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Barack Obama Uses N-Word During Radio Interview

Diane A. Wade
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Barack Obama Uses N-Word During Radio Interview

President Barack Obama has used the “n-word” during an interview to argue that the US has yet to overcome its issues with racism.

“Racism, we are not cured of it,” the president said.

“And it’s not just a matter of it not being polite to say n***er in public.”

The radio interview came days after a mass shooting in South Carolina which police believe was racially motivated.

Barack Obama will deliver a eulogy at the funeral of one of the men killed.

Clementa Pinckney, a personal friend of the president, was state senator and pastor of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston where the attack took place.

In the interview, Barack Obama also lamented Congress’ lack of will to enact stricter gun controls.Barack Obama uses n word in radio interview

“It’s not just a matter of overt discrimination,” he told comedian Marc Maron in a podcast.

“Societies don’t, overnight, completely erase everything that happened 200 to 300 years prior.”

Barack Obama acknowledged that attitudes about race in the US have improved since his childhood, but he said that America’s history of enslaving black people “casts a long shadow and that’s still part of our DNA that’s passed on”.

The president has publicly used the n-word before but not as president. He used the word several times in his book Dreams from my Father.

Nine black worshippers were killed by gunman Dylann Roof during a bible study group at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.

Dylann Roof has been pictured holding the Confederate flag, a symbol used by southern states in the civil war when they tried to break away to prevent the abolition of slavery.

The shooting has restarted a debate over a Confederate flag that flies on the grounds of the South Carolina state capitol.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and others have called for the flag to be removed, calling it a symbol of racism.

President Barack Obama did not reference the flag in the interview, but he said on June 19 that the flag belongs in a museum and should not be flown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZBKNtSRch8

Ahmed Mansour: Al-Jazeera Reporter Freed in Germany

Roy Siemens
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Ahmed Mansour: Al-Jazeera Reporter Freed in Germany

Al-Jazeera reporter Ahmed Mansour has been freed in Germany after being detained following an extradition request from Egypt, German prosecutors confirmed.

Ahmed Mansour, who works for the network’s Arabic-language service, was held on June 20 as he tried to board a flight from Berlin to Qatar.

A court in Egypt’s capital Cairo sentenced Ahmed Mansour to 15 years in prison in absentia last year on torture charges.

Al-Jazeera says the accusations against Ahmed Mansour are absurd and false.

“This was an unfortunate incident in Germany, but we are pleased that the mistake has been rectified,” said al-Jazeera’s acting director general, Mostefa Souag.Ahmed Mansour freed in Berlin

“We hope that this will be a lesson to the Egyptian authorities that the rest of the world values freedom of the press,” he added.

Ahmed Mansour’s lawyer, Patrick Teubner, told Associated Press that there were no further legal matters pending against his client in Germany.

Ahmed Mansour was released into a cheering crowd on June 22.

“Thanks to people around the world who supported me in the last days,” he said, according to AFP.

Earlier, the German government had said that it could veto an extradition decision from the court.

Foreign ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer told a news conference that Germany has repeatedly questioned the rule of law in Egypt.

“Against this background, you will surely understand that there are doubts in the Mansour case,” he said.

“I don’t think one can say this loudly enough: Of course, nobody will be extradited from Germany who risks being sentenced to death abroad.”

Ahmed Mansour, along with two Muslim Brotherhood members and an Islamic preacher, is accused of taking part in the torture of a lawyer in Cairo’s Tahrir Square in 2011, during protests against then President Hosni Mubarak.

Video footage of the incident shows the lawyer being kicked but does not show Ahmed Mansour, according to AP. The journalist later interviewed the preacher about the incident, the news agency says.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDlFTGu9xDE

The benefits of ductless air conditioning

Dana R
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The benefits of ductless air conditioning

If you’ve been contemplating getting central air for your home, you may think that the only option is the central air system that utilizes the ductwork that already exists in your home.  That’s not true.  There’s another option.  Ductless air conditioning systems are a popular option because of their ease of installation and efficiency at cooling your home.  These air conditioning systems are comprised of two parts:  an indoor unit and an outdoor unit and there are many reasons why many homeowners choose them over other kinds of AC systems.

air conditioner

Increased comfort in the home

As compared to window or portable air conditioning systems, ductless central air conditioning units can very efficiently distribute the cool air around the space.  Because just one indoor unit can effectively cool a large area, these systems are ideally suited to homes that feature an open floor plan, which can be a challenge for traditional central air systems.

