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Ebola outbreak: Liberia sees decline in spread of infections

Kathryn R. Bown
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Ebola outbreak: Liberia sees decline in spread of infections

Liberia, the country hardest hit in the Ebola outbreak, is seeing a decline in the spread of infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced.

WHO Assistant Director-General – Polio and Emergencies Bruce Aylward said it was confident the response to the virus was now gaining the upper hand.

Dr. Bruce Aylward warned against any suggestion that the crisis was over.

The WHO later said the number of cases globally had risen more than 3,000 to 13,703 since its last report, but that this was due to reporting reasons.

The number of deaths was put at 4,920, roughly the same as the last report four days ago. All but 10 of the deaths have been in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The latest WHO figure of 13,703 cases is a significant leap on its previous situation report on Saturday, which showed cases rising above 10,000 for the first time – to 10,141.

Dr. Bruce Aylward said that this increase was due to data being updated with old cases, rather than new cases being reported.

Saturday’s situation report put the death toll at 4,922.

Liberia is the country hardest hit in the Ebola outbreak
Liberia is the country hardest hit in the Ebola outbreak

The similar death toll in the latest report was mainly a result of a revision of the Liberian statistics.

Cases there rose from 4,655 to 6,535 but reported deaths dropped from 2,705 to 2,413.

Deaths in Guinea rose from 926 to 997 and in Sierra Leone from 1,281 to 1,500.

Liberia’s Red Cross said its teams collected 117 bodies last week, down from a high of 315 in September. Treatment centers also have empty beds available for patients.

Bruce Aylward said: “It appears that the trend is real in Liberia and there may indeed be a slowing.

“Do we feel confident that the response is now getting an upper hand on the virus? Yes, we are seeing a slowing rate of new cases, very definitely.”

He said there had been “a huge effort to inform the population about the disease, to change the behaviors that put them at risk”.

However, Dr. Bruce Aylward said the data was still being examined and cautioned against thinking the crisis was over.

He said: “A slight decline in cases in a few days versus getting this thing closed out is a completely different ball game.

“It’s like saying your pet tiger is under control.”

President Barack Obama praised the progress made in Liberia, but also warned: “This is still a severe, significant outbreak… We’ve got a long way to go.”

He said again that the disease had to be tackled at its source in West Africa, adding: “If we don’t deal with the problem there, it will come here.”

Until Ebola was contained, Barack Obama said, there could be more individual cases in the US.

South Africa’s first black billionaire, Patrice Motsepe, donated $1 million to Guinea to help the country fight Ebola.

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Fed ends quantitative easing stimulus program

Clyde K. Valle
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Fed ends quantitative easing stimulus program

The Fed is ending its quantitative easing (QE) stimulus program begun in 2008.

The central bank said it was confident the US economic recovery would continue, despite a global economic slowdown.

The targets for inflation and reduction in unemployment were on track, the Fed said in a statement.

The Fed, which also said it would not raise interest rates for a “considerable time”, has gradually cut back QE since last year.

The statement suggested that although the jobs market is strengthening, it is still not back to normal, which is why interest rates are being held.

“The Committee continues to see sufficient underlying strength in the broader economy to support ongoing progress toward maximum employment in a context of price stability,” the Fed said.

Analysts said the news was in line with expectations.

Several others seized on the Fed’s comments about slack in the labor market. Previous policy statements have referred to “significant underutilization of labor resources”.

Wednesday’s statement left out the word “significant”.

US shares were down ahead of the statement and continued to drift lower after the news was announced.

QE started in November 2008 amid the financial crisis and fears that the US, and the rest of the world, might be facing another great depression.

The Fed’s traditional ammunition, cutting interest rates, was running low – there was one more cut the following month, taking the main interest rate target down to practically zero.

The central bank began buying financial assets and creating new money to pay for them.

In total, the Fed has added $3.7 trillion worth of assets to its holdings, about an eightfold increase.

Recent data has pointed to increase spending by consumers and businesses. However, the housing market is still struggling and pay is stagnant.

There is concern about the long-term impact of the US’s persistent low inflation, which risks undermining consumer spending as people delay purchases in the hope that prices will fall further.

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Call of Duty: Manuel Noriega case against Activision dismissed

Nancy Clayson
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Call of Duty: Manuel Noriega case against Activision dismissed

Panama ex-military ruler Manuel Noriega failed in his attempt to sue Activision, the publisher of the Call of Duty video games.

Manuel Noriega had tried to sue Activision after a character based on him featured in the title Black Ops II.

The former dictator of Panama had sought damages.

The judge at Los Angeles Superior Court ruled that the inclusion of the character was protected under free speech laws.

Manuel Noriega had tried to sue Activision after a character based on him featured in the title Black Ops II
Manuel Noriega had tried to sue Activision after a character based on him featured in the title Black Ops II

“This was an absurd lawsuit from the very beginning and we’re gratified that in the end, a notorious criminal didn’t win,” said Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, who had defended Activision in the case.

“This is not just a win for the makers of Call of Duty, but is a victory for works of art across the entertainment and publishing industries throughout the world.”

Manuel Noriega is currently serving a jail sentence in Panama for crimes committed during his time in power, including the murder of critics.

In the video game, the character based on Manuel Noriega initially helps the CIA capture a Nicaraguan terrorist, but later turns on the Americans and is hunted himself in fictional scenes.

In reality, Manuel Noriega did work as a CIA informant before the agency broke ties with him. After the US became concerned about his violent rule, President George Bush ordered the invasion of Panama in 1989, which resulted in his capture.

