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Game of Thrones Season 4 finale drew 7.1 million viewers

Sonia Pantiss
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Game of Thrones Season 4 finale drew 7.1 million viewers

HBO’s Game of Thrones Season 4 finale drew 7.1 million viewers on Sunday, beating the 5.4 million who tuned in for the previous season’s last episode.

Once repeats were taken into account, the finale for the fourth season was seen by 9.3 million people.

Total viewing figures, including video on demand and mobile streaming have not yet been released.

Game of Thrones is now HBO’s most popular series, surpassing The Sopranos.

Game of Thrones Season 4 finale drew 7.1 million viewers
Game of Thrones Season 4 finale drew 7.1 million viewers

The average audience during series four, including catch-up services, has been 18.6 million per episode. The Sopranos’ audience peaked at 18.2 million in 2002, giving it the HBO record until now.

The show is engaged in a ratings war with zombie thriller The Walking Dead, which attracted 15.7 million viewers for its season finale in April.

However, broadcaster AMC said its audience jumped to 28 million once repeats and on-demand figures were taken into account.

The final Game of Thrones episode, The Children, saw many of the show’s leading characters making key decisions which will impact them in future episodes, while several met a typically grisly end.

Season five has already been confirmed.

Game of Thrones TV series is based on the books, A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin, set in the mythical, medieval land of Westeros.

In the north, a massive wall of ice keeps out barbarian “wildlings” and zombie-like “white walkers”. South of the wall, there is a bitter war between rival claimants for the Iron Throne and rule of the seven kingdoms of Westeros.

Meanwhile, a princess exiled to distant lands with three dragons has rallied an army of freed slaves.

Game of Thrones is full of intense political intrigue, with war and its aftermath depicted in brutal detail. The show first aired in 2011 featuring actors including Peter Dinklage, Charles Dance, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke and Maisie Williams.

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Tracy Morgan’s medical condition upgraded to fair

Lisa.Felice
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Tracy Morgan’s medical condition upgraded to fair

Tracy Morgan’s condition has been “upgraded” to “fair”, 10 days after he was badly injured in a car crash, his spokesman has said.

The comedian has made a “great improvement” and “his personality is certainly starting to come back as well”, Lewis Kay said.

Tracy Morgan's medical condition has been upgraded to fair, 10 days after he was badly injured in a car crash
Tracy Morgan’s medical condition has been upgraded to fair, 10 days after he was badly injured in a car crash

Tracy Morgan, 45, was described as “critical but stable” last week after breaking his legs, nose and ribs when a Wal-Mart truck driver crashed into his vehicle.

Driver Kevin Roper charged with death by auto and assault has pleaded not guilty.

Kevin Roper, 35, made his plea in court on June 11. Prosecutors said he had not slept for more than 24 hours before the accident on June 7.

He swerved to avoid traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike, crashing into Tracy Morgan’s van and killing comedian James McNair, known as Jimmy Mack.

The driver’s bail has been set at $50,000 and he could face more than a decade in prison if convicted.

Jeff Millea, Tracy Morgan’s 36-year-old assistant, who was also in critical condition after the crash, has been upgraded to fair condition as well. Fellow comedian Ardie Fuqua Jr. was also seriously injured.

Mpeketoni attack: At least 15 people killed in new al-Shabab raid

Roy Siemens
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Mpeketoni attack: At least 15 people killed in new al-Shabab raid

At least 15 people have been killed in a new attack by Somalia’s Islamist militants near Mpeketoni in Kenya.

Local police say the gunmen raided two villages overnight.

Somalia’s al-Shabab group said it had carried out the attack, telling Reuters that its “operations in Kenya will continue”.

At least 48 people died after the al-Qaeda-linked group attacked hotels and a police station in the town on Sunday.

Al-Shabab said it was revenge for the presence of Kenyan troops in Somalia and the killing of Muslims.

Somalia's al-Shabab group has claimed the recent attacks on Kenyan town of Mpeketoni
Somalia’s al-Shabab group has claimed the recent attacks on Kenyan town of Mpeketoni

Kenya sent troops to Somalia in 2011 to help the weak UN-backed government defeat the militants.

“We raided villages around Mpeketoni again last night,” al-Shabab spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters on Tuesday.

He was later quoted by the AFP as saying that the militants “have been going to several places looking for military personnel”. He said most of those killed were police officers and wildlife wardens.

Kenyan police said that the gunmen raided two villages in the Poromoko district near Mpeketoni.

The authorities said the militants jammed a telecommunication system before the killings to prevent villagers from sounding the alarm.

In Sunday’s attack, al-Shabab appeared to target men, in many cases leaving their wives and children unharmed.

