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Angelica Marie Cecora’s $5M lawsuit against Oscar De La Hoya has been thrown out

Lisa.Felice
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Angelica Marie Cecora’s $5M lawsuit against Oscar De La Hoya has been thrown out

Angelica Marie Cecora, the Playboy model and alleged prostitute who sued boxer Oscar De La Hoya after claiming he had imprisoned her in his hotel suite has failed in her fight for $5 million compensation from the boxer.

Angelica Marie Cecora, 25, said that Oscar De La Hoya had repeatedly demanded sex when she was trying to sleep after a drug-fuelled orgy at a Manhattan hotel.

But a judge yesterday declared that the lawsuit was “frivolous”, and ordered Angelica Marie Cecora and her lawyer to pay a $500 fine each, as well as refunding the defendant’s legal fees.

Angelica Marie Cecora claimed that after dinner with the married ex-boxer Oscar De La Hoya, 38, on March 15 last year, the pair retired to his room in the Ritz-Carlton hotel overlooking Central Park.

After consensual sex, Oscar De La Hoya put on Angelica Marie Cecora’s underwear and ordered drugs to his room at New York’s Ritz Hotel, the lawsuit said.

Oscar De La Hoya allegedly then requested an extreme sex act and Angelica Marie Cecora obliged before having her roommate come over with sex toys.

Angelica Marie Cecora and her friend then fell asleep but Oscar De La Hoya allegedly tried to pull her out of bed three times for more sex, according to the lawsuit.

The Playboy model was “afraid to leave the hotel room because she feared the defendant would attempt to have sex with her against her will”, her lawyer said.

But on Thursday Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Paul Wooten said Angelica Marie Cecora’s claim was “completely without merit in the law”.

A judge declared yesterday that Angelica Marie Cecora’s lawsuit against Oscar De La Hoya was “frivolous”
A judge declared yesterday that Angelica Marie Cecora’s lawsuit against Oscar De La Hoya was “frivolous”

The judge noted that the plaintiff’s allegations did not add to abuse even if they were true, as the boxer “never threatened her with force”.

He also pointed out that Angelica Marie Cecora, who did not file criminal charges against Oscar De La Hoya, held a press conference on the day of the opening hearing, which could support the defense’s argument that she was looking for publicity.

The boxer’s lawyer, Judd Burstein, labeled Angelica Marie Cecora “a prostitute and a grifter” in court papers and said the boxer had become a “changed man” since the incident.

Tony Evans, lawyer for Angelica Marie Cecora, vowed to appeal the verdict, saying: “This is just an early round, and one that will not determine the ultimate outcome of the fight.”

Suites at the lavish Ritz-Carlton go for up to an eye-watering $4,500 a night.

Barcelona 1992 Olympic gold medalist Oscar De La Hoya, of Los Angeles, California, is worth $175 million and generated $700 million in pay-per-view TV revenue during his career.

Known as “Golden Boy”, his idol is Sugar Ray Leonard and he has a professional record of defeating 17 world champions and winning 10 world titles in six different weights.

Oscar De La Hoya’s most famous wins were against Mexican great Julio Cesar “Caesar of Boxing” Chavez in 1996 and Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whittaker in 1997. He retired in April 2009 and is now a boxing promoter.

Judd Burstein told the court that Oscar De La Hoya began rehabilitation therapy last spring because his life had spiraled out of control.

Oscar De La Hoya admitted a cocaine addiction in September and said photos of him from 2007 dressed in fishnets and lingerie were authentic.

His wife Millie Corretjer, whom he married 10 years ago and has two children with, has not publically commented on the case.

This was the second time Oscar De La Hoya has been accused of wearing women’s underwear.

The first woman to do so, Siberian beauty Milana Dravnel, was rumored to have been paid $20million to go away in 2008.

 

Japanese tsunami ghost ship has been blown up by the US Coast Guard

Diane A. Wade
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Japanese tsunami ghost ship has been blown up by the US Coast Guard

The crewless Japanese ship that drifted to Alaska after the 2011 tsunami has been sunk by the US Coast Guard.

The coast guard earlier said they would hold off scuttling the Ryou-Un Maru after a Canadian fishing boat claimed salvage rights.

But a Canadian official later said that the Bernice C had been unable to tow the 200 ft (61 m) Japanese “ghost ship”.

The US Coast Guard has used cannon to sink the boat, which had no lights or power and was viewed as a danger to other ships.

It was thought to be at the vanguard of a stream of tsunami debris that has been drifting east since last year’s disaster hit Japan.

The Ryou-Un Maru was first spotted off the coast of Canadian British Columbia on 23 March.

The vessel was moving at about 1 km/h in a maritime transport corridor that separates US and Canadian waters.

It was adrift about 195 miles from Sitka, Alaska, when it was sunk, officials said.

The US Coast Guard has used cannon to sink the Japanese ghost ship that drifted to Alaska after the 2011 tsunami
The US Coast Guard has used cannon to sink the Japanese ghost ship that drifted to Alaska after the 2011 tsunami

Chief Petty Officer Kip Wadlow told AP news agency that a cutter was used to fire cannon at the abandoned ship, which burst into flames and took on water.

After a few hours, larger ammunition was used to complete the job, he said.

A Hercules C-130 air crew was ready to participate in the operation, broadcasting to mariners and air traffic to alert them and help clear the surrounding area before the demolition of the ship began.

CPO Wadlow said it would be too expensive to try to salvage the ship, and too dangerous to put anyone on board.

The ship may have carried more than 7,500 litres of diesel fuel, officials said.

The Ryou-Un Maru, a shrimping boat, has been traced to the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Alaskan Senator Mark Begich suggested that the boat’s owner had been identified, but the owner did not want the vessel back.

On 11 March 2011, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit Japan, triggering a tsunami that swamped a power station, prompting the worst nuclear crisis since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

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Tuareg rebels have declared independence of nothern Malian region Azawad

Roy Siemens
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Tuareg rebels have declared independence of nothern Malian region Azawad

A group of Tuareg rebels has declared independence for a northern Malian region called Azawad, after seizing control of the area late last month.

The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) made the statement on its website, adding that it would respect other states’ borders.

Tuareg is one of two rebel groups to have gained ground in the area after Mali’s government was ousted.

Coup leaders took over in protest at the failure to stem the rebellion.

The declaration comes as rights group Amnesty International warned that Mali was on the brink of a major humanitarian disaster in the wake of the rebellion.

It demanded that aid agencies be given immediate access to the country after days of looting, abduction and chaos in the northern towns of Gao, Kidal and the historic city of Timbuktu.

Tuareg rebels has declared independence for a northern Malian region called Azawad
Tuareg rebels has declared independence for a northern Malian region called Azawad

On Thursday the MNLA rebels declared a “unilateral” ceasefire after the UN Security Council called for an end to the fighting in Mali – and after it said it had secured territory.

A statement posted on the rebel website on Friday proclaimed independence, adding it would respect existing borders with neighboring states and adhere to the UN Charter. The statement also called for recognition from the international community.

“We completely accept the role and responsibility that behoves us to secure this territory. We have ended a very important fight, that of liberation… now the biggest task commences,” rebel spokesman Mossa Ag Attaher is quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

However, it is unclear which of several groups is actually in charge in northern Mali.

The MNLA was formed last year, partly by well-armed Tuareg fighters returning from Libya, where they had backed former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

But the UN has voiced alarm at the presence of the Ansar Dine group amid the rebel forces, which has links to al-Qaeda and wants to impose Islamic law, or Sharia, across the whole of the West African state.

