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Christian pilgrims from around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

Diane A. Wade
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Christian pilgrims from around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

The day culminated with Christmas Eve Mass at the 1,700-year-old Church of the Nativity, built on the spot where it is believed Jesus was born.

In Bethlehem, Patriarch Fouad Twal, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem voiced his support for a Palestinian state.

Meanwhile in the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI held the traditional Mass at St Peter’s Basilica.

The pontiff urged Christians to “find time and room for God in their fast-paced lives”.

Pope Benedict prayed that Israelis and Palestinians be able to live their lives in peace. He also prayed for peace in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

The Mass, usually celebrated at midnight, was brought forward by two hours to avoid tiring the 85-year-old pontiff unduly.

Later on Tuesday, the Pope will deliver his traditional Christmas message to the city of Rome and to the world (Urbi et Orbi).

Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

On Monday, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal said this Christmas would be a celebration of “the birth of Christ our lord and the birth of the state of Palestine”.

“The path [to statehood] remains long, and will require a united effort,” he said.

The patriarch, who was born in Jordan, led a symbolic procession from Jerusalem’s Old City to the West Bank city, passing through the separation barrier and checkpoint built by the Israelis.

He was met at the church in Manger Square by thousands of tourists, pilgrims and clergy.

The patriarch later held the Mass at the Church of Nativity.

“From this holy place, I invite politicians and men of good will to work with determination for peace and reconciliation that encompasses Palestine and Israel in the midst of all the sufferings in the Middle East,” he said.

And referring to last month’s hostilities between Israel and Gaza militants, the patriarch said his prayers included “all Arab and Jewish families that have been touched by the conflict”.

Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas was present at the Mass.

In November, the United Nations upgraded the status of the Palestinians to that of a “non-member observer state”.

Israel – strongly backed by the US – opposed the move, describing it as a Palestinian ploy to bypass stalled peace negotiations.

The Church of Nativity is located in an area of the West Bank governed by the Palestinian Authority.

In June, the church was formally named a Unesco World Heritage Site – the first to be nominated by the Palestinians, who were made full members of Unesco earlier this year.

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Heidi Klum and Seal set to reunite for Christmas

Lisa.Felice
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Heidi Klum and Seal set to reunite for Christmas

Heidi Klum and Seal might have had a less an amicable split earlier this year, but they are set to put their differences behind them and reunite for Christmas, it has been claimed.

According to reports, Heidi Klum and Seal decided to make peace for the sake of their four children – Leni, Henry, Johan and Lou.

And given that Seal and Heidi Klum, who is now in a relationship with her bodyguard Martin Kristen, are both in Los Angeles, it looks likely that they will be celebrating the holidays together at some point over the festive period.

A source told the New York Post: “They’re trying to be co-parents and show up for their children.”

“They are trying to work it out, mainly for the kids.”

Heidi Klum and Seal are set to put their differences behind them and reunite for Christmas
Heidi Klum and Seal are set to put their differences behind them and reunite for Christmas

And the publication also reports that Seal hasn’t yet given up on his hope of reconciling permanently with his estranged wife.

The source added: “Seal has been doing everything to get her back. They have been talking on the phone regularly.”

While Heidi Klum and Seal appeared to have maintained their friendship following their split, things turned frosty when Seal accused Heidi of having begun her relationship with bodyguard Martin while they were still together.

Seal said in September: “I would have thought Heidi would have showed a little bit more class and at least wait until we separated first before deciding to fornicate with the help.”

Heidi Klum then retaliated during an interview with Katie Couric shortly afterwards, saying: “I don’t know if we’re the greatest friends right now, especially because of the things that he said.”

Macaulay Culkin eating alone at Taco Bell on Christmas Eve

Lisa.Felice
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Macaulay Culkin eating alone at Taco Bell on Christmas Eve

Macaulay Culkin proved that he was doing just fine as he hit the shops to get the last of his Christmas gifts on Saturday, despite starting the day by eating alone at Taco Bell.

The former child star cut a solitary figure as he wandered around New York, before stopping off at the Mexican restaurant to tuck into a tasty lunch.

While many people will be watching the festive Home Alone films over the holidays, in which Macaulay Culkin stars as a young boy accidentally left at home by himself, the star seemed quite happy to be spending his day alone, pounding the streets of SoHo.

Macaulay Culkin, 32, who dated Mila Kunis for nearly nine years, dispelled any rumors that he was undernourished by stopping off at the fast food restaurant as soon as he got into town, buying a hefty meal and sitting on his own to eat it.

After re-fueling, Macaulay Culkin set about hitting the shops, as did many other New Yorkers in the run up to Christmas Day.

Macaulay Culkin proved that he was doing just fine as he hit the shops to get the last of his Christmas gifts on Saturday, despite starting the day by eating alone at Taco Bell
Macaulay Culkin proved that he was doing just fine as he hit the shops to get the last of his Christmas gifts on Saturday, despite starting the day by eating alone at Taco Bell

Trying to go as incognito as possible, Macaulay Culkin wore a floppy grey hat over his blonde mop of hair, leaving just tuft of the trademark mane sticking out.

He also wore a pair of dark Ray Ban sunglasses and wrapped a stripy scarf tightly around his neck, pulling it up tight under his chin.

The sometimes eccentric-looking star could have passed for any other shopper in a pair of loose-fitting blue jeans and a buttoned-up black jacket.

With headphones in his ears, and puffing on a cigarette, the artist stopped by a number of high street shops, picking up some clothes in Banana Republic and a portable record player in Urban Outfitters.

Online shoppers treat themselves to a Christmas gift every time they shop

Lisa.Felice
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Online shoppers treat themselves to a Christmas gift every time they shop

A new survey has revealed that nearly half of us have been treating ourselves to at least one Christmas present with every purchase we made online this festive season.

Almost half of the women polled admitted to popping a gift for themselves into their virtual basket, with a third revealing to picking out two gifts, and 9% buying three.

The survey of 2,000 shoppers carried out by Waitrose found that residents of Yorkshire and the Humberside were most likely to splurge on themselves when shopping for others, with 21% confessing to picking our two presents for themselves in one shop, and nine per cent buying three.

Those in Wales were likely to buy themselves the highest number of presents while doing their Christmas shopping, allowing themselves up to six gifts in one shop.

A new survey has revealed that nearly half of us have been treating ourselves to at least one Christmas present with every purchase we made online this festive season
A new survey has revealed that nearly half of us have been treating ourselves to at least one Christmas present with every purchase we made online this festive season

Robin Phillips, Waitrose’s ecommerce director, said: “Choosing the perfect gift for a loved one can often be time consuming and stressful.

“Online shoppers have found <<one for you, one for me>> shopping makes Christmas even more rewarding – by adding themselves to their gift list.”