Call of Duty games have featured other real-life characters including Fidel Castro, ex-CIA director David Petraeus and President John F. Kennedy, among others.

Activision had warned that had the legal action been permitted to proceed, it could have encouraged other political figures to object to the use of their appearance in films, television programs and books in addition to video games.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for… global audiences who enjoy historical fiction across all works of art,” said Bobby Kotick, chief executive of Activision’s parent company, Activision Blizzard.

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Big Brother China to launch in early 2015 on Youku Tudou

Sonia Pantiss
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Big Brother China to launch in early 2015 on Youku Tudou

China is launching its own version of Big Brother, with the housemates’ exploits to be broadcast on popular video site Youku Tudou.

The reality show, in which contestants are monitored 24 hours a day, has been seen in dozens of countries since launching 15 years ago.

Big Brother‘s creators Endemol have signed a deal with Youku Tudou, the biggest online video site in China.

The site has 500 million active users, according to a statement.

Big Brother China will launch in early 2015 and will last for 10 weeks.

China is launching its own version of Big Brother, with the housemates' exploits to be broadcast on popular video site Youku Tudou
China is launching its own version of Big Brother, with the housemates’ exploits to be broadcast on popular video site Youku Tudou

Endemol Asia chief executive Arjen van Mierlo said: “We’re thrilled to announce this landmark deal with Youku Tudou Inc, bringing a format that has changed the face of television to China for the first time.

“In a market that annually generates hundreds of billions of video views, partnering with the number one digital video platform will allow us to bring Big Brother to a young audience and deliver the most immersive, interactive and unique experience to fans across the nation.”

The Endemol and Youku Tudou partnership comes three years after the Chinese government ordered satellite TV channels to cut the number of reality TV, dating and talk shows because of their “vulgar tendencies”.

Online streaming sites have fewer restrictions than traditional TV channels, but regulators have recently signaled a tightening of control over online video, according to the Associated Press.

White House computer network attacked by hackers

Nancy Clayson
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White House computer network attacked by hackers

The White House unclassified Executive Office of the President network was attacked, according to the Washington Post.

Authorities are reported to be investigating the breach, which was reported to officials by an ally of the US, sources said.

White House officials believe the attack was state-sponsored but are not saying what – if any – data was taken.

In a statement to the AFP news agency, the White House said “some elements of the unclassified network” had been affected.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Washington Post: “In the course of assessing recent threats, we identified activity of concern on the unclassified EOP network.

“Any such activity is something we take very seriously. In this case, we took immediate measures to evaluate and mitigate the activity.

“Certainly, a variety of actors find our networks to be attractive targets and seek access to sensitive information. We are still assessing the activity of concern.”

The source said the attack was consistent with a state-sponsored effort and Russia is thought by the US government to be one of the most likely threats.

The White House unclassified Executive Office of the President network was attacked
The White House unclassified Executive Office of the President network was attacked

“On a regular basis, there are bad actors out there who are attempting to achieve intrusions into our system,” a second White House official told the Washington Post.

“This is a constant battle for the government and our sensitive government computer systems, so it’s always a concern for us that individuals are trying to compromise systems and get access to our networks.”

The Washington Post quoted its sources as saying that the attack was discovered two-to-three weeks ago. Some White House staff were reportedly told to change their passwords and there was some disruption to network services.

In a statement given to AFP, a White House official said the Executive Office of the President received daily alerts concerning numerous possible cyber threats.

In the course of addressing the breach, some White House users were temporarily disconnected from the network.

“Our computers and systems have not been damaged, though some elements of the unclassified network have been affected. The temporary outages and loss of connectivity for our users is solely the result of measures we have taken to defend our networks,” the official said.

The NSA, FBI and Security Service were reportedly investigating.

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The Hidden Tourist Attractions of Florence, Italy

Nancy Clayson
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The Hidden Tourist Attractions of Florence, Italy

The vibrant city of Florence is famous for its impressive architecture and has long been one of Italy’s most popular attractions. City breaks to Florence are popular among travellers who want
to soak up on different cultures and at the same time enjoy captivating attractions. Here are some of the sights that you should not miss while exploring the city of Florence.

Santa Maria del Fiore

The Hidden Tourist Attractions of Florence, Italy
The Hidden Tourist Attractions of Florence, Italynanc

This stunning cathedral is also known as the Duomo di Firenze and should not be missed. The Santa Maria del Fiore features an impressive statue of Brunelleschi in its piazza and the figure
looks up towards the mighty dome. Visitors who have a strong sense of adventure can also climb the 464 steps that lead up to the top of the cathedral to enjoy breathtaking city views.

Palazzo Vecchio

Head over to the old city to explore this city hall, which is adorned with fine art including a replica of David by Michelangelo. Art lovers will really be in their element here as they explore
some of the most stunning works of art and murals from the Renaissance period.

Boboli Gardens

Beat the crowds and unwind for a while by exploring this enchanting green zone, which can be found behind Pitti Palace. The Boboli Gardens are elaborately landscaped and scattered
with a large number of sculptures. One of the great things about the Boboli Gardens is that this attraction is often overlooked by visitors to Florence, while the gardens offer stunning views of
the mighty Duomo.

Giotto’s Tower

Climb 414 steps to soak up unforgettable panoramic views of Florence and the surrounding area. Giotto’s Tower can be found next to the Duomo and climbing it can be quite a challenge, which is all part of the fun.