Unlike the MNLA, Ansar Dine is not in favor of an independent northern state. AFP reports that Islamist rebels have begun exerting control in parts of northern Mali.

Mali has been in disarray ever since the 22 March coup enabled rebels to secure territory in the north.

People are continuing to flee the area and buses to the capital have been packed with people desperate to get out. Reports say the situation in the northern town of Gao, in rebel hands, is particularly tense.

The Algerian government also says seven members of its staff were kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Gao. The consul and six colleagues were forced to leave their diplomatic mission at gunpoint.

The Algerian government says it is doing all it can to find them.

Mali’s borders have been closed to trade, the country’s access to funds at the central bank for the region’s common currency frozen and travel bans slapped on coup leaders and their supporters.

The coup and Tuareg rebellion have exacerbated a humanitarian crisis in Mali and some neighboring countries, with aid agencies warning that 13 million people need food aid following a drought in the region.

 

Bingu wa Mutharika, Malawi president, is clinically dead after cardiac arrest

Diane A. Wade
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Bingu wa Mutharika, Malawi president, is clinically dead after cardiac arrest

Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika has died, doctors and cabinet ministers have said, but this has not been officially announced.

One of the doctors who treated Bingu wa Mutharika, 78, said the president was “clinically dead” on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

State media are still reporting that he has been flown to South Africa for medical treatment.

If confirmed, his death would spark a constitutional crisis, analysts say.

According to the constitution, the vice-president takes over if the head of state is incapacitated or dies in office.

But Vice-President Joyce Banda and Bingu wa Mutharika fell out after a row over the succession in 2010, and she was expelled from the ruling Democratic People’s Party (DPP).

Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika was "clinically dead" on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest
Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika was "clinically dead" on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest

Bing wa Mutharika’s brother, Foreign Minister Peter Mutharika, was chosen instead of Joyce Banda to be the DPP’s presidential candidate in the 2014 elections.

He has been standing in for the president when needed during official occasions.

Joyce Banda recently said she had not spoken to Bingu wa Mutharika for more than a year.

The doctors and ministers say that Bingu wa Mutharika’s body was taken to South Africa while a decision is taken about what to do next.

Government sources said efforts to resuscitate President Mutharika had failed and that an official announcement is being prepared.

Bingu wa Mutharika, a former World Bank economist, came to power in a 2004 election. Soon afterwards, he dramatically abandoned his United Democratic Front (UDF) party to form the DPP, after accusing leading UDF members of opposing his campaign against corruption.

Since being re-elected with a large majority in 2009, critics allege he has demonstrated an increasingly authoritarian streak.

The president has been under mounting pressure to resign, amid accusations of nepotism and economic mismanagement.

The criticism has led to a souring in relations with major foreign aid donors, especially the United Kingdom.

Last year, Bingu wa Mutharika expelled the UK High Commissioner, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet, after a leaked embassy cable quoted the diplomat as saying that the president could not tolerate criticism.

The Malawian leader said he could not accept “insults” just because the UK was his country’s largest aid donor.

In response, the UK expelled the Malawian envoy to London and cut direct aid.

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an estimated 75% of the population living on less than $1 a day.

The country has suffered shortages of fuel and foreign currency since the UK and other donors cancelled aid.

 

Bobbi Kristina Brown’s relatives worried about her addiction since Whitney Houston’s death

Lisa.Felice
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Bobbi Kristina Brown’s relatives worried about her addiction since Whitney Houston’s death

Bobbi Kristina Brown’s relatives have been very worried about her behavior since the death of her mother Whitney Houston in February 11 as she has allegedly been taking prescription pills, drinking heavily and smoking marijuana to cope with her loss.

According to the Star magazine, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s aunt Pat Houston recently arranged for several close family members and friends of the teenager to speak to her about her substance use, but their words fell on deaf ears.

A source said: “Everyone is worried sick about Krissy … her aunt Pat got a number of her friends and family to come to Atlanta and have a serious talk with her about her sobriety. There were lots of tears, but Bobbi Kristina didn’t listen.”

Bobbi Kristina Brown's relatives have been very worried about her behavior since Whitney Houston’s death
Bobbi Kristina Brown's relatives have been very worried about her behavior since Whitney Houston’s death

Pat Houston has even asked Whitney’s long-term mentor Clive Davis to speak to Bobbi Kristina – whose father is the late singer’s ex-husband Bobby Brown – about her problems in a bid for to alter her lifestyle.

The source added: ”Clive keeps telling Bobbi she needs to go to rehab, and that if she does, he’ll help launch her music career. He’s doing everything he can.”

Whitney Houston died from accidental drowning due to the effects of heart disease and cocaine use in February aged 48. She had a long history of substance abuse and had admitted to Oprah Winfrey she took cocaine in a candid 2009 interview.

 

Invisible Children releases new video Kony 2012 Part II: Beyond Famous

Diane A. Wade
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Invisible Children releases new video Kony 2012 Part II: Beyond Famous

US activist group Invisible Children has released the second part of its video Kony 2012, which highlights the activities of Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony.

The first 30-minute film attracted some 100 million views online, but was criticized for simplifying the issue.

The follow-up has been made without input from the group’s co-founder Jason Russell, who suffered a mental breakdown following publicity generated by the film.

The film-makers pledged to include more context in the latest video.

The first film profiled Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army, a militia operating in several African countries which has kidnapped thousands of children, forcing girls to become sex slaves and boys to fight as child soldiers.

Some criticized the video for oversimplifying a complex issue. Uganda’s Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi said that the video wrongly gave the impression that the country was still at war.

Titled Kony 2012: Beyond Famous, the new release begins with the huge media reaction to the initial release, highlighting the mainstream media coverage the video gained across the US.

But it quickly switches focus to Africa, with more voices from Uganda than were featured in the emotive first release.

That film struck a chord with a younger generation not often engaged with the traditional news agenda.

“This generation has responded to the call to make Joseph Kony famous,” the group said, promising to take the “next step” on 20 April.

“Part II gives a closer look at the Lord’s Resistance Army, the international efforts to stop them, the progress that has already been made, and what we can all do to help,” the group said.

Invisible Children has released the second part of its video Kony 2012, which highlights the activities of Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony
Invisible Children has released the second part of its video Kony 2012, which highlights the activities of Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony

Some US senators claimed to have been alerted to the problem by their children amid the popularity of the first release.

“All three of my kids, in different context and different times have said: <<So what are you doing about Joseph Kony and the LRA?>>” Senator Chris Coons told the Associated Press.

Chris Coons is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations African affairs sub-committee. He has travelled to Africa to hear about the issue firsthand.

A recent report from the US Pew Research centre concluded that the first film represented a new way for young people consume news.

It found that 40% of 18-29 year-olds had heard about the video, compared with 20% of 30-49-year-olds and 18% of 50-64-year-olds.

The younger age group was also far more likely to have viewed the video. The majority had heard about it via social networks such as Twitter.

“The 30-minute video… provided striking evidence that young adults and their elders at times have different news agendas and learn about news in different ways,” the report said.

Invisible Children’s co-founder Jason Russell is currently in hospital after he was found semi-naked and screaming at traffic in the streets of San Diego.

He made himself the focus of the first film and came in for some heavy criticism from other advocacy groups and aid agencies.

Many criticized the Kony 2012 project for prescribing a “colonialist” approach to the issue of the LRA without empowering Africans to fix their own problems.

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Hundreds of Chinese websites defaced by Anonymous

Nancy Clayson
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Hundreds of Chinese websites defaced by Anonymous

Almost 500 Chinese websites have been defaced in an Anonymous attack, the hacking group claims.

Targets hit in the mass defacement included government sites, its official agencies, trade groups and many others.