Now that’s one way to make sure your list to Santa gets ticked off.

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian cat fight in sneak peek of new Miami reality show

Lisa.Felice
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Kim and Kourtney Kardashian cat fight in sneak peek of new Miami reality show

It may come as a surprise to see the Kardashian sisters coming to blows in the new trailer for their upcoming reality show Kourtney And Kim Take Miami.

For as fans of their original show Keeping Up With The Kardashians know, the only thing the girls like more than making and spending money is a bit of drama.

The sisters come to blows in the brief 30 second clip – although there’s no explanation as to why they are fighting.

With their hair flying around, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian are seen engaging in what can only be described as a cat fight.

The trailer promises more of the winning formula which has made the sisters such a hit with fans – with scenes featuring Kim and Kourtney Kardashian sunning themselves in bikinis, Khloe in the bath with husband Lamar Odom, and of course an explosive fight.

The trailer also shows the reality stars water skiing and drinking with pals.

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian are seen engaging in what can be described as a cat fight in their new reality show, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami
Kim and Kourtney Kardashian are seen engaging in what can be described as a cat fight in their new reality show, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami

Filming on the series has now wrapped, with the sisters heading back to Los Angeles for Christmas.

Kim Kardashian tweeted: “I am so glad to be home for the holidays!!

“I loved spending time in Miami but LA is my home and I am really looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.”

And she promised: “Our time in Miami has come to an end and I can’t wait to show you all what we got up to while we were down in Miami when the show premiers in January.”

Luckily for fans they don’t have long to wait – the new show is set to air on the U.S. in early January.

Meanwhile Kourtney Kardashian has been sharing her plans for the holidays.

She attends a huge family Christmas party thrown by her mother Kris Jenner every year, but she is keen to start her own traditions with boyfriend Scott Disick and their children Mason, three, and Penelope, five months, away from her wider family.

She said: “I think it’s important to continue some of the family traditions, like the Christmas party, but to make it my own with Scott and the kids as well.

“Last Christmas Eve, we all had our own friends over and decorated gingerbread men, I want to do that again this year.”

However, Kourtney Kardashian, 33, will still be heading to Kris Jenner’s party because of all the tasty treats which will be on offer.

She added: “At my mum’s party, she has so many different things to try. I eat a little bit of everything, but not so much that I feel guilty. Everything in moderation.”

NORAD and Google Santa Tracker competition to follow Father Christmas as he travels the globe

Nancy Clayson
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NORAD and Google Santa Tracker competition to follow Father Christmas as he travels the globe

Two competing Santa tracking devices are racing to track Father Christmas as he travels the globe tonight.

Volunteers have again been watching Santa’ progress from 5:00 a.m. EST as part of the annual NORAD Tracks Santa Programme.

The system, run by the North American Aerospace Defense Command located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is in its 57th year and allows children to follow the sleigh online.

But this year it has a competitor – using its Google Earth and Google Maps products, the internet search giant is tracking Santa on its own this year with a new algorithm.

“While we’ve been tracking Santa since 2004 with Google Earth, this year a team of dedicated Google Maps engineers built a new route algorithm to chart Santa’s journey around the world on Christmas Eve,” the vice-president of Google Maps and Google Earth, Brian McClendon, wrote on the Official Google blog this week.

Meanwhile, NORAD revealed it takes hundreds of calls from those eager to know Saint Nick’s precise location and uses radar and satellite and even fighter jets to keep a track of his route.

For the past two years even the First Lady, Michelle Obama, has lent a hand answering calls from concerned children keen to keep tabs on Santa and his nine reindeer.

As the site explains: “The moment that radar indicates Santa has lifted off, we use our second detection system.

“Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat.

“Amazingly, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature, which allows our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa.

“The third tracking system is the Santa Cam network…Santa Cams are ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many locations around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year.

“The cameras capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer as they make their journey around the world.”

NORAD and Google Santa Tracker competition to follow Father Christmas as he travels the globe
NORAD and Google Santa Tracker competition to follow Father Christmas as he travels the globe

By 1:00 p.m. EST the tracking site had followed Santa across Australia and Asia.

Santa was spotted passing landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Sydney Opera House.

He was most recently seen above the skies of Afghanistan.

Last year, Michelle Obama, said she was delighted to be part of the project.

In a statement, the First Lady said: “It is wonderful to be part of this holiday tradition. I love answering calls from children who were anxious to learn where Santa was and when he would arrive at their home.

“I passed on to each child the current location of Santa and reminded them that he would come to their house only after they were in bed sleeping.”

In 1955, a Colorado Springs newspaper advert invited children to talk to Santa on a hotline.

But the number had a typo, and dozens of children mistakenly dialed the Continental Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs, the predecessor to NORAD.

The officers on duty sprang into action and began passing along reports on Santa’s progress – and the tradition was born.

More than 1500 volunteers will answer calls in shifts until 5:00 a.m. EST on Christmas morning.

Last year NORAD received more than 100,000 calls and 7,000 emails.

Google’s new Santa Tracker is live on the web at http://www.google.com/santatracker.

Santa can also be tracked online using NORAD at www.noradsanta.org, www.facebook.com/noradsanta and https://twitter.com/NoradSanta.

An app can also be downloaded to Apple, Google Android and Microsoft phones as well as Windows PCs.

NORAD has seen more than 1.5 million app downloads already this year.

Calls are taken at 877-HI-NORAD (877-446-6723) or on 1 (719) 556-5211 from Colorado Springs or overseas.

Emails can be sent to [email protected].

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Elisany da Cruz Silva, the world’s tallest girl, towers boyfriend as they enjoy romantic walk on Brazilian beach

Nancy Clayson
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Elisany da Cruz Silva, the world’s tallest girl, towers boyfriend as they enjoy romantic walk on Brazilian beach

Elisany da Cruz Silva, the world’s tallest teenage girl, walks hands in hands with her boyfriend on a Brazilian beach, the picture of young love despite a staggering 1ft 4in height difference.

Elisany da Cruz Silva, 17, measures an unbelievable 6ft 8in tall and has to bend down to plant a kiss on her 5 ft 4 in lover Francinaldo da Silva Carvalho, 22.

The youngster, from Salinopolis in Brazil, has a form of gigantism because of a tumor on her pituitary gland, which regulates growth. Doctors have since removed the tumor.

Elisany da Cruz Silva, an aspiring model, told Vietnam-based broadcaster BTV: “What really attracted me was his personality, the way he acts with people and the way he acts with me.

“The only thing that really affects us is when we hang out holding hands – it seems like he is my little brother or son.

“But I didn’t choose him, God did.”

