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Patrick Macnee Dies in California at 93

Sonia Pantiss
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Patrick Macnee Dies in California at 93

The Avengers TV series star Patrick Macnee has died in California at the age of 93.

The British actor, best known for playing John Steed in the 1960s television spy series, died at home with his family at his bedside, his son Rupert has announced.

Patrick Macnee also played roles in theatre, appearing on Broadway, and served in the Royal Navy during World War Two.

A statement on Patrick Macnee’s website read: “Wherever he went, he left behind a trove of memories.”

The actor died peacefully at his home in California’s Rancho Mirage on June 25, Rupert Macnee said.

Born in London, Patrick Macnee grew up in Berkshire and was educated at Summerfields Preparatory School and Eton.Patrick Macnee dead at 93

He played a number of minor roles – including one in Laurence Olivier’s 1948 film version of Hamlet – before rising to fame in the original Avengers series between 1961 and 1969.

Patrick Macnee returned when that series was reprised as The New Avengers in the 1970s, appearing alongside Joanna Lumley’s Purdey and Gareth Hunt’s Mike Gambit.

He also appeared in the 1985 James Bond movie A View to a Kill, playing an ally of Roger Moore’s Bond character, and was a guest star in dozens of British, American and Australian TV productions.

Patrick Macnee had two children, son Rupert and daughter Kate Woodville, and one grandson.

He was married three times, including to actress Katherine Woodville, with whom he acted in The Avengers.

Patrick Macnee had been a US citizen since 1959, according to the AP news agency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSI047mxJG0

Maria Nelly Murillo: Colombian Mother and Baby Survive Five Days After Jungle Plane Crash

Nancy Clayson
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Maria Nelly Murillo: Colombian Mother and Baby Survive Five Days After Jungle Plane Crash

A Colombian mother and her one-year-old son have been found alive five days after their plane crashed in the jungle of western Colombia.

A Colombian Air Force chief described their survival as “a miracle”.

Maria Nelly Murillo, 18, and her baby were found by rescuers near to where their small Cessna plane crashed in Choco province.

She had some injuries and burns while her baby appeared to be in good health.

The twin-engine Cessna plane, which was carrying fish and coconuts, had been flying from the town of Nuqui on the Pacific coast to Quibdo, the capital of Choco.

It disappeared from the radar of the civil aviation authorities 20 minutes into the flight.

When the pilot did not respond to any calls, officials knew something was wrong and dispatched a plane to search the area.

It took the search team two days until they finally spotted a white dot in the dense jungle, which turned out to be the remains of the Cessna.

The plane had crashed, for reasons not yet known, in the Alto Baudo region.

When the search team reached the Cessna, they found its pilot, Carlos Mario Ceballos, dead in the cockpit.Mother and baby survives Colombia jungle plane crash

There was no trace of Maria Nelly Murillo or her baby, Yudier Moreno, which the passenger list said had been on board.

According to Col. Hector Carrascal of the Colombian Air Force, rescuers took hope when they noticed that the cabin door was ajar.

“It could have opened on impact, but it could have been opened from the inside,” he said.

“But that’s when we started to worry. We didn’t have a clue what had happened to them: they could be lost in the jungle trying to survive or they could have died already.”

Then the rescuers found clues which led them to believe Maria Nelly Murillo and her baby could still be alive.

Coconut shells near the plane and a discarded flip flop in the jungle lifted their hopes.

They also found the baby’s birth certificate near a tree, which convinced them that Maria Nelly Murillo was trying to leave a trace of her path through the jungle.

Part of the search party scoured the jungle on foot while others flew over the area in a helicopter using a loudspeaker to shout Maria Nelly Murillo’s name and urge her to return to the crash site.

For two days their search yielded no results.

Finally, on June 24, they located Maria Nelly Murillo about 1600ft from the site of the crash in a ravine on the banks of a river.

“It’s a miracle. It is a very wild area and it was a catastrophic accident,” Col. Hector Carrascal said.

Of the baby, he said: “His mother’s spirit must have given him strength to survive.”

The mother and her baby were airlifted to a hospital in Quibdo.

Maria Nelly Murillo told medical staff that she had managed to open the cabin door and run into the jungle as fire was spreading in the cabin.

She then reportedly went back for her baby, at which time she sustained burns to her face, an arm and a leg.

Afraid the plane might explode, she walked into the jungle along the bank of a small river.

Details of how the woman survived are still sketchy, but local media said she came across a couple of indigenous people who helped her.

Maria Nelly Murillo was also able to drink coconut water from the coconuts the plane had been carrying, local media said.

She reportedly heard the calls over loudspeaker from the rescue helicopter which prompted her to make her way back to the crash site.

Maria Nelly Murillo is being treated for her injuries in hospital. Her baby son is said to be unharmed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6faoxyP6aQk

ObamaCare: Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act

Kathryn R. Bown
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ObamaCare: Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act

A key portion of ObamaCare has been upheld by the US Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision.

The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care act as a whole made subsidies available for people in all 50 states, not just those who bought insurance through a state exchange.

The high court case was the second major challenge to the healthcare law since its passage.

The decision is major victory for the Obama administration.ObamaCare protests SCOTUS

“Congress passed the Affordable Care act to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the opinion.

If the law was overturned, 6.4 million Americans would have been at risk of losing aid.

The 2010 ObamaCare set up a federally run insurance exchange where Americans who were not covered by employers or other governmental could buy health insurance.

