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Greece Parliament Backs Bailout Referendum

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Parliament Backs Bailout Referendum

The Greek lawmakers have backed plans for a referendum on international creditors’ terms for a new bailout.

The July 5 referendum was called by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who opposes further budget cuts. He urged voters to deliver a “resounding <<No>>” to the package.

Eurozone partners have criticized Greece’s referendum announcement, and rejected its request to extend the bailout program beyond June 30.

Greece could default on a €1.6 billion repayment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due on that day.Greece parliament backs bailout referendum

There are fears the country may leave the euro and that its economy may collapse without new bailout funds.

Alexis Tsipras’ motion on a referendum easily won backing in the 300-member strong parliament, with at least 179 lawmakers voting in favor of it in the early hours of Sunday, June 28.

Speaking just before the vote, Alexis Tsipras described the creditors’ proposal as “an insulting ultimatum” and said an emphatic “No” vote on July 5 would strengthen Greece’s negotiating position.

His government had earlier rejected the creditors’ offer of a five-month extension to Greece’s bailout program in exchange for reforms.

On June 28, eurozone finance ministers rejected the Greek proposal for the bailout extension beyond Tuesday’s deadline. A Eurogroup statement said Greece had broken off negotiations over a new bailout deal “unilaterally”.

Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem said it would now be up to the European Central Bank (ECB) to decide whether to continue providing emergency liquidity funding to the Greek banking system.

Meanwhile, queues have formed in Greece outside banks in the past few days amid concerns that the central bank might start restricting withdrawals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUTW1WvLQLk

Taiwan: 519 People Injured in Formosa Water Park Explosion

Nancy Clayson
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Taiwan: 519 People Injured in Formosa Water Park Explosion

Hundreds of people were injured when fire ripped through crowds at a party at Formosa Water Park outside Taiwan’s capital Taipei.

Saturday’s incident at the Formosa Water Park is believed to have happened when a colored powder ignited after being discharged onto the crowd.

Footage showed people panicking and screaming. Inflatable water toys were shown being used as stretchers.

According to authorities, More than 500 people were injured with 190 being seriously hurt – 182 are in intensive care.

Some of them breathed in the powder, causing respiratory problems.Taipei Formosa Water Park explosion

Local media said organizers of the Color Play Asia event had been taken in for questioning by prosecutors.

Footage of the incident shows a party in full swing when suddenly fire erupts.

The fire was quickly brought under control, but the cause of the incident is still under investigation.

The authorities believe something that caught fire caused the colored powder spray or dust – used to create a party atmosphere – to explode.

The substance is also used in other countries. It is made of dried corn and can be highly flammable.

The 519 victims were sent to 41 hospitals, and 413 are still in hospital, say municipal authorities.

The incident occurred about 20:30 local time. More than 1,000 people were near the stage at the time.

The fire department said: “Our initial understanding is this explosion and fire… was caused by the powder spray. It could have been due to the heat of the lights on the stage.”

Many people flocked to water parks on June 27 as temperatures reached 98F in Taipei and as high as 100F in other parts of Taiwan.

New Taipei City’s mayor, Eric Chu, ordered an immediate shutdown of the water park pending an investigation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcKBkNx7sBI

Glastonbury 2015: Kanye West’s Performance Interrupted by Lee Nelson

Sonia Pantiss
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Glastonbury 2015: Kanye West’s Performance Interrupted by Lee Nelson

Kanye West has performed at this year’s Glastonbury festival, telling fans he is “the greatest living rock star on the planet”.

The rapper’s headline booking had caused some controversy and his performance divided opinion among the crowd on site.

Kanye West opened with number one hit Stronger and performed on a largely bare stage with a bank of white lights above.

His set was briefly interrupted by a stage invasion by British comedian and prankster Lee Nelson.

The prankster, real name Simon Brodkin, wrote on Twitter: “Some people were saying Kanye shouldn’t headline Glastonbury so I thought I’d give him a hand.”

Lee Nelson was swiftly bundled off stage by a security guard and Kanye West resumed his song Black Skinhead.

At one point, Kanye West left the stage to travel above the heads of the crowd in the cradle of a cherry picker for the songs Touch the Sky and All of the Lights.

His performance came after more than 134,000 people signed a petition objecting to his booking, and Glastonbury organizer Emily Eavis had death threats on Twitter from a disgruntled fan.

Kanye West’s appearance was one of the weekend’s biggest talking points.

The rapper is one of the biggest names in popular music, with 21 Grammy Awards under his belt and 11 million albums sold in the US alone.

However, Kanye West is notoriously erratic and uncompromising, comparing himself to figures including Jesus and Leonardo Da Vinci, and occasionally launching into long mid-set rants.Kanye West interrupted by Lee Nelson at Glastonbury

He kept his mid-song chat relatively short at Glastonbury.

Kanye West did not directly address the pre-show debate, simply telling fans: “Thank you for coming out tonight.”

The online petition had called for Kanye West to be dropped from the Glastonbury bill and be replaced by a rock band. But the rapper has labelled the petition “an insult to music fans all over the world”.

At one stage Kanye West was joined on stage by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon to perform their song Lost In The World.

Afterwards, Kanye West revealed that the song had been inspired by his wife, Kim Kardashian, who was watching the show.

He said: “This song was extra special for me. I was trying to explain to a girl I loved so much how much I loved her. She brought this poetry out in me that became the lyrics and she ended up becoming my wife and she’s here tonight.”

