Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Newsletter
Home Blog Page 1193

Silvio Berlusconi has resigned!

Roy Siemens
-
0
Silvio Berlusconi has resigned!

Silvio Berlusconi has resigned as Italian prime minister.

President Giorgio Napolitano is likely to accept his offer and appoint Mario Monti, a technocrat, as his successor.

Silvio Berlusconi lost his majority amid an acute debt crisis that threatens the eurozone. He promised to go once MPs had approved new austerity mesasures.

Silvio Berlusconi is Italy’s longest-serving post-WWII PM – having dominated political life for 17 years. His premiership has recently been marred by many scandals.

Silvio Berlusconi has resigned as Italian prime minister
Silvio Berlusconi has resigned as Italian prime minister

Crowds gathered outside the parliament, shouting “Resign” and “Bye bye Silvio”. Later, groups outside the president’s and prime minister’s offices shouted abuse, calling Silvio Berlusconi a “buffoon”.

Silvio Berlusconi said he felt “embittered” after hearing the insults.

After losing his parliamentary majority on Tuesday, Silvio Berlusconi promised to resign after austerity measures, demanded by the EU and designed to restore markets’ confidence in the country’s economy, were passed by both houses of parliament.

Members of the lower house voted 380-26 with two abstentions on Saturday, a day after the Senate approved the measures that have now been signed into law.

After accepting Silvio Berlusconi’s resignation, Giorgio Napolitano is expected to formally ask Mario Monti or another candidate to form a government of technocrats.

Italy’s leaders are desperate to signal that they can bring the country’s finances under control and they are moving fast.

Mario Monti, a well respected economist, is exactly the sort of man that the money markets would like to see take charge at this time of crisis, but there is significant opposition to him within the country.

The austerity package foresees 59.8 billion euros in savings from a mixture of spending cuts and tax rises, with the aim of balancing the budget by 2014.

Measures include:

* An increase in VAT, from 20% to 21%

* A freeze on public-sector salaries until 2014

* The retirement age for women in the private sector will gradually rise, from 60 in 2014 until it reaches 65 in 2026, the same age as for men

* Measures to fight tax evasion will be strengthened, including a limit of 2,500 euros on cash transactions

* There will be a special tax on the energy sector

On Wednesday, the interest rate on 10-year Italian government bonds touched 7%, the rate at which Greece, Ireland and Portugal were forced to seek bailouts from the EU.

An EU team has begun work in Rome, monitoring how Italy plans to cut its crushing debt burden, 120% of annual economic output (GDP).

The Italian economy has grown at an average of 0.75% a year over the past 15 years.

Silvio Berlusconi has been prime minister three times since he first took office in 1994. He has described himself as Italy’s best head of government since the country was created nearly 150 years ago.

Silvio Berlusconi is currently involved in several trials for fraud, corruption and having sex with an under-age girl, and has attracted media attention for so-called “bunga-bunga” parties which young women were allegedly paid to attend.

[youtube 8brjBF_P2jg]

California: Jessica Nicole Bradford starved her newborn to death and hid mummified remains at a school

Diane A. Wade
-
0
California: Jessica Nicole Bradford starved her newborn to death and hid mummified remains at a school

Jessica Nicole Bradford from Whitmore, California, has been accused of deliberately starving her newborn baby to death and she was arrested after the mummified remains of her baby were found inside a school where she worked.

Jessica Nicole Bradford, 23, is alleged to have abandoned her baby in a vacant building on the campus of Julian Youth Academy, a school for troubled teens.

Her baby lived for four days before dying from lack of food and water.

According to police, Jessica Nicole Bradford kept the pregnancy secret from her family and boyfriend of the last three years.

Jessica Nicole Bradford has been accused of deliberately starving her newborn baby to death and she was arrested after the mummified remains of her baby were found inside a school where she worked
Jessica Nicole Bradford has been accused of deliberately starving her newborn baby to death and she was arrested after the mummified remains of her baby were found inside a school where she worked

Jessica Nicole Bradford told police she did not give the baby girl a name as she did not want to feel attached to it.

The mother claimed she thought her daughter was stillborn but admitted to detectives she was alive when she left her alone in an empty room at the Julian Youth Academy.

After the baby girl died Jessica Nicole Bradford hid its corpse in a laundry basket in her room, until a co-worker discovered the body and called police.

The sheriff’s office said the baby was a fully-developed, full-term infant and in a mummified state of decomposition.

“It was shocking at least just to see the baby in the condition and given the circumstances that have been reported to us. it was a shocking case and one that we have not seen in some time,” said Shasta County Sheriff’s Department Det. Brian Jackson.

Jessica Nicole Bradford worked for a programme at the private Christian school called F.A.C.E.S.S, which stands for Fighting Against Child Exploitation and Sexual Slavery.

The mother was seen as a role model to young women in the programme and had helped many girls at the school.

Her friends said they had no idea she was pregnant and said she always wore baggy clothes.

Even her boyfriend of three years had no idea she was carrying a baby.

An arrest warrant for murder revealed that Bradford said she gave birth to the baby on September 19th under a deck near her dorm room so that no one would hear.

An autopsy was performed on the baby’s body at the Shasta County Coroner’s office, but because the case is a homicide the Coroner’s office is not releasing any information.

Jessica Nicole Bradford is being held on a charge of murder on $1 million bond.

 

Wilson Ramos, the Washington Nationals’ catcher freed after he was kidnapped in Venezuela

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Wilson Ramos, the Washington Nationals’ catcher freed after he was kidnapped in Venezuela

The US Major League baseball player, Wilson Ramos, who was kidnapped by armed men, has been found alive, according to Venezuela’s government officials.

According to Information Minister Andres Izarra, security forces had located Wilson Ramos in the Montalban mountains near to where he was seized on Wednesday.

Wilson Ramos, 24, is a catcher for the Washington Nationals team.

It was reported that the families of wealthy athletes in Venezuela are periodically targeted in similar ways.

“The baseball player Ramos found alive by security forces in mountainous zone,” tweeted Andres Izarra.

The US Major League baseball player, Wilson Ramos, who was kidnapped by armed men, has been found alive
The US Major League baseball player, Wilson Ramos, who was kidnapped by armed men, has been found alive

Andres Izarra said it was “a rescue operation by air”, which was authorized earlier in the day by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Information Minister said three men were arrested, including a Colombian “linked to paramilitary groups and to kidnapping groups”.

Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami said on TV that Wilson Ramos was “safe and sound”.

Wilson Ramos’ mother celebrated, exclaiming on television: “Thanks to God!”

The woman said she had spoken to her son by telephone, saying: “He’s fine.”

There are so far no details of how Wilson Ramos was located.

The baseball player was seized at his mother’s home in Valencia, 150 km (90 miles) west of the capital Caracas, after going to Venezuela to play games during the US close season.

Sports figures have found themselves the target of violent crime in Venezuela in the past, but this is thought to be the first case targeting a baseball player in the US Major League.

Most kidnappings in Venezuela are carried out to extort a ransom, but there have been no reports of any ransom demand in this case.

The Institute for Investigations on Coexistence and Citizen Security (Incosec), a Venezuelan think tank, estimated that last year Venezuela saw 1,179 kidnappings, or about three cases every day.

The rising rate of violent crime has become a major source of public concern in Venezuela in recent years, with many accusing President Hugo Chavez’s government of not doing enough to combat the problem.

[youtube DzpkC5GGTZU]

Donald Rudolph arrested after he killed his mother, his sister and his mother’s boyfriend

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Donald Rudolph arrested after he killed his mother, his sister and his mother’s boyfriend

Donald Rudolph, a teenager from Weymouth, Massachusetts, has been charged with killing his mother, his mother’s boyfriend and his sister.

Donald Rudolph, 18, was arrested after police discovered a gruesome scene at his mother’s home.

Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said on Friday that police found the bodies after a neighbour called and said there was suspicious activity at the house just after 8:00 p.m. on Thursday.

When police arrived they allegedly saw the suspect crawling out of a basement window, WHDH-TV reports.

Donald Rudolph, a teenager from Weymouth, Massachusetts, has been charged with killing his mother, his mother's boyfriend and his sister
Donald Rudolph, a teenager from Weymouth, Massachusetts, has been charged with killing his mother, his mother's boyfriend and his sister

Chief Richard Grimes, of the Weymouth Police Department, said: “The initial discovery of the body in the house led officers to further investigate.”

Michael Morrissey said officers first saw the body of 52-year-old Frederick Medina on the first floor of the home.

They then discovered the bodies of 50-year-old Paula Rudolph and her 24-year-old daughter Caylin in a detached garage.

