Find some dating tips in this scene from Duck Dynasty Season 4’s episode So You Think You Can Date.
Si Robertson is giving Justin Martin some expert advice on dating:
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Si Robertson’s dating tips
Khaleda Zia: Bangladesh court orders opposition leader arrest
A warrant for the arrest of Bangladesh’s opposition leader Khaleda Zia has been issued amid a political stand-off in the country.
The court in Dhaka issued the arrest warrant after Khaleda Zia failed to appear in connection with a corruption case.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader denies embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in charitable funds.
Khaleda Zia’s party is engaged in a major confrontation with PM Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Last month Khaleda Zia urged her supporters to go on strike and block roads and railways to force Sheikh Hasina to call fresh elections.
Since then at least 100 people have died in clashes around Bangladesh.
The BNP boycotted polls in January 2014, saying they would be rigged.
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Tom Rothman replaces Amy Pascal at Sony Pictures
Sony Pictures has named Tom Rothman as a replacement for Amy Pascal.
Amy Pascal stepped down as co-chair following a debilitating cyber attack that revealed her private emails.
Hollywood veteran Tom Rothman, 60, who will become the chairman of Sony’s motion picture group, spent 18 years at 20th Century Fox and helped bring Titanic and Avatar to the big screen.
He left Fox in 2012 and has been chairman of TriStar Productions, a joint venture with Sony, since 2013.
The entertainment division of Sony Corp said that Michael Lynton would remain its chief executive and chairman. Tom Rothman will report to him.
Michael Lynton said: “Tom’s creativity, strong talent relationships and track record of enduring films and commercial success are unparalleled in this industry.”
Amy Pascal, one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, stepped down as co-chair of Sony Pictures earlier this month.
She was the highest-profile victim of the November cyber attack and reportedly commented on the viewing habits of President Barack Obama in a derogatory manner in an email to producer Scott Rudin.
The attack by a group calling itself the Guardians of Peace prompted Sony to cancel the planned release of the film The Interview. It depicted the fictional assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The group was linked with North Korea and US authorities believe the attack was retaliation for the studio’s decision to make The Interview. Amy Pascal had been one of the champions of the film.
She will start a production company backed by Sony in May that will produce new Spider-man movies, among others.
In his TriStar role, Tom Rothman has overseen several anticipated dramas including The Walk by Robert Zemeckis that stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Ang Lee’s adaptation of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, a novel by Ben Fountain about the Iraq war.
Sony said Tom Rothman will remain responsible for the TriStar productions in the near future.
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American Sniper verdict: Eddie Ray Routh found guilty of Chris Kyle’s murder
Eddie Ray Routh has been found guilty of the murder of American Sniper Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield by a Texas jury.
The judge sentenced Eddie Ray Routh to life in prison without parole; prosecutors had not sought the death penalty.
Eddie Ray Routh’s defense lawyers said the 27-year-old was psychotic at the time of the shootings two years ago.
But prosecutors said Eddie Ray Routh was aware of what he was doing when he gunned the pair down at a Texas gun range in 2013.
American Sniper movie, based on Chris Kyle’s memoir of his four tours of duty in Iraq was nominated for best film at the Oscars this year.
The former Navy Seal, who has the most recorded kills of any US sniper, was shot and killed along with Chad Littlefield at a rural shooting range south-west of Fort Worth.
Having retired from the military, Chris Kyle had been helping other veterans deal with combat-related stress and mental health issues.
On the day of the killings, Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield took Eddie Ray Routh with them to go shooting after the defendant’s mother asked for help in dealing with her troubled son.
Eddie Ray Routh, who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, was under extreme mental distress and was convinced the two men would turn on him on the day of the killing, his lawyers argued.
The court also heard that Eddie Ray Routh was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol at the time of the shooting.
In addition, he had been prescribed anti-psychotic medication often used for schizophrenia, reported the Associated Press news agency.
Defense lawyers said Eddie Ray Routh had been mentally affected by the time he spent helping earthquake relief efforts in Haiti with the Marines in 2010.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder on grounds of insanity.
However, a psychologist testified for prosecutors that Eddie Ray Routh was not legally insane, but instead had a paranoid disorder made worse by his drink and cannabis abuse, according to the Associated Press.
As prosecutors had not sought the death penalty, the sentence of life imprisonment without parole was imposed automatically by the judge.