Kanye West put the focus firmly back on himself when, before introducing one of his biggest hits, Gold Digger, he said: “I’m going to say this tonight because 20 years from now, 30 years from now, 40 years from now, I might not be able to say it, but I can say it tonight… You are now watching the greatest living rock star on the planet.”

He followed Pharrell Williams, who played crowd-pleasing tunes including Happy, Blurred Lines and Get Lucky on the Pyramid Stage.

Pharrell Williams was joined by a group of children on stage to dance to Get Lucky.

Other acts performing on Saturday included Burt Bacharach, George Ezra and Paloma Faith.

Celebrities spotted at the festival included Adele, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, Lewis Hamilton, Stella McCartney and James Corden.

The weather on the Somerset site brightened up on Saturday following Friday’s rain, although more showers are forecast for Sunday.

The Who will close the festival on Sunday, Lionel Richie will perform in the festival’s now-established Sunday afternoon legends slot and Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama will visit the festival’s Green Fields.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4knBSt49TM

Damion Cook Dies from Apparent Heart Attack Aged 36

Clyde K. Valle
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Damion Cook Dies from Apparent Heart Attack Aged 36

Ex-NFL lineman Damion Cook has died on June 26 at the age of 36 after suffering an apparent heart attack.

He was an undrafted offensive lineman who went on to play in parts of seven NFL seasons.

Damion Cook, a Nashville native, appeared in 26 NFL games at guard and made 10 starts from 2001-09 after a college career at Bethune-Cookman, which confirmed his death Friday, June 26, via Twitter.Damion Cook dead at 36

He signed with the Ravens out of college and spent the 2001 season with the Bears. After joining the Dolphins during the 2002 offseason, he returned to Baltimore. In 2004, he joined the Browns and started four games.

After another stint with the Dolphins, Damion Cook joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL and the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena League before capping his career with the NFL’s Lions in 2008-09.

NFL fans may remember Damion Cook for the impression of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis captured by HBO’s Hard Knocks during training camp.

Bree Newsome Climbs Pole to Remove Confederate Flag from South Carolina Statehouse

Nancy Clayson
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Bree Newsome Climbs Pole to Remove Confederate Flag from South Carolina Statehouse

A black woman scaled the flag pole outside the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia on June 27 and removed its controversial Confederate flag.

Bree Newsome climbed the 30ft steel pole just after dawn despite police telling her to come down, Associated Press reported.

The woman was arrested afterwards along with a man who had entered the fenced area surrounding the base of the flagpole.

There have been calls for the Confederate flag to be removed since nine people were killed in a racist attack in Charleston.Bree Newsome removes Confederate flag

Shooting suspect Dylann Roof had been pictured with the Civil War era saltire – seen by some as a symbol of slavery and racism – on a number of occasions.

Since the pictures emerged there has been pressure to remove the Confederate flag from the memorial in front of the South Carolina State House.

It was first flown in 1962 in protest at the growing civil rights movement and has been a source of rancor and controversy in the state ever since.

The hashtag #TakeItDown has been trending on Twitter in the US.

White House spokesman Eric Schultz has said President Obama believes the Confederate flag “belongs in a museum”.

Bree Newsome describes herself on Twitter as a filmmaker, singer, songwriter and freedom fighter.

A rally by Confederate flag supporters was also scheduled on June 27.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03j–uDI74s

Greece Default: Eurozone Finance Ministers Reject Greek Bailout Extension

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Default: Eurozone Finance Ministers Reject Greek Bailout Extension

Eurozone finance ministers have reportedly rejected Greece’s request to extend bailout program beyond June 30.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Greece asked for a one-month extension of its expiring rescue deal.

But the request was swiftly rejected by the rest of the eurozone, three European officials said on June 27.Greece bailout extension rejected

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis made the request at a meeting with his eurozone counterparts in Brussels, a day after the government in Athens said it would hold a referendum on its bailout in which it would campaign against the policy overhauls and budget cuts demanded by its creditors.

The finance ministers of the other 18 eurozone countries will meet without Greece later Saturday evening, two European officials said.

Many ministers expressed surprise and disappointment toward Greece’s PM Alexis Tsipras’s decision to call for a referendum in which he would campaign against the budget cuts and policy overhauls demanded by his country’s creditors.

Alexander Stubb, Finland’s finance chief, was one of several ministers who said their negotiations would now focus on how to deal with the consequences of a Greek default.

“Plan B becomes Plan A,” Alexander Stubb told reporters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY5Jb_m6y0I

4 First Aid and Medicinal Uses for Raw Honey

Dana R
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4 First Aid and Medicinal Uses for Raw Honey

Honey is something we tend to think of purely as a food, but it has actually got a great number of health applications beyond simply being a healthy, natural sweetener with a distinctive, delicious taste. Because honey literally never spoils due to its antibacterial properties (there has even been honey found in ancient Egyptian tombs by archaeologists which was analyzed as being completely edible, and this is thousands of years old!), it is a great thing to keep in your emergency first aid kit or medicine cabinet, too!

honey-5732_640

Royalty free photo

Here are four medicinal uses that will have you asking ‘where can I buy raw honey?’ right now!

Throat Relief

If you have any kind of sore throat, whether it is due to an infection, a cold, or because you have overused your voice, honey will offer instant relief. Simply swallow a spoonful to coat your throat, and repeat whenever needed (it is just honey, so you don’t have to worry about dosage like you do with throat syrups containing honey along with other medicines). Professional singers swear by honey, and add it to all kinds of drinks to keep their voices from getting tired out after hours of practice and performance!