A message put on the hacked sites said the attack was carried out to protest against the Chinese government’s strict control of its citizens.

The message urged Chinese people to join Anonymous and stage their own protests against the regime.

The announcement about the defacements was made via an Anonymous China account that was established in March. A list of the 485 sites affected was put on the Pastebin website. Separate Pastebin messages posted email addresses and other personal details stolen when sites were penetrated.

Anonymous’ message urged Chinese people to join the group and stage their own protests against the regime
Anonymous’ message urged Chinese people to join the group and stage their own protests against the regime

Sites defaced had the same message posted to them that chided the nation’s government for its repressive policies.

It read: “Dear Chinese government, you are not infallible, today websites are hacked, tomorrow it will be your vile regime that will fall.”

China has one of the most comprehensive web surveillance systems in the world, known as the Great Firewall of China, that reinforces its broader social controls. The system polices where Chinese people can go online and tries to restrict what they can talk about.

On defaced pages, the Anonymous attackers also posted links to advice that could help people avoid official scrutiny of what they do and say online. Much of the advice was in English so it is unclear how much help it would be.

There has been no official confirmation of the defacements. News wires reported that government officials had denied any had taken place.

However, many of the sites listed are now offline and a few others displayed a hacked page for a long time rather than their own homepage.

The Anonymous hackers reportedly successfully attacked some sites a second time once the original defacement was cleaned up.

 

Kanye West admits his love for Kim Kardashian in a new song

Lisa.Felice
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Kanye West admits his love for Kim Kardashian in a new song

Kim Kardashian and her long-time friend Kanye West were pictured last night leaving a movie theatre in New York amid reports they have just started dating.

In another sign things are less than platonic, Kanye West has released a new song declaring his love for Kim Kardashian.

The singer and rapper also refers to his ex-girlfriend Amber Rose in the song, called Theraflu, following Amber’s claims he and Kim Kardashian had a fling while they were together.

Kanye West, who enjoyed a movie date with Kim Kardashian last night, sings: “And the whole industry wants to f*** your old chick.

“Only n**** I got respect for is Wiz.

“And I admit I fell in love with Kim around the same time she fell in love with him.

“Well that’s cool baby girl do your thing.

“Lucky I ain’t had Jay drop him from the team.”

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were pictured last night leaving a movie theatre in New York amid reports they have just started dating
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were pictured last night leaving a movie theatre in New York amid reports they have just started dating

It seems that Kanye West admits to falling for Kim Kardashian when she was getting together with her now-estranged husband Kris Humphries.

It appears that Kanye West is referring to Jay-Z when he mentions “Jay” because the rapper is part owner in Kris Humphries’ basketball team the New York Jets.

Earlier this year Amber Rose, who is now engaged to Wiz Khalifa claimed that Kim Kardashian was the reason she and Kanye West broke up.

Amber Rose said: “She’s a homewrecker! They were both cheating. They were both cheating on me and Reggie with each other.”

And Amber Rose said that Kim Kardashian instigated the affair by sending sexy pictures of herself to Kanye West as well as calling and texting him.

She added: “She was sending pictures, and I was like, <<Kim, just stop. Don’t be that person>>.”

While Kim Kardashian has recently claims she is still single she was spotted leaving a cinema in New York with Kayne West just last night and, according to TMZ, the couple are officially dating.

Sources told TMZ that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are an item and the website is running a picture of the pair leaving the cinema following their date.

A spokesperson for Kim Kardashian failed to comment on the claims earlier today.

Last night Kim Kardashian was dressed in a pair of leather trousers a grey sweater and a fluffy jacket for their movie date.

Kanye West was dressed all in blackand followed closely behind her out of the cinema in New York.

Kim Kardashian is the cover model for the latest issue of Cosmopolitan‘s UK magazine and in the accompanying interview she insists she is single.

The reality star said: “I’ve got a feeling this is going to be a good year for me – I’m putting the past behind me and have never felt more confident about my future.”

Referring to rumors about various celebrity hook-ups, Kim Kardashian insisted she is more than single, and not looking for a new boyfriend right now.

Kim Kardashian added: “I’m not even close to dating again! And it’s just ridiculous when I’m linked to people I’ve never met or heard of… I’ve learnt to not care.

“There are always going to be ridiculous rumors. I’m just going to work on me for a bit.”

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Russian Orthodox Church apologizes for airbrushing Patriarch Kirill’s watch photo

Diane A. Wade
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Russian Orthodox Church apologizes for airbrushing Patriarch Kirill’s watch photo

The Russian Orthodox Church has apologized for showing a photo of its leader Patriarch Kirill in which a luxury watch he was wearing was airbrushed.

Patriarch Kirill’s gold Breguet watch is estimated to be worth more than $30,000 and was spotted by Russian bloggers.

The watch’s reflection could be seen in the 2009 photo on the church’s website.

The Patriarchate said the manipulation would be investigated and “the guilty ones will be punished severely”.

In a statement the Patriarch’s press service said “we reject on principle any use of photo editing software to alter the appearance of images.

“There will be a thorough investigation to determine why in this instance there was a crude violation of our internal ethical code. The guilty ones will be punished severely,” the statement said.

The Russian Orthodox Church has apologized for showing a photo of its leader Patriarch Kirill in which a luxury watch he was wearing was airbrushed
The Russian Orthodox Church has apologized for showing a photo of its leader Patriarch Kirill in which a luxury watch he was wearing was airbrushed

The original photo, dated 3 July 2009, showed a meeting between Patriarch Kirill and Russian Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov. The photoshopped version appeared this month.

Despite the airbrushing the watch’s presence was given away by its reflection on a polished table top.

After heated debate about it in the Russian blogosphere the Patriarchate first removed the enlarged image from the site and then removed the image altogether.

Now the Patriarchate says the original image is back in its archive.

In February 2012 a photo of Patriarch Kirill meeting President Vladimir Putin – who was prime minister at the time – showed Kirill wearing the Breguet watch.

Last week Patriarch Kirill told a Russian interviewer, Vladimir Solovyov, that expensive watches were not part of his official attire. He admitted owning a Breguet watch, but said he kept it in its box.

 

 

Dannii Minogue’s relationship with Kris Smith broke down after their son’s birth

Lisa.Felice
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Dannii Minogue’s relationship with Kris Smith broke down after their son’s birth

New reports claim that Dannii Minogue’s four-year romance with Kris Smith broke down because she became “colder” after the birth of their 20-month-old son Ethan.

According to Sydney’s Daily Telegraph, Dannii Minogue’s hands on parents contributed to Kris Smith’s departure.

Kris Smith is believed to have walked away from Minogue Inc. which her parents Ron and Carol Minogue managed.

A friend told the Australian paper: “Kris is just an easygoing guy… He’s not up for all the stuff that goes along with being part of the Minogue corporation.”

Dannii Minogue’s four-year romance with Kris Smith broke down because she became “colder” after the birth of their son Ethan
Dannii Minogue’s four-year romance with Kris Smith broke down because she became “colder” after the birth of their son Ethan

Brokenhearted Dannii Minogue, 40, is said to be recovering on holiday, bizarrely at a resort for newlyweds.

Kylie Minogue’ sister is staying at honeymoon resort Hayman Island at the Great Barrier Reef with son Ethan, while painting on a brave face to continue working on an assignment for cosmetics firm ModelCo.

A source told The Sun: “The place was mostly full of loved-up couples. Dannii looked very lonely and miserable… She only left her suite when she was needed for work.”

Dannii Minogue told fans via Twitter: “Needing to retreat for a while. thank you for your ever loving support.”

