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IBM Sequoia overtakes Fujitsu as world’s fastest supercomputer

Nancy Clayson
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IBM Sequoia overtakes Fujitsu as world’s fastest supercomputer

IBM’s Sequoia supercomputer has taken the top spot on the list of the world’s fastest supercomputers for the US.

The newly installed system trumped Japan’s K Computer made by Fujitsu which fell to second place.

It is the first time the US can claim pole position since it was beaten by China two years ago.

Sequoia will be used to carry out simulations to help extend the life of aging nuclear weapons, avoiding the need for real-world underground tests.

It is installed at the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.

“While Sequoia may be the fastest, the underlying computing capabilities it provides give us increased confidence in the nation’s nuclear deterrent,” said National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) administrator Thomas D’Agostino.

“Sequoia also represents continued American leadership in high performance computing.”

 

IBM's Sequoia supercomputer has taken the top spot on the list of the world's fastest supercomputers for the US
IBM's Sequoia supercomputer has taken the top spot on the list of the world's fastest supercomputers for the US

 

The computer is capable of calculating in one hour what otherwise would take 6.7 billion people using hand calculators 320 years to complete if they worked non-stop.

Although the US’s efforts helped secure it the lead, its overall tally of three computers in the top 10 was worse than six months ago when it had five.

China and Germany both have two supercomputers, while Japan, France and Italy have one.

But IBM proved to be the leading manufacturer claiming five out of the top 10 spots.

David Turek, vice president of deep computing at the firm, said his company had been preparing to retake the top spot for two years.

“Substantial planning went into this. We knew the day would come.”

Sequoia is 1.55 times faster than the Fujitsu model, and uses over 1.5 million processors.

In comparison the Japanese model has less than half the number of CPUs (computer processing units).

The IBM supercomputer is also more energy efficient than the Fujitsu model.

Sequoia consumes 7.9 megawatts compared to the K computer which uses 12.6 megawatts.

David Turek described Sequoia as the “pinnacle of energy efficiency” and said the reaction had been “very enthusiastic.”

“Government laboratories in Europe have already expressed interest,” he said.

The list is published every six months by German Professor Hans Meuer and US-based Professor Jack Dongarra.

Prof. Jack Dongarra said it was unlikely that another manufacturer would overtake IBM in the next year.

“Sequoia is very impressive,” he said.

The first computer to take the top position on the list was the CM-5/1024 in 1993, designed by Thinking Machines.

According to Prof Dongarra, Sequoia is 273,930 times faster.

“A calculation that took three full days to compute on the Thinking Machines in 1993 today can be done in less than one second on the Sequoia,” he said.

 

Shenzhou-9 capsule docks with the Tiangong-1 space lab

James J. Williams
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Shenzhou-9 capsule docks with the Tiangong-1 space lab

Shenzhou-9 capsule, with its crew of three, including the first Chinese woman astronaut, has docked with the Tiangong-1 space lab.

The coupling of the vehicles occurred just after 14:00 Beijing time (06:00 GMT) over China itself.

The latest Shenzhou mission was launched on Saturday, taking the nation’s first female astronaut, Liu Yang, into orbit.

Thirty-three-year old Liu Yang flies with Commander Jing Haipeng, 46, and fellow flight engineer, Liu Wang, 42.

It is China’s fourth manned mission and another opportunity to see how far the Asian nation has developed its space technology.

It follows on from last year’s unmanned Shenzhou-8 outing which completed successful rendezvous and docking manoeuvres at Tiangong.

Shenzhou-9 capsule, with its crew of three, including the first Chinese woman astronaut, has docked with the Tiangong-1 space lab
Shenzhou-9 capsule, with its crew of three, including the first Chinese woman astronaut, has docked with the Tiangong-1 space lab

That gave Beijing authorities the confidence to put astronauts on the current flight.

After Saturday’s lift-off from the Jiuquan spaceport, Shenzhou-9 worked through a series of engine burns to take it higher and closer to the orbiting space lab.

Monday’s docking was an automated procedure; computers – not the crew – were in charge of events.

A suite of radar, laser and optical sensors aligned Shenzhou with Tiangong. The capsule’s thrusters then drove it into the space lab’s docking ring.

The union happened at an altitude of about 340 km (210 miles). Liu Yang operated a handheld video camera to record the moment of docking.

Thirty-three-year old Liu Yang flies with Commander Jing Haipeng, 46, and fellow flight engineer, Liu Wang, 42
Thirty-three-year old Liu Yang flies with Commander Jing Haipeng, 46, and fellow flight engineer, Liu Wang, 42

It is understood that only two members of the crew will enter the lab at any one time. The third individual will stay in the Shenzhou craft in case of emergency.

During the flight, a range of scientific experiments are planned, including a number of medical tests geared towards understanding the effects of weightlessness on the human body.

At some point in the next few days, the astronauts will attempt a manual docking.

This would see the crew uncouple their vehicle from the lab, retreat to a defined distance and then command their ship to re-attach itself.

Liu Wang will take the lead in this activity.

“We’ve done over 1,500 simulations,” he said during the pre-launch press conference.

“We’ve mastered the techniques and skills. China has first class technologies and astronauts, and therefore I’m confident we will fulfill the manual rendezvous.”

China is already talking about a Shenzhou-10 mission to Tiangong sometime in the next year.

The lab is a prototype for the type of modules the nation hopes to join in orbit later this decade to form a permanently manned space station.

At about 60 tons in mass, this proposed station would be considerably smaller than the 400-tonne international platform operated by the US, Russia, Europe, Canada and Japan, but its mere presence in the sky would nonetheless represent a remarkable achievement.

Concept drawings describe a core module weighing some 20-22 tons, flanked by two slightly smaller laboratory vessels.

Officials say it would be supplied by freighters in exactly the same way that robotic cargo ships keep the International Space Station (ISS) today stocked with fuel, food, water, air, and spare parts.

The Shenzhou-9 crew is expected back on Earth before the end of the month.

 

Jack Osbourne diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, his parents reveal

Lisa.Felice
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Jack Osbourne diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, his parents reveal

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have revealed that their son Jack was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The TV and music star family said Jack was diagnosed from tests taken when he lost 60% vision in his right eye earlier this year.

Jack Osbourne, 26, told Hello! that after first feeling angry and upset he has now taken an attitude of “adapt and overcome”.

MS is an incurable neurological condition that damages the nerves and affects the transfer of messages around the body.

MS affects the brain and the nervous system and destroys myelin sheath layers between the nerves in the brain and spinal cord which stops impulses being carried around the body.

It can cause blindness, slurred speech, muscle weakness and a loss of coordination.

There is no known cause or cure for MS, which is three times more common in men than in women.

Between 2 and 5% of cases are discovered in children under 16.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have revealed that their son Jack was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne have revealed that their son Jack was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Jack Osbourne said he had chosen to speak out in order to raise awareness of the condition. He added that the support of his fiancée Lisa Stelly was helping him to stay positive.

