Home Blog Page 596

Barack Obama arrives in Seoul amid North Korea nuclear test fears

Roy Siemens
-
0
Barack Obama arrives in Seoul amid North Korea nuclear test fears

President Barack Obama arrived in Seoul for a visit that comes amid concern that North Korea may be planning a fourth nuclear test.

Barack Obama, who arrived from Japan on the second stop of his Asian tour, will hold talks with South Korean leader Park Geun-hye.

Their talks are set to focus on North Korea, following reports of activity at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site.

Barack Obama is also expected to express grief over last week’s ferry disaster.

More than 300 people were killed or remain missing after the Sewol passenger ferry sank off South Korea, in a tragedy that has shocked the nation.

Most of those who died were teenagers on a school trip.

Barack Obama arrived in Seoul for a visit that comes amid concern that North Korea may be planning a fourth nuclear test
Barack Obama arrived in Seoul for a visit that comes amid concern that North Korea may be planning a fourth nuclear test (photo Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Images)

Barack Obama is expected to hold talks with Park Geun-hye, visit US troops and then fly to Malaysia on Saturday.

Speaking in Japan, the US president called the North Korean problem “the most destabilizing, dangerous situation in all of the Asia-Pacific region”, and described China’s role in influencing Pyongyang as “critically important”.

Earlier this week, South Korea’s military said it had detected “a lot of activity” at the North’s nuclear test site, suggesting it was either planning a test or would pretend to stage one.

North Korea has carried out three such tests in the past, most recently in February 2013 – an incident that triggered months of severe tension on the Korean peninsula.

It also carried out tests in 2006 and 2009. All resulted in the imposition of sanctions by the UN, which bars Pyongyang from nuclear tests under resolution 1718.

A report from 38 North, the website of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, also confirmed increased activity at the site “probably related to preparations for a detonation”, based on satellite imagery.

The document highlighted “increased movement of vehicles and materials near what are believed to be the entrances to two completed test tunnels”.

While Pyongyang has tested devices, it is not yet believed to have mastered the process of making a nuclear warhead small enough to deliver via a missile.

China is regarded as the nation with the best chance of influencing North Korea’s behavior, because of their trade ties.

“We will not allow war and chaos on China’s doorstep,” foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said on Thursday.

“In the meantime, we have consistently and proactively advocated dialogue and negotiation.”

Also on Barack Obama’s agenda will be Seoul’s ties with Japan. The US wants its two main Asian allies to work together to tackle North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

But rows over disputed islands and unresolved historical tensions have severely strained the Tokyo-Seoul relationship.

Last month, the US brokered a meeting between South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye and Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe in a bid to put things back on track.

In Japan, Barack Obama issued a firm statement of support over Tokyo’s dispute over a separate set of islands with China.

[youtube 6pCZQYZPb4w 650]

[youtube YNVf46UAV-4 650]

[youtube JNaB5o9id_o 650]

US and Russia in war of words after Ukraine raids

Roy Siemens
-
0
US and Russia in war of words after Ukraine raids

Russia and the US have accused each other of failing to ease tensions in Ukraine after Kiev launched raids on pro-Moscow separatists.

Russia said the US should make Kiev stop the attacks in the east, saying “nothing has been done to resolve this urgent crisis so far”.

The US said Moscow had “actively stoked tensions in eastern Ukraine”.

Russia ordered new military exercises on its border following the raids, drawing condemnation from Ukraine.

Pro-Russian separatists are occupying key buildings in a dozen eastern Ukrainian towns, defying the central government.

The Russian foreign ministry issued a statement urging the US to “use all its influence with the interim government in Kiev to bring it to reason and convince it to refrain from rash steps that will plunge Ukraine even deeper into the depths of crisis”.

It urged Washington to “understand the full measure of its responsibility for what is going on”.

Russia and the US have accused each other of failing to ease tensions in Ukraine after Kiev launched raids on pro-Moscow separatists
Russia and the US have accused each other of failing to ease tensions in Ukraine after Kiev launched raids on pro-Moscow separatists (photo AP)

Both the US and Russia cited the April 17 Geneva agreement under which illegal armed groups, including those who have seized public buildings, must return home.

The Russian foreign ministry said: “We hope the USA will at last take urgent measures in the interests of de-escalating the situation in accordance with the provisions of the Geneva statement.”

But US state department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said Russia had “failed not only to provide public support for the de-escalation of tensions, but has actively stoked tensions in eastern Ukraine by engaging in inflammatory rhetoric”.

Jennifer Psaki said Secretary of State John Kerry had spoken to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov “six times since Geneva, and he has never once taken responsibility for the implementation of Russia’s Geneva commitments”.

She added: “There will be additional sanctions if Russia does not make good on this priority.”

Pentagon spokesman Steve Warren told reporters: “The Russian announcement of additional exercises on the Ukrainian border is exactly opposite of what we have been calling on the Russians to do, which is to de-escalate the situation.”

The morning raids by Ukrainian commandos on pro-Russian checkpoints around the town of Sloviansk had left at least two separatists dead.

The raids were brief, with Sloviansk itself reported calm and pro-Russian militants still manning barricades in many areas.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Moscow had been “forced to react” to the raids by ordering new military exercises.

Sergei Shoigu was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying: “If this military machine is not stopped, it will lead to greater numbers of dead and wounded.”

Moscow has tens of thousands of troops along its side of the border.

Russian television quoted the ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, as saying that Moscow would have “international-legal grounds” to deploy “peacekeepers” to Ukraine, as it had during the Russia-Georgia conflict of 2008.

Ukraine’s acting President, Oleksandr Turchynov, called on Russia to pull back its troops from the border and end what he called its “blackmail”, adding that Kiev would not yield to “Russian-backed terrorists”.

Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytisa told the Associated Press that Ukrainian forces would fight the Russians if they had to.

“The Ukrainian people and Ukrainian army are ready to do this. Ukraine will confront Russia. We will defend our land.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon earlier said he was “seriously concerned that the situation could quickly spin out of control with consequences we cannot predict”.

[youtube SebP0C3cAcc 650]

Tornado forecast from Texas to Nebraska this weekend

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Tornado forecast from Texas to Nebraska this weekend

A multiple-day severe weather outbreak will begin this weekend over the South Central states and will include the potential for nighttime tornadoes in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska.