Meanwhile, Kris Smith is believed to want to remain in Australia in order to stay close to Ethan.

A source told The Daily Telegraph: “Kris is and has been very much a hands-on dad and he wants to remain in Australia. He loves it here… He loves the weather, the lifestyle, the relaxed people.”

Yesterday, it was reported there had been trouble in paradise for a while as Kris Smith became close with several female models who allegedly played a part in the break-up.

Late last year, British Kris Smith was linked to Australian model Jennifer Hawkins after they modeled for the Myer department store together.

They were forced to insist that they were just “mates”, after Woman’s Day magazine reported that there was a “chemistry between the two of them”.

Photos also surfaced of him cosying up to Victoria’s Secret model Jessica Hart, as well as being linked to model Lauren Phillips.

Yet now Dannii Minogue has confirmed the split via Twitter, posting: “It brings me great sadness to tell you that Kris and I have separated… our son Ethan remains our number one priority.”

Meanwhile, Mancunian model Kris Smith wrote on his page: “Dannii and I have a deep mutual love and respect for each other and although things have not worked out we have a gorgeous son together that we both love and implore everyone to respect our privacy at this challenging time.”

 

Jessica Sanchez performed Whitney Houston’s hit How Will I Know on Top 8 American Idol

Lisa.Felice
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1
Jessica Sanchez performed Whitney Houston’s hit How Will I Know on Top 8 American Idol

American Idol contestant Jessica Sanchez wasn’t even born when Whitney Houston released her hit How Will I Know, but she sang the song like a pro on Wednesday night.

It was the second time Jessica Sanchez, 16, has covered Whitney Houston on American Idol (she sang I Will Always Love You on the first finalist live show), and the judges lavished on the praise.

Guest mentor Gwen Stefani called Jessica Sanchez’s voice ridiculous while Randy Jackson praised her maturity.

In her intro segment, Jessica Sanchez talked about being a regular teen into boys and shopping.

It was the second time Jessica Sanchez, 16, has covered Whitney Houston on American Idol
It was the second time Jessica Sanchez, 16, has covered Whitney Houston on American Idol

At age 11, Jessica Sanchez had already appeared on America’s Got Talent. She already has a stage persona named Bebe Chez, much like Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce. In other words, she’s a seasoned pro.

Jessica Sanchez later teamed up for powerhouse singer Joshua Ledet for a rousing duet to I Knew You Were Waiting On Me, for which they earned a standing ovation.

Jennifer Lopez even postulated Jessica Sanchez and Joshua Ledet could be the final two.

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iBrain, the NeuroVigil device that may be able to read thoughts, tested on Prof. Stephen Hawking

James J. Williams
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iBrain, the NeuroVigil device that may be able to read thoughts, tested on Prof. Stephen Hawking

iBrain, a new device invented by Dr. Philip Low, CEO of California-based NeuroVigil, which was designed for sleep monitoring, may also be able to help people to convey messages merely by thinking them.

The gizmo “reads” brain wave patterns – and has been tested by renowned British physicist Professor Stephen Hawking, who is paralyzed by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Prof. Stephen Hawking is testing the tiny device that could, just possibly, allow him to “speak again” – reading his thoughts directly from his brain.

“We’d like to find a way to bypass his body, pretty much hack his brain,” NeuroVigil’s founder, Philip Low, told KGTV San Diego.

Dr. Philip Low told The New York Times: “The iBrain can collect data in real time in a person’s own bed, or when they’re watching TV, or doing just about anything.

“The idea is to see if Stephen can use his mind to create a consistent and repeatable pattern that a computer can translate into, say, a word or letter or a command for a computer.”

iBrain, which was designed for sleep monitoring, may also be able to help people to convey messages merely by thinking them
iBrain, which was designed for sleep monitoring, may also be able to help people to convey messages merely by thinking them

The paper explained that the algorithm used by iBrain, which Dr. Philip Low calls “Spears”, was indeed able to translate Prof. Stephen Hawking’s thoughts into individual signals.

Dr. Philip Low plans on making further investigations into this aspect of the iBrain’s capabilities, but in the meantime, it’s being used as one of the most effective diagnostic tools for sleep researchers money can buy.

The science for such a development looks promising.

Last summer Dr. Philip Low flew to Cambridge, UK, and personally tested the device on Prof. Stephen Hawking.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, has left the astrophysicist almost entirely unable to control his body. Stephen Hawking moves and communicates in painfully slow fashion, using an infrared scanner that picks up tiny twitches in his cheek muscles and translates them into words with complex computer programs.

Stephen Hawking, 70, is losing his ability to use even those muscles as his disorder advances.

Fitted with the iBrain device, which is a black headband with a series of neurotransmitters that sit against the cranium, Stephen Hawking was told to concentrate hard on several simple actions, such as forming his hand into a fist.

Dr. Philip Low recorded the brain waves that the iBrain picked up from the actions and fed the results into his extensive mind-reading algorithm, called Spears.

With enough research, Philip Low believes he can develop software that will convert these brain waves into thoughts, and allow them to be translated into letters words and sentences.

Eventually, it might be possible to carry on entire conversations using only the iBrain and computer translation software hooked up to speakers, Dr. Philip Low told the New York Times.

But for now, the machine has plenty of practical applications.

Swiss drugmaker Hoffmann La Roche is working with NeuroVigil to develop software that will allow the device to monitor how drugs on working in the brain.

Dr. Philip Low says it’s a key step toward creating highly-effective personalized medication.

It can also be used to simply and quickly diagnose autism, sleep apnea, depression and other disorders that affect the brain.

 

Mirlande Wilson claims that the winning Mega Millions ticket is hidden in the McDonald’s restaurant

Diane A. Wade
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Mirlande Wilson claims that the winning Mega Millions ticket is hidden in the McDonald’s restaurant

Mirlande Wilson, the woman who claims to be one of the three lucky winners of Friday’s Mega Millions, had previously refused to say where she had hidden her “winning ticket”, and would only reveal it was “some place safe”.

Mirlande Wilson, 37, from Baltimore, Maryland, has now told the New York Post the winning ticket is hidden somewhere in the McDonald’s restaurant where she works.

Despite the fact her coworkers, who claim the ticket was among a pool they organized to split the jackpot, are out for her blood and are more than likely searching the Milford Mill branch from top to bottom for the golden ticket, Mirlande Wilson assures they will not find it.

“I left my ticket there and it’s somewhere safe that only I know about,” Mirlande wilson told the Post, though revealed it was not in the company safe along with those bought for the workplace pool.

“I’m waiting for things to calm down so I can go back to McDonald’s and get it. The people there are too excited. I want their heads to cool down before I go back.”

But her coworkers aren’t so sure Mirlande Wilson is telling the truth.

The manager at the McDonald’s branch said: “That’s impossible. She didn’t come back here.”

Another colleague told the Post: “I don’t believe her. I didn’t believe her from the beginning, she’s always been strange.

“She’s an attention seeker. She likes to have all the attention on herself.”

Mirlande Wilson claims that the winning ticket is hidden somewhere in the McDonald's restaurant where she works
Mirlande Wilson claims that the winning ticket is hidden somewhere in the McDonald's restaurant where she works

On her Facebook page, Mirlande Wilson has pledged to donate all of the winnings to rebuild her earthquake-ravaged native Haiti.

Mirlande Wilson wrote: “All my true friend know im not greedy a person [sic] i don’t want da money it made my life a living hell already im gonna give it all to rebuild haiti yall [sic] can chase all want my life and, my children it more important for money [sic].”

Mirlande Wilson held her own news conference last night where a lawyer pleaded that his client “be allowed to return to a normal life”, according to Wsbt.com.

