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Six Flags Superman rollercoaster riders stranded for two hours at 150 feet above ground

Diane A. Wade
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Six Flags Superman rollercoaster riders stranded for two hours at 150 feet above ground

Riders of a brand new rollercoaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, went on the ride of their life yesterday, though not perhaps the kind they were expecting.

The two dozen men and women found themselves stranded 150 feet above ground for nearly two hours when both the cars of The Superman Ultimate Flight ride stalled atop the track.

Firefighters who arrived on the scene at 3:00 p.m. – around half an hour after the roller coaster stopped – were able to deliver water bottles to the riders in a large personnel bucket while mechanics worked to fix the problem.

None of the twelve people were injured and all were lowered back to safety once the ride was re-started.

It is unclear what prompted the malfunction that thankfully left the passengers upright at the top of the roller coaster.

The two dozen men and women found themselves stranded 150 feet above ground for nearly two hours when both the cars of The Superman Ultimate Flight ride stalled atop the track
The two dozen men and women found themselves stranded 150 feet above ground for nearly two hours when both the cars of The Superman Ultimate Flight ride stalled atop the track

After their own efforts to get the car moving again by rocking back and forth, failed, firefighters waited for instruction. Vallejo Fire Battalion Chief Ray Jackson told Associated Press that they were trained for such a rescue operation in case this type of situation should ever arise.

The new ride opened June 30 at the Vallejo theme park, holds two cars with six riders each and can travel at up to 62 mph. It ride will be closed for a “thorough safety inspection,” Six Flags spokesman Nancy Chan said, adding that the ride will reopen when the inspection is completed.

“If (a ride) stops, it usually detects something and it stops for safety reasons,” she explained.

Though Nancy Chan revealed that the theme park staff has collected the names and contact details of the passengers, the issue of compensation remains murky.

“I don’t know what compensation, if any, would be given,” Nancy Chan told the Vallejo-Times Herald.

“I can’t speculate.”

Nancy Chan also claimed not to know of such an incident having occurred before despite one park visitor’s claims that her eight-year-old son was stuck for eight to ten minutes when his ride stalled two weeks ago.

Tiffany Sanchez told the local paper no compensation was given.

 

James Holmes charged with 142 criminal counts over Colorado cinema shooting

Diane A. Wade
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James Holmes charged with 142 criminal counts over Colorado cinema shooting

James Holmes, the suspect gunman at Aurora cinema, has been formally charged with 142 criminal counts in one of America’s worst mass shootings.

James Holmes, 24, faces 24 counts of murder, two for each of the 12 people killed, and 116 counts of attempted murder, two each for the 58 injured.

For each person killed he faces a count of murder with deliberation and one of murder with extreme indifference.

If convicted, James Holmes could face the death penalty.

James Holmes, the suspect gunman at Aurora cinema, has been formally charged with 142 criminal counts in one of America's worst mass shootings
James Holmes, the suspect gunman at Aurora cinema, has been formally charged with 142 criminal counts in one of America's worst mass shootings

James Holmes opened fire at random in a crowded movie theatre showing Batman film The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora near Denver on 20 July, according to the authorities.

The judge had banned cameras from Monday’s hearing, so there were no pictures of the defendant, who appeared dazed during his first court appearance last week.

James Holmes was reportedly quiet and unemotional during the hearing. At times, he appeared to be trying to focus his eyes.

Denver Post reporter John Ingold tweeted that the accused appeared “not quite engaged, but listening”.

When asked if he approved a delay in his bail hearing, the defendant leaned towards his lawyer and appeared to say “okay”, and then said “yes” quietly to the judge.

Survivors of the shooting and family members of those killed attended the hearing.

Several wore Batman shirts, including Don Lader, who was in the eighth row of the theatre when the shooting began. He told CNN he had seen the movie twice since that day.

Among the counts on the prosecutors’ sheet, James Holmes faces a gun charge and another of possessing an explosive or incendiary device.

James Holmes allegedly wired his apartment with enough explosives to destroy the entire building had they been detonated. It took authorities several days to dismantle the booby traps.

Court documents filed on Friday by defense lawyers said the suspect had been under the care of a psychiatrist at the University of Colorado Denver, where he had been in the process of dropping out as a neuroscience PhD student.

Monday’s hearing was also expected to address a package – discovered in a campus mailroom three days after the shootings – which the suspect addressed to that psychiatrist, Dr. Lynne Fenton.

The package reportedly contained descriptions of an attack, including drawings of a stick-figure gunman shooting people.

The defense team is seeking a court order requiring prosecutors to immediately turn over all evidence relating to the seizure of a package, citing doctor-patient privilege.

They have also lodged a motion to find out who leaked the existence of the package to the media, which they say could jeopardize the suspect’s right to a fair trial.

Prosecutors have said it will be several weeks before a decision is made on whether or not to seek the death penalty in the case.

As of Sunday, 10 victims of the 20 July shooting remained in hospital, four of them in a critical condition.

Ashley Moser, the critically injured mother of a six-year-old girl killed in the rampage in Aurora, has suffered a miscarriage, her family said on Saturday.

 

Colosseum of Rome is taking the place of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

James J. Williams
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Colosseum of Rome is taking the place of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Rome’s world famous Colosseum is now around 40 cm (16 inches) lower on the south side than on the north.

Concerned authorities are investigating whether it needs urgent repairs, after experts noticed the incline about a year ago.

Rossella Rea, director at the 2,000-year-old monument, revealed in Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Sunday that officials have been monitoring it for the past few months.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, another of the country’s most popular attractions, was reopened in 2001 after being shut for more than a decade as engineers worked to prevent it from falling over and to make it safe for visitors.

Rome's world famous Colosseum is now around 40 cm (16 inches) lower on the south side than on the north
Rome's world famous Colosseum is now around 40 cm (16 inches) lower on the south side than on the north

Restorers’ efforts to clean off centuries of grime from the Tuscan landmark helped stabilize the historical building by removing soil from beneath one side of its foundations.

“The slab of concrete on which the Colosseum rests, which is like a 13-metre (yard)-thick oval doughnut, may have a fracture inside it,” he told the newspaper.