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4 Career Paths More Likely to Land You a Job
Whether you’re thinking about going to school for the first time or going back, education is key to getting the job you want and the salary you need. However, choosing a reliable career path with job growth is essential if you want to find lucrative opportunities after you graduate. Here are four fast-growing fields that will be sure to land you a job after you complete a program of further education.
Tax Preparer
“Death and taxes” is how the old saying goes—the two things that you can always depend on. Therefore, becoming a tax preparer means guaranteed employment since taxes aren’t going away anytime soon. Filing taxes can also be complicated for the average person, whether they’re a freelancer with two jobs or newly married. In order to make sure it’s done the right way, many consumers won’t hesitate to seek the assistance of a professional. A tax preparer generally requires an associate’s degree, with certified public accountants making 35 percent more than those without certification, according to Monster. This is a killer combo of qualifications that makes you extremely employable after you complete your education in a field that’s sure to exist as long as the world keeps turning.
Healthcare
Healthcare has always been known as a job-creating industry. However, it’s become even more robust with last year’s healthcare reforms which increased access in 2013 for 31 million more people, according to US News. Whether you choose to spend many years in school to become a doctor or you’re interested in a shorter program like Medical Insurance Billing, the healthcare industry is where you’ll find huge opportunities. Not everyone has the time, resources, and patience to go to medical school to become a doctor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t claim a piece of the pie. There are lots of schools that offer both on-campus and online options for different positions within the healthcare industry. For example, institutions such as Vista College offer flexible courses that are available online, at night, or at other convenient times for someone who might be busy with a family or full-time job looking to switch professions. Whatever your situation, pursuing a position in the healthcare industry is not only smart in terms of job growth and opportunities, but it’s also travelable. If you need to move somewhere else or simply want a change of pace, anything in the healthcare field is guaranteed to be needed somewhere else. It also offers a huge array of positions with different levels of education.
Marketing
As of December 2014, the position of marketing manager has the highest number of job openings at almost 23,000 opportunities as compared to ten other popular positions, according to Fortune. Marketing is another profession that’s always in demand, especially in the current business climate where things like social media and public image rule all. Information travels fast for businesses, and they need someone who’s on the ball to keep up with their marketing campaigns. If you’re a creative person, this type of position is a great fit. Not only does it fall within the business world, which means decent money, but it also allows some ingenuity. To be a marketing manager, you need to have drive as well as good ideas. Marketing and advertising can be fun, but it’s also demanding. If you can keep up and are an organized person, then this is the right job for you. Hop aboard when the going is still good.
eCommerce Entrepreneur
These days, people are starting online businesses every day, and some of them even succeed. The key to being a successful eCommerce entrepreneur is planning, expertise in your chosen industry, and a lot of creative thinking. Entrepreneurism is one of the best and most rewarding parts of the American dream, and it’s still possible to realize even in this day and age. Online sales and business conducted over the Internet are climbing steadily, increasing much more each year as technology makes huge strides in allowing consumers to shop more easily. Between the ever-evolving hoard of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as an increasing demand for convenience, there’s no better time to enter the eCommerce game. The beauty of starting your own online business is that you also have the ability to be your own boss, work from home, and come up with ideas that you can instantly implement. If you have a family and need a flexible schedule, being an eCommerce entrepreneur is the way to go as the industry continues to grow.
These top four career paths all have their own individual requirements and perks, but you need to decide what’s right for you. Everyone has different needs, whether it’s a family or simply desiring a change of pace. One other thing that you may consider is online education, this will save you time and money when considering learning a new skill. Entering a burgeoning field with lots of opportunities will make it easier to find a job that can carry you to success.
Evgeniy Bogachev: FBI offers record $3 million reward for alleged Russian hacker
The FBI has offered a record $3 million reward for information on Russian hacker Evgeniy Bogachev.
This is the highest reward the US authorities have ever offered in a cybercrime case.
Evgeniy Bogachev was charged last year in the US with being behind a major cybercrime operation that allegedly stole more than $100 million.
He was last seen in Russia, where he is believed to remain at large.
Arresting him may be difficult, as the US does not have an extradition treaty with Russia.
Evgeniy Bogachev, also known as “lucky12345” and “slavik”, is accused of running the GameOver Zeus attack network, thought to have infected more than one million computers.
Victims were tricked into downloading malware – malicious software – which then searched specifically for financial information.
Evgeniy Bogachev was charged last year on counts including conspiracy, wire, bank and computer fraud, and money laundering, after the FBI said it broke up the network.