Michael Morrissey said all three bodies showed evidence of massive trauma, but would not release details as to how the three people died.

He said: “At this time we’re unable to comment on any kind of motive or the exact sequence of events at which we have learned today.”

Neighbour Beth Cantor, who placed flowers at the victims’ home on Friday, said: “It’s very disturbing to know that something like this can happen.

“The horrific crime is just startling.”

According to authorities, Caylin Rudolph, the killer’ sister, had twin daughters who are safe.

Donald Rudolph will be arraigned on Monday.

 

California: medical marijuana dispensaries are ordered to close from today

Diane A. Wade
-
0
California: medical marijuana dispensaries are ordered to close from today

Medical marijuana dispensaries in California have been ordered to close from Saturday, as a federal crackdown looms.

Distributors and their landlords were told in late September to shut down in 45 days or face prosecution.

Some marijuana distributors filed for a temporary restraining order earlier this month.

California legalized medical marijuana in 1996, but use of the drug remains illegal under federal law.

US attorneys have said they are targeting large dispensary operators and growers, instead of individuals. For-profit sales are in violation of California’s state law.

It was reported that some outlets appear to have been targeted because they are near schools and parks.

Federal prosecutors say they are focusing on towns and cities that have already banned marijuana shops.

California, which permitted medical marijuana in a referendum in 1996, is by far the leader in the field, with some reports suggesting it has more dispensaries than Starbucks coffee houses
California, which permitted medical marijuana in a referendum in 1996, is by far the leader in the field, with some reports suggesting it has more dispensaries than Starbucks coffee houses

Matthew Kumin, a lawyer for the pro-marijuana group NORML, told reporters earlier this week that the federal government’s marijuana policies were not consistent.

“The government’s irrational policy has reached a breaking point,” Matthew Kumin said.

“The federal government said it will not prosecute patients, and yet they want to shut off their supply. This doesn’t make sense.”

The complaint, filed in four US district courts in California, says a federal crackdown contradicts an agreement from a previous court case.

In that case, the federal government said it would not use its own power against marijuana patients who were acting within the guidelines of state law.

Medical marijuana advocates also contend threatening to close down dispensaries is a violation of the 10th amendment to the US constitution.

However, federal officials say they are well within the law.

“Unless and until ordered otherwise, we will continue to do our duty in enforcing federal narcotics laws,” the US attorney for the Eastern District of California told the New York Times in a statement.

While the NORML suit is the second such filing in California, Matthew Kumin told the Los Angeles Times that only a few so-called pot collectives and landlords wanted to publicly fight.

“Everybody’s gone underground,” Kumin said.

Medical marijuana advocates in California say the drug is a key element of palliative care for patients with a range of conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma and arthritis.

Elsewhere in the US, the District of Columbia and 15 additional states allow patients to possess marijuana with a doctor’s prescription.

But many fear the prescriptions are misused and the drug is in effect being made legally available to healthy recreational users.

[youtube woxZ1FKkDkM]

Italy: lower house of parliament voted austerity measures, as Berlusconi is preparing to resign

Roy Siemens
-
0
Italy: lower house of parliament voted austerity measures, as Berlusconi is preparing to resign

The lower house of Italy’s parliament voted in favour of austerity measures package demanded by the EU and designed to restore markets’ confidence in the country’s economy.

Silvio Berlusconi has promised to resign as prime minister after the vote is passed.

A technocrat government led by ex-EU commissioner Mario Monti seems likely.

The Senate on Friday backed the plan, which includes a rise in VAT and the pension age, a fuel price hike and also the sale of state assets.

Following that vote, shares in most European markets rose 2-3%, and the interest rate paid on Italy’s 10-year bonds dropped.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde has welcomed the “significant progress” made in tackling the political crisis in Italy and Greece, where interim Prime Minister Lucas Papademos was sworn in at the head of a new cabinet on Friday.

“What we wanted at the IMF was political stability and a clear policy in both countries. I believe significant progress has been made,” Christine Lagarde said on Saturday during a visit to Tokyo.

Silvio Berlusconi, who survived a lost his parliamentary majority in a vote on Tuesday, promised to resign after the austerity measures are passed by both houses of parliament
Silvio Berlusconi, who survived a lost his parliamentary majority in a vote on Tuesday, promised to resign after the austerity measures are passed by both houses of parliament

Silvio Berlusconi, who survived a lost his parliamentary majority in a vote on Tuesday, promised to resign after the austerity measures are passed by both houses of parliament.

On Thursday, President Giorgio Napolitano – whose role is largely ceremonial – said he wished to “dispel any doubt or misunderstanding” on when the prime minister would fulfil his promise to resign.

Giorgio Napolitano could accept Silvio Berlusconi’s resignation as early as Saturday evening.

The president could then formally ask Mario Monti or another candidate to form a government of technocrats.

Italy’s leaders are desperate to signal that they can bring the country’s finances under control and they are moving fast.

Mario Monti, a well respected economist, is exactly the sort of man that the money markets would like to see take charge at this time of crisis.

The austerity package foresees 59.8 billion euros in savings from a mixture of spending cuts and tax rises, with the aim of balancing the budget by 2014.

Measures include:

* An increase in VAT, from 20% to 21%

* A freeze on public-sector salaries until 2014

* The retirement age for women in the private sector will gradually rise, from 60 in 2014 until it reaches 65 in 2026, the same age as for men

* Measures to fight tax evasion will be strengthened, including a limit of 2,500 euros on cash transactions

* There will be a special tax on the energy sector

On Wednesday, the interest rate on 10-year Italian government bonds touched 7%, the rate at which Greece, Ireland and Portugal were forced to seek bailouts from the EU.

An EU team has begun work in Rome, monitoring how Italy plans to cut its crushing debt burden, 120% of annual economic output (GDP).

The Italian economy has grown at an average of 0.75% a year over the past 15 years.

The story of millionairess widow Christine Ince and her younger Gambian husband

Diane A. Wade
-
0
The story of millionairess widow Christine Ince and her younger Gambian husband

Millionairess widow Christine Ince was trying to find love again when she started dating younger Gambian man, Mustapha Jabbai.

Christine Ince, 59, spent a year getting to know Mustapha Jabbai, 36, before agreeing to marry him.

The woman, who is a mother of three, believed Mustapha Jabbai intentions were honourable because he had a permanent job in the UK and had never asked her about her wealth.

However, shortly after their second anniversary, Mustapha Jabbai walked out of her £850,000 five-bedroom detached home in the picturesque village of Tilbrook, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.

Hours later, Christine Ince discovered their wedding certificate and other documents Mustapha Jabbai would need to stay in the UK were missing.

Mustapha Jabbai then filed for divorce and is demanding the millionairess pay him maintenance and a one-off separation payment and set him up with a pension.

Millionairess widow Christine Ince was trying to find love again when she started dating younger Gambian man, Mustapha Jabbai
Millionairess widow Christine Ince was trying to find love again when she started dating younger Gambian man, Mustapha Jabbai

In a witness statement for the divorce hearing, Christine Ince claims the marriage was a “sham” so “he could get an indefinite leave to remain visa”.

Christine Ince goes on to accuse Mustapha Jabbai of bigamy and claims the woman he introduced to her as his sister is actually his Gambian wife Yama Jabbai.

She believes Mustapha Jabbai walked out on her just after their two-year anniversary because he had spent long enough married to her to be granted the right to stay in Britain.

“At the time, I believed he cared for me,” Christine Ince said in her statement.

“I have been made ill by Mustapha’s betrayal of my trust, by his lies and deceit. I feel violated as if I have been raped.

“It is distressing for me to have lived with someone and to find out I actually know nothing about them.

“He has used me and my commitment to him to gain entry into the UK and [obtain] the legal right to stay here.”

Christine Ince, a former management accountant, married Bill Ince in 1977 in Chertsey, Surrey.

They went on to have three children – Elizabeth, now 31, Charlotte, 29, and Robert, 25.

Bill Ince, a joint-owner of a major tyre company, collapsed at their home in 2003 and died six weeks later, at the age of 63.

Christine Ince, a former management accountant, married Bill Ince in 1977 in Chertsey, Surrey
Christine Ince, a former management accountant, married Bill Ince in 1977 in Chertsey, Surrey

Christine Ince went on to have breast cancer but has since recovered. After a tough three years, friends persuaded her to sign up to popular dating website Plenty of Fish.

The widow met Mustapha Jabbai, who was working for PC World in Reading, on the site and the pair enjoyed a series of dates.

Christine Ince said: “Mustapha was different to all the other men I had met through the dating site.

“He didn’t try to get me into bed straight away and he didn’t ask me about how much money I had, which some men did.

