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EU 2014-2020 budget agreement unlikely to be reached at Brussels summit

Clyde K. Valle
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EU 2014-2020 budget agreement unlikely to be reached at Brussels summit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she doubts an agreement can be reached on the European Union’s 2014-2020 budget at the summit taking place in Brussels.

Angela Merkel spoke after negotiations on the 2014-2020 budget were adjourned until midday on Friday.

The opening of the summit was delayed for three hours because of stark differences over the budget plans.

Most EU members support an increase in the budget but several countries say it is unacceptable at a time of austerity.

Earlier, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy circulated a revised proposal for the new budget and said he believed that a compromise was possible.

“I think we’re advancing a bit, but I doubt that we will reach a deal,” Angela Merkel said.

She has previously said that another summit may be necessary early next year if no deal can be reached now.

French President Francois Hollande also cautioned that an agreement might not be possible.

But he added: “We should not consider that if we don’t get there tomorrow or the day after, all would be lost.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she doubts an agreement can be reached on the European Union's 2014-2020 budget at the summit taking place in Brussels
German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she doubts an agreement can be reached on the European Union’s 2014-2020 budget at the summit taking place in Brussels

The 90-minute session late on Thursday followed a grueling day of face-to-face meetings between Herman Van Rompuy and each of the bloc’s leaders, followed by a flurry of backroom discussions.

Before suspending talks, leaders nominated Luxembourg’s Yves Mersch to the executive board of the European Central Bank.

The EU Commission, which drafts EU laws, has called for an increase of 4.8% on the 2007-2013 budget.

The UK is the most vocal of EU member states seeking cuts in the budget to match austerity programmes at home.

“No, I’m not happy at all,” Prime Minister David Cameron said about Herman Van Rompuy’s offer to cap spending at 973 billion euros ($1.2 trillion).

“Clearly, at a time when we’re making difficult decisions at home over public spending, it would be quite wrong – it is quite wrong – for there to be proposals for this increased extra spending in the EU.”

The statement called the rebate “fully justified”. The EU Commission and some EU governments want the rebate scrapped.

David Cameron has warned he may use his veto if other EU countries call for any rise in EU spending. The Netherlands and Sweden back his call for a freeze in spending, allowing for inflation.

Poland and its former-communist neighbors, which rely heavily on EU cash, want current spending maintained or raised.

Francois Hollande has also called for subsidies for farming and development programmes to be sustained for poorer nations.

France has traditionally been a big beneficiary of EU farm support.

Failure to agree on the budget would mean rolling over the 2013 budget into 2014 on a month-by-month basis, putting some long-term projects at risk.

Possible outcomes

  • A deal after intense negotiations which may continue into the weekend
  • Failure to agree and a follow-up budget summit
  • If no agreement is reached by the end of 2013, the 2013 budget ceilings will be rolled over into 2014 with a 2% inflation adjustment, amid uncertainty over long-term EU projects

Mexico should change its official name, says President Felipe Calderon

Diane A. Wade
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Mexico should change its official name, says President Felipe Calderon

President Felipe Calderon has sent a bill to congress to change the official name of Mexico.

The current name, the United States of Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos), was adopted in 1824 and was intended to emulate its northern neighbor.

President Felipe Calderon wants to change it to just Mexico, as the country is known the world over.

Felipe Calderon, who leaves office on 1 December, said Mexico no longer needed to copy any foreign power.

“The name of our country no longer needs to emulate that of other nations,” Felipe Calderon told a news conference.

“Forgive me for the expression, but Mexico’s name is Mexico.”

President Felipe Calderon has sent a bill to congress to change the official name of Mexico
President Felipe Calderon has sent a bill to congress to change the official name of Mexico

The name United States of Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) was brought in after independence from Spain.

It is used mostly on official documents, money and other government material.

Felipe Calderon first suggested the name change as a congressman in 2003, but the bill did not make it to a vote.

If the reaction on Twitter is anything to go by few Mexicans see this as a serious issue.

Suggestions flooded in for a new name for Mexico, many of them mocking Felipe Calderon, such as “Fraud-land” in reference to widespread corruption.

The constitutional reform Felipe Calderon proposes needs to be approved by both houses of Congress and a majority of Mexico’s 31 state legislatures.

Coming with just a week to go before Felipe Calderon leaves office, the president’s critics see this as a symbolic gesture.

Felipe Calderon will hand over to president-elect Enrique Pena Nieto of the Institutional Revolutionary Party.

David Petraeus consigns himself to a year in the doghouse

Diane A. Wade
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David Petraeus consigns himself to a year in the doghouse

David Petraeus has consigned himself to a year in the doghouse with his wife Holly Petraeus even though he is getting “cabin fever” stuck at home while he waits for the attention around his sex scandal to die down.

Friends have revealed that David Petraeus has given up his relentless schedule of high level meetings for “self-imposed exile” and groveling to his family.

Gone are his five-mile runs in the open air every morning in Washington D.C. – instead he has confined himself indoors and is working out on a treadmill.

David Petraeus has also traded CIA briefings for emailing friends to chat and catching up on his reading.

Meanwhile his wife of 38 years, Holly Petraeus, has made a point of going to work every day and leaving him home alone.

Among the blog posts she has written in her role as a spokeswoman for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is the line: “You know the old saying: <<If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is>>.”

According to the New York Times, friends of David Petraeus are “concerned” that a man so used to constantly working has nothing to do for the first time in his life.

His main focus is lying low and salvaging his marriage given that Holly Petraeus is said to be “furious” over his conduct and has threatened to divorce him.

David Petraeus’s close friend Jack Keane, the former vice chief of staff of the Army, said: “Basically he’s the same guy but considerably more subdued, in terms of his spirit.

“And that’s understandable. His voice doesn’t have the same peppiness in it.”

Friends have revealed that David Petraeus has given up his relentless schedule of high level meetings for self-imposed exile and groveling to his family
Friends have revealed that David Petraeus has given up his relentless schedule of high level meetings for self-imposed exile and groveling to his family

David Petraeus is said to be weighing up his options about what to do the in the future including offers for a book deal, speaking engagements and interest from various corporations to serve on their boards.

Having hired media super-lawyer Robert Barnett he could also become a talking head on TV.

For now, however, he hardly leaves the house and is having to prove to Holly Petraeus that he deserves her trust again. The New York Times said he plans to put his life on hold for the next 12 months to sort out the mess.

A friend said: “Several of us are concerned. He’s a very active individual. He needs to stay active.”

Another friend said: “I asked him whether he’d seen a certain article, and he said: <<No, send it my way. I’m looking for something to read right now>>.

“He kept such a grueling schedule. This is unchartered territory for him right now.”

Meanwhile Holly Petraeus has been in the office every day at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in her role running the Office of Service Member Affairs.

She has written two blog posts in the last week including one about the dangers of buying a flood damaged car which includes the line: “Once you’ve signed the contract you’re committed, so Know Before You Owe!”

Until the scandal became public, the Petraeuses seemed to have a rock solid marriage.

They met on a blind date when David Petraeus was a student at the military academy at West Point, where Holly’s father was the superintendent.

He graduated in June 1947 and the couple married the following month, before going on to have two children, Ann and Stephen, and traveling the world with his work.

Despite moving 24 times in 38 years, Holly Petraeus has also built her own career.

She became a volunteer, performing military and family support roles on bases, before assuming her current title.

A source has told the National Enquirer that David Petraeus has been “falling all over himself” apologizing but she “isn’t listening”.

The source said: “After all his lies, she doesn’t believe anything he says anymore, and she’s thinking about consulting a divorce attorney.”

Friends have also given fresh insight into how David Petraeus became involved with Army reservist Paula Broadwell whilst she was writing his biography.

A friend said that the general initially thought it was a book on Afghanistan and that he “belatedly” realized it was about him.

When Paula Broadwell told him about the six-figure advance he thought: “Well, I better help her to get it halfway right rather than pushing her away to have something come out that was half-baked.”

He also admitted that after breaking off the relationship he continued to help Paula Broadwell with the project to try and put things back on a more “professional plane”.

Olivier Martinez injured during brutal fight with Halle Berry’s ex lover Gabriel Aubry

Lisa.Felice
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Olivier Martinez injured during brutal fight with Halle Berry’s ex lover Gabriel Aubry

Olivier Martinez was injured during a “brutal fight” with his fiancée Halle Berry’s ex lover Gabriel Aubry, which left both men hospitalized and saw Aubry charged with battery.

