly a blow to NCIS. Her character, Ziva David, is easily one of the most well-liked on the show, and the romantic possibilities between Ziva and Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) had fans begging for more.

Priyanka Chopra stars in Pitbull’s “Exotic” video

Lisa.Felice
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Priyanka Chopra stars in Pitbull’s “Exotic” video

Priyanka Chopra is the star of Pitbull’s music video for his latest hit, Exotic, where she shows off her incredible body.

Easily living up to the song’s title, Priyanka Chopra flaunts by her fabulous figure and gorgeous mane of dark hair in the video, which was released on Thursday.

“I recorded Exotic in Ibiza with musical genius and visionary RedOne and none other than Mr. Worldwide aka Pitbull,” Priyanka Chopra said in a statement, according to Just Jared.

“Together they helped me create a hot and sexy summer anthem that I am so proud of! This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to share this song and the rest of the album with you!”

Priyanka Chopra is the star of Pitbull's music video for his latest hit, Exotic
Priyanka Chopra is the star of Pitbull’s music video for his latest hit, Exotic

Rapper Pitbull joined in the lovefest by tweeting: “thanks so much to @priyankachopra and @RedOne_Official for letting me get #exotic #desi #dale.”

Joining forces with notorious rapper seems like an odd move for former Miss World, but the 30-year-old from Jamshedpur, India, has long aspired to become a professional singer.

Priyanka Chopra claims her biggest vocal influence was her father and she soon incorporated singing as part of her pageant act.

After being crowned Miss World in 2000, Priyanka Chopra went on to sign a recording deal with Universal Music Group through DesiHits, and met with manager Troy Carter, CEO of Atom Factory (which also manages Lady Gaga).

In July 2012, Priyanka Chopra became the first Bollywood actress to be signed by Creative Artists Agency.

While she is not well known in America, Priyanka Chopra is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars and has carved a reputation for playing diverse and unconventional roles.

Much like Kim Kardashian, Priyanka Chopra was declared queen of brand endorsements in India, representing Pepsi, Nokia, Garnier and Nestlé.

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Malala Yousafzai to speak at United Nations

Diane A. Wade
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Malala Yousafzai to speak at United Nations

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot by Taliban gunmen, is to address the United Nations as part of her campaign to ensure free compulsory education for every child.

Malala Yousafzai will mark her 16th birthday by delivering a speech later on Friday at the UN headquarters in New York.

She was shot in the head on a school bus by Taliban gunmen because of her campaign for girls’ rights.

It will be Malala Yousafzai’s first public speech since last October’s incident in Pakistan’s north-western Swat valley.

After the shooting Malala Yousafzai was flown from Pakistan to the UK for treatment, and now lives in Birmingham.

Malala Yousafzai is to address the UN as part of her campaign to ensure free compulsory education for every child
Malala Yousafzai is to address the UN as part of her campaign to ensure free compulsory education for every child

A passionate campaigner for female education, Malala Yousafzai will address more than 500 students at a specially convened youth assembly.

The teenager has been credited with bringing the issue of women’s education to global attention.

In her speech Malala Yousafzai will call on politicians to take urgent action to ensure every child has the right to go to school.

About 57 million people around the world still do not have access to education, and a quarter of young women have not completed primary school.

The Pakistani schoolgirl, who set up the Malala Fund following the attack, will also present a petition of more than three million signatures to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon demanding education for all.

The event, described as Malala Day by the UN, has been organized by former British PM Gordon Brown, now the UN Special Envoy for Global Education.

Gordon Brown said: “Getting every girl and boy into school by 2015 is achievable.

“It is only impossible if people say it’s impossible. Malala says it is possible – and young people all over the world think it is possible.”

Aid agencies say that female access to education in Pakistan is a particular problem. They say that the country ranks among the lowest in terms of girls’ education enrolment, literacy and government spending.

Scotty McCreery joins Duck Commander Cruise 2014

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Scotty McCreery joins Duck Commander Cruise 2014

Scotty McCreery is joining the Duck Dynasty cast on Duck Commander Cruise in just one year’s time.

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery confirmed exciting news on his Twitter account.

“So here’s the news ya’ll,” started the 19-year-old.

“I’ll be joining the @DuckCruise with @DuckDynastyAE next summer! Gonna be tons of fun! Come out and sail with us!”

The reality series on A&E follows the lives of the Robertson family who became wealthy from their family-operated business, Duck Commander, which is located in Monroe, Louisiana, and makes products for duck hunters.