He said intervention along the lines of the stabilization work carried out in Pisa could be necessary if the concerns are confirmed, but he added that it was too early to judge what kind of intervention would be most suitable.

The Colosseum – famous for hosting bloody gladiator fights in the days of the Roman Empire – attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and is usually packed with visitors.

 

US gas prices at the pump rise for the first time in three months

Clyde K. Valle
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US gas prices at the pump rise for the first time in three months

US consumers are facing higher gasoline prices at the pump as wholesalers sell crude oil onto them at rising prices, Lundberg Survey has said.

The Lundberg Survey said the national average price of self-serve, regular gas was $3.51 on July 27, up from $3.41 on June July 13.

The survey of 2,500 gas stations, that comes out every other or every third week, indicated that the rise was the first in the last 14 weeks.

Gasoline prices fell over 14% from a recent peak of $3.967 a gallon set on April 6 before rising last week. The record high is $4.112 set on July 11, 2008.

Trilby Lundberg, who conducts the survey, in an interview said the rise was because crude stopped falling and wholesalers began passing the higher price onto the consumer, something that was not seen in the early part of the month.

US consumers are facing higher gasoline prices at the pump as wholesalers sell crude oil onto them at rising prices
US consumers are facing higher gasoline prices at the pump as wholesalers sell crude oil onto them at rising prices

The price of crude, which Lundberg said “dictates more than any other factor what happens to gas prices”, settled Friday at $90.13 per barrel. That price had been as high as $110.55 as recently as March 1.

U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate ended the week higher after data showing a slower U.S. growth rate could open the door for more monetary easing when the Federal Reserve meets on Tuesday.

Gasoline prices have fluctuated greatly during the turbulent economic climate that has presided since 2008.

According to The Week, from 2002 -2008, the average price of regular gas went from $1.06 to $4.11 before dropping again in 2009. Since 2009, meanwhile, prices have more than doubled.

The devastating recession saw millions thrown out of work and demand for gasoline fall. Prices lowered for a time in 2009 before rising again.

The reason for this is the ever-changing market cycles of supply and demand around the world.

Crude oil prices are set on the world market and gasoline prices have been rising since 2000.

According to fuelfix.com, increased production of crude oil would change the expectations of oil speculators. This would, in turn, lower crude oil prices and gasoline prices.

 

Kris Jenner takes polygraph test after secret meeting with Todd Waterman

Lisa.Felice
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Kris Jenner takes polygraph test after secret meeting with Todd Waterman

After last week’s episode saw Kris and Bruce Jenner on the verge on splitting up, Keeping Up With Kardashians focused on those crazy kids trying to get their parents back together.

On last week’s episode Bruce Jenner found a new golf partner in Angie Everhart.

Bruce Jenner told his wife he loved playing golf with the model, and Kris became green.

Still, Angie Everhart and Bruce Jenner continued to flirt wildly and Kris spotted them in the act as she and daughter Kim Kardashian spied from a golf cart.

Kris Jenner then set up a meeting with former toyboy, Todd Waterman, who she had enjoyed an affair with while married to her childrens’ father Robert Kardashian.

But when cheeky Todd Waterman asked what room they were in and if Kris Jenner was “tipsy yet” before suggesting shots during their meeting, Kris quickly realizes that the grass isn’t greener.

She comes away thinking she made the right decision, and decides it’s Bruce she loves.

The matriarch then wakes Bruce up to tell her how she feels, he’s grumpy to be disturbed and even more annoyed when told: “Tonight is the night that I had to meet up with Todd again.”

Kris Jenner then added: “I may have been fantasising about someone for 25 years who didn’t justify it.”

“What an idiot you are, I don’t know if I can even trust you,” Bruce Jenner understandably yells back at her.

Kris Jenner remains stunned that her husband is not understanding about her secret meet up, however.

She tries to explain why meeting with Todd Waterman has given her a new perspective on him and, it should be good news for Bruce Jenner.

Bruce Jenner just asks Kris to explain why she had to see the “a******.”

When the time comes to confess to her daughters, Kris Jenner cruelly tells pregnant Kourtney Kardashian to leave the room but her sisters rail against it and the eldest daughter remains.

After Kris Jenner confesses to her children, it becomes clear why she didn’t want Kourtney Kardashian there as she exclaims at her mother: “What a little w***e!”

Kourtney Kardashian then adds that she feels like her mother is lying about the outcome, and her other daughters chime in with their disapproval, Kim suggests a lie detector test.

Kourtney asks: “Did you touch his p**** under the table with your foot?”

To find out such edifying details, the girls enlist a polygraph specialist called Joseph who has worked with “the Kennedys and the CIA”.

When they tell an obviously rattled Bruce Jenner, he confides in the girls that just after he married Kris she told him: “Never trust me.”

Bruce Jenner therefore thinks the test is a great idea, and is keen to hear the results… the girls joke that their mother will “enjoy the attention”.

Kris Jenner takes polygraph test after secret meeting with Todd Waterman
Kris Jenner takes polygraph test after secret meeting with Todd Waterman

The test moment arrives, and Kris Jenner is asked questions devised by her daughters.

She is asked if Kim is her favorite daughter and answers: “Yes”, and “no” to whether or not she has ever taken a bigger cut than she was entitled to from their deals.

She also answers in the affirmative as to whether Robert Kardashian is Khloe’s real father.

And it’s of course a “no” to being “in love with Todd Waterman”, and another negative as to whether an affair is on the cards.

The affair question causes a bump on the test, but Joseph explains it is most likely the emotion of a memory recalled and Kris Jenner is judged as passing the test.

Kris Jenner high fives her delighted daughters, but Bruce is still unconvinced.

He wants answers about the meeting, and he says he saw the needle bouncing around.

The man of the house even yells “whopee” sarcastically after Kris Jenner pleads that the dinner made her feel better so he should be pleased.

The children make up their minds to send the parents to a beach house Malibu (after deciding they need to get away from the drab reality of their multi-million dollar mansion).

But their relationship is as rocky as the coastline… even there.

Until, that is, Kim Kardashian sends a book of photographs charting their relationship in photographs jolts them into a realization.