The shocking brawl came as Gabriel Aubry dropped off his daughter Nahla at Halle Berry’s house on Thanksgiving morning.

Olivier Martinez reportedly tried to speak to Gabriel Aubry about the ongoing custody dispute between him and Halle Berry.

After Olivier Martinez said to Gabriel Aubry: “We have to move on,” the Canadian model is said to have pushed the French actor and tried to punch him before a full blown fight broke out.

Gabriel Aubry and Halle Berry – who split in 2010 – have been at odds ever since she tried to convince a judge to allow her to move to France with Nahla, a move which was recently blocked by the courts.

Sources told TMZ the fight was “brutal” with the website describing a blow-by-blow account of the melee.

“Olivier blocked [Gabriel’s punch] and the punch struck him in the shoulder instead… Gabriel then pushed Olivier to the ground, a struggle ensued, ending when Olivier pinned Gabriel to the ground.”

Olivier Martinez was injured during a brutal fight with his fiancée Halle Berry's ex lover Gabriel Aubry
Olivier Martinez was injured during a brutal fight with his fiancée Halle Berry’s ex lover Gabriel Aubry

Police were called to the home and arrested Gabriel Aubry for battery. He was charged on his release from hospital and released after meeting the $20,000 bail.

Andrew Smith, Commanding Officer, LAPD Media Relations and Community Affairs Group told People: “He [Aubry] was booked for a private persons arrest for battery.”

A judge then issued an emergency protective order – meaning Gabriel Aubry has to stay 100 yards away from Halle Berry, Olivier Martinez and Nahla.

Gabriel Aubry was taken to hospital for his injuries after suffering a broken rib, bruises to the face and a possible more serious head injury.

Olivier Martinez has a possible broken hand and neck injuries. He arrived at the same Los Angeles hospital for treatment as Gabriel Aubry around an hour after him.

It is unclear whether 4-year-old Nahla witnessed the fight between her father and stepfather.

However, sources told TMZ that Halle Berry rushed her daughter inside to prevent her seeing the fight.

The youngster was later seen being carried in her mother’s arms as the anxious looking actress arrived home with Olivier Martinez following his discharge from hospital.

After a brief stop at home, the pair headed to a friend’s house nearby.

Gabriel Aubry, a French-Canadian model who lives and works in Los Angeles, had petitioned the court to stop Halle Berry’s plans to move to France.

He argued it would give him limited access to his daughter, while Halle Berry countered the privacy laws are stronger in France and would keep Nahla safe from the paparazzi.

Halle Berry, 46 – who split with Gabriel in 2010 – and Olivier Martinez, had put their wedding plans on hold while the actress focused on her custody battle.

Black Friday 2012 Sales Across America

Nancy Clayson
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Black Friday 2012 Sales Across America

The biggest shopping day of the year has begun, as stores began to open their doors as early as 8 p.m. on the evening of Thanksgiving in an effort give customers as much time as possible to get their hands on Black Friday deals.

And shoppers wasted no time tearing themselves away from their families to take advantage of the sales, with stores such as Walmart, Target and Sears packed with desperate bargain-hunters.

While initial accounts indicated that the crowds were largely peaceful, avoiding the riots seen in previous years, many stores had an unusually heavy police presence, and there were some reports of scuffles between customers in packed-out shopping aisles.

And amid the shopping frenzy, two customers – a husband and a wife – were hit by a car in the parking lot of a Walmart on the edge of Seattle on Thursday evening, with the wife being airlifted to hospital after the accident which saw her pinned under the vehicle.

Stores from Target to Toys R Us opened their doors on Thanksgiving evening, hoping Americans will be willing to shop soon after they finish their pumpkin pie.

Target opened its doors at 9 p.m. on the holiday, three hours earlier than last year. Sears, which didn’t open on Thanksgiving last year, opened at 8 p.m. on Thursday through 10 p.m. on Black Friday.

Toys R Us opened at 8 p.m., an hour earlier than last year. And others such as Macy’s are opening at midnight on Black Friday.

When Macy’s flagship Herald Square store in New York opened its doors at midnight, about 11,000 shoppers showed up.

Overall, about 17% of shoppers plan to take advantage of Thanksgiving hours, according to a International Council of Shopping Centers-Goldman Sachs survey of 1,000 consumers.

Shoppers queued up at Toys R Us in New York's Times Square on Thursday evening
Shoppers queued up at Toys R Us in New York’s Times Square on Thursday evening

Retailers are trying everything they can to lure consumers into stores by making shopping as easy as possible.

In addition to expanding their hours into Thanksgiving, many are offering free layaways and shipping, matching the cheaper prices of online rivals and updating their mobile shopping apps with more information.

“Every retailer wants to beat everyone else,” said C. Britt Beemer, chairman of America’s Research Group, a research firm based in Charleston, S.C. “Shoppers love it”.

Indeed, there were 11 shoppers in a four-tent encampment outside a Best Buy store near Ann Arbor, Michigan. The purpose of their wait? A $179 40-inch Toshiba LCD television is worth missing Thanksgiving dinner at home.

With 41million people expected to shop on what has been dubbed “Gray Thursday”, police have responded to fights and threats between bargain-hungry customers, some of whom have camped outside stores for days.

The spats add to the discontent surrounding the stores, with employees frustrated about working on Thanksgiving, and Walmart workers threatening to protest over their pay, schedules and benefits.

Outside a Kmart in Indianapolis, which opened at 6 a.m. on Thursday, officers responded to a brawl between shoppers as some attempted to sell vouchers the store had handed out for limited items.

“Everybody started going crazy about it, and then the cops got called in and it just became a madhouse,” one shopper told News 8.

And at a Kmart on Stockton Boulevard in South Sacremento, one shopper threatened to stab people while waiting in line for K-Mart’s doors to open and told people he “wasn’t joking”.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after the threat – made after shop staff came outside to hand out “doorbuster deal” vouchers to the first in the line – to help control the crowds.

In a bid to minimize trouble, the Los Angeles Police Department deployed helicopters over some malls, while a cavalry of police officers on bikes and horses monitored from streets below.

According to the L.A. Times, others scoured crowds from rooftops and signs warned shoppers against becoming victims of theft.

It comes after a series of previous Black Friday incidents; at a Wal-Mart in the city last year, scores of people were injured when a woman pepper sprayed her competition in a bid for discounted video games. Two years ago, gunfire broke out at a Toys R Us, killing two people.

“For some people, shopping is a competitive sport,” LAPD Cmdr. Andy Smith told the paper.

“But it should not be a contact sport.”

Officers are also working with stores to keep violent outbursts under control, and Best Buy even participated in training drills to handle the large crowds.

The Walmart where the pepper spray incident occurred will hand out vouchers for some items to avoid a scramble. If customers do not get a voucher for the item, they should expect there will be none left, management told the Times.

Black Friday 2012 Top Deals

Nancy Clayson
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Black Friday 2012 Top Deals

If you can face the lines! Top deals on BLACK FRIDAY

Target
Canon T3 body, lens, memory card and camera bag: $499 – usually $749
Nook Simple Touch: $49 – usually $99

Best Buy
8GB iPhone 4S with a two-year contract: $1

Kohl’s
50% of all toys
60% off certain kids’ clothing lines
Discovery Kids Digital Camera: $19.99 – usually $69.99

Black Friday 2012 Top Deals
Black Friday 2012 Top Deals

Amazon
Canon PowerShot s100: $309 – usually $429

Sears
Toshiba 50-inch LEDL: $299 – usually $849

Toys ‘R Us
Power Wheels Barbie or Silver Cadillac Escalade: $269.99 ($150 off)
DS, PS3 and Wii Games are buy one, get another for $1
Get a $15 iTunes gift card when you buy $50 iTunes gift card

Walmart
$75 gift card when you purchase the iPad 2

Black Friday: most of products are not cheaper despite heavily advertised deals

Diane A. Wade
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Black Friday: most of products are not cheaper despite heavily advertised deals

Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, with customers queuing for days and sometimes even resorting to violence in order to get their hands on the best deals.