Energy savings

Ductless air conditioning systems are very efficient and easily controlled, which saves energy and money every month.

Low installation costs

Because they do not require the installation of extensive (and expensive!) ductwork, ductless installation is quicker, easier and less invasive to install than traditional central air systems.

Improved air quality

Because they include air purifying filters, ductless systems circulate fresh, dust- and allergen-free air through the home.  That means that those in your home who suffer from allergies or asthma will experience a reduction in their symptoms.

Potential for incentives

To entice customers to upgrade or opt for ductless systems (an energy-efficient alternative) many companies offer financial incentives to new customers.  If you’ve been considering purchasing a ductless system, that incentive could be just the push you’ve been waiting for.

Ductless air conditioning systems can be easily installed in one or two rooms of a house or apartment, making installation much less intrusive than what would be involved in installing a central air conditioning system.  Once installed, the system can be controlled remotely and set to a timer, so that they only cycle as required, which allows for effective temperature management and energy savings at the same time.

If you are considering a ductless air conditioning system for your home, be sure you to consult a reputable HVAC company who has experience not only in installing ductless systems, but also in offering services in ductless air conditioning repair NYC residents may require.

Whether your home has ductwork or not, it’s worth investigating the possibility of a ductless system, as they do offer some advantages over other options.  They offer a quiet, efficient, and easy-to-install option for keeping your home cool no matter what summer heat may throw at you.  Ask trusted friends for recommendations or, if you don’t know anyone with a ductless system, do your own research to find a company with a good reputation to do the installation for you.  Installation is quick, so you’ll be basking in air conditioned comfort in no time!

Jake Lloyd Arrested in South Carolina After High Speed Chase

Sonia Pantiss
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Jake Lloyd Arrested in South Carolina After High Speed Chase

Former child star Jake Lloyd has been arrested after a high-speed chase in South Carolina.

Jake Lloyd, 26, starred in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, paying a young Anakin Skywalker.

He faces charges after failing to stop for police in South Carolina.

A former talent agent confirmed to Colleton County Sheriff’s deputy Sgt. Kyle Strickland that the man was Jake Lloyd.

The man gave his name as Jake Broadbent, a resident of Colorado.Jake Lloyd arrested 2015

He was charged with failing to stop for officers and reckless driving after hitting speeds of more than 100mph.

Deputies in coastal Charleston County initially tried to stop the car early on Wednesday afternoon, but stopped chasing after the man drove into neighboring Colleton County.

The chase lasted for more than 25 miles before Jake Lloyd drove off a highway, ploughed through a fence and continued speeding along another local road.

That road ended at a dead end but the car kept going into a wooded area before it hit several small trees and stopped.

The man hadn’t posted bail and remained in jail on Sunday evening, June 21, said Sgt. Kyle Strickland.

Jake Lloyd said in a 2012 interview that the role he performed when he was 10 years old made his youth hellish because he was bullied by other children.

His last acting credit was in Madison, which was filmed in 2000 but released in 2005.

Before his appearance in Star Wars, Jake Lloyd appeared in several episodes of ER.

Kim Kardashian Won’t Name Second Baby South West

Lisa.Felice
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Kim Kardashian Won’t Name Second Baby South West

Kim Kardashian has just announced her second baby will be a boy in a Father’s Day tweet.

The reality star, who is expected to give birth in early December, previously talked about speculation over her second baby’s name being “ridiculous” but has ruled out naming the boy after another compass direction.

Speaking to National Public Radio in America, Kim Kardashian said South West wasn’t in the running to follow North.Kim Kardashian pregnant with second baby

“I don’t like South West… North will always, you know, be better and be more… she has a better direction,” Kim Kardashian said.

“So I wouldn’t do that. I don’t think we’ll go with another direction.”

Kim Kardashian, 34, revealed that she was expecting her second child during an episode of reality show, Keeping Up the Kardashians.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s daughter North West was born in June 2013.

Kim Kardashian says all the speculation about the new baby’s name is “ridiculous”.

“Everyone keeps on saying South and I think it’s so stupid,” she said.

“Stupidest thing ever and just ridiculous.”

Kim Kardashian has also been uploading Instagram photos from North West’s baptism in Jerusalem.

Kim Kardashian Pregnant with a Baby Boy

Lisa.Felice
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Kim Kardashian Pregnant with a Baby Boy

Kim Kardashian has revealed her second baby with Kanye West is a boy.

Kim Kardashian, 34, revealed the news on Father’s Day, tweeting on June 21: “You’re such a good daddy to North and you will be the best daddy to our new son too!”