MS can have a wide range of symptoms, including tiredness, temporary blindness, loss of co-ordination and speech difficulties.

It is unpredictable and affects everyone differently. One in five sufferers has a benign form with mild attacks and no permanent disability, while another 15% have a progressive disease that steadily worsens.

Jack Osbourne was diagnosed with the condition three weeks after the birth of daughter Pearl, now two months old.

“The timing was so bad,” he said.

“I’d just had a baby, work was going great – I kept thinking: <<Why now?>>”

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne said they were still trying to come to terms with their son’s condition.

Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne said she had been asking herself if she was to blame.

“I kept thinking: <<What did I do wrong, what did I eat or drink when I was pregnant?>> I feel like it’s somehow my fault.”

Former Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne said: “If it was me, you’d think: <<Ozzy had a reputation and it caught up with him>>, but Jack is such a good guy.”

Jack Osbourne – known as an extreme sports enthusiast – will use a combination of daily drug treatments, holistic therapies and lifestyle changes.

The family was the subject of a worldwide hit reality TV show, The Osbournes, which originally aired on MTV between 2002 and 2005.

The programme, also featuring the Osbournes’ daughter Kelly, won an Emmy award in 2002.

 

Greece elections 2012: world leaders welcome New Democracy victory

Diane A. Wade
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Greece elections 2012: world leaders welcome New Democracy victory

World leaders have welcomed the narrow election victory of Greece’s broadly pro-bailout New Democracy party and urged Athens to form a cabinet quickly.

The eurozone group said reforms were Greece’s “best guarantee” to overcome tough economic and social challenges.

The US stressed that it was in everyone’s interests “for Greece to remain in the euro area”.

The Syriza party, which rejected the bailout terms and came a close second, said it would lead the opposition.

With more than 99% of votes counted, interior ministry results put New Democracy on 29.7% of the vote (129 seats), Syriza on 26.9% (71) and the socialist Pasok on 12.3% (33). There are 300 seats in parliament.

Greek voters went to the polls on Sunday following May’s inconclusive elections.

New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras said Greeks had chosen to stay in the euro and called for a “national salvation government”.

Syriza’s leader Alexis Tsipras said his party would not take part in the government, and would instead become a powerful anti-austerity voice in the opposition.

The vote was watched around the world, amid fears that a Greek exit from the euro could spread contagion to other eurozone members and deepen the turmoil in the global economy.

New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras said Greeks had chosen to stay in the euro and called for a "national salvation government"
New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras said Greeks had chosen to stay in the euro and called for a "national salvation government"

Tough austerity measures were attached to the two international bailouts awarded to Greece, an initial package worth 110 billion Euros ($138 billion) in 2010, then a follow-up last year worth 130 bn euros.

Stock markets responded positively to Sunday’s results, with share prices up in Asian trading.

In a statement on behalf of the 17 eurozone finance ministers, Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Paul Juncker said that “continued fiscal and structural reforms are Greece’s best guarantee to overcome the current economic and social challenges and for a more prosperous future of Greece in the euro area”.

In a joint statement, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy also hailed the result, and expressed hope that a government would be formed quickly.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel telephoned Antonis Samaras to congratulate him on his victory.

A German government statement said she had “stated that she would work on the basis that Greece will meet its European commitments”.

Antonis Samaras said that the Greek people had voted to stay in the eurozone.

“There is no time to waste,” he said.

“A national salvation government must bring economic growth and reassure Greeks the worst is over.”

He added: “There will be no more adventures. Greece’s place in Europe will not be put in doubt,” promising that Athens would “honor its obligations.”

It appears Antonis Samaras wants to press ahead with spending cuts demanded by the country’s international creditors.

European leaders have warned that if the new Greek government rejects the bailout, the country could be forced to abandon the single currency.

New Democracy should be able to build a majority coalition with the socialist Pasok, benefiting from a rule which gives the leading party 50 extra seats in the 300-seat chamber.

However, coalition talks may not be easy.

In addition to Syriza’s showing, four other parties which oppose or want a radical overhaul of the bailout look set to take between 60 and 70 seats. They include the far-right Golden Dawn, which has about 7% of the vote.

New Democracy and Pasok have said they will keep the bailout in a renegotiated form.

The leader of Pasok, Evangelos Venizelos, proposed a broad four-party coalition including New Democracy, Pasok, the Democratic Left and Syriza.

“No decision can be taken without this national unity,” he said.

 [youtube 7WBPREtams0]

High cholesterol diet could help people with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease

Kathryn R. Bown
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High cholesterol diet could help people with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease

According to early studies in mice, a diet high in cholesterol may help people with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, a fatal genetic disease which damages the brain.

Patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) struggle to produce a fatty sheath around their nerves, which is essential for function.

A study, published in Nature Medicine, showed that a high-cholesterol diet could increase production.

The authors said the mice “improved dramatically”.

PMD is one of many leukodystrophies in which patients struggle to produce the myelin sheath. It protects nerve fibres and helps messages pass along the nerves.

Patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) struggle to produce a fatty sheath around their nerves, which is essential for function
Patients with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) struggle to produce a fatty sheath around their nerves, which is essential for function

Without the sheath, messages do not travel down the nerve – resulting in a range of problems including movement and cognition.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, in Germany, performed a trial on mice with the disease and fed them a high cholesterol diet.

The first tests were on mice when they were six weeks old, after signs of PMD had already emerged. Those fed a normal diet continued to get worse, while those fed a cholesterol-enriched diet stabilized.

“This six-week-long cholesterol treatment delayed the decline in motor co-ordination,” the scientists said.

Further tests showed that starting the diet early was more beneficial, leading the researchers to conclude that in mice “treatment should begin early in life and continue into adulthood”.

This study was only in mice, meaning it is not known if there would be a similar effect in people – or if there would, how early treatment would have to start.

The authors of the report said: “Dietary cholesterol does not cure PMD, but has a striking potential to relieve defects.”

It is thought the cholesterol frees up a “traffic jam” inside cells in the brain. The disease is caused by producing too much of a protein needed in myelin, which then becomes stuck inside the cells. It is thought the extra cholesterol helps to free up the protein.

 

 

Universe could grind to a halt and time itself will slow down, new radical theory suggests

James J. Williams
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Universe could grind to a halt and time itself will slow down, new radical theory suggests

A new radical theory by academics suggests that time itself could be slowing down – and may eventually grind to a halt altogether.

The latest mind-bending findings – put forward by researchers working at two Spanish universities – proposes that we have all been fooled into thinking the universe is expanding.

In fact, the scientists say, time itself is slowing down until eventually, in billions of years time, it will cease altogether.

Although the findings might sound worrying, however, it’s probably not worth losing any sleep over, or indeed spending too long mulling over.

According to scientists, the gradual loss of time is not noticeable to the human eye.

And anyway, they say, we’ll all be long gone by the time really does end.