But the post-Thanksgiving sales may not in fact be the best time to snap up low-priced merchandise, according to a new analysis.

Researchers found that around a third of products advertised as being on sale for the holiday have been available at lower prices earlier this year.

More people than ever before are expected to abandon the tradition of family time  and head to stores to get a head-start on Christmas shopping or treat themselves to cut-price gadgets.

This year, the consumer frenzy has even spread to Thanksgiving Day itself – redubbed “Gray Thursday” – with a number of major retailers opening as early as 8p.m. to attract those who are keen to leave the house after a day of turkey and television.

In the past, the Black Friday sales have resulted in riots as customers compete to snap up limited bargains – but for many shoppers, the threat of violence is apparently worth it for the prospect of uniquely good-value deals.

However, an analysis by the Wall Street Journal and Decide Inc. has revealed that many products popular on Black Friday are actually available cheaper at other times.

Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, with customers queuing for days and sometimes even resorting to violence in order to get their hands on the best deals
Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, with customers queuing for days and sometimes even resorting to violence in order to get their hands on the best deals

They surveyed more than 500 “doorbuster” bargains which have been promoted by stores such as Sears and Best Buy, and concluded that nearly a third had been sold for a lower price earlier this year.

The fact that Black Friday is not always the cheapest time to go shopping is not surprising, according to McKinsey’s Rob Docters, who suggested that many customers assume that the best bargains are available then without bothering to check prices on specific items.

“People associate Black Friday with good prices, and that eliminates the need to check price,” he told the Journal.

Sears is advertising the KitchenAid Series Stand Mixer at the special price of $319.99 this holiday season.

But in March, the same device was on sale at Sears for $296, according to Decide.

A spokesman insisted: “Our advertised prices are competitive.”

At Home Depot, a GE Adora dishwasher is advertised for $598, said to be a saving of $151.

But a Columbus Day offer in October pushed the price down to $538.

The company claims that the majority of its Black Friday deals are the best bargains of the year.

Other deals work out as uniquely cheap only when you include the value of gift cards given away with some items.

Experts told MarketWatch that while some items, such as gadgets and white goods, are particularly good bargains on Black Friday, customers should hold off for other purchases.

Winter clothing and linens, for example, tend to be cheapest in January as stores clear out their stock in preparation for spring.

And those hunting for deals on luxury goods such as jewellery are likely to be disappointed – retailers like Tiffany’s are too worried about the blow to their high-end image to offer any sort of Black Friday bargains.

Last chance to WIN a BMW 2013 model R 1200 GS at the Motorcycle Live competition

Ricky Robinson
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Last chance to WIN a BMW 2013 model R 1200 GS at the Motorcycle Live competition

Following the unveiling of the new BMW R 1200 GS at Cologne Intermot earlier this week, the organizers at the Motorcycle Live have revealed the prize for this year’s competition will be this exquisite motorcycle:

 

win_BMW_2013_model_R_1200_GS
BMW 2013 model R 1200 GS. The price is worth in excess of £10,500!

 

Called the “perfection of an icon”, the new R 1200 GS represents the top technology in the German manufacturer’s 32-year history of defining and dominating the Adventure Sport market.

The new version is robust, dynamic, and full of the enduro character essential for a bike equally at home either on or off road.

At first glance, the new R 1200 GS too is a genuine GS: robust, dynamic, and full of character. Virtually all surfaces were revised, and all materials provided with a better finish. The two-cylinder opposed twin engine merges harmoniously into the unmistakable GS flyline.

A new feature for the R 1200 GS is the water-cooled boxer engine.  This has allowed BMW to sculpt revolutionary vertical contours – a masterpiece of lightness and aerodynamics.  With its 125 hp (92 kW) and 125 Nm torque, the two-cylinder opposed twin engine promises power in every situation. Based on a new concept of combined air and liquid cooling and vertical flows through the cylinders, the engine operates efficiently, reliably, and with high torques at all times. Further improvements like the new wet clutch with anti-hopping feature and the electromotive throttle actuator E-Gas make the opposed twin engine the perfect drive solution at the heart of the new R 1200 GS.

Win BMW R 1200 GS by clicking and registering

Get additional details by clicking here

What can you expect to see on display at the NEC for Motorcycle Live, which takes place from November 24th to December 2nd?

 

Aprilia Caponord

The Caponord is a 1,200cc V-twin developed from the Dorsoduro 1200. The bike is directed more at the Ducati Multistrada, road-biased end of the sector and comes with a semi-active suspension option similar to Ducati’s.

BMW R1200GS

This will be BMW’s first liquid-cooled boxer engine. This is as important as when Porsche switched to liquid cooling with its 996-series 911 in 1998.

Ducati Diavel Strada

This will be the touring version of Ducati’s extraordinary Diavel performance cruiser.

Ducati Hypermotard

The new 821cc version of Ducati’s liquid-cooled Testastretta engine. It comes with an unique touring seat, screen, luggage and other extras. ABS is included in all versions as well as traction control while the high-spec SP version, which also gets the new engine, adds Marchesini wheels, Öhlins and Marzocchi suspension and a smattering of carbon-fibre panels.

Ducati Panigale R

Carbon-fibre for a high price of around £30,000ish.

Honda CB500F, X and R

This is Honda’s new family of twin-cylinder middleweights, exceptionally economical (76mpg). All versions share the same steel tube frame and the new, 471cc parallel twin engine.

Honda CBR600RR

Honda has added “Big Piston” forks, refined rear suspension, updated bodywork with a 6.5% reduction in drag and improved agility. They haven’t changed the engine, but added new electronic management.

Kawasaki Z800

Upgraded with an overbore to 800cc and various other engine differences aimed at improving reliability and efficiency. The chassis remained unchanged and the styling has been modernised.

KTM 1190 Adventure

Highly capable with a 148bhp engine for a body of 212kg – the greatest power-to-weight ratio in the same class with the Ducati Multistrada.

Other models to be launched:

  • KTM Duke 690R and 390BMW F800GT
  • Moto Guzzi California 1400
  • MV Agusta Brutale 800
  • Piaggio Vespa 946
  • Suzuki C1500T
  • Triumph Daytona 675
  • Triumph Street Triple
  • Yamaha FJR1300A

For bike insurance and motorcycle insurance you should consider Carole Nash. They offer a range of motorbike insurance policy types, including cover for off-road bikes, classic bikes and custom motorcycle.

 

TICKETS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2012, which takes place from November 24 to December 2, cost £16 per adult, £10 for seniors and £6 per child. These include free access to the Ramp’d Up Freestyle Motocross Arena.

To book, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk. The closing date for advanced tickets is 5pm on November 23.

The NEC, by the M42 east of Birmingham, is signposted from the M40, M42 and M6. It is connected to Birmingham International station by covered walkway.

Thanksgiving Texas interstate collision left two dead and more than 120 injured

Diane A. Wade
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Thanksgiving Texas interstate collision left two dead and more than 120 injured

Two people are dead and more than 120 injured, some critically, after a massive pile-up today involving at least 100 vehicles that left trucks twisted on top of each other and authorities rushing to pull survivors from the miles of wreckage.

The Thanksgiving Day collision happened around 8 a.m. on Interstate 10 southwest of Beaumont, a Gulf Coast city about 80 miles east of Houston.

Extremely dense fog blanketing a section of the Texas interstate made conditions treacherous for drivers heading to Thanksgiving holiday feasts.

A man and a woman were killed in a Chevy Suburban SUV crushed by a tractor trailer, the Texas Department of Public Safety told KFDM-TV.

Officials at Acadian Ambulance service said more than 50 people have been taken to area hospitals in Beaumont, Port Arthur and Winnie. At least eight are critically hurt.

Multiple ambulance crews responded and transported patients to area hospitals.

Baptist Beaumont Hospital spokeswoman Mary Poole told KFDM News they’ve received at least 21 patients. One was in critical condition. They’ve transported two children and one adult with head injuries to a Houston hospital.

It wasn’t immediately clear how the pileup began, but Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Rod Carroll said the fog was so thick that deputies didn’t immediately realize they were dealing with multiple accidents.

The westbound lane of the interstate has been reopened, he said.

“We have 18-wheelers on top of cars, we have cars on top of cars. It’s just catastrophic,” he said, adding that rescuers were still looking for victims.

