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Che Guevara and Hugo Chavez perfumes banned in Cuba

Lisa.Felice
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Che Guevara and Hugo Chavez perfumes banned in Cuba

The Cuban government has said it will take disciplinary action against state-owned pharmaceutical company Labiofam that created perfumes named Ernesto Che Guevara and Hugo Chavez.

In a statement in the official Granma newspaper, the government described the project as “a serious error”.

“The symbols of the Revolution are and will always be sacred,” the statement read.

The colognes – Ernesto and Hugo – were unveiled on September 25 by state laboratory Labiofam in the capital, Havana.

Labiofam said Ernesto, the cologne named after the Argentine-born revolutionary who help Fidel Castro take over in Cuba in 1959, would be a woodsy and refreshing citric scent with notes of talcum powder.

Ernesto and Hugo perfumes were unveiled on September 25 by state laboratory Labiofam in Havana
Ernesto and Hugo perfumes were unveiled on September 25 by state laboratory Labiofam in Havana

Hugo, named after the late Venezuelan president, would offer a softer, fruitier fragrance with hints of mango and papaya.

“They will be very attractive colognes, but the names also mean a lot to us,” said Isabel Gonzalez, vice-president for research and development for Labiofam during the launch.

However, the project was mocked in the social networks and criticised by supporters of the Cuban Revolution, who considered it disrespectful.

Labiofam had been in the process of developing stylized bottles and labels for the products before putting them on sale in Cuba and overseas.

“We didn’t want to create propaganda, but rather pay homage to them and help their names endure,” said on September 25 Cuban biochemist Mario Valdes, who led the scent design team.

Labiofam said it had obtained the agreement of the families of Che Guevara and Hugo Chavez to use their names in the colognes. But that has now been denied by the Cuban government.

“The details of this irresponsible action were discussed in detail on Friday with the company’s director and the employees who presented the products, which were still being developed,” read the statement of the Executive Committee of the Ministers’ Council, headed by Cuban President Raul Castro.

“The appropriate measures will be taken to deal with this serious error.

“Such initiatives will never be accepted either by our people or by the Revolutionary Government.”

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Ebola outbreak: Liberia’s Deputy Health Minister Bernice Dahn under quarantine

Kathryn R. Bown
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Ebola outbreak: Liberia’s Deputy Health Minister Bernice Dahn under quarantine

Liberian chief medical officer Bernice Dahn has put herself under quarantine for 21 days, after one of her assistants died from the deadly Ebola virus.

Deputy Health Minister Bernice Dahn said she had no symptoms but wanted to take every precaution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says more than 3,000 people have died from Ebola in West Africa.

Liberia has been the worst hit by the disease, accounting for 1,830 deaths – 150 in the last two days alone.

Health workers have been particularly vulnerable to the virus, which is spread by the infected bodily fluids of patients.

Liberian chief medical officer Bernice Dahn has put herself under Ebola quarantine for 21 days
Liberian chief medical officer Bernice Dahn has put herself under Ebola quarantine for 21 days

Health organizations recommend isolating people for at least 21 days, which is the maximum incubation period for the virus.

Bernice Dahn said she had not come into contact with any other infected people, apart from the office assistant who died this week, but wanted to take every precaution.

She has also instructed her staff to stay at home for the same time period.

The WHO highlighted the risk of infection for health workers trying to stem the outbreak in its latest report released on September 26.

The report said 375 workers are known to have been infected, and that 211 have so far died from the virus in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

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Jayaram Jayalalitha sentenced to four years in jail on corruption charges

Diane A. Wade
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Jayaram Jayalalitha sentenced to four years in jail on corruption charges

India’s top politician Jayaram Jayalalitha has been sentenced to jail for four years on corruption charges in a case that has lasted for 18 years.

Jayaram Jayalalitha, the chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, was found guilty of amassing wealth of more than $10 million which was unaccounted for.

She has to pay a 1 billion rupee ($16 million) fine and resign as chief minister.

A former actress, Jayaram Jayalalitha’s life has been marked by a series of high and lows.

Known by her followers as Amma or Mother, Jayaram Jayalalitha inspires intense loyalty, even adoration, but she has been associated with a lavish lifestyle
Known by her followers as Amma or Mother, Jayaram Jayalalitha inspires intense loyalty, even adoration, but she has been associated with a lavish lifestyle

The verdict was delivered by a special court in Bangalore amid tight security.

Along with three others, Jayaram Jayalalitha was sentenced to an immediate jail term, and was due to be sent to Parappana Agrahara prison in Bangalore.

Jayaram Jayalalitha complained of chest pains and giddiness after the verdict was delivered, the Times of India reported, and was sent to the prison hospital for assessment.

The corruption case focused on Jayaram Jayalalitha’s personal wealth and was brought by a rival political party,

Jayaram Jayalalitha has always argued that the case was politically motivated.