The pair agrees to get their relationship back on track, before enjoying a romantic sunset.

 

Olympics 2012: spectators unhappy at swimmers wearing noise-cancelling headphones

Clyde K. Valle
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Olympics 2012: spectators unhappy at swimmers wearing noise-cancelling headphones

A number of Olympic swimmers are walking out to the pool wearing headphones – and keeping them on right up until the last seconds before they climb onto the blocks.

Athletes are said to favor them because they allow them to stay focused on the race in the moments before they take them off to swim and not be distracted by the crowd.

But the practice has divided opinion, with a number of people criticizing the swimmers for ignoring the fans, as the headphones block out their cheers.

Sun Yang, who went on to win a gold medal, was one of several seen wearing the “Beats by Dr. Dre” headphones at the swimming finals on Saturday night.

They are designed to block out all background noise.

A number of Olympic swimmers at London Games are walking out to the pool wearing headphones
A number of Olympic swimmers at London Games are walking out to the pool wearing headphones

US swimming star Michael Phelps – who has 14 Olympic gold medals – keeps his headphones firmly in place until the last minute as he stays focused.

But fans expressed dismay on Twitter, with Ella McSweeney writing: “If I was a fan who travelled to support a swimmer who then appeared with headphones on, I’d feel like being a bit quiet.”

Another wrote: “Why are these swimmers coming out wearing headphones? Take them off and soak up the atmosphere you idiots.”

But they did find some support. Spectator Mari Fotherby told the Independent: “Why shouldn’t they wear them? They train hard 364 days of the year. If they want to use music to stay calm as they get ready to race then they should.”

As well as disappointing the fans, the swimmers who wore the headphones are likely to have left Samsung, the official technology sponsor of the games, somewhat miffed.

Beats by Dre headphones are owned by one of their fiercest corporate rivals, HTC.

Last night a LOCOG spokesperson confirmed that Beats by Dre were not an official sponsor.

“It must be that the athletes just like them,” a spokesman said.

Nobody at the company Beats by Dre was available to comment on whether the headphones had been given to athletes for free.

 

Iran: four people sentenced to death over $2.6 billion bank fraud

Diane A. Wade
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Iran: four people sentenced to death over $2.6 billion bank fraud

Four people have been sentenced to death in Iran for their roles in the country’s biggest-ever bank fraud scandal.

Two other defendants received life sentences, while 33 more will spend up to 25 years in jail, the chief prosecutor was quoted as saying.

The scandal involved forged documents reportedly used by an investment company to secure loans worth $2.6 billion.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last year denied allegations that his government was involved.

The identities of the defendants have not been made public.

Four people have been sentenced to death in Iran for their roles in the country's biggest-ever bank fraud scandal
Four people have been sentenced to death in Iran for their roles in the country's biggest-ever bank fraud scandal

The case broke in September 2011 when an investment firm was accused of forging documents to obtain credit from at least seven Iranian banks over a four-year period.

The money was reportedly used to buy state-owned companies under the government’s privatization scheme.

As part of their probe, authorities froze the assets of an Iranian businessman thought to be the mastermind behind the scam.

The firm at the heart of the scandal had moved from a small start-up capital to being worth billions of dollars.

The affair fuelled weeks of political infighting between Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Iran’s ruling hierarchy of clerics.

Economy Minister Shamseddin Hosseini scraped through an impeachment vote in November after conservative hardliners accused him of failing to take action over the fraud.

 

American flags planted on the Moon by Apollo astronauts still standing

James J. Williams
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American flags planted on the Moon by Apollo astronauts still standing

Images taken by NASA spacecraft Lunar Reconaissance Orbiter (LRO) show that the American flags planted in the Moon’s soil by Apollo astronauts are mostly still standing.

The photos from LRO show the flags are still casting shadows – except the one planted during the Apollo 11 landing.

This matches Buzz Aldrin’s account of the flag being knocked over by engine exhaust as Apollo 11 lifted off.

LRO was designed to produce the most detailed maps yet of the lunar surface.

Each of the Apollo missions planted an American flag in the soil at their landing sites.

Images taken by NASA spacecraft Lunar Reconaissance Orbiter (LRO) show that the American flags planted in the Moon's soil by Apollo astronauts are mostly still standing
Images taken by NASA spacecraft Lunar Reconaissance Orbiter (LRO) show that the American flags planted in the Moon's soil by Apollo astronauts are mostly still standing

Scientists had previously examined photos of the Apollo landing sites for the flags, and had seen what looked like shadows cast by them on the lunar surface. But this was not considered conclusive.

Now, researchers have studied photos of the landing sites taken at different points during the day (and under different illuminations) and have observed shadows circling the points where the flags are thought to be.

Prof. Mark Robinson, the chief scientist for the spacecraft’s camera instrument, LROC, said in a blog entry: “From the LROC images it is now certain that the American flags are still standing and casting shadows at all of the sites, except Apollo 11.”

He added: “The most convincing way to see that the flags are still there, is to view a time series of LROC images taken at different times of day, and watch the shadow circle the flag.

“Personally I was a bit surprised that the flags survived the harsh ultraviolet light and temperatures of the lunar surface, but they did. What they look like is another question (badly faded?).”

LRO began its mission in lunar orbit in September 2009, to identify mineral and other resources on the Moon as well as scout promising landing sites for future missions.

 

North Korea denies South’s reports about country’s reform and opening

Diane A. Wade
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North Korea denies South’s reports about country’s reform and opening

North Korea has strongly denied reports from South Korea that it is planning policy changes that will lead to the reform and opening of the country.

A government body dismissed reports that the present leadership was breaking with the past as “ridiculous”.

Some commentators have speculated that the recent removal of North Korea’s top general pointed to a possible power struggle over economic reform.

Kim Jong-Un succeeded his late father, Kim Jong-Il, in December.

Kim Jong-Un, believed to be in his late 20s, has since adopted a warm public persona, being photographed at fun fairs and pop concerts with his young wife Ri Sol-Ju.