Burns

Honey can be a very helpful first aid treatment for burns (minor burns that do not require professional medical attention). Honey is antiseptic and will keep the burn from getting infected, and is easy to apply with minimal pain to the burned area. Apply the honey as it comes, then put a dressing over the top and change it every day while the burn is healing.

Hay Fever Treatment

The small amounts of pollen in honey can help you fight hay fever, by building up a tolerance. The trick here is that you must use locally produced honey, so the pollen that ends up in the honey is the same pollen that is causing your symptoms and which you need to build up an immunity to. Many people have had very good results from regularly eating local raw honey, and it can mean you no longer have to rely on strong medicines like antihistamines throughout the pollen season.

Open Wounds on People or Animals

Honey has been used for centuries to prevent infection in open wounds and lesions, even before people understood how infections were caused! Now of course, we know that it is the antibacterial properties of honey that make it work. Keep some honey in your first aid kit whenever you are out and about, and should you, your kids or your pets get into any scrapes, you can easily protect the wound with some honey. As with burns, just put it on the skin and add a bandage over the top. On a pet it may be harder to dress the wound, and depending on where it is they may lick the honey off, but licking wounds is how animals naturally clean them, so this is not a problem – just add more honey every few hours.

As you can see, honey is for more than just eating, and can be a versatile addition to your medicine cupboard or first aid box!

How to Survive Glastonbury’s Rain and Mud

Nancy Clayson
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How to Survive Glastonbury’s Rain and Mud

Rain doused this year Glastonbury Festival’s first day as fans enjoyed music on the main stages.

A heavy shower on Friday afternoon brought out the wellies, ponchos and umbrellas and created puddles on site.

Here are few simple ways to survive the mud and rain at Glastonbury this weekend:

  1. Don’t forget to bring a towel.
  2. Bring a bin bag. It will save you. Leave Glastonbury as you found it – tidy and beautiful. These are also essential when it comes to handling your wet and muddy clothes.
  3. Make sure your tent is strong and waterproof. Make sure it has a cover on top or fashion one out of a bin bag. Also, make sure it’s sturdy enough and pegged in thoroughly.
  4. Don’t camp at the bottom of a hill. It will be a mess.Glastonbury rain and mud
  5. Take an extra tent. If there’s a few of you going in a group, it might be wise to take an extra tent just to store all of your wet and muddy gear in. Just don’t advertise the fact that there’s no one staying in it.
  6. Make sure you have a poncho. Don’t be that guy with an umbrella blocking everyone’s view of the stage. Man up and get yourself a poncho. You can either buy one, fashion one out of a bin bag, or accept a branded one from the many evil corporations who will be giving them out for free.
  7. Don’t foget your willies. Trying to maneuver around the site without wellies is like trying to sprint through concrete – and if you wait until you arrive to buy them, you’ll probably get ripped off.
  8. Mud-slides don’t do them. You may think you’re being whacky and kerr-azzy but you’ll probably catch dysentery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUVFTsGfN88

Glastonbury 2015: Festival Opens with Rain and Mud

Sonia Pantiss
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Glastonbury 2015: Festival Opens with Rain and Mud

Rain doused Glastonbury Festival’s first day as fans enjoyed music on the main stages.

A heavy shower on Friday afternoon brought out the wellies, ponchos and umbrellas and created puddles on site.

Friday’s acts include Florence and the Machine, Motorhead, Mark Ronson and an unconfirmed band, rumored to be The Libertines, on the Pyramid Stage.

Physicist Stephen Hawking is unlikely to attend the event for an appearance in the Kidz Field.

A spokesperson for Prof. Stephen Hawking told The Telegraph he had pulled out “for personal reasons”.Glastonbury 2015 rain and mud

Feminist punk band Pussy Riot made an appearance in front of the Park Stage, using a theatrical protest to convey their anti-government message.

The appearance began with an actor posing as a Russian soldier standing atop a military van and declaring Glastonbury a pro-Russian republic.

Pussy Riot’s Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, who were imprisoned in Russia for almost two years for their protests, then climbed up, tied him up and put one of their trademark multi-colored balaclavas on him.

Nadia Tolokonnikova told the crowd to “develop a culture of rebellion” and, in a remark possibly aimed at other bands, said they could not just “sit on a comfy coach and drink some beer”.

They were then interviewed on top of the van by singer Charlotte Church, who described them as “one of the most important movements this century”.

A total of 177,000 people are due on site. The weather is expected to brighten up later, with Saturday expected to be sunny but more rain likely on Sunday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiG-oU659T4

BB King’s Manager LaVerne Toney Named Sole Executor of Blues Legend’s Estate

Sonia Pantiss
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BB King’s Manager LaVerne Toney Named Sole Executor of Blues Legend’s Estate

The row between BB King’s surviving daughters and his manager has deepened as LaVerne Toney has been named sole executor of the late blues legend’s estate.

The will, filed in January 2007, puts LaVerne Toney alone in charge of administering BB King’s assets, his property and his trust.BB King estate scandal

However, BB King’s daughters, Karen Williams, Patty King, Rita Washington and Barbara Winfree, have alleged LaVerne Toney – who managed the blues legend for nearly 40 years – stole from their father, isolated him and poisoned him before his death on May 14, at the age of 89.

LaVerne Toney’s lawyer, Brent Bryson, argues the claims have no basis in fact and says the family members has provided no evidence that a competing will exists.

“There has to be more to the objections than hollow allegations and innuendo,” Brent Bryson said.

The trust documents have not been filed publicly.

BB King has 11 surviving adult children, and 35 grandchildren.