Lawyer Edward Smith Jr. asked the media to leave his client alone. Mirlande Wilson said little, only confirming that she is originally from Haiti.

The attorney said the attention had caused his client’s blood pressure to spike. He said he was hired to protect her in case she was sued.

When asked if Mirlande Wilson had hidden her ticket inside the McDonald’s where she worked, the attorney said he did not know where the ticket was.

Mirlande Wilson told NBC she gave all of her coworkers the copies of the tickets for the pool and the winning ticket was not among them.

Instead she claims to have sent a friend to buy more tickets later that day and the winning one was among them.

“McDonald’s don’t have nothing to do with this,” she insisted.

“They don’t have nothing to do with – they don’t even know about it and they don’t even have nothing to do with this. It’s only us by ourself [sic].”

Lottery executives said they cannot confirm who the lucky three ticket holders are in Maryland, Kansas and Illinois until they come forward.

Mirlande Wilson has yet to produce a ticket, leaving Mega Millions officials skeptical.

Stephen Martino, Maryland lottery director, told ABC: “We don’t know any more than the public or media does and it’s all speculation and we’re not going to get involved in that.”

Another official added: “It’s probably not this person.”

 

Drinking beer is not the main cause of a “beer belly”, but is associated with overall fatness

Kathryn R. Bown
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Drinking beer is not the main cause of a “beer belly”, but is associated with overall fatness

A German study has revealed that drinking beer is not the main cause of a “beer belly”, although it can contribute to overall fatness.

The research team from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Fulda University of Applied Sciences and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden analyzed the weight as well as the hip and waist measurements of nearly 20,000 people over four years.

Participants were asked to detail how much beer they drank and what else they consumed each day.

Their beer consumption was placed into a number of categories, from “very light” to “heavy”.

The researchers concluded that their study “does not support the common belief of a site-specific effect of beer on the abdomen, the beer belly”.

“Beer consumption seems to be rather associated with an increase in overall body fatness,” the research team wrote in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

A German study has revealed that drinking beer is not the main cause of a “beer belly”, although it can contribute to overall fatness
A German study has revealed that drinking beer is not the main cause of a “beer belly”, although it can contribute to overall fatness

Women were placed in four categories from “no beer” to “moderate drinkers”. Men were put in five categories from “no beer” to “heavy drinkers”.

For women, “moderate” meant consuming at least 250 ml of beer a day. For men, “moderate” meant 500 to 1000ml a day.

Their estimates were based on the size of a typical bottle of beer in Germany.

A beer belly was defined as one that bulges distinctly as the waist and was proportionally large in comparison to hip measurement and body size.

The scientists concluded that beer consumption did lead to a rise in waist size, but that this was closely related to overall weight gain in both men and women.

A study in the Czech Republic, published in 2003 in the same medical journal, went as far as to say that drinking beer by itself does not cause much change in weight.

However, the scientists involved in the German study believe that the Czech research was flawed.

 

Athens clashes between protesters and riot police after pensioner suicide beside parliament

Diane A. Wade
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Athens clashes between protesters and riot police after pensioner suicide beside parliament

New clashes between Greek protesters and riot police took place in Athens, hours after a pensioner shot himself dead outside parliament.

The 77-year-old man killed himself in the city’s busy Syntagma Square on Wednesday morning.

Greek media reported he had left a suicide note accusing the government of cutting his pension to nothing.

Flowers have been laid at the spot where he died and tributes have been paid online.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the square outside parliament on Wednesday evening, the scene of many large protests in recent months.

Violence erupted, with petrol bombs hurled at police, who fired tear gas in response.

New clashes between Greek protesters and riot police took place in Athens, hours after a pensioner shot himself dead outside parliament
New clashes between Greek protesters and riot police took place in Athens, hours after a pensioner shot himself dead outside parliament

Depression and suicides are reported to have increased in Greece as the country introduces tough austerity measures to deal with huge debts.

The man has not been officially identified but was named in Greek media as Dimitris Christoulas. He was said to be a retired chemist, with a wife and a daughter, who had sold his pharmacy in 1994.

The man shot himself in the central square just before 09:00, Athens News reports.

In the alleged suicide note, found by police and reported by Athens News, he said: “The government has annihilated all traces for my survival, which was based on a very dignified pension that I alone paid for 35 years with no help from the state.

“And since my advanced age does not allow me a way of dynamically reacting… I see no other solution than this dignified end to my life, so I don’t find myself fishing through garbage cans for my sustenance.”

Dozens of people left handwritten messages and flowers at the spot where Dimitris Christoulas killed himself.

One of the notes, pinned to the tree, read “Enough is enough”, while another said “Who will be the next victim?”

Later, as night fell, the demonstrations degenerated into clashes as activists threw rocks and petrol bombs at police, who responded with tear gas and flash grenades.

Prime Minister Lucas Papademos issued a statement calling the death “tragic”.

“In these difficult hours for our society we must all – the state and the citizens – support the people among us who are desperate.”

Government spokesman Pantelis Kapsis called the suicide a “human tragedy” but said “the exact circumstances” were unknown.

Evangelos Venizelos, head of the socialist Pasok party that holds a majority in the coalition government, called on colleagues to refrain from “political commentary” and “show solidarity and togetherness”.

Antonis Samaras, head of the conservative New Democracy party, said politicians must do more to “help Greeks escape from despair”.

Drastic austerity measures have been imposed on Greece to meet the terms of a huge eurozone financial bailout needed to save the country from bankruptcy.

Thousands of civil service jobs have been cut, taxes raised and there have been reductions in pay, benefits and pensions.

Suicides increased by 18% in 2010 from the previous year, according to Reuters news agency. The number of suicides in Athens alone rose over 25% last year.

 [youtube 1_E4f1kcqjk]

Cissy Houston “Devastated” Over Whitney Houston Final Autopsy Report’s Findings

Lisa.Felice
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Cissy Houston has been left “devastated” and “inconsolable” over the L.A. County Coroner’s Autopsy Report that makes it clear Whitney Houston was deep into cocaine when she died.

Cissy Houston, 78, was telling close friends she cried hysterically when she first heard about the Coroner’s findings – that white powder (which was tested positive for cocaine), a drug spoon and other trappings of drug use were found in Whitney’s hotel room.

Whitney Houston’s mother says her biggest fear is that people will now remember her daughter as a druggie, and not a talented singer and family woman.

Cissy Houston singled out Whitney’s performance of the National Anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl, saying: “This is the type of thing people should remember Whitney for.“

Cissy Houston added: “No one’s perfect. Only the Lord can judge.”

 

 

Whitney Houston autopsy report revealed the sordid end of the superstar

Lisa.Felice
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Whitney Houston autopsy report revealed the sordid end of the superstar

Whitney Houston’s detailed autopsy report has finally been released.

According to the autopsy report, Whitney Houston’s body was discovered face down in the bath tub and “her eyes were congested and there was a bloody purge coming from her nose”.

The document reads that there was “superficial abrasions to the left side of her forehead and the bridge of her nose”. The singer also had cuts on her left arm, hand and shoulder.

It was a sordid end for Whitney Houston, and officials insist there were absolutely no signs of foul play.

Whitney Houston's detailed autopsy report has finally been released
Whitney Houston's detailed autopsy report has finally been released

The officials do note that the water in the bath where Whitney Houston was found, with some evidence of trauma including a cut lip, was “extremely hot”.

Not surprisingly, Whitney Houston, who was due to attend her mentor Clive Davis’ Grammy Party at the same hotel that night, had scald marks on her back.

The report also confirms details of the drug paraphernalia found amidst the minutiae of the diva’s final hours.