A storm will move slowly across the US over the next seven to 10 days. The storm will affect Southern California with locally drenching rain and mountain snow on Friday. Its next stop will be the Central states this weekend.

While the central and southern Plains are in need of rain, it will come with the price tag of violent storms.

Since the parent storm will not arrive on the scene until late in the day Saturday, most storms are not forecast to ignite until the late-day and nighttime hours.

A multiple-day severe weather outbreak will begin this weekend over the South Central states and will include the potential for nighttime tornadoes
A multiple-day severe weather outbreak will begin this weekend over the South Central states and will include the potential for nighttime tornadoes (photo AccuWeather)

Major cities at risk for severe weather this weekend include Dallas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kansas, Omaha, Nebraska, and Kansas City, Missouri.

Because the storms will be passing through large metropolitan areas, the storms have the potential to bring extensive damage, risk to a great number of lives and significant travel disruptions.

According to AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions Storm Warning Meteorologist Scott Breit, “Supercell thunderstorms will develop along the dry line from west-central Kansas to the Oklahoma Panhandle and northwestern Texas late Saturday afternoon with large hail and tornadoes a good bet.”

A dry line marks the boundary between desert air to the west and moist Gulf of Mexico air to the east. A supercell thunderstorm is a long-lived, intense storm that often develops rotation and has an elevated risk of producing tornadoes, damaging winds gusts, frequent lightning strikes and very large hail.

Aiding the development of severe thunderstorms will be a surge of warm, humid air on Saturday.

The threat for violent storms, including a few supercells, will continue to push eastward Saturday night across rural and populated areas of central Kansas, central Nebraska, central Oklahoma and central Texas.

The storms are likely to shift to the east of Oklahoma City in time for the Memorial Marathon Sunday morning. However, if the storms are slower to leave than expected, or damage occurred from the night before, a delayed start cannot be ruled-out.

Because many of the most violent storms will continue after dark, there is an elevated danger factor. People may not see that a tornado is approaching their location.

Anyone traveling through the area or spending time outdoors will want to keep an eye out for rapidly changing weather conditions.

Charlotte Bell: Girl hands Michelle Obama her unemployed father’s resume

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Charlotte Bell: Girl hands Michelle Obama her unemployed father’s resume

A ten-year-old girl who was a guest at the White House’s annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day handed First Lady Michelle Obama her father’s resume.

When Michelle Obama called on a girl, identified by the Associated Press as 10-year-old Charlotte Bell, during a question-and-answer session, the girl stood up and walked toward the first lady, saying: “My dad’s been out of a job for three years and I wanted to give you his résumé.”

Michelle Obama invited Charlotte Bell on stage and gave her a hug
Michelle Obama invited Charlotte Bell on stage and gave her a hug

Michelle Obama seemed surprised, then invited the girl on stage and gave her a hug.

“Oh my goodness,” Michelle Obama said while hugging Charlotte Bell.

The two briefly spoke and Michelle Obama held up the résumé.

“Well it’s a little private, but she’s doing something for her dad. Alright?” Michelle Obama said.

The first lady held up the résumé in her hand and shook it.

“Got it.”

[youtube QpZ09J_g77M 650]

Miley Cyrus leaves hospital after being treated for severe allergic reaction to antibiotics

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Miley Cyrus leaves hospital after being treated for severe allergic reaction to antibiotics

Miley Cyrus has been released from the hospital after being treated for a severe allergic reaction to antibiotics, E! News reported.

Miley Cyrus, 21, is reportedly planning to travel to Europe to resume her Bangerz tour, whose US concerts had been rescheduled.

Miley Cyrus has been released from the hospital after being treated for a severe allergic reaction to antibiotics
Miley Cyrus has been released from the hospital after being treated for a severe allergic reaction to antibiotics (photo Instagram)

The singer was hospitalized on April 15 before a scheduled performance in Kansas City, eventually forcing her to postpone her remaining US concerts.

Miley Cyrus maintained a positive attitude while at the hospital, posting constant Twitter updates and cracking jokes on Instagram.

“This hospitals full of a bunch of QUACKS (get it??? Quacks),” Miley Cyrus captioned a photo showing her wearing a duck-face oxygen mask.

Pope John Paul II crucifix crushes young man in Cevo

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Pope John Paul II crucifix crushes young man in Cevo

A man has died in northern Italy after being crushed by a crucifix erected in honor of Pope John Paul II.

Marco Gusmini, 21, was killed instantly and one other man taken to hospital, Italian media reported.

Part of the 100ft-high sculpture collapsed at a ceremony ahead of the Pope’s canonization.

Pope John Paul II and his predecessor, Pope John XXIII, are due to be declared saints on Sunday.

Pope John Paul II crucifix in Cevo commemorates the pontiff's visit to the area in 1998
Pope John Paul II crucifix in Cevo commemorates the pontiff’s visit to the area in 1998 (photo Elena Gianni)

The crucifix commemorates the Pope’s visit to the area in 1998.

The installation, near the town of Cevo, was designed as a large curved cross with a statue of Jesus Christ, weighing 1,320lb, fixed to the top.

A group of children were reported to be in attendance at the time.

The cross was designed by sculptor Enrico Job and was created for John Paul II’s visit to nearby Brescia.

The two popes will be declared saints at the Vatican on Sunday.

It is not the first death caused by a falling crucifix in Italy.

In 2004, the Associated Press reported that a 72-year old woman had been crushed to death by a 7ft-tall metal crucifix in the town of Sant’Onofrio in the south of Italy.

Hertz debuts a new and improved app redesign

Nancy Clayson
-
0
Hertz debuts a new and improved app redesign

At the end of January this year, Hertz.co.uk announced the release of its latest mobile phone app. The new app has been redesigned to include a range of new features to provide customers with an even more ‘convenient travel experience’. A standout feature of the app is that it now allows access in airplane mode to update and rearrange rentals. This is as well as allowing you to ‘travel at the speed of Hertz’ wherever you are at any time of day.

Hertz continues to make the whole process of car rental easy and pain-free, so it is not difficult to see why it has become so successful. The redesigned app is seemingly another step up the ladder in terms of useability.

So what are the new app’s features?