Known by her followers as Amma or Mother, Jayaram Jayalalitha inspires intense loyalty, even adoration, but she has been associated with a lavish lifestyle.

Be Lucky: The Who unveils first song since 2006

Sonia Pantiss
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Be Lucky: The Who unveils first song since 2006

The Who has unveiled Be Lucky – its first song since 2006 – to mark its 50th anniversary.

Be Lucky includes lyrical references to Australian rockers AC/DC and French electro band Daft Punk and will be included in a double album featuring the group’s greatest hits.

The band will donate royalties from the new track to teenage cancer sufferers.

One of the most influential rock bands of the 20th Century, their hits include My Generation and I Can See for Miles.

Earlier this year, surviving members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend announced they would play a tour, which starts in the UK in November, to mark their 50 years in the industry.

Roger Daltrey described the tour as “the beginning of the long goodbye”.

The new track Be Lucky features the lyrics “You wanna climb without a safety line/ AC/DC’s gonna be fine,” and a similar refrain, “You want to climb without a safety line/ Daft Punk will tell you that it’s gonna be fine.”

The Who is one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th Century
The Who is one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th Century (photo MTV)

Daft Punk’s single Get Lucky was one of the biggest hits of 2013.

Recorded at British Grove and Yellow Fish Studios, the Who track features long-time collaborators Zak Starkey on drums and Pino Palladino on bass.

In a statement on their website, The Who said: “In keeping with their ongoing support for Teenage Cancer charities, the band have donated their royalties from the song to Teen Cancer America.”

Roger Daltrey was instrumental in founding the Teenage Cancer Trust gigs at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2000.

In 2011, Teen Cancer America was founded by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend in the US.

In April, Roger Daltrey was presented with the outstanding contribution prize at the Music Week awards for his work with the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The Who was formed by singer Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and John Entwistle in London in 1964 and were joined by drummer Keith Moon before recording their first single.

Keith Moon died of a drug overdose in 1978 and John Entwistle died of a drug-induced heart attack in 2002.

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Billy Connolly details Robin Williams’ last phone call

Lisa.Felice
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Billy Connolly details Robin Williams’ last phone call

In a recent interview, Scottish comedian Billy Connolly said he thinks Robin Williams tried to say goodbye during their last phone call before committing suicide last month.

Billy Connolly told The Telegraph that he and the late actor frequently told one another that they loved each other during phone conversations, and last one was no exception.

“I never stopped it and he never stopped telling me. As a matter of fact, I thought afterwards he tried to say goodbye to me, because he got very luvvie towards the end. It’s fanciful but that’s what I told myself,” Billy Connolly said.

Billy Connolly said he thinks Robin Williams tried to say goodbye during their last phone call before committing suicide
Billy Connolly said he thinks Robin Williams tried to say goodbye during their last phone call before committing suicide

“On the last phone call he said, <<I love you like a brother>> and I said, <<I know you do>> and he said, <<Are you sure you know?>> and I said, <<Yes>>. Robin worried about everything.”

Robin Williams was found dead in his California home on August 11. A coroner determined his death was “a suicide due to asphyxia.”

Although his representative stated Robin Williams had “been battling severe depression of late”, Billy Connolly remembered his friend as a “happy comedian”.

“He was not always depressed,” Billy Connolly clarified.

“He was a complicated man, but a beautiful person. He was a joy.”

Rock in Rio USA 2015 lineup: Metallica and Taylor Swift among performers at Las Vegas music festival

Sonia Pantiss
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Rock in Rio USA 2015 lineup: Metallica and Taylor Swift among performers at Las Vegas music festival

Metallica and Taylor Swift are among the performers set for the US debut of the Rock in Rio music festival next year, organizers announced.

No Doubt and Linkin Park will also perform on the main stage during the four-day event in Las Vegas. The Deftones and John Legend will perform on a different stage, the festival announced on September 26.

Metallica and Taylor Swift are among the performers set for the US debut of the Rock in Rio music festival in 2015
Metallica and Taylor Swift are among the performers set for the US debut of the Rock in Rio music festival in 2015

Rock in Rio USA will take place in las Vegas on May 8-9 and 15-16.

A group including casino company MGM Resorts plan to build a 33-acre open-air music venue on the Las Vegas Strip for the festival. The layout is expected to include five stages.

Rock in Rio music festival was launched in 1985. The festival also will be held in Rio de Janeiro in September 2015, featuring Katy Perry and Legend.

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Japan: Mount Ontake volcano eruption injures at least eight hikers

Nancy Clayson
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Japan: Mount Ontake volcano eruption injures at least eight hikers

Japan’s Mount Ontake volcano erupted on September 27, injuring at least eight hikers and leaving 250 others stranded near the peak.

Witnesses heard a “thunder-like” boom before the eruption at the 3,067m (10,120ft) peak, situated between Nagano and Gifu prefectures.

PM Shinzo Abe says the army will help rescue some 150 climbers sheltering in lodges near the summit.