Elisany da Cruz Silva, the world's tallest teenage girl, and her boyfriend Francinaldo da Silva Carvalho
Elisany da Cruz Silva, the world’s tallest teenage girl, and her boyfriend Francinaldo da Silva Carvalho

Elisany da Cruz Silva was too tall to ride the school bus and says she left school because of teasing from classmates.

She added: “It’s hard when I’m inside home. I get distracted and hit the wood in the ceiling with my head.”

Elisany da Cruz Silva lives in a small house with her sisters and mother Ana Maria Silva and step-father Luiz Jorge.

Her mother said: “I want her be like the other girls because I know she feels weird and sometimes wants to be like them.”

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Piers Morgan deportation: More than 31,000 Americans sign petition following interview with Larry Pratt

Nancy Clayson
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Piers Morgan deportation: More than 31,000 Americans sign petition following interview with Larry Pratt

More than 31,000 Americans have signed a petition sent to White House calling for British TV host Piers Morgan to be deported.

They are angry about Piers Morgan’s advocacy of gun control, in the wake of the December 14 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

The petition followed an interview with Larry Pratt, director of Gun Owners of America, on CNN – in which Piers Morgan called his guest “a dangerous man”.

Petitions posted on the White House website only require 25,000 signatures to get a response from the government.

The campaign was started by a journalist in Texas following Piers Morgan’s CNN programme of December 19.

The petition says the talk show host “is engaged in a hostile attack against the US Constitution by targeting the Second Amendment”, which protects an individual’s right to own guns for the purposes of self-defence.

“We demand that Mr. Morgan be deported immediately for his effort to undermine the Bill of Rights and for exploiting his position as a national network television host to stage attacks against the rights of American citizens.”

More than 31,000 Americans have signed a petition calling for Piers Morgan to be deported following an interview with Larry Pratt
More than 31,000 Americans have signed a petition calling for Piers Morgan to be deported following an interview with Larry Pratt

Piers Morgan has responded, repeatedly, on his Twitter account.

“If I do get deported from America for wanting fewer gun murders, are there any other countries that will have me?” the 47-year-old joked after the 25,000-signature threshold was past.

He added: “Wanting America to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines isn’t anti-constitutional – it’s called <<common sense>>.”

Later Piers Morgan said, in a reference to the Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of speech: “Ironic US gun rights campaign to deport me for <<attacking Second Amendment rights>> – is my opinion not protected under 1st Amendment rights?”

In the wake of the shooting in Newton, Connecticut, President Barack Obama has vowed to push for immediate and concrete gun safety proposals.

But the pro-gun National Rifle Association (NRA), which has more than four million members, has rejected the need for tighter gun control. According to the Small Arms Survey, there were 88.8 firearms for every 100 Americans in 2007.

Piers Morgan’s interview, on his nightly chat show, came five days after gunman Adam Lanza killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary school.

Larry Pratt said tighter controls on gun sales would not put an end to similar tragedies.

“The problem occurs in those areas precisely where we have said <<no guns>>,” he said.

“Where the guns are allowed freely to be carried… we have very low murder rates.

“We only have problems in our cities and, unhappily, in our schools, where people like you have been able to get laws put on the books that keep people from being able to defend themselves.”

Piers Morgan responded: “You’re a very stupid man, aren’t you?

“You have absolutely no coherent argument. You don’t actually give a damn about the gun murder rate in America.”

He ended the combative interview by calling Larry Pratt “a dangerous man espousing dangerous nonsense” and declared, “you shame your country”.

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Egypt awaits for constitutional referendum official results

Diane A. Wade
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Egypt awaits for constitutional referendum official results

Egyptians are awaiting the official results of a referendum on a controversial draft constitution.

Early unofficial results suggested more than 60% of voters said “yes” to the document, which is endorsed by Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.

But the electoral commission must first investigate opposition allegations of voting fraud.

Egypt has seen large and occasionally violent demonstrations by the opposing sides in the past few weeks.

If the constitution passes, elections must take place within two months and the deep polarization in the country is likely to continue.

In the meantime, legislative powers will pass to parliament’s upper chamber, the Islamist-controlled Shura Council.

State media reports of the results following Saturday’s second and final round of the referendum suggested that some 63% of voters had backed the charter. Turnout was low, estimated at 30%.

Egyptians are awaiting the official results of a referendum on a controversial draft constitution
Egyptians are awaiting the official results of a referendum on a controversial draft constitution

The electoral commission said it was compiling results from both rounds and that no time had been set for a confirmation of the outcome.

One member of the commission, Mohamed el-Tanobly, told Agence France-Presse it was examining all the allegations of irregularities so that the referendum “really reflects the will of the Egyptian people”.

The opposition National Salvation Front said on Sunday the vote had been marred by “fraud and violations”.

It said these included polling stations opening late, Islamists seeking to influence voters and a lack of judges to supervise.

Spokesman Amr Hamzawy told a news conference the National Salvation Front had urged the commission to investigate the irregularities but he also appeared to anticipate a “yes” vote.

He said: “We do not consider this constitution legitimate. We will continue to attempt to bring down the constitution peacefully and democratically.”

The opposition says the draft constitution fails to protect the freedoms and human rights that were sought in the uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak’s rule last year.

It accuses the president of pushing through a text that favors Islamists and does not sufficiently protect the rights of women or Christians.

But the Freedom and Justice Party, the political wing of Mohamed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, said it hoped the “yes” vote would begin to heal divisions and bring stability.

On the Freedom and Justice Party Facebook page, its leader, Saad al-Katatni, wrote that its members were “extending our hands to all political parties and all national forces”, adding: “We will all start a new page.”

However, the crisis is continuing to affect the country’s economic status. On Monday, the ratings agency Standard and Poor’s downgraded Egypt’s long-term credit rating because of the ongoing tension.

Lowering the country’s long-term rating to B- from B, it said: “A further downgrade is possible if a significant worsening of the domestic political situation results in a sharp deterioration of economic indicators such as foreign exchange reserves or the government’s deficit.”

The latest unrest began after Mohamed Morsi issued a decree on November 22 stripping the judiciary of the power to challenge his decisions.

After an outcry, the president revoked much of the decree, but he refused to back down on the referendum on the draft constitution.

Firefighters shot dead while responding to blaze in Webster

Nancy Clayson
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Firefighters shot dead while responding to blaze in Webster

Two volunteer firefighters have been shot dead and two injured while responding to an emergency call in the town of Webster in New York state.

It appears the four were fired upon as they arrived at the scene of a fire early on Monday morning.

The blaze broke out just before 06:00 local time and the shooting reportedly prevented firefighters putting it out for several hours.

A gunman has been found dead at the scene, local police say.

“Upon arrival of the first.. engine company and some firefighters in their personal vehicles, they underwent gunfire from a location unknown,” Webster’s Fire Marshal Rob Boutillier told reporters.