Harry Potter Play Tells Story of His Murdered Parents

Sonia Pantiss
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Harry Potter Play Tells Story of His Murdered Parents

Harry Potter stage play will open in London’s West End in 2016, author J.K. Rowling has announced.

Called Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the play will tell the “untold part” of Harry Potter’s story, including the story of the lives of his murdered parents.

However, J.K. Rowling said on Twitter the play was “not a prequel”.

The play will run at the Palace Theatre in the summer of 2016, with tickets on sale this autumn.

J.K. Rowling said she chose to make the announcement on June 26 because it was “a very special day” – the 18th anniversary of when her debut book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was first published in the UK.Harry Potter stage play to open in 2016

However, the author was tight-lipped about the plot of the play, saying she did not “want to say too much more, because I don’t want to spoil what I know will be a real treat for fans”.

J.K. Rowling added: “To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question – why isn’t Cursed Child a new novel? I am confident that when audiences see the play they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story.”

The play was first announced in December 2013, after J.K. Rowling said she had “received countless approaches” over the years “about turning Harry Potter into a theatrical production”.

Although the new story has not been written by J.K. Rowling, it is a collaboration between herself and writer Jack Thorne – who previously adapted Let The Right One In for the stage and won a BAFTA for his work on Channel 4’s This is England ’88 – and John Tiffany, who will also direct the play.

The play will be produced by Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, and British singer Imogen Heap will provide the music.

Producers originally said the play would explore “the previously untold story of Harry’s early years as an orphan and outcast”.

“Featuring some of our favorite characters from the Harry Potter books, this new work will offer a unique insight into the heart and mind of the now legendary young wizard,” they said.

J.K. Rowling’s seven Harry Potter best-sellers were adapted into eight blockbuster movies starring Daniel Radcliffe as the boy wizard.

She is making her screenwriting debut on Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, starring Eddie Redmayne, due in cinemas next November.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMUzJYRZYbc

Tunisia Attack: Security Clampdown Launched Following Sousse Resort Attack

Roy Siemens
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Tunisia Attack: Security Clampdown Launched Following Sousse Resort Attack

Tunisia has launched a security clampdown after Sousse attack in which 38 people were killed, PM Habib Essid has announced.

Habib Essid said army reservists would be deployed to archaeological sites and resorts.

About 80 mosques accused of “spreading venom” will close within a week, he said.

Authorities say most of the victims in yesterday’s attack near Sousse were Britons. The gunman was shot dead.

Officials say he was a student not previously known to authorities.

Five Britons were confirmed dead and the Foreign Office warned the death toll could rise.

Tunisians, Germans, Belgians, French and at least one Irish citizen were also among those killed in the attack, which was claimed by Islamic State (ISIS). Thirty-six people are injured, officials say.Tunisia Sousse attack 2015

It was the second major attack on tourists in Tunisia since March, when militants killed 22 people, mainly foreigners, at Bardo museum in Tunis.

Speaking at a news conference in Tunis, Habib Essid said some mosques outside government control were spreading “their propaganda and their venom to promote terrorism” and would be shut down.

Habib Essid also vowed to act against parties and groups “acting outside the constitution” – such action could range from a warning to closure.

He said army reservists would be deployed at sensitive sites to ensure such attacks could not happen again.

“The country is under threat; the government is under threat,” Habib Essid said.

“Without the co-operation of everyone and a show of unity, we cannot win this war. We have won some battles and lost others, but our objective is to win the war.”

Security officials said the attacker, who had posed as a swimmer but was carrying a rifle under a parasol, started shooting on the beach before entering the Hotel Imperial Marhaba, continuing to shoot.

Local media reported a second suspected attacker had been arrested, but this has not been confirmed.

ISIS had urged followers to step up assaults during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

Many of the tourists in hotels affected by the attack left Tunisia overnight, with tour operators arranging special flights to take them home.

Friday’s attack was the deadliest in Tunisia’s recent history. The country has seen militant Islamists gain strength since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in in 2011.

Democratic elections after Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s removal saw the moderate Islamist Ennahda party take power before the secularist Nidaa Tounes government won a parliamentary poll in October.

However, neither party has been able effectively to combat Islamist violence – which has been made worse by conflict in neighboring Libya and by Tunisian fighters returning home after joining Islamist campaigns in Iraq and Syria.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqSzI3o7fTs

Greece to Hold Bailout Referendum on July 5

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece to Hold Bailout Referendum on July 5

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras has announced a referendum on a controversial bailout deal with foreign creditors for July 5.

In a TV address, Alexis Tsipras described the plan as “humiliation” and condemned “unbearable” austerity measures demanded by creditors.

The Greek government earlier rejected the proposals, aimed at avoiding Greece defaulting on its debt.

Greece has to make a €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) IMF debt repayment on June 30.

Photo AFP
Photo AFP

Alexis Tsipras said: “These proposals, which clearly violate the European rules and the basic rights to work, equality and dignity show that the purpose of some of the partners and institutions was not a viable agreement for all parties, but possibly the humiliation of an entire people.”

“The people must decide free of any blackmail,” he added.

Greece has refused to accept cuts to pension payments or public sector wages while the IMF is pushing for deeper spending cuts, not just more tax rises.

A key point of friction is a special benefit paid to some low-income pensioners, which creditors want scrapped.

Creditors also want a wider VAT base; Greece says it will not allow extra VAT on medicines or electricity bills, and has also resisted calls for VAT hikes on hotels and restaurants.