Hertz says in promotional material that the app adapts more readily to the differing screen sizes of each mobile device. It also speeds up reservation times and avid users of previous incarnations of the Hertz app will notice how much more slick and immediate the user interface is.

The latest version has fixed these issues from the passed app and now reserving a car no longer require a diversion to the Hertz website and persistent login.

Hertz app
Hertz app

Hertz have thankfully kept what was great about the old app. This includes: the range of special offers and frequent deals, the Quick Access to Roadside Assistance and the ability to find nearby locations, and the innovative Hertz e-Return service. Similarly, the aforementioned ‘Travelling at the Speed of Hertz’ service now offers “Carfirmation”, Hertz’s email and SMS text service for use by Hertz Gold customers. This confirms reservations, as well as advising of a car’s location.

The Carfirmation function on the new app has been upgraded to show other cars that are available, allowing Gold customers to select the car that they want.

Verdict

Hertz continues to make the whole process of car rental increasingly easy and pain-free, so it is not difficult to see why it has become so successful. The redesigned app is seemingly another step up the ladder in terms of useability and functionality.

The 2014 Budget and what it means for Motorists

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
The 2014 Budget and what it means for Motorists

George Osborne has announced that a small number of measures are to be put in place in order to help motorists. The announcement came as part of the new budget in March. The proposed fuel rise in September is the first thing that has been frozen in order to help motorists as well Chancellor George Osborne saying that this should make fuel 20p cheaper per litre. The fuel rise will be abandoned until spring 2015 when it will be looked at once again.

 

There are some budget issues that are bound to impact motorists in other ways motors.co.uk explain to us that anyone selling a car from April 1st 2014 will no longer be able to transfer their tax discs and any vehicle that falls into band D and upwards are going to see a rise by around £5.

 

However, something that motorists will be glad of, is the £200 million fund given to local authorities to help repair the potholes in the roads. With the bad weather we have seen recently, potholes have become an increasing big problem. This budget should see that they get fixed properly and stay that way for the long term. An article from the Guardian details more about the money being spent on filling in potholes.

George Osborne has announced that a small number of measures are to be put in place in order to help motorists
George Osborne has announced that a small number of measures are to be put in place in order to help motorists (photo AP)

 

The RAC have disagreed with the money being spent on the repair of potholes, saying it simply is not enough. The organisation’s technical director has said:

 

“We need whole stretches of road to be resurfaced regularly rather than just patching them when they start to fall apart, costing taxpayers more and more money every year. Simply filling potholes is a massive false economy which has now unfortunately become necessity. We really need to put an end to this by making sure roads are never allowed to degenerate to the point where potholes develop.”

 

Classic cars will once again be exempt from vehicle excise duty and will move to a 40 year rolling period. This will also begin come the 1st April this year and will see the likes of the Reliant Robin being included in the tax exemption. Previously, only cars built before January 1973 were exempt from tax.

 

Like any budget there are both positive and negative sides to it and some motorists will be glad of the benefits more than others. On the plus side, something is being done about the road’s, giving us a bit of hope that they will continue to improve. More about the new budget can be found on the Telegraph.

 

References:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/10708398/Budget-2014-What-it-means-for-motorists.html

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/mar/19/budget-2014-potholes-flood-defences

How to grow orchids

Nancy Clayson
-
0
How to grow orchids

Orchids are beautiful, vibrant and popular flowers, which can turn a table, a hallway or a window sill into a beautiful scene. Although they are not the easiest plant to look after, if attended properly orchids will live and flower once or twice each year for many years to come. No flowery language – here are a few easy tips on how to grow orchids to treasure.

 

Buying

Most garden centres or nurseries will only stock fully-labelled plants, so this should give you a rough idea about the level of care you need to provide for your type of orchid. Further advice can be found by visiting agrarianorganics.com/

There are around 30,000 species of orchids that grow across the world, and each type has different requirements.
The most common type of orchid is the moth orchid, or phalaenopsis, which is popular because it can bloom throughout the year. Others include the dendrobium, which has flowers that can also last several weeks, while the oncidium family includes the popular Dancing Lady.
Be realistic – orchids mounted on sticks require daily attention, and sunlight is imperative for blooming. Is your home hot or cold, and is it humid? If you cannot provide these essentials it may be worth looking for alternatives.

Orchids are beautiful, vibrant and popular flowers
Orchids are beautiful, vibrant and popular flowers (photo Getty Images)

But if you can, these marvellous flowers can look great anywhere in the house, including the living room, dining room, bedroom, and even the bathroom. justaddiceorchids.com said: “The steam and heat from your bathroom shower will keep your plant hydrated and warm. If your bathroom doesn’t have any windows, you should take your plant out of the room for part of the day, transporting it to another area of the home with indirect sunlight. Rotating your orchid between the bathroom and another room of your house also discourages mold growth from too much moisture.”

 

Watering

Orchids are naturally found in tropical rain forests in Central and South America, thriving near sources of water. Inexperienced gardeners take this to mean they should water their housebound orchid several times a week, which is a guaranteed way of killing it off. Beautiful orchids.com says: “The general rule of thumb for orchids grown in the home is to water every five to 12 days, depending on the type of orchid, the temperature the plant is grown in, and the time of year. During the warm summer months when days are long, more frequent watering is required than in the cooler, shorter days of winter.”

Feeding
It is far more harmful to give your orchid too much food or fertiliser than too little, and many gardeners barely feed them at all. Drip-feeders are cheap and provide a gradual balanced release of nutrition – snip the end, pop them in and leave them to it.

Blooming
The biggest frustration for orchid growers is a lack of flowers, and a single sad vertical stump. The most common reason is lack of light – easily rectified. Strong but indirect light is the best solution, although you can also place a fluorescent light nearby, about 1-2 feet above.

The North of England Orchid Society says: “For warm growing Phalaenopsis, look around your house to find a nice well lit window, ideally facing east or west, and having some shade, i.e. a net curtain, as the midday sun will damage and burn the leaves. Next think about the temperature, if the night time temperature in this position falls below 55 degrees the plant will suffer.”

Pests
Orchids do not suffer from the usual problems and ailments suffered by other garden plants, but it is still worth sprinkling leaves with a slug liquid periodically. Applying isopropyl alcohol (methylated spirits) to leaves will banish greenfly, spider mite and mealybugs, horrible little pests that leave a trail of stickiness that can enable sooty mould growth.