“He wasn’t a stunning man by any means but he seemed kind and caring. I know there are guys around who see me as a target because of my wealth.

“So I checked Mustapha out in lots of ways and with lots of questions. But he never faltered and was so plausible.”

After a year the couple travelled to the city of Brikama in Gambia where they married in front of Mustapha Jabbai’s family and friends.

But when they returned to the UK, he began to demand money from his new wife, Christine Ince claims.

She also says she travelled to the visa office in Croydon where she paid £1,000 for his permanent visa.

During their two-year marriage, Christine Ince spent £30,000 on him which he has not repaid, she alleges.

“After he walked out, I realized what had happened and I felt so foolish and gullible,” Christine Ince said.

“But now I am angry because he is trying to get money from me through the divorce courts. It feels like I am on trial even though I’m the one that has been duped.”

Mustapha Jabbai left Christine Ince’s home in March 2010, saying he was going to the dentist. He never returned.

Two months before this, Mustapha Jabbai won the right to permanently stay in the UK.

Mustapha Jabbai, who now lives in Coventry, has denied the accusations in a letter sent by his legal firm Hammon Solicitors to Christine Ince.

The most recent statistics show that in 2008, 115 Gambians were granted citizenship after marrying UK nationals.

UK Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “We are considering requiring couples to complete a five-year probation to prove their marriage is genuine before they are eligible for settlement.

“We will always seek to revoke the settlement rights of any foreign national who has used deception to obtain it.”

 

Hawaii: Mike and Nicole Abel among 5 people who died after a tour helicopter crashed on Molokai island

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Hawaii: Mike and Nicole Abel among 5 people who died after a tour helicopter crashed on Molokai island

Five people, a pilot and four tourists, died after a tour helicopter crashed into a mountain ridge on Molokai island, Hawaii.

According to authorities, the helicopter carrying the five people was on a tourist excursion of West Maui and Molokai when it went down near an elementary school Thursday.

Newlyweds Mike and Nicole Abel from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were among those killed, WTAE.com reports.

The father of Nicole Abel, formerly Nicole Bevilacqua, reportedly told Hawaii News that his daughter was killed in the crash.

Hawaii News added that her husband, Mike Abel, was also killed.

On his Facebook page, design engineer Mike Abel had just updated his status to Married to Nicole Bevilacqua.

Mike and Nicole Abel, from Westmoreland County, got married on Saturday and both worked for electronics company Westinghouse.

The couple worked at the company’s headquarters in Cranberry.

Five people, a pilot and four tourists, died after a tour helicopter crashed into a mountain ridge on Molokai island, Hawaii
Five people, a pilot and four tourists, died after a tour helicopter crashed into a mountain ridge on Molokai island, Hawaii

Westinghouse spokesman Vaughn Gilbert said:

“It’s a tragedy. Everyone within the Westinghouse community is heartbroken, and our hearts go out to their family.

“These were two very fine young people who just started their lives.”

Cranberry.patch.com reports that Nicole Abel’s father, Bruce Bevilacqua, of Murrysville, is a long-time Westinghouse executive.

Bruce Bevilacqua was named vice president of the company’s Americas region in April.

Company officials and employees learned of the newlyweds’ deaths earlier Friday.

Newlyweds Mike and Nicole Abel from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were among those killed
Newlyweds Mike and Nicole Abel from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were among those killed

Maui County spokesman Rod Antone said that firefighters recovered four bodies and the fifth was located under the wreckage.

Maui County identified the pilot as Nathan Cline, 30.

The other two tourists are a man and a woman from Ontario; their relationship is unknown.

The helicopter crash occurred about a quarter mile from Kilohana Elementary School, prompting teachers to keep the 71 students inside, Principal Richard Stevens said.

“We didn’t go on lockdown,” Richard Stevens said.

“The kids were never in any immediate danger.”

Maui police official Wayne K. Ibarra also confirmed the five deaths, the Associated Press reports.

There was no word on the cause of the crash but Wayne K. Ibarra said the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were investigating.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters owner David Chevalier said the passengers were two men and two women taking a 45-minute tour that departed from Kahului, on Maui.

He declined to release the pilot’s name because his wife had not yet been notified.

“We’re extremely grieved for our pilot as well as the passengers,” David Chevalier said.

“Something like this can’t be more devastating to us.”

The EC-130 chopper that crashed was less than a year old and was being leased from Nevada Helicopter Leasing LLC, David Chevalier said.

Molokai is a mostly rural island of about 7,000 people between Maui and Oahu, where world leaders have gathered this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Honolulu.

Helicopter tour companies advertise trips to Molokai to see the island’s sea cliffs and Hawaii’s tallest waterfall.

The remote Kalaupapa peninsula on Molokai is where Hawaii exiled leprosy patients between 1866 and 1969.

Tour helicopters have come under heavy scrutiny over their safety in recent years around the country, most recently after a deadly chopper crash in Manhattan last month.

 [youtube SHWDpJQ4OKo]

 

Sinead O’Connor closed her Twitter account after “getting to much abuse”

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Sinead O’Connor closed her Twitter account after “getting to much abuse”

Sinead O’Connor decided to quit Twitter after she said she was “getting too much abuse”.

Sinead O’Connor, 44, follows the decision of Ashton Kutcher, who despite his 8.2 million followers, closed his account after tweeting his support for ousted US college football coach Joe Paterno, embroiled in a sex abuse scandal.

The singer blamed fans for taking her controversial sex stories “too seriously”, but credited the experience as “very interesting’.

Sinead O’Connor said: “I’ve stopped Twitter now because, although it was fun for a while, I had to stop because I was getting too much abuse.”

She also told V Magazine at the 2011 Inspiration Gala for amFAR that the social networking site was becoming an “addiction”.

The singer said: “Some people just take things so seriously, and things I was being funny about they would take terribly seriously.

“Plus, it’s a bit of an addiction; you got to stop it at some point and get on with living.”

Sinead O'Connor decided to quit Twitter after she said she was "getting too much abuse"
Sinead O’Connor decided to quit Twitter after she said she was “getting too much abuse”

After splitting from third husband Steve Cooney in March, Sinead O’Connor tweeted about her search for a new love interest.

Sinead O’Connor said she was “desperate for s**”.

She wrote: “Must announce boyfriend search very much still on.

“If any1 wants a suicidal tourettes ridden fat ugly lunatic with a big fat flappy *****.”

Sinead O’Connor has since claimed that writing these articles was an interesting experience and: “I got the feeling that it was 50/50.

“Half the country was amused because it was funny, and they other half were very serious and just took it terrible seriously.

“So there was a fair bit of abuse and I thought, wait, it’s actually okay for me to be me, we can all be whoever we are.”

It also inspired her to write a new song for the record and change the title to How About I Be Me, And You Be You.

Sinead O’Connor also sparked fears in September after tweeting about her urge to commit suicide.

She later defended her outbursts, saying: “There is no shame in feeling suicidal. Nor in anyone knowing that wave passes over you sometimes.

“No one should be judged badly for however it is they choose to make their cry of help.”

 

 

UK: Tesco ends support for Cancer Research activities while sponsors gay parade

Diane A. Wade
-
0
UK: Tesco ends support for Cancer Research activities while sponsors gay parade

Tesco announced ending of its support for the Cancer Research “Race for Life” while deciding to sponsor UK’s largest gay festival, Pride London.

Tesco has triggered outrage after its decision and some religious commentators and groups have condemned its action and are calling for a boycott of the supermarket chain.

The chain has worked with Cancer Research for more than ten years, raising hundreds of millions of pounds to help combat an illness that will affect one in three of the population.

Tesco’s main contribution was support for the annual fundraising Race for Life, the Britain’s largest women-only charity event, which has raised more than £400 million ($600 million) for the fight against cancer since it began in 1994.

Shortly after Tesco announced the partnership would end, the firm said it would be a headline sponsor of Pride London.

Pride London is UK’s largest gay pride event, and will be adding a second day next year when it hosts the global WorldPride 2012 festival in July.

Tesco’s chief executive of retailing services, Andrew Higginson, said: “Our <<Out at Tesco>> team will be working closely with Pride London to ensure next year’s event is even more fun.”

Francis Phillips, a commentator at The Catholic Herald, condemned the shift, saying: “Tesco is a supermarket.

“Its remit has been to sell good-quality food and other items at very reasonable prices, and in this it has been hugely successful.

“Why has it now aligned itself with an aggressive political organization such as Pride London?

“Why has it given up its sponsorship of Cancer Research? Or at least…why hasn’t it taken up with another mainstream charity such as the British Legion or Age UK?