The reality star first let people know she was pregnant on her show Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had their first child, daughter North West, in June 2013.Kim Kardashian second baby

She is expected to give birth in early December.

Kim Kardashian has previously talked about speculation over the new baby’s name being “ridiculous” but has ruled out naming the boy after another compass direction.

Speaking to National Public Radio in America, Kim Kardashian said South West wasn’t in the running to follow North.

“I don’t like South West… North will always, you know, be better and be more… she has a better direction,” Kim Kardashian said.

It’s been a dramatic few weeks for the show with pregnancy news and Kim Kardashian’s step-mother Caitlyn Jenner going through the transition process from a male to a female.

On her Twitter feed Kim Kardashian spoke about spending Father’s Day with Kanye West and their daughter North.

“Your bond is so irreplaceable! Thank u for being such a good dad! We ❤️ &appreciate u so much! So blessed to have u.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbn8FwhwVdk

Simpsons Divorce: Homer and Marge Deny Split up Rumors

Sonia Pantiss
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Simpsons Divorce: Homer and Marge Deny Split up Rumors

Homer and Marge Simpson have denied they are divorcing after 26 series of cult show The Simpsons.

In a video posted online, called Together Forever, Marge Simpsons says: “Homie and I are here to address baseless rumors that we are going to split up.”Simpsons divorce rumors

The rumor mill kicked in after Al Jean, one of the original writers of the show, said that there could be a legal separation for the pair.

Al Jean made the comments in an interview with Variety magazine, which discussed various future storylines.

Homer Simpson then goes on to ask why “news media guys can’t cover more important things”.

“Now listen here, Marjorie and I are as solid as a rock,” he adds.

However, Al Jean tweeted: “@thesimpsons #EverySimpsonsEver Re: season premiere, Bart’s “death” click bait headlines may not reflect truth. U r playing into our hands!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd4icOrzUJM

Greece Debt Summit: EU Ministers Try to Deadlock Debt Crisis

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece Debt Summit: EU Ministers Try to Deadlock Debt Crisis

European leaders hold an emergency summit in Brussels that could break the deadlock around Greece’s debt crisis.

Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said he hoped Greece would “return to growth within the eurozone”.

European finance ministers have said there is still no basis for making a decision for aid for Greece on June 22.Greece debt summit June 2015

On June 21, Alexis Tsipras set out new proposals to try to prevent a default on a €1.6 billion IMF loan.

But he has ruled out pension cuts, higher power rates, and an excessive budget surplus.

Greece must repay the loan by the end of June or risk crashing out of the eurozone and possibly the EU.

Talks have been in deadlock for five months. The European Commission, the IMF and the European Central Bank (ECB) are unwilling to unlock the final €7.2 billion tranche of bailout funds until Greece agrees to economic reforms.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwINd4VRVwM

Top Gear Will Keep Its Sense of Danger with Chris Evans Hosting

Clyde K. Valle
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Top Gear Will Keep Its Sense of Danger with Chris Evans Hosting

Top Gear will keep its “sense of danger” when the show returns with Chris Evans hosting, BBC director general Tony Hall has said.

Tony Hall said he was “thrilled” Chris Evans was replacing Jeremy Clarkson, who was sacked after punching a producer.

He also said he hoped the new Top Gear would appeal to existing fans and bring in people who were “put off by part of how the program was in the past”.

“I’d like to see some women in the presenting team,” Tony Hall added.Top Gear new host is Chris Evans

Top Gear‘s close-to-the-knuckle humor and high-octane stunts are all part of the attraction to the show’s 6.5 million viewers.

The show, however, has a long history of controversy under its previous stewardship, including accusations of racism and inappropriate comments.

Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, Tony Hall said he believed Chris Evans would be able to reinvent the show as he knew “what makes a good program”.

“I hope that edge will be there and that sense of danger will be there. I need to leave it to Chris and the team to make up their mind about what they think is going to work best,” he said.

“You’ve go to trust the talent and give them confidence to do the things they want to do.”

Tony Hall also denied knowledge of claims Jeremy Clarkson was offered his job back as the host of Top Gear, after the presenter told The Sun an unnamed BBC executive had “asked if I’d come back” last week.

“I have no idea what that’s all about,” the director general said.

“I made it absolutely clear when I said ‘we’re going to part company’ that was it.”