Spinning off of the successful reality series, the Duck Commander Cruise hosted by the Robertsons allows fans to “get up close and personal” with the entire cast on a four-night cruise of the Caribbean.

Scotty McCreery recently took time to perform at the Sweet 16 birthday party of Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson
Scotty McCreery recently took time to perform at the Sweet 16 birthday party of Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson

Scotty McCreery’s announcement about joining the cruise comes as no surprise. Despite embarking on his very first headlining tour, the singer recently took time to perform at the Sweet 16 birthday party of Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson.

While at the Robertson home, Scotty McCreery also went off-roading with Sadie’s brother John Luke Robertson and sampled the cooking of their grandmother Miss Kay Robertson, according to Country Weekly.

It was through Twitter that Scotty McCreery struck up a friendship with Sadie Robertson.

“The first time I met Sadie and John Luke was at the Opry in Nashville,” Scotty McCreery explained to Country Weekly.

“I saw her tweet that said she was in Nashville, so I said, <<Hey, you want to come to the Opry?>> I’ve watched the show since season 1 and we had exchanged tweets before.”

Meanwhile, Scotty McCreery’s album Clear As Day has solidified the singer in the country music world. The album went platinum last year and has landed the singer on Billboard’s Top New Country Artists list.

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Duck Commander Cruise 2014: Duck Dynasty fans invited to sail with show cast

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Duck Commander Cruise 2014: Duck Dynasty fans invited to sail with show cast

Duck Dynasty fans from around the world are invited to join the show stars on the Duck Commander Cruise next summer.

“Without further delay…We’re excited to announce the Duck Commander Cruise, sailing next summer, July 17-21, 2014!” wrote the cast on the official page of the Duck Commander.

Duck Dynasty fans from around the world are invited to join the show stars on the Duck Commander Cruise next summer
Duck Dynasty fans from around the world are invited to join the show stars on the Duck Commander Cruise next summer

With Willie Robertson in charge of the account, the invite obviously was from the family who wants to meet the fans while sailing the ocean.

The packages start at $749 a person and go up from there. Taking a big cruise liner, the fans will be on the Carnival Victory visiting Key West and Cozumel. The idea of taking to the seas on a family vacation might be perfect, but the date of the trip isn’t until July 2014, so it will be a while (and at least a season of Duck Dynasty) before meeting the family would be possible.

This isn’t the first time fans have been invited on an ocean cruise to mingle with entertainers. There have been artists who have cruised with fans and even actors from the Twilight movie series who hit the high seas. However, it has to be a first that duck hunters decide to cruise to meet fans.

So how is the initial response to the idea of a cruising with duck hunters? The majority of fans are bummed that the cast is expecting people to pay more than a thousand dollars a person to meet them after adding tips and other expenses. Duck Dynasty devotees who waited for the big announcement feel really let down. A cruise catering to a few rich folks who want to vacation 2014 isn’t exactly what people were hoping to hear. Since the show caters to families who are simple folks with budgets, this obviously will leave the majority of the fans on shore watching as the big boat floats away.

Check for more info on Duck Commander cruise.

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Saudi Princess Meshael Alayban arrested in California for human trafficking

Nancy Clayson
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2
Saudi Princess Meshael Alayban arrested in California for human trafficking

Saudi Princess Meshael Alayban has been arrested in California and accused of human trafficking.

Meshael Alayban, 42, is accused of forcing a Kenyan woman to work 16 hours a day while paying her far less than what she was originally promised.

Authorities say Meshael Alayban took the woman’s passport, precluding her escape. Her lawyer called the case a dispute over work hours.

In November, California voters toughened human trafficking penalties.

If convicted, Meshael Alayban faces a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison, double the punishment prescribed before voters approved the law known as Proposition 35.

Prosecutors say she is one of six wives of Prince Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, a scion of the Saudi royal family.

The unnamed Kenyan woman had begun working for Meshael Alayban last year in Saudi Arabia under a two-year contract with an employment agency.

Meshael Alayban, 42, is accused of forcing a Kenyan woman to work 16 hours a day while paying her far less than what she was originally promised
Meshael Alayban, 42, is accused of forcing a Kenyan woman to work 16 hours a day while paying her far less than what she was originally promised

That contract guaranteed her $1,600 a month for eight-hour work days, five days a week, California officials said. Instead she was paid $220 a month and forced to work twice as long, according to prosecutors.

The 30-year-old Kenyan woman also alleges her passport was taken from her when she arrived in Saudi Arabia. It was only returned to her long enough for her to travel to the US with Meshael Alayban.

In California, she said she was forced to perform household chores for at least eight people in four units at the same block of flats where she was allegedly held captive. When she managed to escape, she flagged down a bus driver and later went to police.