Repotting
Repotting is a real challenge, but has its benefits. Your orchid’s roots may have outgrown its original pot, or the compost may have broken down and is not providing the air the plant needs to flourish. Perhaps you wish to divide it, or you suspect pests in the potting medium.

But heed this advice from everything-orchids.com: “Unless the repotting is urgent and the orchid will be severely harmed without immediate action (rotting medium, pests, massive dead roots, fertilizer build-up), it’s best to wait until the perfect time to repot. Perfect time means when your orchid is active and has sufficient strength to reestablish itself quickly from the somewhat traumatic experience.”

A social affair
It is easy to become addicted to growing orchids and once you are hooked you might consider joining a society, which will advise on feeding, sunlight, and position. You may even move on to showing!

Why protein is your weight loss friend

Kathryn R. Bown
-
0
Why protein is your weight loss friend

It’s no secret that the path to weight loss success is to cut back on the fat and up the protein intake. But why? I’ve been having a read about the benefits of protein and why people rave about it so much and to be honest, I can’t argue. Aside from protein acting as a form of building blocks for your bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood, it also supports the building of enzymes, hormones and vitamins. Basically, as one of three nutrients that provide calories, it’s a pretty big deal.

It’s important not to get bored of a protein heavy diet though, so fishing around for new recipes to try is equally important. Food should be enjoyed, even if it is super healthy. Have you ever tried any of the recipes from Kraft? If you’re seeking protein-rich inspiration and ideas, it’s not a bad place to start.

Here are some other reasons protein gets our plus points:

  1. It has high vitamin B content which our bodies love. Vitamin B helps our bodies release energy, supports the nervous system and helps with the production of red blood cells and tissue.
  2. Iron is incredibly important and is used to carry oxygen in the blood… can you think of a more important role?
  3. Another support of building bones and releasing energy from our muscles is Magnesium, but protein also provides us with Zinc, which is necessary for biochemical reactions, helping the immune system to function properly.

Why-protein-is-your-weight-loss-friend

But don’t just think exclusively of meat when I refer to protein. Eggs and fish are great sources too and will do just as much good as chicken and steak! One significant

advantage fish has over meat is that when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in all different levels within seafood, it’s way up there. Aside from weight-loss, eating eight portions of fish a week is said to help reduce the risk of heart disease too – as the American Heart Association reports, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of arrhythmias, abnormal heartbeats, which can contribute to sudden death. These acids can also lower blood pressure, albeit slightly.

An athlete’s diet should have about 15% protein in it. That sounds quite a lot, but if you’re going to work super hard exercising, lifting or toning, then you want to support your body in any way possible. Now that we’ve got that down, it’s time to dig out the kinds of recipes that will have you looking like a protein champ in no time.

Remember, this doesn’t mean you have to eat meat, fish and eggs alone, just that the weightier portion of your meal should be protein and vegetables. So, try a nicely-grilled flank steak with a hearty green salad, for example. Or a fillet of salmon, poached or fried (with as little oil as possible) in a pan with a side of rice. Plan your weekly meals around these principals and your protein intake should increase sufficiently.

Globe Trotting at a Young Age

Ricky Robinson
-
0
Globe Trotting at a Young Age

Gap years are big business. It is estimated that £995 million is spent by British parents a year to fund these once in a lifetime trips. But are they helpful? With the debate still raging about whether gap years are the best use of time for our young people it’s a contentious issue.

Research carried out by Foreign Exchange World First has found that up to 88% of those who take part in a gap year believe it adds to their employability. But is this the truth? The benefits are clear, as the old adage goes travel broadens the mind and experiences of different cultures can only be a good thing.

In fact the only thing that can be said for staying on in education without a break is the high probability of being in full time employment quicker, and in the grand scheme of things is that what any of us really wants?

Take a look below at a graphic which has some interesting stats on the gap year phenomenon and why its such a big industry.

An infographic by World First

Ryan Lewis reveals his mother is HIV positive

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Ryan Lewis reveals his mother is HIV positive

Ryan Lewis has revealed his mother, Julie Lewis, has been HIV positive since 1984.

Ryan Lewis, who collaborates with Macklemore, says his mother contracted HIV from a blood transfusion 30 years ago.

The 26-year-old singer made the revelation as he and Macklemore launched their 30/30 Project, which raises money for affordable healthcare around the world.

“In 1984, my mom gave birth to my older sister, Teresa,” Ryan Lewis said in a statement on the project’s website.

“Due to a complicated delivery, she needed a blood transfusion and at that moment, my mom had HIV+ blood put into her body.

“When she was finally diagnosed, she was given only a few years to live.”

Ryan Lewis has revealed his mother, Julie Lewis, has been HIV positive since 1984
Ryan Lewis has revealed his mother, Julie Lewis, has been HIV positive since 1984 (photo CBS)

Ryan Lewis also revealed that his mother did not know she had HIV when she was pregnant with him or his sister and they were fortunate to be born healthy despite a 25% risk of contracting it.

They are aiming to raise at least $100,000.

Explaining the name of the project Ryan Lewis added: “To honor the 30 years my mom has been a survivor, our family is raising funds to build health centers worldwide that will stand strong for at least 30 years.”

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis won best new artist and best rap performance for their UK number one single Thrift Shop at this year’s Grammy Awards.

The duo’s debut album, The Heist, went to number 19 and spent 48 weeks in the Official Album Chart.

Ryan Lewis closed the statement by saying: “With this amazing past year I’ve had, I am honored to be the first donor for the 30/30 Project, jumpstarting the construction of the first health centre in Malawi.

“I am asking you to join my family and see how far we can take this.”

[youtube e6ZAJ4CkoWo 650]

[youtube I1Axm-JORP8 650]

[youtube BWDlwC7Uec4 650]

[youtube RuGOJLAqJ6g 650]

Paul Gray’s widow testifies in court about Slipknot bassist’s death

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Paul Gray’s widow testifies in court about Slipknot bassist’s death

Brenna Gray, the widow of Slipknot’s bassist Paul Gray, has testified in a US court about the death of her husband in May 2010.

Brenna Gray says she raised concerns about his drug use with his doctor and also questioned why he was still being prescribed addictive medication.

Daniel Baldi is on trial for nine counts of involuntary manslaughter, including the death of Paul Gray.