Scientists say time itself is slowing down until eventually, in billions of years time, it will cease altogether
Scientists say time itself is slowing down until eventually, in billions of years time, it will cease altogether

Professor Jose Senovilla told New Scientist magazine: “Everything will be frozen, like a snapshot of one instant, forever.

“Our planet will be long gone by then.”

Scientists have previously measured the light from distant exploding stars to show that the universe is expanding at a rapid rate.

The accepted theory is based on the idea that a kind of anti-gravitational force – known as “dark energy” – must be driving galaxies apart.

However, the scientists working on the latest theory say that we’re looking at thing backwards.

And Prof. Jose Senovilla proposes that the current assumption has got it all wrong – with the appearance of acceleration instead caused by time gradually slowing.

It might sound difficult to believe, but a cosmologist at Cambridge University, says the idea is not without substance: “We believe that time emerged during the Big Bang, and if time can emerge, it can also disappear – that’s just the reverse effect.”

 

Greece elections 2012 latest exit polls results

Diane A. Wade
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Greece elections 2012 latest exit polls results

Right-wing New Democracy and left-wing Syriza parties are almost neck-and-neck after Greek parliamentary elections, according to the first exit polls.

New Democracy, which broadly supports a European bailout deal, was one to two percentage points ahead of Syriza, which opposes the measure.

The outcome could decide Greece’s future inside the euro.

If the exit poll is correct, New Democracy should be able to build a majority coalition.

The government will be relatively weak, and will seek to change the terms of the bailout.

The election was the second in six weeks, called after a 6 May vote proved inconclusive.

On that occasion, each of the main parties tried but failed to form a coalition government.

New Democracy is thought to have polled between 28 and 30% of votes, with 27-28% for Syriza, one exit poll carried out jointly by five polling companies for the main TV channels showed.

An earlier version of the poll only 80% complete had the two parties virtually neck and neck, prompting fears of a hung parliament.

The latest projection would give New Democracy 127 seats, benefiting from a rule which gives the leading party 50 extra seats in the 300-seat chamber.

Right-wing New Democracy and left-wing Syriza parties are almost neck-and-neck after Greek parliamentary elections, according to the first exit polls
Right-wing New Democracy and left-wing Syriza parties are almost neck-and-neck after Greek parliamentary elections, according to the first exit polls

It gave the centre-left Pasok, its potential coalition partner, 32 seats, enough for a majority in the 300-seat parliament, with Syriza gaining 72 seats.

New Democracy could also invite a small left-wing party, Democratic Left, to join the coalition to reflect some of the anti-bailout feeling in the country.

With such a strong showing by Syriza, Greece could be in for an autumn of discontent by opponents of the bailout deal.

Another poll for a separate TV station gave Syriza a marginal lead.

Coalition talks will be expected to start on Monday.

Several smaller anti-bailout parties are expected to get between 13 and 21 seats.

Sunday’s vote is being watched around the world, amid fears that a Greek exit from the euro could spread contagion to other eurozone members and send turmoil throughout the global economy.

Tough austerity measures were attached to the two international bailouts awarded to Greece, an initial package worth 110 billion Euros ($138 billion) in 2010, then a follow-up last year worth 130 billion Euros.

Many Greeks are unhappy with the conditions attached to deals which have been keeping the country from bankruptcy.

Polls have shown most Greeks favor staying in the euro and all the main parties except the communist KKE say they will keep Greece in the single currency, but Syriza believes it can renegotiate the bailout deal.

New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras has warned that rejection of the bailout would lead to a return to the drachma, but correspondents say a very large number of Greeks appear to have defied this pressure.

“Greeks voted with emotion and not with reason, this is why you see these numbers,” New Democracy supporter Evangelos Datsos told Reuters news agency after the initial exit polll results came through.

But Syriza supporters were confident of victory.

There is a subdued atmosphere in the Greek capital on Sunday night, with many people just at home, watching nervously on television.

Greeks are proud and therefore private when it comes to explaining their fears to foreigners, our correspondent says, but behind closed doors they are worried about what this means for their country and their futures.

 

France elections exit polls. Francois Hollande’s Socialist Party wins absolute majority in parliament.

Diane A. Wade
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France elections exit polls. Francois Hollande’s Socialist Party wins absolute majority in parliament.

President Francois Hollande’s Socialist Party has won enough seats in French parliament to form an absolute majority, according to exit polls obtained by the AFP news agency.

The exit polls suggested Socialist Party and its allies would take more than 312 out of 577 seats in the National Assembly.

If confirmed, it means the Socialists will not have to rely on support from either the Greens or the far-left.

It gives the president strong backing as he seeks measures to boost growth.

President Francois Hollande’s Socialist Party has won enough seats in French parliament to form an absolute majority, according to exit polls
President Francois Hollande’s Socialist Party has won enough seats in French parliament to form an absolute majority, according to exit polls

Francois Hollande has promised to hire more public workers and to refocus EU fiscal efforts away from their emphasis on austerity.

The vote was the second round of a two-part parliamentary election.

The polls suggested the conservative UMP party and its allies would win between 212 and 234 seats, and the far-right National Front between one and four seats.

 

David Nalbandian disqualified from Queen’s final after kicking line judge Andrew McDougall

Clyde K. Valle
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David Nalbandian disqualified from Queen’s final after kicking line judge Andrew McDougall

Argentine David Nalbandian was disqualified from the Aegon Championships final after injuring a line judge by kicking an advertising board into his shin.

David Nalbandian, 30, was leading Marin Cilic 7-6 (7-3) 3-4 when he smashed a panel in front of Andrew McDougall’s seat, causing his leg to bleed heavily.

Chair umpire Fergus Murphy awarded Marin Cilic the match, while ATP supervisor Tom Barnes confirmed the decision.

“I am very sorry, sometimes you get frustrated on court,” said David Nalbandian.

With the officials discussing what course of action to take, sections of the 6,000-capacity crowd booed and chanted “play on”.

But the match was abandoned and David Nalbandian was left to explain his behaviour.

“Sometimes I make a mistake I agree with,” he said.

“It’s a tough moment to end a final like that but sometimes we feel so much pressure from the ATP playing so many tournaments.

“Today I’ve made a mistake. Sometimes I agree and I do but everyone makes mistakes. I don’t feel it had to end like that – especially in a final.

“There are a lot of rules and sometimes they don’t do anything. The rule book is very big and I can tell you the ATP do a lot to the players and nothing happens.”

David Nalbandian was disqualified from the Aegon Championships final after injuring a line judge by kicking an advertising board into his shin
David Nalbandian was disqualified from the Aegon Championships final after injuring a line judge by kicking an advertising board into his shin

After edging the first set on a tie-break, David Nalbandian’s serve was broken in the opening game of the second.

He managed to level at 3-3 but immediately handed the advantage back by putting a forehand wide on the stretch.

The world number 39 continued his run before angrily booting the board, which broke apart and badly gashed Andrew McDougall’s left leg.