He is one of the FBI’s most wanted cyber-criminals.
“This reward offer reaffirms the commitment of the US government to bring those who participated in organized crime to justice, whether they hide online or overseas,” the US State Department said.
The reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Evgeniy Bogachev.
The head of the FBI’s cyber crime division, Joseph Demarest, said Russia’s internal security agency had expressed an interest in working with the US on cybercrimes, according to Reuters, but did not link it to the Bogachev case.
Joseph Demarest also said the agency was aware of 60 different cyber-threat groups linked to nation-states, but gave no further details.
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Keystone XL: Barack Obama vetoes pipeline bill
President Barack Obama has vetoed the Keystone XL oil pipeline bill.
The Republican-led Congress sent the bill to the president on February 24.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama vetoed the bill “without any drama or fanfare or delay”.
The 875-mile pipeline would carry tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska where it joins pipes running to Texas.
The project has pitted Republicans and other supporters, who say it will create much needed jobs, against many Democrats and environmentalists, who warn the pipeline will add to carbon emissions and contribute to global warming.
The Keystone bill is Barack Obama’s third veto as president and his first since Republicans won full control of Congress in November.
More vetoes are expected in the coming months as Republicans in Congress craft legislation to reverse Barack Obama’s action on health care, immigration and financial regulation.
The Keystone XL pipeline project was first proposed more than six years ago, but has languished, awaiting a permit required by the federal government because it would cross an international boundary.
The White House has said the bill passed by Congress interfered with the normal permitting process.
Without a veto-busting majority in Congress, Republicans are considering inserting Keystone into other critical legislation dealing with energy, spending or infrastructure in the hope that Barack Obama would be less likely to veto those priorities.
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Pee-wee’s Big Holiday: Netflix to release new movie worldwide
Netflix has revealed the new Pee-wee Herman film, produced by Judd Apatow and star Paul Reubens, will be called Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.
Production is due to start in March, and the movie will premiere exclusively on the internet streaming service.
Paul Reubens and Paul Rust have written the script, which John Lee will direct.
It will see Pee-wee Herman inspired to take his first ever holiday after a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger.
Netflix has called the film “an epic story of friendship and destiny” and a “passion project” of Paul Reubens and Bridesmaids producer Judd Apatow, a long-time fan of the Pee-Wee character.
Paul Reubens created the character when he was part of Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings and had his first TV show in 1980.
He has also starred in two feature films -1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, and Big Top Pee-wee in 1988.
Paul Reubens said he and Juss Apatow “dreamt up this movie four years ago”, when “the world was much different”.
“Netflix was waiting by the mailbox for red envelopes to arrive,” he went on, referring to the company’s origins as a postal DVD rental service.
Paul Reubens resurrected his Pee-wee character in 2010 for a critically-acclaimed live show in Los Angeles and New York.
“We didn’t hesitate for a moment knowing that Pee-wee’s Big Holiday was such a passion project for Paul and Judd,” said Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos.
“We are thrilled to bring our viewers around the world the wonder of Pee-wee Herman.”
Rolf Harris stripped of Australian honors
Australia has stripped Rolf Harris of honors after his conviction last year for child assault offences.
A brief statement said that Rolf Harris’ appointments as Officer and Member of the Order of Australia had been terminated by Governor General Peter Cosgrove.
Rolf Harris, 84, was jailed in July 2014 for nearly six years for 12 indecent assaults against four girls.
The offences took place between 1968 and 1986.
Australia operates a separate honors system to that of the UK. Rolf Harris has also been awarded honors under the UK system.
Rolf Harris has appeared on TV screens as a children’s entertainer and songwriter.
Earlier this month Rolf Harris was again questioned by police regarding assault allegations.
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Oscars 2015: Audience reaches 6-year-low with only 36.6 million viewers
This year’s Oscars ceremony has scored the event’s lowest ratings in six years, averaging 36.6 million viewers.
The figures were down by 16% on last year’s ratings, according to Nielsen figures published by Variety.
First-time host Neil Patrick Harris received lukewarm reviews, while some have blamed the drop on a lack of nominations for films with mass appeal.
Last year 43.7 million tuned in when Ellen DeGeneres was at the helm.
Ellen DeGeneres had powered the show to a 10-year ratings high and proved a tough act to follow.