Brenna Gray said she was worried that Dr. Daniel Baldi continued to prescribe her husband the anti-anxiety drug Xanax.

According to the Des Moines Register, Brenna Gray testified: “I just knew it was his drug of choice, that he’d struggled with, so I just wasn’t really sure why he was on it, why he needed it along with the medication he was taking for addiction.”

Paul Gray died of a drug overdose at a motel in 2010.

Brenna Gray has testified in court about the death of Paul Gray in May 2010
Brenna Gray has testified in court about the death of Paul Gray in May 2010 (photo Des Moines Register)

Prosecutors say that Dr. Daniel Baldi’s careless prescription habits caused the deaths of Paul Gray and eight of his other patients.

The doctor denies the claims.

Brenna Gray said her husband had had a period when he was sober but had started taking drugs again before his death and that she had found needles in the house.

She told the court she tried to make Dr. Daniel Baldi take Paul Gray’s relapse seriously and says he did not keep proper medical records.

According to the Des Moines Register, Brenna Gray said shortly before her husband’s death that she and family members had staged an intervention.

He left home and went to the hotel, she said.

Brenna Gray says she was pregnant at the time of Paul’s death and testified that she did not call the emergency services because she was worried she would be arrested and her unborn child could later be taken by authorities.

She said she called her husband’s bandmates but none of them offered to help her.

Slipknot have released one album since Paul Gray’s death.

Antennas To Hell included singles from four studio albums and live tracks.

[youtube wLiZLQs8fZo 650]

[youtube oDWtbGYI6xw 650]

[youtube BX91HxHpQjE 650]

GM profits hit by recalls cost in 2014 Q1

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
GM profits hit by recalls cost in 2014 Q1

GM has seen its 2014 Q1 profits hit by a $1.3 billion charge to cover the cost of a huge recall of cars over defective ignition switches.

The faulty switches could turn off the engine, disabling the airbags and have been linked to at least a dozen deaths.

General Motors says it also incurred $300 million in restructuring costs, mostly in Europe.

As a result net income was $125 million, compared with $865 million in the same period last year. Sales came in at $37.4 billion, up from $36.9 billion in 2013.

GM said that of the $1.3 billion recall charges, some $300 million was to cover the cost of courtesy cars.

GM has seen its 2014 Q1 profits hit by a $1.3 billion charge to cover the cost of a huge recall of cars over defective ignition switches
GM has seen its 2014 Q1 profits hit by a $1.3 billion charge to cover the cost of a huge recall of cars over defective ignition switches (photo Reuters)

“Obviously, the recall campaign charges in the first quarter overshadows the headline results, but if you look underneath that, we had strong performance across the board,” chief financial officer Chuck Stevens said.

It was GM’s worst quarterly performance since it posted a net loss after leaving bankruptcy protection in 2009.

The company had raised vehicle costs during the quarter, which helped boost operating profits by $1.8 billion.

In North America, GM experienced higher sales of its more lucrative versions of its redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks.

“The performance of our core operations was very strong this quarter, reflecting the positive response of customers to the new vehicles we are bringing to market,” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

“Our focus remains on creating the world’s best vehicles with the highest levels of safety, quality and customer service, while aggressively addressing our business opportunities and challenges globally.”

During 2014 Q1 the company was also hit by another charge of $419 million, “related to changing the exchange rate GM uses for re-measuring the net assets of its Venezuelan subsidiaries”.

[youtube Xw7tJuJ4ac8 650]

Hateful Eight: Quentin Tarantino loses first round of script lawsuit against Gawker

Sonia Pantiss
-
0
Hateful Eight: Quentin Tarantino loses first round of script lawsuit against Gawker

A US judge has dismissed director Quentin Tarantino’s case against gossip website Gawker, who he claimed helped leak his screenplay The Hateful Eight.

Quentin Tarantino filed legal papers seeking $1 million in compensation from the site, after scrapping plans to film the movie.

District judge John F. Walter said Quentin Tarantino had failed to demonstrate “direct infringement” of his copyright.

Gawker posted a link to the leaked 146-page script in January.

Quentin Tarantino accused Gawker Media of “predatory journalism”, but the publisher argued it had only provided a link to Anonfiles.com, an anonymous online location where the screenplay could be viewed.

Quentin Tarantino filed legal papers seeking $1 million in compensation from Gawker, after scrapping plans to film the movie
Quentin Tarantino filed legal papers seeking $1 million in compensation from Gawker, after scrapping plans to film the movie

Gawker said it was not a “scoop” as the document was already available and did not violate Quentin Tarantino’s “right to first publication” as the script was already online.

The website added: “Tarantino himself set in motion the circumstances by which the script circulated” by giving it to several people.

The judge ruled Quentin Tarantino’s lawyers had failed to demonstrate whether anyone had actually seen the script as a direct result of the link on Gawker.

In January, Quentin Tarantino revealed to Deadline Hollywood he had only given the script to six people – including actors Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern and Tim Roth – and was “very, very depressed” about the leak.

Quentin Tarantino said he found out about the leak when his office began getting calls from agents pitching their clients for acting roles.

At a reading of the script held by Quentin Tarantino in Los Angeles last week, the director told the audience he was in fact still working on the film.

“I’m working on a second draft and I will do a third draft but we’re reading from the first draft,” he said.

Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern and Tim Roth all took part in the reading of the story about bounty hunters in 19th Century Wyoming who get trapped by a blizzard.

The judge has given Quentin Tarantino’s legal team a second chance to prove their case, according to Forbes magazine, which reported they will be allowed to re-file their case with more evidence by the end of this month.

[youtube dv7HR9iUoEk 650]

Bernie Ecclestone trial begins in Munich

Clyde K. Valle
-
0
Bernie Ecclestone trial begins in Munich

Bernie Ecclestone has appeared in court at the start of a trial on bribery charges in Munich, Germany.

The Formula 1 boss is accused of giving a $45 million (33 million euros) bribe to a German banker to secure the sale of a stake in the F1 business to a company he favored.

Bernie Ecclestone admits paying Gerhard Gribkowsky, who is serving a jail sentence for receiving the payment, but has denied any wrongdoing.

He continues to run the F1 business on a day-to-day basis despite the charges.

To alleviate his workload, however, Bernie Ecclestone has stood down from a number of F1-related positions until the case concludes.