Tournament official Chris Kermode said: “We were in the middle of a wonderful final and David Nalbandian ran across and in frustration kicked a panel underneath the line judge.

“The panel went into his leg and cut it – he’s quite seriously injured. The match has ended with a code violation.

“David is struggling to come to terms with it. He clearly regrets what happened – but these things happen.

“It is sold out and the spectators are watching some great tennis, so to have the match end this way is quite disappointing.

“But there’s not a lot we can do about it. We are under the governance of ATP rules. You’d like to think you can bend the rules but if you allow it [the match to continue] it sets a precedent.”

Rule 8.04 of the ATP rule book states a player guilty of aggravated behaviour can expect to be fined “up to $25,000 or the amount of prize money won at the tournament, whichever is greater”.

Given that the runners-up prize money at Queen’s is 44,945 Euros ($56,803), David Nalbandian stands to lose more.

He was appearing in his first grass court final since Wimbledon in 2002.

Marin Cilic becomes the first Croatian to win a title on grass since Goran Ivanisevic triumphed at the All England Club in 2001.

“It was very bitter,” said the sixth seed.

“It’s definitely not the way I wanted to win. To end like this is not easy.

“The match was getting hot and it’s tough to see the final finish like this. I can’t change it, but I’m really sorry for the fans that it finished like this.”

 [youtube MAdwVHXhGzA]

Greece elections 2012 exit poll 75%

Diane A. Wade
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Greece elections 2012 exit poll 75%

Right-wing New Democracy and left-wing Syriza parties are almost neck-and-neck after Greek parliamentary elections, according to the first exit polls.

Greece elections exit polls 75% at 19:00, local time:

New Democracy: 27.5-30.5%

Syriza: 27-30%

Pasok: 10-12%

Right-wing New Democracy and left-wing Syriza parties are almost neck-and-neck after Greek parliamentary elections, according to the first exit polls
Right-wing New Democracy and left-wing Syriza parties are almost neck-and-neck after Greek parliamentary elections, according to the first exit polls

Greek elections outcomes:

If pro-austerity parties (Pasok and New Democracy) win:

• Could have best chance of re-negotiating bailout

• May say austerity measures need longer time-frame

• But may need a third party to form majority

If anti-austerity parties (Syriza and others) win:

• Syriza threatening not to honor bailout

• If so, Greece could be forced out of euro

• Reintroduction of Drachma would lead to devaluation, inflation and business failures

• But could allow economy to grow

If there is a hung parliament:

• Third round of elections needed

• More political uncertainty

• Restricted access to bailout funds

 [youtube bYVFItW6dyQ]

[youtube 3jOj2Bu2uYg]

Kevin Costner wins oil-clean-up case brought against him by Stephen Baldwin

Diane A. Wade
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Kevin Costner wins oil-clean-up case brought against him by Stephen Baldwin

Actor Kevin Costner has won a multi-million dollar case brought against him by fellow Hollywood star Stephen Baldwin.

Stephen Baldwin had accused Kevin Costner of cheating him and his business partner in a deal to sell oil clean-up devices to BP after 2010’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

A federal jury in Louisiana deliberated for two hours before rejecting Stephen Baldwin’s claim for more than $17 million in damages.

Later Kevin Costner said he was grateful to have been able to clear his name.

“My name means more to me than money and that’s why we didn’t settle,” said Kevin Costner.

Kevin Costner has won a multi-million dollar case brought against him by fellow Hollywood star Stephen Baldwin
Kevin Costner has won a multi-million dollar case brought against him by fellow Hollywood star Stephen Baldwin

He went on to praise the jury for “doing their best to understand everything” in a difficult case.

Stephen Baldwin, along with his business partner Spyridon Contogouris, claimed they would not have sold their shares in Kevin Costner’s company Ocean Therapy Solutions when they did if they had known BP had put down a deposit on buying equipment worth $52 million.

Stephen Baldwin sold his shares for $1.4 million and Spyridon Contogouris sold his for $500,000 in June 2010.

In court, Stpehen Baldwin said he would have held out for more money if he had known about the potential BP deal.

The $17 million in damages Stephen Baldwin and his business partner were claiming was the amount they estimated they would have made from the fulfilled order.

Kevin Costner and his business partner Scott Smith said Stephen Baldwin and spyridon Contogouris knew BP was preparing to give a deposit but still they decided to sell-up.

Kevin Costner said he never saw Stephen Baldwin contribute anything to their company’s efforts to persuade BP to use the centrifuges.

Stephen Baldwin said no one had asked him to invest any capital or lobby BP but said he used his celebrity to market and promote the centrifuges while he also worked on a documentary about the nation’s worst offshore oil spill.

After the verdict Stephen Baldwin asked his attorney James Cobb to speak on his behalf.

“We’re disappointed. We thought we proved rather convincingly that these two guys, Mr. Costner and Mr. Smith, defrauded us,” said James Cobb.

“The jury saw it a different way but we respect the jury’s verdict.”

In June 2010 BP deployed a few of the oil-separating centrifuges it had ordered from Ocean Therapy Solutions.

The company capped the well in the Gulf of Mexico the following month, and it was permanently sealed in September 2010.

 

Rolling Stones to play farewell gig at Glastonbury Festival in 2013

Sonia Pantiss
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Rolling Stones to play farewell gig at Glastonbury Festival in 2013

It was reported that the Rolling Stones will play a farewell gig at next year’s Glastonbury Festival.

It is believed Mick Jagger, 68, Keith Richards, 68, Ronnie Wood, 65 and Charlie Watts, 71, will all play on the Pyramid stage during the coveted Sunday night headline slot after talks with organizer Michael Eavis.

This will be the first and only time the band perform at the famous Somerset festival which attracts up to 175,000 fans every year.

According to sources it will be the final date in only a handful of shows which will take place in Britain and America in 2013.

The famous rock group were due to tour this year for their 50th anniversary.

The Rolling Stones will play a farewell gig at next year's Glastonbury Festival
The Rolling Stones will play a farewell gig at next year's Glastonbury Festival

However, according to Rolling Stone magazine the anniversary tour was delayed because of Keith Richards’s health and his ability to make it through a full tour.

In April 2006, while on holiday in Fiji, the guitarist suffered a head injury and many fans commented that his performance during Martin Scorsese’s Shine a Light documentary was often inaudible.

It is now believed the band will not do a full world tour as planned and will only do a number of shows across the UK and America.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: “All four members have agreed that next year is the right time to have one final hurrah and put on the gig of their lives.

“It’s a case of now or never, and obviously Glastonbury is the most important festival on the circuit.”

Rumors of the band playing at the festival has often circulated over the years.

Michael Eavis has also previously expressed how The Rolling Stones, Dolly Parton and Led Zeppelin would be his dream bookings.

He was unavailable to comment on whether he had finally been successful in his bid.