“There are thousands of ex-servicemen and wounded soldiers needing help in this country, and millions of elderly people in danger of neglect.

“They are a fundamental part of the fabric of our society – the kind of fabric that Tesco should be reflecting.”

Tesco announced ending of its support for the Cancer Research "Race for Life" while deciding to sponsor UK’s largest gay festival, Pride London
Tesco announced ending of its support for the Cancer Research "Race for Life" while deciding to sponsor UK’s largest gay festival, Pride Londono

David Skinner from the Anglican Mainstream organization, which supports traditional marriage and family life, has written to complain to Andrew Higginson and Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke.

David Skinner wrote: “For Tesco to sponsor a tiny homosexual minority – according to the Office for National Statistics, that amounts to little more than 1% of the population – will be showing the utmost contempt for a large proportion of British society that still adheres, more or less, to the morality and values of the Ten Commandments.”

Both Francis Phillips and David Skinner are calling on consumers to boycott Tesco.

“Let’s send Tesco a message: stick to groceries and stop dabbling in dubious fringe political movements,” said Francis Phillips.

Catholic campaign website Protect the Pope said Tesco’s decision was “a sign of how out of touch they have become from ordinary families”.

Cancer Research UK, which gave no sign of disappointment about losing Tesco’s support, is looking for a new partner for the Race for Life.

Emma Gilbert, who organizes the event, said the partnership “came to a natural end” for both parties.

“Tesco employees have taken part in events across the UK, raising over £7 million [$10 million] for our life-saving research, and we hope they will continue to take part in the events.”

Tesco said it was in talks with Cancer Research UK to support its work in other ways and would encourage staff to continue taking part in the Race for Life.

A spokesman said the decision to drop its support “is not connected to our £30,000 [$45,000] sponsorship for Pride, which is one of hundreds of community and charitable events that we will be supporting next year”.

Pride London chairman Paul Birrell said: “Whilst Pride is organized entirely by volunteers, it costs in excess of £800,000 [$1.2 million] to run each year.

“We are proud that Pride London remains a free event, but this is only possible because of companies like Tesco and their generous support.”

Paul Birell added that Tesco’s contribution would be used to run an entertainment area for families and children at next year’s festival.

[youtube KkNB71kxxQw]

Warsaw: youth riot on Poland’s Independence Day

Roy Siemens
-
0
Warsaw: youth riot on Poland’s Independence Day

At least 21 people have been hospitalized with injuries and more than 150 have been arrested during violent clashes that took place in the Polish capital Warsaw yesterday on country’s Independence Day.

Marches by far-right nationalists have been growing in size on the national holiday, with left-wing activists turning out to oppose them.

Police used water cannon and pepper spray to bring the situation under control.

They responded after right-wing marchers, many with scarves hiding their faces, began pelting them with stones, bottles and flares, national police spokesman Mariusz Sokolowski said.

The police were attempting to keep the nationalist and leftist demonstrators apart.

At least 21 people have been hospitalized with injuries and more than 150 have been arrested during violent clashes that took place in the Polish capital Warsaw
At least 21 people have been hospitalized with injuries and more than 150 have been arrested during violent clashes that took place in the Polish capital Warsaw

A police plan to keep hostile marches from one another was successful, he said, but “thugs and hooligans joined the marches to target police”.

Nine police officers were injured, including three who were hospitalized with serious injuries, according to Mr Sokolowski.

Rightist demonstrators later set fire to a television van covering the unrest.

Earlier in the day, leftist demonstrators chanting “Fascism will not pass” attacked police as they tried to stop them blocking a major Warsaw thoroughfare, down which the nationalist march was due to pass, Mariusz Sokolowski said.

For weeks, a coalition of leftists, anarchists, pro-abortionists, Greens and gay-rights activists had been publicising plans to block the Independence March being organized by nationalist youth groups All-Polish Youth and the National Radical Camp, Reuters news agency reported.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he vowed to make sure those arrested for attacking police were severely punished.

Under Polish law, an assault on a law-enforcement officer carries a maximum three-year jail sentence.

This year the marches were seen as a major test of the country’s security capabilities before the Euro 2012 football championship, which Poland will co-host with Ukraine next summer, the Associated Press reports.

The 11 November celebration marks the day in 1918 when Poland regained its independence, 123 years after it was divided between Russia, Prussia and the Austrian Empire.

Speaking at an official Independence Day ceremony earlier, President Bronislaw Komorowski had urged Poles to “celebrate this patriotic occasion together, not against one another”.

President Komorowski honoured fallen veterans by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during state ceremonies.

[youtube TLIcUNf2hvg]

Washington: several streets shut down after an AK-47 assault near White House

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Washington: several streets shut down after an AK-47 assault near White House

Washington authorities are investigating a report that gunshots were fired near the White House on Friday.

An AK-47 assault rifle was recovered and several streets were shut down.

At least one suspect was still at large, NBC Washington reported.

Secret Service spokesman Edwin Donovan said two cars were seen leaving the area.

Edwin Donovan also said witnesses heard shots and saw the cars racing on Constitution Avenue toward 17th Street.

One of the vehicles was abandoned at 23rd and Constitution.

Washington authorities are investigating a report that gunshots were fired near the White House on Friday
Washington authorities are investigating a report that gunshots were fired near the White House on Friday

Police lost sight of one vehicle but they caught up with a possibly stolen Honda sedan near the Roosevelt Bridge, NBC Washington said.

Edwin Donovan said witnesses saw the driver get out and run across the Roosevelt Bridge toward Arlington, Virginia.

Sgt. David Schlosser of the U.S. Park Police said the agency received a report of shots fired near 16th Street and Constitution Avenue, between the White House and the Washington Monument, at about 9.30pm.

David Schlosser added that the White House did not appear to have been the focus of the incident.

President Barack Obama was in San Diego, California, at the time of the incident on his way to the APEC summit in Honolulu.

 

David Laffer sentenced to five life terms after he killed 4 people in a New York pharmacy

Diane A. Wade
-
0
David Laffer sentenced to five life terms after he killed 4 people in a New York pharmacy

David Laffer, the killer of four people inside a quiet New York pharmacy during a drug robbery was sentenced Thursday to a series of life terms without parole.

Melinda Brady, his wife, who drove the getaway car, received 25 years in prison.

David Laffer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the June holdup at Haven Drugs in Medford, perhaps the most egregious case in a wave of U.S. pharmacy robberies.

David Laffer said he committed the robbery because he had lost his job, and his wife required not only painkillers but also blood pressure medicine, anti-nausea pills and muscle relaxants.

The murderer jammed a backpack full of pills after killing the four.

The victim-impact statements were so emotional that even hardened homicide officers fought back tears as they watched, but David Laffer showed no emotion.

David Laffer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the June holdup at Haven Drugs in Medford
David Laffer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the June holdup at Haven Drugs in Medford

Mary Moran, the grandmother of victim Jamie Taccetta, said: “He is a dark, hell-bound soul. He is a coward. He has no soul.”

Later, Mary Moran looked at David Laffer and said: “Burn in hell.”

Laura Bustamonte, the daughter of victim 71-year-old victim Bryon Sheffield, looked directly at David Laffer and said: “You had a gun and you didn’t care who or how many people had to die for your mission to be accomplished.”

David Laffer, having his hands cuffed behind his back, sounded sober and straightforward as he read a statement from a paper held by his lawyer.

He said: “I know that it doesn’t begin to explain or excuse my horrific actions that day.

“However, if a discussion and recognition of prescription pill abuse and doctor-shopping will be generated among the public, then maybe something beneficial can come from this.”

The killer said of the victims’ families: “To ask for forgiveness from them would be a selfish act.”

Melinda Brady had pleaded guilty to robbery charges and was sentenced Thursday to 25 years.

Prosecutors said they could not prove that Melinda Brady was aware in advance that her husband planned the killings and, thus, could not charge her with murder.

Melinda Brady, who cried throughout the proceeding, said: “I am so sorry for the loss of your loved ones. That awful day will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

Melinda Brady had pleaded guilty to robbery charges and was sentenced Thursday to 25 years
Melinda Brady had pleaded guilty to robbery charges and was sentenced Thursday to 25 years

Judge James Hudson responded: “You’re more sorry for yourself than for the victims.”

Daniel Taccetta, one of the victim’s brother, said Melinda Brady was getting away with murder. “She is just as guilty as he is,” he said.

“You are both cowards for what you did to my family,” said Tricia Taccetta, Jamie Taccetta’s mother.

Judge James Hudson later told David Laffer: “I promised you when you pled guilty that you could not hope for mercy and I will not disappoint you. You merit only the scorn of this community, your victim’s families and this court.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota called the killings among the most gruesome in the history of the county, which in 1974 was the scene of the “Amityville Horror” slayings in which a man killed six members of his own family.

Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney James Chalifoux said Thursday: “We as a society look at it and see that it could have been anybody. It could have been me. It could have been my children, or it could have been me or my wife.”

David Laffer, a 33-year-old Army veteran, walked into Haven Drugs shortly after 10:00 a.m. on June 19 and opened fire without announcing a robbery, killing 45-year-old pharmacist Raymond Ferguson, who was filling in for a colleague celebrating Father’s Day.

The killer then shot 17-year-old clerk Jennifer Mejia, who was due to graduate high school days later.

David Laffer then fatally shot two customers who unwittingly walked in on the carnage, authorities said.

One was Bryon Sheffield, a 71-year-old retiree picking up medication for his ailing wife; the couple was planning their 50th wedding anniversary in July.

The other, Jamie Taccetta, was a 33-year-old mother of two who was planning her wedding.

David Laffer walked into Haven Drugs shortly after 10:00 a.m. on June 19 and opened fire without announcing a robbery, killing four people
David Laffer walked into Haven Drugs shortly after 10:00 a.m. on June 19 and opened fire without announcing a robbery, killing four people

Store surveillance video showed David Laffer disguised in a scruffy beard augmented by mascara, firing at the victims.

The first shot came from a .45-caliber handgun hidden in David Laffer’s backpack. The bullet struck pharmacist Raymond Ferguson, behind the counter. He then found Jennifer Mejia, and shot her.

As he began filling a backpack with pills, Bryon Sheffield and Jamie Taccetta walked into the store and he sneaked up behind them and fired shots into their heads. He then fled with thousands of pills.

David Laffer has since said in a jailhouse interview that the first shot went off accidentally and when he realized what happened, he killed the others.

Prosecutors say David Laffer and his wife staked out several pharmacies before settling on Haven Drugs, a tiny family-owned business on an out-of-the-way suburban street.

Investigators said they found parts of the disassembled weapon used in the holdup, as well as at least 2,000 hydrocodone-type pills in the couple’s home, which is not far from the pharmacy.

Other evidence, including the backpack and empty medicine bottles, were believed tossed out in trash bins behind businesses in the area.

A shirt David Laffer was seen wearing was found buried in his yard.

David Laffer was sentenced to five consecutive life terms. The five first-degree counts reflect the deaths of the four victims in the pharmacy, plus an umbrella charge for multiple murders.

In addition, Judge James Hudson said he would push that David Laffer serve his sentence in solitary confinement, with no privileges.

David Laffer has said he expects he will be killed in prison.

“I’m not even under any illusions that I’d make it 15 years,” David Laffer told Newsday in a September interview.

 

Mexico: 10-year-old girl gave birth to a baby boy

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Mexico: 10-year-old girl gave birth to a baby boy

A ten-year-old girl from Mexico gave birth to a baby boy, according to reports.

The girl arrived at a hospital in the city of Puebla, suffering from life-threatening complications in her 31-week pregnancy, including seizures.

The 10-year-old girl gave birth by Caesarean section to a boy weighing 3.3 lb (1,500 g) at the Women’s Hospital in the city, 60 miles south-east of Mexico City.

A ten-year-old girl from Mexico gave birth to a baby boy
A ten-year-old girl from Mexico gave birth to a baby boy

The premature baby is now said to be in intensive care following a bout of pneumonia, but officials said his young mother visits her son every day to breastfeed, according to the New York Daily News.

The newspaper said the hospital revealed the baby boy is in a good condition considering his premature birth and the mother is recovering well after first coming to the centre on October 22.

However, hospital director Rogelio Gonzalez told UpFrontNewswire that the birth had been reported to the state’s Attorney General’s Office, which is investigating whether the girl could have been raped and who the father is.

Mexican state laws prevent young mothers having abortions unless they can prove they were the victim of sexual assault.

The legal age of consent is 12 and women who have abortions in Puebla face a fine or prison sentence if they are unable to prove they were sexually abused. However, the laws are currently under review.

The shocking case is not the first of a young girl giving birth in Mexico.

In August 2010, an 11-year-old known only as Amalia had a child two weeks prematurely after being raped repeatedly by her stepfather when she was 10 years old.

When the girl’s mother discovered her daughter was pregnant, she had a nervous breakdown and demanded to know how it happened, said local aid workers.

Amalia told her mother she had been raped by her stepfather and the attack was immediately reported to the police.

The city of Cancun had passed a law banning most elective abortions, but women’s rights groups claimed the girl wasn’t told by doctors that the new legislation allowed for rape victims to have abortions.

And in 1999, a 13-year-old rape victim in the state of Baja California became a cause celebre after medical authorities refused to give her the abortion she was entitled to by law. She later gave birth to the child.

The girl, Paulina Ramirez, brought her case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in 2002, drawing international attention and sparking a high-profile campaign seeking reparations from the Mexican government.

The Mexican government later agreed to pay her more than $30,000.

 

800 Powelliphanta giant snails frozen to death by mistake in New Zealand

James J. Williams
-
0
800 Powelliphanta giant snails frozen to death by mistake in New Zealand

800 endangered Powelliphanta giant land snails, were accidentally frozen to death by conservationists in New Zealand.

The giant land snails from a rare species, rescued from an area earmarked for coal mining, were kept in a temperature-controlled room run by the Department of Conservation (DoC).

However, a faulty gauge sent temperatures plunging below freezing.

The conservationists have blamed a technical glitch after the 800 Powelliphanta snails were frozen to death.

Staff at the DoC’s West Coast Conservancy in Hokitika are said to have been “very upset”.

800 endangered Powelliphanta giant land snails, were accidentally frozen to death by conservationists in New Zealand
800 endangered Powelliphanta giant land snails, were accidentally frozen to death by conservationists in New Zealand

The Powelliphanta giant land snails were among 6,000 taken from the Stockton Plateau on South Island several years ago to make way for coal mining, New Zealand media reported.

About 4,000 of those have been relocated to new habitats.

John Lyall, the conservancy’s technical support manager, said a temperature probe in one of three containers had failed, making the room colder than the snails could stand.

He also said the incident had been “very upsetting” for staff, who were committed to the care of the snails.

“We organized to have the probe replaced as soon as we noticed the problem,” John Lyall told local media.

“And we’ve instituted a more regular set of monitoring checks and are currently organizing to install an alert system.”

John Lyall said 360 eggs had been hatched in the past year and they were confident the breeding programme would recover.

Some environmentalists said the accident demonstrated what happened when development was allowed to displace wildlife from its natural habitat.

“First, their natural home was destroyed for a coalmine on Stockton Plateau, and now they’ve died in captivity,” said Nicola Vallance of New Zealand’s Forest and Bird organization.

“This tragedy was entirely avoidable.

“Keeping our wildlife in fridges is obviously not how New Zealanders would like to care for native animals found nowhere else in the world.

“It’s a sad fact that this has been the best option for them because moving them back to the wild in other parts of the West Coast has not worked,” Nicola Vallance added.

Yemen: at least 11 people killed in Taiz during anti-government protests

Roy Siemens
-
0
Yemen: at least 11 people killed in Taiz during anti-government protests

At least 11 people, including two children and three women, are reported to have been killed in the Yemeni city of Taiz, during a clash between government forces and opposition supporters.

According to medical officials, dozens of others were wounded, including civilians, during clashes.

The upsurge in fighting coincides with the visit to Yemen of a United Nations envoy, Jamal Benomar, who is pressing for a transition of power to end months of conflict.

At least 11 people, including two children and three women, are reported to have been killed in the Yemeni city of Taiz, during a clash between government forces and opposition supporters
At least 11 people, including two children and three women, are reported to have been killed in the Yemeni city of Taiz, during a clash between government forces and opposition supporters

Protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 33-year rule began in January.

Taiz, Yemen’s second biggest city, is about 200km (120 miles) south of the capital, Sanaa. It has been a hotbed of anti-Saleh protests in recent weeks.

Residents of Taiz say the latest fighting began during protests on Thursday, when one person was killed and several others were injured.

The security forces then began shelling two residential neighbourhoods during the night.

The two districts, Zaid al-Moshki and al-Rawda, along with Freedom Square, have been at the forefront of anti-government demonstrations in Taiz.

Reports say three women and two children, including a nine-year-old boy, were among the 11 killed on Friday.

In Sanaa, Yemeni capital, tens of thousands of anti-Saleh protesters attended prayers on a main road. Some demanded the president be tried for what they called his crimes against the Yemeni people.

