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Analyst Brian Wieser warns his clients against buying Facebook shares which were implausibly priced

Clyde K. Valle
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Analyst Brian Wieser warns his clients against buying Facebook shares which were implausibly priced

Some less-than-enthused analysts are already warning their clients against buying Facebook’s shares one day after the social networking site rolled out its much-anticipated IPO.

Brian Wieser, an analyst at Pivotal Research Group in New York, said that Facebook’s shares were implausibly priced, leading him to put a “sell” rating on the stock.

Facebook’s less-than-stellar debut saw its shares end the day on Friday just 23 cents, or 0.6%, higher than its initial price, at $38.23, valuing the company at $104.2 billion – even though it only made $3.7 billion last year.

The shares opened up 11% at a respectable price of $42.05 in the morning, and jumped as high as $45 at one point, only to fizzle out after initial technical difficulties delayed the start of the trading by about two hours.

Facebook’s less-than-stellar debut saw its shares end the day on Friday just 23 cents, or 0.6 percent, higher than its initial price, at $38.23, valuing the company at $104.2 billion
Facebook’s less-than-stellar debut saw its shares end the day on Friday just 23 cents, or 0.6 percent, higher than its initial price, at $38.23, valuing the company at $104.2 billion

“While we like the company, we’re troubled by investors’ perception of the risks,” Brian Weiser told the Sunday Telegraph.

“It’s priced for perfection and that’s clearly implausible.”

Company filings after the market closed on Friday night revealed the extent to which the banks who underwrote Facebook’s massive $6 billion IPO were forced to move in and prop up Facebook’s shares to prevent them from nosediving below $38, the New York Post reported.

Morgan Stanley, Facebook’s lead financial adviser, ended the day with 162 million Facebook shares worth $6.16 billion. Other banks, including JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, ended the day with $3.2 billion and $2.4 billion holdings, respectively.

According to Wall Street experts, without the “bank bailout”, Facebook’s IPO would have been a dud on Friday.

The heavy buying, however, decreased the banks’ already small fees on the deal: the underwriters agreed to accept just 1.1% of the $16 billion Facebook raised in the IPO.

After splitting $176 million in fees, the firms likely spent around $380 million on the shares, wiping out their already-meager profits.

Doing a post-mortem of the disappointing IPO roll-out, many experts put the blame on the bankers for setting the price too high.

The banks were apparently wary of pricing the shares too low, aiming for a modest first-day gain of anywhere between 5% and 10%, which failed to materialize.

Facebook had increased the number of shares being sold in the IPO by 25%, to 425million, with most of the additional float coming from early investors looking to cash out – a move that had raised a red flag among analysts.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Facebook. The social media giant will be forced to balance the need to feature more advertisements on the site with the risk of alienating its 900 million users, whose loyalty is integral to Facebook’s success.

The fact that Facebook will have to make further acquisitions, and has a still unproven advertising model, are two of the reasons why Pivotal argues Facebook stock should have been priced no higher than $30.

“None of this is to take away from the fantastic success of the company,” said Brian Wieser.

“It’s just not consistent with the economics.”

When trading resumes at New York’s NASDAQ exchange on Monday morning, investors will be watching closely to see how Facebook shares perform in the heels of the lackluster first day.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the financial regulator, has said it will review the technical glitches that marred the roll-out of the IPO to determine the cause of the delay.

 

Chen Guangcheng arrives in New York with his family

Diane A. Wade
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Chen Guangcheng arrives in New York with his family

Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng has arrived in New York with his family to begin a new life in the United States.

The blind human rights lawyer caused a diplomatic crisis when he escaped house arrest to arrive at the US embassy in Beijing last month.

Speaking outside New York University, where he has been offered a fellowship, Chen Guangcheng said China had dealt with the situation with “restraint and calm”.

But he raised concerns about ongoing reprisals against his family.

“Acts of retribution in Shandong have not been abated and my rights to practice law have been curbed – we hope to see a thorough investigation into this,” he said, referring to the province where he was kept under house arrest.

Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng has arrived in New York with his family to begin a new life in the United States
Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng has arrived in New York with his family to begin a new life in the United States

The activist thanked US officials and his supporters for their help and said he had come to the United States for “recuperation in body and spirit”.

Chen Guangcheng and his family were taken from a Beijing hospital, where he was being treated for a foot injury, to the capital’s airport on Saturday.

After weeks of uncertainty, the activist, his wife Yuan Weijing and their two children, aged eight and six, were handed passports and allowed to fly to Newark, New Jersey, where they arrived soon after 18:00 on Saturday.

Chen Guangcheng spent six days in the US embassy in Beijing last month after escaping house arrest in north-east China, sparking a diplomatic spat between the US and China.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described his arrival in the US as “a milestone in the cause for human rights in China”.

“The courage of Chen Guangcheng to risk his life and livelihood to advocate for disadvantaged people in China is an inspiration to freedom-seeking people around the world,” Nancy Pelosi said.

The Congressional Executive Commission on China, set up to monitor human rights there in 2001, said it remained “deeply concerned that Mr. Chen’s supporters and family members who remain in China face the real threat of retaliation from Chinese officials”.

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Rare photos of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic Madison Square Garden performance to JFK

Lisa.Felice
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Rare photos of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic Madison Square Garden performance to JFK

Fifty years ago, on May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe performed one the most famous versions of “Happy Birthday” ever sung – definitely to sitting U.S President John F. Kennedy.

Wearing the iconic rhinetstone dress that she was literally sewn into, Marilyn Monroe performed a sultry version of the popular song to JFK at a fundraiser on May 19, 1962.

To commemorate that fact, LIFE magazine has released a series of rare black and white images taken by photographer Billy Ray from the gala held for JFK’s birthday put on at Madison Square Garden when it existed between 50th and 51st streets.

The evening will always be remembered for 36-year-old Marilyn Monroe’s intimate rendition of “Happy Birthday”, sung to preempt the Democrat’s 45th birthday by ten days.

Photographed by Bill Ray, the collection has been released for the anniversary, including his unique vantage point of Marilyn Monroe as she sings, from behind her and up in the rafters of Madison Square Gardens.

Fifty years ago, on May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe performed one the most famous versions of “Happy Birthday” ever sung
Fifty years ago, on May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe performed one the most famous versions of “Happy Birthday” ever sung

Singing to married father-of-two JFK like they were the only two people in the 15,000 seater arena, the sex-symbol’s performance has been much analyzed and even parodied by the likes of Lady GaGa over the years.

That indelible night, JFK was on his own, as his wife Jackie Kennedy was visiting friends in Virginia.

Already thought to have begun their alleged affair, Marilyn Monroe’s sexy rendition of “Happy Birthday” merely added fuel to the fire of rumors at the time claiming the two were an item.

As the actress performed, the slightly embarrassed president took to the stage to announce: “Thank you. I can now retire from politics after having had <<Happy Birthday>> sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.”

Marilyn Monroe’s famous dress was noted for being made of a sheer and flesh colored marquisette fabric, that had 2,500 rhinestones sewn into it.

Apparently, when viewed under the spotlight, the fabric seemed to disappear and the rhinestones simply glittered on the Jean Louis designed dress.

The evening was all the more poignant for the fact that less than three months later Marilyn Monroe was found dead and of course in November 1963, JFK was shot dead in Dallas.