 

Chris Brown and Drake brawl: Drake not arrested at New York concert last night

Lisa.Felice
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Chris Brown and Drake brawl: Drake not arrested at New York concert last night

Drake performed at the Jones Beach Theater in New York last night and he was not arrested over his role in a vicious nightclub brawl with Chris Brown.

However, the notorious fight did make an impact on Drake’s Long Island show on Saturday, as he appeared to refer to his troubles twice during his set.

The concert came as it emerged that the nightclub where Drake and Chris Brown fought over R&B star Rihanna, sending several injured people to hospital, has been closed “indefinitely”.

Drake performed at the Jones Beach Theater in the town of Wantagh, and opened his set by saying: “When I woke up this morning, I had to think about a lot of things.”

But he continued: “But the only thing I gave a f*** about was that I was in New York City tonight.”

Drake performed at the Jones Beach Theater in New York last night and he was not arrested over his role in a vicious nightclub brawl with Chris Brown
Drake performed at the Jones Beach Theater in New York last night and he was not arrested over his role in a vicious nightclub brawl with Chris Brown

Later in the set, he seemed to make another reference to Wednesday night’s scuffle, when he said: “It’s last call and you’re really too drunk to give a f***.

“A n***** in the corner is standing there looking at you funny. You bump elbows with him on the way to the bathroom, but really there’s only one n***** that you got to think about.”

NYPD sources had suggested that the star could be arrested at the concert if he did not turn himself in, but by the time the evening came around there was no sign that he would be taken into custody.

Meanwhile it was reported by TMZ that W.i.P., the nightclub in New York’s SoHo district, has been shut down indefinitely over a number of violations apparently unrelated to the A-list brawl.

Earlier a second bystander released photos of her injuries that were a result of the flying bottles during the fight.

 

Rodney King, 1991 LA riots figure, found dead in his swimming pool aged 47

Diane A. Wade
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0
Rodney King, 1991 LA riots figure, found dead in his swimming pool aged 47

Rodney King, the figure at the centre of the Los Angeles riots in 1991, has been found dead in a swimming pool, according to police reports.

Rodney King’s fiancée found his body at the bottom of the swimming pool, but there was no sign of foul play. He was 47.

He was a victim of police brutality in 1991, but the officers involved were acquitted the following year.

The verdict triggered clashes between black youths and police which left more than 50 dead and thousands injured.

The beating was filmed by a bystander and part of the film was shown by media outlets across the world, causing public outrage.

A later trial resulted in two of the four officers being jailed.

Rodney King, the figure at the centre of the Los Angeles riots in 1991, has been found dead in a swimming pool
Rodney King, the figure at the centre of the Los Angeles riots in 1991, has been found dead in a swimming pool

Rodney King suffered brain damage during the beating. He sued the City of Los Angeles and won $3.8 million compensation.

Rialto Police Captain Randy Deanda said on Sunday King was found “unresponsive” at the bottom of his pool and was pronounced dead at 06:11 a.m.

 

France votes in second round of parliamentary elections

Diane A. Wade
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7
France votes in second round of parliamentary elections

France is voting in a second round of parliamentary elections seen as crucial for President Francois Hollande’s reform agenda.

Socialist Francois Hollande, who was elected last month, is seeking a solid left-wing majority in the lower house.

He has promised to hire more public workers and to refocus EU fiscal efforts from austerity to “growth”.

Socialists and their left-wing allies won 46% in last Sunday’s first round, against 34% for the centre-right UMP.

Nationwide, the turnout was a modest 57%. France’s 46 million eligible voters are picking representatives for 577 seats in the National Assembly.

After the first round, 36 seats out of 577 were declared in constituencies where the winner got more than 50% of the vote. Socialists and their allies won 25 of those seats.

France is voting in a second round of parliamentary elections seen as crucial for President Francois Hollande's reform agenda
France is voting in a second round of parliamentary elections seen as crucial for President Francois Hollande's reform agenda

The French Senate is already under the control of the Socialists and their allies following elections in 2011.

The Socialist Party has concluded electoral pacts with the smaller Europe Ecology/The Greens (EELV) as well as the Radical Left party – with marginal candidates withdrawing from the second round in order not to split the left-wing vote in individual constituencies.

The vote is also seen as a key test for the anti-immigration National Front (FN), which took 13.6% in the first round.

The FN – which has no nationally elected representative – is hoping to take a number of seats, notably for its leader Marine Le Pen in the northern town of Henin Beaumont.

Another closely watched race will be in La Rochelle in the west. Official Socialist candidate Segolene Royal – who is also Francois Hollande’s former partner – is standing against a dissident left-winger, Olivier Falorni, who defied the national leadership and maintained his candidacy.

In a well-publicized twist in the past week, Francois Hollande’s current partner, Valerie Trierweiler, expressed her support for Olivier Falorni in a tweet.

On the right, the UMP of former President Nicolas Sarkozy has concluded an electoral agreement with its centrist Radical Party and New Centre allies.

The start of Francois Hollande’s term has been dominated by the eurozone crisis. In his month since taking office, he has taken part in a series of summits urging his EU partners to engage in stimulus spending and to consider eurobonds.

His government is due to present a revised budget plan to parliament next month.

 

Turkey: 13 prisoners have died after fire broke out in a prison in Sanliurfa province

Diane A. Wade
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1
Turkey: 13 prisoners have died after fire broke out in a prison in Sanliurfa province

Thirteen prisoners have died and five others have been hospitalized after fire broke out in a prison in Sanliurfa province, southeast Turkey, officials said.

The victims suffocated after inmates set bedding alight at the jail in Sanliurfa province.

The fire was brought under control before it spread to the rest of the jail, which houses about 1,000 inmates.

Turkish media said the blaze took place during a mutiny, but the local governor denied the claim.

Thirteen prisoners have died and five others have been hospitalized after fire broke out in a prison in Sanliurfa province, southeast Turkey
Thirteen prisoners have died and five others have been hospitalized after fire broke out in a prison in Sanliurfa province, southeast Turkey

Governor Celalettin Guvenc told Reuters that the blaze took place following a row between the inmates.

It took one-and-a-half hours before the blaze was extinguished, the news agency reports.

Those detained at Sanliurfa include political prisoners, reports say.

Ibrahim Ayhan, a member of parliament from the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), was among those in the jail but was not believed to have been harmed, broadcaster NTV said.

 

Renee Zellweger shows off her super slim frame as she leaves a West Hollywood hotel

Lisa.Felice
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0
Renee Zellweger shows off her super slim frame as she leaves a West Hollywood hotel

Renee Zellweger showed off her rail-thin frame as she left the Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood yesterday.

Renee Zellweger sported a brown checked dress which cinched in at her tiny frame and appeared too big for her.

Her very slender pins were also visible in the short utilitarian frock and the Bridget Jones star made her legs look even longer and slimmer by donning a pair of nude platform peep toe pumps.

Renee Zellweger wore her honey blonde locks piled atop her head in a ballerina bun and toted a crocodile skin handbag.