Officials have warned residents within a 4km radius of the risk of debris.

Mount Ontake last erupted in 2007.

Mount Ontake volcano eruption injured at least eight hikers and left 250 others stranded near the peak
Mount Ontake volcano eruption injured at least eight hikers and left 250 others stranded near the peak

Some climbers have managed to descend.

Two of those injured have fractured bones caused by flying rocks, NHK said.

Three people are missing, believed buried under volcanic ash, it said. A fourth was rescued but remains unconscious, the broadcaster added, citing police.

Kiso Prefectural Hospital, near the mountain, said it had dispatched a medical emergency team.

“We expect a lot of injured people so we are now getting ready for their arrival,” said an official at the hospital.

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India: Jayaram Jayalalitha found guilty of corruption

Diane A. Wade
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India: Jayaram Jayalalitha found guilty of corruption

Indian politician Jayaram Jayalalitha has been found guilty of corruption charges in a high-profile case which has lasted for 18 years.

The chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu and one of India’s most colorful and controversial politicians was found guilty of amassing wealth of more than $10 million which was unaccounted for.

Analysts say Jayaram Jayalalitha will now have to resign as chief minister.

A former actress, her life has been marked by a series of high and lows.

The verdict was delivered by a special court in Bangalore amid tight security.

Jayaram Jayalalitha has been found guilty of corruption charges in a high-profile case which has lasted for 18 years
Jayaram Jayalalitha has been found guilty of corruption charges in a high-profile case which has lasted for 18 years

The prosecution argued that Jayaram Jayalalitha and three others committed an offence against society, the Indian Express reported.

It said that supporters of AIADMK party were forcibly dispersed by police as they tried to make their way to the court.

The corruption case focused on Jayaram Jayalalitha’s personal wealth and was brought by a rival political party,

Jayaram Jayalalitha has always argued that it was politically motivated.

Known by her followers as Amma or Mother, Jayaram Jayalalitha inspires intense loyalty, even adoration.

However, she has been associated with a lavish lifestyle.

Jayaram Jayalalitha’s foster son’s wedding almost 20 years ago broke world records for its sheer scale – including 150,000 guests.

Catalonia independence: President Artur Mas signs referendum decree

Diane A. Wade
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Catalonia independence: President Artur Mas signs referendum decree

Artur Mas, the president of the Spanish region of Catalonia, has signed a decree calling for a referendum on independence.

Artur Mas wants Catalonia to hold a Scottish-style vote on November 9, but does not have the backing of the central government in Madrid.

Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said he will block any referendum.

Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, is one of Spain’s richest and most highly industrialized regions, and also one of the most independent-minded.

On September 19, Catalonian lawmakers voted by a margin of 106 to 28 in favor of authorizing the referendum, known locally as a “consultation”.

Mariano Rajoy and the Spanish government believe any vote would be illegal.

President Artur Mas has signed a decree calling referendum on Catalonia's independence
President Artur Mas has signed a decree calling referendum on Catalonia’s independence

The prime minister is expected to take action at a special cabinet meeting early next week, and is likely to take the dispute to the country’s Constitutional Court.

However, President Artur Mas says he can use local laws to hold a vote in a matter of weeks.

Artur Mas has previously insisted that the pro-independence movement would prevail, even if it faces stiff opposition.

Until recently, few Catalans had wanted full independence, but Spain’s painful economic crisis has seen a surge in support for separation, correspondents say.

There is resentment over the proportion of Catalan taxes used to support poorer regions.

The pro-independence movement in Catalonia believes that the region can go ahead with the independence vote after the decree is signed.

Earlier this month hundreds of thousands of Catalans formed a “V” for “vote” along two of Barcelona’s main roads calling for their right to vote.

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Ebola outbreak death toll passes 3,000 in West Africa

Kathryn R. Bown
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Ebola outbreak death toll passes 3,000 in West Africa

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, the death toll from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa has passed 3,000.

The latest figures indicate that more than 6,500 people are believed to have been infected in the region.

Liberia is the worst affected country, having recorded around 1,830 deaths linked to the latest outbreak.

The Ebola outbreak is the world’s most deadly and President Barack Obama has called it a “threat to global security”.

Some studies have warned that the numbers of infected could rise to more than 20,000 by early November.

The WHO report said two new areas, in Guinea and Liberia, have recorded their first confirmed cases of Ebola in the last seven days.

It also highlights the risk of infection for health workers trying to stem the outbreak.

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa has passed 3,000
The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa has passed 3,000

It says 375 workers are known to have been infected, and that 211 have so far died from the virus.

The deaths and sickness have made it even more difficult for the already weak healthcare systems in the affected countries to cope with the outbreak.

There is a severe shortage of hospital beds, especially in Liberia.

The US is sending some 3,000 troops to help Liberia tackle the disease, and set up emergency medical facilities.