The Thanksgiving Day collision happened around 8 am on Interstate 10 southwest of Beaumont, a Gulf Coast city about 80 miles east of Houston
The Thanksgiving Day collision happened around 8 am on Interstate 10 southwest of Beaumont, a Gulf Coast city about 80 miles east of Houston

He said the initial accidents took place separately about a mile apart on the east- and westbound sides of the interstate.

The highway had been crowded with motorists traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday. Many of the vehicles were moving close to the posted speed of 70 mph despite dense fog that limited visibility, Rod Carroll said.
Chief Charles Sonnier of the Labelle-Fannett Volunteer Fire Department told KFDM News the vehicles involved in the accidents include seven tractor trailers that collided on the eastbound side.

Two were carrying hazardous materials, but they aren’t leaking, according to Charles Sonnier.

Charles Sonnier added that firefighters had to use the jaws of life to cut people out of a car and pickup truck.

I-10’s eastbound lanes were expected to remain closed for most of Thursday.

Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Stephanie Davis told KFDM that two people in an SUV died after the crash. She said at least 100 cars and trucks were involved in the accident.

Ron Carroll said uninjured drivers tried to help as authorities sorted through the wreckage.

“It’s just people helping people,” Ron Carroll said.

“The foremost thing in this holiday season is how other travelers were helping us when we were overwhelmed, sitting and holding, putting pressure on people that were injured.”

 

Live Kisses: Paul McCartney reveals how he composed My Valentine song for Nancy Shevell

Diane A. Wade
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Live Kisses: Paul McCartney reveals how he composed My Valentine song for Nancy Shevell

Paul McCartney has revealed how a rainy day inspired him to write a song about wife Nancy Shevell.

The singer famously wrote a love letter to his American heiress wife on Valentine’s Day while on holiday in Morocco.

In upcoming television documentary Live Kisses the musician is seen singing the track, called My Valentine, recorded for his album Kisses On The Bottom.

The former Beatles star wrote the tune on a rainy day while on holiday in Morocco as the couple about their hotel to keep dry.

Paul McCartney revealed: “We were on holiday together, Nancy and I, and it was raining, it’s kind of led me towards a kind of minor-y type thing and the sentiment of you know, oh it’s raining.

“I wrote the song on Valentine’s Day in Morocco where we were on holiday and it had been raining, and I’d said <<oh pity about the rain>> and all of that, and she’d said to me <<it doesn’t matter, we’ll have a good time>> – and I really liked that because I know there’s nothing you can do about weather.

“So I was in the foyer of the hotel, knocking around on this old Joanna that the Irish pianist played in the evenings and because it was raining, because it was not sort of sunny and bright and everyone milling around, this minor-y melody came out and the words were pretty much what I was thinking really, they just spilled out.”

Paul McCartney has revealed how a rainy day inspired him to write a song about wife Nancy Shevell.
Paul McCartney has revealed how a rainy day inspired him to write a song about wife Nancy Shevell.

Live Kisses documents a February night in Los Angeles – the very same evening The Beatles made their debut television performance on The Ed Sullivan show 48 years prior – when Paul McCartney decided to bring the tunes on his album to life.

He performed the songs at the Capitol Studios earlier this year where much of the collection was created and he is seen singing his love letter to Nancy Shevell live.

The recording took place hours after the long awaited addition of Paul McCartney’s star to the Hollywood Walk of Fame drew a traffic-stopping throng to pack the stretch of Vine Street in front of the famed Capitol Records building in Los Angeles.

And to add to the feeling of anticipation, the music had not been performed by the band of musicians before and the show was broadcast online live for the world to see.

The reunited all-star entourage included Grammy-winning producer Tommy LiPuma, Al Schmitt in the control room, musical director Diana Krall at the piano, and Kisses… players John Clayton, Karriem Riggins, John Pizzarelli, Anthony Wilson, Mike Mainieri and conductor Alan Broadbent.

Exclusive interview segments of Paul McCartney with Kisses On The Bottom collaborators Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Krall and LiPuma, among others can be seen in the show which will be broadcast on Saturday.

The show will be broadcast on ITV1 at 11p.m. on Saturday 24 November

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Chris Brown cancels Guyana concert after local protests over Rihanna attack

Lisa.Felice
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Chris Brown cancels Guyana concert after local protests over Rihanna attack

Chris Brown has canceled a stadium concert in Guyana after local protests over his 2009 beating of then-girlfriend Rihanna, according to event organizers.

Chris Brown was billed to headline a big show in Guyana on December 26.

But he drew the ire of women’s rights groups and opposition lawmakers who said chris Brown would not be welcome in Guyana three years after his assault of Barbadian superstar Rihanna.

Concert promoter Hits & Jams Entertainment said on Thursday that Chris Brown backed out, citing discomfort with the protests.

Chris Brown has canceled a stadium concert in Guyana after local protests over his 2009 beating of then-girlfriend Rihanna
Chris Brown has canceled a stadium concert in Guyana after local protests over his 2009 beating of then-girlfriend Rihanna

In 2009, Chris Brown hit, choked and bit Rihanna during an argument in Los Angeles. He later pleaded guilty to assault.

Since then, Chris Brown has worked to repair his image, undergoing violence counseling and putting out a new album.

Chris Brown has a duet with Rihanna on her recently released record, Unapologetic.

Marilyn Monroe’s Thanksgiving Recipe

Lisa.Felice
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Marilyn Monroe’s Thanksgiving Recipe

For those on the hunt for last-minute Thanksgiving recipe ideas, Marilyn Monroe’s handwritten checklist might offer some inspiration.

Jotted on a letterhead from an insurance company, Marilyn Monroe explains how she prepares a turkey dinner, with all of the trimmings.

For the stuffing she soaks a French loaf in cold water and adds five herbs, spices and nuts, while to prep the bird she rubs it with salt, pepper, and butter, before cooking it in an oven set to 350 degrees.

The notes, which feature in Fragments, a collection of her letters and musings from 1943 to her death in 1962, are the best evidence yet that she had a passion for cooking.

Fussing over details, Marilyn Monroe writes that giblets must be “liver-heart” and stipulates that the beef must be “browned (no oil)”. She even takes care to specify the quantity of the produce needed.

The most important instruction of all is right at the very top, where she states that “no garlic” should be added to the stuffing.

Unlike other cooks, she uses little fat or broth and no eggs or binder to hold it together. To make the mix right it also needs “1 handful” of grated Parmesan and an unspecified amount of “parsley”.

For the bird – either a chicken or turkey – she salts, peppers and butters it before stuffing and sewing it up and cooking at 350 degrees, for two hours or longer, depending on its weight.

The final meal is presented with sides of potato, canned button mushrooms and fresh green peas.

Marilyn Monroe’s flair for cooking was evident at an auction of her personal effects in 1999 when two well-worn cookbooks of hers from the 1950s were sold off for well above the reserve.

The recipe is dated around 1955 or 1956 when she was living in New York with her husband, the playwright Arthur Miller.

At the time, riding high off the back of the success of the Seven Year Itch, Marilyn Monroe had just signed a four-film $100,000 per-film deal with 20th Century Fox.

The four would include Bus Stop and Some Like It Hot, for which she won the Golden Globe for Best Actress. Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller later divorced amid accusations of affairs on both sides before her death in 1962 from an apparent overdose.

 

For those on the hunt for last-minute Thanksgiving recipe ideas, Marilyn Monroe's handwritten checklist might offer some inspiration
For those on the hunt for last-minute Thanksgiving recipe ideas, Marilyn Monroe’s handwritten checklist might offer some inspiration

Marilyn Monroe’s Thanksgiving Recipe

FOR THE STUFFING

  • No garlic
  • Sourdough
  • French bread – soak in cold water, wring out, then shred
  • For chicken giblets – boil in water 5-10 mins
  • Liver – heart then chop
  • 1 whole or ½ onion, chop & parsley / four stalk celery, chop together following spices – put in rosemary
  • Thyme, bay leaf, oregano, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper,
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, 1 handful
  • 1/2lb – 1/4lb ground round – put in frying pan – brown (no oil) then mix raisin 1½ cuops or more
  • 1 cup chop nuts (walnuts, chestnuts, peanuts)
  • 1 or 2 hard boiled eggs – chopped mix together

TO PREP THE BIRD

  • Salt & pepper inside chicken or turkey – outside same and butter
  • Sew up clamp birds put chicken or turkey in 350 oven
  • Roasting chicken – 3or 4lbs or larger
  • Cooks 30 min to 1lbs
  • Brown chicken or pheasant (vinegar, oil, onion, spices) – let cook in own juice
  • Add little water as you go
  • ½ glass vinegar – put in when half done
  • Cooks 2 hours
  • Put potatoes
  • Mushroom – button canned
  • Peas – fresh

Source: Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012: Elmo joins Sesame Street buddies for New York parade

Diane A. Wade
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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012: Elmo joins Sesame Street buddies for New York parade

Over three million cheering spectators lining the streets of Manhattan were treated to the awkward sight of Elmo the puppet singing together with Big Bird at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The potentially inappropriate decision by the makers of Sesame Street follows directly in the wake of allegations that Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind the much-loved red Muppet sexually abused up to four young men.