Mpeketoni, near Lamu Island, is not a tourist resort. It appears the attackers were not interested in foreigners or their interests, our correspondent says.

After last year’s Westgate attack in Nairobi – al-Shabab’s most deadly raid in Kenya – the group received a lot of criticism for killing women and children.

Kenya has been on high alert recently following warnings that al-Shabab was planning more attacks.

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Iraq crisis: US to send 275 military personnel to Baghdad

Roy Siemens
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Iraq crisis: US to send 275 military personnel to Baghdad

Heavy clashes took place between Iraqi government forces and Sunni Islamist militants who have made major advances in the past week.

Reports say parts of the city of Baquba – just 37 miles from Baghdad – have been taken over by the rebels.

The US is deploying up to 275 military personnel to protect staff at its huge embassy in the capital.

Reports from Baquba – capital of Diyala province on the northern approaches to Baghdad – say rebels are reported to have taken over several quarters and captured the main police station, seizing many weapons.

At Tal Afar, a strategic city west of Mosul in the province of Nineveh, there are reports that reinforcements have arrived to boost government forces trying to recapture the town from rebels. The Iraqi air force is said to have been carrying out strikes in the area.

Heavy clashes took place between Iraqi government forces and Sunni Islamist militants who have made major advances in the past week
Heavy clashes took place between Iraqi government forces and Sunni Islamist militants who have made major advances in the past week (photo AP)

The city of 200,000 people, which has a mixed Sunni and Shia population, lies between Mosul and the Syrian border and was taken just before dawn on Monday.

In Anbar province to the west of Baghdad, Sunni militants shot down a government helicopter near the city of Falluja, and say they destroyed several tanks in fighting there. They also say army forces fled from a military base near Ramadi, the provincial capital.

Qasem Suleimani, the commander of an elite unit of Iran’s revolutionary guards, is reported to be in Baghdad, helping military leaders and Shia militias co-ordinate their campaign against the rebels.

In Vienna, US officials held brief discussions about Iraq with their Iranian counterparts at a meeting about Tehran’s nuclear program, but American officials have been quick to dismiss reports of military collaboration with a major foe.

In a letter to Congress, President Barack Obama said the 275 military personnel being sent to Iraq would protect US citizens and the embassy in Baghdad, and would remain there until the security situation improved.

A White House statement said that their main role would be to help embassy staff to relocate to US consulates in the cities of Basra in the south and Irbil in the north, and provide airfield management and security.

President Barack Obama has already ruled out sending in ground troops to fight alongside Iraqi government forces, but drone strikes remain a possibility.

The aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush has been deployed to the Gulf, accompanied by two more warships.

The UN says that ISIS fighters have carried out hundreds of summary executions since their offensive began last week.

UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said that systematic killings in the north of the country “almost certainly amounted to war crimes”.

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Twin tornadoes hit Nebraska

Diane A. Wade
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Twin tornadoes hit Nebraska

Two massive tornadoes hit the state of Nebraska killing at least one person and leaving at least 19 injured.

The town of Pilger, about 100 miles north-west of Omaha, with a population of 350 people, was devastated by the twisters.

Jerry Weatherholt, county commissioner, said half the town is damaged.

The tornadoes were a mile apart, says the National Weather Service, and another massive tornado has been tracked near Burwell, central Nebraska.

Two massive tornadoes hit the state of Nebraska killing at least one person and leaving at least 19 injured
Two massive tornadoes hit the state of Nebraska killing at least one person and leaving at least 19 injured

“It was like God dragged two fingernails across the land,” Gregg Moeller told the nearby Norfolk Daily News newspaper.

Pilger saw significant damage to a school, a bank and a church in town, and many homes in the southern portion of the town were destroyed or damaged.

“More than half of the town is gone – absolutely gone,” Jerry Weatherholt said.

“The co-op is gone, the grains bins are gone, and it looks like almost every house in town has some damage. It’s a complete mess.”

Faith Regional Health Services hospital spokeswoman Jodi Richey told the Associated Press news agency one person had died and 16 were being treated for injuries.

Providence Medical Center in nearby Wayne also treated three hurt by the tornado, two who have been already released, hospital spokeswoman Sandy Bartling said.

The governor of the state has declared an emergency, which will allow the use of Nebraska’s National Guard.

Stanton County emergency manager Sanford Goshorn told CNN his agency was still in response mode and said the number of those injured could rise.

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World Cup 2014: US soccer fans celebrate win against Ghana

Clyde K. Valle
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World Cup 2014: US soccer fans celebrate win against Ghana

Soccer fans across the US celebrated a last-gasp win against the team’s World Cup nemesis, Ghana.