Meshael Alayban was arrested on Wednesday.

“My client was a slave to this woman,” said Steve Barick, a lawyer for the accuser.

“She wasn’t able to freely move about. She had her ability to move in and about the country taken away. She was intimidated. She was promised one thing when she was in another country and when she was brought here that was changed. She was overworked. She was underpaid.”

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas described the accuser’s situation as “an example of forced labor.”

“It’s been 150 years since the Emancipation Proclamation, so slavery has been illegal in the United States and certainly in California all this time,” he said.

“It’s disappointing to see it in use here.”

Meshael Alayban did not enter a plea in her first court appearance on Thursday. She was released on $5 million bail shortly after the hearing but was ordered to surrender her passport and to wear a GPS tracking device.

Prosecutors had asked a judge for bail to be set at $20 million or denied entirely, given Meshael Alayban’s wealth.

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US rebukes China over Edward Snowden case

Diane A. Wade
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US rebukes China over Edward Snowden case

The US expresses its “disappointment” over China’s failure to hand over fugitive Edward Snowden.

After talks with senior Chinese officials, US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns said Beijing’s actions undermined “trust” in bilateral ties.

China said Hong Kong – which allowed to Edward Snowden to leave Russia – had acted in accordance with the territory’s law.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has been accused of working with US intelligence bodies to help intercept users’ data.

Citing the latest secret documents leaked by Edward Snowden, The Guardian newspaper said Microsoft had worked with the FBI and the NSA to facilitate access to information.

The newspaper claimed Microsoft allowed the NSA to circumvent its system of email encryption.

Edward Snowden, 30, is believed to be currently staying at a Moscow airport
Edward Snowden, 30, is believed to be currently staying at a Moscow airport

It also said information had been made available through access to cloud storage service SkyDrive and chat service Skype.

In response, the company said in a statement: “Microsoft does not provide any government with blanket or direct access to SkyDrive, Outlook.com, Skype or any Microsoft product.”

It added that it had provided customer data only in response to lawful government requests.

William Burns was speaking after the two-day talks with the Chinese officials on trade and cyber security in Washington.

“We were disappointed with how the authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong handled the Snowden case, which undermined our effort to build the trust needed to manage difficult issues,” he said.

In response, Chinese state councillor Yang Jiechi said Hong Kong’s actions were in accordance with its law.

“Its approach is beyond reproach,” Yang Jiechi added.

The row over Edward Snowden has strained relations between the US and China.

Washington wants to prosecute Edward Snowden over the leaking of thousands of classified US intelligence documents.

Edward Snowden, 30, is believed to be currently staying at a Moscow airport.

He has sent requests for political asylum to at least 21 countries, most of which have turned down his request.

However, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Venezuela have indicated they could take Edward Snowden in.

Ellen Kardashian sues Kris Jenner and her brood for orchestrating seedy spat to improve ratings

Lisa.Felice
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0
Ellen Kardashian sues Kris Jenner and her brood for orchestrating seedy spat to improve ratings

Kris Jenner and her brood launched a lawsuit against Ellen Kardashian after she allowed diaries belonging to Robert Kardashian, who died of cancer ten years ago, to be published.

Now Robert Kardashian’s widow, Ellen, has hit back by filing a counter-suit accusing the powerful Hollywood family of hiring private detective Jake Schmidt to dig up dirt on her – all to boost ratings.

According to the documents obtained by Radar Online, Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian and their mother Kris Jenner hired the PI to trap Ellen in “unlawful or illicit behavior”.

The so-called sting involved a series of “mysterious” text messages, which Ellen Kardashian  claims, were sent to her by Jake Schmidt in March in which he offered damaging information about Kris Jenner and asked for a meeting.

The suit states the texts are “purposefully ambiguous” but imply the information is for sale. Ellen Kardashian rejected the offer.

Ellen Kardashian is accusing Kris Jenner and her family of hiring private detective Jake Schmidt to dig up dirt on her, all to boost ratings
Ellen Kardashian is accusing Kris Jenner and her family of hiring private detective Jake Schmidt to dig up dirt on her, all to boost ratings

 

Legal papers say Jake Schmidt again asked to meet with her for a second time and again she refused.

He then “menacingly terminated the dialogue by threatening to turn the information that he has over to the Kardashians”.

The writ continues: “Empty handed from his unsuccessful attempt to entrap Ellen, Jake apparently went back to the Kardashians and they were forced to air what little information he was able to gather.”

The episode called Enough is Enough was simply a vehicle to bash her state the legal papers.