Taking their place among stalwarts such as Buzz Lightyear, Sailor Mickey Mouse, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Spider-Man and Kermit the Frog, Elmo and his buddies have long been a fixture in the parade enjoyed by up to 50 million people watching from the warmth of their homes.

Despite the controversy, organizers said they hoped the parade will lift the spirits of New Yorkers still recovering from the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, and thousands of those affected were given front-row seats by Macy’s.

Unrepentant, the makers of Sesame Street had given prior warning that they would not pull the loveable red monster from the float.

Yesterday a representative for Macy’s told TMZ: “Elmo will be joining his Muppet friends on the Sesame Street float with an alternate puppeteer bringing him to life.

“Current events have no bearing on Sesame’s participation in the Parade and we are confident their world-renowned, family-friendly entertainment and educational programming will continue to bring kids and families joy for decades.”

However, Twitter lit up with those who found the appearance of a character now unfortunately linked to sexual abuse claims odd.

Meanwhile, beneath blue skies and 50-degree temperatures, the huge balloons were carried along a new route down 6th Avenue by 8,000 trained wranglers.

It kicked off at 9:00 a.m. at 77th Street and Central Park West, continued on to Columbus Circle and turned onto Central Park South. The parade then snaked down Sixth Avenue and headed from 59th Street down to 34th Street, making its final stop at Macy’s Herald Square.

The helium balloons joined 28 floats, 1,600 cheerleaders and dancers, 900 clowns, 11 marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus. There was also an appearance by Miss USA winner, Olivia Culpo, who grinned as she waved at the screaming spectators.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2012

The nation’s biggest singing stars and celebrities also entertained the crowds, including Call Me Maybe songstress Carly Rae Jepsen, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Flo Rida and Whoopi Goldberg, The Muppets and the U.S. Olympic gold medalists in gymnastics known as The Fab Five.

Some parade-goers had camped out overnight to get a good spot, while others came well-prepared with folding chairs.

Alan Batt and his 11-year-old twins, Kyto and Elina, watched the parade at the end of the route, seemingly too far away for a good view. But they had an advantage: Two tall stepladders they hauled over from their apartment eight blocks away – one for each twin.

“We’re New Yorkers,” the 65-year-old Alan Batt said.

“We know what we’re doing.”

With the height advantage, “I get to see everything!” Kyto Batt said.

But it’s not all joy as the parade snakes through the city, with Today host Matt Lauer coming under fire from viewers for his on-air blunders, while others criticized the decades-long tradition going ahead amid world helium shortages.

Yet others stayed in the festive mood while watching the parade, with organizers saying they hope that the display will help lift the spirits of New Yorkers who are still recovering from the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

In a special tribute to those suffering from the effects of the hurricane and those helping the victims, the parade featured a float dedicated to first responders and each person marching in the lineup wore a Red Cross pin.

Macy’s also gave 5,000 tickets to families affected by the storm and organized transportation to whisk them to the route.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that the city, along with local groups and businesses, is organizing 26,500 Thanksgiving meals for those hit by the storm.

“Those people who don’t have heat, electricity, water, we have a responsibility to get them back and get their lives back and maybe next year they’ll be back here smiling as well,” Michael Bloomberg said.

Speaking to CBS before the parade, Michael Bloomberg revealed he would be spending his Thanksgiving Day visiting police and firefighters in the Rockaways before thanking volunteers.

Between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday, the dozens of flattened balloons depicting comic book characters were all laid out on the ground around the Museum of Natural History and blown up with helium to their full size.

“Each one of the elements in the parade start as a simple sketch, and we sit with the artist and talk about what we want to see come to life,” Amy Kule, executive producer of the parade, told 9News.

Spectators who decided to brave the chill and come out Wednesday to witness the last-minute preparations for the main event got a chance for get a close look at their favorite balloons without jostling for space with three million other people.

The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924 when it was known as the Macy’s Christmas Parade and starred animals from the Central Park Zoo. In 1927, it debuted its first helium character balloon, Felix the Cat.

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Sandy Island in South Pacific does not exist, say scientists

James J. Williams
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Sandy Island in South Pacific does not exist, say scientists

Sandy Island in South Pacific, shown on marine charts and world maps as well as on Google Earth and Google Maps, does not exist, Australian scientists say.

The supposedly sizeable strip of land, named Sandy Island on Google maps, was positioned midway between Australia and French-governed New Caledonia.

But when scientists from the University of Sydney went to the area, they found only the blue ocean of the Coral Sea.

The phantom island has featured in publications for at least a decade.

Scientist Maria Seton, who was on the ship, said that the team was expecting land, not 1,400 m (4,620 ft) of deep ocean.

“We wanted to check it out because the navigation charts on board the ship showed a water depth of 1,400m in that area – very deep,” Dr. Maria Seton, from the University of Sydney, told the AFP news agency after the 25-day voyage.

“It’s on Google Earth and other maps so we went to check and there was no island. We’re really puzzled. It’s quite bizarre.

“How did it find its way onto the maps? We just don’t know, but we plan to follow up and find out.”

Sandy Island in South Pacific, shown on marine charts and world maps as well as on Google Earth and Google Maps, does not exist
Sandy Island in South Pacific, shown on marine charts and world maps as well as on Google Earth and Google Maps, does not exist

Australian newspapers have reported that the invisible island would sit within French territorial waters if it existed – but does not feature on French government maps.

Australia’s Hydrographic Service, which produces the country’s nautical charts, says its appearance on some scientific maps and Google Earth could just be the result of human error, repeated down the years.

A spokesman from the service told Australian newspapers that while some map makers intentionally include phantom streets to prevent copyright infringements, that was was not usually the case with nautical charts because it would reduce confidence in them.

A spokesman for Google said they consult a variety of authoritative sources when making their maps.

“The world is a constantly changing place and keeping on top of these changes is a never-ending endeavor.” the Google spokesman told AFP.

While most explorers dream of discovering uncharted territory, the Australian team appears to have done the opposite – and cartographers everywhere are now rushing to undiscover Sandy Island for ever.

Building stands in the middle of highway in China as Luo Baogen refuses to move

Diane A. Wade
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Building stands in the middle of highway in China as Luo Baogen refuses to move

A lone apartment building stands in the middle of a newly built road in the city of Wenling, in Zhejiang province, China, after an elderly couple refused to relocate.

Luo Baogen and his wife insist on living in the half-demolished building because they believe that the relocation compensation offered by the government is not enough.

Now the only building left standing, the five storey block is a strange sight as cars drive around it while the couple remains living inside.

To ensure the couple’s safety, adjacent rooms in the building have been left intact but all their neighbors have moved out, according to local media.

The road paved through the Xiazhangyang village leads to the Wenling railway station and is yet to be officially opened.

Luo Baogen and his wife believe that the compensation on offer would not be enough to cover their rebuilding costs.

In the People’s Republic of China, during most of the Communist era, private ownership of property was abolished, making it easy for residents to be moved on – but now the laws have been tightened up and it is illegal to demolish property by force without an agreement.

Luo Baogen and his wife insist on living in the half-demolished building because they believe that the relocation compensation offered by the government is not enough.
Luo Baogen and his wife insist on living in the half-demolished building because they believe that the relocation compensation offered by the government is not enough.

Property owners in China that refuse to move to make way for development are known as “Nail Householders” referring to a stubborn nail that is not easy to remove from a piece of old wood and cannot be pulled out with a hammer.