Kim Jong-Un, believed to be in his late 20s, has since adopted a warm public persona, being photographed at fun fairs and pop concerts with his young wife Ri Sol-Ju
Kim Jong-Un, believed to be in his late 20s, has since adopted a warm public persona, being photographed at fun fairs and pop concerts with his young wife Ri Sol-Ju

That – together with the recent removal of army chief General Ri Yong-Ho – has fuelled hopes in the South that he could be planning to open up North Korea’s closed state-run economy.

However, a spokesman for North Korea’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea, which deals with cross-border affairs, dismissed the speculation in an interview with state-run KCNA news agency on Sunday.

He said that Kim Jong-Un would pursue the “military first” policy brought in by his father and would build a “civilized and comfortable life for the people under socialism”.

“The puppet group (South Korea)… tried to give (the) impression that the present leadership of the DPRK (North Korea) broke with the past. This is the height of ignorance,” the spokesman said.

“To expect policy change and reform and opening from the DPRK is nothing but a foolish and silly dream, just like wanting the sun to rise in the west.”

He accused Seoul of trying to impose capitalism on Pyongyang by “trumpeting reform and opening”, adding: “There cannot be any slightest change in all policies.”

Any reference to reform has always been anathema for North Korean officials and it is a word they associate with victory for their capitalist enemies in the South.

There is also substantial external pressure for change, not least from China, which appears close to Kim Jong-Un and his inner circle and which has pressed for reform in North Korea for more than a decade.

Kim Jong-Un and those around him are being keenly watched for the direction in which they will take the communist state.

 

 

Ebola confirmed in Uganda’s capital Kampala

Kathryn R. Bown
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Ebola confirmed in Uganda’s capital Kampala

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has called on people to avoid physical contact, after the deadly Ebola virus spread to the capital, Kampala.

Fourteen people have died, including one in Kampala, since the outbreak began in western Uganda three weeks ago, he said in a special broadcast.

Ebola is one of the most virulent diseases in the world.

It is spread by close personal contact and kills up to 90% of those who become infected.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has called on people to avoid physical contact, after the deadly Ebola virus spread to the capital, Kampala
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has called on people to avoid physical contact, after the deadly Ebola virus spread to the capital, Kampala

Yoweri Museveni said health officials were trying to trace everyone who had had contact with victims so that they could be quarantined.

People should avoid shaking hands, kissing or having sex to prevent the disease from spreading, he added.

Yoweri Museveni said relatives and friends should not bury anyone who is suspected to have died of Ebola.

“Instead call health workers because they know how to do it,” he said.

Yoweri Museveni said seven doctors and 13 health workers at Mulago hospital – the main referral hospital in Kampala – are in quarantine after “at least one or two cases” were taken there.

One victim – a health worker who had been transferred to the capital – later died.

“I wish you good luck, and may God rest the souls of those who died in eternal peace,” Yoweri Museveni said as he ended his address to the nation.

The first victim of the latest outbreak was a pregnant woman in Kibaale district, about 170 km (100 miles) west of Kampala.

It then spread at a funeral, Yoweri Museveni said.

Uganda has seen three major outbreaks over the past 12 years.

The deadliest was in 2000 when 425 people were infected. More than half of them died.

There is no vaccine for the virus. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, weakness, headache, vomiting and kidney problems.

 

Olympics 2012: more Olympic tickets back on sale

Clyde K. Valle
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Olympics 2012: more Olympic tickets back on sale

Organizers LOCOG announce that more Olympic tickets will go back on sale after the row over empty seats.

It said an initial 3,000 tickets – including 600 gymnastics tickets – were “put back into the pot” and sold on the London 2012 website on Sunday night.

More tickets returned by sports federations would be released the night before events, LOCOG added.

Transport chiefs say London’s morning rush hour went well on the first full working day of the Games.

More Olympic tickets will go back on sale after the row over empty seats
More Olympic tickets will go back on sale after the row over empty seats

Prime Minister David Cameron, meanwhile, said the empty seats were “disappointing” but not “a unique episode” with other previous Games facing similar problems.

At some venues, seats in the accredited “Olympic family” areas – reserved for groups including officials, sports federations, athletes, journalists and sponsors – have remained empty.

LOCOG communications director Jackie Brock-Doyle said organizers were doing everything they could to fix the problem.

“We’re doing this session by session, talking to the accredited groups – including obviously broadcast media and everybody else – and asking whether we can release, for the different sessions, tickets back into the public pot,” she said.

And she said accredited seating for London 2012 was down 15% on previous Games.

Lord Sebastian Coe – who has said Olympics venues are “stuffed” with sports fans – had earlier said that some empty seats would be filled by servicemen and women, as well as local students and teachers.

And shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said unused tickets should also be given to police officers and their families.

 

Syria: 200,000 people fled Aleppo battle in the past two days

Roy Siemens
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Syria: 200,000 people fled Aleppo battle in the past two days

United Nations announces that some 200,000 people have fled intense fighting in Syria’s second city Aleppo in the past two days.

UN humanitarian chief Baroness Valerie Amos said others were trapped in the city and needed urgent help.

Government forces launched a ground assault on Saturday after a week of sporadic shelling and sorties by fighter jets.

Residents are facing food shortages and power cuts.

The rebels are outgunned by the army, but they are fighting an effective guerrilla war in the streets.

Fighting has focused on the Salah al-Din neighborhood in Aleppo’s south-west, where the rebels had embedded themselves.

Syrian state television showed footage from the city and interviewed soldiers who said they had taken complete control of Salah al-Din late on Sunday.

On Monday, officials in Damascus again said they had “purged” the area.

But activists have denied that the quarter has been overrun by the army, saying rebels are still in control.

They said fighting was continuing on Monday.

They also reported heavy shelling and clashes at the Sakhur quarter on the north-east side of the city centre, where another attack by government forces appeared to be under way.

United Nations announces that some 200,000 people have fled intense fighting in Syria's second city Aleppo in the past two days
United Nations announces that some 200,000 people have fled intense fighting in Syria's second city Aleppo in the past two days

Baroness Amos, speaking in New York, said that the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent estimated 200,000 people had fled the fighting in the past two days.

“It is not known how many people remain trapped in places where fighting continues today,” she said.