Soccer fans across the US celebrated a last-gasp win against the team's World Cup nemesis, Ghana
Soccer fans across the US celebrated a last-gasp win against the team’s World Cup nemesis, Ghana (photo AFP)

John Brooks headed in a late winner for USA in a dramatic finale to their opening Group G game in Natal.

It went a long way towards making amends for being knocked out by Ghana in the last two World Cups.

Supporters across the US planned to party well into the night.

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GM recalls 3.16 million more cars for ignition defect

Clyde K. Valle
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GM recalls 3.16 million more cars for ignition defect

GM is recalling 3.16 million more cars in the US because of ignition switch problems, which date from 2000 to 2014.

Switches can move out of the run position if cars are jarred, and disable power steering.

Last week General Motors recalled more than 500,000 Chevrolet Camaro cars after finding a fault with its ignition system.

In March, the carmaker recalled 2.6 million cars because of a faulty ignition switch.

GM is recalling 3.16 million more cars in the US because of ignition switch problems
GM is recalling 3.16 million more cars in the US because of ignition switch problems

GM says it is aware of eight crashes and six injuries related to the latest recall.

A company statement said: “If the ignition switch moves out of the <<run>> position, there is an effect on power steering and power braking.

“In addition, the timing of the key movement out of the <<run>> position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the air bags not deploying.”

GM has now also raised its expected second-quarter charge for recall expenses to $700 million, up from $400 million.

In May, GM was fined $35 million for failing to address defects which have been linked to 13 deaths.

GM has now recalled more than 17 million cars in the US this year – more than the carmaker sold in 2013.

Previous recalls have involved possible faulty seat belts, transmissions and air bags, as well as potential fire issues.

GM’s announcement was made after the close of the New York Stock Exchange, where its shares had ended the day up by 1.21% at $30.06.

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Rodney Thomas dies aged 41

Clyde K. Valle
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Rodney Thomas dies aged 41

Former running back Rodney Thomas has died at the age of 41 after a 7-year NFL career.

Rodney Thomas played for Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.

Rodney Thomas played for Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons
Rodney Thomas played for Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons (photo AP)

He died Saturday at the home in Groveton, a small East Texas town where he grew up, that he bought for his mother after signing his first professional contract, Groveton Funeral Home owner Terry Cartwright said Sunday.

The cause of death wasn’t known and an autopsy was underway, Terry Cartwright said.

Rodney Thomas had been living in Spring, near Houston, with his wife and 4-year-old child, and that he often visited Groveton on business and to see his mother and other relatives who live in town.

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Bowe Bergdahl: US army launches investigation into Afghanistan captivity

Roy Siemens
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Bowe Bergdahl: US army launches investigation into Afghanistan captivity

The US army has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s disappearance from an Afghan outpost.

Major General Kenneth Dahl, who served in combat in Afghanistan, has been appointed to lead the investigation.

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, 28, returned to the US after five years in captivity on Friday.

Shortly after his release, several commentators and soldiers came forward to brand him a deserter and call for him to be punished.

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl returned to the US after five years in captivity
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl returned to the US after five years in captivity

The Pentagon has previously concluded Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl walked off base in Paktika province without authorization, but officials have not determined whether he intended to desert.

Bowe Bergdahl was flown from a military hospital in Germany to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas on Friday, where he will complete the final phase of the reintegration process.

He was released by the Taliban in late May in exchange for five Guantanamo Bay detainees, a move that has been criticized by some lawmakers.

In a statement, the defense department said Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl would have access to evidence gathered in 2009 shortly after Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was captured.

But officials will not be able to interview him until a team working on his “reintegration” will allow it.

“We ask that everyone respect the time and privacy necessary to accomplish the objectives of the last phase of reintegration,” the department said in a statement, adding there is no timeline for wrapping up the investigation.

On Friday, Maj. Gen. Joseph DiSalvo said Bowe Bergdahl “looked good” as he returned to Texas and was in uniform and saluted.

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl had not yet been in contact with his family, which officials described as his own choice.

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China: Thirteen people executed for terrorist attacks in Xinjiang province

Diane A. Wade
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China: Thirteen people executed for terrorist attacks in Xinjiang province

Thirteen people have been executed for “terrorist attacks” in Xinjiang province, western China, state media say.

The 13 – who reportedly include Muslim ethnic Uighurs – were accused over seven cases including attacks in June 2013 that killed 24 people.

It comes as three other men – who reports say also appear to be Uighurs – were sentenced over a fatal car crash in Beijing last year.

Beijing has blamed Uighur groups for several attacks across the country.

Those executed on Monday had been charged with crimes including “participating in terrorist groups; murder; arson; theft; and illegal manufacture, storage and transportation of explosives”, state-run news agency Xinhua said.