“It all adds up to a seedy attempt by the reality TV family to entrap Ellen as part of a scheme to create ratings.”

Claims of fakery are hardly new accusations for the show.

During Kim Kardashian’s bitter divorce from Kris Humphries, the basketball player tried to argue he was duped into marriage for the TV show.

And a producer called to give testimony in the hearing swore under oath that scenes were manipulated to make Kris Humphries look like the villain.

US shares closing at record levels after Fed reassurance

Clyde K. Valle
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US shares closing at record levels after Fed reassurance

US shares closed at record levels after the Federal Reserve (Fed) indicated that its efforts to boost the economy would continue for now.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 1.1% higher at 15,460.92 and the broader S&P 500 added 1.3% to end at a new peak of 1,675.02.

Both measures surpassed previous record highs hit in late May.

Investors have been focusing on when the Fed might end its massive bond-buying programme.

Fed chairman Ben Bernanke had made previous comments suggesting the policy would be phased out.

But on Wednesday Ben Bernanke clarified his position, saying a “highly accommodative” policy was needed for the foreseeable future.

US shares closed at record levels after the Federal Reserve indicated that its efforts to boost the economy would continue for now
US shares closed at record levels after the Federal Reserve indicated that its efforts to boost the economy would continue for now

Since late last year, each month the Fed has been buying $85 billion in Treasury and mortgage bonds.

The purchases have kept interest rates low, with the aim of encouraging more Americans to buy homes and cars, and hopefully bolster economic growth.

Investors worry that once the Fed starts scaling back its bond buying, interest rates will rise.

“The Fed has made it unequivocally clear that they are not in any hurry to do anything,” said Alec Young, Global Equity Strategist at S&P Capital IQ.

“It’s very bullish for stocks,” he added.

The S&P 500 index has risen for six trading sessions in a row, the longest winning run in four months.

The Nasdaq composite rose 1.4% on Thursday to close at 3,578.30, its highest level in almost 13 years.

Microsoft was one of the biggest winners on the stock market on Thursday.

Its shares jumped 2.8% after the company announced a plan to overhaul its structure.

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Duck Commander Phil Robertson and son Alan Robertson to speak at Saddleback Church

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck Commander Phil Robertson and son Alan Robertson to speak at Saddleback Church

Duck Commander Phil Robertson and his son Alan will be at Saddleback Church on July 20 and 21 to discuss how following Jesus has changed their lives as part of the megachurch’s Follow Me series.

The sermon series has brought influential American preachers and leaders to the Southern California church to share their experiences as disciples of Jesus Christ. Phil and Alan Robertson’s message to the church will align with the topic of following God and will feature their take on being a believer.

Alan Robertson, who will lead the sermon, is the senior pastor at White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in Louisiana and recently decided to join his family as the newest cast member for Duck Dynasty Season 4 that will premiere on August 14. He recently told the New York Post that his intention is to spread the Gospel beyond the members of his own congregation.

“What I do for our church – you see, it’s a pretty good-sized church – impacts a lot of people, but because of my association with the show, I’ll get to minister to a lot more people,” Alan Robertson said.

“Any person that’s an evangelist, that’s what you want to do, so I had to give this up for something possibly bigger.”

Duck Commander Phil Robertson and his son Alan will be at Saddleback Church on July 20 and 21 to discuss how following Jesus has changed their lives
Duck Commander Phil Robertson and his son Alan will be at Saddleback Church on July 20 and 21 to discuss how following Jesus has changed their lives

Duck Dynasty has reached a wide fan base ranging from outdoorsmen to Christians, and its ratings beat out American Idol during its third season, which broke the network’s viewer ratings. Oftentimes, the cast members display their Christian beliefs in the episodes and are seen at the end of each program engaging in prayer.

Throughout the course of three years, the Robertson family has gained fame, and plenty of attention since their show began, which is something that Alan admitted he may not be fully prepared for.

“My children are grown, but all of my brothers’ children are teenagers now, so how is this crazy world going to impact them?” he told the Post.

“We think about John, Luke and Sadie, who are such a big part of the show and they’re teenagers, you know? They need to be just normal teenagers. We pray about that.”

Along with the success of their reality show, the family has become a household name through other ventures as well.

Phil Robertson released a new book earlier this year, Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander, in which he details his life, including his wild early years and his take on parenthood, God, and of course, duck hunting. Other members also have books on the market, including Miss Kay Robertson, the matriarch of the clan.