Police spokesmen said the area was “an active crime scene” but that no more shooters were believed to be present.

Police teams moved in to evacuate residents after the shooting, local media reports say.

Two volunteer firefighters have been shot dead and two injured while responding to an emergency call in the town of Webster in New York state
Two volunteer firefighters have been shot dead and two injured while responding to an emergency call in the town of Webster in New York state

Firefighters were then able to return to the scene and are now tackling the blaze.

“All of our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of those who were killed in this senseless act of violence,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

The debate on gun violence in the US was rekindled earlier this month by the shootings at a school in Newtown, Connecticut, which left 20 children and six adults dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

It was one of the worst mass shootings in American history.

President Barack Obama has promised to push for action on gun control while the National Rifle Association has called for armed security in all American schools.

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More than 2,000 different species of bacteria live in your belly button

Diane A. Wade
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More than 2,000 different species of bacteria live in your belly button

Researchers have found that more than 2,000 different species of bacteria live in our belly buttons.

As one report puts it, “you have more kinds of bacteria in your belly button than there are different kinds of ants or birds in North America”.

But, doctors say, there’s no need to panic.

“I don’t find it alarming,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an expert in infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee tells ABC News.

“We knew belly buttons weren’t sterile,” Dr. William Schaffner said, adding that the majority of these bacteria were rare and occurred in just one individual.

However, William Schaffner says that doesn’t minimize the study’s findings.

“This is in the context of a much larger study, which is trying to get greater insight into the source of pathogens and how the [bacteria on our body] changes with antimicrobial therapy and age,” he tells ABC.

Perhaps, he added, we can “use this to develop new antimicrobials”.

Researchers have found that more than 2,000 different species of bacteria live in our belly buttons
Researchers have found that more than 2,000 different species of bacteria live in our belly buttons

“Understanding the biodiversity of our bodies and how it differs among people may play an important role in understanding why some … people are susceptible to the same pathogen or respond to the same drug or diet,” said Dr. Rob Knight, associate professor of molecular biophysics at the University of Colorado – Boulder.

Although the findings of the study do not have any immediate implications, this is good timing for a public service announcement from Dr. Gregory Poland, infectious disease expert at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

“The current fad of women piercing their umbilicus has led to many case reports of infections,” Gregory Poland said.

“And with today’s multiple drug-resistant bacteria, it can lead to disasters.”

North Carolina State University’s Belly Button Biodiversity study in 2011, found 1,400 strains of bacteria lurking in human belly buttons – including 662 unrecognized strains.

Patriarch Fouad Twal, head of Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem, backs Palestinian state

Diane A. Wade
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Patriarch Fouad Twal, head of Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem, backs Palestinian state

Patriarch Fouad Twal, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem, has voiced his support for a Palestinian state during a procession to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.

Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal said this Christmas would be a celebration of “the birth of Christ our lord and the birth of the state of Palestine”.

Last month, the United Nations upgraded the status of the Palestinians to that of a “non-member observer state”.

Patriarch Fouad Twal is due to lead midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity.

Patriarch Fouad Twal, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem, has voiced his support for a Palestinian state during a procession to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus
Patriarch Fouad Twal, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem, has voiced his support for a Palestinian state during a procession to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus

The church is seen by Christians as the traditional birthplace of Jesus, and is in an area of the West Bank governed by the Palestinian Authority.

In June the church was formally named a Unesco World Heritage Site – the first to be nominated by the Palestinians, who were made full members of Unesco earlier this year.

Patriarch Fouad Twal, who was born in Jordan, led a symbolic procession from Jerusalem’s Old City to Bethlehem, passing through the separation barrier and checkpoint built by the Israelis.

He was met at the church in Manger Square by thousands of tourists, pilgrims and clergy.

Nelson Mandela in hospital for Christmas

Diane A. Wade
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Nelson Mandela in hospital for Christmas

Former South Africa’s President Nelson Mandela will spend Christmas in hospital, a government statement has said.

Nelson Mandela, 94, was admitted to hospital two weeks ago and has been treated for a lung infection and gallstones.

There is growing concern in South Africa about his health.

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, was jailed for 27 years for leading the struggle against white-minority rule.

He is regarded by most South Africans as the father of the nation, having inspired them to fight for democracy.

“Former President Nelson Mandela will spend Christmas Day in hospital, his doctors have confirmed,” a government statement said.

With every passing day there is growing public anxiety about Nelson Mandela’s health.

There was hope that he would be allowed to spend Christmas at home, but his doctors are still not comfortable about discharging him.

Former South Africa's President Nelson Mandela will spend Christmas in hospital
Former South Africa’s President Nelson Mandela will spend Christmas in hospital

Although President Jacob Zuma has described Nelson Mandela’s condition as “serious”, he has tempered this by saying that he has been “responding” to treatment, our correspondent adds.

The government says he is being treated for a recurring lung infection at a hospital in the capital, Pretoria.

He has also had an operation to remove gallstones.

Nelson Mandela first contracted tuberculosis in the 1980s while detained on windswept Robben Island prison.

He has been admitted to hospital on three occasions in the past two years.

In January 2011, he was treated for a serious chest infection in Johannesburg.

In February this year, he was again admitted to a Johannesburg hospital because of abdominal pains. He was released the following day after tests revealed nothing serious.

Nelson Mandela lives in Qunu, a small rural village in Eastern Cape province, where he says he spent the happiest days of his childhood.

He retired from public life in 2004 and has been rarely seen in public since, though he still receives high-profile visitors.

Former US President Bill Clinton visited Nelson Mandela in July.

Jacob Zuma has urged South Africans to pray for him.

Nelson Mandela served as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999.

Fifty Sheds of Grey parody outsells original Fifty Shades of Grey

Sonia Pantiss
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Fifty Sheds of Grey parody outsells original Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Sheds of Grey, a clever parody of this year’s most talked about racy novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, has been out-selling the original in recent weeks.

It is one of dozens of satires published following the success of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

Fifty Sheds of Grey, which was spawned from a popular Twitter account, has sold 41,000 copies in the last two weeks, while E.L. James’s novel sold 29,000.
Written under the pseudonym Colin Trevor Grey, Fifty Sheds of Grey tells the story of a middle-aged man who is “thrust into an illicit world of pleasure and pain” after his wife reads Fifty Shades.

Colin Trevor Grey – who describes himself as a “passionate gardener and amateur shed owner” – has been treating followers to pictures of sexy sheds and Carry On-style erotic puns since June.

Most are horticulture-themed, but many offer hilarious snapshots of his everyday life.

He finds himself caught between his wife’s eagerness to try new things in the bedroom and “the love between a man and his shed”.