Separate prayers were held by thousands of Ali Abdullah Saleh supporters in the capital. There were no reports of violence in Sanaa.

Taiz, Yemen's second biggest city, is about 200km (120 miles) south of the capital, Sanaa
Taiz, Yemen's second biggest city, is about 200km (120 miles) south of the capital, Sanaa

Jamal Benomar, the UN envoy, arrived in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Thursday and has been meeting government and opposition figures to press for an end to the violence.

A UN spokesman said Jamal Benomar was there to seek “an inclusive transition process that meets the needs and aspirations of all Yemenis”.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh has accepted a peace plan put forward by Gulf Arab countries, under which he will step down in return for immunity from prosecution.

However, Ali Abdullah Saleh has repeatedly failed to implement the agreement or follow through on his promise to leave office.

Meanwhile, clashes have escalated between his supporters and anti-Saleh factions, which include Yemeni tribal groups and army defectors.

The UN Security Council has called on Ali Abdullah Saleh end the violence against protesters and step down immediately.

[youtube g0cbwnfLqoc]

BMJ: eating plenty of whole grains could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
BMJ: eating plenty of whole grains could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer

Eating plenty of cereals and whole grains could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, a study published in British Medical Journal says.

Scientists from Imperial College London found that for every 10 g a day increase in fibre intake, there was a 10% drop in the risk of bowel cancer.

Researchers’ analysis of 25 previous studies found that fruit and vegetable fibre did not reduce risk.

A cancer charity called for more detailed research on the quantity and type of fibre to eat.

Eating fibre and whole grains is known to help protect against cardiovascular disease, but experts say that any link with colorectal cancer is less clear because studies have not had consistent results.

Reviewing the results of all previous observational studies in this area, researchers in London, Leeds and the Netherlands analysed data provided by almost 2 million people.

Eating plenty of cereals and whole grains could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, a study published in British Medical Journal says
Eating plenty of cereals and whole grains could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, a study published in British Medical Journal says

Researchers’ conclusion, published in the BMJ, is that increasing fibre intake, particularly cereal fibre and whole grains, helps prevent colorectal cancer.

Whole grains include foods such as whole grain breads, brown rice, cereals, oatmeal and porridge.

Dagfinn Aune, lead study author and research associate in the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at Imperial College London, said their analysis found a linear association between dietary fibre and colorectal cancer.

“The more of this fibre you eat the better it is. Even moderate amounts have some effect.”

Adding 3 servings (90 g per day) of whole grains to diets was linked to a 20% reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer, researchers said.

Cancer Research UK data shows that the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the UK is estimated to be one in 14 (6.9%) for men, and one in 19 for women (5.4%).

However, the study said there was no evidence that fibre in fruit and vegetables played a part in reducing risk.

A previous study which showed a reduction in risk with high intake of fruit and vegetables suggests that compounds other than fibre in fruit and vegetables could account for this result, said the authors.

The researchers also said that the health benefits of increasing fibre and whole grains intake was not restricted to colorectal cancer.

“It is also likely to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity, and possibly overall mortality,” they said.

Mark Flannagan, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, said the research supported the charity’s current advice.

“These results support what we already know about the link between dietary fibre and a reduced risk of bowel cancer, although more work is needed to clarify the quantity and types of fibre we should be eating to reduce risk.

“We recommend that people eat a healthy balanced diet that includes plenty of dietary fibre, such as grains, cereals, fruit and vegetables to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.

“It is encouraging to know that simple changes to your diet and lifestyle could help protect you from the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.”

Yinka Ebo, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said the review added weight to the evidence that fibre protects against bowel cancer.

“It shows that certain sources of fibre, such as cereal and whole grains, are particularly important.

“Eating plenty of fibre is just one of many things you can do to lower your risk of developing the disease, along with keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, cutting down on alcohol, red and processed meat, and not smoking.”

In an accompanying editorial in the BMJ, Professor Anne Tjonneland from the Danish Cancer Society, said whole grain products should be made more appealing to shoppers.

“To increase the intake of these foods in Western countries, the health benefits must be actively communicated and the accessibility of whole grain products greatly improved, preferably with a simple labelling system that helps consumers to choose products with high whole grain contents.”

Cancer of the large bowel, also known as colorectal cancer, is a common form of cancer in developed countries – but occurs much less frequently in the developing world.

WHAT ARE WHOLE GRAINS?

* Whole grain breads

* Whole grain rye breads

* Whole grain cereals

* High fibre cereals

* Brown rice

* Oatmeal

* Porridge

Real Mighty Mouse, rodent with double the normal muscle strength, created by Swiss scientists

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
Real Mighty Mouse, rodent with double the normal muscle strength, created by Swiss scientists

Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale in Lausanne have been created a real “mighty mouse” with double the normal muscle strength while looking for ways to treat age-related diseases.

According to some tests, the mouse has not only bigger muscles but, could run for twice as long on the treadmill.

Swiss researchers created the “super strong marathon mice” by tweaking a gene and found without it the rodents’ muscles bulked up and they had more energy.

If the effects the scientists found could be replicated in humans, they believe it could lead to therapies against muscle-wasting in the elderly which can lead to falls and broken bones, as well as incurable diseases such as muscular dystrophy.

However, there are also ethical concerns that such therapies could be used to give athletes an unfair advantage.

Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale in Lausanne have been created a real "mighty mouse" with double the normal muscle strength while looking for ways to treat age-related diseases
Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale in Lausanne have been created a real "mighty mouse" with double the normal muscle strength while looking for ways to treat age-related diseases

Swiss scientists found that a tiny inhibitor – called NCoR1 – may be responsible for how strong and powerful our muscles are.

They would then work on developing a drug which could produce a similar effect.

By genetically modifying mice to stop it working, the scientists suppressed the enzyme which normally stops muscle from building up.

Taking it out did not appear to have any adverse effects, according to their study published today in the journal Cell.

The “marathon mice” were able to run faster, longer and cover twice as much distance as unmodified mice and were also better at putting up with cold conditions.

By looking at the muscles under the microscope, researchers found they were denser and their tissue contained higher numbers of mitochondria – the “batteries” that power cells.

Similar results were found when the same experiment was repeated on worms. The researchers believe the modification could potentially be applied to humans.

Study author Professor Johan Auwerx said: “This could be used to combat muscle weakness in the elderly, which leads to falls and contributes to hospitalizations.

“In addition, we think that this could be used as a basis for developing a treatment for genetic muscular dystrophy. If these results are confirmed in humans, there’s no question it will attract interest from athletes as well as medical experts.

“It will be important for anti-doping authorities to monitor that these treatments are not used.”

 

Demi Moore turns 49 today, as Ashton Kutcher has found himself embroiled in another scandal

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Demi Moore turns 49 today, as Ashton Kutcher has found himself embroiled in another scandal

Demi Moore was seen clutching an energy drink as she stepped out in Beverly Hills one day before her birthday, while Ashton Kutcher has found himself embroiled in another scandal.

Demi Moore, who turns 49 today, had covered her thin frame in a zigzag print knit cardigan and a pair of brown trousers which hung loosely around her slim legs.

Demi Moore was seen clutching an energy drink as she stepped out in Beverly Hills one day before her birthday, while Ashton Kutcher has found himself embroiled in another scandal
Demi Moore was seen clutching an energy drink as she stepped out in Beverly Hills one day before her birthday, while Ashton Kutcher has found himself embroiled in another scandal

It’s no surprise Demi Moore looked under strain after Ashton Kutcher stepped into the middle of a media storm following an ill-advised late night tweet.

Ashton Kutcher, 33, tweeted a remark regarding football team coach Joe Paterno, who has been embroiled in a child sexual abuse scandal.

And following the storm of protest surrounding his apparent support of the controversial football coach Ashton Kutcher handed over the control of his account to his management team.

Scores of Twitter users blasted Ashton Kutcher for his unguarded remarks.

On a long explanatory post on his blog, Ashton Kutcher wrote: “Up until today I have posted virtually every one of my tweets on my own, but clearly the platform has become too big to be managed by a single individual.

“While I will continue to express myself through @Aplusk I’m going to turn the management of the feed over to my team at Katalyst Media to ensure the quality of it’s content.”

Ashton Kutcher stepped into the middle of a media storm following an ill-advised late night tweet
Ashton Kutcher stepped into the middle of a media storm following an ill-advised late night tweet

The Two And A Half Men star went on to explain that he did not have the full facts before posting the tweet about the acking of Pennsylvania State University coach Joe Paterno.

At about 12:30 a.m. yesterday morning, Ashton Kutcher wrote on his official account: “How do you fire Jo Pa? #insult #noclass as a hawkeye [the University of Iowa football team] fan I find it in poor taste.”