Opponents argue that a phrase included in the law, “established by the state,” demonstrated that the healthcare subsidies should have only been available for people in states that set up exchanges.

However, most Americans receiving subsidies purchase healthcare through the federal exchange after many states decided not to set up their own marketplaces.

The Obama administration argued that was a too-narrow reading of the law, which spans near 1,000 pages, and the rest of the legislation makes clear subsidies are intended for those who meet income requirements, regardless of which exchange insurance was purchased from.

Justice John Roberts voted with liberal colleagues in support of the law. He was also the key vote to uphold it in a 2012 case. Justice Anthony Kennedy dissented in 2012, but sided with the majority on June 25.

Justice Anthony Scalia’s wrote in his dissent that the Supreme Court is setting a precedent of favoring some laws over others.

“We should start calling this law SCOTUScare” Justice Anthony Scalia’s wrote.

“Today’s interpretation is not merely unnatural; it is unheard of.”

The upholding of the Affordable Care Act cements President Barack Obama’s biggest legislative victory.

Outside the Supreme Court on June 25, people were celebratory and joyful, chanting “ACA is here to stay!” and “If you’re covered and you know it clap your hands.”

Minions: Sandra Bullock Gets Animated

Sonia Pantiss
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Minions: Sandra Bullock Gets Animated

Sandra Bullock has joined Despicable Me‘s lovable, pill-shaped creatures the minions – as they take centre stage with their own movie spin-off, Minions.

Seventeen years ago, Sandra Bullock starred in an animated movie, lending her voice to Moses’ sister Miriam in Disney’s Prince of Egypt.

When asked about her decision to join the cast of Minions, she said: “My son. I wanted to do something that he could see, that I was in.”

Sandra Bullock has an adopted son called Louis, who travelled with her to London ahead of the movie’s world premiere.

She gushes that her 5-year-old son loves physical humor and animation, and because she loves to hear him laugh, joining Minions was a no-brainer.

Minions is a spin-off prequel to Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2. The latter alone took $970.8 million at the worldwide box office.Sandra Bullock Minions

In Minions, it transpires the yellow creatures have actually been serving despicable masters since time began, from dinosaurs to vampires – but because of their accident-prone ways, they have been completely unsuccessful at keeping their jobs.

Without a master to serve, they are driven into a depression, before one of the more proactive minions, Kevin, hatches a plan to find someone new to work for.

Along with fellow minions Stuart and Bob, they head to a villain convention which leads them to their next potential master – Sandra Bullock’s Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first-ever female super-villain.

Scarlet Overkill proves a contrast to Sandra Bullock’s usual roles, which have given her the reputation of America’s sweetheart.

Pierre Coffin not only directs the film but also voices the entire minion population, including Kevin, Stuart and Bob.

His “Minion-ese” – a mixture of languages including French, English, Italian and Spanish – is a huge part of the movie’s charm.

Pierre Coffin and co-director Kyle Balda said they had a lot of fun directing their role call of guest stars including Jennifer Saunders, Steve Coogan, Michael Keaton and Mad Men star John Hamm – who Sandra Bullock describes as “delicious”.

The appeal of the minions is apparently unbounded, with Universal already confirming Despicable Me 3 will be released in June 2017.

North Korea Unveils New Pyongyang Airport

Diane A. Wade
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North Korea Unveils New Pyongyang Airport

North Korea has released pictures of a new airport terminal in Pyongyang.

Several pages of the daily newspaper Rodong Sinmun showed images of Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju inspecting the restaurants and shops.

North Korea has unveiled several large building projects in recent years but human rights groups say much of the country still lives in poor conditions.

The new airport, which will serve only a few flights, is set to open on July 1.Kim Jong un North Korea new airport

Earlier this month, North Korea said it was facing its worst drought in a century, sparking fears of worsening food shortages.

Three pages of Thursday’s Rodong Sinmun – the ruling Workers’ Party official daily newspaper – were devoted to images of Kim Jong-un and Ri Sol-ju being shown around the terminal.

In one image, Mars bars and bottled beers were on display in one of the airport’s new duty-free shops. Another showed a cafe serving espresso-based drinks.

The glass-fronted building is reported to be six times larger than the old terminal but passenger numbers are likely to be low.New Pyongyang airport 2015

Most of the tiny handful of flights to and from Pyongyang carry Chinese tourists and North Koreans on official business between the North Korean capital and Beijing.

Kim Jong-un described the building as a “landmark of the Songun [military-first] era”, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

He told workers and officials he was “very satisfied to see the terminal well built in harmony with modern aesthetic taste and national character”, KCNA said.

The North Korean leader was also reported to have called for the construction of a high-speed railway and a motorway between Pyongyang and the airport, some 15 miles northwest of the capital.

Since taking power in 2011, Kim Jong-un has promised to raise living standards in the isolated country, but most of his signature projects have been beyond the reach of average North Koreans, like ski resorts and water parks.

Many North Koreans suffer from a lack of food, drinking water and stable electricity.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Formally Sentenced to Death

Diane A. Wade
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Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Formally Sentenced to Death

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was formally sentenced to death in Boston.

The Boston Marathon bomber has apologized to his victims in a federal court hearing: “I am sorry for the lives I have taken, for the suffering that I have caused you.”

On June 24, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 21, remained impassive as victims lined up in court to condemn his “cowardly” actions.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his brother Tamerlan killed three and injured 264 when they bombed the finish line of the marathon in 2013.