Thirteen people have been executed for terrorist attacks in Xinjiang province
Thirteen people have been executed for terrorist attacks in Xinjiang province

The report named three defendants who were convicted of attacking a police station, hotel, government building and other venues in Lukqun, Xinjiang province, on June 26.

The attack killed 24 police officers and civilians and injured 23 others, Xinhua added.

Verifying reports from the Xinjiang region is difficult because the flow of information is tightly controlled.

Also on Monday, three men were given death sentences in connection with a crash in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square last October, when a car ploughed into a crowd.

Two tourists and three people in the car were killed. Dozens of others were injured.

Xinhua news agency said Husanjan Wuxur, Yusup Umarniyaz and Yusup Ahmat were guilty of “organizing and leading a terrorist group and endangering public security”.

Five others were given jail sentences.

Reports said several of those sentenced or executed on Monday appeared to be from Xinjiang’s Uighur ethnic minority, based on their names.

Beijing has blamed Uighur separatists for a string of attacks around China, including deadly bomb and knife attacks on railway stations in Urumqi in Xinjiang, and Kunming in south-west China.

Uighur leaders deny that they are coordinating a terrorist campaign.

Activists have accused Beijing of exaggerating the threat from Uighur separatists in order to justify a crackdown on the Uighurs’ religious and cultural freedoms.

Correspondents say Uighurs, who number around 9 million, have long complained of repression under Chinese rule – an accusation Beijing denies.

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Robert Pattinson and Katy Perry get cozy at LA party

Lisa.Felice
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Robert Pattinson and Katy Perry get cozy at LA party

Robert Pattinson and Katy Perry were “looking cozy” last Friday during a post-premiere party in Los Angeles for his well-received movie The Rover, Page Six reported.

Robert Pattinson and Katy Perry were looking cozy during a post-premiere party in Los Angeles
Robert Pattinson and Katy Perry were looking cozy during a post-premiere party in Los Angeles

Katy Perry, 29, who since her February split from John Mayer has been linked to DJ Diplo, rapper Riff-Raff and rocker ex-boyfriend Robert Ackroyd, has said she even contacted Robert Pattinson’s repeat ex-girlfriend Kristen Stewart to tell her the hookup talk wasn’t true.

The singer said: “I sent her a text message saying, <<I know you’ve seen all this stuff, but you know I would never disrespect you. I’m not that person>>.”

Si Robertson to sign autographs at Duck Commander

Sonia Pantiss
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Si Robertson to sign autographs at Duck Commander

Duck Dynasty’s Uncle Si Robertson will be at the Duck Commander Warehouse signing autographs Wednesday, June 18th from Noon-2PM.

Si Robertson will be at the Duck Commander Warehouse signing autographs June 18
Si Robertson will be at the Duck Commander Warehouse signing autographs June 18 (photo Facebook)

Who Is Maximillion Cooper, Eve’s Millionaire Husband?

Lisa.Felice
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Last week, Eve married Maximillion Cooper at Blue Marlin, Cala Jondal Beach in Ibiza, Spain.

But who is Maximillion Cooper?

Maximillion Cooper, also known as Maximillion Fife Alexander Cooper, is a British entrepreneur, skateboarder and race car driver.

He was born on June 7, 1972, and has a net worth of $50 million.

Maximillion Cooper is probably most famous for being the founder of the Gumball 3000 car race.

Born in Stone, Staffordshire, England, Maximillion Cooper launched his first company in 1999 after earning a Degree in Law from Sussex University. The Gumball 3000 is a popular international racing company that also puts on concerts and has a clothing line. The race is a 3000 mile international rally across public roads. The route is different every year and racers must finish the course in just seven days. Participants typically use exotic super cars such as Ferraris and Lamborghinis to complete the race.

Maximillion Cooper has four children with his ex-wife Julie Brangstrup, with whom he also co-founded the Gumball.

The entrepreneur and rapper Eve have been dating since 2010.

Eve and Maximillion Cooper actually met when she participated in the rally for clothing brand Puma, a few years back. They have been together ever since and today Eve is considered the First Lady of Gumball.

On The Chelsea Handler Show, Eve opened up about the fact that this is her and his first interracial relationship: “I’ve never been the type of person to discriminate.”

“But I honestly have to say I never thought I’d be with a white guy ever. But it just happened. It’s amazing. I’m the first black girl he’s ever been with too.”

On December 31st, Eve announced to her Instagram followers that she and Maximillion Cooper were engaged. Max proposed with a large diamond ring on Christmas day in Scotland surrounded by their family and friends.