Jeremy Clarkson’s final episode of Top Gear will be broadcast on June 28.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjdlHW9ZsKc

Jurassic World and Inside Out Top US Box Office

Sonia Pantiss
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Jurassic World and Inside Out Top US Box Office

Jurassic World and Pixar’s Inside Out battled for this weekend’s box office supremacy.

Jurassic World roared into the lead with $102 million, making it only the second film after The Avengers to make $100 million in two separate weekends.

Inside Out, which unfolds largely inside the mind of a young girl, came second with $91 million.

It is the biggest opening weekend for a non-sequel in box office history.

The record was previously held by Avatar, which took $77 million when it debuted in 2009.Inside Out box office

However, Inside Out‘s second place opening breaks Pixar’s perfect run at the top of the charts. Starting with 1995’s Toy Story, all 14 of the studio’s previous films had opened at No 1.

“Inside Out would have been number one in any other weekend,” said Phil Contrino, vice president of BoxOffice.com.

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. Being number one is overrated.”

Disney – which owns the Pixar studio – noted that Frozen had also debuted at No 2, before going on to become Disney’s biggest-ever animated release with a global haul of nearly $1.3 billion.

Inside Out was judged to be a tough sell. A genre-defying story of a girl’s inner turmoil, it portrays her emotions as characters – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust – who live inside her mind.

Meanwhile, Jurassic World broke another record – it is now the highest-earning film in the dinosaur franchise. It has made $398 million in just two weeks, surpassing the $357 million made by the original Jurassic Park in 1993.

North American box office top 10:

  1. Jurassic World – $102 million
  2. Inside Out – $91 million
  3. Spy – $10.5 million
  4. San Andreas – $8.2 million
  5. Dope – $6 million
  6. Insidious: Chapter 3 – $4.1 million
  7. Pitch Perfect 2 – $3.3 million
  8. Mad Max: Fury Road – $2.8 million
  9. Avengers: Age of Ultron – $2.7 million
  10. Tomorrowland – $2 million

Taliban Bomb Attack on Afghanistan Parliament

Roy Siemens
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Taliban Bomb Attack on Afghanistan Parliament

Afghanistan’s parliament has been attacked by the Taliban group and heavy fighting is still going on in the capital, Kabul.

Attackers detonated a huge car bomb outside the building, before racing into parliament itself, reports say.

Police are evacuating the premises, while trying to fight off the attackers.Taliban bomb attack Afghanistan parliament

The Taliban say they are carrying out the attack to coincide with a vote to endorse a new defense minister.

The incident happened as new Defense Minister Massoom Stanekzai was being introduced to lawmakers, who need to endorse him.

Pictures on social media showed parliament full of smoke and people running for cover.

Local media report another explosion in the Dahmazang area of Kabul city.

Television was broadcasting live from the building when the attackers struck and lawmakers were seen fleeing the building.

One female lawmaker is reported to have been wounded.

Afghanistan has been without a full-time defense minister for several months, and the attack is sending a clear message to the government by putting out today’s parliamentary proceedings.

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

Yulin Dog Meat Festival 2015: China’s Summer Solstice Festival Sparks Internet Outrage

Nancy Clayson
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Yulin Dog Meat Festival 2015: China’s Summer Solstice Festival Sparks Internet Outrage

This year’s Yulin dog meat festival in China’s Guangxi region has begun, amid uproar on the part of animal rights activists.

About 10,000 dogs are said to be cooked at Yulin Summer Solstice Lychee and Dog Meat Festival on June 21 and June 22 to mark the summer start, state media said.

One retired school teacher from Tianjin hit the headlines when she purchased dozens of dogs to save them.

Residents and vendors in Yulin say the animals are killed in a humane way.

Activists say the killing is cruel and an online campaign to ban the festival has been signed by more than 3.8 million people so far and the campaign has attracted considerable support this year from celebrities both domestic and foreign.

Celebrities have spoken out on Twitter with the hashtag #StopYuLin2015. Chinese pop star Chen Kun and actor Yang Mi have said they are joining the campaign on micro blogging site Weibo.Yulin Dog Meat Festival 2015

Chinese actor Fan Bingbing and others posted a video online against the festival.

The tradition of eating dog meat dates back four or five hundred years in China, South Korea and other countries, as it is believed to ward off the heat of the summer months, according to state news agency Xinhua.

However, this festival began in recent years, Xinhua said.

Yulin officials have distanced themselves from the gathering.

“Some residents of Yulin have the habit of coming together to eat lychees and dog meat during the summer solstice,” the city’s news office wrote on Weibo.