Earlier this year, Hong Chunqin, 75, and her husband Kung, who live in the two dilapidated buildings with their two sons, had initially agreed to sell the property in Taizhou, in Zhejiang province and accepted $12,000 in compensation.

But then she changed her mind and refunded the money once work on the road had started.

Earlier this year, Niu Chuangen and Zhang Zhongyun dared to stand in the way of a local property developer in Zaozhuang, in the Shandong province.

As a result, the resolute couple, both in their 60s, have been left stranded on their tiny spot of land, while all around them the ground is dug up and skyscrapers erected.

The distraught pair were regularly threatened by gangsters and have had to fend over a number of attempts to illegally demolish their ramshackle home.

They were cut off from utilities in 2009 when a local developer started the enormous earthworks involved in building dozens of high-rise residential buildings in the area.

In another case, one family among 280 others at the site of a six storey shopping mall being built in Chongqing refused to leave their home for two years.

Developers cut their power and water, and excavated a 10-meter deep pit around their home, which their family had inhabited for three generations.

The owners broke into the construction site, reoccupied it, and flew a Chinese flag on top and then Yang Wu, a local martial arts champion, used nunchakus to make a staircase to the house and threatened to beat any authorities who attempted to evict him.

The owners turned down an offer of $450,000 but eventually settled with the developers in 2007.

Onesie predicted to be the number one Christmas gift for 2012

Diane A. Wade
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Onesie predicted to be the number one Christmas gift for 2012

Onesie is the item predicted by supermarkets and high street stores alike to be the number one Christmas gift for 2012.

Celebrities were early adopters of the trend, with the likes of Rihanna, Robbie Williams, Tulisa, One Direction and Tom Daley all stepping out in their own versions of the adult romper suits.

Holly Willoughby appeared on This Morning wearing one, Keith Lemon stepped out in Asda’s Incredible Hulk onesie and Amy Childs vajazzled a £60 ($90) velour all-in-one, 2,000 of which sold out on her website in two days.

And now, as Christmas approaches, it is clear that the people of Britain have embraced the all-in-one too.

Evidently millions have already bought one for themselves. George at Asda, who are predicting that onesies will be the number one Christmas gift this year – say that sales of onesies have soared by a staggering 606% on year, and the word “onesie” now the most searched-for term on their website.

Marks & Spencer and Debenhams have reported staggering sales results too, with M&S saying last month they would be producing an additional 10 styles of the onesie in time for Christmas, and Debenhams reporting a 155% rise in sales in October than the previous month.

A spokesman said at the time they’d sold 2,075 units in just one week – and that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Onesie is the item predicted by supermarkets and high street stores alike to be the number one Christmas gift for 2012
Onesie is the item predicted by supermarkets and high street stores alike to be the number one Christmas gift for 2012

With Christmas now fast approaching, many more are expected to jump on the onesie bandwagon.

A poll on the George at Asda Facebook page revealed that 42% of customers are planning to buy a onesie as a gift this year, and a third admitting the ultra-forgiving onesie will be their outfit for Christmas day.

As a result, Asda say they have stockpiled one million onesies to meet demand, and have launched an online Onesie Shop for customers. There, shoppers can buy Sponge Bob Square pants onesies, onesies in tiger print and dalmation, a Fair Isle onesie inspired by the Burberry catwalk show – and thatIncredible Hulk onesie as worn by Keith Lemon, which sales analysts at the store predict will sell out in 24 hours (no fighting in the aisles over the last one now please).

Fiona Lambert, George Brand Director said she predicted sales of onesies will go on soaring right up until the big day.

“Onesies are the must-have item for Christmas 2012,” she said.

“Each week at George we see sales soar higher than the week before which we are attributing to celebrity influence.

“Due to such high customer demand we have ordered in thousands of extra onesies and launched our dedicated online <<Onesie Stop Shop>> to ensure our shoppers don’t miss out on the perfect outfit for a cozy Christmas morning, day and night for the whole family.”

Kris and Bruce Jenner put on a PDA as they supported Khloe Kardashian at X Factor

Diane A. Wade
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Kris and Bruce Jenner put on a PDA as they supported Khloe Kardashian at X Factor

Kris and Bruce marriage is allegedly at breaking point as he supposedly hates her flirting with younger men and claimed his wife’s ego was “out of control”.

However, Bruce and Kris Jenner put on a show of solidarity as they supported daughter Khloe Kardashian as she presented X Factor USA.

Kris Jenner jumped on her husband’s lap for some PDA action in front of crowds and just in case anyone missed it she got daughter Kim Kardashian to tweet the snap to her followers.

The pair was recently at the centre of rumors they were headed for divorce, according to Star magazine.

However, a source told gossip website HollywoodLife.com: “Kris and Bruce are doing just fine. Bruce would never, ever leave Kris because he is too much in awe of her.”

Earlier this month it was reported how the 63-year-old Olympic gold medalist consulted a lawyer because he was fed up with Kris Jenner flirting with younger men and her increasingly large ego.

But a source close to the couple insists that they are not heading for a divorce because they are still madly in love.

Kris Jenner jumped on Bruce Jenner's lap for some PDA action in front of crowds at X Factor
Kris Jenner jumped on Bruce Jenner’s lap for some PDA action in front of crowds at X Factor

The insider said: “Sure she pushes his buttons and p***es him off from time to time, but deep down inside Bruce is crazy about her.

“She’s the boss of the relationship and he knows this.”

Kris Jenner was certainly keeping up with her daughter Khloe Kardashian style on Wednesday – after stealing one of her dresses.

Khloe tweeted a snap of her “momager” backstage at the X Factor USA, after the entire clan turned out to support her as she took to the stage again for her presenting duties.

But there was something very familiar about 55-year-old Kris Jenner’s black leather dress with sheer sleeves – Khloe Kardashian had actually worn it on the Fox show earlier this month.

Referring to the popular segment for the E! TV show Fashion Police, Khloe Kardashian tweeted the hashtag: “B****StoleMyLook.”

She joked: “Oh hi momager! I see you raided my closet LOL.”

Thanksgiving shopping: How Gray Thursday becomes the new Black Friday

Nancy Clayson
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Thanksgiving shopping: How Gray Thursday becomes the new Black Friday

Millions of bargain-hungry shoppers are set to scour shops for deals on Thanksgiving as an increasing number of stores across the country throw open their doors a day early.

Some of the nation’s largest chains, including Toys R Us and Target, have nudged their opening times into Thursday in a bid to make more money than ever over the Black Friday weekend.

“Retailers are now commercializing Thanksgiving, giving the opportunity to the consumer who doesn’t want to watch 12 hours of football,” said Marshal Cohen from consumer research firm NPD Group.

“It’s no longer Christmas creep, it’s the Christmas crush. This is about beating the competition.”

Across the US, a staggering 17% of consumers – or 41 million people – are expected to shop on Thanksgiving, according to a consumer holiday tracking survey by The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs.

And for retailers, it makes sense. Last year, stores which extended their hours saw sales soar by up to 22% over the weekend, while those retailers that did not lost up to 8%.

The National Retail Federation predicts 147 million Americans will shop over Thanksgiving weekend, and that there will be an increase of holiday sales of 4.1% on last year.

Already queues are snaking outside large stores. Tents began gathering outside Best Buy stores on Tuesday as bargain hunters hoped to get their hands on gadgets when doors open on Friday.

Stores are enticing shoppers with discounts including $7 board games at Target, $19 sweaters at Gap and $299 Toshiba 50-inch LEDs at Sears – down from $849.

Aware that many customers plan to shop online, Target and Best Buy are also matching prices offered by online competitors such as Amazon.com, Bloomberg reported.

And in some stores, there will be kiosks and mobile checkouts to integrate online and in-store shopping, while Apple customers can simply scan their products and pay remotely.

Millions of bargain-hungry shoppers are set to scour shops for deals on Thanksgiving as an increasing number of stores across the country throw open their doors a day early
Millions of bargain-hungry shoppers are set to scour shops for deals on Thanksgiving as an increasing number of stores across the country throw open their doors a day early

Independent stores and entire malls nationwide are also opening early. In South Florida, for example, Dolphin Mall in Sweetwater and Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise each open at 9 p.m. on Thursday for 24 hours.