Within minutes the term Jo Pa, a misspelt nickname of the legendary football coach, was trending on the social networking site as thousands of users ripped into Ashton Kutcher.

Ashton Kutcher comment came after the news that Joe Paterno, Penn State head coach for 46 years, had been fired for allegedly covering up sexual abuse by the school’s former football defence coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

As she turns 49 today, Demi Moore posted a picture of herself on Twitter last night just a few hours before midnight
As she turns 49 today, Demi Moore posted a picture of herself on Twitter last night just a few hours before midnight

The actor’s timing of his remarks brought him back in the public spotlight for the wrong reasons and comes in the wake of a sex scandal after he was accused of cheating on Demi Moore over the weekend of their wedding anniversary.

Sara Leal, 22, claimed she had bedded the actor after spending a night partying in his hot tub in San Diego with her friends.

Demi Moore has decided to stand by her husband amid the allegations though the strain of recent weeks has clearly taken its toll on her.

Commentators have noted that Demi Moore has lost considerable weight and has appears to have aged considerably following the claims.

 

Billy Crystal is 2012 Oscar ceremony’s host

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Billy Crystal is 2012 Oscar ceremony’s host

Oscar icon, Billy Crystal is replacing Eddie Murphy as 2012 Academy Awards host.

Billy Crystal, 63, just announced via Twitter that he will be taking the helm at Oscar’s ceremony, just 24 hours after after Eddie Murphy dropped out of hosting duties.

“Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions,” Billy Crystal tweeted yesterday.

“Looking forward to the show.”

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Tom Sherak said in a statement:

“I’m thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar stage.

“He’s a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs.”

Oscar icon, Billy Crystal is replacing Eddie Murphy as 2012 Academy Awards host
Oscar icon, Billy Crystal is replacing Eddie Murphy as 2012 Academy Awards host

Billy Crystal last hosted the show back in 2004 and received a standing ovation after appearing for a brief segment in 2011 ceremony which was hosted by Anne Hathaway and James Franco.

The news comes after Brett Ratner, who was due to produce 2012 awards, withdrew as the show’s producer, after apologizing for a gay slur he used during a screening of his latest film.

Brett Ratner’s friend and Tower Heist star Eddie Murphy then resigned from his role of host.

They were set to work together on the February 26 TV broadcast of the Oscars after working together on the action movie.

Billy Crystal, 63, just announced via Twitter that he will be taking the helm at Oscar's ceremony, just 24 hours after after Eddie Murphy dropped out of hosting duties
Billy Crystal, 63, just announced via Twitter that he will be taking the helm at Oscar's ceremony, just 24 hours after after Eddie Murphy dropped out of hosting duties

Renowned film producer Brian Glazer has been drafted in as a replacement for Brett Ratner to produce the awards ceremony.

Of Billy Crystal’s return, Brian Grazer said yesterday: “Like so many others, I’ve been eager to see Billy host again. It’s very gratifying that he agreed to do it with Don and me at the helm.”

Tom Sherak, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, had told TheWrap on Wednesday that he was leaving the choice of Oscar host down to the producer.

“You hire the producers, they figure out what they want the show to be. Then they pick who they want to be hosts,” he said.

Tom Sherak also hinted that he believed Billy Crystal was still in the running and is not too old to present the show.

“No. Bob Hope did the Oscars in his sixties,” Tom Sherak said.

 

Houston: girl died after her mother backed over her on the driveway and the ambulance didn’t come

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Houston: girl died after her mother backed over her on the driveway and the ambulance didn’t come

Rebecca Woodruff, a four-year-old girl from Houston, Texas, died after her mother backed over her on their home’s driveway.

The mother, Olinda Woodruff, made the tragic discovery on – her daughter Rebecca, four, lying in the driveway after she had been hit.

Olinda Woodruff quickly called 911 and pleaded for an ambulance – but a fire truck came instead.

While an ambulance did arrive later, it was too late. Rebecca Woodruff was dead.

What makes the tragedy made even more heartbreaking is the possibility Rebecca Woodruff’s life may have been saved had the proper response arrived in time.

Rebecca Woodruff, a four-year-old girl from Houston, Texas, died after her mother backed over her on their home's driveway
Rebecca Woodruff, a four-year-old girl from Houston, Texas, died after her mother backed over her on their home's driveway

In a statement to the Houston Chronicle, Olinda Woodruff said she believed “too much precious time was lost” to save her daughter.

Olinda Woodruff added: “My wish is that the system is changed in time to save the next child who needs it.”

The fire engine was sent in accordance with a new protocol enacted in August to limit the number of ambulances sent when not needed.

While all firefighters have EMT training, fire trucks are not equipped with the same life-saving equipment or the ability to transport a victim to the hospital.

The girl’s father, John Woodruff, told Click2Houston.com: “In a situation as traumatic as this, it seems like the ambulance should have come right away.”

Houston fire Chief Terry Garrison told the Houston Chronicle that an internal probe would determine whether dispatchers acted appropriately.

Ten days after Rebecca Woodruff’s death on October 21, the department instituted a “makeover” of the policy, allowing first responders to “upgrade” the call while en route based on new information about the emergency.

City Council member Mike Sullivan, an opponent of the policy, said the change was a step in the right direction.

Mike Sullivan told the Houston Chronicle: “That’s an improvement because prior to October 31, the firefighter could not do that.

“He had to literally arrive on the scene, make an assessment, and then call for an ambulance.”

 

Ohio: teenager who raped a 5-year-old girl in a McDonald’s Playland was arrested

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Ohio: teenager who raped a 5-year-old girl in a McDonald’s Playland was arrested

The teenager who police claim raped a girl of five in a McDonald’s Playland in Anderson Township, Ohio, has been brought to the police station after his parents saw the CCTV pictures.

The young boy, who is just 13, is said to have touched the little girl before making her touch him in an inappropriate way.

The teenager then walked out of the McDonald’s as the victim burst into tears and went to her grandmother who was waiting nearby “with the look on her face as if something was wrong”.

According to the police report, the boy had climbed into the play area specifically to molest her.

The teenager who police claim raped a girl of five in a McDonald's Playland in Anderson Township, Ohio, has been brought to the police station after his parents saw the CCTV pictures
The teenager who police claim raped a girl of five in a McDonald's Playland in Anderson Township, Ohio, has been brought to the police station after his parents saw the CCTV pictures

The sheriff’s office said the teen has been charged with one count of rape and is being held at the local Juvenile Detention Center to await further proceedings.

The incident happened at a McDonald’s in Anderson Township on October 29th but police only just released the details this week.

The girl was inside the indoor play area on her own around 9:00 p.m. when she was approached. The boy left moments before she reported the assault.

The woman who called 911 told police: “There was an incident in the play area with an older child and a younger child which may have involved some sexual contact.”

Police revealed that their suspect was wearing a University of Cincinnati jacket, is between 5 feet and 5’6″ and 120 to 130 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Hours later his parents brought the teenager in where he admitted to the crime, according to the police spokesman.

The boy was captured on CCTV inside the McDonald’s as he entered and left.

Parents of other children reacted with horror and said it was “obscene” what had happened.

McDonald’s customer Margo Mather said: “I don’t want my kids going over there just playing by themselves.”

Heather Kenyon, another customer, added: “It’s frightening. It have kids and I take them there all the time.

“I’ve never had a problem, ever. Usually there’s parents and supervised kids and its really a great place for when its winter time and you’ve got to let your kids run off all their energy.

“Its scary…my son’s six so it could easily have been him.”

Xavier Sullivan, 17, said: “It’s just crazy somebody would do that, especially here. I don’t understand why you would ever make somebody do that.”

Jason Pickard, who owns the McDonald’s franchise, was working with police to find out what happened.

Jason Pickard said in a statement: “The safety and well-being of my customers, especially children, is extremely important.

“I’m taking this matter very seriously and fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation.”

 

China: Skywalk at 4,700 ft above sea level on Tianmen Mountain

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
China: Skywalk at 4,700 ft above sea level on Tianmen Mountain

Tourists looking to test their nerves can choose to go to China to walk across a dazzling glass bridge suspended from a cliff face.

The oriental Skywalk is situated 4,700 ft above sea level on the side of the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China.

In order to keep the glass path clean, tourists are asked to put on shoe covers before passing.

The oriental Skywalk is situated 4,700 ft above sea level on the side of the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China
The oriental Skywalk is situated 4,700 ft above sea level on the side of the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China

 

The 200 ft long bridge joins the west cliff at the Yunmeng Fairy Summit, the summit of Tianmen Mountain and Zhang Jiajie.