Critics were unimpressed by Neil Patrick Harris’s performance during the three-and-a-half hour awards show, which saw him stripping to his pants for a Birdman and Whiplash inspired sketch – something the LA Times review called “embarrassing”.
Neil Patrick Harris has previously won four Primetime Emmys for his skills hosting Broadway’s Tony awards.
However, The Washington Post commented: “It was bound to happen eventually. Neil Patrick Harris, the man who can host anything, finally stumbled.”
Not everyone has blamed Neil Patrick Harris for the ceremony’s lack of appeal though, with some suggesting the predictability of this year’s awards race may have put TV viewers off.
Many of this year’s prizes were awarded to favorites including Eddie Redmayne and Julianne Moore who took the top acting prizes on the night.
Birdman triumphed over Boyhood to win both best picture and best director for Alejandro Gonzalez.
The New York Times has suggested the gap between films that are popular in US cinemas and those winning Oscars may also explain a ratings dip, calling the awards “hopelessly detached from movie viewers.”
Box-office smash American Sniper went home with only the sound-editing prize, while the second biggest ticket seller of the best picture nominations, The Imitation Game, also took just one prize.
“After months of intense prize campaigning by the Oscar-savvy Weinstein Company, it lost in seven of its eight nominated categories, winning only for best adapted screenplay,” said The New York Times.
Sunday’s TV broadcast was the Academy Awards’ lowest-rated show since 2009, which attracted 36.3 million viewers when Hugh Jackman hosted and Slumdog Millionaire was the big winner.
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Greece bailout: Eurogroup approves reform plans
The Eurogroup has approved a list of reforms submitted by Greece as a condition for extending its bailout by four months, officials say.
Eurozone finance ministers said they had agreed to begin national procedures – parliamentary votes in several states to give the deal final approval.
The measures offered by Greece include combating tax evasion and reforming the public sector.
However, IMF chief Christine Lagarde said they lacked “clear assurances” in key areas.
Greece’s debt stands at more than €320 billion, and its current €240 billion bailout expires on February 28. Fresh funding will not be released until Greece’s proposals are approved in detail.
The stakes of talks over continued financial aid have been high because of fears of a Greek default that could push it out of the euro, triggering turmoil in the EU.
The main stock market in Athens rose by nearly 10% on February 24, hitting a three-month high.
The Eurogroup said in a statement: “We call on the Greek authorities to further develop and broaden the list of reform measures, based on the current arrangement, in close co-ordination with the institutions.”
The European Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB) both stated that the Greek proposals were a “valid starting point”.
The agreement had “averted an immediate crisis,” said European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Pierre Moscovici.
“It does not mean we approve those reforms, it means the approach is serious enough for further discussion,” he added.
However, Christine Lagarde expressed reservations about the reform proposals.
“In some areas like combating tax evasion and corruption I am encouraged by what appears to be a stronger resolve on the part of the new authorities in Athens,” Christine Lagarde wrote in a letter to the Eurogroup.
“In quite a few areas, however, including perhaps the most important ones, the letter is not conveying clear assurances that the government intends to undertake the reforms envisaged.”
The IMF, ECB and the Commission make up the “troika” of institutions that have managed financial rescue programs for Greece since 2010.
The four-month bailout extension was agreed on Friday after several rounds of talks, pending Greece’s delivery of its reform proposals.
The deal was widely seen as a climbdown by Greek PM Alexis Tsipras. The newly elected leader of the left-wing Syriza party is trying to balance satisfying the demands of creditors with meeting his pre-election pledges.
Alexis Tsipras’ government wants to clamp down on tax evasion, corruption and inefficiency in order to fund social spending and alleviate what it calls Greece’s “humanitarian crisis”.
ECB head Mario Draghi noted that Greek commitments “differ from existing program commitments in a number of areas”.
He said there would be a need to assess whether measures rejected by Greece were “replaced with measures of equal or better quality”.
Eurogroup chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem said the Greek government had a right to put its own “stamp” on the bailout program.
“The new government is much more aggressive on taxes and corruption, and these are excellent things,” Jeroen Dijsselbloem told Dutch radio.
“But the Greek government is perhaps too optimistic about the speed with which they can boost tax revenues.”