A police officer was killed during the hunt for the Tsarnaev brothers.Boston Marathon bombing Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

Tamerlan Tsarnaev died and Dzhokhar was sentenced to death last month but he was formally sentenced by the judge on June 24.

In his first statements since the start of the trial, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev said he listened to all the victims’ testimony and noted survivors’ strength, patience and dignity.

He thanked Allah and his lawyers.

Speaking outside the court following the sentencing, victim Lynne Julian said Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s apology was hollow and insincere and that her sense of security is forever changed.

“I regret ever wanting to hear him speak,” she said.

“He showed no remorse.”

Before Dzhokhar Tsarnaev spoke in court, several of the injured and bereaved used what was the first opportunity for them to make public their feelings.

Ed Fucarile, the father of Marc, who lost his right leg, said: “The first time I saw you in this courtroom, you were smirking at all the victims for your unspeakable cowardly act. You don’t seem to be smirking today.”

Bill Richard, father of 8-year-old Martin Richard, the youngest victim, said Dzhokhar Tsarnaev could have stopped his brother on the morning of the attack.

“He chose hate. He chose destruction. He chose death. This is all on him.”

Seventeen people who lost legs in the attack were present in court. Many said they feared they were going to die.

It could be years until Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s legal process is finished. Death penalty sentences in the US often take years to carry out, and there will be an appeal.

Greece Debt Summit: Alexis Tsipras Criticizes Creditors for Failing to Accept Reform Proposals

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Debt Summit: Alexis Tsipras Criticizes Creditors for Failing to Accept Reform Proposals

Greece PM Alexis Tsipras has criticized the country’s international creditors for failing to accept his government’s latest reform proposals.

Alexis Tsipras said this never occurred with similar measures put forward by other states negotiating bailouts, suggesting creditors might not want a deal.

There are also reports that Greece has rejected an IMF counter-proposal seeking more pension and spending cuts.

Alexis Tsipras’ remarks came before he began new talks to secure a debt deal.

Greece must repay €1.6 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the end of the month, or face default and possible exit from the EU.

Eurozone finance ministers are due to finalize a deal on June 24 by the end of the day.

On June 24, the ECB again increased additional emergency funding for Greek banks to stave off fears of a bank run – the fifth time in eight days it has done so as fearful savers withdraw up to €1bn a day from domestic banks.

Photo AP
Photo AP

Only once agreement is reached will creditors unlock the final €7.2 billion tranche of bailout funds.

The agreement being formed is believed to include:

  • New taxes on businesses and the wealthy
  • Selective increases in VAT
  • Savings in pensions linked to curbing early retirement and increasing pension contributions
  • No further reductions in pensions or public-sector wages – “red lines” for Greece’s Syriza government

PM Alexis Tsipras has been meeting the European Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – the trio evaluating his proposals.

They are hoping to finalize a deal that would release further loans to Greece before it runs out of money.

Reuters news agency quoted a eurozone official as saying that, despite several hours of talks, there had been no breakthrough so far and the sides were “still stuck at the same red lines”.

Dutch Government Ordered to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

James J. Williams
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Dutch Government Ordered to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The government of the Netherlands has been ordered to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25% by 2020, in a case environmentalists hope will set a precedent for other countries.

Campaigners brought the case on behalf of almost 900 Dutch citizens.

They argued the government had a legal obligation to protect its citizens from the dangers of climate change.

Government lawyers did not immediately comment on the ruling at the court in The Hague.

Jasper Teulings from Greenpeace called it a “landmark case”.

He says: “It shifts the whole debate. Other cases are being brought in Belgium, the Philippines. This is the start of a wave of climate litigation.”Netherlands greenhouse gas emissions

The court ruled that based on current policy, the Netherlands would only achieve a 17% reduction at most in 2020, which is less than other nations.

“The parties agree that the severity and magnitude of climate change make it necessary to take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” it said.

The lawsuit was brought under human rights laws by the sustainability foundation Urgenda, which said – and the court agreed – that the Netherlands had a duty of care to its citizens and to improve the environment.

It argued that unless rapid action was taken, the next half of this century would see extreme weather, shrinking ice caps and shortages of food and water.

Low-lying Netherlands is especially vulnerable, and must now cut its emissions by a quarter compared with 1990 levels.

Coal and gas provide much of the Netherlands’ energy needs, with the country lagging behind neighbors Denmark and Germany in the use of renewables.

The Dutch government can appeal to a higher court and it is not clear yet how the ruling will be enforced.

The European Union recently set a target of reducing emissions by 40% by 2030.

A major conference on climate change is due later this year, with negotiators aiming to strike a global deal limiting temperature increases to no more than two degrees over pre-industrial levels.

The Seine, Possibly the Most Romantic River in Europe

Dana R
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The Seine, Possibly the Most Romantic River in Europe

The Seine is the main river that flows through Paris, which is the capital of love. Indeed, it is the very heart and soul of the city itself. If you have booked yourself on the Cities of Light Paris to Prague Viking River Tours, you will be able to experience it in all its glory.

A Brief Background

Everywhere in the world, we see the cities near water change the relationship between the constantly moving and the static. Water, metaphysically speaking, is a mirror, which means a city is able to find its own reflection. For hundreds of years, the mirrored attraction of the Seine has been something that painters, poets, writers, philosophizers, lovers and even suicidal people have searched for.