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Kris Jenner upset that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West didn’t sell wedding pictures

Lisa.Felice
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Kris Jenner upset that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West didn’t sell wedding pictures

Kris Jenner was upset that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West gave up an $11 million deal to sell their first wedding photos, according to GossipCop.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West decided to release their wedding photos on social media a la Beyonce and Jay Z
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West decided to release their wedding photos on social media a la Beyonce and Jay Z (photo Instagram)

The tabloid claims that Kris Jenner was “seething” after Kim Kardashian and Kanye West decided to release the images themselves on social media a la Beyonce and Jay Z.

Medtronic to buy Covidien for $42.9 billion

Clyde K. Valle
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Medtronic to buy Covidien for $42.9 billion

Medtronic Inc. is to buy Irish Republic-based Covidien PLC in a $42.9 billion cash and shares deal.

The US medical device maker’s wide portfolio includes heart stents and surgical tools.

The deal allows Medtronic to take advantage of a so-called tax inversion, by moving its headquarters to a European country with lower taxes.

The main corporate tax rate in Ireland is set at 12.5%. Meanwhile in the US, the business tax rate can reach up to 35% – among the world’s highest.

When the deal is completed, a new entity will combine the two businesses under the banner of Medtronic PLC.

The Covidien deal will allow Medtronic to take advantage of a so-called tax inversion, by moving its headquarters to a European country with lower taxes
The Covidien deal will allow Medtronic to take advantage of a so-called tax inversion, by moving its headquarters to a European country with lower taxes

Medtronic said in a statement: “It will have its principal executive offices in Ireland, where Covidien’s current headquarters resides and where both companies have a long-standing presence.”

The company will also “continue to have its operational headquarters in Minneapolis, where Medtronic currently employs more than 8,000 people”.

Medtronic PLC will be led by Omar Ishak, the current chairman and chief executive at Medtronic.

The combined business will have more than 87,000 employees in more than 150 countries.

The merger is expected to result in annual cost-savings of at least $850m by the end of the firm’s financial year in 2018.

The savings will come from optimizing combined global back-office, manufacturing and supply chain operations.

The acquisition is subject to approval from the shareholders of both companies.

And it also needs regulatory clearances from the US, the EU, and China.

Medtronic and Covidien expect the transaction to be completed by early next year.

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Fuel for thought – A guide to long-term generator management

Clyde K. Valle
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Fuel for thought – A guide to long-term generator management

Generators are a costly, but essential, piece of equipment for building companies and plant hire managers.

People working in these sectors will know only too well how useful the devices are, but organisations need to make sure they put efficiency at the heart of their operations. One aspect of this is fuel management, as manufacturers have to consider the relative merits of different types of fuel.

While natural gas, vapour propane and liquid propane are the most common choices for small automatic standby generators, large-scale systems are more likely to use diesel. According to Critical Fuel Systems, these options not only provide energy for the generator to convert, but also serve as a lubricant for the injectors of engine generators.

Level sensors for fuel management

Of course, a high-quality fuel level sensor, such as those on offer from PVL, is an essential tool for fuel management. They can be used to measure the quantity of any substance that flows and among the key considerations are the amount of accuracy required and the means by which it works, such as a magnetic switch, an ultrasonic signal, conductive probe or a vibrating fork.

A high-quality fuel level sensor is an essential tool for fuel management
A high-quality fuel level sensor is an essential tool for fuel management

The importance of maintenance cannot be understated, as fuel will degrade rapidly beyond the point of usability if this process is not carried out diligently. Among the reasons for degradation are moisture, heat, oxygen, and biological growth. As diesel fuel is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts moisture, some of the moisture will settle out of the fuel to become free water. This means removing the moisture and free water is key to maintaining the fuel.

Aside from running biannual maintenance checks, which should ideally be carried out in spring and autumn, firms should also keep a generator maintenance record book detailing all of the results from these services. With debris getting into an alternator being the most likely way of destroying a perfectly good generator, keeping it clean is very important.

Don’t let fuel get too warm

Diesel can have a flashpoint near 140 degrees C, so an effective cooling system has to be in place to prevent the liquid from reaching this temperature. Both onboard or external fuel coolers can be used, with the former preferable if the option exists.

However, a day tank fuel replacement is another control option worth considering, as this means the fuel will be pumped back to the storage tank and refilled with relatively cool fuel from the tank once a specific temperature has been reached. The main benefit of this option is that every time you replenish the tank, the pumping and control system is checked for proper operation.

Transportation

Fuel is very flammable and so safety needs to be considered at all times. This is why you should never fill a tank to its limit, as there needs to be room for expansion. You should also allow the generator and engine to cool entirely before adding fuel.

When you are transporting the generator, always disconnect the spark plug wire and place it out of reach of the spark plug, as this will prevent accidental starting when transporting the generator. By doing so, you’ll get your money’s worth out of the generator.