Greek reform proposals:
- Combat tax evasion
- Tackle corruption
- Commit not to roll back already introduced privatizations, but review privatizations not yet implemented
- Introduce collective bargaining, stopping short of raising the minimum wage immediately
- Tackle Greece’s “humanitarian crisis” with housing guarantees and free medical care for the uninsured unemployed, with no overall public spending increase
- Reform public sector wages to avoid further wage cuts, without increasing overall wage bill
- Achieve pensions savings by consolidating funds and eliminating incentives for early retirement – not cutting payments
- Reduce the number of ministries from 16 to 10, cutting special advisers and fringe benefits for officials [youtube n6Vg2JqKhUw 650]
Metrolink train derails in Oxnard after colliding with truck
A Metrolink train has derailed after collision with a truck in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles.
The vehicle became engulfed in flames and at least 30 people have been injured, a fire department spokesman said.
Police in Oxnard, California, say the crash was first reported at 05:44 local time.
A helicopter from a local television station is showing emergency responders treating multiple people.
Ventura County Fire Department Captain Mike Lindbery said the train was carrying 51 passengers, and 28 of those were transported to several local hospitals.
The driver of the truck that collided with the train fled the scene, and was “taken into custody south of the scene less than a mile,” Capt. Mike Lindbery said.
Aerial footage from the scene shows multiple emergency vehicles at the scene, with several fire fighters and paramedics moving people into ambulances.
One carriage can be seen overturned and laying partially in a nearby highway. Two others were overturned laying parallel to each other, and a fourth remains upright.
In a nearby intersection, the burnt-out shell of a truck can be seen with remnants of fire extinguishing foam.
The train was destined for Los Angeles, and crashed about 65 miles away from its destination.
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Oscar Pistorius trial: Lawyers launch legal bid to prevent prosecutors appeal
Oscar Pistorius’ lawyers have launched a legal bid to prevent prosecutors from appealing against his acquittal on murder charges.
Judge Thokozile Masipa ruled in December that prosecutors could appeal against the acquittal.
She had sentenced the South African athlete to five years in prison for the lesser charge of culpable homicide, or manslaughter.
Oscar Pistorius shot dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013.
He said he mistook her for a burglar, while prosecutors argued that he shot her after a row at his upmarket home in the capital, Pretoria.
The double amputee athlete was acquitted by Judge Thokozile Masipa of both premeditated murder and the lesser murder charge of dolus eventualis, also known as common-law murder.
In South African law, this charge applies if the accused knew they might kill someone but still went ahead with their course of action.
Prosecutors argued that Judge Thokozile Masipa misinterpreted the law when she cleared Pistorius of murder on the basis that he did not intentionally shoot Reeva Steenkamp.
Giving them permission to appeal in December, the judge said: “I cannot say… that the prospect of success at the Supreme Court of Appeal is remote.”
On March 13, Oscar Pistorius’ lawyers will appear before Judge Thokozile Masipa and intend to cite previous cases to back their argument that the appeal should not be allowed.
Uhersky Brod shooting: At least 8 people killed in Czech Republic restaurant
A gunman has shot dead at least 8 people in the eastern Czech Republic town of Uhersky Brod, local reports and officials say.
The man burst into a restaurant around lunchtime, opening fire, according to Czech state television.
The suspect is also reported to be dead following the attack, Czech officials have said. The motive for the shooting is unclear.
Some 20 people were thought to have been in the restaurant at the time.
Although police confirmed the shooting in Uhersky Brod, about 180 miles from the capital Prague, they have yet to officially comment on the death toll.
The mayor of Uhersky Brod told Czech television that the suspect, who may have been carrying two weapons, was a local man aged around 60.
World Cup 2022: Qatar tournament dates set for November and December
A FIFA taskforce has recommended the 2022 World Cup in Qatar should take place in November and December.
Key football officials met in Doha to discuss a number of options following fears a summer event would endanger the health of players and fans.
Summer temperatures in Qatar can exceed 40C (104F) while those in November and December drop to around 25C (77F).
Today’s recommendation is expected to be ratified by FIFA’s executive committee in Zurich on March 19 and 20.
Taskforce chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa also recommended that the 2022 tournament should be shortened by a few days.
There has already been speculation that the tournament could start on November 26 and end on December 23.
However, FIFA has already said there are no plans to reduce the size of the tournament from 32 teams or 64 matches.
The other dates under consideration were May and January-February.
In a statement, FIFA said a number of options had been discussed but felt that November-December was the best one because:
- A January-February tournament would clash with Winter Olympics
- The month of Ramadan begins on April 2 in 2022
- Hot conditions prevail from May to September in Qatar
FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said there were “pros and cons” for all options but said the “one solution” was November and December.
Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa added: “We are very pleased that, after careful consideration of the various opinions and detailed discussions with all stakeholders, we have identified what we believe to be the best solution for the 2018-2024 international match calendar and football in general.
“It was a challenging task and I want to thank all members of the football community for their productive input and constructiveness in helping to find a solution that we believe can work for everyone.”
FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce said moving the World Cup to the winter was a “common sense” decision but that a final on December 23 would be too close to Christmas and the traditional festive matches.
He said a tournament in November and December would “cause a lot of disruption” but added: “It is eight years away and people should have enough time to make it work.”
Many of Europe’s top leagues wanted an April-May solution to minimize disruption to their domestic programs.
There is also the Champions League and Europa League to consider, with group games usually taking place in November and December.
However, European governing body UEFA came out in support of the taskforce recommendation.
It issued a statement insisting it “sees no major issues in rescheduling its competitions for the 2022/23 season”.
African officials agree with the taskforce’s recommendation, despite the fact they will almost certainly have to move the 2023 African Cup of Nations from its January-February slot.
Confederation of African Football’s director of communications Junior Binyam said it was backing the proposal “100%”.
As for North America, the Major League Soccer season in the United States will be unaffected given it runs from March until the end of October.
Average temperatures in November are around 29C (84F), dropping to around 25C (77F) by mid-December, slightly cooler than the 35C (95F) averages in May.
Tournament organizers had planned to use air-cooling technology they claimed would lower temperatures within grounds to about 23C (73F).
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ISIS kidnaps at least 90 Assyrian Christians in Syria
At least 90 Assyrian Christians have been kidnapped by ISIS militants from villages in north-eastern Syria, activists say.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 90 men, women and children were seized in a series of dawn raids near the town of Tal Tamr.
Some Assyrians managed to escape and made their way east to the largely Kurdish-controlled city of Hassakeh.
It comes as Syrian Kurdish fighters backed by US-led air strikes continue to advance into ISIS-held territory.
On February 23, a Kurdish official said ISIS militants had been forced back to within 3 miles of the town of Tal Hamis by the Popular Protection Units (YPG).
The Syrian Observatory confirmed the advance by the YPG and said at least 12 ISIS fighters had been killed on February 23.
Hassakeh province is strategically important in the fight against ISIS because it borders both Turkey and areas controlled by the group in Iraq.
Study: Peanut allergy risk cut by over 80% after early exposure
A British study suggests that an early exposure to peanut products dramatically cuts the risk of allergy.
Doctors found that exposing at risk infants to peanuts before their first birthday lower the risk of developing a peanut allergy.
Trials on 628 babies prone to developing peanut allergy found the risk was cut by over 80%.
The King’s College London researchers said it was the “first time” that allergy development had been reduced.
Specialists said the findings could apply to other allergies and may change diets around, but warned parents not to experiment at home.
The research team in London had previously found that Jewish children in Israel who started eating peanuts earlier in life had allergy levels 10 times lower than Jewish children in the UK.
The trial, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, focused on babies as young as four months who had already developed eczema – an early warning sign of allergies.
Skin-prick tests were used to identify those who had not yet developed peanut allergy or had only a very mild response.
Children under five should not eat whole peanuts, because of the risk of choking, so half were given a peanut-based snack. The other half continued avoiding peanuts.
The trial indicated that for every 100 children, 14 would normally go on to develop an allergy by the age of five.
This fell by 86% to just two out of every 100 children with the therapy.
Even the children who were already becoming sensitive to peanuts benefited. Their allergy rates fell from 35% to 11%.
Until 2008, at-risk families were told to actively avoid peanut products and other sources of allergic reactions.
The study findings have attracted excited responses from other doctors, and there is speculation similar approaches might work with other allergies, such as egg protein.
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Powerball jackpot winner Marie Holmes is a North Carolina single mother with four kids
Marie Holmes, a North Carolina single mother with four children, including one with cerebral palsy, has come forward to claim her part of a $564 million Powerball jackpot.
Marie Holmes, 26, bought one of three winning tickets, and will take a $188 million lump sum payment.
She bought 10 tickets for the draw earlier in February.
She was “screaming and jumping” when she heard, she told reporters on February 23 and the best part of winning was being able to provide for her children.
Marie Holmes also plans to give to her church, travel, finish her university degree and buy her mother a house.