After accumulating over 90,000 followers thanks to his daily tweets, Colin Trevor Grey decided to publish a book of his funniest entries.

“A very nice chap from Pan Macmillan came knocking on my shed door after he saw me on Twitter,” he says.

“He said he thought mine was a story the world had to hear and offered me a contract there and then.

“Although, I have to admit I was a little wary – the last contract I signed was one my wife drew up after reading ‘that book’ and it resulted in me spending every Thursday morning being led round Sainsbury’s in handcuffs and a rubber thong.”

Fifty Sheds of Grey, a clever parody of this year’s most talked about racy novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, has been out-selling the original in recent weeks
Fifty Sheds of Grey, a clever parody of this year’s most talked about racy novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, has been out-selling the original in recent weeks

When his wife picked up Fifty Shades he said he was unwittingly thrust head-first into the mysterious, illicit world of pleasure and pain – and his happy and simple life changed forever.

Looking for a way to express his frustrations, he said he took to Twitter.

“I write my Twitter account alone in my shed. It’s the only place I can get a moment’s peace – at least, it was.”

Following the fastest-selling paperback of all time comes Fifty Sheds of Grey: A Parody: Erotica for the not-too-modern male.

“My wife doesn’t know I’ve written a book yet,” he said.

“I’m hoping she doesn’t find out, to be honest, as it contains intimate details of past indiscretions, including my deflowering at the hands of an older woman –I went into her shed a boy and came out a man.”

EL James’s original Fifty Shades, which follows a love affair between naïve Anastasia Steele and businessman Christian Grey, has sold 4.5million copies in the UK.

OTHER PARODY TRIBUTES

Fifty Shames of Earl Grey: Young, arrogant tycoon Earl Grey seduces Anna Steal with his good looks and staggering amounts of money. But will she be able to get past his fifty shames, including a love of bondage with handcuffs, and shopping at non-luxury supermarkets?

Fifty Shades of Gravy: When Vanessa Biscuits attends a cookery class with the renowned Chef Gray, she finds him beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. Gray, unable to resist her slavish devotion to him, admits he wants her, but on his own peculiar terms: covered in gravy.

Fifty Shades of Garbage: Marcia and Joe are swept up in the Fifty Shades mania that has seduced the middle-classes. While Marcia devours the novels, Joe scorns them – while secretly listening to the audiobooks on his commute.

Fifty Shades of Mr. Darcy: A bodice-rippingly erotic twist on Jane Austen’s classic, Pride and Prejudice.

Fifty Shades of Bacon: Not a sensual novel, but rather a cookbook that attempts to provide a series of delectable bacon-based recipes.

Woman taking a tumble just behind news reporter Joe Torres

Nancy Clayson
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0
Woman taking a tumble just behind news reporter Joe Torres

A new hysterical video that’s making the latest rounds on the Internet shows a woman taking a tumble just over the shoulder of news reporter Joe Torres.

In the clip, ABC New York News Channel 7’s Joe Torres is reporting from in Bedford Park, New York when a young lady walks out of a building in the background.

Church bells are ringing as she makes her way behind him.

Then she suddenly tosses up her arms and she falls from the camera’s view.

A new hysterical video that's making the latest rounds on the Internet shows a woman taking a tumble just over the shoulder of news reporter Joe Torres
A new hysterical video that’s making the latest rounds on the Internet shows a woman taking a tumble just over the shoulder of news reporter Joe Torres

Joe Torres, proving that chivalry is in fact dead, nonchalantly glances behind him at the woman on the ground and coldly returns to reporting.

Moments later, the young woman reappears as she springs to her feet and walks off.

As of Sunday night, the video had nearly 800,000 views.

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey tops US box office chart for a second week

Sonia Pantiss
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0
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey tops US box office chart for a second week

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has topped the US box office chart for a second week.

Director Peter Jackson’s return to Middle Earth took $36.7 million over the weekend, dwarfing its competition.

The Hobbit easily beat Tom Cruise’s latest action movie, Jack Reacher, which came second with $15.6 million.

But a drop-off in The Hobbit’s takings, down from $84.8 million last week, suggests it will struggle to match the success of the final Lord Of The Rings film.

The Return Of The King made $1.2 billion worldwide after its release in 2003. At the time, it was the second highest-grossing film ever, although it has since been overtaken by the likes of Avatar and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

Box office analysts said the 57% decline in The Hobbit’s second-week takings was due to the Christmas shopping rush.

“The real winner this weekend might be holiday shopping,” said Paul Dergarabedian, from Hollywood.com.

The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey has topped the US box office chart for a second week
The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey has topped the US box office chart for a second week

Tom Cruise’s film also opened with lower-than-expected takings, making approximately half as much money as Mission Impossible 4, which was released this time last year.

The movie is based on Lee Child’s Jack Reacher character, a former soldier and military policeman who lives “off the grid” and doles out vigilante-style justice.

Written and directed by The Usual Suspects’ Oscar-winning scriptwriter Christopher McQuarrie, the film has fared well with critics, despite initial worries about the Cruise, who is 5 ft 7 in tall (1,70m), playing the 6 ft 5 in hero of the novels.

Elsewhere in the box office, Judd Apatow’s comedy This Is 40, a sequel to his 2007 hit Knocked Up, debuted at number three, taking $12 million.

Barbra Streisand comedy The Guilt Trip was another new entry, at number six, while a 3D version of Pixar’s Monsters Inc came in at seven.

A prequel to the hit movie, about two Monsters employed to scare small children, is due for release next year.

Meanwhile, a limited release for Kathryn Bigelow’s political thriller Zero Dark Thirty fared particularly well.

Based on the story of the CIA’s hunt for Osama Bin Laden, the Oscar-tipped movie was only shown in five cinemas – but managed to make $410,000 over the weekend.

Playing to packed houses, it raked in $82,000 per screen. By comparison, Jack Reacher only made $4,654 per screen.

With more Oscar bait due to hit US cinemas on Christmas Day – including Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained and the film adaptation of Les Miserables – receipts are expected to rise next week.

“We haven’t reached the key holiday play time yet,” said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner movies.

“It explodes on Tuesday and goes right through the end of the year.”

US Box Office Top Five

  1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ($36.7 million)
  2. Jack Reacher ($15.6 million)
  3. This Is 40 ($12 million)
  4. Rise of the Guardians ($5.9 million)
  5. Lincoln ($5.6 million)

Source: Hollywood.com

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Mike Scaccia dies aged 47 after collapsing on stage in Texas

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Mike Scaccia dies aged 47 after collapsing on stage in Texas

Mike Scaccia, guitarist with heavy metal bands Ministry and Rigor Mortis, has died aged 47.