“For stargazers and dusty old historians, alike, the night that Marilyn sang to JFK remains an uncanny, once-in-a-lifetime collision of sex, politics, power and pop culture,” said LIFE magazine.

 

Chelsea wins the Champions League for the first time in dramatic penalty shoot-out vs Bayern Munich

Clyde K. Valle
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Chelsea wins the Champions League for the first time in dramatic penalty shoot-out vs Bayern Munich

Chelsea has won the Champions League for the first time after stunned Bayern Munich in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Allianz Arena.

Thomas Mueller’s late header put Bayern on the brink of victory on home territory but Didier Drogba levelled things up with a bullet header at the death before coolly converting the decisive spot-kick.

The tournament which gave Chelsea their greatest agony when they lost on penalties to Manchester United four years ago in Moscow has now delivered the greatest glory in their 107-year history.

Juan Mata missed Chelsea’s first penalty but David Luiz, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole were all successful. Philipp Lahm, Mario Gomez and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer were all on target for Bayern.

The momentum shifted decisively when Cech denied Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the post to leave Chelsea on the brink and present Drogba with his moment of destiny.

He was calmness personified as he rolled the ball past Neuer to spark wild scenes of elation among Chelsea’s players, staff and supporters.

Suspended captain John Terry joined the celebrations and lifted the trophy alongside Lampard but it was Drogba who was the hero, running the length of the pitch swirling his shirt above his head in triumph, as owner Roman Abramovich finally claimed the prize he craved above all others.

Chelsea has won the Champions League for the first time after stunned Bayern Munich in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Allianz Arena
Chelsea has won the Champions League for the first time after stunned Bayern Munich in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Allianz Arena

The questions will now start about the future of interim manager Roberto Di Matteo – who has given the Russian what he wanted after so many painful failures, including that defeat on penalties by Manchester United in the rain of Moscow in 2008 which also saw Drogba sent off.

And it is hard to see how Drogba, now 34 but still able to produce the brilliance that defines big occasions, can be allowed to walk away as his contract reaches its conclusion.

This was a victory in the mould of Chelsea’s semi-final win against Barcelona, built on resilience, discipline, defensive organisation and nerve at the crucial times and done without the suspended Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles.

Abramovich will leave the big decisions for another day, but this was a night he and his club have desired since he walked into Stamford Bridge nine years ago – and achieved with an interim manager he had to appoint after sacking his personal choice, Andre Villas-Boas.

Terry was locked in conversation with former England coach Fabio Capello at pitchside before kick-off, the defender looking ruefully around the magnificent arena as he contemplated missing out because of his red card in Barcelona.

And Di Matteo delivered a surprise in his starting line-up, with youngster Ryan Bertrand handed a role on the left flank in front of Cole in an attempt to stifle the threat of former Blues winger Arjen Robben.

Chelsea’s blanket of defensive defiance served them well in the Nou Camp – and acted as a dress rehearsal for a first half spent almost entirely in their territory.

While the west London team were organised and resolute, they were also grateful that Bayern striker Gomez’s touch in front of goal deserted him at decisive moments.

Cech saved with his legs from Robben, but Gomez was guilty of failing to control just eight yards out when Franck Ribery’s shot landed at his feet, the German striker shooting wildly off target after a smart turn in the area.

Chelsea’s only serious response was a shot from Salomon Kalou eight minutes before half-time that was comfortably held by Bayern keeper Neuer.

The pattern continued after the break and Ribery thought he had finally pierced Chelsea’s resilience after 53 minutes, only to be ruled offside when Cole deflected Robben’s shot into his path.

At times this encounter was simply a matter of Bayern’s attack against Chelsea’s defence.

There was a rare moment of anxiety for Neuer when he could only half-clear Cole’s cross as he backpedalled, but Drogba’s shot lacked power and the keeper was able to recover.

As the frustration grew among the massed Bayern support they wasted another opportunity as Mueller pulled another presentable chance well wide from inside the area.

Mueller made amends in the best possible manner though, when he headed Bayern in front with seven minutes left. He arrived unmarked onto Toni Kroos’ cross to head past Cech.

Chelsea immediately sent on Fernando Torres for Kalou – but it was the man for the big occasion who delivered again in the 88th minute. Drogba won himself just enough space at the near post to meet Lampard’s corner and head powerfully past Neuer, who got a touch but could not keep it out.

Drogba went from hero to villain in the opening moments of the extra period when he conceded a penalty after bringing down Ribery with a reckless challenge. The France international was eventually taken off injured but in the meantime Chelsea keeper Cech was the saviour as he plunged low to save Robben’s poorly struck spot-kick.

Bayern had been over-generous in front of goal and were architects of their own frustration after 107 minutes when Olic tried to set up Daniel van Buyten in front of an open goal but the defender failed to react to his pass.

And so to penalties and the dramatic conclusion that gave Chelsea the biggest prize in European domestic football as the Champions League finally went to Stamford Bridge.

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Why diary foods are rare in China? A story of Chinese cheese.

Diane A. Wade
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Why diary foods are rare in China? A story of Chinese cheese.

China is not keen on dairy foods production and many Chinese people are uncomfortable with the very idea of cheese – so the cheese-loving inhabitants of the south-western province of Yunnan are far from typical.

Yunnan cottage industry is making what local people call “ru bing” or “milk cakes”, but Westerners would call cheese.

Historically, dairy foods have been largely absent from the Chinese diet, and cheese almost unknown.

More recently, when some chefs in eastern China were invited to taste a variety of cheeses, they found them smelly and greasy, and complained of a muttony taste.

And while some chic city-dwellers are beginning to enjoy cheese, in most parts of the country it is still regarded as weird and alien. But in this part of Yunnan, so-called milk cakes are a famous local specialty.

In a quiet village in Lunan County, Luo Wenzhi has a farmhouse.

In her kitchen, Luo Wenzhi strains and boils her milk, and then stirs in some vinegar to make it separate into cloud-like curds in a sea of whey.

She scoops some of the curds into a bowl and hands them to me to eat, still warm from the stove.

They are soft and slightly elastic, with a glorious richness and a delicate flavor.

The product is made in almost exactly the same way as tofu, and can be served just like this, in its whey, with a dash of syrup or a chilli oil sauce.

Luo Wenzhi pours the rest of the curds into a wet cheesecloth, squeezes out the whey and then lays a heavy stone on top so they can settle overnight.

China is not keen on dairy foods production and many Chinese people are uncomfortable with the very idea of cheese
China is not keen on dairy foods production and many Chinese people are uncomfortable with the very idea of cheese

This plain, unsalted cheese is the only kind they make here in Lunan.

In north-western Yunnan, they stretch the warm curds into sheets that are wrapped around sticks and left to dry – known as “ru shan” or “milk fans”, these sheets can be warmed on a grill, spread with rose-petal jam and wrapped around a stick to be eaten like a lollipop.

But these are isolated examples.

In most parts of China, even where people keep cows and goats, locally-made cheese simply does not exist.

The Chinese may be in all other respects the world’s most inventive eaters, but they have paid little attention to the creative possibilities of milk.

Perhaps it is because the soybean and tofu gave them the nutrition offered by dairy foods elsewhere.

But it is also widely believed that the ancient Chinese avoided dairy products because they wanted to draw a line between themselves and the barbarians who roamed the steppes on the borders of the country.