“I call on all parties to the fighting to ensure that they do not target civilians and that they allow humanitarian organizations safe access.”

She said many people had fled their homes to take shelter in schools and other public buildings.

Analysts say many others will have gone to nearby villages, and others will have fled across the border with Turkey.

The UN Security Council is chronically divided over Syria, with Russia blocking attempts by Western nations to ramp up pressure on President Bashar al-Assad.

France is due to take over the presidency of the Security Council this week, and Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has pledged to continue pushing the issue.

He called Bashar al-Assad an “executioner” and said he would ask for a ministerial level meeting of Security Council members before the end of the week.

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, who is on a five day Middle East tour, has also heavily criticized the government’s assault on Aleppo.

He said the attack would be “a nail in the coffin” of President Bashar al-Assad.

Leon Panetta will visit Tunisia, Egypt, Israel and Jordan in a bid to reinforce the view that Bashar al-Assad must step down.

Where Syrians are fleeing:

• Turkey: 43,387

• Jordan: 36,824

• Lebanon: 31,596

• Iraq: 8,445

• Internally displaced: One million

Source: UNHCR

In other developments:

• A Turkish official tells Reuters news agency that 12 police officers, including the chief of Latakia city’s force, have fled over the border.

• The Turkish army has sent reinforcements including missile batteries to the Syrian border, state-run Anatolian news agency reports.

 

Massive power outage hits India causing major disruption

Diane A. Wade
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Massive power outage hits India causing major disruption

A massive power outage has caused disruption across northern India, including in the capital, Delhi.

It hit a vast swathe of the country affecting more than 300 million people in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan states.

Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said 60% of the supply had been restored and the rest would be reinstated soon.

It is unclear why supply collapsed, but states using more power than they were authorized to could be one reason.

Sushil Kumar Shinde said he had appointed a committee to inquire into the causes of the blackout, one of the worst to hit the country in more than a decade.

A massive power outage has caused disruption across northern India, including in the capital, Delhi
A massive power outage has caused disruption across northern India, including in the capital, Delhi

The outage happened at 02:30 local time on Monday after India’s Northern Grid network collapsed.

Monday morning saw travel chaos engulf the region with thousands of passengers stranded when train services were disrupted in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

Delhi Metro railway services were stalled for three hours, although the network later resumed service when it received back-up power from Bhutan, one official said.

Traffic lights on the streets of the capital were not functioning as early morning commuters made their way into work, leading to gridlock.

Water treatment plants in the city also had to be shut for a few hours.

Officials said restoring services to hospitals and transport systems were a priority.

Power cuts are a common occurrence in Indian cities because of a fundamental shortage of power and an ageing grid. The chaos caused by such cuts has led to protests and unrest on the streets.

Earlier in July, crowds in the Delhi suburb of Gurgaon blocked traffic and clashed with police after blackouts there.

Correspondents say that India urgently needs a huge increase in power production, as hundreds of millions of its people are not even connected to the national grid.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has long said that India must look to nuclear energy to supply power to the people.

Estimates say that nuclear energy contributes only 3% to the country’s current power supply. But the construction of some proposed nuclear power stations have been stalled by intense local opposition.

 

Pussy Riot members go on trial in Moscow after protesting against Vladimir Putin

Sonia Pantiss
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Pussy Riot members go on trial in Moscow after protesting against Vladimir Putin

Three members of Russian punk protest group Pussy Riot go on trial on Monday after singing a song protesting against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s main cathedral.

The song outraged the Russian Orthodox Church. It accused them of blasphemy.

Supporters say the case reflects the state’s growing intolerance of government opponents.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich caused outrage when they sang a song that implored the Virgin Mary to “throw Putin out” in February.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich caused outrage when they sang a song that implored the Virgin Mary to "throw Putin out" in February
Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina and Yekaterina Samutsevich caused outrage when they sang a song that implored the Virgin Mary to "throw Putin out" in February

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has said the performance, which took place at the altar of Christ the Saviour Cathedral, amounted to blasphemy.

The women are facing the charge of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred or hostility and could face up to seven years in prison.

Pussy Riot made headlines around the world late last year when footage of their controversial public perfomances at Moscow landmarks such as Red Square attracted millions of viewers on the internet.

More than 100 prominent Russian actors, directors and musicians have urged the authorities to release the three.

Western musicians such as Sting and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have also criticized the women’s arrest.

Activists have said the case indicates that President Putin, now serving a third term in office, is not heeding calls for him to be more tolerant of political opponents.

 

Snoop Dogg banned from Norway for trying to enter the country with cannabis

Lisa.Felice
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Snoop Dogg banned from Norway for trying to enter the country with cannabis

Rapper Snoop Dogg has been banned from entering Norway for two years after trying to enter the country with a small amount of cannabis last month.

Snoop Dogg, 40, was held at Kjevik Airport while on his way to a music festival, when customs officials found he was carrying eight grams of the drug.

His lawyer said the rapper had no immediate plans to appeal against the ban.

Snoop Dogg could “live with the decision”, he added.

Snoop Dogg has been banned from entering Norway for two years after trying to enter the country with a small amount of cannabis last month
Snoop Dogg has been banned from entering Norway for two years after trying to enter the country with a small amount of cannabis last month

Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, was also found at the time to be carrying more cash than is legally allowed in Norway and was fined 52,000 kroner after admitting the two offences.

He went on to perform at Norway’s Hove Festival.

In January, Snoop Dogg was arrested in Texas after border agents found cannabis on his tour bus. He was later released with a caution.

Snoop Dogg is currently on tour and is expected to appear at the Catalpa Festival in New York on Sunday.

 

Intraceuticals Oxygen machine: Madonna’s latest anti-aging weapon

Diane A. Wade
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Intraceuticals Oxygen machine: Madonna’s latest anti-aging weapon

Madonna’s assistant was spotted this week carrying a bulky contraption out of the Ritz Hotel in Paris, and he inadvertently revealed the superstar’s latest weapon in her anti-aging arsenal.

It’s Oxygen. Or more specifically $14,200 worth of Oxygen – an Intraceuticals Oxygen machine.