“The <<summer solstice lychee and dog meat festival>> is a commercial term, the city has never [officially] organized a <<dog meat festival>>,” it added.

As in recent years, some animal lovers resorted to buying some of the dogs in order to rescue them.

Yang Xiaoyun, the retired school teacher, paid about 7,000 yuan ($1,100) to save 100 dogs on June 20.

Eating dog meat is legal in China, but canines are supposed to be raised on farms and certified for human consumption before they are sold.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_9skxembhw

Apple Music Reverses Payment Policy After Taylor Swift Stand

Sonia Pantiss
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Apple Music Reverses Payment Policy After Taylor Swift Stand

Apple Music has decided to reverse its payment policy, less than 24 hours after Taylor Swift said she was refusing to allow the company to stream her album 1989.

In an open letter to Apple, Taylor Swift, 25, said she was withholding the record as she was unhappy with the three-month free trial offered to subscribers.

Now Apple Music says it will pay artists for music streamed during trial periods.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, tweeted on June 21: “We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple.”

“Apple will always make sure that artist are paid,” he added.

Eddy Cue’s response may have headed off what could have been a bruising battle for Apple during a crucial period in which Apple Music is attempting to compete with streaming services like Spotify, which knows all too well what it’s like to be on the receiving end of Taylor Swift’s ire.Tyalor Swift changes Apple Music payment policy

He also tweeted: “#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period.”

Taylor Swift had said the plan was “unfair”, arguing Apple had the money to cover the cost.

“I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company,” the singer said, describing Apple as one of her “best partners in selling music”.

“Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing.”

Apple Music launches on June 30. It will cost $9.99 per month in the US for one person or $14.99 for families.

It is not the first time Taylor Swift has spoken out against streaming music – she pulled her entire catalogue from Spotify last November and had refused to offer 1989 on streaming services, saying the business had “shrunk the numbers of paid album sales drastically”.

1989 went on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of 2014 and has sold more than 4.9 million copies in the US alone.

California Surfers Break Record for Most People Riding a Board at Once

Nancy Clayson
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California Surfers Break Record for Most People Riding a Board at Once

A group of surfers in Southern California have broken the world record for the most people riding a wave on a surfboard at the same time on June 20.

Sixty-six people, including surf champions and local heroes, rode a 42ft surfboard for 12 seconds to break the record at Huntington Beach south of Los Angeles.California surfers world record

Around 5,000 people watched from the coast, the Orange County Register reported.

Guinness World Record adjudicator Michael Empric said a separate record for whether the 1,300-pound board is the world’s largest will take a few days to determine.

The record was previously held by a group of 47 surfers in the Australian state of Queensland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqrwEH27grQ

Taylor Swift Blasts Apple Music for Not Paying Artists and Holds Back 1989 Album

Sonia Pantiss
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Taylor Swift Blasts Apple Music for Not Paying Artists and Holds Back 1989 Album

Taylor Swift has decided to pull her 1989 album from Apple Music and criticized the company.

In an open letter to Apple, Taylor Swift said she was withholding the record as she was unhappy with the three-month free trial offered to subscribers by Apple’s new streaming music service.

The 25-year-old singer wrote: “I’m not sure you know that Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months.”

Taylor Swift said the plan was “unfair”, arguing Apple had the money to cover the cost.

“I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company,” she said, describing Apple as one of her “best partners in selling music”.

“These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much,” she continued.

“We know how astronomically successful Apple has been and we know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the 3 month trial period – even if it is free for the fans trying it out.

“Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing.”Taylor Swift pulls 1989 album from Apple Music

Taylor Swift ended her letter by calling on Apple to change its policy, suggesting she would reinstate her album on the service if the company changed its mind.

“We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”

Apple has yet to comment on the issue.

The rest of Taylor Swift’s back catalogue will remain available on Apple Music when it launches on June 30. It will cost $9.99 per month in the US for one person or $14.99 for families.

The music industry has generally supported Apple bringing its vast music library to paid streaming, and the company said it will pay 70% of the music subscription revenue to music owners.

It is not the first time Taylor Swift has spoken out against streaming music – she pulled her entire catalogue from Spotify last November and had refused to offer 1989 on streaming services, saying the business had “shrunk the numbers of paid album sales drastically”.

1989 went on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of 2014 and has sold more than 4.9 million copies in the US alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAxtZ1iw6k0

Speed the Tortoise: San Diego Zoo Oldest Animal Put Down at the Age of 150

Nancy Clayson
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Speed the Tortoise: San Diego Zoo Oldest Animal Put Down at the Age of 150

A 150-year-old giant Galapagos tortoise named Speed has been put down at San Diego Zoo in California.