Bernie Ecclestone is accused of giving a $45 million bribe to a German banker to secure the sale of a stake in the F1 business to a company he favored
Bernie Ecclestone is accused of giving a $45 million bribe to a German banker to secure the sale of a stake in the F1 business to a company he favored

Correspondents say that he appeared relaxed as he consulted with his lawyers on Thursday ahead of the proceedings.

Asked by a journalist outside the court whether he was confident of victory, he replied: “I’m confident the sun is shining.”

German prosecutors allege that he bribed Gerhard Gribkowsky, who was on the board of Bayern Landesbank, to ensure that F1 was sold to a private equity group of Bernie Ecclestone’s choice.

The allegation is that by securing the sale of the stake to a company Bernie Ecclestone favored, he would remain in charge of Formula 1 and its commercial rights, broadcast payments and sponsorship deals.

The payments were made between July 2006 and December 2007.

Bernie Ecclestone, 83, admits paying Gerhard Gribkowsky, but says he was effectively the victim of blackmail. He has said the banker had been threatening to reveal false details of his tax affairs.

If convicted, Bernie Ecclestone – one of Britain’s richest men who transformed Formula 1 into a lucrative sport watched by 450 million TV viewers globally – could face up to 10 years in jail.

Gerhard Gribkowsky has been found guilty of corruption, tax evasion and breach of trust and is serving an eight and a half year prison sentence.

Bernie Ecclestone testified during Gerhard Gribkowsky’s trial in 2011, and the former German banker is expected to be the main witness during the F1 chief’s trial, which is scheduled to last until September.

In February, Bernie Ecclestone won a civil case in London’s High Court brought by a German media company, which claimed it lost out financially when the share of F1 belonging to German bank Bayern Landesbank was sold in 2006 to private equity group CVC.

While the judge rejected a damages claim from Constantin Medien against the F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone was ordered to pay $4 million in legal fees.

[youtube LgBbphZzaTE 650]

Barack Obama reaffirms US support for Japan over disputed islands

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Barack Obama reaffirms US support for Japan over disputed islands

After talks with PM Shinzo Abe, President Barack Obama has reaffirmed his support for Japan in its row over islands with China.

Barack Obama, who is on a four-nation Asia tour, warned against escalation in the dispute and said he wanted to see the row resolved peacefully.

He confirmed that the islands fell under a security treaty that commits the US to act if Japan is attacked.

Barack Obama and Shinzo Abe also discussed a major trade deal as well as North Korea.

The US president arrived in Japan late on Wednesday ahead of stops in South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.

He is not going to Beijing but relations with China are expected to dominate his meetings with regional leaders.

After talks with PM Shinzo Abe, President Barack Obama has reaffirmed his support for Japan in its row over islands with China
After talks with PM Shinzo Abe, President Barack Obama has reaffirmed his support for Japan in its row over islands with China

Barack Obama’s trip – which ends on April 29 – comes nearly seven months after he cancelled a visit to the region because of a US government shutdown.

Officials say it is aimed at reassuring America’s Asian allies of its commitment to the region amid concern over China’s growing power.

On Wednesday Barack Obama had an informal dinner with Shinzo Abe. The two leaders then held talks on Thursday morning and gave a joint press conference.

“Article five [of the US-Japan security treaty] covers all territories under Japan’s administration including [the] Senkaku islands,” Barack Obama said, echoing comments published in Wednesday’s Yomiuri newspaper.

“We do not believe that they should be subject to change unilaterally.”

“This is not a new position. This is a consistent one,” he said.

However, Barack Obama also said he told Shinzo Abe that it “would be a profound mistake to continue to see escalation around this issue instead of dialogue”.

The islands are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

Japan controls the islands but China has been strongly pressing its claim in recent months, flying and sailing vessels in and out of what Japan says are its waters and airspace.

Japan depends on the US for its security, under a decades-old alliance that dates back to the end of World War Two. If Japan is attacked, the US is obliged to come to its aid.

China’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it opposed the US stance.

“The so-called US-Japan alliance is a bilateral arrangement from the Cold War and ought not to harm China’s territorial sovereignty and reasonable rights,” spokesman Qin Gang said in Beijing.

Shinzo Abe and Barack Obama also discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a giant trade deal involving 12 nations.

It is currently stalled partly due to a row between the US and Japan over agricultural tariffs.

North Korea was also on the agenda. Barack Obama wants Tokyo and Seoul to work together on the issue, but ties between the two remain badly strained because of war-related historical issues.

Barack Obama flies to Seoul after Tokyo, amid reports of increased activity at Pyongyang’s nuclear test site – potentially suggesting a fourth nuclear test could be imminent.

[youtube mQ-2P7d91f0 650]

Afghanistan: Three American doctors killed at CURE hospital in Kabul

Roy Siemens
-
0
Afghanistan: Three American doctors killed at CURE hospital in Kabul

Three Americans have been shot dead by a rogue cop at a children hospital in the Afghan capital, Kabul, US officials say.

A spokesman for Afghanistan’s interior ministry described those killed as “medical staff”.

It was unclear whether the cop was dead or in custody.

Afghanistan suffered a spate of deadly attacks in the run-up to presidential elections held on April 5, including a restaurant bombing in January and an attack on a hotel in March.

Three Americans have been killed at a children hospital in Kabul run by US charity CURE
Three Americans have been killed at a children hospital in Kabul run by US charity CURE

Thursday’s attack took place at a hospital in western Kabul run by CURE, a small US Christian charity.

The US embassy in Kabul tweeted that it was “with great sadness we confirm that three Americans were killed in the attack on CURE Hospital”. No other information would be released for the moment, it added.

Police say that the attack happened when a policeman at a nearby checkpoint opened fire on a group of five or six foreigners who were entering the hospital in western Kabul.

A spokesman for the interior ministry said that three had died, including two women. Others were being treated for their injuries, officials said.

Some reports say that the policeman, who was named as Ayunullah, shot himself after the incident. But the Reuters news agency says that he is wounded and in police custody.

The charity CURE took over the hospital seven years ago and restored it to specialize in providing healthcare for women and children. The 100-bed hospital employs 27 doctors and 64 nurses, CURE says.

It is the second attack on a Christian target in the city this year.