With stores opening earlier, the retail industry has crossed the Black Friday barrier and it might creep further forward still, Kimberly Taylor, an associate professor from Florida International University, told the Miami Herald.

“It is becoming almost a whole season,” she said.

“Where is it going to end? Will it take away the whole Black Friday if it is the whole week or the whole season?”

There will also be early sales online as discounts are offered ahead of the internet’s equivalent of Black Friday – Cyber Monday.

The deals are expected to boost sales made on Thanksgiving last year, when online spending rose 18% to $479 million. On Black Friday, sales soared 26% to $816 million.

But not all employees are happy about the changes, with some workers signing petitions at change.org demanding stores including Target and Walmart stay closed on Thursday.

One petition started by a Target employee, Casey St Clair, was entitled “Target: Take the High Road and Save Thanksgiving” and had gathered almost 400,000 supporters.

But in response, Target told the Orange County Register that other workers were happy to have the overtime hours.

“When we made the decision to open our doors at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, the first thing we did was reach out to all of our store leaders and ask them to have discussions with their team members and seek volunteers wanting to work,” Tina Schiel, executive vice president of stores for Target, said.

“We had so many team members who wanted to work on Thursday that hundreds of our stores are now keeping lists of volunteers who want to work if shifts open up.”

Jill Kelley awarded prestigious military medal after she was recommended by David Petraeus

Diane A. Wade
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Jill Kelley awarded prestigious military medal after she was recommended by David Petraeus

Florida socialite Jill Kelley, whose tip to the FBI uncovered David Petraeus’ affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell, was awarded a prestigious military medal for her “selfless contributions” to the forces, it has emerged.

Jill Kelley received the award for “Outstanding Public Service” from the Joint Chiefs of Staff – the second highest honor to a civilian – after she was recommended by David Petraeus himself.

After problems with the application, it was resubmitted in October 2010 by Marine General James Mattis, who had replaced David Petraeus as the head of U.S. Central Command.

David Petraeus then presented the award to Jill Kelley, whom he met through her work and lavish party planning for MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, at a ceremony in Washington on March 18, 2011.

The award citation noted the honor was for her public service to the U.S. Central Command, MacDill and the Department of Defense from October 31, 2008 to May 31, 2010. She received a silver medal, lapel pin, citation and certificate.

Jill Kelley received the award for Outstanding Public Service from the Joint Chiefs of Staff after she was recommended by David Petraeus himself
Jill Kelley received the award for Outstanding Public Service from the Joint Chiefs of Staff after she was recommended by David Petraeus himself

“Mrs. Kelley distinguished herself by exceptional service while supporting the mission of the United Central Command, building positive relationships between the military and the Tampa community, supporting community outreach, and advancing various military endeavors,” according to the award citation, seen by the Tampa Tribune.

It adds that her “willingness to host engagements with Senior National Representatives from more than 60 countries was indicative of her support for both the Coalition’s effort and the mission of United States Central Command”.

Jill Kelley’s willingness to rub shoulders with the military’s top brass has become increasingly apparent since her part in the Petraeus scandal emerged over the past two weeks.

Matt Lauer ousted from Today show after ratings free-fall and clashing with co-anchors

Diane A. Wade
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Matt Lauer ousted from Today show after ratings free-fall and clashing with co-anchors

After repeatedly clashing with co-anchors and overseeing plummeting ratings, the Today show’s Matt Lauer is reportedly being given the boot.

Matt Lauer, a long-time host,who earns a staggering $21.5 million a year, is being blamed for the NBC morning show’s dismal performance over the past three months and sources claim ratings will only improve if he is replaced.

According to The National Enquirer, weatherman Al Roker is plotting to push the 54-year-old TV veteran out of his anchor chair and is lobbying a newly appointed Today producer for help.

ABC rival Good Morning America leap-frogged the Today show after Ann Curry was controversially dumped as co-host in the summer and replaced with Savannah Guthrie.

“It’s just desserts. Matt is finally getting what he deserves!” a Studio 1-A set insider told The Enquirer.

“His years-long feuds with former co-hosts Katie Couric, Meredith Vie­ira and Ann Curry have taken their toll. Everyone has turned against him, and Matt is going to be ousted because he’s being blamed for the show’s collapse.”

A high profile former NBC News executive recently said the show needed a new frontman to turn its ratings around.

“This problem is not going to go away until Matt Lauer does,” the source said.

“He’s great, but fairly or unfairly, his brand is damaged.”

After repeatedly clashing with co-anchors and overseeing plummeting ratings, the Today show's Matt Lauer is reportedly being given the boot
After repeatedly clashing with co-anchors and overseeing plummeting ratings, the Today show’s Matt Lauer is reportedly being given the boot

Al Roker, a loyal friend of Ann Curry, has been secretly working towards Matt Lauer’s demise for sometime, according to The Enquirer.

“Matt and Al used to be good buddies – until Al found out Matt had been instrumental in Ann’s ouster,” a Today source told the paper.

“They come across as friends on the air, but that’s all an act.”

The weatherman is reportedly campaigning for Today‘s 9 a.m. house co-host Willie Geist, 37, to take Matt Lauer’s sought-after seat.

“Adding a fresh new guy like Willie to the mix is just what Al feels <<Today>> needs to help pull the show out of the ratings doldrums and compete with <<GMA>>,” the source said.

RadarOnline.com recently reported that Alexandra Wallace was set to replace Jim Bell as the executive overseeing the NBC morning show and an insider told the website that she wasn’t afraid to ruffle “Lauer’s feathers”, to boost ratings.

Thanksgiving Shopping: retailers require customer identification to prevent repeated store returns

Nancy Clayson
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Thanksgiving Shopping: retailers require customer identification to prevent repeated store returns

Retailers are now tracking what you take back – catching “serial returners” red handed in the process – in an effort to prevent repeated store returns.

Stores like Victoria’s Secret, Home Depot and Target require shoppers to hand over photo identification when requesting a product return, and according to the National Retail Federation, 62% of U.S. retailers have a similar policy.

A large service database called The Retail Equation then tracks how often you bring items back, quickly identifying frequent returners – who then may lose their right to bring back purchases anywhere.

According to the retail exchange, return fraud abuse is costing retailers and workers between 524,000 and 673,000 jobs, and states are losing a total of $870 million to $1.1 billion annually in sales tax revenues.

A customer who had recently shopped at The Children’s Place, and wanted to exchange a purchase, told CBS San Francisco: “I was required to provide them a copy of my driver’s license, where they actually took the information and scanned it into their database.”

Stores like Victoria's Secret, Home Depot and Target require shoppers to hand over photo identification when requesting a product return
Stores like Victoria’s Secret, Home Depot and Target require shoppers to hand over photo identification when requesting a product return

She told the sales associate that she felt uncomfortable giving up ID, but she was told that the requirement is corporate policy.

Peninsula Congresswoman, Jackie Speier, disagrees with the practice, saying: “They have no right, I my view, of swiping my drivers license. I will never let someone scan my driver’s license.”

However, legally, if a customer wants to make a return, they are required to hand over their ID, or they forfeit their right to a return.

State law requires that retailers advertise any ID requirement in their return policy, and both Victoria’s Secrets and The Children’s Place put this policy on receipts and as well as at the counter.

Many commenters agreed with Jackie Speier, with one facetiously writing: “The Department of Homeland Security may as well be Home Depot at this point.”

However, some retail veterans see the benefit in this surveillance return system.

One store manager wrote: “I worked retail as a manager for years and THIS is the reason the prices keep exponentially going up.

“Businesses are fighting the A-holes that think its ok to buy an air conditioner or gas grill in May/ June and return it in September for full credit.

“They are also fighting the thieves that target high priced items and return them for store credit gift cards and re-sell them or use gift card trading websites.”

Fatty acid treatment could control epilepsy without side effects

Kathryn R. Bown
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Fatty acid treatment could control epilepsy without side effects

A substance made by the body when it uses fat as fuel could provide a new way of treating epilepsy, experts hope.

Researchers in London who have been carrying out preliminary tests of the fatty acid treatment, report their findings in Neuropharmacology journal.

They came up with the idea because of a special diet used by some children with severe, drug resistant epilepsy to help manage their condition.

The ketogenic diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrate.