Athens wants a concrete commitment to debt relief, something its creditors are not offering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY5Jb_m6y0I

Sao Paulo Bans Production and Sale of Foie Gras

Nancy Clayson
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Sao Paulo Bans Production and Sale of Foie Gras

Brazil has banned the production and sale of foie gras in the country’s largest city, Sao Paulo.

Foie gras, originally a French delicacy, is made from the fatty liver of force-fed ducks and geese.

Sao Paulo councilors said animals go through a great deal of suffering for the production of the pate.Sao Paulo bans foie gras

Animal rights campaigners have hailed the move, but some of Sao Paulo’s best-known chefs have voiced concern.

Foie gras is produced worldwide. Several countries, including Britain, Germany, Italy and Argentina, have banned its production. But the sale of the pate is still allowed in most of them.

The Sao Paulo city council has set a fine of 5,000 reais ($1,500) for restaurants and bars that break the new law – which will take effect in 45 days.

“Foie gras is an appetizer for the wealthy,” said the law’s author, Sao Paulo councilor Laercio Benko.

“It does not benefit human health and to make it, the birds are submitted to a lot of suffering,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QvKmJyZLdA

Richard Matt Dead: Escaped New York Prisoner Killed by Police near Malone

Diane A. Wade
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Richard Matt Dead: Escaped New York Prisoner Killed by Police near Malone

Richard Matt, one of the two escaped New York prisoners, has been killed by police after weeks on the run, officials say.

Richard Matt, 49, was shot dead in woodlands near the town of Malone, about 30 miles from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora.

David Sweat, another convicted murderer, remains at large as police continue to search the area.

Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped through the prison sewer system after using power tools to break out of their cell on June 6.

The New York jailbreak set off a massive manhunt.

Photo U.S. Marshals Service
Photo U.S. Marshals Service

On June 26, police were called to an area south of Malone where a camper van had been attacked. They found evidence left behind by the pair in a nearby hunting cabin.

Richard Matt was later found in woodland armed with a shotgun, police say. When he refused to surrender officers shot him dead, they add.

A search for David Sweat is continuing in the area. Police say he is dangerous and warned the public not to approach him.

Prisoner worker Joyce Mitchell has been charged with aiding the inmates in their escape.

Prosecutors allege that she gave the men power tools that allowed them to saw through a steel cell wall before bashing a hole through a brick wall and crawling through.

Joyce Mitchell denies the charges.

Before their escape, Richard Matt was serving a prison sentence of 25 years to life for the killing of his former boss.

David Sweat was serving a life sentence for murdering a sheriff’s deputy.

Tunisia Attack: At Least 37 Tourists Killed in Sousse Attack

Roy Siemens
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Tunisia Attack: At Least 37 Tourists Killed in Sousse Attack

At least 37 people, mostly foreign tourists, have been killed and 36 others wounded after a hotel in the Tunisian coastal city of Sousse came under attack by unidentified gunmen.

According to officials, one gunman has been shot dead and another is being pursued.

Tunisians, Britons, Germans and Belgians and at least one Irish citizen are among the dead.

In March militants killed 22 people, mainly foreign tourists, in an attack on a museum in the capital Tunis.

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has gone to Sousse’s Sahloul hospital to visit the injured.

Security officials said one attacker, who had posed as a swimmer but was carrying a rifle under a parasol, was shot dead in an exchange of fire with police.

Local media reported that the second attacker had been arrested, but this has not been confirmed. A photo purporting to show the body of the first attacker is circulating on social media.Tunisia attack 2015

The Hotel Imperial Marhaba was named as one of the hotels close to the attack.

The Belgian foreign ministry is advising against all travel to Tunisia and the Belgian Jetairfly airline has announced it is cancelling all flights to Tunisia because of the attack.

A spokeswoman for the Thomson and First Choice tour operators said: “We are working closely with our teams in Tunisia and the relevant authorities to determine exactly what has happened and provide assistance to those affected.”

Tunisia has seen militant Islamists gain strength since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in a popular uprising in 2011.

Democratic elections after Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s removal saw the moderate Islamist Ennahda party take power before the secularist Nidaa Tounes government won a parliamentary poll in October.

However, neither party has been able effectively to combat Islamist violence made worse by a raging conflict in neighboring Libya and by Tunisian fighters returning home after going to join Islamist campaigns in Iraq and Syria.

Nick Gordon Accused of Assaulting Bobbi Kristina Brown and Stealing Her Money

Lisa.Felice
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Nick Gordon Accused of Assaulting Bobbi Kristina Brown and Stealing Her Money

Nick Gordon has been accused of assaulting his girlfriend Bobbi Kristina Brown and stealing her money, on the same day her family announced she was being moved into hospice care.

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the only child of Whitney Houston, was discovered face down in a bath at her Atlanta home on January31. She has never regained consciousness.

Nick Gordon has now been accused of causing her “substantial bodily harm” in a $10 million civil case.

The legal action was filed by Bobbi Kristina Brown’s court-appointed conservator, Bedelia Hargrove.

Bedelia Hargrove told People magazine in a statement: “I filed this lawsuit to pursue justice on behalf of Bobbi Kristina Brown. No human being, male or female, should endure what Bobbi Kristina endured.”

The legal case accuses Nick Gordon of assault, battery, infliction of emotional distress and maintaining “the fraud that he had married Brown” after she inherited a substantial amount of money.

It claims that Bobbi Kristina Brown, 22, confided to an unnamed person that Nick Gordon “was not the man she thought he was” and made plans to meet them on January 31 to talk about it.

Court papers claim Whitney Houston’s daughter never made it to the meeting and “became embroiled in a loud argument” with Nick Gordon, which ended with her “face down in a bathtub, with her mouth swollen and another tooth knocked out”.