Rolling Stone magazine reported that Mike Scaccia was playing at a birthday celebration for Rigor Mortis singer Bruce Corbitt when he collapsed on stage in Texas.

He was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Al Jourgensen, Ministry’s lead singer, confirmed his death on the band’s website, telling fans: “I just lost my lil’ brother and my best friend.”

He continued: “Mikey was not only the best guitar player in the history of music, but he was a close, close, close part of our family – and I just lost a huge chunk of my heart today.

“Our lives are forever changed. Life without Mikey is like orange juice without pulp – kind of bland.”

Mike Scaccia, guitarist with heavy metal bands Ministry and Rigor Mortis, has died aged 47
Mike Scaccia, guitarist with heavy metal bands Ministry and Rigor Mortis, has died aged 47

Mike Scaccia was born in Babylon, New York in 1965 and formed group Rigor Mortis in 1983.

Combining a savage and dense rock sound with their shared love of horror films, the band almost single-handedly created a death-metal scene in their native Texas.

Unusually, they were signed to a major label – Capitol Records – and released one album before being dropped due to poor sales.

Al Jourgensen invited Mike Scaccia to join Ministry in 1989, and he played on the band’s most commercially-successful album, Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs, in 1992.

He also contributed to spin-off projects by bands such as Lard and Buck Satan and the 666 Shooters, and was part of a well-received Rigor Mortis reunion in 2003.

According to the Fort Worth medical examiner, the guitarist died of a sudden heart attack brought on by a heart disease.

Rigor Mortis vocalist Bruce Corbitt paid tribute to his friend on Facebook, calling him “the greatest guitar player I ever knew”.

“My brother is gone,” he wrote.

“The only reason I am who I am is because of this man. If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t even be in a band.”

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NORAD Santa tracker moves from Google to Bing

Nancy Clayson
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0
NORAD Santa tracker moves from Google to Bing

The battle between internet search engines for prominence on tracking down Santa’s route has taken a new turn, as a fresh war over who gets to officially “follow” Santa this year took a surprising turn.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) – which has been tracking Santa from 1958 – has announced its switching its annual Santa tracking partnership from Google to Bing.

For the last five years, Google was the official Santa tracking destination as it had a contract with the search engine giant, slashgear.com reported.

But now, after the two organizations decided to take “different paths”, NORAD has switched its allegiance to Bing, while Google has branched out and made a new route that charts Santa’s journey around the globe.

According to NORAD, they “coordinate with Santa’s Elf Launch staff” to follow the route, which they describe usually starting at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, before heading west.

They said: “Santa usually starts at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west. So, historically, Santa visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia.

“After that, he shoots up to Japan, over to Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central and South America. Keep in mind, Santa’s route can be affected by weather, so it’s really unpredictable.”

NORAD, which has been tracking Santa from 1958, has announced its switching its annual Santa tracking partnership from Google to Bing
NORAD, which has been tracking Santa from 1958, has announced its switching its annual Santa tracking partnership from Google to Bing

The tracking of Santa began in 1955, when the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), began tracking Santa and then later switched to NORAD three years later.

NORAD is a U.S. and Canadian military organization, whose duties include aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning, around the clock every day.

NORAD says it uses four high-tech systems to track Santa – radar, satellites, Santa Cams and fighter jets.

But now Google says it will track Santa using a new algorithm created by Google Maps engineers.

Users will be able to log on and trace Santa’s route using Google Maps and Google Earth starting at 2:00 AM Pacific standard Time on Christmas Eve.

It remains to be seen whether both trackers will show the same route.

NORAD Tracks Santa

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Queen Elizabeth wearing 3D glasses as she gets a sneak preview of 2012 Christmas Day message

Nancy Clayson
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0
Queen Elizabeth wearing 3D glasses as she gets a sneak preview of 2012 Christmas Day message

Queen Elizabeth II wore dark glasses with a glittering Swarovski “Q” on each side while she was watching a preview of her Christmas message, which has been filmed in 3D for the first time.

Seen with her 3D glasses as she chats to senior staff from Sky News, who have produced this year’s message, the 86-year-old monarch is said to be thoroughly delighted with the result.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Queen thought the broadcast was “absolutely lovely”, adding: “We wanted to do something a bit different and special in this jubilee year, so doing it for the first time in 3D seemed a good thing, technology-wise, to do.

“The Queen absolutely agreed straight away – there was no need for convincing at all, she was absolutely ready to embrace something new in this year.”

It is not the first time the Queen has worn 3D glasses. In fact, the pictured pair were first seen when she went to a movie training centre in Toronto, Canada, in 2010.

Queen Elizabeth II wore dark glasses with a glittering Swarovski Q on each side while she was watching a preview of her Christmas message
Queen Elizabeth II wore dark glasses with a glittering Swarovski Q on each side while she was watching a preview of her Christmas message

During her message, which will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, the Queen will talk about the impact of London 2012, saying: “All those who saw the achievement and courage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games were further inspired by the skill, dedication, training and teamwork of our athletes.

“In pursuing their own sporting goals, they gave the rest of us the opportunity to share something of the excitement and drama.”

When the message is broadcast tomorrow the Queen and Prince Philip will be at Sandringham with other royals – but they will not be joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The couple have decided to break with tradition as a result of 30-year-old Kate Middleton’s pregnancy and continuing sickness and instead spend Christmas with the Middleton family.

However, they will make an appearance at Sandringham on Boxing Day for the regular pheasant shoot on the 20,000-acre Norfolk estate and are expected to remain there for a couple of days.

The move has led to speculation that the couple may choose to spend alternate Christmases with their respective families, as many modern couples do.

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Bowel cancer genes discovered

Diane A. Wade
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Bowel cancer genes discovered

British researchers believe they have explained why some families are incredibly vulnerable to bowel cancer.

They have found two genes, which are passed from parent to child, that greatly increase the risk of a tumor forming.

The study, published in Nature Genetics, analyzed DNA from 20 people with a strong family history.

The findings could be used to develop a test to judge someone’s risk of the disease.

One of the people who took part in the study, Joe Wiegand from Hampshire, was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 28. Most of his colon had to be removed.

British researchers believe they have explained why some families are incredibly vulnerable to bowel cancer
British researchers believe they have explained why some families are incredibly vulnerable to bowel cancer

“There’s a very strong history of bowel cancer in my family – my dad’s mother and sister both had it, my dad was diagnosed with it at 43 and a few cousins have had bowel cancers and brain tumors.

“It’s clear that something’s going on in our family.”

The researchers looked at the genetic code of 20 people and found faults in two genes could increase the chance of developing the cancer.

Lead researcher, Prof. Ian Tomlinson from the University of Oxford, said: “There are some families where large numbers of relatives develop bowel cancer, but who don’t have any of the known gene faults that raise the risk of developing the disease.