There was a “spoon with a white crystal-like substance on it” and a “white powdery substance” which was later tested and determined to be cocaine in the late singer’s hotel room.

The report, which gives a detailed description of the state of the Beverly Hilton hotel room when officials arrived reads: “Located on the south portion of the counter was a small spoon with a white crystal-like substance in it and a rolled up piece of white paper, along with other miscellaneous items.

“Located in the top drawer, in the north side of the counter were remnants of a white powdery substance, and a portable mirror on a base.”

Officials found more white powder on the base of the mirror.

It also reveals the probable cause of death: “[Whitney Houston] possibly overdosed on a narcotic substance, prescription medications, over the counter medications and alcohol.”

Whitney Houston autopsy report Page1
Whitney Houston autopsy report Page1
Whitney Houston autopsy report Page2
Whitney Houston autopsy report Page2
Whitney Houston autopsy report Page3
Whitney Houston autopsy report Page3

Singer Whitney Elisebeth Houston was pronounced dead at 15:55 but almost six hours later at twenty-five to ten at night, the temperature in the bathtub was still 93.5 F.

The level of Whitney Houston’s drug abuse was evident due to a “perforation of posterior nasal septum”.

The report also notes that when officials discovered the body, Whitney Houston was wearing a brown wig “tightly attached to the hair”.

The wig was removed revealing a full head of wavy black hair with “no balding”.

Whitney Houston also had traces of marijuana in her system as well as Xanax (anxiety medication), Flexeril (muscle relaxer) and Benadryl (allergy medication).

The report also describes a plastic bag ripped open with pills spilling out, medication bottles and an ashtray with cigarette butts all over the place.

When Whitney Houston’s official cause of death was released in March her heart disease was mentioned, but the new detailed report also cites that she had a hole in her septum and that she was suffering from mild emphysema.

Kristy McCracken of the Beverly Hills Police Department also noticed an old needle puncture wound on Whitney Houston’s inner left elbow.

On the day she died, Whitney Houston complained of a sore throat, so she decided to take a bath in at her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton before getting ready for Clive Davis’ party.

The singer’s assistant left Whitney Houston to run an errand at department store Neiman Marcus.

When the assistant returned to Whitney Houston’s room around 3:35 p.m. on Saturday February 11, the singer was lying face down in the bathtub in approximately 13-inches of water.

Whitney Houston case report
Whitney Houston case report

She was pulled out of the tub by her assistant and bodyguard so resuscitation attempts could be made.

Whitney Houston was found to be well-nourished, with a thick head of hair and scars from breast implant surgery.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Whitney Houston’s 19-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, is facing intervention from her family and friends.

Bobbi Kristina Brown has allegedly turned to pills and marijuana to help her cope with the trauma of her mother’s death.

According to the Star magazine, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s aunt Pat Houston recently arranged for several close family members and friends of the youngster to speak to her about her substance use, but their words fell on deaf ears.

A source said: “Everyone is worried sick about Krissy … her aunt Pat got a number of her friends and family to come to Atlanta and have a serious talk with her about her sobriety. There were lots of tears, but Bobbi Kristina didn’t listen.”

Patricia Houston has even asked Whitney’s long-term mentor Clive Davis to speak to Bobbi Kristina- whose father is the late singer’s ex-husband Bobby Brown – about her problems.

The source added: “Clive keeps telling Bobbi she needs to go to rehab, and that if she does, he’ll help launch her music career. He’s doing everything he can.”

Whitney Houston investigator's report Page 1
Whitney Houston investigator's report Page 1

 

Whitney Houston investigator's report Page 2
Whitney Houston investigator's report Page 2

Five New Orleans policemen sentenced in Katrina Danziger Bridge shootings case

Diane A. Wade
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Five New Orleans policemen sentenced in Katrina Danziger Bridge shootings case

Five former New Orleans police officers, who shot dead two unarmed civilians and wounded another four on a bridge in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, have been jailed.

The prison terms range from six to 65 years for the shootings on the Danziger Bridge in September 2005.

Four of the officers were found guilty of firearms offences and the fifth was jailed for helping the cover-up.

The officers planted a gun and fabricated witnesses and false reports to make the shootings appear justified.

Robert Faulcon, 48, received the longest sentence of 65 years; Kenneth Bowen, 38, and Robert Gisevius, 39, received 40 years each; and Anthony Villavaso, 35, was sentenced to 38 years in prison.

Retired Sgt Arthur Kaufman, 55, the officer who was assigned to investigate the shootings, received a six-year prison sentence for helping to co-ordinate the cover-up.

Robert Faulcon received the longest sentence of 65 years, Robert Gisevius and Kenneth Bowen received 40 years each and Anthony Villavaso was sentenced to 38 years in prison
Robert Faulcon received the longest sentence of 65 years, Robert Gisevius and Kenneth Bowen received 40 years each and Anthony Villavaso was sentenced to 38 years in prison

On 4 September 2005, the police responded to a distress call from officers at Danziger Bridge, reporting gunfire.

The officers opened fire with assault rifles and a shotgun at an unarmed family walking on the bridge and at a man fleeing the scene.

A New Orleans couple, their daughter, and their nephew, were wounded and a family friend, 17-year-old James Brissette, was killed.

Ronald Madison, 40, who had mental and physical disabilities, also died on the bridge. He was shot in the back with a shotgun as he ran away.

It took five years to establish the details of what happened on the bridge.

Arthur Kaufman is the only officer who was not already imprisoned when the sentences were handed down. He is due to report to prison on 23 May, the Times Picayune newspaper reports.

The courtroom was packed with relatives and friends of the victims and policemen.

The case was part of a wider effort from the Department of Justice to clean up the New Orleans Police Department.

Hurricane Katrina battered through the city’s poorly maintained levees on 29 August 2005, flooding most of the city and stranding thousands of people on rooftops.

 

Project Glass: the augmented reality glasses from Google

Nancy Clayson
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Project Glass: the augmented reality glasses from Google

Google has revealed details of Project Glass, the augmented reality glasses.

It posted a brief introduction to Project Glass, photos and a concept video at its Google+ social network.

The images show a minimalist design with a microphone and partly-transparent video screen that places information over the view from the users’ right eye.

The product’s developers said they wanted feedback on the idea.

They did not give any indication about when the device might go on sale or what it would cost.

“A group of us… started Project Glass to build this kind of technology, one that helps you explore and share your world, putting you back in the moment,” said a statement from Google X – the firm’s experimental lab.

“We’re sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input.”

Google has revealed details of Project Glass, the augmented reality glasses
Google has revealed details of Project Glass, the augmented reality glasses

The video suggests icons offering 14 different services will be offered to the user when the glasses are first put on, including information about the weather, their location and diary appointments.

It appears that several of these services are either triggered by an action taken by the user or the situation they are in.

The film shows one user being reminded he has a date that evening when he looks up at a blank wall, and then warns him that there is a 10% chance it will rain when he looks out of the window.

An alert pops up when a friend sends a text asking if he wants to meet up later in the day. When the user dictates a reply a microphone symbol is superimposed over much of his view.

Other functions include Google Maps showing a route to the wearer’s destination with small arrows keeping him on track, the ability to take a photo of what he is looking at with an option to share it with friends, and a video conference service.

The glasses are also shown to allow music and other audio to be heard, although they do not appear to include earphones.

There had been lots of speculation about the project with some reports describing it as an “open secret”, but this is the first time Google has confirmed details of what it was working on.

The New York Times had previously suggested that the first set of glasses would go on sale before the end of the year for somewhere between $250-$600 – but experts say that the technology shown in the video may still be some way off being ready for market.