Malia Obama works as production assistant on set of Halle Berry’s Extant

Lisa.Felice
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Malia Obama works as production assistant on set of Halle Berry’s Extant

First Daughter Malia Obama could be setting her sights on Hollywood now that school is out.

Malia Obama, who turns 16 on July 4, was recently spotted working as a production assistant in Los Angeles on the set of Halle Berry’s upcoming sci-fi series Extant.

Malia Obama was spotted working as a production assistant in Los Angeles on the set of Halle Berry’s upcoming sci-fi series Extant
Malia Obama was spotted working as a production assistant in Los Angeles on the set of Halle Berry’s upcoming sci-fi series Extant

She was joined by her mother, Michelle Obama, who watched the teen assist on some reshoots of the pilot.

In the series, Halle Berry will play an astronaut who returns home from a year-long solo mission in space and tries to reconnect with her husband and son in their everyday life.  Her experiences in space and home lead to events that ultimately will change the course of human history.

Malia Obama attends the exclusive Sidwell Friends private school in Washington, DC., but classes let out earlier this month.

Pippa Middleton in bike race across US

Lisa.Felice
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Pippa Middleton in bike race across US

Pippa Middleton is part of the Britain team racing the 3,000 miles across the US in a charity bike race.

Pippa and James Middleton are part of the Britain team racing the 3,000 miles across the US in a charity bike race
Pippa and James Middleton are part of the Britain team racing the 3,000 miles across the US in a charity bike race

Kate Middleton’s sister is participating in the Race Across America, decked out in spandex biking gear with the British flag printed on the front.

Her bearded brother James Middleton will be racing on her team. Pippa and James Middleton were photographed training for the grueling task on Saturday, June 14.

Pippa’s backside, which became famous after she served as the maid of honor at her sister’s 2011 wedding, was on display in her tight biker shorts.

The bike race has been going on for 32 years and in that time, fewer than than 200 individuals have successfully completed the event.

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Mpeketoni attack: At least 48 people killed as gunmen target hotels and police station

Diane A. Wade
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Mpeketoni attack: At least 48 people killed as gunmen target hotels and police station

Unidentified gunmen attacked hotels and a police station in Kenyan town of Mpeketoni killing at least 48 people, officials say.

Witnesses in Mpeketoni said gun battles lasted for several hours and reported seeing buildings set on fire.

The town is on the mainland near Lamu island, a well-known tourist resort.

Kenya has suffered numerous militant attacks since 2011 when its forces entered neighboring Somalia to combat the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group.

Unidentified gunmen attacked hotels and a police station in Kenyan town of Mpeketoni killing at least 48 people
Unidentified gunmen attacked hotels and a police station in Kenyan town of Mpeketoni killing at least 48 people

This is the most deadly attack in Kenya since at least 67 people were killed during a siege by al-Shabab fighters at Nairobi’s Westgate shopping centre last September.

Kenyan army spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir said the attackers were “likely to be al-Shabab”, but the group has not yet commented.

Other unconfirmed reports said the raid was linked to a land dispute between rival communities in the remote area.

Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku described the attackers as bandits, and said they had crossed a “red line”.

“I want to assure Kenyans that the perpetrators of this heinous act will be pursued to face the full force of the law,” he said at a news conference.

Police fought fierce battles with the gunmen, who fled into a nearby forest, Joseph Ole Lenku said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier summoned Joseph Ole Lenku and police chief David Kimaiyo to discuss the security situation.

The attack started at 20:30 local time on Sunday as locals were watching a football World Cup match on television.

All those killed are believed to be locals. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) says no foreigners were in the town at the time of the attack.

Witnesses said gunmen, who had their faces covered, threw explosives into the local police station before entering and stealing weapons.

Kenya has been on high alert recently following warnings that al-Shabab was planning more attacks.

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Iraq crisis: Sunni militants seize Tal Afar city

Roy Siemens
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Iraq crisis: Sunni militants seize Tal Afar city

The northern Iraqi buffer city of Tal Afar has been seized by Sunni militants, officials and residents say.

Sunni militants led by ISIS – the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant – captured key cities including Mosul and Tikrit last week, but some towns were retaken.

Fighting in Tal Afar began on Sunday, with mortar shelling of some districts as militants tried to enter the city.

The Iraqi military setback came as the US said it was considering direct talks with Iran on Iraq.

President Barack Obama is weighing up options on action to take in Iraq.

Sunni militants have seized the northern Iraqi buffer city of Tal Afar
Sunni militants have seized the northern Iraqi buffer city of Tal Afar

The USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier is already being deployed to the Gulf, accompanied by two more warships. But Washington says no US troops will be deployed on the ground.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said he will consider co-operation if the US takes action in Iraq.