Photo Source: www.linternaute.com
Photo Source: www.linternaute.com

Paris has 20 arrondissements, and the Seine flows through 10 of these. Clearly, this is because the city evolved outwards, with the river at its heart. It is known that the Romans attacked the Parisi tribes, who lived on the island of the river. From then onwards, the city became prime real estate. Today, the river continues to play an important role in the city, not just in terms of attracting tourists, but also because it supplies half of all water that the city uses. This is also why it is not always ok to drink water straight from the tap in Paris (search for signs that say “eau potable”, which means you can drink it).

Right and Left Bank

The right bank and left bank often confuse people, and you are likely to see tourists in Paris standing still staring at maps. Remember that you must always face downriver, at which point the right bank is actually on your right. Once you have that in mind, and presuming you don’t struggle telling the difference between left and right, you should be able to make your way around with ease.

Photo Source: www.nihatkaradag.com.tr
Photo Source: www.nihatkaradag.com.tr

The Bridges

Paris is home to 32 bridges, some of which are truly impressive. The Pont Neuf (Bridge 9) is the oldest one and also the best known. Poets, film makers and other artists have regularly incorporated this bridge in their movies and stories. The bridge crosses a cute little island that, today, is a docking station for riverboat tours.  If you are around in the spring or summer, then sitting under the willow trees on a bench is a wonderful way to spend time.

Three other famous bridges are the Pont de l’Archeveche, the Pont Passerelle Leopold-Sedar-Senghor and the Pont des Arts. These bridges are best known for their love locks. Couples from all over the world come here and place a lock on these bridges, symbolizing that their love can never be broken. Unfortunately, these locks are now being removed, because they pose a safety concern for the construction of the bridges themselves. However, Paris would not be Paris if it wasn’t all about “l’amour”, which is why the locks have been replaced with romantic street art instead.

A Number of Popular Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments

Dana R
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A Number of Popular Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments

Most of us have a real problem with aging. We want to remain looking youthful and beautiful and do all we can to fight against the various signs of aging. Traditionally, the only option we would have once the signs of aging were visible was the facelift. This is a painful, expensive procedure that requires a lengthy recovery period and can also be very risky. Furthermore, the results are questionable at best. Unsurprisingly, many people are now becoming more interested in non-invasive cosmetic treatments. In general, these treatments are less expensive, less painful and, sometimes, far more effective. So what are some of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic treatments available today?

Photo Source: www.surface-med.com
Photo Source: www.surface-med.com
  1. Fractional Laser Treatment

Many types of laser treatments available for the face exist. The most aggressive and complete approach, however, is fractional laser treatment. This is a type of laser that removes any brown discoloration from the skin, thereby improving overall tone, reducing fine wrinkles and reducing pore size. Furthermore, it lifts the skin slightly. Best of all, it only requires a single treatment option. Unfortunately, it leaves the skin quite red for about a week, which means recovery time is slightly longer than with other non-invasive treatments.

Photo Source: youglo.co.uk
Photo Source: youglo.co.uk
  1. Cool Sculpting

This is a non-invasive method that effectively freezes unwanted fat before destroying it. It is often used on hard to target areas, such as love handles or the lower belly. It is a fantastic method for localized, targeted efforts. The treatment is virtually painless and there is no lengthy recovery time. Unfortunately, it is likely that you will need multiple treatments for optimal results and you won’t see the end results for around four months.

Photo Source: www.cosmetiquesolution.com
Photo Source: www.cosmetiquesolution.com
  1. Dermal Fillers

There are a number of dermal filler brands available on the market today. Essentially, the skin is injected with these products in order to soften deep folds and wrinkles on the face. It is most commonly used on the mouth and nose wrinkles, as well as on the bags under the eyes. The procedure is not uncomfortable and very quick. There is no real downtime, although some people experience slight bruising, but that can be hidden with makeup. The results of fillers last for about one year.

Photo Source: atleegleaton.com
Photo Source: atleegleaton.com
  1. Botox

Finally, there is Botox, which is the most popular and best known type of non-invasive cosmetic procedure in the world today. Essentially, the heavily diluted botulism toxin in Botox is injected into the facial muscles and relaxes them. It is the natural tension in these muscles that causes wrinkles to appear. Hence, when they are relaxed, the skin becomes smoother and appears more youthful. Botox is often used on the forehead, the brow between the eyes, the corners of the mouth, crow’s feet around the eye and the chin. No downtime is experienced and the treatment is very safe. However, the results are only temporary and new treatment will be required around two or three times per year. Also, if not done properly, the face can appear frozen.

A Few Things to Think about Before You Buy Titanium Wedding Bands

Dana R
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A Few Things to Think about Before You Buy Titanium Wedding Bands

Titanium is famed for its beauty, light weight and extreme toughness. While originally used in the creation of tools, it is making its way into various other parts of our lives as well. This includes pieces of jewelry and accessories, such as watches, bracelets, earrings, money clips and more. Additionally, it is becoming more common to find titanium wedding bands.

Titanium wedding bands are classy, stylish and unconventional in their design. Plus, it is a metal that suits men and women alike. Moving away from traditional gold and towards modern titanium is a statement about your individuality. Before you go out shopping, however, there are a few things you must take into consideration.