Chris Green, principal technology analyst at Davies Murphy Group Europe, said other tech firms such as Brother had attempted to pioneer the concept – but became unstuck because their versions had required users to carry separate processing and battery equipment that plugged into their glasses.

“There are huge opportunities for tailored advertising with augmented reality systems – especially if they have in-built GPS location tracking,” he said.

“The monetization opportunities would be enormous – but there are still big issues involved with shrinking the technology and making the computer that receives and processes the data truly portable.”

Google may have competition if it works out how to shrink the electronics involved.

In 2008, Apple patented a laser-based “head mounted display system” that it suggested could stream video from its iPod among other features.

More recently, Patent Bolt revealed that Sony and Microsoft have patented ideas to create miniture displays to go over users’ eyes.

They were described as being suitable for “gaming and beyond”.

Google has previously revealed details of futuristic concepts years before they are ready for market.

The firm announced in 2010 that it had tested a self-driving car on the streets of California – but has not said when it might start selling such vehicles.

 [youtube 9c6W4CCU9M4]

 

Five suspected 9/11 attacks planners set for Guantanamo Bay trial

Diane A. Wade
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Five suspected 9/11 attacks planners set for Guantanamo Bay trial

Five suspected al-Qaeda militants believed to have planned the 9/11 terror attacks have been formally sent to trial by the United States.

The five Guantanamo Bay inmates, including alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, will be tried by a military commission.

The suspects will face charges including terrorism, hijacking, conspiracy, murder and destruction of property.

They could face the death penalty if found guilty, the Pentagon confirmed.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the four others – Waleed bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali and Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawsawi – are expected to be tried together, the Pentagon added.

They are accused of planning and executing the terror attacks of 11 September 2001, which saw hijacked planes strike New York, Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

A total of 2,976 people died in the attacks.

The five suspects are to hear their charges read out before a military court within 30 days, and are expected to be asked to enter a plea.

The decision to refer the charges to a military commission comes after a lengthy legal wrangle over where the five men would face justice.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured in Pakistan in March 2003 and has been detained at Guantanamo Bay since 2006
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured in Pakistan in March 2003 and has been detained at Guantanamo Bay since 2006

In 2009 the Obama administration tried to move their trial into US civilian courts, but reversed its decision in April 2011 after widespread opposition.

The five were eventually charged in June 2011 with offences similar to those they were accused of by the Bush administration.

President Barack Obama came into office in 2009 pledging to close Guantanamo Bay and try high-value terror suspects in US civilian courts.

But he was forced to abandon the closure plans as it became apparent that the issue of where to imprison and try al-Qaeda suspects had no easy resolution.

The Pentagon has previously said Khalid Sheikh Mohammed admitted he was responsible “from A to Z” for the 9/11 attacks.

In a previous court hearing he has said that he intended to plead guilty and would welcome martyrdom.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured in Pakistan in March 2003 and has been detained at Guantanamo Bay since 2006.

US prosecutors allege that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was involved with a host of other terrorist activities.

These include the 2002 nightclub bombing in Bali, Indonesia, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl and a failed 2001 attempt to blow up an airliner using a shoe bomb.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has alleged that he was repeatedly tortured during his detention in Cuba. CIA documents confirm that he was subjected to simulated drowning, known as waterboarding, 183 times.

Also facing trial are: Waleed bin Attash, a Yemeni; Ramzi Binalshibh, a Yemeni who allegedly helped find flight schools for the hijackers; Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali, accused of helping nine of the hijackers travel to the US; and Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawsawi, a Saudi, accused of helping set up the hijackers with money, clothes and credit cards.

 

Mumbai’s Aquaria Grande skyscrapers will have swimming pools instead of balconies

Diane A. Wade
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Mumbai’s Aquaria Grande skyscrapers will have swimming pools instead of balconies

Aquaria Grande, the new towers in Mumbai, India, will feature swimming pools enclosed in glass instead of balconies.

Aquaria Grande, the 37-storey skyscrapers were the result of a collaboration between Hong Kong-based architect James Law and Indian real estate company Wadhwa Group.

The complex would have 200 apartments, three levels of car parking, a gym and sauna.

But not everybody feels inspired by the ambitious vision, with technology blog Gizmodo describing it as an “architectural nightmare”.

Mumbai's Aquaria Grande skyscrapers will have swimming pools instead of balconies
Mumbai's Aquaria Grande skyscrapers will have swimming pools instead of balconies

Writer Jesus Diaz claims on the site that the design is a “deadly accident waiting to happen”.

Jesus Diaz adds: “No matter what you want to call this, I would call it crazy.”

Another blogger for the mymodernmet site, however, appeared to find the idea of swimming pool balconies more appealing.

Contributor Pinar said the design represented an “unbelievable skyscraping residential complex”.

She said the pools were among its “most outstanding and eye-popping features”.

 

Sainsbury’s launched Miracle Jeans, the latest innovation in shapewear

Lisa.Felice
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Sainsbury’s launched Miracle Jeans, the latest innovation in shapewear

Sainsbury’s has launched Miracle Jeans, which are the “latest innovation in shapewear” thanks to the fact the denim of the jeans has been specially woven to give a shaping and uplifting effect.

The in-built secret support is said to instantly flatten the tummy, lift and shape the bottom and smooth out curves.

“Every woman wants to feel confident, stylish and positive about her body, without breaking the bank,” Sainsbury’s said of the new line of jeans, adding that the styles were “flying off the rails around the country”.

The jeans came about thanks to research by TU that revealed one in three women rate their bottom as the least favorite part of their body, while 55% say they feel most insecure about their tummies.

TU found that a growing number of women were using shapewear on a regular basis, with 53,000 saying they wear shapewear at least once a week, and almost half UK’s size 10 women admitting they wear shapewear on a daily basis to create a smoother silhouette under their clothes.

Sainsbury's has launched Miracle Jeans, the “latest innovation in shapewear”
Sainsbury's has launched Miracle Jeans, the “latest innovation in shapewear”

A third of all those questioned in a survey of 2,000 women carried out by the store admitted they would rather use shapewear than diet ahead of a big event.

A third of women wear shapewear on a date, while 58% pull on their slimming pants when they’re preparing for a party.

But the combination of restrictive shapewear and jeans can make for an uncomfortable, hot experience.

They say their Secret Support Jeans combat both issues of body insecurity and comfort, providing everyday shapewear solutions combined with a pair of jeans.

Miracle Jeans are on sale at selected Sainsbury’s stores now, priced £25 ($40).

 

Clint Hill, Jackie Kennedy’ secret agent, recalls the terrifying moments after JFK’s assassination

James J. Williams
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Clint Hill, Jackie Kennedy’ secret agent, recalls the terrifying moments after JFK’s assassination

Clint Hill, the secret service agent employed to protect Jackie Kennedy has recounted the terrifying moments after JFK’s assassination in 1963, and how the First Lady scrambled to reach his limp body.

In a memoir, Mrs Kennedy and Me, Clint Hill, now 80, reveals his sheer determination to throw himself between the Kennedys and the bullets as parts of JFK’s brain and skull splattered over his shirt.

As the secret service agent moved towards Jackie Kennedy, he watched her reaction: “Her eyes were filled with terror. She was reaching for something. She was reaching for a piece of the President’s head.”

Clint Hill was alongside the presidential vehicle when John F. Kennedy was shot in the neck and head before he slumped into his wife’s arms while driving through Dallas, Texas in November 1963.

The secret service agent is the figure in the famous Zapruder film of the shooting which shows him climbing onto the back of the president’s limousine.