Despite her gaunt appearance she seemed in good spirits and flashed a smile to photographers before stepping into her red Mini and speeding off.

Renee Zellweger showed off her rail-thin frame as she left the Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood yesterday
Renee Zellweger showed off her rail-thin frame as she left the Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood yesterday

The actress will soon be preparing to reprise her role as Bridget Jones in a third installation of the comedy saga.

But it is believed that the star will be sporting a fat suit instead of piling on the pounds once again for the film.

She famously gained two stone for the first and second films before dieting back to her usual slim self.

Her co-star Hugh Grant revealed earlier this year that though production has been held up yet again, fans can expect to see yet another love triangle between his character, Daniel Cleaver, Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy.

He told MTV back in April: “I’ve seen some scripts. They haven’t quite hit the nail yet, but they will. They’re working on it.”

Of the love triangle, he said: “Our public demands some more fisticuffs!”

The third film was first announced in August of last year.

Bridesmaids director Paul Feig was originally in talks to helm the film, though the Full Monty’s Peter Cattaneo is now slated to direct.

 

Glenn Beck will launch “anti-Glee” show as America’s favorite musical program has no values

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Glenn Beck will launch “anti-Glee” show as America’s favorite musical program has no values

Glenn Beck announces he has plans to take on Glee, America’s favorite musical program, with a singing and dancing television show of his own.

Speaking at the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference in Washington, D.C. Friday, former Fox News firebrand Glenn Beck said he was mesmerized by Glee‘s production quality, but was devastated that the program promoted “no values”.

He said that his show will champion Christian values and appeal to everyone, even liberals.

During the conference, Glenn Beck said he and his wife were shocked by the subjects discussed on Glee.

“It’s horrifying some of the things that they’re teaching high schoolers,” the radio host said.

“But it’s brilliantly done. It’s produced, brilliantly. Its music, brilliant. Its acting, brilliant. Its cinematography, brilliant. All of it!”

Glenn Beck announces he has plans to take on Glee, America's favorite musical program, with a singing and dancing television show of his own
Glenn Beck announces he has plans to take on Glee, America's favorite musical program, with a singing and dancing television show of his own

The problem, however, is that viewers prefer “high school kids dancing in lingerie” more than “shows that talk about God, faith, and family”.

“Everybody is sleeping with everybody else. There’s no values. It’s all self-gratification. It’s a nightmare,” he said of the Fox hit.

The self-hating Gleek says he’s been working with artists and musicians to “push back” against shows that display teens having casual sex, cursing, and other things he deems debaucherous.

“Why are we just giving the culture over to those who seek to promote filth? Why are we just complaining about it? How about we do something about it,” he said in a statement last week.

The show will be hosted on GBTV, Glenn Beck’s HD video network.

“We are working with a rapper – I can’t say who yet – but my audience and his audience will say, <<What?>>” Glenn Beck said to Buzzfeed.

“We jokingly call this our Oedipus project because the left will be making out with me… and they’ll have no idea.”

 [youtube g1x8hATDeCU]

UFO-shaped object found sitting on the bottom of the Baltic Sea still a mystery

James J. Williams
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0
UFO-shaped object found sitting on the bottom of the Baltic Sea still a mystery

The Swedish expedition team that found an unidentified object sitting at the bottom of the Baltic Sea has surfaced with more questions than answers – and certainly no solution to its origins.

The divers found that the object, which some have likened to the Millennium Falcon because of its unusual round outline, was raised about 10 to 13ft above the seabed and curved in at the sides, giving it a mushroom shape.

They added that the object has “rounded sides and rugged edges”.

“First we thought this was only stone, but this is something else,” diver Peter Lindberg said in a press release.

At the center of the object, which has a 60-meter diameter, has an “egg shaped hole leading into it from the top”.

Surrounding the hole, they found a strange, unexplained rock formation. Adding fuel to the speculative fire, they said that the rocks looked “like small fireplaces” and the “stones were covered in something resembling soot”.

“Since no volcanic activity has ever been reported in the Baltic Sea the find becomes even stranger,” Peter Lindberg continued.

The Swedish expedition team that found an unidentified object sitting at the bottom of the Baltic Sea has surfaced with more questions than answers and certainly no solution to its origins
The Swedish expedition team that found an unidentified object sitting at the bottom of the Baltic Sea has surfaced with more questions than answers and certainly no solution to its origins

A brief video clip of the dive was released to Swedish-language paper Expressen and can be viewed on Gizmodo.

“As laymen we can only speculate how this is made by nature, but this is the strangest thing I have ever experienced as a professional diver.”

The soot also proved cause for concern for Peter Lindberg’s colleague on the Ocean X explorer team, Stefan Hogeborn.

“During my 20-year diving career, including 6,000 dives, I have never seen anything like this. Normally stones don’t burn,” Stefan Hogeborn said in the release.

“I can’t explain what we saw, and I went down there to answer questions, but I came up with even more questions.”

Another find that they saw in person for the first time was the 985-foot trail that they described “as a runway or a downhill path that is flattened at the seabed with the object at the end of it”.

The object was first found this month last year, but because of a lack of funding and bad timing, they have were not able to pull a team together to see for themselves – just the strange, metallic outline, and a similar disk-shaped object about 200 metres away.

As it was before the recent dive, the story behind the object is anyone’s guess.

“We’ve heard lots of different kinds of explanations, from George Lucas’s spaceship – the Millennium Falcon – to <<it’s some kind of plug to the inner world>>, like it should be hell down there or something,” Peter Lindberg said.

Speaking to Fox News, he said: “We don’t know whether it is a natural phenomenon, or an object. We saw it on sonar when we were searching for a wreck from World War I. This circular object just turned up on the monitor.”

While the Ocean Explorer team is understandably excited about their potentially earth-shattering find, others are slightly more skeptical and are questioning the accuracy of the sonar technology.

In the past, such technology has confused foreign objects with unusual- but natural- rock formations.

Part of the trouble they face, however, is that they have no way of telling what is inside the supposed cylinder- whether it is filled with gold and riches or simply aged sediment particles.

They’re hoping for the former, and history seems to be in their favor.

The Baltic Sea is a treasure trove for shipwreck hunters, as an estimated 100,000 objects are thought to line the cold sea’s floor.

The company has created a submarine that they hope will appeal to tourists and wannabe shipwreck hunters who will pay to take a trip down to the bottom of the Baltic Sea to see for themselves.

 [youtube 4Img8EgDtBQ]

[youtube y-2qkNV2NqY]

Olympics 2012: IOC inquiry into olympic tickets sales on the black market claims

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Olympics 2012: IOC inquiry into olympic tickets sales on the black market claims

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has begun an investigation into claims Olympics representatives were willing to sell thousands of tickets for the London Games on the black market.

The IOC’s ruling executive board met after fresh claims by the Sunday Times involving more than 50 countries.

This included allegations that tickets for top events were available for up to 10 times their face value.