Titanium Wedding Bands
Photo Source: www.overstock.com

Some Things to Remember before Buying Titanium Rings

  1. As titanium becomes more popular, it is also changed slightly to make it even more unique. One new type, therefore, is black titanium. Unfortunately, while titanium is known for its hardness, black titanium will frequently scratch and may therefore not be suitable for jewelry that you wear every day.
  2. A lot of people like to combine their titanium wedding ring with another precious metal, most notably gold or platinum. If this is something you are considering, you must know that your wrong will be a lot more expensive. This is because it is very hard to work with titanium due to its hardness, so you will have to pay a significant amount for the craftsmanship as well.
  3. Some jewelers seem to struggle with sizing titanium rings properly. This is why you must only go to a properly qualified jeweler. You must also remember that it is almost impossible to have a titanium ring enlarged or narrowed. So, you will have to make sure that your weight stays pretty stable for the duration of your married life.
  4. If the ring ever has to be cut, for instance after an accident, then it is unlikely that it can be fixed again. Unfortunately, titanium is simply not a pliable metal, which is precisely what gives it its strength. Hence, once broken, it will remain broken and all you will be able to do is replace it.
  5. While titanium is very durable, it will show some wear and tear signs. Some people find it becomes slightly scratched in certain places. The likelihood of this happening and the extent at which it will happen depends on the quality grading of the titanium itself.
  6. Titanium is a high luster metal. This means that if it does start to appear slightly dull, a little bit of polish will immediately restore it to its original shine.
  7. Titanium is not suitable for people who have a conservative or traditional taste. However, if you want to get the best of both worlds, you could opt to have a titanium wedding band with a gold inlay, thereby offering both tradition and modern beliefs.

If you are getting married, considering titanium is a great way to break the mould.

WikiLeaks: NSA Spied on French Presidents

Diane A. Wade
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WikiLeaks: NSA Spied on French Presidents

US ambassador to Paris has been summoned by the French foreign ministry over claims that the US spied on President Francois Hollande and his two predecessors, officials say.

Whistleblower website WikiLeaks reports the NSA spied on Francois Hollande, Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac between 2006 and 2012.

President Francois Hollande called an emergency meeting and said France would “not tolerate” acts that threaten its security.

The US said it would not comment on “specific intelligence allegations”.

Ned Price, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, added that the US was “not targeting and will not target the communications of Mr. Hollande”.

The NSA has previously been accused of spying on German Chancellor Angela Merkel and on Brazilian and Mexican leaders.NSA spying on France

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has summoned US Ambassador Jane Hartley to discuss the latest claims, French officials said.

Jane Hartley is expected to visit the foreign ministry in Paris on June 24.

A statement from the French presidency said the US must respect a promise not to spy on French leaders. The statement came after an emergency meeting of security chiefs in Paris.

A senior French intelligence official is meanwhile expected to visit Washington to discuss the spying claims.

WikiLeaks began publishing the files on June 23, under the heading “Espionnage Elysee” – a reference to the French presidential palace.

It said the secret files “derive from directly targeted NSA surveillance of the communications” of the three French presidents as well as French ministers and the ambassador to the US.

The WikiLeaks files have now been published by France’s Liberation newspaper and the Mediapart investigative website.

One of the files, dated 2012, is about Francois Hollande discussing Greece’s possible exit from the eurozone. Another one – from 2011 – alleges that Nicolas Sarkozy was determined to resume peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, possibly without US involvement.

A file dated 2010 suggests that French officials were aware that the US was spying upon them and intended to complain about it.

According to the summary of an intercepted exchange, the French envoy to Washington and Nicolas Sarkozy’s diplomatic adviser discussed Sarkozy’s plan to express his “frustration” over US unwillingness to sign a “bilateral intelligence co-operation agreement”.

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

Key Secrets to Make Sure You Get the Best Installment Loans

Dana R
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Key Secrets to Make Sure You Get the Best Installment Loans

A financial advisor will gladly tell you that you will struggle to get an installment loan if you have bad credit. Those that will be willing to provide you with money will also usually hit you with very high interest rates. However, if you have a little bit of know-how, you should be able to get a loan that is affordable even if you have bad credit. Let’s take a look at some key secrets that you need to be aware of.

The Basics

First of all, before you start looking for installment loans, you have to know who you are yourself. What is your financial situation? Why do you have bad credit? Are all the markings against you valid? You have to be realistic about your situation before you start applying. Also know your strong points. Being employed, for instance, will go a long way towards making you more credit worthy.

loan
Photo Source: articles.bplans.com

Getting the Right Lender

Next, you need to find a lender that offers you a loan with really good terms. This will be the bulk of your research work, but it is certainly worth it. Always look online, because this is where you are likely to find the best possible deals, particularly if your credit is less than satisfactory. A Google search for installment loans for bad credit will reveal thousands of results.

Sifting through thousands of results may seem like an impossible task. However, there are some really good comparison sites out there that you can use. At the same time, do not automatically apply through this site either. Instead, go to the website of the lender that looks interesting directly, as this may help you to find an even better deal. Doing so means you don’t have to pay the hidden charges of the comparison site.

Of course, you should also look for traditional lenders. This is particularly true if you have some form of collateral, in which case even your local bank may be willing to consider you. If you have banked with them for a long time, this is certainly worth trying.

Choose the Right Loan

Finally, you have to make sure you don’t just apply for the first loan that looks reasonable. You have to make sure it is really suitable for you. Secured or unsecured is one consideration to be made. The worse your credit is, the harder it will be to get an unsecured loan at a good rate.