Sierra Leone last weekend enforced a three-day lockdown in an attempt to quell the outbreak in the country.

During the curfew more than a million households were surveyed and 130 new cases discovered, the authorities say.

On September 24, Sierra Leone extended the quarantine area to three new districts, meaning more than a third of the country’s six million people cannot move freely.

Some 600 people have died in Sierra Leone and a similar number in Guinea, where the outbreak was first confirmed in March.

Nigeria and Senegal, two other West Africa countries that have also been affected by the Ebola outbreak, have not recorded any new cases or deaths in the last few weeks, the latest WHO report says.

George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin host pre-wedding party at Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice

Lisa.Felice
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George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin host pre-wedding party at Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice

George Clooney and his bride-to-be, Amal Alamuddin, arrived in Venice, Italy, on September 26 in preparation for their wedding aboard a water taxi named Amore.

Amal Alamuddin and George Clooney boated to the Belmond Hotel Cipriani to host an intimate gathering for friends attending their wedding.

George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin arrived in Venice in preparation for their wedding
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin arrived in Venice in preparation for their wedding

The pre-wedding party was attended by stars like Cindy Crawford, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and John Krasinsksi.

More than 160 A-list guests are expected to attend George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin’s wedding in Venice.

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Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky welcome baby girl Charlotte

Nancy Clayson
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Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky welcome baby girl Charlotte

Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton and her husband Marc Mezvinsky have welcomed a baby girl.

“Marc and I are full of love, awe and gratitude as we celebrate the birth of our daughter, Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky,” Chelsea Clinton tweeted.

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, 34, married Marc Mezvinsky in 2010, and announced her pregnancy in April 2014.

The baby arrives as Hillary Clinton considers a presidential bid in 2016.

Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky in 2010, and announced her pregnancy in April 2014
Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky in 2010, and announced her pregnancy in April 2014 (photo Reuters)

Hillary Clinton is seen as the leading Democratic contender for nomination to succeed President Barack Obama, and has said that she will make a decision on whether to run from around the beginning of 2015.

Bill Clinton served as the 42nd US president, from January 1993 to January 2001.

Chelsea Clinton has often been tipped to follow her parents into politics.

The former first daughter, educated at Stanford, Columbia and Oxford Universities, runs the Clinton Foundation with her parents. Her husband Marc Mezvinsky is an investment banker.

Chelsea Clinton stepped down from a $600,000 a year position as NBC special correspondent in August to concentrate on her pregnancy, motherhood and philanthropic work.

Ford recalls 850,000 vehicles to fix airbag deployment glitch

Clyde K. Valle
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Ford recalls 850,000 vehicles to fix airbag deployment glitch

Ford is recalling 850,000 vehicles because an electrical problem that could cause the vehicles’ airbags and seatbelts to fail.

The action affects the Ford Escape, Ford C-MAX, Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Of the 850,000-plus vehicles in the recall, 746,842 were sold in the US. The rest were in Canada and Mexico.

The issue is with the restraints control module. It can develop a short that causes the airbag warning light to illuminate or the stability control to stop working. However, depending upon where in the system the short develops, it could cause the airbags and the seatbelt pretensioners to falter during a collision.

Ford is recalling 850,000 vehicles because an electrical problem that could cause the vehicles' airbags and seatbelts to fail
Ford is recalling 850,000 vehicles because an electrical problem that could cause the vehicles’ airbags and seatbelts to fail

The affected vehicles include:

  • certain 2013-2014 C-MAX vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant, January 19, 2012 to November 21, 2013;
  • certain 2013-2014 Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, February 3, 2012 to August 24, 2013;
  • certain 2013-2014 Escape vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant, October 5, 2011 to November 1, 2013;
  • certain 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, April 25, 2012 to September 30, 2013.

Ford said it is unaware of any injuries or deaths related to the problem and will begin notifying owners who need to have their vehicles repaired shortly. The fix will be made free of charge.

This action is the 12th time the 2013 Escape has been recalled. One of the most recalled vehicles in Ford history, it has also been the subject of 41 technical service bulletins for various problems.

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Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore dies in traffic accident

Clyde K. Valle
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Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore dies in traffic accident

University of Cincinnati running back Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore died in traffic accident on Thursday, September 25. He was only 19.

The accident occurred on Vine Street, north of the UC campus in Clifton Thursday afternoon. Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore was riding his motorcycle and wearing a protective helmet and equipment when he hit the side of a car attempting to turn across two lanes of traffic, according to reports.

Police told the Cincinnati Enquirer the driver of the other vehicle was in serious but stable condition Thursday night.

Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore was a 2013 graduate of Lakota East High School in Liberty Township. UC associate athletic director Ryan Koslen confirmed the Kennedy-Palmore was a member of the UC program last season as a walk-on and had recently rejoined the team after a tryout following the season opener against Toledo.

Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore was riding his motorcycle and wearing a protective helmet and equipment when he hit the side of a car attempting to turn across two lanes of traffic
Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore was riding his motorcycle and wearing a protective helmet and equipment when he hit the side of a car attempting to turn across two lanes of traffic (photo UC Athletic Department)

“Our football program and University has suffered another great tragedy,” head coach Tommy Tuberville said in a statement released by UC.

“I’m a father first and a coach second and it’s always hard to put your thoughts into words during times like these. Chamoda was a talented non-scholarship player and a key member of our scout teams. He worked hard and earned his spot on the roster. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

This is the second fatal accident involving one of UC players in just over one year .

Freshman offensive lineman Ben Flick was killed in a single car accident last year on September 21 while traveling back from the Bearcats’ win at Miami (Ohio). Wide receivers Mark Barr and Javon Harrison were also injured in the accident. They have been medically disqualified from playing but remain on scholarship at UC, said Ryan Koslen.

Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore rushed for 775 yards and five touchdowns in his senior season at Lakota East helping the Thunderhawks reach the OHSAA playoffs for the first time in school history. He had 204 yards from scrimmage as they won their first playoff game, 45-38, against Springboro.

Some of his teammates expressed their grief on Twitter on Thursday evening.

UC (2-0) plays at No. 20 Ohio State(2-1) on Saturday, September 27.

A moment of silence is planned prior to the game Saturday night.

Cricketers set world record for highest-ever match by playing on Kilimanjaro

Clyde K. Valle
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Cricketers set world record for highest-ever match by playing on Kilimanjaro

A new world record for the highest-ever cricket match has been set by an international team of cricketers by playing at the top of Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain.

The teams included former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini and ex-England spinner Ashley Giles.

The game was played at a height of 5,730m (18,799 ft) in a flat crater just below Kilimanjaro summit.

A group of international cricketers have set a world record for playing a match at the highest altitude on Kilimanjaro
A group of international cricketers have set a world record for playing a match at the highest altitude on Kilimanjaro (photo AFP)

They played 10 overs each of a Twenty20 game before clouds stopped play.

“This is absolutely incredible! We are playing cricket on the summit of Africa!” Ashley Giles tweeted on September 26.

The current record for the world’s highest game is 5,165m, played in the Himalayas at Everest base camp in Nepal in 2009.

The “Gorillas” team, led by England women’s vice-captain Heather Knight, scored 82-5 to beat Giles’ “Rhinos” team, who managed 64-9, the AFP news agency reports.

EASA: Mobile phones can be left switched on during flights

Clyde K. Valle
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EASA: Mobile phones can be left switched on during flights

Electronic devices such as mobile phones can be left switched on during flights, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has announced.

The EASA says that electronic devices do not pose a safety risk.

The announcement clears the way for airlines to permit the use of mobile phones, once they have conducted their own safety reviews.

Currently airline passengers have to switch devices to flight mode and make calls from the airport terminal.

The EASA says that electronic devices do not pose a safety risk during flights
The EASA says that electronic devices do not pose a safety risk during flights

The EASA sets the framework for airlines making safety decisions.

The agency said each airline would still have to go through an assessment process, ensuring aircraft systems are not affected by the signals from portable electronic devices before establishing their own rules for their operation.

As a result there could be a delay in implementing the new rules at some airlines.

The EASA also says that airlines may opt for different policies on the use of mobile devices.

Chicago flights grounded due to fire at air traffic control facility

Nancy Clayson
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Chicago flights grounded due to fire at air traffic control facility

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that all flights in and out of Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway were grounded due to a fire at an air traffic control facility.

More than 300 hundred flights have been cancelled, according to a flight tracking website.

Fire crews have put out the blaze but the airports remain closed.

All flights in and out of Chicago's O'Hare and Midway were grounded due to a fire at an air traffic control facility
All flights in and out of Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway were grounded due to a fire at an air traffic control facility (photo CBS)

Firemen told the Chicago Tribune they found a man with self-inflicted injuries in the facility.

The newspaper reported the man was found in the basement and was subsequently taken to hospital.

It is not known whether he is connected to the fire.

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to reopen the airport within hours.

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Shellshock bug: Thousands of servers compromised

Nancy Clayson
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Shellshock bug: Thousands of servers compromised

According to experts, millions of servers use software vulnerable to Shellshock bug, which lets attackers run commands on that system.

Up to now, a series of attacks on websites and servers using the serious Shellshock bug has been spotted

So far, thousands of servers have been compromised via Shellshock and some have been used to bombard web firms with data, said experts.

The number of attacks and compromises was likely to grow as the code used to exploit the bug was shared.

The Shellshock bug was discovered in a tool known as Bash that is widely used by the Unix operating system and many of its variants, including Linux open source software and Apple’s OSX.

Apple said it was working on a fix for its operating system and added that most users would not be at risk from Shellshock.