Speed had been in geriatric decline for some time.

Keepers at the zoo had used acupuncture and hydrotherapy to treat his arthritis and other ailments.Speed the tortoise dead at 150

Finally, a decision was made on June 19 to euthanize the 670 lb tortoise.

Speed had been brought to California in 1933 as part of a program to preserve the endangered species from the Volcan Cerro Azul island of the Galapagos, off Ecuador.

Thirteen Galapagos tortoises remain at the zoo.

The group has produced more than 90 offspring which can be found in many other zoos.

Many of them have been sired by Speed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0kCbGmzZmg

Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church to Reopen for Sunday Services

Diane A. Wade
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Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church to Reopen for Sunday Services

Charleston Emanuel AME Church in which nine parishioners were shot dead by Dylann Storm Roof on June 17 is to reopen for services on Sunday, June 21.

Members of South Carolina’s African-American church met again on June 20 in the room where their friends died earlier this week.

Many more people are expected to attend the service at 09:00 AM on Sunday.

Meanwhile, police are investigating an online post, possibly by gunman Dylann Roof, that appears to outline his motivation for the attack.

One of those who attended Saturday’s meeting, Harold Washington, said the church’s doors would be open to all on Sunday.

“We’re gonna have people come by that we’ve never seen before and will probably never see again, and that’s OK,” Harold Washington said.

“It’s a church of the Lord – you don’t turn nobody down.”Charleston Emanuel AME Church to reopen

Survivors say Dylann Roof spent close to an hour attending a church service on June 17 before opening fire.

Crowds gathered outside the historic church on Saturday to hear pastors from across the US lead prayers. Many travelled hundreds of miles from across the country to pay their respects.

A rally was also held in Charleston by the Black Lives Matter movement, which began after the 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman over the killing of an unarmed African-American teenager, Trayvon Martin.

In South Carolina’s capital, Columbia, protests took place to demand the removal of the Confederate flag from the capitol building.

The flag was a symbol used by southern states in the civil war, when they tried to break away to prevent the abolition of slavery.

It is viewed by many as a sign of the white supremacy advocated by those states at the time.

The protest followed President Barack Obama’s remark that the flag belonged “in a museum”.

Protesters chanted “Take it down” and sang We Shall Overcome, an anthem of the black civil rights movement.

On June 19, South Carolina’s Republican state representative Doug Brannon told MSNBC that he planned to introduce legislation to remove the Confederate flag.

On June 20, images emerged on a website showing Dylann Roof posing with the Confederate flag. In others, he is seen burning the US flag and visiting a former slave plantation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b55Qq9MbO0

James Salter Dies at the Age of 90

Sonia Pantiss
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James Salter Dies at the Age of 90

Novelist James Salter has died on June 19 at a gym near his New York state home, his publisher said. He was 90.

James Salter was often dubbed the “greatest writer you’ve never read,” having several famous writers were among his fans, including Philip Roth and Joseph Heller, but he never converted critical acclaim into commercial success.

A former US fighter pilot, James Salter flew in the Korean War alongside future astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who became the second man to walk on the moon.James Salter dead at 90

Born James Arnold Horowitz, the author wrote his first novel, The Hunters, in 1956 during the Korean War and became known for exploring masculine themes like conflict – provoking comparisons to Ernest Hemingway.

The Hunters was made into a movie in 1958 starring Robert Mitchum but his five later novels received far less attention.

James Salter published his final novel, All That Is, in 2013 at the age of 87. It was his first for nearly 30 years and it made the New York Times best-seller list – but only for a week.

International Yoga Day 2015: Narendra Modi Leads 35,000 in Delhi Mass Yoga Event

Diane A. Wade
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International Yoga Day 2015: Narendra Modi Leads 35,000 in Delhi Mass Yoga Event

PM Narendra Modi has led thousands in a mass yoga program in Delhi on the first ever International Yoga Day held in India on June 21.

Narendra Modi did stretches, bends and breathing exercises with 35,000 school children, bureaucrats and soldiers.

Security was tight in the Indian capital with thousands of police and paramilitary deployed for Sunday morning’s event.

Millions of others are expected to do yoga at similar events planned in hundreds of Indian cities and towns.

Narendra Modi, a yoga enthusiast who says he practices the ancient Indian art daily, lobbied the United Nations to declare June 21 International Yoga Day.