The high fat, low carbohydrate diet is thought to mimic aspects of starvation by forcing the body to burn fats rather than carbohydrates.

Although often effective, the diet has attracted criticism, as side-effects can be significant and potentially lead to constipation, hypoglycaemia, retarded growth and bone fractures.

By pinpointing fatty acids in the ketogenic diet that are effective in controlling epilepsy, researchers hope they can develop a pill for children and adults that could provide similar epilepsy control without the side-effects.

In early trials, the scientists, from Royal Holloway and University College London, say they have identified fatty acids that look like good candidates for the job.

They found that not only did some of the fatty acids outperform a regular epilepsy medication called valproate in controlling seizures in animals, they also had fewer side-effects.

But many more tests are needed to determine if the treatment would be safe and effective in humans.

Prof. Matthew Walker, from the Institute of Neurology, University College London, said: “Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide and approximately a third of these people have epilepsy that is not adequately controlled by our present treatments.

“This discovery offers a whole new approach to the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsies in children and adults.”

Simon Wigglesworth, deputy chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: “We know the ketogenic diet can be a highly effective treatment for children with difficult to control epilepsy and it is starting to be used for adults.

“The diet is high in fats and low in carbohydrates and the balance of the diet needs to be carefully worked out for each child. Although some children manage the diet very well, others find the diet unpleasant and difficult to follow. Children can also experience side-effects including constipation and weight loss.

“The identification of these fatty acids is an exciting breakthrough. The research means that children and adults with epilepsy could potentially benefit from the science behind the ketogenic diet without dramatically altering their eating habits or experiencing unpleasant side-effects.

“We look forward to seeing how this research progresses.”

Nicolas Sarkozy questioned over illegal campaign donations received from Liliane Bettencourt

Diane A. Wade
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Nicolas Sarkozy questioned over illegal campaign donations received from Liliane Bettencourt

Frence’s ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived at a court in Bordeaux to be questioned over allegations he received illegal campaign donations in 2007.

Nicolas Sarkozy is suspected of accepting thousands of euros from L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, France’s richest woman.

Police raided his home and offices in July as part of an inquiry ordered by investigating judge Jean-Michel Gentil.

Nicolas Sarkozy, who lost presidential immunity in May, denies all wrongdoing.

Although he has stepped back from frontline politics since his defeat by Socialist challenger Francois Hollande, Nicolas Sarkozy is rumored still to harbor ambitions of running for re-election in 2017.

The outcome of the investigation could determine whether the former president will make his widely anticipated return.

Judge Jean-Michel Gentil is leading the investigation into allegations that staff acting for Lilliane Bettencourt gave 150,000 euros in cash to Nicolas Sarkozy’s aides during his successful 2007 campaign to become president.

Nicolas Sarkozy is suspected of accepting thousands of euros from L'Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, France's richest woman
Nicolas Sarkozy is suspected of accepting thousands of euros from L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, France’s richest woman

Individual campaign contributions in France are limited to 4,600 euros.

Liliane Bettencourt’s former accountant, Claire Thibout, alleges Nicolas Sarkozy’s campaign treasurer at the time – Eric Woerth, who later became budget minister – collected the cash in person.

She also revealed in a leaked police interview that Nicolas Sarkozy, while mayor of Neuilly from 1983 to 2002, paid “regular” visits to the Bettencourt house.

The former president has dismissed as mere gossip claims that he took envelopes stuffed with cash.

Eric Woerth, who was forced to resign as UMP party treasurer in July as a result of the scandal, is already under formal investigation over the 150,000 euro payment allegations.

The allegations surrounding Nicolas Sarkozy and Eric Woerth first surfaced in connection with a trial over the estimated 17 billion euro fortune of Liliane Bettencourt, 87, whose father founded the L’Oreal cosmetics giant.

Both Eric Woerth and Nicolas Sarkozy deny any wrongdoing, as does Liliane Bettencourt.

Bettencourt scandal in dates

  • November 2012: Nicolas Sarkozy to be questioned about claims Liliane Bettencourt illegally helped finance his 2007 electoral campaign.
  • July 2012: Police raid Nicolas Sarkozy home and offices after he lost immunity as president
  • September 2010: French financial police searches the main offices of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s party
  • July 2010: Liliane Bettencourt’s former accountant, Claire Thibout, alleges Nicolas Sarkozy was one of a number of centre-right politicians to receive regular envelopes of cash

EU leaders set for 2014-2020 budget battle

Clyde K. Valle
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EU leaders set for 2014-2020 budget battle

EU leaders are to begin talks on the bloc’s 2014-2020 budget, with many of them calling for cuts in line with the savings they are making nationally.

Countries that rely heavily on EU funding, including Poland and its ex-communist neighbors, want current spending levels maintained or raised.

The UK and some other net contributors say cuts have to be made. At stake are 973 billion euros ($1,245 billion).

The bargaining in Brussels will continue on Friday, or even longer.

The draft budget – officially called the 2014-2020 Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) – was drawn up by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, who made cuts to the European Commission’s original plan.

France objects to the proposed cuts in agriculture, while countries in Central and Eastern Europe oppose cuts to cohesion spending – that is, EU money that helps to improve infrastructure in poorer regions.

They are the biggest budget items. The Van Rompuy plan envisages 309.5 billion euros for cohesion (32% of total spending) and 364.5 billion euros for agriculture (37.5%).

The EU budget is a small fraction of what the 27 member states’ governments spend in total.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says another summit may be necessary early next year if no deal can be reached in Brussels now.

In a speech to the European Parliament on Wednesday, the EU Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, complained: “No one is discussing the quality of investments, it’s all cut, cut, cut.”

Arriving in Brussels, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said: “These are very important negotiations.

“Clearly at a time when we are making difficult decisions at home over public spending it would be quite wrong, it is quite wrong, for there to be proposals for this increased extra spending in the EU.”

David Cameron, who was due to meet Jose Manuel Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy, has warned he may use his veto if other EU countries call for any rise in EU spending. The Netherlands and Sweden back his call for a freeze in spending, allowing for inflation.

Any of the 27 countries can veto a deal, and the European Parliament will also have to vote on the MFF even if a deal is reached.

Failure to agree would mean rolling over the 2013 budget into 2014 on a month-by-month basis, putting some long-term projects at risk.

If that were to happen it could leave David Cameron in a worse position, because the 2013 budget is bigger than the preceding years of the 2007-2013 MFF. So the UK government could end up with an EU budget higher than what it will accept now.

The European Commission says that the EU budget accounts for less than 2% of public spending EU-wide and that for every euro spent by the EU the national governments collectively spend 50 euros.

Leon Panetta speaks out for the first time in support of General John Allen

Diane A. Wade
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Leon Panetta speaks out for the first time in support of General John Allen

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has spoken out for the first time about the allegations against General John R. Allen, that he had “inappropriate communications” with Florida socialite and military social liaison Jill Kelley.

General John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, is under investigation for his correspondence with Kelley, who is also embroiled in the David Petraeus sex scandal.

Investigators are looking at 20,000-plus pages of documents and emails between Jill Kelley and John Allen, some of which have been described by Pentagon officials as “flirtatious”. General John Allen has denied any wrongdoing.

Leon Panetta, speaking at a news conference in Perth on Wednesday, cautioned against reaching early conclusions about the veracity of allegations against General John Allen, which have added a new dimension to the Petraeus matter.

“No one should leap to any conclusions here,” Leon Panetta said in his first public comments on the matter when a reporter asked what John Allen might have done wrong.

Leon Panetta said he supports John Allen, who has been in command in Kabul since July 2011. He took over that summer for David Petraeus, who retired from the Army to head the CIA.

“He certainly has my continued confidence to lead our forces and to continue the fight,” Leon Panetta said.

Leon Panetta has spoken out for the first time about the allegations against General John Allen, that he had inappropriate communications with Jill Kelley
Leon Panetta has spoken out for the first time about the allegations against General John Allen, that he had inappropriate communications with Jill Kelley

The Pentagon chief declined to explain the nature of John Allen’s correspondence with Jill Kelley, the Florida socialite connected to the scandal that led to David Petraeus’ resignation last week as director of the CIA.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who appeared with Leon Panetta and their Australian counterparts at Wednesday’s news conference, declined to comment on the Allen case except to suggest it has not harmed the war effort.

 

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