In his book Mrs Kennedy and Me, Clint Hill recalled the crowds cheering for the motorcade and the moment he heard an explosion. He looked around and saw the president grab his throat.

“Somebody had fired a shot at the President, and I had to get myself between the shooter and the President and Mrs. Kennedy,” Clint Hill wrote.

“Nothing else mattered.”

Before he could reach them, two more bullets were shot – the final one hitting the president in the head, just above his right ear.

“The impact was like the sound of a melon shattering onto cement,” Clint Hill remembered, adding that John F. Kennedy’s blood and parts of his skull splattered over his clothes, face and hair.

In his memoir, Mrs Kennedy and Me, Clint Hill reveals his sheer determination to throw himself between the Kennedys and the bullets as parts of JFK's brain and skull splattered over his shirt
In his memoir, Mrs Kennedy and Me, Clint Hill reveals his sheer determination to throw himself between the Kennedys and the bullets as parts of JFK's brain and skull splattered over his shirt

Pulling Jackie Kennedy into her seat, the president’s body fell into her arms with his eyes open. “Jack, Jack, what have they done to you?” she wailed.

Clint Hill, who has previously said he could have taken the third bullet had he moved a second sooner, then had the thought: “How did I let this happen to her?”

Speaking to People magazine, which published excerpts of the book, Clint Hill added: “Because of the angles, the weather, where we were – everything – I did all I could. But I still feel guilt.”

He then goes on to describe the scene at Parkland Hospital, where he waited outside the trauma room with Jackie Kennedy. He describes how “the light was gone” from her eyes.

While there, Clint Hill took a call from the president’s brother, Robert Kennedy, who was demanding to know how bad the situation was.

Haunted by the image of JFK’s head being hit by the final bullet, but uncertain how to tell Robert Kennedy that his brother had been killed, Clint Hill said simply: “It’s as bad as it gets.”

As a doctor approached the group, they knew it was terrible news and Jackie Kennedy ran to be at her husband’s side. An agent approached Clint Hill and told him the president had died.

Later, the book recounts, Clint Hill accompanied Jackie Kennedy and Robert Kennedy to see the body.

Clint Hill remembers how, once there, Jackie Kennedy lovingly cut her husband’s hair with scissors that her secret service agent had brought, leaving chestnut locks on the blades when she gave them back.

He continued to work as Jackie Kennedy’s agent for a further year after the death. During his time working with the family, Clint Hill had grown close to the former first lady, which he admits was unusual.

Clint Hill recalled stories of sneaking cigarettes together in the back of the car during drives, and offering her advice ahead of the trip to Dallas after she expressed fears about their safety.

But despite what has been claimed in the past, Clint Hill did not love Jackie Kennedy.

“I admired her,” Clint Hill told People magazine.

“We grew closer and closer [but] I don’t think you can say I was in love with her.”

A year after the assassination, Clint Hill went to work for Lyndon Johnson. But he quit in 1975 after guilt he felt from the shooting made him turn towards alcohol.

Although Clint Hill kept in touch with Jackie Kennedy for a few years after he stopped working for her, when he heard about her struggle with cancer in 1994, he could not bring himself to lift the phone.

“I knew that the mere sound of my voice would take her back to that day that changed everything,” Clint Hill wrote.

“And the sound of her voice would do the same to me.”

Harvey Lee Oswald was accused of firing the three shots that killed John F. Kennedy. As he was being transferred to jail, he was shot in the stomach by a man, Jack Ruby, in the crowd.

Harvey Lee Oswald died in the hospital where John F. Kennedy had passed away 48 hours earlier.

 

Khloe Kardashian confided that her mom-ager Kris Jenner sometimes calls her “fat”

Lisa.Felice
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1
Khloe Kardashian confided that her mom-ager Kris Jenner sometimes calls her “fat”

In the latest issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, Khloe Kardashian confided that her mom-ager Kris Jenner sometimes calls her “fat”.

Khloe Kardashian, 27, admits that she was angry, but she dealt with the hurtful words because she had to.

The reality star rationalized to the glossy woman’s magazine: “Listen, my mom believes in us more than we believe in ourselves. But she is also our manager and trying to protect our brand.

“She’ll say, <<Oh, you’re a little too fat right now>>. If she were just my manager, I’d have fired her right then.

“You can’t talk to me like that.”

Khloe Kardashian confided that her mom-ager Kris Jenner sometimes calls her “fat”
Khloe Kardashian confided that her mom-ager Kris Jenner sometimes calls her “fat”

During a 2011 episode of her E! reality show, Khloe and Lamar, Khloe Kardashian was on the receiving end of some harsh words from the family’s matriarch.

Kris Jenner, 56, accused her child: “You don’t care and it’s very, very upsetting to me because I’ve worked so hard at creating what I think is a great deal for you girls and you’re not pulling your end of the weight.”

Though she’s singing a different tune now, Khloe Kardashian snapped on the show.

“To tell me I’m ruining a whole brand because of my weight gain makes me feel like s–t. Get over yourself. You’re such a f–king raging lunatic and you’re so evil.

“I’m too f–king fat, too f–king fat. Do you want me to get pregnant? Do you want me to lose weight?

“You tell me you want me to have a baby every second, but I can’t be on some crazy diet. I just don’t get what you want out of me!”

Khloe Kardashian just as frankly talks about her sexual relationship with NBA star husband Lamar Odom.

The reality star shows off an ample cleavage in the top despite not appearing to wearing a bra underneath the top which boasts sheer paneling.

Khloe Kardashian told the magazine how she spices up her relationship with her husband Lamar Odom.

She was asked if she would cook or do a striptease to do something nice for the basketball player.

Khloe Kardashian said: “Both- together! I cook for him naked.”

She also spoke out about the scrutiny and gossip about her and her husband having children.

Khloe Kardashian explained: “People make me feel like I have a problem because I haven’t had a kid yet.”

“We were thinking we had to know when I was ovulating. But seriously? That took the fun out of everything.”

But while she hasn’t fallen pregnant yet Khloe Kardashian is confident it will happen and added: “Lamar and I definitely want kids, and when it happens for us, it will happen.”

Last week Khloe Kardashian also shared snaps of herself and her husband to her Celebuzz page.

She posted: “Hi my loves! Just wanted to post a few pics that I’ve tweeted of me and my hubby recently. It’s been over two years and I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world every single day! There’s no greater feeling than being in love :)”

On Wednesday Khloe Kardashian took Twitter to slam reports that she and Lamar Odom were breaking up after a magazine reported their marriage was over.

 

Taller women have a higher risk of ovarian cancer

Kathryn R. Bown
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Taller women have a higher risk of ovarian cancer

A new research has found that height is linked to ovarian cancer, as taller women have a slightly higher risk of the disease.

Obesity is also a risk factor among women who have never taken HRT, say international researchers.

Previous studies have suggested a link, but there has been conflicting evidence.

The latest research, published in the journal PLoS Medicine, analyzed all worldwide data on the topic.

It looked at 47 epidemiological studies in 14 countries, including about 25,000 women with ovarian cancer and more than 80,000 women without ovarian cancer.

A new research has found that height is linked to ovarian cancer, as taller women have a slightly higher risk of the disease
A new research has found that height is linked to ovarian cancer, as taller women have a slightly higher risk of the disease

Lead researcher Prof. Valerie Beral of the Oxford University Epidemiology Unit said: “By bringing together the worldwide evidence, it became clear that height is a risk factor.”

She said there was also a clear relationship between obesity and ovarian cancer in women who had never taken HRT.

“Ovarian cancer can clearly be added to the list [of cancers linked to obesity],” Prof. Valerie Beral added.

 

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