And even if in Yunnan, “milk cake” is regarded as part of a Chinese regional cuisine, there is no escaping the fact that this region is a special case.

The province lies on the fringes of China, its population a hotchpotch of nationalities whose dietary habits are far removed from those of the Han Chinese.

And although Luo Wenzhi’s Han Chinese neighbors also make cheese, she herself is a member of the Yi ethnic minority – a reminder that dairy foods were never really part of the Chinese mainstream.

But if cheese eating still has a whiff of foreignness about it, the way in which it is eaten here is distinctly Chinese.

A farmhouse lunch contains several dishes served with rice, eaten with chopsticks: fermented tofu and pickled radish, cured pork with garlic stems, potato slivers with dried chilli and, of course, cheese.

Some of the cheese is sliced and fried until golden on both sides. The rest Luo Wenzhi cuts into cubes and stir-fried in a wok with some new broad beans.

Stir-fried cheese is something you would only find in China.

 

Three people killed in 5.9-magnitude earthquake near Bologna, in northern Italy

Diane A. Wade
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Three people killed in 5.9-magnitude earthquake near Bologna, in northern Italy

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Italy has killed at least three people and caused thousands of others to flee into the streets, officials say.

The quake struck in the middle of the night, about 35 km (22 miles) north of the city of Bologna.

Italian officials say the three victims died when the buildings they were working in overnight collapsed.

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Italy has killed at least three people and caused thousands of others to flee into the streets
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Italy has killed at least three people and caused thousands of others to flee into the streets

Italian TV showed damaged factories and church steeples in the region. Aftershocks have been reported.

Rescue teams are now combing the area amid reports that a number of people may be buried under rubble.

The earthquake struck at a relatively shallow depth of 10 km just after 04:00 a.m. local time.

Northern Italy is frequently rocked by minor earthquake, but the country is well-prepared to deal with them.

The last major quake to hit the country killed nearly 300 people in the central town of L’Aquila in 2009.

 

Mark Zuckerberg married Priscilla Chan in secret ceremony after $104 bn IPO

Diane A. Wade
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Mark Zuckerberg married Priscilla Chan in secret ceremony after $104 bn IPO

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his long-time girlfriend Priscilla Chan tied the knot at a small ceremony at his home in Palo Alto, California, a day after $104 billion IPO.

Priscilla Chan, 27, also had a busy week, graduating from medical school on Monday, as Zuckerberg marked his 28th birthday.

The guests believed they were going to celebrate Priscilla Chan’s graduation – but found they were at a wedding instead.

The wedding ring, a “very simple ruby”, was designed by Mark Zuckerberg.

Mark Zuckerberg weds Priscilla Chan in secret ceremony after $104 bn IPO
Mark Zuckerberg weds Priscilla Chan in secret ceremony after $104 bn IPO

Nine years ago the pair met at Harvard, where Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook in 2004.

They later moved to California, where Facebook has its headquarters, and Priscilla Chan studied at the medical school of the University of California, San Francisco.

Facebook’s valuation after its flotation on Friday means the social network site is worth about the same as internet shopping giant Amazon, and more than the value of stalwarts such as Disney.

Even after the flotation, Mark Zuckerberg continues to control just under 56% of the voting power of the company.

 

G8 leaders back Greece remaining in eurozone at Camp David summit

Diane A. Wade
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G8 leaders back Greece remaining in eurozone at Camp David summit

G8 leaders of the world’s most powerful economies say they want debt-stricken Greece to remain in the eurozone.

In their summit communique, G8 leaders also committed themselves to promoting growth alongside fiscal responsibility.

However, the leaders acknowledged “the right measures are not the same for each of us”.

Greece’s possible exit from the eurozone was high on the agenda, following inconclusive elections there.

The leaders of France, Germany, the US, the UK, Italy, Japan, Canada and Russia have been meeting at Camp David in the US state of Maryland.

“We agree on the importance of a strong and cohesive eurozone for global stability and recovery, and we affirm our interest in Greece remaining in the eurozone while respecting its commitments,” the statement said.

The global economic recovery was showing signs of progress, they said, but “significant headwinds persist”.

G8 leaders are divided on whether to continue with austerity or back stimulus measures instead.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel favors austerity, while newly elected French President Francois Hollande wants to pursue policies for greater growth, as does President Barack Obama.

G8 leaders of the world's most powerful economies say they want debt-stricken Greece to remain in the eurozone
G8 leaders of the world's most powerful economies say they want debt-stricken Greece to remain in the eurozone

There are caveats but the first line of the communique – about promoting growth and jobs – means Presidents Obama and Hollande have won the day.

However, it is not clear that Angela Merkel has got their message and is prepared to act on it, our correspondent adds.

US officials said Angela Merkel would hold a one-on-one meeting with Barack Obama later on Saturday.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti said there would be another key meeting in June in Rome, where he would host Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel.

Earlier, UK Prime Minister David Cameron called for deficit reduction.

“There is a growing sense of urgency that action needs to be taken, contingency plans need to be put in place and the strengthening of banks, governments, firewalls and all of those things need to take place very fast,” he told reporters at Camp David.

The likelihood of Greece leaving the euro is growing.

The office of the Greek interim prime minister said on Friday that Angela Merkel had suggested the country hold a referendum on euro membership on election day, but the German chancellor’s cabinet dismissed this as “false”.

Greek voters will again go to the polls on 17 June after earlier elections failed to produce a viable coalition to run the country.

A caretaker government was sworn in this week after elections.

Investors fear any refusal by Athens to impose deep spending cuts agreed under a bailout deal could result in the country quitting the bloc of 17 countries that use the euro.

Two opinion polls published on Saturday showed the anti-bailout left-wing Syriza bloc neck and neck with centre-right New Democracy, both on about 25%.

Larger countries such as Spain or Italy struggling to ease their debt loads might then become vulnerable, potentially triggering wider eurozone upheaval and even a global financial crisis to rival the one of 2008.

The G8 summit has now moved on to other issues, including food security, energy and climate, partnerships in North Africa and the Middle East and the war in Afghanistan.

After the G8 summit ends on Saturday evening, most of the leaders will decamp to Chicago to join a larger group of international officials for a NATO summit on Sunday and Monday, at which Afghanistan is expected to be the main item on the agenda.

Three men arrested in Chicago on suspicion of planning to throw petrol bombs at the NATO summit have been charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism and possession of an explosive or incendiary device.

Prosecutor Anita Alvarez said the campaign headquarters of President Barack Obama and the home of mayor Rahm Emanuel were among the targets.

 

The Dictator, Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film, banned in Tajikistan

Sonia Pantiss
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The Dictator, Sacha Baron Cohen’s new film, banned in Tajikistan

Tajikistan has decided not to screen Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest offering, The Dictator, after authorities ruled that the movie was incompatible with the nation’s “mentality”.

The Dictator, which features Sacha Baron Cohen as General Aladeen, depicts a fictional Middle Eastern dictator risking his life to crush signs of democracy, has been refused a distribution license.

“It’s wrong to compare us with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and with other countries,” said Daler Davlatov of the Tatan distribution company in Tajikistan.

“It’s incorrect because we have a different mentality. We’re not going to give Dictator a premiere because of these considerations,” he told the Kyrgyz news website kloop.kg.

Tajikistan’s distributor of international movies, Tantana, said it would instead encourage people to watch Will Smith’s Men in Black 3, the Central Asian News Service reported yesterday.