“These two faults are rare, but if you inherit them your chance of bowel cancer is high.”

He said that, in the short-term, the findings could be used to work out which people had a high risk of developing bowel cancer and, in families with a high incidence of the cancer, to work out which people were at risk and needed more regular screening.

He said it was “conceivable” that specific therapies could be designed to overcome these mutations in the future.

Robin Roberts shows off shaved head after bone marrow transplant at Sam Champion’s wedding

Lisa.Felice
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0
Robin Roberts shows off shaved head after bone marrow transplant at Sam Champion’s wedding

Good Morning America host Robin Roberts is recovering from a bone marrow transplant after battling a rare bone marrow disorder.

But that did not stop her from attending an intimate wedding for ABC News weatherman Sam Champion and his partner Rubem Robierb on Friday.

Two months after undergoing the operation, Robin Roberts was back on her feet at the ceremony, proudly showing off her shaved and looking radiant in a red sequinned dress.

The resilient GMA anchor, who is also a breast cancer survivor, shaved her head on television in 2007 and wore a wig on air afterwards.

According toPeople magazine, Robin Roberts cheered on Sam Champion and his partner of three years, a fine-arts photographer, as they said their vows at their Manhattan apartment at the end of the week.

The newswoman reportedly read a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning during the ceremony.

Cancer survivor Robin Roberts attended an intimate wedding for ABC News weatherman Sam Champion and his partner Rubem Robierb on Friday
Cancer survivor Robin Roberts attended an intimate wedding for ABC News weatherman Sam Champion and his partner Rubem Robierb on Friday

Sam Champion and Rubem Robierb, who met three years ago at a New Year’s Eve party in Miami, announced their engagement this past October.

Surrounded by a small group of family and friends, including Lara Spencer and Josh Elliott, New York State Supreme Court Justice George J. Silver conducted the 10-minute long ceremony.

A larger wedding party will reportedly take place in Miami on New Year’s Eve.

Robin Roberts announced in June that she had been diagnosed with MDS, or myelodysplastic syndrome, a disease of the blood and bone marrow once known as preleukemia.

The 52-year-old underwent a course of chemotherapy in advance of the transplant later this year in which her sister was the donor.

After undergoing a bone marrow transplant, Robin Roberts was discharged from the hospital a month later.

She was briefly re-admitted when her body was fighting a common infection, but was out of the hospital within a few days.

Although Robin Roberts has been on medical leave since September, she has continued to communicate with viewers through video messages on ABC News and through Twitter. The network also documented her journey for viewers to remain abreast of her recovery.

Rihanna donates $1.75 million to Barbados cancer hospital in honor of her grandmother Clara Braithwaite

Lisa.Felice
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0
Rihanna donates $1.75 million to Barbados cancer hospital in honor of her grandmother Clara Braithwaite

As Rihanna heads home to Barbados for Christmas it has been revealed that she has donated $1.75 million to a local cancer hospital.

The donation was made in memory of her late grandmother Clara Braithwaite, who died of cancer in June.

Rihanna’s generous donation led to the radiotherapy department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bridgetown, being renamed the Clara Braithwaite Centre for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, in memory of her “Gran Gran Dolly”.

The money paid for three vital pieces of equipment worth more than $3.5 million Barbados dollars.

Rihanna, 24, said: “This was my way of giving back to Barbados, in a form of philanthropy, by assisting the QEH in its continued modernization programme.

“I believe that this will have a huge impact on the people of Barbados. This was all done to save lives or at least extend them.”

Rihanna was accompanied by grandmother Dolly's husband, Lionel, and her mother, Monica Fenty as she has donated $1.75 million to a Barbados cancer hospital
Rihanna was accompanied by grandmother Dolly’s husband, Lionel, and her mother, Monica Fenty as she has donated $1.75 million to a Barbados cancer hospital

Rihanna was accompanied by Dolly’s husband, Lionel, and her mother, Monica Fenty as she visited the department this weekend.

The singer’s love of her grandmother was well known to fans, with the star often speaking of her on Twitter.

When she took a turn for the worse earlier this year Rihanna jetted to New York to be at her bedside.

And following her death Rihanna posted a series of family photos in a tribute to Clara Braithwaite.

Christmas Day Weather: Massive snowstorm moves from the Great Plains and up into the Northeast

Nancy Clayson
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0
Christmas Day Weather: Massive snowstorm moves from the Great Plains and up into the Northeast

Meteorologists predict snowfall could blanket nearly half of the US on Tuesday – from Dallas to Maine – as a massive snowstorm moves from the Great Plains and up into the Northeast.

Accuweather is now predicting that “significant” snow will fall in Oklahoma and Arkansas, potentially giving Oklahoma City its first Christmas snowfall since 1914.

Little Rock Arkansas could get up to three inches. That last time more than an inch fell on Christmas Day was 1926.

Even Dallas, Texas, could see flurries for Christmas – though likely no accumulation. The last time Dallas saw snowfall on Christmas Day was 1997 – though a 2009 blizzard left several inches behind on Christmas Eve.

“Southern Oklahoma and Arkansas look like they’re going to get slammed with some serious snow, strong winds – four to eight inches in some places. It’s a pretty powerful storm system,” said Ted Ryan, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Fort Worth, Texas.

Western California and the Pacific Northwest are due for snow on Christmas Day, as well.

While children everywhere, both young and young-at-heart, are likely to welcome the snow, the nation’s 87million holiday travelers will likely be less enthusiastic.

The damaging snow is supposed to start in the Rockie Mountains, gaining steam as it heads along the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles in the late afternoon to early evening of Tuesday.

Meteorologists predict snowfall could blanket nearly half of the US on Christmas Day
Meteorologists predict snowfall could blanket nearly half of the US on Christmas Day

From there, it will head up towards the Great Lakes and move eastward throughout Wednesday. Once it reaches the East Coast, it will begin in the Washington, D.C. area before moving up towards the southern parts of the Northeast, potentially reaching New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire and possibly Massachusetts.

By 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, the winter storm dubbed “Draco” had delayed 5,843 flights in the United States and canceled 131, leaving desperate holiday travellers scrambling to find alternative routes home. The high winds could threaten to delay even more flights at airports in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, meteorologists said.

Newark airport had the most cancellations, with 11 flights called off and O’Hare International Airport in Chicago still had the greatest number of delays, with 239 flights taking off later than scheduled.

The storm made travel difficult from Kansas to Wisconsin on Friday, forcing road closures, including a 120-mile stretch of Interstate 35 from Ames, Iowa, through Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Iowa and Wisconsin activated National Guard troops to help rescue stranded drivers. In Iowa, two people were killed and seven injured in a 25-vehicle pile-up.