The exception to this is found in small sized loans. If you only need a few hundred, then loans such as payday loans or title loans may be more suitable to you. However, these are often not classed as installment loans as such, as you will generally have to pay them back on your very next payday. On the other hand, if you need emergency cash and you need it today, then these types of loans may be the best possible solution out there for you.

Study: Ganoderma Lucidum Slows Weight Gain

Kathryn R. Bown
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Study: Ganoderma Lucidum Slows Weight Gain

According to Taiwanese researchers, Ganoderma lucidum, a mushroom used for centuries in Chinese medicine, reduces weight gain in animals.

The study, published in Nature Communications, suggested Ganoderma lucidum slowed weight gain by altering bacteria in the gut.

The researchers suggested the mushroom could eventually be used in the treatment of obesity.

Experts said the science was good, but putting mushroom extract in cans of cola would not help people lose weight.

Ganoderma lucidum has traditionally been sold for “health and longevity” say researchers at Chang Gung University.Ganoderma lucidum weight loss

They analyzed the impact of the fungus on mice being fed a high-fat diet.

Those on just a high-fat diet reached 42g after their first two months whereas mice that were also fed a high dose of mushroom extract reached only 35g.

Mice were still much slimmer if they were fed a normal diet.

In their report, the team said mushroom extract “may be used as pre-biotics to reduce body weight gain, chronic inflammation and insulin resistance [type 2 diabetes] in obese individuals.”

Although this would, they said, need further testing in people.

The team in Taiwan showed that adding the mushroom to the mice’s meals altered the types of bacteria living in the gut.

Gut bugs are heavily involved in digestion and the release of energy, and some species are associated with slim people and others with fat people.

The scientists showed that transplanting faeces from the mushroom-fed mice to other mice – known as horizontal faeces transfer – helped the recipient keep off the pounds.

Julie Hamp Arrested: Toyota HQ Raided by Police

Clyde K. Valle
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Julie Hamp Arrested: Toyota HQ Raided by Police

Police have raided Toyota Motor Corp.’s headquarters in Toyota City, as well as its offices in Tokyo and Nagoya, following the arrest a senior American executive on suspicion of drug law violations.

Julie Hamp, Toyota’s newly appointed head of public relations, has been arrested on suspicion of importing a controlled substance into Japan.

Toyota President Akio Toyoda said last week that he believes Julie Hamp did not intend to violate the law.

It is unclear what authorities were looking for in the raid, which is common after an arrest.Toyota executive Julie Hamp arrested

Toyota spokesman Ryo Sakai told Reuters news agency that the company would not comment because an investigation is ongoing.

Julie Hamp is the highest ranking female executive in Toyota’s history.

She was arrested on June 18 on suspicion of importing oxycodone, a narcotic pain killer, into Japan. The substance is tightly controlled in the country.

Police said the drugs were in a parcel that Julie Hamp had posted to herself.

Julie Hamp told police she brought the drugs into Japan to help with pain in her knees, Kyodo News reported.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGjW16OF0fA

Skinny Jeans Can Cause Muscles and Nerve Damages

Kathryn R. Bown
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Skinny Jeans Can Cause Muscles and Nerve Damages

Doctors have warned that wearing skinny jeans can lead to muscle and nerve damages.

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry has described a case in which a 35-year-old woman had to be cut out of a pair after her calves swelled and ballooned in size.

The woman had spent hours squatting to empty cupboards for a house move in Australia. By evening, her feet were numb and she found it hard to walk. After a while, she began to have difficulty walking and lost sensation in her legs.

She fell and struggled to get up again. She was found lying on the ground hours later and was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital where she had to be cut out of the jeans. Doctors found that her muscles and nerves were damaged.Skinny jeans compartment syndrome

Doctors believe the woman developed a condition called compartment syndrome, made worse by her skinny jeans. Compartment syndrome is a condition caused by increased pressure within a confined body space and resulting in nerve compression.

The condition caused the woman to trip and fall and, unable to get up, she then spent several hours lying on the ground.

On examination at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, her lower legs were severely swollen.

Although her feet were warm and had enough blood supplying them, her muscles were weak and she had lost some feeling.

As the pressure had built in her lower legs, her muscles and nerves became damaged.

She was put on an intravenous drip and after four days was able to walk unaided.

Other medics have reported a number of cases where patients have developed tingly, numb thighs from wearing the figure-hugging low-cut denim trousers – although the chance of it happening is still slim for most people.

Doctors have also previously warned against wearing high heels with skinny jeans, as wearing the shoes tilts the wearer’s pelvis and increases pressure against the jeans, risking nerve damage.

How the Body Copes with Extreme Heat

Kathryn R. Bown
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How the Body Copes with Extreme Heat

Human body’s normal core temperature is 37-38C (98.6 –100.4F).

If it heats up to 39-40C (102.2-104F), the brain tells the muscles to slow down and fatigue sets in. At 40-41C (102.2-105.8F) heat exhaustion is likely – and above 41C the body starts to shut down.

Chemical processes start to be affected, the cells inside the body deteriorate and there is a risk of multiple organ failure.Human body and extreme heat

The body cannot even sweat at this point because blood flow to the skin stops, making it feel cold and clammy.

Heatstroke – which can occur at any temperature over 40C – requires professional medical help and if not treated immediately, chances of survival can be slim.