Tal Afar is a mainly Shia and ethnic Turkmen city, and seen as a buffer against militant-controlled territory in Iraq and Syria.

The Iraqi government claims to have “regained the initiative” against an offensive by Sunni rebels.

Earlier, Iraqi army spokesman Lt. Gen. Qasim Ata said the military had scored successes against the militants in several areas, killing 279 of them. The figure could not be independently verified.

Local TV stations say government helicopters carried out a raid during the night on a military base near Mosul, which was captured by the militants last week.

Government forces were reported to be building up in the city of Samarra, north of Baghdad, ready for a counter-offensive on Tikrit.

The United States has begun evacuating some diplomatic staff from Baghdad, moving them to Kurdish-controlled territory in the north-east and to Basra in the south.

The US has also announced it is increasing security at its embassy in Baghdad and relocating some staff to safer areas.

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Russia cuts off all gas supplies to Ukraine

Clyde K. Valle
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Russia cuts off all gas supplies to Ukraine

Russia has cut off all gas supplies to Kiev, in a major escalation of a dispute between the two nations, Ukrainian Energy Minister Yuri Prodan said.

“Gas supplies to Ukraine have been reduced to zero,” he said.

Russia’s state-owned gas giant Gazprom said Ukraine had to pay upfront for its gas supplies, after Kiev failed to settle its huge debt.

Gazprom had sought from Kiev $1.95 billion – out of $4.5 billion it says it is owed – by 06:00 GMT.

Russia has cut off all gas supplies to Kiev, in a major escalation of a dispute between the two nations
Russia has cut off all gas supplies to Kiev, in a major escalation of a dispute between the two nations

The Russian firm said it would continue to supply gas to Europe.

Russia-Ukraine ties remain tense since Moscow annexed Crimea in February.

Kiev says Moscow backs separatists in the east of the country. Russia denies the charge.

“Today, from 10:00 Moscow time, Gazprom, according to the existing contract, moved Naftogaz to prepayment for gas supplies,” Gazprom said in a statement on Monday morning.

“From today, the Ukrainian company will receive Russian natural gas only in the amounts it has paid for.”

Moments later, both Gazprom and Ukraine’s state-owned Naftogaz company filed lawsuits against each other in the Stockholm arbitration institute.

Gazprom said it wanted to recover $4.5 billion from Naftogaz, which is dealing with gas supplies to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Naftogaz said it was seeking to recover $6 billion in “overpayment” for gas since 2010.

Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev said Ukraine’s position on the issue “smacks of blackmail”.

The latest moves follow crisis talks between Ukraine, Russia and the EU on the issue.

“We reached no agreement. The chances that we meet again are slim,” Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kuprianov said after the latest round of the talks ended in Kiev over the weekend.

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Michael Schumacher is out of coma and leaves Grenoble hospital

Clyde K. Valle
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Michael Schumacher is out of coma and leaves Grenoble hospital

Michael Schumacher has left hospital after the skiing accident in France, and is no longer in a coma, his family has announced.

Michael Schumacher has left hospital after the skiing accident in France, and is no longer in a coma
Michael Schumacher has left hospital after the skiing accident in France, and is no longer in a coma

“Michael has left the CHU Grenoble to continue his long phase of rehabilitation. He is not in a coma anymore,” his management company said in a statement.

“His family would like to explicitly thank all his treating doctors, nurses and therapists in Grenoble as well as the first aiders at the place of the accident, who did an excellent job in those first months.

“The family also wishes to thank all the people who have sent Michael all the many good wishes to Michael. We are sure it helped him.”

“For the future we ask for understanding that his further rehabilitation will take place away from the public eye.”

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22 Jump Street tops North American box office with $60 million

Sonia Pantiss
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22 Jump Street tops North American box office with $60 million

Comedy 22 Jump Street has topped the North American box office taking $60 million on its opening weekend.

The sequel to 2012 hit 21 Jump Street sees Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum reprise their roles as bumbling detectives.

Animated movie How to Train Your Dragon 2 opened in second place with $50 million.

22 Jump Street has topped the North American box office taking $60 million on its opening weekend
22 Jump Street has topped the North American box office taking $60 million on its opening weekend

Last week’s number one, teen drama The Fault in Our Stars, fell to number five.

The Fault in Our Stars, starring Shailene Woodley as a girl who finds love after being diagnosed with cancer, has now taken $81.7 million in the US, against a modest budget of $12 million.

Maleficent – Disney’s take on Sleeping Beauty starring Angelina Jolie as the evil fairy – fell one place to three, while Tom Cruise sci-fi Edge of Tomorrow was at four.

Sony Pictures, which distributed 22 Jump Street, said the movie was in line to be the second highest-grossing R-rated comedy in box office history.