“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunities this has created for my family,” she said a press conference where she was presented with a cheque.
Marie Holmes said when she realized she had the winning numbers she started “screaming and jumping around”.
“I said to my kids, <<You just don’t understand what this means>>.”
Two other winning tickets for the Powerball drawing were bought in Puerto Rico and Texas.
The Puerto Rico winner has decided to stay anonymous while no-one has come forward in Texas.
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Festival del Habano 2015: American boost for Cuba’s cigar festival
Cuba’s annual cigar festival (Festival del Habano) is being held in Havana between February 23 and February 27.
The communist island is again the venue of the largest international meeting for the enthusiasts of the best cigar in the world.
At 17th edition of the Habanos Festival American visitors are able to take cigars home legally for the first time in decades.
A thaw in US-Cuban relations means American smokers will be able to stock up on products worth up to $100.
Havana cigars have been banned in the US for more than 50 years under the terms of a trade embargo.
Hundreds of visitors are expected at the week-long festival.
The last edition of the Habanos Festival was attended by more than 1,300 delegates from 60 countries and 250 journalists.
The Commercial Fair will again be celebrated during the week of the Festival. In 2014, the Fair was attended by 60 exhibitors from 7 countries and received over 2,200 visitors from the world of cigar, luxury products and business.
Despite the recent rapprochement between Washington and Havana, most Americans are still not allowed to travel to Cuba.
However some US citizens, including relatives of Cubans or academics, are allowed to visit and take advantage of the new rules.
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Greece bailout: Government sends reform list to creditors
The Greek government has submitted a list of reform proposals to its bailout creditors, the European Commission announces.
The list was received “on time”, a spokesman tweeted.
The measures include combating tax evasion and tackling fuel and tobacco smuggling.
PM Alexis Tsipras is trying to balance satisfying the demands of creditors with meeting his pre-election pledges, say correspondents.
Greece needs approval from international creditors to secure a four-month loan extension.
“In the Commission’s view, this list is sufficiently comprehensive to be a valid starting point for a successful conclusion of the review,” a source close to the European Commission told Reuters news agency.
Drafts of the list will have been seen by European officials in Brussels as they were being drawn up over the weekend, but aspects of the plan that require new social spending may well be sticking points with creditors.
Ending home repossessions and providing free medical care and electricity for those who cannot pay may become bones of contention – while the eurozone may insist pension cuts and VAT rises should continue.
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Experiences More Cost Effective than Traditional Gifts in February
Even though Christmas has passed, most people are struggling to find gifts to fill up birthdays and other occasions through the course of the year. However, with www.intotheblue.co.uk releasing a 15% February sale, it might now be possible to take advantage of several other gift ideas that take on a somewhat different complexion.
The general consensus is that experience days have been far too costly when pitted against the so-called traditional gifts. Now, regular promotions from companies such as intotheblue.co.uk mean that these misconceptions might become a thing of the past.
For example, flying lessons were once only reserved for would-be pilots, who were willing to take the extensive and expensive courses required to gain the necessary qualifications. Now, it’s possible to take advantage of just the single lesson, with some one hour programmes costing as little as £135 without any sort of promotion being run. It means that experiences such as flying are now open to a much wider demographic.
Even some of the more typical days out experiences are becoming much more accessible and subsequently, very well suited for gift buying purposes. This could come in the form of spa days, with some being available for as little as £39. Or, for those just wanting to purchase a smaller gift experience, some beauty treatments are available for just £15.
This can again translate to something as simple as a meal at a restaurant. In some of the most sought-after dining locations in the country, intotheblue.co.uk has created packages which can be bought for just £30. For those wanting to bring a little more excitement to the gift, experiences such as cookery causes, wine tasting and even chocolate making are also available.
There are some experiences which might just have been unthinkable at one time as well. For example, it’s possible to “be a TV presenter for the day”, or even spend the day in a singing studio experiencing exactly what it would be like to be the next big wonder in the music industry. With such experiences starting from just £69, it’s a small price to pay to use professional equipment if nothing else.
With all gift vouchers being valid for one year from the date of purchase, an experience also happens to be something which makes for a very flexible gift idea. Additionally, with the vast majority of attractions boasting loose terms and conditions which allow for different dates, the receiver of the gift certificate can make the final decision as to when they opt to attend their experience.