If fans still cannot get enough of the Duck Dynasty crew, they will have the opportunity to vacation with them on the Duck Commander cruise during a four-night sail to the Caribbean next summer. Country star and American Idol winner Scotty McCreery will also join the cruise to provide onboard entertainment.

Sam Mendes to direct the 24th James Bond film

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Sam Mendes to direct the 24th James Bond film

Sam Mendes is to direct the 24th James Bond film, due for release in 2015, it has been announced.

Daniel Craig will reprise his role as 007, with the script penned by Oscar winner, John Logan.

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: “We’re really excited to be working once again with Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes and John Logan.”

Bond 24 is due for release in the UK on 23 October 2015 and on 6 November 2015 in the US.

Skyfall’s Sam Mendes, who directed the recently-opened West End musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, said he was “very much looking forward to taking up the reins again, and to working with Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time”.

Sam Mendes is to direct the 24th James Bond film, due for release in 2015
Sam Mendes is to direct the 24th James Bond film, due for release in 2015

He added: “I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honor all my theatre commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct Bond 24.”

Skyfall made $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office and won two Oscars – singer Adele’s theme song of the same name won best original song and there was an award for sound editing.

It was also named the outstanding British film by BAFTA.

It was reported in May that Sam Mendes had resumed talks with producers about directing the next Bond film, having previously ruled himself out due to other commitments.

Sam Mendes is due to follow Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by directing Shakespeare’s King Lear at the National Theatre in January 2014.

The last film-maker to lead consecutive Bond movies was former editor John Glen, who directed five films in a row between 1981 to 1989.

Sergei Magnitsky found guilty of tax fraud in Russia

Diane A. Wade
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Sergei Magnitsky found guilty of tax fraud in Russia

Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in 2009, has been found posthumously guilty of tax fraud by a Moscow court.

Sergei Magnitsky was arrested in 2008 after accusing officials of tax fraud, but was later himself accused of the crime.

His death in custody a year later led to a major diplomatic dispute between Russia and the United States.

In the same trial, William Browder, CEO of Hermitage Capital Management which Sergei Magnitsky represented, was also found guilty of tax fraud.

William Browder was convicted in absentia, and sentenced to nine years.

The London-based hedge fund manager has denied the charges and said the trial was politically motivated. His defense team have said they will appeal against the verdict.

In a statement, he said the verdict “will go down in history as one of the most shameful moments for Russia since the days of Joseph Stalin”.

“The desperation behind this move shows the lengths that Putin is ready to go and to retaliate against anyone who expose the stealing and corruption he presides over,” he said.

No sentence will be passed for Sergei Magnitsky, whose relatives regard the case as illegal.

A lawyer for the family told Russia’s Rapsi news agency: “I did not doubt that the decision would look like this.”

“I know that he committed no crimes.”

Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in 2009, has been found posthumously guilty of tax fraud by a Moscow court
Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in 2009, has been found posthumously guilty of tax fraud by a Moscow court

It is believed to be the first time in Soviet or Russian history that a defendant was tried posthumously.

Employed as an auditor for Hermitage, Sergei Magnitsky uncovered what he described as a web of corruption involving Russian tax officials, including the alleged theft of more than $200 million.

After reporting the allegations to the authorities, he was himself detained on suspicion of helping Hermitage evade $17.4 million in taxes.

Sergei Magnitsky was accused of having registered two firms in the republic of Kalmykia – at the time a Russian “offshore” tax haven – to hide assets.

Then, it is alleged, he hired local people with disabilities as “analysts”, entitling the firms to tax benefits. In his pre-trial testimony, Sergei Magnitsky insisted that the firms’ tax advantages were legal and that those hired were genuine, wage-earning employees.

He had pancreatitis and died in custody in 2009, but an investigation by Russia’s presidential council on human rights concluded that he had been severely beaten and denied medical treatment.

Last December, a Russian court acquitted a prison doctor accused of negligence over Sergei Magnitsky’s death. And in March this year the investigation into his death was dropped altogether due to “lack of evidence of a crime”.

William Browder has described the charges filed against him as an “absurdity” and revenge for his campaign to put pressure on Russia over the Magnitsky case.

He said it was his expectation “that no Western country will co-operate with the Russians”, as Interpol has said it considers the trial politically motivated.

“We will carry on in our fight for justice for Sergei Magnitsky as long as it takes,” William Browder said.

The case became a symbol in the US of the fight against corruption in Russia.

Last year, Washington passed the Magnitsky Act, blacklisting Russian officials accused of human rights violations, including those linked to the case.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law barring Americans from adopting Russian orphans.

The Russian foreign ministry also drew up its own blacklist of US officials who are alleged to have committed human rights violations.

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