Previously, Madonna confessed to having one of these pricey machines in every one of her six homes, but now it looks like she literally won’t leave home without one.

The machine, normally found at high end facialists, promises to hydrate, lift and tighten, and improve the appearance of the skin.

It’s a Super Facial, a Facial on Acid, literally – and it promises a glow like nothing else.

So what does it do?

Developed in Australia, it’s a three-step process to get the best vitamins possible deep into the skin.

It’s known as hyaluronic layering – a non-invasive process that uses hyaluronic acid which plumps and hydrates the skin and helps make fine lines and saggy skin go away.

Using what looks like an airbrush, a therapist uses cooling, pressurized oxygen to deliver a vitamin-rich serum.

Intraceuticals Oxygen machine
Intraceuticals Oxygen machine

Next, a hydration gel is applied that prevents moisture loss. Finally, a binding cream is applied that provides a layer of intense hydration.

The combination literally pushes the good stuff under the skin. It’s “No-tox” – a Botox effect without the botulism.

Naturally Madonna is interested.

Right or wrong, her tenacious determination to refuse to age gracefully is something to behold – she’s fighting it every step of the way.

While her dedication to workouts and macrobiotic diets is the stuff of legends, that’s just the beginning.

Madonna raised eyebrows (and perhaps a bit more) when she brought along Botoxer to the stars Dr. Frederic Brandt along on her last worldwide tour.

The superstar is rumored to be looking into a procedure to “freshen” her aging hands, and has been pictured with what looked like the remains of a very new thread lift peeking out from a noticeably tighter jawline.

In fairness, Madonna has never denied getting a bit of extra help, only admitted a reluctance to talking about it.

And where Madonna goes, others follow.

Thanks to HD cameras and the ever-present paparazzi, intraceuticals have developed a cult following in LA.

These machines were regularly used on the set of Desperate Housewives and Sex and the City.

Uma Thurman, Rachel Zoe and Renee Zelwegger are just a few names who won’t get on a red carpet without them.

Even producers for music videos featuring celebrities like Katy Perry have claimed that they saved them thousands of dollars in retouching costs because the star’s skin looked so much better.

Madonna’s facialist, LA based Michelle Peck, says that the reason it works is that the O2 Intraceutical System delivers a potent combo of oxygen and hyaluronic acid at the lowest molecular weight possible, which means that the serum is easily absorbed through the skin pores and directly into the tissue.

The more oxygen and serum absorbed, the better the facial.

We tried one out with London-based facialist and celebrity secret Linda Meredith, who has been giving Madonna these facials for years.

Tucked behind Harrods on Beauchamp place, her salon is filled with thank you notes from Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney to name just a few.

The oxygen felt cool and soothing and unlike other facials, where you often leave with red and angry looking skin, we emerged glowing immediately.

It’s just fresh streams of oxygen and serum sprayed gently onto your face.

The results are instant. There’s a reason it’s often called “the red carpet facial” because you are red carpet ready immediately.

Prices start at around $157, Lindameredith.com.

In New York, try the Red and White Spa in Soho (Redandwhitespa.com, priced at $150)

In LA, Westside Aesthetics is running a summer special for $140, Westsidemedicalspa.com.

 

Oxford University changes gender dress code

Diane A. Wade
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Oxford University changes gender dress code

Oxford University students will no longer have to wear gender-specific academic clothing after concerns it was unfair to the transgender community.

It will mean men can attend formal occasions in skirts and stockings and women in suits and bow ties.

The new rules come after a motion by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer society (LGBTQ Soc) was passed by the students’ union earlier this year.

The changes, to start from 4th of August, have now been agreed by the university.

Oxford University students will no longer have to wear gender-specific academic clothing after concerns it was unfair to the transgender community
Oxford University students will no longer have to wear gender-specific academic clothing after concerns it was unfair to the transgender community

Jess Pumphrey, LGBTQ officer, said the change would make a number of students’ exam experience significantly less stressful.

Under the old laws on academic clothing – known as subfusc – male students were required to wear a dark suit and socks, black shoes, a white bow tie and a plain white shirt and collar under their black gowns.

Female students had to wear a dark skirt or trousers, a white blouse, black stockings and shoes and a black ribbon tied in a bow at the neck.

If a transgender student wanted to wear subfusc of the opposite sex they had to seek special dispensation from university proctors, who had the power to punish those who breached the rules.

An Oxford University spokesman said: “The regulations have been amended to remove any reference to gender, in response to concerns raised by Oxford University Student Union that the existing regulations did not serve the interests of transgender students.”

 

Mitt Romney backs Israeli decision over Iran nuclear concerns

Diane A. Wade
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Mitt Romney backs Israeli decision over Iran nuclear concerns

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has said would respect an Israeli decision to use military force to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, according to one of his aides.

Mitt Romney, who is in Jerusalem, is expected to pledge closer ties between the US and Israel if he is elected.

President Barack Obama has focused on using sanctions to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The first leg of Mitt Romney’s trip, in London, was marred by controversy.

After talking of “disconcerting” signs in London’s preparations for the Olympic Games, Mitt Romney backtracked and predicted a “very successful” Olympics.

On Sunday morning Mitt Romney held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres.

Mitt Romney held talks with Israeli President Shimon Peres
Mitt Romney held talks with Israeli President Shimon Peres

He told Shimon Peres he shared Israel’s concern about the development of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, saying: “The threat it would pose to Israel, the region and the world is incomparable and unacceptable.”

Mitt Romney will give a speech later on Sunday near Jerusalem’s Old City in which he is expected to say it is “unacceptable” for Iran to have the “capacity” to develop nuclear weapons.

“If Israel has to take action on its own, in order to stop Iran from developing the capability, the governor [Mitt Romney] would respect that decision,” his foreign policy adviser Dan Senor told reporters ahead of the speech.

After his meetings with Israeli officials, he went to Jerusalem’s Western Wall, one of Judaism’s holy sites.

Mitt Romney will be hoping that burnishing his pro-Israel credentials will help him among key constituencies in a tight race with Barack Obama, analysts say.

Mitt Romney says Barack Obama has undermined Israel and supported its enemies.