Millions of servers use software vulnerable to Shellshock bug, which lets attackers run commands on that system
Millions of servers use software vulnerable to Shellshock bug, which lets attackers run commands on that system

Attackers have been spotted creating networks of compromised machines, known as botnets, that were then put to other uses.

One group used their Shellshock botnet to bombard machines run by Akamai with huge amounts of junk data to try to knock them offline. Another group used its botnet to scan for more machines that are vulnerable.

Evidence of the scanning and attacks came from honeypots run by security companies. These are computers that have been set up to look vulnerable but which catch information about attackers.

The US and Canada are believed to have issued alerts and told technology staff to patch systems as quickly as possible. Amazon, Google, Akamai and many other tech firms have also issued advisories to customers about the bug.

As well as software patches for vulnerable systems, security firms and researchers are also producing signatures and filter lists to help spot attacks based around it.

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US airstrikes destroy four ISIS-held tanks in Syria

Roy Siemens
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US airstrikes destroy four ISIS-held tanks in Syria

US-led airstrikes have destroyed four ISIS-held oil tanks and damaged another during a fourth night of bombardments in Syria.

The Pentagon said it also carried out seven strikes on ISIS positions in Iraq, including one on the outskirts of the capital, Baghdad.

The Danish government says it is sending seven F-16 fighter jets to join anti-IS operations – but only in Iraq.

The UK parliament is due to vote on possible air strikes in Iraq on September 26.

The Islamic State is meanwhile advancing on the Syrian border town of Kobane, pushing back Kurdish fighters, reports the Reuters news agency.

Hundreds of protesters stormed the border fence in order to cross into Syria from Turkey to help defend the town, it says.

ISIS controls much of north-eastern Syria and earlier this year seized swathes of territory in neighboring Iraq, including the second city, Mosul.

US-led airstrikes have destroyed four ISIS-held oil tanks and damaged another during a fourth night of bombardments in Syria
US-led airstrikes have destroyed four ISIS-held oil tanks and damaged another during a fourth night of bombardments in Syria (photo EPA)

After previous US-led air strikes, ISIS militants beheaded three Western hostages.

Some Western leaders are wary of bombing Syria, as the government there has not asked for foreign assistance against ISIS, unlike Iraq.

The tanks were destroyed in the oil-rich Deir al-Zour province, the US Department of Defense said in a statement.

It also said strikes in Iraq had destroyed nine ISIS vehicles and damaged others.

The strikes were carried out by “a mix of fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft”.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict in Syria, said the new strikes caused casualties but the numbers were unclear.

Recent air strikes have been targeting oil facilities under ISIS control in both countries in order to reduce its finances.

The ISIS group is earning an estimated $2 million a day from oil sales.

Earlier, Spain’s interior ministry said Spanish and Moroccan police had arrested nine people suspected of belonging to a militant cell linked to the IS group.

A statement from the ministry said the suspects belonged to a group based in the Spanish enclave of Melilla, on the northern coast of Africa, and the neighboring town of Nador, in Morocco.

One of those arrested is reported to be Spanish; the rest are Moroccan nationals.

Some 140,000 people are said to have fled the ISIS advance on Kobane in recent days, crossing into Turkey.

Earlier this week, the UN Security Council adopted a binding resolution compelling states to prevent their nationals from joining jihadists in Iraq and Syria.

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Kim Jong-un suffers from unspecified illness

Diane A. Wade
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Kim Jong-un suffers from unspecified illness

Kim Jong-un has an unspecified medical problem, North Korea’s state media reported after the leader failed to appear at a key political event.

A report on state television said on September 25 that Kim Jong-un, 31, was in an “uncomfortable physical condition” but gave no details.

Earlier, Kim Jong-un was absent from a session of the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) – North Korea’s legislature.

Kim Jong-un has not been seen in public for more than three weeks.

His non-appearance at the SPA – to which he was elected in March with 100% of the vote – on September 25 prompted renewed speculation about the leader’s whereabouts.

The report on state-run Central Television later in the day showed footage of the leader limping during one of his regular inspection tours back in July.

Kim Jong-un made his last public appearance on September 3, when he attended a concert given by the Moranbong Band – an all-girl musical troupe reputedly hand-picked by the leader himself.

State newspaper Rodong Sinmun showed Kim Jong-un sitting in comfortable front-row seats, alongside his wife Ri Sol-ju.

Kim Jong-un has not been seen in public for more than three weeks
Kim Jong-un has not been seen in public for more than three weeks (photo Reuters)

Previous appearances, the usual diet of factory and military unit inspections, show a clearly overweight Kim Jong-un walking with a limp and wearing generously cut trousers, possibly to disguise his walking difficulties.

South Korean newspaper Joongang Daily supports the leg injury theory, and suggests that his disappearance may be due to an injury picked up during some sort of sporting activity.

It is known that Kim Jong-un is a lover of horse riding and is keen on watching basketball and football.

An anonymous source – said to be “familiar with North Korea affairs” – quoted by the South Korean news agency Yonhap, said he understood Kim Jong-un was “suffering from gout, along with hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure”.