There are a number of things people can do to help themselves. These include:

  • wearing damp clothes which will help lower the body’s temperature
  • sticking one’s hands in cold water
  • placing fans next to windows as this will draw air from outside, which should be cooler
  • wearing looser clothes
  • having a lukewarm shower rather than a cold one
  • fanning the face rather than other parts of the body

Pakistan Heat Wave 2015: Death Toll Rises to 450

Diane A. Wade
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Pakistan Heat Wave 2015: Death Toll Rises to 450

Pakistan has declared heat wave emergency as the death toll topped 450 in southern Sindh province.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it had received orders from PM Nawaz Sharif to undertake immediate response measures.

The army has also been deployed to set up heat stroke centers and assist the NDMA, it added.

Many of the victims are elderly people from low income families.

Health officials say many deaths have been in the largest city, Karachi, which has experienced temperatures as high as 45C (113F) in recent days.Pakistan heat wave 2015

Hundreds of patients suffering from the effects of the heat wave are being treated at government hospitals, provincial health secretary Saeed Mangnejo said.

The demand for electricity for air conditioning has coincided with increased power needs over Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours.

Hot weather is not unusual during summer months in Pakistan, but prolonged power outages seem to have made matters worse.

Sporadic angry protests have taken place in parts of the city, with some people blaming the government and the city’s main power utility, K-Electric, for failing to avoid deaths.

PM Nawaz Sharif had announced that there will be no electricity cuts but outages have increased since the start of Ramadan.

According to Pakistan’s metrological office cooler weather is forecast from June 23.

The all-time highest temperature reached in Karachi is 47C (117F), recorded in 1979.

Last month, nearly 1,700 people died in a heat wave in neighboring India.

Ali Awni al-Harzi Dead: US Airstrike Kills Benghazi Attack Suspect in Iraq

Roy Siemens
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Ali Awni al-Harzi Dead: US Airstrike Kills Benghazi Attack Suspect in Iraq

Benghazi attack suspect Ali Awni al-Harzi has been killed in an US airstrike in Iraq, the Pentagon says.

Ali Awni al-Harzi died on June 15 in the city of Mosul, which is controlled by ISIS, the Pentagon adds.

He was designated as a terrorist by the US Treasury and state department.

The US ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, was among four Americans killed in the Benghazi attacks in September 2012.Benghazi attack 2012

US officials blamed the attack on militants linked to al-Qaeda.

The Pentagon described Ali Awni al-Harzi as “a person of interest” in the attack on the US compound.

It said he was an organizational intermediary who operated closely with extremists linked to ISIS or ISIL throughout North Africa and the Middle East.

“His death degrades ISIL’s ability to integrate North African jihadists into the Syrian and Iraqi fight and removes a jihadist with long ties to international terrorism,” Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steve Warren said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkDxkr9feF0

Richard Matt and David Sweat: Inmates DNA Found in New York Cabin

Nancy Clayson
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Richard Matt and David Sweat: Inmates DNA Found in New York Cabin

Police hunting for New York prison escapees Richard Matt and David Sweat have found evidence in a cabin after a witness reported seeing a man fleeing from the home.

ABC News reported that DNA, found on food near the campsite, is linked to the two convicted killers.

A pair of prison-issue underpants was also found in the cabin, according to the New York Times.

Richard Matt, 49, and David Sweat, 35, escaped on June 6 from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora.

The discovery has shifted the search to an area 20 miles west of the site of the prison break.NY escapees Richard Matt and David Sweat

Richard Matt and David Sweat escaped from jail through tunnels, using power tools to escape from their cells.

“We have recovered specific items from cabins and forwarded them to labs and got conclusive information, but we will not confirm what it found,” said New York State Police Major Charles Guess at a news conference on June 22.

Police had been searching heavily on a rural area close to the Pennsylvania state line on June 22 in Friendship, 300 miles south of the prison.

On June 20, police responded to a sighting of two men walking along a railway in the area. That sighting is still unconfirmed.

“No lead is too small for us to investigate,” Charles Guess said.

Prison employee Joyce Mitchell has been arrested for possibly helping Richard Matt and David Sweat escape and giving the pair the tools.

Joyce Mitchell was planning on meeting the duo with a getaway car, but changed her mind.

Diddy Arrested for Hitting UCLA Football Coach with Gym Weight

Sonia Pantiss
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Diddy Arrested for Hitting UCLA Football Coach with Gym Weight

Diddy has been arrested in California for hitting a UCLA football coach with a gym weight.

Officers at UCLA University in Los Angeles had to deal with an altercation at the college training complex.

Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, has a son called Justin who plays as a defensive back on the American football team.

Nobody was seriously injured and the rapper was released from a Los Angeles County jail after posting bail.

Diddy is charged with assault with a deadly weapon.Diddy arrested after fight with UCLA football coach

The dispute, which involved a gym kettlebell, took place in the office of UCLA assistant coach Sal Alosi.

It’s reported that a team assistant was shouting at Justin Combs repeatedly during a game which Diddy was attending.

He’s then said to have confronted the coach in his office after the match.

“This is an unfortunate incident for all parties involved,” football coach Jim Mora said in the statement from UCLA campus police.

“While UCPD continues to review this matter, we will let the legal process run its course and refrain from further comment at this time.”

The 45-year-old rapper has build a music empire over 25 years and changed his name from Puff Daddy to Diddy.

As well as launching the careers of The Notorious BIG, he’s promoted the careers of major international artists from Mary J. Blige to Mariah Carey.