The Dictator, which features Sacha Baron Cohen as General Aladeen, depicts a fictional Middle Eastern dictator risking his life to crush signs of democracy, has been refused a distribution license in Tajikistan
The Dictator, which features Sacha Baron Cohen as General Aladeen, depicts a fictional Middle Eastern dictator risking his life to crush signs of democracy, has been refused a distribution license in Tajikistan

Sacha Baron Cohen has already denied the role was an attack on Arabs and said the only people who would be offended by it would be “dictators and fans of dictatorship”.

It’s not the first time Sacha Baron Cohen has had his work censored – in 2006 Russia banned his hit comedy film, Borat, which had been accused of poking fun at Moscow’s neighbor and close ally Kazakhstan.

Tajikistan is an ex-Soviet state ruled by President Emomalii Rahmon since 1992.

A rugged, mountainous country, Tajikistan is Central Asia’s poorest nation.

One Tajik political scientist, Muso Asozoda, forecast the ban would be similarly counterproductive as the Borat ban.

The fact that two cinema’s in Dushanbe , the capital and largest city of Tajikistan, were not screening the film would add viewer interest, he told the Guardian newspaper.

This week Sacha Baron Cohen claimed he was banned from shooting scenes for his new film The Dictator at the United Nations because it might upset real-life despots.

He said: “The interesting thing is, when we asked to shoot inside the United Nations, they actually refused.

“We said <<this is a pro-democracy movie>>. They said <<that’s the problem – we represent a lot of dictators, and they are going to be very angry by this portrayal of them so you can’t shoot in there>>.”

This week Sacha Baron Cohen, 40, continued his array of stunts to promote the film by arriving at the 65th Cannes Film Festival in a bright orange Lamborghini.

The actor was in full character as General Aladeen and was once again surrounded by an array of beautiful women who were dressed as his bodyguards.

Wearing a blue denim-looking jumpsuit that was covered in badges and images of the character, Sacha Baron Cohen kept a cigar hanging from his mouth at all times and played up to the camera as he kept a close eye on his female friends – in particular model Sasha Volkova who wore a black dress.

He completed his look with a pair of snakeskin boots and some blue-tinted sunglasses as he strolled around outside the French venue.

Sacha Baron Cohen then made his way over to another lady and enjoyed a quick kiss as he filmed a slot for the Le Grand Journal TV show.

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Brown seaweed ingredient from OXY products can cut spots by two thirds

Kathryn R. Bown
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Brown seaweed ingredient from OXY products can cut spots by two thirds

Scientists have discovered that an active ingredient from brown seaweed found only off the coast of Brittany, France, can banish the bugs that trigger acne and cut spots by nearly two thirds.

A new clinical trial of treatments containing active compound called Phycosaccharide ACP showed the number of spots fell by 64% and blackheads by 60% after just eight weeks.

The trial is the first cosmetics clinical study in acne to be published in an official dermatology journal.

The study investigated products from a range of OXY treatments using Phycosaccharide ACP.

They are mainly aimed at teenage boys and young men, with nine out of 10 suffering problem skin triggered by the male hormone testosterone.

In a trial of 60 young men aged 14 to 21 years with mild acne, half used seaweed-based skin wash and balm, while the others used dummy products that did not contain the active ingredient.

The study investigated products from a range of OXY treatments using brown seaweed ingredient Phycosaccharide ACP
The study investigated products from a range of OXY treatments using brown seaweed ingredient Phycosaccharide ACP

The trial found OXY products were significantly more effective than a dummy face wash, scrub or gel.

They cut the number of spots and problems areas as well as curbing inflammation and redness with improvement showing with 14 days.

At the end of the trial, after eight weeks, both groups of teenagers showed a reduction in inflammatory spots and comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). But the effects were more statistically significant in the OXY group at two weeks, four weeks and eight weeks.

After just two weeks, blackheads and spots had reduced by 29% and after a month blackheads were cut by 42% and spots by half.

At the end of the study, OXY users had nearly twice the reduction of blackheads as the placebo group (60% compared to 35%) and significantly fewer spots (64% reduction compared to 53%).

The findings were published in called Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, an official journal of the British Association of Dermatologists.

Previous tests show a combination of zinc sulphate and Phycosaccharide ACP used in OXY products has a triple action against the three root causes of spots.

It has powerful antibacterial activity, controls oil by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for production and reduces redness by restricting the release of interleukin 1 alpha, a marker of inflammation.

The acne bacterium was killed within one to 15 minutes depending on the type of product used.

The active ingredient is extracted out of the brown seaweed Laminaria digitata, which grows in dense patches on rocky sea floors at the tip of Brittany and is protected from pollution.

Spots can affect people at any age. Many cases are mild, but for 15% of the population – about nine million people – acne can be more severe.

One in four acne sufferers get some permanent scarring from the condition, yet surveys show almost half of those with problem skin do nothing to treat it, especially teenage boys.

 

 

Sean Connery blends into the crowds as he goes for a stroll in New York

Lisa.Felice
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Sean Connery blends into the crowds as he goes for a stroll in New York

One time 007 Sean Connery is now enjoying himself away from the spotlight as he laps up his time off.

Sean Connery, 81, stepped out in New York yesterday as he wore his trousers high up.

The actor blended into the crowds as he went for a stroll, but at 81 he looked well as he fully embraces the ageing process.

Sean Connery, who took on the iconic role in movies including From Russia With Love and Goldfinger, opted for a checked shirt and a sun hat as he made his way around New York.

He teamed his outfit up with some beige trousers and some brown leather shoes.

Long gone are his slick suits and dapper style, as Sean Connery seemed happy to dress down.

Sean Connery carried a plastic bag as he ran errands around Manhattan
Sean Connery carried a plastic bag as he ran errands around Manhattan

The actor carried a plastic bag as he ran errands around Manhattan, while he displayed a grey moustache.

It’s been 50 years since Sean Connery first appeared as the handsome agent James Bond this year, when he debuted in 1962’s Dr. No.

He then went on to film other Bond movies including You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever.

But he hung up his spy shoes in 1973, when Sir Roger Moore took over to portray the role in Live And Let Die.

Sean Connery recently praised director Terrence Young, who launched the franchise with him as the lead, portraying the role made famous in Ian Fleming’s books.

He told Variety: “He got me a rack of clothes and, as they say, could get me to look convincingly dangerous in the act of playing it.

“And the humor was one element that was missing from the books of Fleming himself.”

Daniel Craig is currently filming his third movie as the super spy, as he shoots upcoming picture Sky Fall.

 

Brunel’s ss Great Britain moored in Bristol has been floated in a sea of green jelly for Museums at Night

Sonia Pantiss
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Brunel’s ss Great Britain moored in Bristol has been floated in a sea of green jelly for Museums at Night

Brunel’s ss Great Britain moored in Bristol has been “floated” in a sea of neon-green jelly as part of a cultural festival.

The ship, which is now a visitor attraction, is one of 10 sites to be matched with artists as part of the Museums at Night season.

The ss Great Britain’s glass “sea” has been covered with 55,000 litres of jelly which will be lit from below after sunset.

A spokesman for the tourist attraction said the jellymongers’ work would make a “stunning” piece of modern art.

A team of 10 people started mixing the jelly in barrels and using industrial paint mixers early on Friday morning.