“Even after Brown’s hospitalization, and while she was in a coma, [Nick Gordon] accessed Brown’s bank account and stole in excess of $11,000,” the documents say.

Nick Gordon has yet to comment on the accusations. On June 24, he posted a message about Bobbi Kristina Brown on his Twitter, which read: “We keep praying, she has fought hard this long don’t give up hope.”

He was partly brought up by Whitney Houston, and the couple’s relationship became public after the singer died in 2012.

Police were called to Bobbi Kristina Brown’s home in suburban Atlanta on January 31, in response to a “drowning”.

Photo Twitter
Photo Twitter

Despite months of treatment in two Atlanta hospitals and a rehab facility, including being placed in an induced coma, she has never regained consciousness.

A police investigation has been launched, but no findings or charges have been announced.

A statement released by Bobbi Kristina Brown’s aunt Pat Houston on behalf of the family said that “despite the great medical care at numerous facilities, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s condition has continued to deteriorate, as of today, she has been moved into hospice care”.

“We thank everyone for their support and prayers. She is in God’s hands now.”

The case holds similarities to Whitney Houston’s death in a hotel bath in February 2012.

According to autopsy results, Whitney Houston died of accidental drowning due to the effects of cocaine use and heart disease.

Whitney Houston left everything in her will to Bobbi Kristina.

Bobbi Kristina Brown is also the daughter of singer Bobby Brown. Her parents divorced when she was 14.

Bristol Palin Pregnant: Sarah Palin’s Daughter Announces Her Second Pregnancy

Nancy Clayson
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Bristol Palin Pregnant: Sarah Palin’s Daughter Announces Her Second Pregnancy
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Photo Twitter

Bristol Palin has announced she is pregnant with her second child in a blog post on June 25.

The 24-year-old daughter of Sarah Palin wrote: “(I’m announcing this news a lot sooner than I ever expected due to the constant trolls who have nothing better to talk about!!!).

“I wanted you guys to be the first to know that I am pregnant.”

“Honestly, I’ve been trying my hardest to keep my chin up on this one,” she continued.

“At the end of the day there’s nothing I can’t do with God by my side, and I know I am fully capable of handling anything that is put in front of me with dignity and grace. Life moves on no matter what.  So no matter how you feel, you get up, get dressed, show up, and never give up. When life gets tough, there is no other option but to get tougher.” 

Bristol Palin, now 24, welcomed her first child, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, in December 2008 when she was just 18 years old. She was previously engaged twice to Tripp’s father, Levi Johnston, although the two split for good in 2010.

“I know this has been, and will be, a huge disappointment to my family, to my close friends, and to many of you,” Sarah Palin’s daughter wrote in her blog post.

“But please respect Tripp’s and my privacy during this time. I do not want any lectures and I do not want any sympathy.”

Bristol Palin concluded by adding: “My little family always has, and always will come first. Tripp, this new baby, and I will all be fine, because God is merciful.” 

She provided no further information on her pregnancy. She did not reveal the identity of her baby-to-be’s father.

Last month, Bristol Palin called off her wedding to 26-year-old Marine Dakota Meyer days before the two were scheduled to tie the knot.

Bristol Palin’s first pregnancy drew national attention when it was announced on the opening day of the 2008 Republican National Convention after her mother was chosen as John McCain’s vice presidential running mate. She later began working with The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and became an ambassador for the Candie’s Foundation raising awareness about teen pregnancy prevention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2hSf_YSIRc

EU Summit: 40,000 Migrants to Be Relocated over next Two Years

Diane A. Wade
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EU Summit: 40,000 Migrants to Be Relocated over next Two Years

EU summit chairman Donald Tusk said 40,000 migrants would be relocated to other EU states over the next two years.

However, there will be no mandatory quotas for each country.

The Greek debt crisis was also on the summit’s agenda. Greece and its international creditors remain deadlocked after talks on June 25.

Earlier, Donald Tusk called on EU member states to share the burden of the boat loads of illegal migrants who have crossed the Mediterranean.

New figures from the UN refugee agency UNHCR show that 63,000 migrants have arrived in Greece by sea this year and 62,000 in Italy.EU migrants quota 2015

“Leaders agreed that 40,000 persons in need will be relocated from Greece and Italy to other states over the next two years,” Donald Tusk told reporters.

“Interior ministers will finalize the scheme by the end of July.”

Leaders also agreed to resettle another 20,000 refugees who are currently outside the EU. French President Francois Hollande said he expected most of them to be Syrians and Iraqis, AP reported.

Details of where the refugees will go have yet to be decided.

However, the UK has opted out of the scheme and nations in eastern Europe have refused to accept set quotas, so it will be only voluntary. This angered Italy’s PM Matteo Renzi, who called the plan “modest”.

Hungary, which has seen thousands of migrants cross its border by land, and Bulgaria, one of the EU’s poorest countries, have both been granted exemptions.

Italy has sought more help from its EU partners to handle the thousands of migrants arriving by sea, many of whom are fleeing war and poverty in countries such as Syria, Eritrea, Somalia and Nigeria.

More than 3 million people who fled the Syrian civil war are being housed in neighboring countries – far more than the EU has taken in.

The migrant crisis has been high on the agenda for the EU summit, which opened on June 25.

The final day of the summit on June 26 is due to focus on security issues, namely the Ukraine crisis and tensions with Russia.

Meanwhile, the impasse in the Greek debt talks threatened to overshadow the summit, with two hours of unscheduled talks on June 25.