Its $60 million debut is the second-biggest opening for an R-comedy behind The Hangover 2‘s $85.9 million haul in 2011.

20th Century Fox said How to Train Your Dragon 2‘s performance was “phenomenal”, after it had been predicted to open somewhere around $45 million – $48 million.

North American box office Top 5:

  1. 22 Jump Street – $60 million
  2. How to Train Your Dragon 2 – $50 million
  3. Maleficent – $19 million
  4. Edge of Tomorrow – $16.2 million
  5. The Fault in Our Stars – $15.7 million

Source: Rentrak

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Gazprom threatens to cut Ukraine gas supply

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Gazprom threatens to cut Ukraine gas supply

Russian state company Gazprom says Ukraine has to pay upfront for its gas supplies, after Kiev failed to settle its huge debt.

Gazprom had warned it would cut supplies if Ukraine failed to pay $1.95 billion – out of $4.5 billion it says it is owed – by 06:00 GMT.

There is no confirmation supplies have been ended. The Russian firm said it would continue to supply gas to Europe.

Russia-Ukraine ties remain tense since Moscow annexed Crimea in February.

Kiev accuses Moscow of supporting separatists in the east of the country. Russia denies the charge.

“Today, from 10:00 Moscow time, Gazprom, according to the existing contract, moved Naftogaz [Ukraine’s state-owned company] to prepayment for gas supplies,” Gazprom said in a statement.

“From today, the Ukrainian company will receive Russian natural gas only in the amounts it has paid for.”

Gazprom had warned it would cut supplies if Ukraine failed to pay $1.95 billion out of $4.5 billion
Gazprom had warned it would cut supplies if Ukraine failed to pay $1.95 billion out of $4.5 billion

The move follows crisis talks between Ukraine, Russia and the EU on the issue.

“We reached no agreement. The chances that we meet again are slim,” Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kuprianov said after the latest round of the talks ended in Kiev over the weekend.

However, EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger, who attended the talks, said he was “not pessimistic” about a deal.

He said he would continue to work for an agreement despite his compromise proposal, that Kiev pay $1 billionn on Monday and the rest in installments, being rejected by Gazprom.

Ukraine’s discounted rate for gas was axed in April after Moscow accused Kiev of failing to pays its bills.

On Monday, Gazprom stressed that it would continue to supply European consumers with gas at “full volume” and that it was Ukraine’s responsibility to make sure the gas transited through the country.

However, correspondents say the EU could be affected.

Earlier this month, Gazprom gave Ukraine more time to settle its gas bill after receiving a part-payment of $786 million.

Ukraine said it refused to clear its debts completely in protest at Gazprom’s recent 80% price increase.

Gazprom ended its discount price for Ukraine, which was negotiated by former President Viktor Yanukovych last December, in April.

Before the discount was cancelled, Ukraine’s gas bill was heavily reduced by Russia to $268 per 1,000 cubic meters.

The price is now $485.50 per 1,000 cubic meters, the highest in Europe.

Almost 15% of gas used in Europe comes from Russia via Ukraine, which is why EU members are taking a particularly close interest in the stand-off, observers say.

The talks that ended on Monday had been brokered by EU representatives.

Heading into the negotiations, Kiev said it was ready to make the $1.95 billion payment if Russia cut its price to $326 per 1,000 cubic meters.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin said $385 per 1,000 cubic meters was his final offer.

Prospects of a breakthrough in discussions were diminished in recent days after increasing tension between Kiev and Moscow over the pro-Russian insurgency in the east of Ukraine.

Moscow reacted angrily to a violent protest outside its embassy in Kiev on Saturday after separatists shot down a Ukrainian military plane, killing all 49 people on board.

Meanwhile, Ukraine accused Russia of sending tanks into the east of the country to support pro-Russian fighters.

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Sean Connery dead: Just another internet hoax

Lisa.Felice
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Sean Connery dead: Just another internet hoax

An internet hoax claiming that Sean Connery is dead at the age of 83 was spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world.

However, the June 2014 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports.

Sean Connery joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by internet death hoax
Sean Connery joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by internet death hoax

Sean Connery, 83, is alive and well.

Rumors of Sean Connery’s alleged death gained traction on Saturday after a “R.I.P. Sean Connery” Facebook page attracted nearly one million of Likes.

Those who read the “About” page were given a believable account of Sean Connery’s passing:“At about 11 a.m. ET on Saturday [June 14, 2014], our beloved actor Sean Connery passed away. Sean Connery was born on August 25, 1930 in Edinburgh. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page.

On Sunday, June 15, Sean Connery’s reps officially confirmed that the actor is not dead: “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He’s still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet.”

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