Of course, this is just a small selection of Florence’s impressive attractions. Other attractions that are just waiting to be discovered include the Ponche Vecchio, Santa Maria del Carmine and
the Baptistery. Food lovers will also want to sample some of the city’s signature dishes such as pizza, enormous t-bone steaks and locally produced ice cream known as gelato.

Is Vladimir Putin suffering from pancreatic cancer?

Nancy Clayson
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Is Vladimir Putin suffering from pancreatic cancer?

Recent reports claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be suffering from either spine or pancreas cancer.

Rumors regarding Vladimir Putin’s health have continued to swirl in various groups of media abroad over the past years.

The most recent rumor has spawned in New York Post’s Page Six which suggests that Vladimir Putin eagerness to invade Ukraine is reasoned by his sickness.

It also took note of Vladimir Putin’s changes in his physical appearance.

A week ago, Vladimir Putin, 62, aimed some criticism at US foreign policies that, from his point of view, place the whole world at risk and in global security alert.

Recent reports claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be suffering from either spine or pancreas cancer
Recent reports claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be suffering from either spine or pancreas cancer

However, President Barack Obama’s wimpy reactions as defined by experts on national security to Russia’s aggressive moves give Vladimir Putin the confidence to do what he wishes to do.

Richard Johnson wrote on Page Six: “Others say Putin has three years to live and wants to leave a legacy of expanding the Russian borders just like Peter the Great or Stalin,” in reference to Vladimir Putin’s conqueror’s ambitions.

On the rumors that Vladimir Putin has cancer, Richard Johnson also wrote that: “News outlets from Belarus to Poland have reported for months that the Russian strongman has cancer of the spinal cord. But my sources say it’s pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of the disease. Putin is allegedly being treated by an elderly doctor from the old East Germany whom Putin met decades ago while serving in Dresden for the KGB. The doctor has been trying various treatments including steroid shots, which would explain Putin’s puffy appearance….”

Melissa Rivers hires law firm to investigate Joan Rivers’ death

Lisa.Felice
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Melissa Rivers hires law firm to investigate Joan Rivers’ death

Melissa Rivers has hired a law firm to investigate the circumstances around her mother’s death.

Joan Rivers died on September 4 at the age of 81 following a cardiac arrest during a medical procedure on her throat.

The New York medical examiner’s office said the death was due to brain damage from low blood oxygen.

The investigation could pave the way for a civil claim against the clinic where the comic was treated.

“In order to fully determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Joan Rivers, we confirm that our firm has been engaged by Melissa Rivers and her family,” Ben Rubinowitz, a partner at Gair, Gair, Conason, Steigman, Mackauf, Bloom and Rubinowitz, said.

Melissa Rivers has hired a law firm to investigate the circumstances around her mother's death
Melissa Rivers has hired a law firm to investigate the circumstances around her mother’s death

However, he declined to comment on whether Joan Rivers’ family intended to file a legal claim.

Joan Rivers died after spending a week on life support at Mount Sinai Hospital following the cardiac arrest.

The official cause of death was listed as anoxic encephalopathy – a condition caused when brain tissue is deprived of oxygen leading to brain damage.

It was also classified as a “therapeutic complication”, meaning it was a known risk of the procedure.

Negligence is not suspected and was not listed as a contributing cause.

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Kim Jong-un had leg surgery

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Jong-un had leg surgery

Kim Jong-un has had surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle, according to South Korean intelligence.

A spy agency briefing to lawmakers on October 28 said that a foreign doctor operated on the North Korean leader in September or October.

Kim Jong-un recently dropped out of public view for nearly six weeks leading to speculation that he was seriously ill.

He has been seen walking with a stick in recent official photographs.

One such photo, used by North Korean media, showed him using a stick on October 14 as he inspected a new residential district.

Kim Jong-un had not been seen since September. South Korean intelligence says the cyst could recur because the North Korean leader is a smoker and leads a busy lifestyle.

South Korean politicians were told that foreign medical experts had been flown to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, to remove the cyst from Kim Jong-un’s left ankle.

The growth which materialized in May was caused by what is known as “tarsal tunnel syndrome” whereby a nerve is pinched, causing the ankle to swell.

Kim Jong-un has had surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle
Kim Jong-un has had surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle

An intelligence official said the medical team was from Europe but did not specify which country.

This is not the first time that a North Korean leader has been treated by foreign experts.

Kim Jong-un’s father and grandfather were reported to have been treated by French doctors during their leaderships.

It was reported that a pace-maker was flown out from Switzerland in a diplomatic bag for Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea.

On October 28, North Korean officials also attended talks with Japan for the first time in a decade to discuss the abduction of Japanese citizens.

North Korea has admitted it kidnapped 13 Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s to train spies in Japanese customs.

Five of them were returned to Japan in 2002. Pyongyang says the other eight died but Japan has said it does not believe this.

Japan lifted some sanctions on Pyongyang in July in return for North Korea’s agreement to reopen an investigation into the fates of Japanese abductees.

Sri Lanka landslide: Ten dead and 200 missing after heavy monsoon rains in Badulla

Diane A. Wade
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Sri Lanka landslide: Ten dead and 200 missing after heavy monsoon rains in Badulla

At least 200 people are missing and 10 people are reported dead following a landslide in central Sri Lanka, disaster officials say.

The landslide, which came after heavy monsoon rains, engulfed about 140 houses in Badulla district, officials said.

Security forces have been mobilized in search and rescue operations.

Mudslide warnings were issued after much of Sri Lanka was lashed by heavy rain in the past few weeks.