The IOC has referred the allegations to its independent ethics commission.

The Sunday Times submitted a dossier of evidence detailing claims that Olympic officials and agents had been caught selling thousands of tickets on the black market for up to 10 times their face value.

IOC has begun an investigation into claims Olympics representatives were willing to sell thousands of tickets for the London Games on the black market
IOC has begun an investigation into claims Olympics representatives were willing to sell thousands of tickets for the London Games on the black market

The IOC could also review how Olympic tickets are distributed among member countries – more than one million were distributed to those taking part in the Games.

The Sunday Times alleges, during a two-month investigation in which reporters posed as Middle Eastern ticket touts, it found corruption involving people representing 54 separate countries.

More than one million London 2012 tickets were distributed abroad among all the nations taking part in the Games, but the IOC has strict rules to try to combat touts.

National Olympic committees must ensure that their allocation is only sold within their own region.

Last month a senior Ukrainian Olympic official resigned after being filmed by the BBC offering tickets for cash.

The IOC said in a statement: “The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has moved quickly to deal with allegations that some National Olympic Committees (NOC) and Authorized Ticket Resellers (ATR) have broken rules relating to the sale of Olympic tickets.

“The IOC takes these allegations very seriously and has immediately taken the first steps to investigate.

“Should any irregularities be proven, the organization will deal with those involved in an appropriate manner.

“The NOCs are autonomous organizations, but if any of the cases are confirmed the IOC will not hesitate to impose the strongest sanctions.

“The IOC has also determined that it will take on board any recommendations coming out of the inquiry to improve the way that tickets are allocated and sold internationally in the future.”

London 2012 organizing committee LOCOG said it would support the IOC in its investigation “in any way we can”.

“Rules and regulations for selling London 2012 tickets to international fans are clear and unambiguous,” it said.

No tickets intended for the British market were involved, it added.

 

Greeks vote in crucial elections for the country’s future in the eurozone

Diane A. Wade
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0
Greeks vote in crucial elections for the country’s future in the eurozone

The polls have opened this morning in Greece for crucial elections which could determine the country’s future in the eurozone.

The main contenders, the right-wing New Democracy and left-wing Syriza, are at odds over whether broadly to stick with the tough EU bailout deal, or reject it and boost social spending.

Opinion polls are banned for two weeks before voting but unofficial polls say the result is too close to call.

EU leaders say if Greece rejects the bailout, it may have to leave the euro.

The poll, the second in six weeks, was called after a vote on 6 May proved inconclusive.

Sunday’s vote is being watched around the world, amid fears that a Greek exit from the euro could spread contagion to other eurozone members and send turmoil throughout the global economy.

Tough austerity measures were attached to the two international bailouts awarded to Greece, an initial package worth 110 billion Euros ($138 billion) in 2010, then a follow-up last year worth 130 billion Euros.

Many Greeks are unhappy with the conditions attached to deals which have been keeping Greece from bankruptcy and all but one of the parties standing for election have promised some degree of renegotiation of the terms.

The polls have opened this morning in Greece for crucial elections which could determine the country's future in the eurozone
The polls have opened this morning in Greece for crucial elections which could determine the country's future in the eurozone

In remarks quoted by the Reuters news agency a few hours before polls opened, the head of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Angel Gurria suggested that the next Greek government should be given a chance to revisit the bailout conditions.

“If that is the condition presented for Greece to stay [in the eurozone] and then move on, I would say it is probably something that should be attempted,” he was quoted as saying.

But Germany, which has the eurozone’s most powerful economy, insists Greece, like other member states which have received international bailouts, must abide by the austerity conditions.

On the eve of the vote, Chancellor Angela Merkel said: “It is extremely important that tomorrow’s Greek elections lead to a result in which those who form the government say, ‘Yes, we want to keep to our commitments.'”

Like Angel Gurria, the German chancellor and several other European leaders will be attending the G20 summit in the Mexican resort of Los Cabos on Monday, which is set to be dominated by the eurozone crisis and the aftermath of the election.

The head of New Democracy, Antonis Samaras, told supporters on Friday that he would lead the country out of the financial crisis, while staying in the eurozone.

He broadly accepts Greece’s international bailout, but says he will renegotiate the terms of the agreement to seek a better deal for Greeks.

“We will exit the crisis; we will not exit the euro. We will not let anyone take us out of Europe,” Antonis Samaras said.

The youthful head of Syriza, Alexis Tsipras, rejects the bailout, but wants Greece to stay in the eurozone, saying a bailout is possible without the kind of drastic cuts demanded of Greece.

“Brussels expect us, we are coming on Monday to negotiate over people’s rights, to cancel the bailout,” he told a final rally on Thursday.

Greeks were celebrating hours before the polls opened, after their national football team qualified for the quarter finals of Euro 2012 with a surprise 1-0 win over Russia.

“We are proud that we gave the people back home some joy and a break from their problems – even for a short while,” striker Georgios Samaras said.

The Kathimerini website noted that Greeks had few reasons to feel national pride at the moment, but sport had provided them with plenty of it. The victory could lead to a quarter-final tie against Germany.

 [youtube jeEZAY5E_ys]

Drake to be arrested at his concert tonight over brawl with Chris Brown

Lisa.Felice
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0
Drake to be arrested at his concert tonight over brawl with Chris Brown

NYPD plans to arrest rapper Drake for reckless endangerment after he and his love-rival Chris Brown allegedly sparked a nightclub brawl early Thursday that put five people in the hospital.

NYPD sources leaked that if Drake doesn’t agree to turn himself in voluntarily by early next week, he can expect to be arrested at his Jones Beach concert tonight.

The details about the possible showdown between the 25-year-old Canadian rapper and New York’s finest comes as a second bystander released photos of her injuries that were a result of the flying bottles at SoHo club W.i.P.

A woman named Veronica told TMZ that she was sitting at a table near the two rappers when she saw the beginning of the brawl.

Veronica had to get stitches on her right hand and has a bruise in the middle of her forehead.

“I heard people screaming … so I tried to get away from the action and hid behind a couch,” she told the site.

NYPD plans to arrest rapper Drake for reckless endangerment after he and his love-rival Chris Brown allegedly sparked a nightclub brawl early Thursday that put five people in the hospital
NYPD plans to arrest rapper Drake for reckless endangerment after he and his love-rival Chris Brown allegedly sparked a nightclub brawl early Thursday that put five people in the hospital

What she didn’t know at the time was that the fight, which left the club looking like a war zone with broken bottles everywhere, was supposedly caused by notorious rapper Chris Brown sending Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, a bottle of champagne.

While the gesture may seem nice, the closest connection that the two men have is that they have both been romantically linked to Rihanna.

That appears to be too close for comfort, as Drake reportedly sent the bottle back to Chris Brown with a note reading: “I’m f****** the love of your life, deal with it.”

Though Chris Brown, who was famously plead guilty to the felony charge of assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009, was enraged by the note, he claims that he was not the one to start the fight and points the finger at Drake and his entourage instead.