In March, the Taliban attacked a guest house used by foreigners working for a faith-based agricultural charity.

[youtube dJmyNLOygNU 650]

Sewol ferry disaster: Danwon high school starts holding classes again

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Sewol ferry disaster: Danwon high school starts holding classes again

South Korea’s Danwon high school devastated by the loss of many of its students in Sewol ferry disaster last week has started to hold classes again.

More than 300 students from Danwon high school, located south of Seoul, were on the Sewol ferry when it capsized.

Most of the students are dead, or missing inside the sunken hull.

The ferry sank last week as it sailed from Incheon to Jeju Island. More than 170 people have been confirmed dead, as search teams work to recover bodies.

South Korea's Danwon high school devastated by the loss of many of its students in Sewol ferry disaster last week has started to hold classes again
South Korea’s Danwon high school devastated by the loss of many of its students in Sewol ferry disaster last week has started to hold classes again (photo EPA)

There were 476 people on board, with many trapped inside as the ferry listed and sank within two hours of distress signals being sent. A total of 174 passengers were rescued.

Almost 250 students and teachers from Danwon have been confirmed dead or are presumed to have died, Reuters news agency says.

Most of the students who survived the disaster remain in hospital and it is not clear when they will return to school.

Final year students returned to Danwon school on Thursday, however. Dozens of counselors have been brought in to help with the trauma that many of the students are expected to face.

Over the past week, Danwon high school has become a memorial site – flowers and messages piling up outside the gates and funeral rites taking place in classrooms.

Messages posted in classrooms reportedly included: “If I see you again, I’ll tell you I love you, because I haven’t said it to you enough.”

Many in South Korea are worried about what this tragedy will mean for the children – the missing faces in Danwon’s classrooms and the knowledge of how fallible their protectors can be, our correspondent adds.

On Wednesday, an emotional memorial service took place near the school, with friends and family members laying flowers in front of photographs of some of those who died.

[youtube FEmDVtUtMKc 650]

Ukraine regains Mariupol city hall

Diane A. Wade
-
0
Ukraine regains Mariupol city hall

Ukraine’s government announces it has regained control of the city hall in the eastern port of Mariupol from pro-Russian separatists.

Several people are said to have been hurt during the overnight operation in the city, where three pro-Russian protesters were recently shot dead.

Administrative buildings have been taken over by separatists in at least a dozen towns in eastern Ukraine.

Talks are reportedly taking place in Mariupol between the two sides.

In another development, the funeral is taking place of a pro-Ukrainian politician, Volodymyr Rybak, who was abducted and killed in the Donetsk region.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has accused Russia of flouting a deal on Ukraine reached in Geneva last week, under which illegal armed groups, including those who have seized public buildings, would return home.

Barack Obama told a news conference in Japan that Moscow had failed to halt actions by militants in the region and warned that the US had further sanctions against Russia “teed up”.

Ukraine’s government announces it has regained control of the city hall in the eastern port of Mariupol from pro-Russian separatists
Ukraine’s government announces it has regained control of the city hall in the eastern port of Mariupol from pro-Russian separatists

A contingent of US troops has begun landing in Poland for military exercises amid concerns among NATO’s eastern members about Russian intentions.

Moscow has said it will respond to any attack on its interests in Ukraine.

Unrest began in Ukraine last November over whether the country should look towards Moscow or the West.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov announced on Thursday that the city hall in Mariupol, a port on the Sea of Azov in the Donetsk region, had been “liberated” overnight without any casualties.

“Civic activists” played a major part in the operation, he said.

According to the local news website 0629, a group of about 30 unidentified men in their twenties armed with baseball bats stormed the mayor’s office between 03:00 and 04:00 on Thursday.

The protesters called the police who reportedly came out and calmed down the opposing sides.

Negotiations are under way at the scene between the separatists, the local pro-Ukrainian authorities and the police, the site says.

While the interior minister said nobody had been hurt in the operation, 0629 reported that five men were injured, though not seriously.

Arsen Avakov also said that Ukrainian troops in Artemivsk, another town in the Donetsk region, had fended off an attempt by dozens of pro-Russian militants to seize weapons from a military unit. One soldier was wounded, he said.

Unverified footage of military helicopters, said to be flying over Artemivsk, was posted by a blogger on YouTube.

A local journalist, Anna Bokovaya, told Russian TV that about 50 people had taken part in the attack on the military unit, which lasted 45 minutes.

The militants began the attack after the soldiers inside rejected a demand to surrender, she said. The town was calm again on Thursday morning, she added.

Three pro-Russian protesters were killed when Ukrainian security forces fought off a raid on a base in Mariupol on April 17.

Jodie Foster marries Alexandra Hedison

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Jodie Foster marries Alexandra Hedison

Jodie Foster has married her girlfriend Alexandra Hedison, the actress’s representative has confirmed.

Jodie Foster married Alexandra Hedison, a photographer and actress, over the weekend, broadcaster E! first reported.

Jodie Foster married Alexandra Hedison, a photographer and actress, over the weekend
Jodie Foster married Alexandra Hedison, a photographer and actress, over the weekend

The actress and her former partner Cydney Bernard, with whom she had two sons, ended their 20-year relationship in 2008.

The celebrity news broadcaster reported that Jodie Foster and Alexandra Hedison began dating last year.

Alexandra Hedison previously dated US comedian and chat-show host Ellen DeGeneres.

There are no details about the wedding, but California – where Jodie Foster lives – is among 17 US states, along with the District of Columbia, where gay marriage is legal.

[youtube qKfWENznsMo 650]

India elections 2014: Narendra Modi to submit nomination papers in Varanasi

Diane A. Wade
-
0
India elections 2014: Narendra Modi to submit nomination papers in Varanasi

Bharatiya Janata Party’s leader Narendra Modi, the man with the biggest chances of winning India’s elections, is to submit his election nomination papers as Indians vote in the sixth phase of their poll.

Narendra Modi arrived in the holy city of Varanasi as supporters from BJP poured onto the streets.

Varanasi will be the scene of an epic battle between Narendra Modi and anti-corruption campaigner Arvind Kejriwal, who is challenging him there.

There are 117 seats up for grabs on Thursday, but Varanasi votes on May 12.

The ruling Congress party is battling the opposition BJP to win the votes of the 814 million Indians eligible to vote.