The pathway, built earlier in the summer echoes the glass-bottomed walkway at the Grand Canyon in the U.S.

Grand Canyon walkway is a 70 ft bridge is 4,000 ft above the natural wonder and allows tourists to look through 2.5 in of crystal-clear glass to the Canyon floor below.

The Tianmen mountain, literally translated as Heavenly Gate Mountain is so called because of a huge natural cave that occurs halfway up to the summit.

Situated in the Hunan Province, Its highest peak is around 5,000 ft above sea level and it is home to a wealth of rare species of plants.

The 200 ft long bridge joins the west cliff at the Yunmeng Fairy Summit, the summit of Tianmen Mountain and Zhang Jiajie
The 200 ft long bridge joins the west cliff at the Yunmeng Fairy Summit, the summit of Tianmen Mountain and Zhang Jiajie

 

A 4-mile-long cable car was constructed in the park, which is said to be the longest of the same type in the world.

The futuristic glass walkway is a marked upgrade from another sky high mountain walkway located in the same province.

The Shifou Mountain located 82 miles away in Hunan Province offers sightseers a 3 ft-wide road made of wooden planks thousands of feet high.

When finished the “road”- which is the width of a dinner table – will stretch for 1.8 miles making it China’s longest sightseeing path.

 

Thanksgiving dinner cost rose 13% in 2011

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Thanksgiving dinner cost rose 13% in 2011

Thanksgiving dinner and all the fixing cost rose 13% in 2011, the biggest jump since 1990.

Thanksgiving dinner now costs, on average, $49.20 to feed 10 people, up $5.73 from last year, according to an informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The biggest increase came from the cost of turkey, which is about 22% more expensive than it was last year.

A 16-pound turkey now costs an average of $21.60, compared with $17.70 in 2010.

The price per person for Thanksgiving dinner is about $4.93.

The American Farm Bureau Federation chalks up the price rise to stronger demand for poultry, not only in the U.S. but around the world.

Additionally, grocery stores are no longer willing to keep prices even in the face of rising costs.

Thanksgiving dinner now costs, on average, $49.20 to feed 10 people, up $5.73 from last year, according to an informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation
Thanksgiving dinner now costs, on average, $49.20 to feed 10 people, up $5.73 from last year, according to an informal survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Retailers are being more aggressive about passing on higher costs for shipping, processing and storing food to consumers,” said farm bureau senior economist John Anderson.

The menu includes enough turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk to feed 10 people – with leftovers.

The prices were compiled by volunteer shoppers who bought the ingredients in 35 states.

American Farm Bureau said their cost estimates were made without buying anything on sale, and savvy shoppers should be able to bring down the price in most areas.

Despite the big increase, American Farm Bureau insists that Thanksgiving dinner prices remain relatively stable, when adjusted for inflation.

“Although we’ll pay a bit more this year, on a per-person basis, our traditional Thanksgiving feast remains a better value than most fast-food value meals,” John Anderson said.

Still, the 13% price jump is the second-highest since the farm bureau began doing the Thanksgiving survey in 1986.

The biggest increase came in 1990, when the price of a meal jumped nearly 17% from 1989.

 

Thanksgiving dinner 2011 costs:

 

Item 2011 Price Difference

16-pound turkey $21.57 +$3.91

1 gallon milk $3.66 +$0.42

Pumpkin pie mix $3.03 +$0.41

Whipping cream $1.96 +$0.26

Cubed stuffing $2.88 +$0.24

Green peas $1.68 +$0.24

Dozen rolls $2.30 +$0.18

Sweet potatoes $3.26 +$0.07

Fresh cranberries $2.48 +$0.07

Pie shells $2.52 +$0.06

Misc. ingredients $3.10 -$0.12

Relish tray $0.76 -$0.01

TOTAL $49.20 +$5.73

 

The cost of Thanksgiving dinner has risen consistently since the American Farm Bureau Association began its survey:

 

1987 – $24.51 – 14.7%

1989 – $24.70 – 7.2%

1991 – $25.95 – 10.1%

1993 – $27.49 – 4.2%

1995 – $29.64 – 4.4%

1997 – $31.75 – 0.3%

1999 – $33.83 – 2.2%

2001 – $35.04 – 8.3%

2003 – $36.28 – 5.0%

2005 – $36.78 – 3.1%

2007 – $42.26 – 10.9%

2009 – $42.91 – 3.8%

2011 – $49.20 – 13.2%

 

Walmart Black Friday 2011 starts earlier than ever

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Walmart Black Friday 2011 starts earlier than ever

Walmart Black Friday 2011 ad is whipping up Black Friday furor earlier than ever.

Walmart is getting an early start to Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. The discount retail giant released its Black Friday ad Thursday, announcing that this year the store’s doors will open at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night for discounts on home items, clothing, and toys. Electronics will go on sale two hours later, at midnight.

Among the items you can grab at 10 p.m. after your feast: a $67 ping pong table, a slew of DVDs for $1.96 apiece, and a 4-quart Crock-Pot for under $10 (regular price is closer to $25).

Perhaps as surprising as the deals is the timing of the ad for Walmart Black Friday 2011. Last year, Walmart didn’t announce its Black Friday deals until November 22, meaning this year’s revelations are coming a full 12 days earlier than before. But the early Walmart announcement is just the latest in a trend of stores getting an earlier and earlier start to the Black Friday rush: For the first time, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic are opening their stores at midnight on Black Friday, joining Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Target, which have done it before.

Walmart Black Friday 2011 starts earlier than ever
Walmart Black Friday 2011 starts earlier than ever

“Thanksgiving night openings are much more common now,” says Dan de Grandpre, CEO of dealnews.com, a website that tracks sales at large retailers across the country.

“Deals are going to be much better at that time. But you have to get up earlier and earlier, or those stores will be picked over.”

The hubbub over the early Walmart announcement comes in the wake of projections for a fairly average holiday shopping season. Erik Johnson, an economist with IHS Global Insight, is predicting a 4.2% growth in overall holiday sales over last year.

“To put this in perspective, 2010 holiday sales were up 5.2% and 2009 sales were down 0.4%,” Erik Johnson says in e-mail.

Some are predicting more shoppers, however. According to Business News Daily, a recent consumer survey from the digital technology advertising company Social Vibe is projecting a 52% increase in the number of Black Friday shoppers from last year. That means longer lines and much bigger crowds, which may be part of the impetus for retailers to extend their hours.

However, Dan de Grandpre insists that bigger crowds don’t necessarily mean more buying.

“There will be a lot of window shopping,” he said.

“Participation in Black Friday will go up, but there will be more of a shift from in-store shopping into online shopping. The growth of online shopping has been many times higher than in-store shopping.”

Erik Johnson agrees: “E-commerce as a percentage of overall retail sales hit an all-time high in the second quarter of 2011, at 4.6%.”

Online retailers, too, are getting in on the Black Friday earlier than ever: Amazon.com has already launched a “Countdown to Black Friday” section of its site, with early discounts on a wide array of products including cameras, TVs, DVDs, and toys.

According to Dan de Grandpre, however, the pre-sales usually can’t hold a candle to the real thing.

“Stores use terms like Black Friday and Cyber Monday to draw in shoppers, but that doesn’t always mean good deals,” he says.

“I’d be skeptical of discounts that sound modest, or that have a range.”

Dan de Grandpre uses terms like “up to 30 percent off” as an example.

“Just because a store has a big sale doesn’t mean the specific items are all that cheap. Macy’s has a 20% off sale basically every Friday. It’s better to look at specific items for big discounts.”

Still, if you wanted to get a jump on the holiday rush this Veteran’s Day weekend, for instance, there are certain benefits.

“It’s a contrast of convenience and savings” versus the Black Friday rush, Dan de Grandpre says.

“Black Friday is not a fun day to shop. The sales reps are always frazzled, and people are aggressive. Of course, online sales sort of take away those convenience concerns, and a lot of online sales these days are identical to what’s in the store.”

And there are some decent deals to be found over the coming weekend. Home improvement retailer Lowe’s is offering deep discounts on major home appliances ($1,100 off a Wirlpool washer/dryer pair, for example), and competitor Home Depot is releasing its actual Black Friday prices this week.

You can also find bargains on clothing, at retailers like Kohl’s and JC Penney, which is offering a wide variety of discounts this weekend, most notably 50-60% discounts on diamond jewelry.

“Given the hassle, it’s not really worth getting up at 3 a.m. on Black Friday for a sweater,” Dan de Grandpre says.

“You want to go for a big ticket item, like a TV or a laptop.”

 

1...1,1921,1931,194...1,226Page 1,193 of 1,226