Thousands of colorful mats were laid out on Rajpath – King’s Avenue – where the main event was held.Narendra Modi International Yoga Day 2015

Officials had earlier said PM Narendra Modi will attend the event and address the gathering, but not do yoga.

However, the prime minister surprised participants by joining in with the exercises.

Authorities said 35,000 people attended the 35-minute yoga session on Rajpath, aimed at setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest yoga class at a single venue.

Guinness officials said they would announce the results in a few hours.

Yoga was also being performed on the Siachen glacier and the high seas, the defense ministry said.

The day is also being celebrated around the world and Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj says “tens of millions” will do yoga on Sunday, June 21.

Sushma Swaraj herself will be in New York where she will attend the celebrations with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. In Times Square, 30,000 people are expected to do yoga.

However, the day, being billed as one to promote “harmony and peace”, has hit a controversial note with some Muslim organizations saying yoga is essentially a Hindu religious practice and is against Islam.

Many others say Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government has an agenda in promoting the ancient Indian discipline.

However, the authorities deny the charge – they say participation in the yoga day is not mandatory and reports that Muslims are opposed to yoga are exaggerated.

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

Ahmed Mansour: Al-Jazeera Journalist Detained in Germany at Egypt Request

Diane A. Wade
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Ahmed Mansour: Al-Jazeera Journalist Detained in Germany at Egypt Request

Al-Jazeera senior journalist Ahmed Mansour has been arrested in Germany at the request of Egypt.

Ahmed Mansour, who works for the channel’s Arabic-language service, was detained as he tried to board a flight from Berlin to Qatar.

Egyptian authorities had issued an international arrest warrant for Ahmed Mansour, a German police official said.

A Cairo court sentenced Ahmed Mansour, 52, to 15 years in prison in absentia in 2014 on torture charges.

Al-Jazeera says the claims made against Ahmed Mansour, who has dual British and Egyptian citizenship, are absurd and false.Al Jazeera Ahmed Mansour detained in Berlin

Ahmed Mansour tweeted on Saturday night: “I am still under arrest at Berlin airport, waiting to be taken before an investigating judge.”

Al-Jazeera reporter that Ahmed Mansour is expected to remain in custody until June 22 when he will go in front of a German judge.

A police spokesman said the arrest was made at 15:20 local time.

He added that the Egyptian-issued arrest warrant accused Ahmed Mansour of committing “several crimes” but he gave no further details.

Al-Jazeera said the Egyptian warrant was previously rejected by international police body Interpol as it did not meet its rules.

In a video recorded while detained, Ahmed Mansour described the incident as a “misunderstanding” and said he hoped it would be resolved quickly.

“It is quite ludicrous that a country like Germany would enforce and support such a request made by a dictatorial regime like the one we have in Egypt,” he added.

“Other countries must not allow themselves to be tools of this media oppression, least of all those that respect freedom of the media as does Germany,” said al-Jazeera acting director General Mostefa Souag.

Relations between Doha and Cairo have been strained by Qatar’s support for the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood organization in Egypt.

Three al-Jazeera journalists, including Australian Peter Greste, were arrested in Egypt in 2013 on charges of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood.

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi visited Germany earlier this month and met with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

David Sweat and Richard Matt: New York Escapees Spotted near Pennsylvania Border

Nancy Clayson
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David Sweat and Richard Matt: New York Escapees Spotted near Pennsylvania Border

New York State police are investigating two possible sightings of David Sweat and Richard Matt, who escaped a prison in upstate New York two weeks ago.

The convicted killers were reportedly spotted in the Southern Tier of New York state, about 350 miles from the prison where they escaped.

State police spokesman Beau Duffy said June 20 that officers got a lead that David Sweat and Richard Matt might be in Allegany County, near the Pennsylvania border.New York fugitives David Sweat and Richard Matt

David Sweat and Richard Matt escaped on June 6 from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, near the Canadian border.

On June 19, New York state police said in a news release that two men fitting the description of David Sweat and Richard Matt had been seen a week ago in Steuben County. Allegany County is west of Steuben County.

Officials also said June 19 that a corrections officer was placed on administrative leave as part of the investigation into the prisoners’ escape.

Dylann Roof Racist Photos and Manifesto Discovered Online

Diane A. Wade
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Dylann Roof Racist Photos and Manifesto Discovered Online

A collection of images of Charleston church gunman Dylann Roof posing with a gun have surfaced online.

Dylann Storm Roof, 21, shot dead nine people at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday, June 17.