About 2,000 candidates are hoping to win over 180 million of those votes as polling takes place in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Indian-administered Kashmir on Thursday.

The southern state of Tamil Nadu, where voting is being held in all 39 seats on Thursday, is a key battleground to watch.

Narendra Modi arrived in the holy city of Varanasi as supporters from BJP poured onto the streets
Narendra Modi arrived in the holy city of Varanasi as supporters from BJP poured onto the streets (photo AFP)

More than 35% of votes had been polled by 11:00 local time.

The main contest is between two powerful regional parties – the ruling AIADMK and the main opposition DMK. The two main national parties are fringe players in the state and have traditionally formed alliances in order to ensure power.

India’s financial capital, Mumbai, is also voting on Thursday in what promises to be a keenly-contested battle between two alliances: the ruling Congress-Nationalist Congress Party alliance against a resurgent BJP-Shiv Sena party.

Mumbai usually doesn’t see very high turnouts – it was just over 41% in the 2009 election – but many here say this time things might be different.

In an area where many Bollywood actors live, superstar Aamir Khan has already cast his vote, while Shahrukh Khan is expected to do so in the afternoon.

The marathon vote is being staggered over five weeks for security and logistical reasons. The nine-phase vote began on April 7 and will conclude on May 12. Votes will be counted on May 16.

The main contest in the election is between the Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, and the BJP, led by the charismatic and controversial Hindu nationalist leader Narendra Modi.

Narendra Modi, who is ahead in all the pre-election opinion polls, is the leader of Gujarat state, which witnessed one of India’s worst anti-Muslim riots in 2002.

Arvind Kejriwal, contesting against Narendra Modi in Varanasi is at the helm of the anti-corruption Aam Aadmi (Common Man’s) Party, which secured a spectacular result in local polls in Delhi last year and offers a challenge to the main parties.

Several smaller regional parties are also in the fray and if no single party wins a clear majority, they could play a crucial role in the formation of a government.

Any party or a coalition needs a minimum of 272 lawmakers to form a government.

[youtube uaboMb0luEc 650]

Prince Francisco de Borbon biography. How he met Camille Morone.

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Prince Francisco de Borbon biography. How he met Camille Morone.

Prince Francisco de Borbón y von Hardenberg is a direct descendent of Spanish and French royalty of the House of Bourbon.

Francisco de Borbón, 35, currently lives in Madrid, Spain. He is the only son of the 5th Duke of Seville, who is a Grandee of Spain and a relative of King Juan Carlos I of Spain.

Francisco’s ancestor, the 1st Duke of Seville, was the grandson of King Charles IV of Spain, who descended from King Louis XIV of France.

Prince Francisco de Borbón y von Hardenberg is a direct descendent of Spanish and French royalty of the House of Bourbon
Prince Francisco de Borbón y von Hardenberg is a direct descendent of Spanish and French royalty of the House of Bourbon (photo Facebook)

His mother is Countess Beatrice of Hardenberg. She is the daughter of Princess Maria Josepha of Fürstenberg and Count Günther of Hardenberg, whose family tree includes Prince Karl August von Hardenberg, a prime minister of Prussia.

Francisco de Borbón attended The American School of Madrid and then Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, where he studied business and sports management.

He is an entrepreneur who travels frequently. He is involved with ASAP Group S.L., a company that specializes in sports marketing and media projects, with offices in Madrid and Miami.

Francisco de Borbón is an animal lover and has a dog named Snifferson.

In Secret Princes reality TV series, Francisco used the undercover name “Cisco”. He met a single mother named Camille Alyssa Morone. They went to the zoo and had a romantic picnic before he decided to invite her to the ball and reveal his pedigree.

Camille Alyssa Morone is a hair stylist in Gainesville
Camille Alyssa Morone is a hair stylist in Gainesville (photo Twitter)

Hair stylist Camille Morone joined Francisco de Borbón in Spain, where she met his mother. At the end of the show, the couple decided that they wanted to see each other again.

However, it appears they finally stopped to see each other as Camille Morone is currently engaged to Conner Comeaux.

Camille Alyssa Morone has a 5-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.

Secret Princes premiered on TLC on September 21, 2012.

Francisco de Borbón featured Secret Princes Season 1.

[youtube JNj1sc4CEII 650]

[youtube PhrSjl0fxBw 650]

Elizabeth Rizzini pregnant 2014

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Elizabeth Rizzini pregnant 2014

It appears BBC weathergirl Elizabeth Rizzini is eight months pregnant…

Elizabeth Rizzini pregnant
Elizabeth Rizzini pregnant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[youtube cmk4JJo-fi4 650]

Justin Bieber posts picture of Yasakuni shrine on Instagram

Lisa.Felice
-
0
Justin Bieber posts picture of Yasakuni shrine on Instagram

Justin Bieber has caused international outrage after posting a picture of Japan’s Yasakuni shrine on Instagram.

Justin Bieber, 20, is thought to have visited the Yasakuni shrine, which honors fallen warriors and also pays tribute to convicted war criminals.

“Thank you for your blessings,” Justin Bieber tweeted as he posted the picture, which he later took down.

In South Korea and China the site is seen as a symbol of Japan not being sorry for the empire’s past.

Justin Bieber has caused international outrage after posting a picture of Japan's Yasakuni shrine on Instagram
Justin Bieber has caused international outrage after posting a picture of Japan’s Yasakuni shrine on Instagram

Justin Bieber has now apologized: “While in Japan I asked my driver to pull over for which I saw a beautiful shrine. I was mislead to think the shrines were only a place of prayer. To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry. I love you China and I love you Japan.”

The post on Instagram has caused much upset on social media sites.

A museum at the shrine suggests Japan was a victim of the war, an idea many historians disagree with.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang, speaking at a regular briefing on Wednesday, said he had not been aware of Justin Bieber’s visit to the shrine.

He added: “I hope that this Canadian singer after visiting the Yasukuni shrine can have a clear understanding of Japan’s history of invasion and militarism and of the source of Japan’s militarism.”

Justin Bieber has 51 million followers on social media.

He previously upset visitors to the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam after saying he hoped the Holocaust victim would have been a fan.

[youtube TPTT7Ujo5As 650]

[youtube _AStALfdQYk 650]

1...595596597...1,245Page 596 of 1,245