“Rescue operations have recovered 10 bodies so far,” Pradeep Kodippili, spokesman for the Disaster Management Centre, said.

At least 200 people are missing and 10 people are reported dead following a landslide in central Sri Lanka
At least 200 people are missing and 10 people are reported dead following a landslide in central Sri Lanka

“Over 250 people are still missing and 140 houses are buried.”

Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told local media that 10 shops and three official residences had also been hit by the landslide.

Sections of several national highways have been washed away by the rains, AFP news agency reported.

The landslide hit the Meeriyabedda tea plantation near the town of Haldummulla, about 120 miles east of the capital Colombo, on Wednesday morning, October 29.

In June, monsoon rains triggered landslides in Sri Lanka that killed at least 22 people and forced thousands from their homes.

Monsoon rains are caused by winds in the Indian Ocean and south Asia. They bring about wet and dry seasons in much of the region, and have a large impact on local ecosystems.

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Michael Sata dead: Zambian president dies in London aged 77

Diane A. Wade
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Michael Sata dead: Zambian president dies in London aged 77

Zambia’s President Michael Sata has passed away at the age of 77 after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, the government says.

Michael Sata, who was being treated in the UK, died in London’s King Edward VII hospital on Tuesday night.

Media said that he died after “a sudden onset [of] heightened heart rate”.

It is not immediately clear who will succeed the president. The issue may be decided by the Zambian cabinet which meets on Wednesday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing on of our beloved president,” cabinet secretary Roland Msiska said in a statement read out on national TV.

He said that Michael Sata’s wife and son were at his bedside.

“I urge all of you to remain calm, united and peaceful during this very difficult period,” Roland Msiska added.

Known as King Cobra for his venomous tongue, Michael Sata was elected Zambia's president in 2011
Known as King Cobra for his venomous tongue, Michael Sata was elected Zambia’s president in 2011

The president’s death comes just days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the UK.

Earlier this month reports in Zambia said that President Micael Sata had gone abroad for a medical check-up amid persistent speculation that he was seriously ill.

After he left the country, Defense Minister Edgar Lungu was named as acting president.

Vice-President Guy Scott has regularly stood in for the president at official events. But he is of Scottish descent and his parents were not born in Zambia, so he may fall foul of a constitutional clause on parentage which would nullify his candidacy.

Known as “King Cobra” for his venomous tongue, Michael Sata was elected Zambia’s president in 2011.

He has rarely been seen in public since returning from the UN General Assembly in Spetember, where he failed to make a scheduled speech.

Michael Sata became president in September 2011, defeating the then incumbent Rupiah Banda whose party had been in power for 20 years.

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Antares explosion: ISS supply rocket explodes seconds after launch

James J. Williams
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Antares explosion: ISS supply rocket explodes seconds after launch

ISS supply rocket Antares has exploded during its launch from NASA base in Virginia.

Antares, a 14-storey rocket built by Orbital Sciences Corp, combusted seconds after leaving the seaside launch pad at Wallops Flight Facility.

The cause of the cargo ship malfunction has yet to be determined.

The initial planned launch of the spacecraft on October 27 was delayed due to a yacht in the surrounding danger zone.

The flight was expected to be the third contracted mission with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

ISS supply rocket Antares has exploded during its launch from NASA base in Virginia
ISS supply rocket Antares has exploded during its launch from NASA base in Virginia (photo NASA)

Antares was due to carry nearly 5,000 pounds of supplies to six astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

“We will understand what happened, hopefully soon, and we’ll get things back on track,” said Frank Culbertson, executive vice-president of Orbital Sciences.

“We’ve all seen this happen in our business before, and we’ve all seen the teams recover from this, and we will do the same.”

No-one was injured, said Frank Culbertson, and an investigation team was already going through the data to try to establish the cause.

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Halloween 2014: Ebola-themed costumes cause stir on social media

Nancy Clayson
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Halloween 2014: Ebola-themed costumes cause stir on social media

While both real companies and internet hoaxers alike have created tasteless Ebola-themed Halloween costumes this year, it doesn’t seem anyone actually wants to buy them.

Tim Callan, chief marketing officer at SLI Systems, has an answer that suggests the zeitgeist-driven, often downright appalling costumes that make their way into the annals of internet infamy each year are a distinct minority.

E-commerce site search specialists SLI Systems tracked more than 80 million searches across 17 websites selling Halloween costumes between September 1 and October 26. They looked at holiday-specific stores, party purveyors and larger retail chains getting in on the annual action.

The Brands On Sale’s Ebola worker costumes have caused a stir on social media
The Brands On Sale’s Ebola worker costumes have caused a stir on social media (photo Brands On Sale)

Data shows that costume shoppers are seeking far more wholesome options in 2014, with characters from Disney’s mega-hit Frozen the most-searched by a wide margin despite the film being almost a year old.

Online costume retailer Brands On Sale has put on sale its newest Halloween costume, the “Ebola containment suit”.

The $59.99 getup comes with a white, nurse-inspired dress, an “Ebola face shield,” a breathing mask, safety goggles and blue latex gloves. The faux leather yellow boots are sold separately.

“As the deadly Ebola virus trickles its way through the United States, fighting its disease is no reason to compromise style,” the description reads.

“The short dress and chic gas mask will be the talk of Milan, London, Paris, and New York as the world’s fashionistas seek global solutions to hazmat couture.”

The Brands On Sale’s Ebola worker costumes have caused a stir on social media.