The ss Great Britain's glass "sea" has been covered with 55,000 litres of jelly which will be lit from below after sunset
The ss Great Britain's glass "sea" has been covered with 55,000 litres of jelly which will be lit from below after sunset

Artist Harry Parr, from jellymongers Bompas and Parr, said the mixture used sodium alginate derived from seaweed, industrial dye and a lime flavoring.

“It smells incredible, we’re setting the ship afloat on a sea of lime green jelly,” he said.

“I’ve never done anything like this before… the team’s going to push the jelly around the boat which will take about six hours.

“It will look beautiful during the day with its fluorescent green glow but as the light falls later it will be lit from below and will be really spectacular.”

Rhian Tritton, who is the ship’s director of conservation, came up with the idea.

“I thought the conjunction of jelly, which is a perfect 19th Century food, worked well with the ss Great Britain, which is a perfect 19th Century ship.”

“The obvious thing was to have jelly on the glass plate,” she added.

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Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower made rare red carpet appearance together at Cannes Film Festival

Lisa.Felice
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Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower made rare red carpet appearance together at Cannes Film Festival

Robert De Niro and his wife Grace Hightower made a rare red carpet appearance together at Cannes Film Festival on Friday.

It was an occasion of great sentimental value for Robert De Niro, a screening of his 1984 classic Once Upon A Time In America.

The cast, including Jennifer Connelly and James Woods, came together at the Film Festival to watch a re-cut and restored version of the film by Sergio Leone.

Grace Hightower looked proud at Robert De Niro’ side, and the pair kept their arms around each other for much of the evening.

Robert De Niro and his wife Grace Hightower made a rare red carpet appearance together at Cannes Film Festival on Friday
Robert De Niro and his wife Grace Hightower made a rare red carpet appearance together at Cannes Film Festival on Friday

The couple welcomed a new baby girl Helen Grace via a surrogate in December.

Robert De Niro has four other children – daughter Drena, 40, and son Raphael, 35, with former wife Diahnne Abbott, as well as 16-year-old twin sons Julian and Aaron, born via surrogate with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith.

The actor and Grace Hightowerhave been married for almost 14 years but are rarely photographed together, choosing to keep their relationship out of the spotlight.

Robert De Niro hosted the screening, and said at the event: “This brings back the incomparable memories of working with the great Sergio Leone.”

“I remember it as one of the longest movies I ever worked on – I don’t think Sergio ever wanted to finish it,” Robert De Niro joked.

Ennio Morricone’s original score played as Robert De Niro climbed the steps of the festival palace to introduce the movie, restored by Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation.

Robert De Niro introduced his co-stars James Woods and Elizabeth McGovern as well as 83-year-old Ennio Morricone, who earned a standing ovation.

 

SpaceX’s Dragon mission aborts launch

James J. Williams
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SpaceX’s Dragon mission aborts launch

The launch of the American SpaceX’s Dragon re-supply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed by at least three days.

The company was forced to abort the flight just as its Falcon rocket was about to leave the pad at Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Early data indicated unusual pressure readings in one of the nine engine combustion chambers under the vehicle.

The company says it hopes to try again on Tuesday or Wednesday.

“We had a nominal countdown, right until about T-minus point-five-seconds,” explained SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell.

“The engine controller noted high chamber pressure in engine five; software did what it was supposed to do – aborted engine five, and then we went through the remaining engine shut-down,” she told reporters.

“We need to lift off with all nine [engines], which is why we aborted. You can lose up to two engines and still make your mission, just not at lift-off.”

The launch of the American SpaceX's Dragon re-supply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed by at least three days
The launch of the American SpaceX's Dragon re-supply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has been delayed by at least three days

The next earliest launch opportunity is 03:44 EDT on Tuesday.

SpaceX is attempting to become the first private company to send a cargo craft to the ISS; and its Dragon ship, which sits atop the Falcon rocket, has been loaded with half a ton of food and spares for the purpose.

Such unmanned freighter missions have traditionally been performed by government-owned vehicles. But by buying in this service, NASA aims to save money that can then be spent on exploration missions far beyond Earth, to asteroids and Mars.

Both SpaceX and another private firm, Orbital Sciences Corp, have been given billion-dollar contracts by NASA to keep the space station stocked with supplies. Orbital expects to make its first visit to the international outpost with its Antares rocket and Cygnus capsule system later this year.

SpaceX’s mission – when it does eventually get under way – will be the final demonstration of its freight service. If all the mission goals are met to NASA’s satisfaction, the company’s $1.6 billion re-supply contract with the agency will kick in.

SpaceX wants eventually also to ferry astronauts to and from the ISS.

To that end, Dragon has been designed from the outset to carry people; and under another NASA programme, the company is working to develop the onboard life-support and safety systems that would make manned flights feasible.

Following the retirement of the shuttles last year, America has had no means of launching its own astronauts into space – rides must be bought for them on Russian Soyuz rockets at more than $60 million per seat. SpaceX says Dragon could be ready to carry people in 2015 at a seat price of $20 million.

“In order for NASA to be able to afford any programme of exploration in the future given the fiscal realities of the government, it has to transition away from high-cost services that are procured by and for the government into shared-use services that are competitively sourced,” observed Jeff Greason, the president of XCOR Aerospace and a leading proponent of commercial space activity.

 

US baby boomers advised to get tested for hepatitis C

Kathryn R. Bown
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US baby boomers advised to get tested for hepatitis C

US health officials have advised baby boomers for the first time to get tested for the liver-destroying virus hepatitis C.

Those born between 1945 and 1965 are most likely to be infected but it is thought only a quarter of this generation has been tested for the virus.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes its campaign could save more than 120,000 lives.

The CDC estimates some 17,000 hepatitis C infections currently occur each year.

Health officials believe hundreds of thousands of infections occurred each year in the 1970s and ’80s, when baby boomers would have been young adults.

Those born between 1945 and 1965 are most likely to be infected but it is thought only a quarter of this generation has been tested for hepatitis C virus
Those born between 1945 and 1965 are most likely to be infected but it is thought only a quarter of this generation has been tested for hepatitis C virus

The disease, which was first identified in 1989, can take decades to cause liver damage. Many of those infected may not even be aware of their condition.

One reason for the CDC advice is that from 1999-2007 the number of Americans dying from hepatitis C-related diseases nearly doubled.

Two million of the 3.2 million Americans known to be infected with the blood-borne virus are baby boomers.

CDC officials believe new testing could lead to 800,000 more baby boomers seeking treatment.

Many infections of hepatitis C come from sharing needles to inject drugs. Before widespread screening began in 1992, it was also transmitted through blood transfusions.

“The CDC views hepatitis C as an unrecognized health crisis for the country, and we believe the time is now for a bold response,” said Dr. John Ward, the CDC’s hepatitis chief.

 

Chen Guangcheng and his family has boarded a flight to Newark

Diane A. Wade
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Chen Guangcheng and his family has boarded a flight to Newark

Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, who was at the centre of a diplomatic crisis with Washington, is on his way to the United States.

The blind activist and his family boarded a flight to Newark, near New York, after being taken from a Beijing hospital to the capital’s airport.

Chen Guangcheng recently spent six days in the US embassy in Beijing after escaping house arrest in north-east China.

He has been offered a fellowship at New York University.