Only once agreement on economic reforms is reached between Greece and its creditors – the European Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – will the final €7.2 billion tranche of bailout funds be released to Greece.

EU President Donald Tusk said European leaders are pushing for a weekend deadline for a deal to be reached, tweeting: “Another Eurosummit is not foreseen. Leaders expect the Eurogroup to conclude this process at their meeting on Saturday.”

Cash-strapped Greece must make a €1.6 billion IMF debt repayment by June 30 or face default and a possible exit from the euro.

On June 25, a meeting of eurozone finance ministers also broke up without progress on the issue.

It was the fourth time in a week that the Eurogroup had met in an attempt to prevent a Greek debt default. They will meet again on June 27.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that meeting would be “decisive” in finding a solution.

IMF head Christine Lagarde said lenders had been presented with a counter-proposal by the Greek parties “at the last hour” on June 25 and needed more time to assess it, Reuters reported.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyGYEMXX3IM

James Clapper: China Top Suspect in Hacking US Government

Diane A. Wade
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James Clapper: China Top Suspect in Hacking US Government

According to intelligence chief James Clapper, China is the “leading suspect” in the massive hack of a US government agency holding the personnel records of millions of Americans,.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper is the highest-ranking US official to publicly implicate Beijing since news of the data breach emerged.

China always dismissed suggestions that it was behind the hacking.James Clapper China hacking US government

The statement comes after three days of high-level talks in which China and the US agreed to a “code of conduct”.

At a conference in Washington DC, James Clapper said: “China remains the leading suspects.”

“The US government continues to investigate” he added, according to his office.

At the Washington talks where cyber security was a top priority, Secretary of State John Kerry said there was a need to work with China to develop a “code of conduct” on state behavior in cyberspace – Chinese representatives had agreed with these conclusions.

“It’s something that we agreed needs to be addressed and hopefully it can be addressed soon,” State Department spokesman John Kirby said on June 25.

China has said any suggestion that it was behind the hacking is “irresponsible and unscientific”.

Donald Trump 2016: Univision Drops Miss USA Pageant over Mexico Remarks

Nancy Clayson
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Donald Trump 2016: Univision Drops Miss USA Pageant over Mexico Remarks

Univision has announced that it is cutting ties with Donald Trump and ending coverage of the Miss USA beauty pageant, which he co-owns.

The US Spanish-language broadcaster said it follows Donald Trump’s disparaging remarks made about Mexicans.

Donald Trump said Mexicans brought drugs and crime to the US, during his announcement last week to seek the Republican presidential nomination.

The businessman is now threatening a lawsuit.

In his speech last week, Donald Trump said of Mexico: “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some I assume are good people, but I speak to border guards and they tell us what we are getting.”Donald Trump Miss USA Pageant Univision

In announcing the breakup, Univision said that his words were “insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants” and said it would not air the Miss USA pageant on July 12. The company also said it would be severing all business ties with the celebrity businessman.

Donald Trump has said his remarks were a criticism of US lawmakers, not the Mexican people or their government. He has also said that if Univision follows through with its decision it would be in breach of a contract that “has no termination rights”.

“We intend to pursue all legal rights and remedies available to Mr. Trump pursuant to the terms of the license agreement as well as a defamation case against Univision,” lawyer Michael Cohen said.

Donald Trump also accused the Mexican government of pressuring the network into “laying down”.

“They want to silence Donald Trump. And Donald Trump can’t be silenced,” he said in reference to himself.

“Of course I have a signed contract: five years, they have to pay me almost $15 million,” he said in an interview with the Fox News television network.

Univision has not commented on these remarks.

Cristian de la Fuente, one of the two co-hosts who pulled out of the program, said: “It’s a shame that such an important institution as Miss USA is now in the hands of a clown.”

While NBC has the primary broadcast rights to the spectacle, Univision was – for the first time – going to simultaneously air the event in Spanish.

Colombian singer J. Balvin was set to give a performance that would air on both broadcasts, but has withdrawn from the event.

NBC plans to air Miss USA Pageant despite Univision pulling out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSAKP9vpl1o

Glastonbury 2015: Main Stages Open for Festival’s First Day

Sonia Pantiss
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Glastonbury 2015: Main Stages Open for Festival’s First Day

Glastonbury’s main stages are opening for the first day of the music festival.

Festival’s fans are hoping the weather does not dampen spirits.

Light rain is forecast for parts of the day, but festival goers may escape without the Somerset site turning too muddy.

Choreographer Michael Clark’s dance company will open the main Pyramid Stage.

The day will end with Florence and the Machine in the headline slot.

Florence Welch has replaced Foo Fighters, who pulled out when frontman Dave Grohl broke his leg.Glastonbury 2015 first day

The identity of the act that will fill the vacant slot before Florence has not been announced – and organizers hope to keep it secret until the performers step on stage.

However, organizer Emily Eavis did reveal that it is a band who have never played the Pyramid Stage and were not otherwise due to play at Glastonbury this year.

“There is definitely something filling that gap but under no circumstances will it be announced,” she said.

“Luckily it’s been a proper secret, a proper surprise, which actually is quite hard to do now because things get out.

“But there are only about four people other than the band that know about this. Even people that work on the festival don’t know about it.

“They’re coming because they want to play Glastonbury and they’ve never done it before on the Pyramid Stage. That’s all I’m saying.”