Halloween 2014: Top 15 most-searched costumes

Nancy Clayson
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Halloween 2014: Top 15 most-searched costumes

E-commerce site search specialists SLI Systems tracked more than 80 million searches across 17 websites selling Halloween costumes between September 1 and October 26.

They looked at holiday-specific stores, party purveyors and larger retail chains getting in on the annual action.

Data shows that costume shoppers are seeking far more wholesome options in 2014, with characters from Disney’s mega-hit Frozen the most-searched by a wide margin despite the film being almost a year old.

Halloween costume shoppers are seeking far more wholesome options in 2014, with characters from Disney’s mega-hit Frozen the most-searched by a wide margin
Halloween costume shoppers are seeking far more wholesome options in 2014, with characters from Disney’s mega-hit Frozen the most-searched by a wide margin

Top 15 most-searched Halloween costumes for 2014:

1. Frozen – 1,192,000 (includes searches Elsa, Olaf & other characters)
2. Zombie – 863,000
3. Ninja – 863,000
4. Pirate – 796,000
5. Clown – 659,000
6. Witch – 588,000
7. Vampire – 565,000
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles  – 536,000
9. Book of Life – 308,000
10. Flapper – 277,000
11. Batman – 251,000
12. Despicable Me – 233,000
13. Maleficent – 227,000
14. Monster High – 206,000
15. Star Wars – 148,000

Halloween Recipe: Marshmallow Witches

Kathryn R. Bown
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Halloween Recipe: Marshmallow Witches

Marshmallow Witches Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup vanilla frosting, divided
  • 36 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
  • 12 large marshmallows
  • 1 drop each green, red and yellow food coloring, optional
  • 1/4 cup flaked coconut
  • 12 chocolate wafers
  • 12 miniature peanut butter cups
  • 12 milk chocolate kisses
Marshmallow Witches
Marshmallow Witches

Directions:

  1. For the face of each witch, place a dab of frosting on the bottom of three chocolate chips; press two for eyes and one for nose onto each marshmallow.
  2. For hair, combine green food coloring and a drop of water in a small resealable plastic bag; add coconut and shake well. Spread a small amount of frosting on sides of marshmallows; press coconut hair into frosting. Place 3 tablespoons of frosting in a small heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; tint orange with red and yellow food coloring. Set aside.
  3. For hats, spread some of the remaining frosting in the center of chocolate wafers; press peanut butter cups upside down into frosting. Lightly spread bottoms of chocolate kisses with frosting; place on peanut butter cups. Cut a small hole in the corner of pastry or plastic bag; insert a small star tip. Fill the bag with frosting and pipe stars around the base of each peanut butter cup. Secure a hat to each witch with a dab of frosting.Yield: 1 dozen.

Facebook’s ad revenue surges in Q3 2014

Clyde K. Valle
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Facebook’s ad revenue surges in Q3 2014

Facebook has reported revenues of $3.2 billion in Q3 2014, comfortably ahead of analysts’ forecasts and 59% higher than the same period last year.

The social network also reported an $806 million profit, a 90% increase on the same quarter a year ago.

The increased profits were driven by another formidable three months for Facebook’s advertising business.

Ad revenues for July to September were sharply higher than a year ago.

Perhaps most telling as an indicator of its future profitability was Facebook’s performance in mobile advertising.

Mobile ads now make up 66% of its total advertising revenue.

Facebook has reported revenues of $3.2 billion in Q3 2014
Facebook has reported revenues of $3.2 billion in Q3 2014

A year ago they accounted for less than half of it, and at the time of its stock market debut in 2012 Facebook’s mobile ads barely brought in any money at all.

Just as important to social networks as their earnings, are their user numbers, which in Facebook’s case were also better than many expected.

As of the end of September, Facebook had 1.35 billion active users every month, 14% more than in 2013.

And the number of people checking their Facebook page at least once a day jumped 19% to 864 million.

“This has been a good quarter with strong results,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and chief executive.

Nevertheless investors seemed disappointed that Facebook hadn’t beaten Wall Street analysts’ forecasts by an even greater margin.

Facebook shares fell as much as 8% in after-hours trading in New York.

Google X working on nanoparticles project to detect cancer and other diseases

Nancy Clayson
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Google X working on nanoparticles project to detect cancer and other diseases

Google is working on a technology to detect cancer and heart attack.

The technology combines disease-detecting nanoparticles, which would enter a patient’s bloodstream via a swallowed pill, with a wrist-worn sensor.

The idea is to identify slight changes in the person’s biochemistry that could act as an early warning system.

The work is still at an early stage.

Early diagnosis is the key to treating disease. Many cancers, such as pancreatic, are detected only after they have become untreatable and fatal.

There are marked differences between cancerous and healthy tissues.

Google’s ambition is to constantly monitor the blood for the unique traces of cancer, allowing diagnosis long before any physical symptoms appear.

The project is being conducted by the search company’s research unit, Google X, which is dedicated to investigating potentially revolutionary innovations.

It marks the company’s latest shift into the medical sector following its work on glucose-measuring contact lenses for patients with diabetes and the acquisition of a start-up that developed a spoon to counteract the tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease.

Google’s technology combines disease-detecting nanoparticles, which would enter a patient's bloodstream via a swallowed pill, with a wrist-worn sensor
Google’s technology combines disease-detecting nanoparticles, which would enter a patient’s bloodstream via a swallowed pill, with a wrist-worn sensor

Google has also bought stakes in Calico, an anti-ageing research company, and 23andMe, which offers personal genetic-testing kits.

The diagnostic project is being led by Dr. Andrew Conrad, a molecular biologist who previously developed a cheap HIV test that has become widely used.