Chen Guangcheng, a self-taught lawyer who campaigned against forced abortions under China’s one-child policy, was jailed for four years in 2006 for disrupting traffic and damaging property, and placed under house arrest after his release in 2010.

Earlier on Saturday, Chen Guangcheng was picked up from the hospital where he was being treated for a foot injury and taken to Beijing airport, along with his wife and two children.

At the airport they were handed passports and allowed to leave. He boarded flight UA88 to Newark, New Jersey, which departed at 17:50, more than two hours late.

“Thousands of thoughts are surging to my mind,” Chen Guangcheng told the Associated Press news agency from the terminal.

Referring to his supporters, he said: “I am requesting a leave of absence, and I hope that they will understand.”

Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, who was at the centre of a diplomatic crisis with Washington, is on his way to the United States
Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, who was at the centre of a diplomatic crisis with Washington, is on his way to the United States

The state-run Xinhua news agency said Chen Guangcheng had applied to study abroad “via normal channels in line with the law”.

US state department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the administration was looking forward to welcoming Chen Guangcheng to the US, and expressed “appreciation for the manner in which we were able to resolve this matter”.

Bob Fu, president of the US activist group China Aid and a key supporter of Chen Guangcheng, said the dissident was planning to stay in New York for two to three years.

“Of course he wants to spend some time to rest after seven years of brutal treatments at the hands of the Chinese local authorities,” Bob Fu said.

With the activist on his way, both China and the US will want to put this extraordinary diplomatic dispute behind them.

Last month Chen Guangcheng fled from house arrest in Shandong province.

According to media accounts, the blind activist climbed over the wall of the property with the help of his wife late at night.

When he landed on the other side he broke his foot. He is then said to have felt his way in the dark, stumbling and falling, to a nearby village when a friend took him into his home.

He was then driven hundreds of kilometres away to the American embassy. He took refuge there during a visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was in Beijing for high-level talks.

On 2 May, after six days at the embassy, Chen Guangcheng agreed to leave the compound, initially saying he wanted to stay in China.

He was taken to hospital for treatment. During his stay there he called the US Congress twice.

On 3 May Chen Guangcheng pleaded for help to leave China with his family, saying he feared for his safety, and on 16 May he called again, accusing Shandong authorities of harassing his family.

Chen Guangcheng was offered a place to study law at New York University after Beijing said he would be allowed to apply to study abroad.

The US has said visas for Chen Guangcheng and his family are ready.

However the activist has repeatedly warned that his friends and relatives could face reprisals once he has left.

 

 

Will Smith slaps prankster Vitalii Sediuk on the face for trying to kiss him on red carpet

Lisa.Felice
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Will Smith slaps prankster Vitalii Sediuk on the face for trying to kiss him on red carpet

Will Smith angrily slapped camp comic Vitalii Sediuk on the face after he tried to kiss him on the lips on the red carpet in Russia yesterday.

Will Smith, 43, was walking the press line in Moscow to promote Men In Black 3 when Ukrainian TV prankster Vitalii Sediuk stopped him to give him a hug and attempted to kiss him.

He managed to dodge two lunges, with each kiss landing on his cheek, before he pushed the professional fool away and gave him a limp tap on the face.

Blockbuster footage from the Russian LifeNews station showed the angry actor and rapper telling him: “Hey man, what the hell is your problem?”

Will Smith angrily slapped camp comic Vitalii Sediuk on the face after he tried to kiss him on the lips on the red carpet in Russia yesterday
Will Smith angrily slapped camp comic Vitalii Sediuk on the face after he tried to kiss him on the lips on the red carpet in Russia yesterday

Will Smith later laughed about the incident, telling another reporter down the line: “He tried to kiss me on the mouth.

“He’s lucky I didn’t try to sucker punch him. … Sorry, I said that on camera.”

Wind up merchant Vitalii Sediuk is best known for playing a prank on Madonna by presenting the singer with Hydrangeas, her most loathed flower.

Madonna rolled her eyes after graciously accepting the present from the joker before a press conference at the Venice Film Festival last year.

The gullible Holiday star thought he had simply made a mistake, telling an assistant: “I absolutely loath Hydrangeas. He obviously doesn’t know that.”

The prankster is also for known for his love of kissing celebrities when they least expect it.

Will Smith has been touring the globe to promote the latest installment of the Men In Black franchise.

One person who will not be amused by Vitalii Sediuk’s approach is his sexy wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Jada Pinkett Smith was not with her husband as she is currently at the Cannes Film Festival promoting her new film, Madagascar 3.

 [youtube 4kDdWtTWKMY]

 

Baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau dies at 86

Sonia Pantiss
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Baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau dies at 86

German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, who was once described as “the most influential singer of the 20th Century”, has died, aged 86.

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, was famed for his performances of Winter’s Journey (Winterreise) by Schubert.

Born in Berlin in May 1925, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, emerged as a performer after World War II and was swiftly recognized as one of his generation’s finest lyrical vocalists.

Benjamin Britten personally asked him to perform in the first performance of his War Requiem in May 1962.

The premiere famously took place in the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral, which had been destroyed in a bombing raid in 1940.

German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, who was once described as the most influential singer of the 20th Century, has died, aged 86
German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, who was once described as the most influential singer of the 20th Century, has died, aged 86

“To my generation, he was something so special that one was always awestruck,” the English mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker told Sean Rafferty on Radio 3’s In Tune programme.

“One just bows before the artistry and the sheer beauty of the sound he made.”

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was most famous for his interpretations of lieder – German art songs written for solo voice and piano.

He performed them around the world, rescued many from obscurity, and made scores of recordings that became the benchmark against which other singers’ interpretations were judged.

Klaus Staeck, president of the German Academy of Arts, said his contribution to the German art song was “phenomenal”.

“His performances of some of the great roles in opera history shaped the culture of singing,” he went on.

Though critics raved about his beautiful voice and musical artistry, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau said his aim was simply to get close to the essence of the song.

His intention, he said, was to suppress nothing and make no concessions – either to vocal limitations or popular taste.

A former soldier who spent nearly two years as an American prisoner of war, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was a regular fixture at opera houses in Berlin, Vienna and London and at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

The singer, music teacher and playwright played a significant role in invigorating the Salzburg Festival before retiring in 1992.

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Angela Merkel suggests Greece a referendum on euro during national elections

Diane A. Wade
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Angela Merkel suggests Greece a referendum on euro during national elections

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has had telephone contact with Greece’s President Karolos Papoulias, amid continuing speculation that his country may have to leave the eurozone.

Greek officials said Chancellor Angela Merkel had suggested Greece could hold a referendum on the euro when it votes in national elections next month.

However, their German counterparts denied she had made such a proposal.

The crisis in the eurozone is expected to dominate G8 talks in the US this weekend.

The reports of the German-Greek contacts came as US and French leaders ended talks in Washington focusing on the economy.

In a telephone call with President Karolos Papoulias, Angela Merkel “conveyed thoughts about a vote parallel to the election with the question to what extent do the Greek citizens wish to remain within the eurozone,” said a statement from the office of Greece’s interim prime minister.

 

Greek officials said Chancellor Angela Merkel had suggested Greece could hold a referendum on the euro when it votes in national elections next month
Greek officials said Chancellor Angela Merkel had suggested Greece could hold a referendum on the euro when it votes in national elections next month

 

“However, it is clear that the matter is beyond the competence of the caretaker government,” the statement went on.