According to the Forbes hip-hop wealthiest list 2015, Diddy’s personal fortune is estimated at close to $750 million.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaMMmHe0fSE

Walmart Removes Confederate Flag Products Merchandise

Clyde K. Valle
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Walmart Removes Confederate Flag Products Merchandise

Walmart has decided to remove Confederate flag merchandise from stores and its e-commerce site in the wake of Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church shooting last week that renewed outcry over the symbol.

Brian Nick, a spokesman for the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer, said in a statement: “We never want to offend anyone with the products that we offer.

“We have taken steps to remove all items promoting the Confederate flag from our assortment – whether in our stores or on our website.”

On June 22, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley called for removing the Confederate battle flag from the State House grounds. Following the shooting, which killed nine parishioners at a historic black church in the state, the symbol needs to go, she said.Walmart Confederate flag products

Governor Nikki Haley said at a press conference: “That flag, while an integral part of our past, does not represent the future.

“By removing a symbol that divides us, we can move forward as a state in harmony.”

Walmart has sold a range of Confederate-themed products, including decals, knives and T-shirts. The move to eliminate the merchandise was previously reported by CNN.

The company’s Brian Nick said in the statement: “We have a process in place to help lead us to the right decisions when it comes to the merchandise we sell.

“Still, at times, items make their way into our assortment improperly – this is one of those instances.”

What Is Confederate Flag?

James J. Williams
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What Is Confederate Flag?

The Confederate flag seen today on houses, bumper stickers and T-shirts – sometimes accompanied by the words “If this shirt offends you, you need a history lesson” – is not, and never was, the official national flag of the Confederacy.

The design by William Porcher Miles, who chaired the flag committee, was rejected as the national flag in 1861, overlooked in favor of the Stars and Bars.Confederate flag

The Confederate was instead adopted as a square battle flag by the Army of Northern Virginia under General Lee, the greatest military force of the Confederacy.

It fast became a potent symbol of Confederate nationalism.

The saltire – or diagonal cross – on the battle flag is believed to have been inspired by its heraldic connections, not any Scottish ones.

Since the end of the American Civil War, private and official use of the Confederacy’s flags, and of flags with derivative designs, has continued under philosophical, political, cultural, and racial controversy in the US. These include flags displayed in states, cities/towns/counties, schools/colleges/universities, private organizations/associations, and by individuals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msmy-KAD6S4

South Carolina Governor Calls for Capitol’s Confederate Flag Removal

Diane A. Wade
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South Carolina Governor Calls for Capitol’s Confederate Flag Removal

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has called for the removal of a Confederate flag from the state capitol’s grounds.

The Confederate flag, emblematic of the south during the US civil war, was embraced by Dylann Roof, the man accused of killing nine people in Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church last week.

Governor Nikki Haley called for the “removal of a symbol that divides us”, and urged the state legislature to act.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans says it will fight attempts to remove it.

Photo EP
Photo EP

The group says it symbolizes their heritage and history, not hate, and offered condolences to the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where the attack took place.

At a news conference, Nikki Haley acknowledged that point of view but said to many others it was a “deeply offensive symbol of brutal oppression”.

Hours later, Walmart announced it would no longer stock any products that display the Confederation flag.

The Confederate flag was originally the battle flag of the southern states in the American Civil War when they tried to break away to prevent the abolition of slavery.

Only the South Carolina’s state legislature may remove the flag, according to a deal hatched in 2000 when the flag was moved from the capitol’s dome to the memorial where it now stands.

A vote could take place this week and could bring to an end many years of bitter arguing about the prominent location of the flag.

The latest debate over it was prompted by the shooting of nine black worshippers during a bible study group at the church in Charleston.

Suspect Dylann Roof has been pictured holding the Confederate flag.

State leaders have held crisis meetings as they have tried to find a solution but some leading Republicans have called for action.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, has also called for the flag’s removal.

Like Nikki Haley, Lindsey Graham has reversed his position in light of the tragedy.

Others, including the Republican House Majority Leader Jay Lucas and Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley, have also spoken out.

The Emanuel AME Church shooting has reignited an ongoing national debate over race relations.

President Barack Obama weighed in during a recent interview in which he used the N-word to make a point about racism in the US.

Barack Obama will deliver a eulogy at the funeral of one of the men killed – Clementa Pinckney, a personal friend of the president, who was state senator and pastor of the church.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msmy-KAD6S4

James Horner Dies in Plane Crash near Santa Barbara

Sonia Pantiss
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Titanic and Braveheart composer James Horner has died in a plane crash near Santa Barbara aged 61.

James Horner’s death was confirmed by Sylvia Patrycja, who is identified on the composer’s film music page as his assistant.

“We have lost an amazing person with a huge heart and unbelievable talent,” Sylvia Patrycja wrote on Facebook on June 22.

“He died doing what he loved. Thank you for all your support and love and see you down the road.”

James Horner is reported to have been alone aboard a two-seater single-engine plane which crashed about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara on Monday morning.

The two-time Oscar winner worked on three James Cameron films, as well as A Beautiful Mind, Troy and Apollo 13.

James Horner won one Oscar for James Cameron’s Titanic film score and one for its theme song.

His score for Titanic sold a whopping 27 million copies worldwide.

James Horner’s fruitful partnership with James Cameron also netted him Oscar nominations for original score for the blockbusters Aliens (1986) and Avatar (2009). The pair reportedly were also at work on Avatar sequels.

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