Google is designing a suite of nanoparticles which are intended to match markers for different conditions.

They could be tailored to stick to a cancerous cell or a fragment of cancerous DNA.

Or they could find evidence of fatty plaques about to break free from the lining of blood vessels. These can cause a heart attack or stroke if they stop the flow of blood.

Another set would constantly monitor chemicals in the blood.

High levels of potassium are linked to kidney disease. Google believes it will be possible to construct porous nanoparticles that alter color as potassium passes through.

Unattached nanoparticles would move differently in a magnetic field from those clumped around a cancer cell.

In theory, software could then provide a diagnosis by studying their movements.

As part of the project, the researchers have also explored ways of using magnetism to concentrate the nanoparticles temporarily in a single area.

The tech company’s ambition is ultimately to create a wristband that would take readings of the nanoparticles via light and radio waves one or more times a day.

The basic principles are sound and mirror the work already taking place around the world.

Many research groups are looking at bits of cancer floating in the blood as a better way of diagnosing the disease and also to assess which tumors are more aggressive.

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Is Kate Middleton pregnant with twin girls? Kensington Palace denies rumors

Lisa.Felice
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Is Kate Middleton pregnant with twin girls? Kensington Palace denies rumors

Last month it was confirmed that Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child.

As soon as the Royal family released the joyous news, everyone began speculating whether the new baby would be a Prince or Princess. Multiple sources have revealed that Prince William and Kate Middleton have their hearts set on a daughter, and have even picked out possible names.

Last week, Star Magazine claimed that Kate Middleton is definitely pregnant with a girl and possibly even two girls. The cover of the tabloid reveals that Kate Middleton is already gaining baby weight, which happens this early in a pregnancy when the expecting mother is having twins, and Prince William already broke the news of twins to Queen Elizabeth.

Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child
Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child (photo People magazine)

The magazine also reveals that Kate Middleton’s mother has defied the Queen’s orders and moved in to the Palace to look over her daughter since her morning sickness is now two times as bad. Other reports claimed that Kate Middleton has moved home to stay at her mother’s house in Bucklebury.

However, in the November 3 issue of People magazine, it is confirmed by a palace spokesperson that Kate Middleton is not carrying twins.

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Ukraine: Russia supports rebel vote in Donetsk and Luhansk

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine: Russia supports rebel vote in Donetsk and Luhansk

Russia has announced it will recognize the results of controversial separatist elections in eastern Ukraine, which the rebels plan to hold on November 2.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said elections in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions “will be important to legitimize the authorities there”.

However, Ukraine and Western governments say the elections should not go ahead. They accuse Russia of arming the rebels.

Poland plans to reinforce its eastern military bases, closer to Ukraine.

Ukrainian troops have been battling the pro-Russian rebels in the east.

A shaky truce took effect on September 5, but there have been many violations and the situation remains very volatile.

In Kiev pro-Western parties are leading after Ukraine’s national parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Voting did not take place in rebel-held eastern districts, or in Crimea, which Russia annexed in March.

Russia has announced it will recognize the results of controversial separatist elections in eastern Ukraine, which the rebels plan to hold on November 2
Russia has announced it will recognize the results of controversial separatist elections in eastern Ukraine, which the rebels plan to hold on November 2

Ukraine has urged Russia to put pressure on the separatists not to hold rival elections in the east.

Sergei Lavrov said “we expect the elections will go ahead as agreed, and we will of course recognize the results”.

A Ukrainian diplomat told the AFP news agency that Moscow’s support for the rebel vote would “undermine the peace process”.

The November vote is much earlier than was agreed by Ukrainian legislation granting the breakaway regions limited self-rule.

“We are reckoning that the vote will be free and that nobody from outside will try to wreck it, “ Sergei Lavrov said.

The armed separatists who took over government buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk in April have declared “people’s republics” in both regions, loyal to Moscow instead of Kiev. The two regions are commonly called “Donbass”.

At least 3,700 people have been killed in the fighting and many more have fled to other parts of Ukraine or to Russia.

Meanwhile, Poland’s Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said “we want to strengthen our units in the east of Poland” in response to the Ukraine crisis.

“The first effects will be seen in 2017. There will be a whole series of initiatives connected to units in the east. There will also be investments in infrastructure,” Reuters news agency quoted him as saying.

Poland joined NATO in 1999, whereas Ukraine remains outside the alliance.

In 2008 Russia also backed pro-Russian separatists in Georgia and later recognized the breakaway regions as independent.

Under the truce deal the Ukrainian authorities pledged not to prosecute the leaders of the eastern rebellion – yet many Ukrainian politicians want prosecutions, denouncing the rebels as “terrorists”.

The deal also called for a withdrawal of “illegal militant groups” from Ukraine, but the rebels remain heavily armed and it is not clear how many Russian “volunteer” soldiers are still there helping them.

Moscow says any Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine are freelance “volunteers”, although Ukraine and Western governments said Russia had earlier sent in regular army units.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia would support the separatists’ election, saying “Russia does not have unlimited levers of influence, and it is not worth exaggerating them.

“In this case, the main factor is not Russia’s influence but the decision taken by the leadership of these republics and these peoples,” he said.

A senior Ukrainian foreign ministry official, Dmytro Kuleba, told AFP that Moscow was jeopardizing the ceasefire deal signed in Minsk.

“Russia’s intentions directly contradict the Minsk accord, undermine the agreed process on de-escalation and peaceful resolution, and continue to weaken trust in it [Russia] as a reliable international partner,” he said.

Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko drew a parallel between the Donbass conflict and World War Two on Tuesday, saying: “This time it [war] appeared not from the west but from the east.”

“For the first time in 70 years, we again must defend Ukraine, its territorial integrity and freedom.”

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Robbie Williams and Ayda Field welcome their second child

Lisa.Felice
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Robbie Williams and Ayda Field welcome their second child

Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field welcomed their second child, a baby boy.

The baby boy hasn’t been named yet, but in a video posted after the birth, Robbie Williams called it an “emotional and amazing” day.

Robbie Williams, 40, live vlogged the labor in a series of videos described as “bizarre” on social media.

In one, the singer “helps Ayda relax” by miming his 2012 solo single Candy.

Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field welcomed their second child, a baby boy
Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field welcomed their second child, a baby boy (photo Instagram)

Others show him singing songs from the Frozen soundtrack, talking about his choice of pants and asking the doctor if the birth would mess up his robe.

Ayda Field also got in on the act. In one video called You’ll Never Walk Alone she is seen “helping” Robbie Williams walk down the corridor with a drip.

She twerks for her husband in another, then at 3.20pm, the happy couple announced “he’s here”.

In the final video of the pair Robbie Williams called his wife “absolutely astonishing”.

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Hugh Jackman treated for basal cell carcinoma for third time

Lisa.Felice
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Hugh Jackman treated for basal cell carcinoma for third time

Hugh Jackman has been treated for skin cancer for a third time.

The 46-year-old actor was recently pictured with another bandage on his nose and his representatives confirmed to E! News he has been treated for Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC).

Hugh Jackman’s representatives say he’s “all good” after the procedure.

BCC is a slow-growing skin cancer and is linked to sun exposure.

It accounts for about 75% of skin cancers but rarely kills.

Hugh Jackman has been treated for skin cancer for a third time
Hugh Jackman has been treated for skin cancer for a third time

Last night, Hugh Jackman tweeted: “Sunscreen” with a picture reference to Baz Luhrmann’s 1998 song Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen.

Hugh Jackman first revealed he was diagnosed with BCC in November, when he posted a picture of himself online after a similar procedure.

At the time, the actor said his prognosis was good and pleaded with fans to stay protected from the sun.

He then had more cancerous cells removed in May.

Hugh Jackman has recently said he believes he’ll have many many more scares but claims it’s the most “minor” of all the skin cancers.

His wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, first persuaded him to get the mark on his nose checked by a doctor.

Surgery is the main treatment for BCC. If left untreated, it doesn’t usually spread to other parts of the body, but it can damage or disfigure surrounding tissue.

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Ebola outbreak: World Bank appeals for 5,000 health workers to volunteer in West Africa

Kathryn R. Bown
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Ebola outbreak: World Bank appeals for 5,000 health workers to volunteer in West Africa

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim has made an emotional appeal for thousands of medical workers to volunteer and help contain the growing Ebola outbreak.

Jim Yong Kim said at least 5,000 medics and support staff are needed to beat the disease.

Many potential recruits were too scared to travel to West Africa, he added.

The current Ebola outbreak has infected more than 10,000 people and killed nearly 5,000.

Jim Yong Kim was speaking during a visit to Ethiopia, where he accompanied UN Secretary General Ban-ki Moon and African Union Chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

“Right now, I’m very much worried about where we will find those health care workers,” he said.

“With the fear factor going out of control in so many places, I hope health care professionals will understand that when they took their oath to become a health care worker it was precisely for moments like this.”

Ban-ki Moon said that transmission rates in West Africa continued to outstrip the pace of the international response.

At least 5,000 medics and support staff are needed in West Africa to beat the Ebola disease
At least 5,000 medics and support staff are needed in West Africa to beat the Ebola disease (photo Reuters)

He added that imposing travel restrictions to affected countries would severely curtail efforts to beat the disease.

Meanwhile in the US, Dallas nurse Amber Vinson, who contracted Ebola on American soil, was due to be discharged from hospital on October 28 after being declared virus-free.

Amber Vinson was one of two nurses who cared for a Liberian man, Thomas Eric Duncan, in a Texas hospital. Thomas Eric Duncan, who had travelled to the US from West Africa, died on October 8.

The second nurse, Nina Pham, was declared virus-free last week.

On October 27, the CDC introduced new Ebola treatment guidelines.

The rules say that US medics returning from affected areas will be actively monitored but not placed in quarantine.

It came following criticism over the treatment of nurse Kaci Hickox was placed in isolation after returning from West Africa.

Kaci Hickox, who had no symptoms, said she was made to feel like a criminal when she arrived back in the US on October 24.

Responding to her quarantining, the UN Secretary General’s spokesman said Ebola health workers were “exceptional people” and “should not be subjected to restrictions that are not based on science”.

However, the new guidelines were immediately rejected by the governor of New Jersey.

In the US quarantine decisions are ultimately made at a state level.

Meanwhile in Mali, 82 people who had contact with a toddler who died from Ebola are now being monitored, according to Reuters.

Mali recently became the sixth West African nation to report an outbreak.

Officials are concerned that the disease, which has so far been largely restricted to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, may spread.

Since the boy died last week there have been no new reported cases.

There have been 4,922 deaths from the Ebola virus, according to the World Health Organization’s latest figures.

All but 27 of the cases have occurred inside Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

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Sewol ferry: Body found six months after capsizing

Nancy Clayson
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Sewol ferry: Body found six months after capsizing

South Korean search divers have found a body in the sunken Sewol ferry, six months after it capsized leaving more than 300 people, mainly students, dead.