But a spokeswoman in Berlin said: “The information reported that the chancellor had suggested a referendum to the Greek President Karolos Papoulias is wrong.”

The caretaker government was sworn in this week after elections failed to produce a viable coalition to run the country.

New elections have been scheduled for 17 June.

The vote could result in a government that would refuse to implement the austerity measures that Greece’s last remaining international creditors are insisting on.

Speculation is increasing that Greece may have to leave the eurozone.

Meeting in Washington just before news broke of the German proposal, the US and French leaders said Greece should stay.

“We have the same conviction that Greece must remain in the eurozone,” France’s new President, Francois Hollande, said.

President Barack Obama said the situation in the eurozone was of great importance to the people of Europe and the whole world.

He said he looked forward to “fruitful” discussions with other G8 leaders, with a strong focus on economic growth.

Francois Hollande, who was elected president on 6 May, is also to have talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

David Cameron said that Greece must decide if it wants to remain in the euro.

“We need decisive action from eurozone countries in terms of strengthening eurozone banks, in terms of a strong eurozone firewall and decisive action over Greece. That has to be done.

“Clearly the Greeks have to make their minds up, they have to make their decision.”

Earlier, European Union Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said he European Central Bank and the European Commission are working on emergency scenarios in case Greece had to leave the single currency.

Several hours later, fellow commissioner Olli Rehn issued a statement saying that he is responsible for financial and economic affairs and relations with the ECB.

“We are not working on the scenario of a Greek exit,” he said.

 

Princess Corinna is King Juan Carlos’ unofficial companion in his private trips aboard, claims Vanity Fair

Diane A. Wade
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Princess Corinna is King Juan Carlos’ unofficial companion in his private trips aboard, claims Vanity Fair

New embarrassing details have emerged of the controversial Botswana elephant hunting trip Spain’s King Juan Carlos took with mysterious Princess Corinna.

Twice-divorced Corinna zu Sayn Wittgenstein, 46, appeared on the cover of the June edition of Spain’s Vanity Fair magazine released today.

The article claimed Princess Corinna has been the King’s unofficial companion on numerous private trips abroad.

They included the safari trip to Botswana in April which caused outrage in Spain.

Princess Corinna, who was born in Germany and claims her title through her second husband, has reportedly fled Spain intense speculation over the nature of her role within the Spanish monarchy.

Her first husband, Philip J. Adkin, an American shipping magnate who confirmed he had also been a member of the hunting party in Botswana, was quoted in The Daily Telegraph as saying: “She has told me that the King is her friend and a great guy whom she admires.

“Nothing more, because if anything characterizes her, it is discretion and loyalty.”

Princess Corinna, who was born in Germany and claims her title through her second husband, has reportedly fled Spain intense speculation over the nature of her role within the Spanish monarchy
Princess Corinna, who was born in Germany and claims her title through her second husband, has reportedly fled Spain intense speculation over the nature of her role within the Spanish monarchy

The hunting trip became public knowledge after King Juan Carlos, 74, fractured his hip in a fall in camp and was rushed back to Madrid for surgery.

Reports of the King’s luxurious lifestyle shooting endangered animals while ordinary Spaniards suffered deep economic strife was met with public outcry and led to calls for his abdication.

The episode has been marked by an end to the taboo on publishing royal secrets in a nation that has traditionally afforded the Royal family the utmost privacy and respect.

The unclear nature of the role of Princess Corinna will cast yet more scrutiny on Royal matters.

King Juan Carlos and Princess Corinna reportedly first met when she was organizing shooting expeditions for Boss & Co, Britain’s oldest gunshop based in Mayfair where she worked until 2006, and were on the same safari together in Mozambique in 2004.

Several more hunting trips together followed over the years, as well as a trip to Saudi Arabia, and the pair have been photographed on the red carpet together several times.

Sources at the Royal Household insist she has no official role in relation to King Juan Carlos but Vanity Fair reported that friends talk of her being either his “financial adviser” and “organizing everything from A-Z” on behalf of the King on his trips abroad.

Philip J. Adkin admitted in the piece that his ex-wife had gone into hiding since her connection with King Juan Carlos became public knowledge.

She has instructed lawyers to take legal action after several European tabloids made claims about her private life.

The allegations are the latest development in what is turning out to be a difficult year for Spain’s Royal family.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia failed to mark their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this week fuelling speculation that their marriage was over.

The King’s son-in-law is accused of embezzling public funds and in February became the first Spanish royal in modern history to be questioned in court.

Yesterday it was revealed the Spanish government has insisted Queen Sofia pull out of a lunch in Windsor Castle because of the continuing row over Gibraltar.

 

Sharon Stone defies her age as she pops in a string bikini

Lisa.Felice
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Sharon Stone defies her age as she pops in a string bikini

Even though Sharon Stone is now in her mid fifties, she is still flaunting her figure.

Sharon stone, 54, showed off an impressive physique for her age as she popped on a string bikini yesterday.

The actress lapped up the sun in Venice, California with a female friend.

And she’s obviously still got her body confidence as she stripped down to a sting two-piece in a zig-zag pattern.

Sharon Stone looked refreshed and happy as she enjoyed the sunny weather while she lay on a beach towel and caught some rays.

She was carefree as she tied her blonde locks up into a ponytail, while she put on sunglasses to shield her from the bright sunshine.

Even though Sharon Stone is now in her mid fifties, she is still flaunting her figure
Even though Sharon Stone is now in her mid fifties, she is still flaunting her figure

Sharon Stone later indulged in some tarot card reading as a man approached her on the beach and read her future.

She looked engrossed as the man in the pink T-shirt spent time with her in the shade and told her his readings.

Her healthy regime is obviously paying off as she stood up and revealed her more honed physique when she was up straight.

And she ensured she was well hydrated as she drank from a bottle throughout the lazy afternoon.

Sharon Stone smiled at fellow beachgoers and appeared relaxed as she chilled out. She later covered up a tiny bit more as she put on some tight hot pants over her bikini bottoms.

 

 

New England’s Dark Day, the strange event that turned morning to night

James J. Williams
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New England’s Dark Day, the strange event that turned morning to night

More than two hundred years ago in parts of North America, a strange event, named Dark Day, turned morning to night.

It remains wreathed in mystery – so what caused the Dark Day?

Halfway through the morning the sky turns yellow. Animals run for cover and darkness descends, causing people to light candles and start to pray. By lunchtime night has fallen. Is it the end of the world?

The Dark Day, as it’s become known, took place on May 19, 1780 in New England and Canada. For the past 232 years historians and scientists have argued over the origins of this strange event.

Today there are many theories. Was it the result of volcanic eruption, fire, meteor strike – or something more sinister?

When the makers of Doctor Who this week asked fans of the show to send in their suggestions, they received a wide range of theories both plausible and Tardis-related.

With little scientific knowledge amongst the populace in 1780, people would have been afraid. Some lawmakers in Connecticut believed it was the day of judgement. The sense that a decisive moment was afoot would have been bolstered by the fact that during the preceding days, the sun and moon glowed red.

Historian Mike Dash says the north-east corner of the US was a deeply Protestant society with a profound interest in “guilt, sin and redemption”. Mike Dash, who wrote about the paranormal in his book Borderlands, says that faced with sudden darkness, people would look for biblical precedents.