The pictures discovered on a website also show Dylann Roof burning the US flag and visiting a slave plantation.

In one image Dylann Roof is shown staring down the camera while sitting on a chair in camouflage trousers holding a gun.

It is unclear who posted the images on the site, which was found on June 20.Dylann Roof white supremacist

The website with a white supemacist manifesto was taken offline on the same day shortly after it was discovered. Internet records suggest its domain was registered in February to a Dylann Roof in Eastover, South Carolina, but it is unclear who was behind it.

It is not clear who wrote the words and who took the pictures, but the manifesto appears to trace the evolution of the author’s racist worldview and concludes with a section labeled “An Explanation”.

The manifesot reads: “I have no choice. I am not in the position to, alone, go into the ghetto and fight. I chose Charleston because it is most historic city in my state, and at one time had the highest ratio of blacks to Whites in the country. We have no skinheads, no real KKK, no one doing anything but talking on the internet. Well someone has to have the bravery to take it to the real world, and I guess that has to be me.”

Data from the images show many of them were taken in April and May 2015.

Many of the photographs show Dylann Roof posing with the Confederate flag, a symbol used in the US south during the civil war when southern states tried to break away to prevent the abolition of slavery.Dylann Storm Roof white supremacist

It is viewed by many as symbolizing the white supremacy advocated by those states at the time.

The website was discovered by two Twitter users who used a tool to find any domain names registered to Dylann Roof.

Dylan Roof was arrested on June 18 and charged with the murders of nine African-Americans at the Emanuel African Methodist Church in downtown Charleston.

Police said Dylann Roof spent an hour sitting with parishioners inside the church before opening fire on them.

Crowds gathered outside the historic church on June 20 to hear pastors from across the US lead prayers.

The Emanuel AME Church is due to reopen on Sunday, June 21, for a service at 09:00 local time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmir-Ep0cr4

Graz Car Attack: At Least Three Dead After Man Drives SUV into Crowd

Diane A. Wade
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Graz Car Attack: At Least Three Dead After Man Drives SUV into Crowd

A man has killed three people and injured other 34 after driving his van into crowds before getting out and stabbing bystanders in Austria’s second largest city of Graz.

The driver has been arrested, though police say there were no indications the attack was motivated by terrorism.

The horrific scene took place at 12:30 today and police have allegedly arrested a 26-year-old man who they claim has Bosnian roots.

Part of the city was sealed off, with large numbers of ambulances and helicopters sent to the scene.

Local media has reported that after driving the SUV into the crowd, seemingly targeting people at random.
After the vehicle stopped the man left it and used a knife to attack several people.

The man, who reportedly hit a cyclist before his car went into the crowd, acted alone according to police.Graz car attack 2015

The square in Graz was hosting an event related to the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix, which is being held nearby.

The regional governor confirmed that three people had died and 34 were injured, some seriously.

Hermann Schuetzenhoefer told reporters that the suspect was a 26-year-old man who was “mentally unbalanced”.

“There is no explanation, there is no excuse,” he added.

Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann also said he was deeply shocked by the incident.

Sixty ambulances and four helicopters were sent to the scene.

Graz Mayor Siegfried Nagl, who witnessed the incident, told Kleine Zeitung newspaper: “The driver deliberately drove into pedestrians. I myself saw a woman being run over.”

The Austrian Grand Prix takes place this weekend in Spielberg, and it is thought that many of the city’s emergency services had been deployed there.

Graz mayor has cancelled all city events in the city and ordered black flags of mourning to be raised above municipal buildings, AP reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSuo-xouP04

Donald Trump 2016: Trump’s Team Denies Using Unauthorized Neil Young’s Song

Diane A. Wade
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Donald Trump 2016: Trump’s Team Denies Using Unauthorized Neil Young’s Song

Donald Trump’s team has hit back at Neil Young after the musician criticized The Apprentice star for using one of his songs at his presidential candidacy announcement on June 16.

The veteran rocker hit headlines when he released a statement distancing himself from Donald Trump after the business mogul played his anthem Rockin’ In the Free World when he made his entrance to a press conference in New York City where he announced plans to run for the White House in 2016.Donald Trump 2016 Neil Young song

In a statement, Neil Young’s manager Elliot Roberts said: “Donald Trump was not authorized to use Rockin’ In The Free World in his presidential candidacy announcement. Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States Of America.”

Donald Trump’s team has now declared they were authorized to use Neil Young’s song, telling TMZ.com they “paid for and obtained the legal right” to play it.

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