Police seem to agree, as the New York Post reported that while they are considering Chris Brown a “witness and victim”, they are now on the hunt for Drake.

“I believe the police are building a case against Drake and his thugs,” Chris Brown’s lawyer Mark Geragos told the paper.

Said “thugs” included fellow rapper Meek Mill and a bevy of security handlers.

Another serious question comes for Chris Brown, however, as some of his own posse may have been known gang members, which would be a violation of his probation agreement for his previous assault charge.

An unidentified source told the New York Post that a number of members of the notorious Crips gang might have been with the 23-year-old rapper when the fight happened around 4:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

While the specific Crips members have not been identified, two other Chris Brown pals have announced their injuries.

 

Kolcraft Contours Options strollers recalled after three children get their fingers chopped in US

Diane A. Wade
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0
Kolcraft Contours Options strollers recalled after three children get their fingers chopped in US

Three children in the United States have accidentally chopped off a fingertip after because of a fault with their stroller and two adults have reported smashing or cutting their fingers.

The horrific injuries happened after they got a finger jammed in a hinge mechanism used to adjust handlebars on Kolcraft Contours Options products and five models have since been recalled.

Around 36,000 defective strollers were sold in the U.S. and Canada between January 2006 and June 2012, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The horrific injuries happened after they got a finger jammed in a hinge mechanism used to adjust handlebars on Kolcraft Contours Options products and five models have since been recalled
The horrific injuries happened after they got a finger jammed in a hinge mechanism used to adjust handlebars on Kolcraft Contours Options products and five models have since been recalled

Pushchairs with model numbers beginning ZL002, ZL005, ZL008, ZL015 and ZL018, will be taken down from store shelves, CNN reported and free repair kits are being made available.

Kolcraft has urged worried parents to stop using their stroller immediately and contact the company for more information.

The strollers are made in China and come in both three and four-wheel options, costing around $150.

They have been sold nationwide at juvenile product specialty stores, as well as online at Amazon.com, Target.com and ToysRUs.com.

 

Bride sings ballad to her groom as walking down the aisle

Diane A. Wade
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0
Bride sings ballad to her groom as walking down the aisle

A bride thought belting out a cheesy love ballad as she walked down the aisle was a better way to describe her feelings.

In a video capturing what could be America’s most cringe-worthy nuptials, the doors of a small, nearly empty, church fling open to reveal the mystery bride standing alone in a glittery dress, clutching a large microphone.

Within a few seconds, the bride launches into song, as her groom stands awkwardly at the alter.

The bittersweet tune, which she presumably wrote herself, describes her fatherless childhood and how she’s finally found her “right man”.

“I’m all made up today with a veil upon my face but no father stands beside me to give this bride away,” she bellows.

Then she launches into the ballad’s cheesy chorus.

“Well, I’m standing in the chapel, wearing my white dress. I have waited for this moment with tears of happiness. Here I leave behind my past by taking a chance.”

The bride thought belting out a cheesy love ballad as she walked down the aisle was a better way to describe her feelings
The bride thought belting out a cheesy love ballad as she walked down the aisle was a better way to describe her feelings

After a dramatic pause, the woman then adds: “I finally found the right man.”

The footage was uploaded on YouTube by Petite Productions, a wedding videography company in Cincinnati, Ohio.

But the company gave few details about where the wedding took place or who the mystery wailer is.

The bride takes a few steps down the aisle in between each verse, while the groom waits uncomfortably at the alter.

Finally, he starts walking towards his wife-to-be and, when they meet, takes her hand.

She turns side on and gets emotional, singing again about her missing father.

“My emotions overload because there is no hand to hold,” she belts out before breathily speaking the words to her lover: “Here I go” and launching into the chorus again.

At one point, the bride, clearly considering herself an impressive songstress, gets so carried away with the vocal gymnastics she crouches down, to ensure she hits the right notes.

The couple then finish their walk down the aisle as the bride sings the last, touching line of her heart-felt ballad.

“One day our little girl will reach out her hand and she’ll know I’ve found the right man.”

 [youtube RKdZJbAZ_4E]

Lindsay Lohan back to work after being found unconscious in her hotel room in Marina del Rey

Lisa.Felice
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0
Lindsay Lohan back to work after being found unconscious in her hotel room in Marina del Rey

Lindsay Lohan was back to work last night, hours after being found non-responsive in her room in Ritz Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey.

Lindsay Lohan, 25, took to Twitter, telling fans she had worked 85 hours in four days.

The actress was on a night shoot at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Center in Hollywood last night, where she was again in character as Elizabeth Taylor.

She tweeted: “Note to self.. After working 85hours in 4days, and being up all night shooting, be very aware that you might pass out from exhaustion & 7 paramedics MIGHT show up @ your door.”

Lindsay Lohan went on: “Hopefully theyre cute. Otherwise it would be a real let down. XL @mrsalperez -back on set,’ in reference to costume designer Salvador Perez.”

The actress was not taken to hospital, as was initially reported, but was checked out of her hotel room at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey, according to TMZ.

 

Lindsay Lohan was back to work last night, hours after being found non-responsive in her room in Ritz Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey
Lindsay Lohan was back to work last night, hours after being found non-responsive in her room in Ritz Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey

Paramedics were called to the hotel at 10:15 a.m., according to ABC News.

According to TMZ, medical officers arrived at the scene after Lindsay Lohan called the Liz & Dick production team this morning and complained about feeling unwell.

A private doctor was then called and before the doctor arrived at the premises they asked the hotel to check on the actress.

When a member of hotel staff knocked on her door and she did not rouse, 911 was called by a member of the Liz & Dick production team.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they reportedly determined that the star was “ok”.

Apparently Lindsay Lohan has been filming for two days in a row with very little sleep and decided to stay at the hotel in order to get some much-needed rest.

Her representative, Steve Honig, told E! News yesterday: “Lindsay has been working a grueling schedule for the last couple of days.

“Last night she worked from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. She was exhausted and went back to her room to sleep.

“Producers were apparently concerned and called the fire department and paramedics found her sleeping but determined that she was fine, just extremely exhausted and slightly dehydrated.

“She is on her way home now to rest and will be back on set later today.”

He added that no drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident.

Meanwhile Lindsay’s mother Dina Lohan has spoken out about the ordeal and said that she is glad that her daughter is OK.

She told X17online: “Lindsay’s ok. She worked until 6:15 a.m. and wrapped, then went home to sleep. She’s working so hard and just wants it to be perfect.”

Lindsay Lohan has previously battled problems with drugs and alcohol, but in March was finally taken of probation for a number of offenses stemming back to a 2007 arrest for DUI.

She is now making her comeback with Liz & Dick – in which she plays Elizabeth Taylor – and has also been cast in movie The Canyons.

On Tuesday Lindsay Lohan was spotted filming scenes for Liz & Dick on a balcony at the hotel.

 

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