“There are some verses in Matthew that might have led them to believe that this is the second coming of Christ. At the time, natural events – even birds fighting in the sky – were a sign of God’s intentions. The Dark Day would have seemed like a warning to Man.”

The Dark Day, as it's become known, took place on May 19, 1780 in New England and Canada
The Dark Day, as it's become known, took place on May 19, 1780 in New England and Canada

So what might explain 1780’s Dark Day?

The Met Office points out that thick cloud can drop low enough to turn on automatic street lights and require cars to use their lights. But it’s unlikely this alone would be enough to cause a Dark Day.

A solar eclipse can be ruled out as there is a record of when these occur – and they only last for a matter of minutes.

The eruption of the volcano Eyjafjallajokull in 2010 caused enough ash to enter the atmosphere to ground flights across northern Europe.

Thomas Choularton, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Manchester, says volcanic ash clouds often cause “yellow days”. Eruptions at Mount St Helens in Washington State have lowered light levels in recent decades, he adds.

And yet there is no record of volcanic activity in 1780, he says, making a huge ash cloud an unlikely explanation. A meteorite is equally unlikely, although “you can’t rule it out completely”, Prof. Thomas Choularton says.

The answer to the puzzle can be found in the trees, many scientists believe.

Academics at the University of Missouri’s Department of Forestry analyzed tree trunks inland from New England, where westerly prevailing winds would originate. They found signs of fire-scarred rings in tree trunks dating back to that period.

It is also known that there was a drought there in 1780 making fire more likely, says Dr. Will Blake, associate professor of geography at Plymouth University.

But could a forest fire cause such a change in light? “I’ve witnessed minor fires in Australia where you get a very eerie light. The bigger the fire, the darker it’s going to get.” Fog is common on the east coast. The mix of fog and soot from the forest fire would combine to make darkness descend, Dr. Will Blake argues.

Eyewitness accounts in New England support the forest fire hypothesis. Soot was spotted in the rivers. And Jeremy Belknap of Boston wrote in a letter that the air had the “smell of a malt-house or a coal-kiln”.

William Corliss, the physicist and chronicler of unexplained events, found 46 accounts of dark days around the world between 1091 and 1971.

Nowadays people can call upon scientific knowledge, satellite pictures and the media for reassurance. But Dark Days have continued to unsettle people until surprisingly recently.

A Dark Day in a similar part of North America to 1780’s occurred in 1950. It was caused by forest fires in Alberta and prompted alarm and confusion, says David Phillips, senior climatologist at Environment Canada.

“If you’d woken up at noon you’d have believed it was midnight. People thought it was nuclear attack or a solar eclipse.”

Whatever the cause in 1780, the geography must have exacerbated the fear, says Mike Dash. Settlements tended to go little more than 200 miles inland. In essence, European settlers were living on the edge of a vast unknown continent.

“When it goes dark for them, there’s no guarantee it is ever going to get light again. In those days it would be quite natural to think it was the Second Coming,” Mike Dash says. When dawn arrived, it is likely that prayers of thanks were said across the previously benighted land.

 

Inside Antilia, the world’s priciest house in Mumbai

Diane A. Wade
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Inside Antilia, the world’s priciest house in Mumbai

The first pictures have been released showing the inside of Antilia, which is believed to be the world’s most expensive house.

Built by India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, the 27-storey building towers over swanky Altamount Road in Mumbai.

Named Antilia, after a mythical island, it cost more than $1 billion, reports say.

Those who have visited it speak of helipads, a vast library, extravagant dining areas, opulent marble floors and even a snow room. Until now the family has remained silent on the residence.

“This is the first time I am talking about my home,” says Mukesh Ambani’s wife, Nita, in an interview published in the June issue of Vanity Fair magazine.

“There have been exaggerated reports in the media about it, I must say,” she adds.

Built by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, 27-storey Antilia building towers over swanky Altamount Road in Mumbai
Built by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, 27-storey Antilia building towers over swanky Altamount Road in Mumbai

Much of the media speculation has centred on whether the family was actually living in the property.

Some newspaper reports suggested they had decided not to move in because the vastu shastra (an Indian form of architecture, akin to feng shui) on the building was not spiritually correct.

In the interview, conducted in November, Nita Ambani confirms they took up residence last September.

“We moved in two months ago… and then it was going round that we haven’t moved in,” she told reporter James Reginato, who gained unprecedented access inside the building.

A photo published of one of the rooms shows floor-to-ceiling windows, and a seating arrangement which resembles a five-star hotel lobby.

“It’s a modern home with an Indian heart,” says Nita Ambani of her house.

Antilia is 27 storeys high, but as Mukesh Reginato writes, many of the floors are double or triple height, so the building rises to 570 feet, equivalent to a 40-storey building.

It also has a mutli-storey garage, a ballroom, a spa, a theatre, guest suites and a number of terraced gardens, he writes.

“We made our home right at the top because we wanted the sunlight… so it’s an elevated house on top of a garden,” said Nita Ambani.

The design, she says, is based on the lotus and the sun, and is decorated using rare wood, marble, mother-of-pearl and crystal, crafted by Indian artisans.

As with many Indian households, it also has a Hindu prayer room, “getting my temple right was so important,” she said.

Reports suggest the house is worth more than $1 billion, small change for Mukesh Ambani, who is worth more than $22 billion according to Forbes magazine.

But despite this, the house’s construction has attracted some criticism from some who say it is far too grand for a city like Mumbai, where millions of people live in slums, and hundreds of thousands don’t have a roof over their head.

 [youtube _oqFEQdAu_s]

[youtube C6GuGCmgtME]

Bobby Brown admitted wrong doing in his new track dedicated to Whitney Houston

Lisa.Felice
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Bobby Brown admitted wrong doing in his new track dedicated to Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown has released a new song titled Don’t Let Me Die, a tribute to his former wife.

Debuting the track on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Bobby Brown, 43, appeared emotional as he sang through the lyrics, all whilst wearing a pair of sunglasses onstage.

In the track Bobby Brown seemingly admits some kind of wrong doing, singing how he “messed up pretty bad”.

“I guess I messed up pretty bad … I didn’t know who you were … I didn’t know what we had. Now I’m stuck living in the past …trying to get the pieces back … but I guess now you’re gone,” he sang.

“I didn’t realize that every breath I took was from you … You were my air.”

Bobby Brown has released a new song titled Don't Let Me Die, a tribute to Whitney Houston
Bobby Brown has released a new song titled Don't Let Me Die, a tribute to Whitney Houston

The new track will be featured on Bobby Brown’s new album The Masterpiece, which will be released on June 5.

It is the first album he has recorded since his 1997 LP Forever.

It comes after Bobby Brown hit back at claims last month that he was responsible for introducing his former wife to the drugs, which played a part in her untimely death.

“I didn’t get high [on narcotics] before I met Whitney,” Bobby Brown told The Today Show’s Matt Lauer.

“I smoked weed, I drank the beer, but no, I wasn’t the one that got Whitney on drugs at all.”

He said drugs were a part of the singer’s life “way way before” they got together. Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown married in 1993 and had daughter Bobbi Kristina, now 19-years-old, before divorcing in 2007.

Bobby Brown added: “It’s just unexplainable how one could, [say that I] got her addicted to drugs. I’m not the reason she’s gone.”

 [youtube p20e–ijw-s]

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