The Republican presidential hopeful is also scheduled to meet Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, though not Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

While not explicitly ruling out military intervention, President Barack Obama’s policy has emphasized non-military means of putting pressure on Iran.

Mitt Romney is highly critical of the international talks taking place which might lead to Iran being allowed to enrich some uranium. Mitt Romney wants zero enrichment.

In his speech on foreign policy, Mitt Romney will say he hopes the military option on Iran can be avoided but that it should not be taken off the table.

Mitt Romney says this is the best chance of focusing the minds of Iranian leaders on finding a peaceful solution.

A source in Mitt Romney’s campaign said he also agreed with those who worried the Arab spring could turn into an “Islamist winter”.

 

Yemen: Italian embassy worker kidnapped by gunmen in Sanaa

Roy Siemens
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Yemen: Italian embassy worker kidnapped by gunmen in Sanaa

Gunmen have kidnapped a security agent working for the Italian embassy in Yemen’s capital Sanaa.

The Italian man was taken to an unknown destination from a street near Italy’s embassy in south-west Sanaa, security and diplomatic sources have said.

Police have said they are trying to track down and identify the gunmen.

Gunmen have kidnapped a security agent working for the Italian embassy in Yemen's capital Sanaa
Gunmen have kidnapped a security agent working for the Italian embassy in Yemen's capital Sanaa

The Italian Foreign Ministry in Rome confirmed the kidnapping to the AP news agency.

Kidnappings of foreigners are common in Yemen and are usually resolved peacefully.

The majority of kidnappings are carried out by gunmen who use captives to make bargains with the Yemeni goverment.

Officials tend to blame tribesmen or gunmen liked to al-Qaeda for taking foreigners.

A French official working for the Red Cross was released earlier this month after being kidnapped in April.

A Swiss woman who was working as a teacher and seized by al-Qaeda militants in March remains a hostage.

 

Ukulele Picnic Week: Japan sets world’s record for largest ukulele ensemble

Sonia Pantiss
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Ukulele Picnic Week: Japan sets world’s record for largest ukulele ensemble

A new world record for the largest ukulele ensemble has been set in Yokohama, Japan, at the Ukulele Picnic Week event.

More than 2,000 strummers gathered in Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, to trump the previous record set in Sweden.

The group was watched by Guinness World Records officials, AFP news agency said, and played a song called Aloha Mahalo A Hui Ho, written by a Hawaii-born former sumo wrestler.

A new world record for the largest ukulele ensemble has been set in Yokohama, Japan, at the Ukulele Picnic Week event
A new world record for the largest ukulele ensemble has been set in Yokohama, Japan, at the Ukulele Picnic Week event

They set the record during Japan’s Ukulele Picnic Week.

The diminutive guitar-shaped instrument originated from Hawaii, where it is also synonymous with hula dancing.

The previous record was set in August last year by 1,547 uke-wielding Swedes in Helsingborg.

 

Geoffrey Hughes of Coronation Street dies aged 68

Sonia Pantiss
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Geoffrey Hughes of Coronation Street dies aged 68

Actor Geoffrey Hughes, best known for his roles in Coronation Street and Keeping up Appearances, has died aged 68, his agent has said.

Geoffrey Hughes, who was known to millions as Coronation Street binman Eddie Yeats in the 1970s and 1980s, died “peacefully in his sleep” on Friday night.

It followed a “long courageous battle” with prostate cancer, his family said.

Geoffrey Hughes, who lived on the Isle of Wight, was also known for his roles as Twiggy in TV comedy The Royle Family and Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances.

He had thought he had beaten prostate cancer in 2009, but was told it had returned after collapsing at home in 2010.

Actor Geoffrey Hughes, best known for his roles in Coronation Street and Keeping up Appearances, has died aged 68
Actor Geoffrey Hughes, best known for his roles in Coronation Street and Keeping up Appearances, has died aged 68

Geoffrey Hughes first appeared in 1960s shows such as Z-Cars and The Likely Lads. He was the voice of Paul McCartney in the Beatles film Yellow Submarine.

Other roles included Vernon in Heartbeat and Uncle Keith in teen drama Skins, guest-starring in episodes of Doctor Who, Casualty, Boon and The Upper Hand.

A Coronation Street spokeswoman said: “We are very sad to hear of the death of Geoffrey Hughes.

“He created a legendary and iconic character in Eddie Yeats who will always be part of Coronation Street.

“Everyone connected with the programme sends our sincerest condolences to his family.”

Coronation Street star William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, said: “I am so sorry to hear about Geoffrey. He was a warm, lovable actor, with great comedy timing.

“He will be greatly missed, one of the Street’s memorable characters.”

Helen Worth, who plays Gail McIntyre in Coronation Street, said: “Geoff was a very dear friend for many years, and I’m very sad to hear the news of his passing.

“He was a master of gentle comedy and brought pleasure to so many people. He will be sadly missed.”

Sally Lindsay, who played barmaid Shelley Unwin in Corrie, wrote on Twitter that her first TV job was playing Twiggy’s girlfriend in The Royle Family, “and he was so kind RIP lovely man x”.

Geoffrey Hughes was appointed Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight in 2009, providing the official link between the island and royalty at formal events.

 

Olympics 2012 First Day: China on top of the medal table with six medals

Clyde K. Valle
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Olympics 2012 First Day: China on top of the medal table with six medals

The first gold medal of the London 2012 Olympics has been won by China, which ended the first day on top of the medal table.

Yi Siling’s victory in the women’s 10 m air rifle was the first of six medals for China, including four golds.

Mingjuan Wang took weightlifting gold, Sun Yang won China’s first male gold in swimming and Ye Shiwen, 16, set a world record in the 400 m individual medley.

Yi Siling won first gold medal of the London 2012 Olympics in the women's 10 m air rifle
Yi Siling won first gold medal of the London 2012 Olympics in the women's 10 m air rifle

Italy won five medals including a dramatic gold medal win in archery and a clean sweep in women’s fencing.

The United States have also won five medals after picking up a medal of each colour in the pool.

South Korea, Brazil, Russia, Kazakhstan and Australia were the other nations to claim golds on the opening day.