While the promotion might just be running through February, the company regularly run 2-for-1 deals through a sub-section of their website. A lot of the time these deals focus around cookery lessons, makeovers and other activities that are generally experienced by more than one person – making the gifts ideal for couples or even a group of friends.
To take further advantage of the reduced prices, take a look at the intotheblue.co.uk website for further information.
Vladimir Putin: “War with Ukraine is unlikely”
In an interview for Russian television, President Vladimir Putin has said war with neighboring Ukraine is “unlikely”.
Vladimir Putin also stressed his support for the Minsk agreement as the best way to stabilize eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine has said there is clear evidence Russia is helping the rebels in the east, something Russia denies.
Earlier, Ukraine’s military said rebel shelling had prevented them withdrawing heavy weapons from the front line.
In his interview, Vladimir Putin was asked if there was a real threat of war, given the situation in eastern Ukraine.
“I think that such an apocalyptic scenario is unlikely and I hope this will never happen,” he said.
Vladimir Putin said that if the Minsk agreement was implemented, eastern Ukraine would “gradually stabilize”.
“Europe is just as interested in that as Russia. No-one wants conflict on the edge of Europe, especially armed conflict,” he said.
Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority face $218 million Israel attacks fine in US
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) are liable for six attacks in Israel between 2002 and 2004, a New York court has ruled.
Six attacks in and around Jerusalem killed 33 people and wounded hundreds more during the second Palestinian intifada more than 10 years ago.
The jury awarded victims of the attacks more than $218 million.
The Palestinian groups expressed dismay at the court’s decision and vowed they would appeal.
As some of the victims were American citizens, the lawsuit was filed in a US court.
After deliberating for a day, jurors ruled in favor of 10 American families who were seeking damages related to the six attacks.
The Israeli government has denied any official involvement in the lawsuit.
A joint statement by the PLO and the PNA described the charges as “baseless” and said they were disappointed by the ruling.
The victims’ families allege that internal documents show the attacks were approved by the Palestinian authorities.
“Those involved in the attacks still receive salaries from the Palestinian Authority and still get promoted in rank while in jail,” said Nitsana Darshan-Leitner of the Israel-based Shurat HaDin Law Center, a lawyer who is representing the victims’ families.
But defense lawyer Mark Rochon told jurors that the PA and PLO did not have knowledge of the attacks before they took place.
He said the organizations could not be held liable for the actions of suicide bombers and gunmen, whom he argued acted alone.
The victims had requested more than $350 million. The US Anti-Terrorism Act could yet allow for the fine to be tripled.
Greece misses deadline for reform list
Greece has missed the February 23 deadline in sending a list of reforms aimed at securing a bailout extension to EU partners.
The Greek government will send the list on Tuesday morning, officials say.
The list must be approved by international creditors to secure a four-month loan extension.
Analysts say the deal’s collapse would revive fears Greece will exit the euro.
Minister of state Nikos Pappas says the list will include measures to fight tax evasion and trim the civil service.
German newspaper Bild, citing an unnamed source, reports that Greece aims to recover 7.3 billion euros ($8.3 billion) with measures to combat tax evasion.
A spokesman for the German finance ministry, Martin Jaeger, was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency that Berlin expected the Greek plan to be “coherent and plausible”.
Greece agreed at a meeting with its EU and IMF lenders on February 20 to submit the list of reforms before Tuesday, February 24.
But officials said later that the Eurogroup had agreed to a delay though no reason was given.
“The list of reforms will be sent to the finance ministers of the Eurogroup on Tuesday morning, while a teleconference will take place in the afternoon,” one official told Reuters news agency.
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Emma Watson is NOT dating Prince Harry
Emma Watson took to Twitter on February 22 to deny she is dating Prince Harry.
Rumors of the royal and Harry Potter actress’ dating began last week in the Australian publication Women’s Day.
The magazine claimed Prince Harry had “found love” with Emma Watson after they supposedly went on “secret dates”.
The publication also alleged Prince Harry initiated the romance after hearing Emma Watson had split with ex-boyfriend Matthew Janney.
Women’s Day went on to describe one of their alleged dates, and quoted an “insider” as saying Prince Harry is “smitten” with Emma Watson.
According to Emma Watson, the claims just aren’t true and she tweeted: “WORLD ♥ Remember that little talk we had about not believing everything written in the media?!”
Emma Watson seems to be referring to the numerous false stories about her that have emerged over the years, including the wrongly repeated rumors that claimed she would star in the just-released Fifty Shades of Grey.
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