Drivers were blinded by blowing snow and didn’t see vehicles that had slowed or stopped on Interstate 35 about 60 miles north of Des Moines, state police said. A chain reaction of crashes involving semitrailers and passenger cars closed down a section of the highway.

Three other states also had traffic deaths that were blamed on the storm. There were at least two deaths in each Nebraska and Wisconsin, and one in Kansas.

In southeastern Utah, a woman who tried to walk for help after her car became stuck in snow died on Tuesday night. Search and rescue crews on snowmobiles found her buried in the snow just a few miles from her car.

On the southern edge of the storm system, tornadoes destroyed several homes in Arkansas and peeled the roofs from buildings, toppled trucks and blew down oak trees and limbs in Alabama.

The Secret To A Perfect Christmas Pudding

Diane A. Wade
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The Secret To A Perfect Christmas Pudding

The secret to a perfect Christmas pudding is all in the fruit, explains Paul Gray, who is master cake-maker at Bettys, the famous bakery and tea shop in Harrogate, Yorkshire.

“Don’t use dried sultanas you’ve found at the back of the cupboard,” he says.

“Buy the freshest and best quality fruit you can afford.”

He should know – he’s made millions of cakes during his 20 years at Bettys.
“Today, I’m at their equally famous cookery school making my own Christmas pudding, along with other festive treats.

“We start the pudding at 10 a.m. – although the kitchen fairies have soaked the fruit in brandy overnight for us. Along the way we learn many tips, such as always juicing and zesting fruit that is at room temperature – this give you double the amount.

“Likewise, eggs should always be room temperature to prevent curdling (it’s the change in temperature that causes it).

“The day is a revelation, accompanied by friendly banter, good company and delicious treats for snacking – plus, you get to take home all your Christmas cooking.

“After five hours of steaming, the pudding is ready to cool and then be put away for at least four weeks (longer if possible) to mature before the big lunch.”


INGREDIENTS (6-8 serves)

  • 230g (8 oz) raisins
  • 50g (1 ¼ oz) currants
  • 75g (2 ½ oz) sultanas
  • 50g (1 ¾ oz) glace cherries
  • 15g (1/2 oz) flaked almonds
  • 100ml (3 ½ fl oz) brandy
  • Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
  • Freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 orange and 1/2 lemon
  • 50g (1 ¾ oz) vegetable suet
  • 30g (1 oz) wholemeal breadcrumbs
  • 50g (1 ¾ oz) plain white flour
  • 90g (3 oz) light brown sugar
  • 2g (1/2 tsp) mixed spice
  • 1g (1/4 tsp) each of ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves
  • 5g (1 tsp) salt
  • 2 medium eggs, beaten
The secret to a perfect Christmas pudding is all in the fruit
The secret to a perfect Christmas pudding is all in the fruit

METHOD

  1. The day before, place all the dried fruits and flaked almonds in a bowl. Pour over the brandy and add the lemon and orange zest and juice. Mix together lightly. Cover with clingfilm and leave overnight.
  2. Put all the remaining ingredients and the pre-soaked fruit in a large mixing bowl. Mix lightly with a wooden spoon, so as not to break up the fruit. Place a small disc of baking parchment in the base of a 1 ½ pt pudding basin and then fill it with the mixture. Smooth the top down evenly. Place another, larger disc of parchment on top. Cover the basin with foil and seal tightly.
  3. Stand the filled pudding basin on a strip of foil long enough to make a handle (to help you lift the pudding out of the pan once it is steamed). Place the basin on top of a trivet in a deep-sided pan. Pour hot water into the pan, so it comes halfway up the pudding basin. Place a lid on the pan and bring back to the boil. Lower the heat and keep the water at a steady simmer. Steam the pudding for 5 hours. Check the level of water in the saucepan during cooking and top up if necessary.
  4. Remove the pudding from the pan and allow it to cool completely. Remove the foil. Wrap the pudding basin in a piece of greaseproof and a layer of foil. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 1 month to mature. The longer the better.
  5. On Christmas Day, steam the pud for 2 hours in a pan of water, as before. Warm some brandy in a ladle until it ignites and pour over the pudding to flambe.

Egypt opposition alleges fraud at constitutional referendum

Diane A. Wade
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0
Egypt opposition alleges fraud at constitutional referendum

Egypt’s National Salvation Front has demanded an inquiry into the referendum on the draft constitution, citing fraud.

The National Salvation Front, Egypt’s main opposition, urged the election commission to investigate the “irregularities”.

Initial unofficial results indicate a “Yes” vote for a document which President Mohamed Morsi says will safeguard democracy.

The opposition says the constitution favors Islamists, and the referendum has highlighted bitter divisions.

The result is expected to be officially announced on Monday.

If the constitution passes, elections must take place within three months. In the meantime, legislative powers would remain with Mohamed Morsi.

State media reports of the results following Saturday’s second and final round of the referendum suggest that some 63% of voters had backed the charter. Turnout was estimated at 30%.

But the National Salvation Front said on Sunday the vote had been marred by “fraud and violations”.

These included polling stations opening late and Islamists seeking to influence voters, the opposition said.

Egypt's National Salvation Front has demanded an inquiry into the referendum on the draft constitution, citing fraud
Egypt’s National Salvation Front has demanded an inquiry into the referendum on the draft constitution, citing fraud

Spokesman Amr Hamzawy told a news conference in Cairo: “We are asking the commission to investigate the irregularities before announcing official results.”

Another spokesman, Khaled Daoud, said the Front would not contest the result, which it believed would be a “Yes”, but he said there was “serious fraud”.

The Front has complained that there was not enough legal supervision of the referendum – many judges had announced a boycott.

The opposition said before the referendum that its campaign would continue in the wake of a “Yes” vote.

Front member Abdel Ghaffer Shokr told Agence France-Presse on Sunday: “The referendum is not the end of the road. It is only one battle. We will continue the fight for the Egyptian people.”

But the Freedom and Justice Party, the political wing of Mohamed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, said it hoped the “Yes” vote would begin to heal divisions and bring stability.

Opponents have said the draft constitution fails to protect the freedoms and human rights that they sought in the uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak’s rule last year.

They accuse the president of pushing through a text that favors Islamists and does not sufficiently protect the rights of women or Christians, who make up about 10% of the population.

President Mohamed Morsi’s mainly Islamist supporters say the constitution will secure democracy and encourage stability.

The latest unrest began after Mohamed Morsi issued a decree on November 22 stripping the judiciary of the power to challenge his decisions.

After an outcry, the president revoked much of the decree, but he refused to back down on the draft constitution.

The text was rushed through by a constituent assembly dominated by Islamists.

Egypt has seen large demonstrations by both sides, which have occasionally turned violent, ever since.

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