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Brown fat could play key role in fighting obesity

Kathryn R. Bown
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Brown fat could play key role in fighting obesity

Brown fat produces 300 times more heat than any other organ in the body and stops a baby from freezing to death if left in the cold.

Scientists have discovered that this type of fat is a good thing because it produces lots of heat by burning calories.

Unlike white fat, which clings to our hips and expands our ageing waistlines, brown fat keeps the weight off.

And that’s why the race is on to find out more about brown adipose tissue, also known as brown fat, and how humans could use it to our advantage.

When we’re born we have lots of brown fat in our bodies, wrapped round the central organs to keep us warm, to help us adapt to life outside the womb.

As we grow, however, the brown fat content of our bodies decreases.

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have been using heat-seeking technology to find out if brown fat is still present in children and adults.

Scientists have discovered that brown fat is a good thing because it produces lots of heat by burning calories
Scientists have discovered that brown fat is a good thing because it produces lots of heat by burning calories

Professor Michael Symonds and Dr. Helen Budge from the University’s School of Clinical Sciences say their research, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, shows that the neck region in healthy children produces heat.

“There is only about 50 g of brown fat in the neck region and it switches on and off throughout the day as it’s exposed to different temperatures or if you exercise or eat,” says Prof. Michael Symonds.

But this capacity is much greater in young children compared with adolescents and adults.

He says that the challenge is now to use this knowledge to find out what factors might switch on brown fat, and therefore prevent excess weight gain.

“The more we know about what switches on brown fat the better. It may have an immediate effect which can be retained as you get older.

“This may provide new insights into the role of brown fat in how we balance energy from the food we eat, with the energy our bodies use up.”

Could brown fat have a role to play in fighting obesity too?

It’s a nice theory, says Prof. Sir Stephen Bloom, head of division for diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism at Imperial College London.

“If we activate brown fat, we can eat more and not gain weight. But we would waste energy unnecessarily, we would sweat a lot and forever be opening windows.

“We’d be hot and thin.”

Anything that could mean calories are burned rather than being stored as fat sounds like a good idea – but there are dangers in using agents to activate body tissue.

“Agents have potential for toxicity. It’s great if it works and it’s safe, but everyone is nervous of the side effects of obesity therapies,” Prof. Stephen Bloom says.

Previous research on rodents and small mammals shows that they, like babies, rely on brown fat to keep warm.

“But this might not be so applicable in humans, particularly adults. That much brown fat is not natural in humans.

“It would be hard work to stimulate everything that way.”

Prof. Michael Symonds is more positive, believing that his team’s research using thermal imaging could lead to more useful information on what we eat.

“Potentially we could add a thermogenic index to food labels to show whether that product would increase or decrease heat production within brown fat.

“In other words whether it would speed up or slow down the amount of calories we burn.”

So fat is not as simple as it seems. There are different types and the brown stuff is much better than the white.

But we have no control over the quantities of each kind in our bodies, nor how it is managed.

In the future, Nottingham researchers will look at how nutrition, exercise, and environmental and therapeutic interventions could have an impact on brown fat and its unique heat-generating properties.

In the meantime, Prof. Stephen Bloom says it’s a very promising area to work on.

“It could be a help in the fight against obesity, diabetes and heart problems.”

Are we nearly there yet? “There’s a long way to go. A decade at least.”

The war against white fat is only just beginning.

 

Olympics 2012: 16 people arrested over Olympic ticket touting

Diane A. Wade
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Olympics 2012: 16 people arrested over Olympic ticket touting

Metropolitan Police in London has announced that sixteen people have been arrested over ticket touting at the Olympics during the past two days.

Five arrests were made ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday and another 11 people were held on Saturday.

Of those arrests a German man, aged 57, and a Slovakian woman, aged 30, have been charged with ticket touting, Scotland Yard said.

The arrests have been made in Stratford near the Olympic Park and in Wimbledon, where the tennis is being held.

Sixteen people have been arrested over ticket touting at the Olympics during the past two days
Sixteen people have been arrested over ticket touting at the Olympics during the past two days

Metropolitan Police Det. Supt Nick Downing said: “My team has been working tirelessly to clamp down on ticket touts.

“We have been, and will continue to seek out and take robust action against anybody who tries to cash in on the 2012 Games in this way.

“Ticket touting is illegal and is a clear exploitation of those who genuinely wish to experience the Games first-hand.”

Two people have also been arrested in relation to the alleged theft of two Olympic Lane passes.

 

Katie Holmes takes Suri to feed giraffes at Bronx Zoo

Lisa.Felice
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Katie Holmes takes Suri to feed giraffes at Bronx Zoo

Katie Holmes appeared to be beaming yesterday as she took her daughter Suri Cruise on a trip to the Bronx Zoo.

The girls were seen feeding the giraffes along with other visitors to the New York City attraction and while the treat was probably for her child with Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes seemed the most thrilled.

Katie Holmes grinned with her tongue between her teeth as she extended branches to the animals, which can often be found on safari expeditions.

While her six-year-old little girl could be seen looking very focused on the task at hand, Katie Holmes made sure to snap away at the precious moments on her phone, in between gasping with delight.

Katie Holmes appeared to be beaming yesterday as she took her daughter Suri Cruise on a trip to the Bronx Zoo
Katie Holmes appeared to be beaming yesterday as she took her daughter Suri Cruise on a trip to the Bronx Zoo

Katie Holmes pulled her hair back in a messy ponytail and donned a black and white striped tank top with blue jeans for the outing.

After finalizing her divorce from Tom Cruise earlier this month, Katie Holmes’ life just seems to be going from strength to strength.

Katie Holmes recently landed a role on the Broadway production Dead Accountants and last night she was accompanied by Jonathan Wolfe and reportedly his wife Renee for a nice meal in the Big Apple.

Although she has been making the most of her time with Suri recently, taking her on late night ice cream trips as well as fun children’s activities during the day, Katie Holmes enjoyed some adult time.

Despite her personal and career successes, it would appear that Katie Holmes has decided to lie relatively low for the moment and take advantage of simple pleasures.

She has cancelled what would have been her first official public appearance since her split, at last night’s Dizzy Feet Foundation gala.

 

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