The agency said some people attribute the deterioration in Kim Jong-un’s health to frequent drinking and overeating.

The source said gout runs in Kim Jong-un’s family, with his grandfather Kim II-sung, his father Kim Jong-il and his elder brother Kim Jong-nam all suffering from the disease.

Chosun Ilbo suggests that Kim Jong-un simply might be on holiday, but notes that army politburo head Hwang Pyong-so, Kim Jong-un’s constant shadow on inspection visits, has also disappeared from view.

It is not the first time that the North Korean leader has failed to appear in public for an extended period. In March 2012, he spent 21 days out of the public eye; in June of the same year it was 24 days; and in January 2013 it was 18 days.

Despite the lack of recent footage of Kim Jong-un, he has not entirely disappeared from televisions tuned to Central Television.

Viewers get a daily dose of archive footage of months-old inspection visits along with an enthusiastic voice-over, usually in the hour leading up to the main evening news.

MH370: Search team releases detailed images of seabed

Diane A. Wade
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MH370: Search team releases detailed images of seabed

The team searching for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has released detailed images of the seabed.

The new images reveal features such as extinct volcanoes and 1,400-metre depressions for the first time.

The collection of data from one of the most secret parts of the world is a by-product of the search.

Until now there were better maps of Mars than of this bit of the sea floor.

The Malaysia Airlines plane vanished without trace on March 8, 2014, with 239 people on board.

Twenty-six countries have helped look for the Boeing 777, but nothing has ever been found.

The aircraft was flying from the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, to Beijing.

The new search images reveal features such as extinct volcanoes and 1,400-metre depressions for the first time
The new search images reveal features such as extinct volcanoes and 1,400-metre depressions for the first time

The team at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which is leading the hunt for the plane, is using sonar to map the new “priority” search area, at the bottom of the Southern Indian Ocean.

After that they will deploy two or three deep sea vehicles to begin the painstaking, inch-by-inch seabed search for wreckage.

The “priority” area is based on the only piece of hard evidence investigators have, which is a series of brief, electronic “hellos” between the Boeing and a satellite.

It is the equivalent of your mobile phone buzzing next to a loud speaker because it is checking in with a ground station, even when you are not making a call.

However, those “hellos” don’t give an exact location, just a very rough idea, so the smaller, “priority” area is still 23,200 square miles – an area roughly the size of Croatia.

Making sonar maps is vital to ensure the team does not crash its deep-water vehicles into ridges and volcanoes. The equipment is pulled along just above the sea floor by a 10km-long armored cable.

Snagging that cable could damage the kit, or even cut it free, so the maps help them avoid any obstructions.

The deep sea search vehicles have sonar that can pick out odd lumps, cameras that can double check if that lump is wreckage or just a rock and an electronic nose that can smell aviation fuel in the water, even if it is heavily diluted.

The operation to find flight MH370 is the most complex search in history.

Exploring the Amazing Shopping Centres of Istanbul

Lisa.Felice
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Exploring the Amazing Shopping Centres of Istanbul

Do you feel like you need a change of scenery? Last minute holidays are specifically tailored to suit one’s vacation preference, whether it’s a beach vacation or a Caribbean cruise, achieving a trip that will complement your personality is easy and hassle-free. If you want to combine this holiday with a bit of retail therapy, you should consider visiting Istanbul. This city has the highest number of shopping centers in Europe, and it is a shopper’s paradise.

Here are just some of the amazing shopping centers of Istanbul:

Forum Istanbul

Forum Istanbul
Forum Istanbul

The Forum is a huge shopping center that covers an area of 495,000 square meters, and it is also home to attractions such as the Ice Museum and Turkuazoo Aquarium (there are over 10,000 marine species to see here). Some of the big name shops that have branches at The Forum include Ikea, Zara, M&S, and Boyner – there are hundreds of other retailers here as well. This is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, and it is going to take more than one trip to do this place justice.

Akmerkez

Akmerkez Sopping Center
Akmerkez Sopping Center

Armerkez is one of the most exclusive shopping centers in Istanbul, and this is the place to go if you are looking for something fancy. Many of the top brands have outlets here including big names like Lacoste, Oysho, Zara, and Mont Blanc. It is well worth visiting Armerkez after dark because this shopping center has an outrageous light display – it is like something you would expect to see on the main strip in Las Vegas.

Istinye Park

Istinye Park
Istinye Park

Istinye Park is one of the nicest shopping centres to visit in Istanbul, and it has areas that are outside as well as inside. It is broken up into different areas such as the Fashion District and the Kid’s District – this makes finding stuff a bit easier.

These are just some of the amazing shopping opportunities you can enjoy during a trip to Istanbul, and we haven’t even mentioned the markets. You might be tempted to spend a lot of money on this type of holiday, but you certainly don’t have. Just walking around these shopping areas, and doing some people watching, can be great fun too.