The body was found in a woman’s toilet, said Yonhap. It is the first body to be recovered in three months.

The Sewol ferry carrying 476 people sank in April 2014. The official death toll stands at 295, but nine bodies have yet to be recovered by rescue teams.

The captain of the ferry is standing trial, charged with negligent homicide.

Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Lee Joon-seok and harsh penalties for the crew.

The Sewol ferry capsized in April leaving more than 300 people, mainly students, dead
The Sewol ferry capsized in April leaving more than 300 people, mainly students, dead (photo Wikipedia)

On October 27 they concluded putting their case before a court in the city of Gwangju. They argued he did not make any effort to rescue passengers and deserved a death sentence.

The last time divers found a body was on July 18 when a female cook was found in the ferry’s cafeteria.

The families of the missing passengers have refused to allow the ship to be hoisted up as they are concerned that the rest of the bodies might be swept out to sea.

Investigators have said a combination of cargo overloading, illegal modification of the vessel and inexperienced helmsmanship was behind the disaster.

The Sewol ferry’s sinking sparked widespread grief and anger in South Korea.

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Ebola in US: CDC issues new guidelines for quarantines

Kathryn R. Bown
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Ebola in US: CDC issues new guidelines for quarantines

Medical staff returning from treating Ebola patients in West Africa will be actively monitored but not placed in quarantine under new US health rules.

The federal guidelines came after nurse Kaci Hickox was put in isolation in a tent in New Jersey, a decision condemned by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Meanwhile, Australia has been criticized for a West Africa visa ban.

The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa has infected more than 10,000 people and killed almost 5,000.

People are not contagious until they develop Ebola symptoms and the UN Secretary-General’s spokesman said “returning health workers are exceptional people who are giving of themselves for humanity”.

“They should not be subjected to restrictions that are not based on science.”

Medical staff returning from treating Ebola patients in West Africa will be actively monitored but not placed in quarantine under new US health rules
Medical staff returning from treating Ebola patients in West Africa will be actively monitored but not placed in quarantine under new US health rules

Quarantine decisions in the US are made in each state, and the new guidelines from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were immediately rejected by the governor of New Jersey.

The CDC said it was “concerned about some policies” being put into place.

New Jersey is one of three states with a 21-day quarantine for all health workers who have had contact with Ebola patients.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie defended the mandatory isolation imposed on Kaci Hickox, who was quarantined when she returned home from Sierra Leone.

Chris Christie added: “That’s what we will continue to do.”

Kaci Hickox, who had no symptoms, has now left hospital in New Jersey for her home in Maine, where health officials say she’ll be quarantined for 21 days.

The nurse said she was made to feel like a criminal when she arrived back in the US on October 24.

Separately, Australia, which has had several scares but no recorded case of Ebola, has been criticized by Amnesty International for taking a “narrow approach”.

A spokesman told Reuters that the ban made no sense from a health perspective but ensured that vulnerable people were trapped in a crisis area.

CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden said workers considered to be at high risk or some risk would be required to be “actively” monitored for symptoms for 21 days.

Those at highest risk are anyone who’s had direct contact with an Ebola patient’s body fluids.

Even if they have no symptoms, they should avoid commercial travel and large public events, Dr. Tom Frieden said, adding that voluntary quarantine was enough.

More than 10,000 people have contracted the Ebola virus, with 4,922 deaths, according to the World Health Organization’s latest figures.

All but 27 of the cases have occurred inside Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

The Ebola virus spreads through close contact.

Health officials say stopping the spread of the disease in the areas hardest hit by the outbreak will prevent Ebola’s spread to other countries.

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Mexican students disappearance: Second mass grave found in Cocula

Diane A. Wade
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Mexican students disappearance: Second mass grave found in Cocula

Authorities searching for 43 Mexican students who disappeared after clashing with police in Iguala last month are investigating a suspected mass grave.

Mexico’s attorney general said the testimony of two arrested members of a drug gang had led them to the site.

He said police officers had confessed to handing the students over to the drugs gang in southern Guerrero state.

The disappearance has shocked Mexico and has sparked nationwide demonstrations.

Earlier this month, another mass grave was found, but DNA tests suggest the bodies were not those of the students.

So far, 56 people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance, among them police officers, local officials and alleged members of the drugs gang. The state governor has also resigned over the case.

The students’ disappearance has shocked Mexico and has sparked nationwide demonstrations
The students’ disappearance has shocked Mexico and has sparked nationwide demonstrations

Arrest warrants have been issued for the mayor of the town of Iguala, where the abductions took place, his wife and the police chief, all of whom are on the run from the authorities.

The mayor, Jose Luis Abarca, allegedly ordered police to intercept the students to prevent them from interrupting a speech his wife was giving in Iguala.

Eyewitnesses say they saw the students being bundled into police cars after the police shot at buses carrying the students, killing three of them and three other people in nearby vehicles.

The latest grave site is in the town of Cocula, about10 miles from where the students last were seen.

Attorney general Jesus Murillo Karam said that two of the four suspects arrested on October 27 may have provided some valuable information

He said that they had admitted to “having received a large group of people” on the night of September 26, when the 43 students were last seen.

“We have the people who carried out the abduction of these individuals,” Jesus Murillo Karam told reporters.

He said the other two suspects detained on October 27 apparently worked as lookouts for the gang. The suspects have not so far been identified.

The four men arrested are all believed to be members of the group behind the abductions, called Guerreros Unidos (United Warriors).

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