Friday’s acts include:

  • Heavy rock legends Motorhead will make their Glastonbury debut on the Pyramid Stage
  • Mark Ronson will bring special guests including Boy George and Daniel Merriweather to the Other Stage
  • Russian punk band Pussy Riot will speak on stage about their opposition to President Vladimir Putin
  • The Charlatans are the “special guests” who will open the Other Stage
  • Scottish pop star Lulu will appear on the Avalon Stage

The decision to promote Florence and the Machine to headline status was criticized by some fans, but Emily Eavis said she made the decision “straight away” after Foo Fighters pulled out.

“This is her moment. She’s had a number one record in America, a number one record here, and she’s on fire.”

The choice of Saturday’s headliner also caused consternation.

More than 134,000 people signed a petition complaining about Kanye West’s appearance, and Emily Eavis even received death threats.

Emily Eavis said she did not take them seriously.

“In the Twitter world it’s very easy to think things are serious because you hear a voice quite loudly,” she said.

“But you realize it’s just one, and most people who come here are so open-minded and so up for it.

“I’m seeing a lot of Kanye T-shirts about. It was just an unfortunate amount of publicity for a petition from a guy who’d never been here before.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the Dalai Lama will make an appearance in the Green Fields on Sunday, June 28.

However, it is not clear whether Professor Stephen Hawking, who is due to appear in the Kidz Field, will attend the festival as planned.

Some 177,000 people are due on site during the weekend. Tickets, costing £225 ($360), sold out in 26 minutes last October.

Batman: Arkham Knight PC Gameplay Sales Suspended over Performance Issues

Nancy Clayson
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Batman: Arkham Knight PC Gameplay Sales Suspended over Performance Issues

Developers of Batman: Arkham Knight have decided to stop selling the PC game because of performance problems such as crashing and freezing.

Rocksteady Studios have apologized to fans and say they are working to “address these issues”.

Batman: Arkham Knight is one of the most anticipated games of 2015.

At last week’s E3 gaming show in LA there were long queues waiting to give it a try before the release date.Batman Arkham Knight PC gameplay

In a statement Rocksteady Studios said: “We want to apologize to those of you who are experiencing performance issues with Batman: Arkham Knight on PC.

“We take these issues very seriously and have therefore decided to suspend future game sales of the PC version while we work to address these issues to satisfy our quality standards.

“We greatly value our customers and know that while there are a significant amount of players who are enjoying the game on PC, we want to do whatever we can to make the experience better for PC players overall.”

Rocksteady Studios have said that unhappy gamers can request a refund from the shop they bought the game from and added: “We want to thank you for your patience as we work to deliver an updated version of Batman: Arkham Knight on PC so you can all enjoy the final chapter of the Batman: Arkham series as it was meant to be played.”

Taylor Swift’s 1989 Album Back on Apple Music After Royalties Challenge

Sonia Pantiss
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Taylor Swift’s 1989 Album Back on Apple Music After Royalties Challenge

Taylor Swift has announced her 1989 album will appear on Apple’s new streaming service.

Earlier this week the singer challenged Apple over the fact they weren’t planning to pay royalties to artists during Apple Music’s three-month trial period.

After seeing Taylor Swift’s open letter, Apple Music backed down and will now pay artists during the initial trial.

Taylor Swift’s 1989 is not currently available on any streaming services.

The singer tweeted: “After the events of this week, I’ve decided to put 1989 on Apple Music…and happily so.

“In case you’re wondering if this is some exclusive deal like you’ve seen Apple do with other artists, it’s not.”

In her original letter Taylor Swift had said that “three months is a long time to go unpaid” and said it was “unfair” to expect people to work for nothing.

“I say this with love, reverence, and admiration for everything else Apple has done… I think this could be the platform that gets it [music streaming] right,” she added.Taylor Swift 1989 album back on Apple Music

Apple Music, which launches on June 30, will allow users to stream the company’s vast catalogue of singles and albums and is set to cost $9.99 per month for one person or $14.99 for families.

The company says it plans to pay 73% of the music subscription revenue to music owners.

Apple executive Eddy Cue said the firm had already planned to pay artists a higher rate after the trail period was over to compensate for the first three months of free service given to customers.

They had already been hearing “a lot of concern from indie artists about not getting paid during the three-month trial period” before Taylor Swift spoke out.

Eddy Cue also said: “We never looked at it as not paying them.”

Taylor Swift tweeted: “This is simply the first time it’s felt right in my gut to stream my album. Thank you, Apple, for your change of heart.”

In 2014, Taylor Swift removed her entire back catalogue from Spotify, saying the business had “shrunk the numbers of paid album sales drastically”.

Now the only Taylor Swift tracks on the streaming service are from compilation albums.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT85lZ_26HU

Screech Jailed: Dustin Diamond Sentenced to Four Months in Jail over Bar Fight

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Screech Jailed: Dustin Diamond Sentenced to Four Months in Jail over Bar Fight

Actor Dustin Diamond has been sentenced to four months in jail and 15 months of probation for a bar fight during which a man was stabbed.

Dustin Diamond, who played Screech in Saved by the Bell TV series, was convicted earlier this month of two charges of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct.

He had said he was defending fiancée Amanda Schutz and had not intended to stab anyone.Screech Dustin Diamond jailed for bar fight

Dustin Diamond, 38, has been ordered to report to jail on June 28 to start his sentence.

The actor left the courtroom in Wisconsin without commenting.

The fight happened on December 25, 2014, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, while Dustin Diamond was with his fiancée Amanda Schutz, 27.

Dustin Diamond said a group in the bar wanted to pose for pictures but others were badgering him and Amanda Schutz, and he tried to help her by brandishing his pocketknife to deter the group.

The man who was stabbed was not seriously injured.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PkbvthbnlI

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