Hungary halts gas supplies to Ukraine

Diane A. Wade
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Hungary halts gas supplies to Ukraine

Hungary’s gas pipeline operator has suspended delivery of gas to Ukraine “indefinitely”.

Ukraine has been receiving gas from Hungary, Poland and Slovakia since Russia cut off supplies to Ukraine in June in a dispute over unpaid bills.

Ukraine’s state-owned gas firm, Naftogaz, confirmed the stoppage. It called the move “unexpected and unexplained”.

The pipeline operator, FGSZ, said it cut deliveries to Ukraine to raise the flow of gas to Hungary.

Hungary's gas pipeline operator has suspended delivery of gas to Ukraine indefinitely
Hungary’s gas pipeline operator has suspended delivery of gas to Ukraine indefinitely

With winter approaching fears are mounting that Ukraine will be unable to heat homes and power industry without Russian gas.

On September 26, Russian and Ukrainian energy ministers are meeting in Berlin for European Union brokered talks, aimed at heading off such a crisis.

Hungary said the stoppage late on Thursday was for technical reasons and because it expected Hungarian demand for gas imports to increase.

It comes three days after a meeting in Budapest between the head of Russian gas giant, Gazprom and Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban.

PM Viktor Orban has been critical of EU sanctions on Russia and has maintained a closer relationship with Moscow than his western European neighbors.

Earlier this year Gazprom and Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of consequences if EU member states went ahead with deliveries to Ukraine.

George Clooney wedding: Venice to close Grand Canal walkway to keep crowds away

Lisa.Felice
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George Clooney wedding: Venice to close Grand Canal walkway to keep crowds away

According to new reports, Venice city officials are closing a walkway fronting the picturesque Grand Canal to keep crowds away from George Clooney’s wedding to human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin.

Venice city on September 26 issued an order closing walkways accessing the 16th Century Palazzo Cavalli (Cavalli Palace) for at least two hours on September 29, citing “the George Clooney wedding”.

A city official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said city police requested the closure to prevent crowds from gathering and creating a safety risk. The official said such closures have taken place previously for both public and private events.

Venice city officials are closing a walkway fronting the Grand Canal to keep crowds away from George Clooney's wedding to Amal Alamuddin
Venice city officials are closing a walkway fronting the Grand Canal to keep crowds away from George Clooney’s wedding to Amal Alamuddin (photo People Magazine)

The Cavalli Palace is used for civil marriage ceremonies, with rooms overlooking the Grand Canal and the famed Rialto Bridge.

Amal Alamuddin flew from London to Milan with her mom Baria on Thursday, September 25, ahead of her wedding to George Clooney.

The future spouses are anticipating big-name guests at their nuptials, including pals like Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford, as well as Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana.

George Clooney proposed to Amal Alamuddin this past April, after they started dating in late 2013.

Turmerone: Curry spice may help brain self-repair

Kathryn R. Bown
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Turmerone: Curry spice may help brain self-repair

According to a report in the journal Stem Cell Research and Therapy, a spice commonly found in curries may boost the brain’s ability to heal itself.

The German study suggests a compound found in turmeric could encourage the growth of nerve cells thought to be part of the brain’s repair kit.

Scientists say this work, based in rats, may pave the way for future drugs for strokes and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, researchers say more trials are needed to see whether this applies to humans.

Researchers from the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Julich, Germany, studied the effects of aromatic-turmerone – a compound found naturally in turmeric.

Rats were injected with the compound and their brains were then scanned.

Particular parts of the brain, known to be involved in nerve cell growth, were seen to be more active after the aromatic-turmerone infusion.

Scientists say the compound may encourage a proliferation of brain cells.

Turmerone, a spice commonly found in curries, may boost the brain's ability to heal itself
Turmerone, a spice commonly found in curries, may boost the brain’s ability to heal itself

In a separate part of the trial, researchers bathed rodent neural stem cells (NSCs) in different concentrations of aromatic-tumerone extract.

NSCs have the ability to transform into any type of brain cell and scientists suggest they could have a role in repair after damage or disease.

Dr. Maria Adele Rueger, who was part of the research team, said: “In humans and higher developed animals their abilities do not seem to be sufficient to repair the brain but in fish and smaller animals they seem to work well.”

The research found the higher the concentration of aromatic-turmerone, the greater the growth of the NSCs.

And the cells bathed in the turmeric compound seemed to specialize into certain types of brain cells more rapidly too.

Dr. Maria Adele Rueger added: “It is interesting that it might be possible to boost the effectiveness of the stem cells with aromatic-turmerone.

“And it is possible this in turn can help boost repair in the brain.”

She is now considering whether human trials may be feasible.

Aromatic-turmerone is the lesser-studied of two major compounds in turmeric that may have an effect on the human body.

Previous studies suggest the other compound, curcumin, could reduce inflammation in the body and have anti-cancer benefits.

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