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How Much Does The Party Culture Affect Your Health?

Kathryn R. Bown
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How Much Does The Party Culture Affect Your Health?

Recently dubbed the ‘creative capital’ by The Guardian, Brighton’s reputation for music, culture, art and fun is certainly growing. The city’s thriving music scene has a reputation for cultivating some legendary talent including hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks as well as band the Kooks, DJ Fatboy Slim, and rock favourites British Sea Power. Many people don’t know that even the Sony executive and talent show mastermind, Simon Cowell, was originally from Brighton.

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Fast becoming acknowledged as the place to discover the next big thing in music and dance, Brighton is a great place to head for, especially in May when the city is in the grip of festival season. Indeed, Brighton attracts almost eight million visitors a year. But is all this high octane, high volume fun damaging our ears? Many party-goers are now turning to companies like Hidden Hearing, or specialist help and hearing aids to treat hearing loss.

The World Health Organisation has claimed that the single biggest cause of preventable hearing loss is loud noise, and now the Nottingham Hearing Biomedical Research Unit and Medical Research Council (MRC) have launched a study into the links between loud music and loss of hearing.

The new study will involve a mass participation survey and members of the public are being urged to help researchers understand whether the things we listen to throughout our lives have an impact on our present hearing. Carried out largely online, the study is based on the idea that damage to hearing is irreversible, and hearing loss is not something that only older people should concern themselves with. Nightclubs and music concerts regularly breach safe noise levels and many music and gig lovers may suffer the effects of this.

Current figures estimate that one in six UK adults experience some hearing loss that is significant enough to cause difficulty when trying to communicate. This represents a 12 percent rise over the last 20 years. By 2031 it is predicted that 14.5 million Brits will have some form of hearing loss. The Journal of Audiology reports that when someone is experiencing even relatively minor hearing loss, the presence of background noise like other people having a conversation or music playing, aggravates the impairment making it hard for the person to follow audio cues.

Dr Michael Akeroyd, from the MRC Institute of Hearing Research, is leading the new research project. He believes that up until now, most studies of music-related hearing loss have focussed only on the musicians. Coldplay front man Chris Martin openly talks about his tinnitus and hearing problems caused as a direct result of his profession. Dr Akeryod says that it’s now time to look at the relatively unknown matter of the effects of loud-music listening on the hearing of the general public. The way we listen to music has changed dramatically over the last one-hundred years and experts hope that this is an opportunity to understand what impact that is having.

To take part in the survey visit: www.100yearsofamplifiedmusic.org

Top 10 Best Selling Cars in 2014

Ricky Robinson
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Top 10 Best Selling Cars in 2014

Are you looking for a new car in 2014? The year might be just a quarter old, but it’s already seen some of the highest car sales figures in over a decade as the motoring trade enjoys a rise in business. Whatever you choose is subjective, dictated by preference of make, model, size, fuel economy and, above all else, budget – but let’s take a look at the ten bestselling cars of the year so far, according to a recent report on Auto Express.

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1. Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is the number one bestselling car of 2014 to date, with 39,240 registrations this year. One of its biggest selling points is its economical design, and it’s also a great car to drive. It’s worth noting there are a few variations of this model with the hatch Fiesta ST being one of the hottest on the market. Consistently popular, part of the Fiesta’s appeal is that it’s widely available, stocked at dealerships such as Jennings Motor Group and many others nationwide.

2. Ford Focus


It seems 2014 is the year for Ford with the Focus coming in a firm second. There have been 24,759 new registrations for this model so far. Families are a particular fan of this vehicle due to its low running costs and excellent space capabilities. Of course, it also helps that the car has an extremely stylish design.

3. Vauxhall Corsa


It may have been around for a while, but the popularity of the Corsa isn’t going away anytime soon. With 23,839 new registrations, this stylish model is available on great financing deals. Fans of the car will be pleased to know there’s soon going to be an updated model hitting the showrooms.

4. Volkswagen Golf


The Volkswagen Golf has seen 19,160 new registrations this year. This hatchback has the space inside to serve as a family car, though it retains a super classy image and is perhaps perceived as being a more superior performer than many of its rivals.

5. Vauxhall Astra


A long-established favourite with UK buyers, the Vauxhall Astra is still drawing in the crowds with 17,465 registrations so far. It’s the Focus’s main rival and considered to be a very comfortable and affordable family car.

6. Volkswagen Polo


Another one for Volkswagen, the Polo is just like a junior Golf. It has all of the great features of the Golf only in a much smaller package. There have been 13,631 new registrations for this super mini car in 2014.

7. Nissan Qashqai


The Nissan Qashqai was awarded the WhatCar? Car of the Year Award and it isn’t hard to see why. It boasts some pretty impressive features such as its 360 degree parking camera and Intelligent Park Assist. If you have trouble with your parallel parking then this is the car for you.

8. Fiat 500


If you’re looking for something a little different, the Fiat 500 is the car for you. There have been 11,685 new registrations for this model this year and it’s the unusual design that tends to draw people in.

9. Audi A3


Audi have delivered continuously stylish and innovative cars onto the market and one that has stuck is the A3. So far there have been 11,583 new registrations for this car and it’s not hard to see why. The car is pure muscle and it’s not going anywhere in terms of popularity. It’s a sleek, stylish and economical drive.

10. BMW 3 Series


BMW is one of the biggest names in the industry. Just like the Audi A3, the 3 series has seen 11,583 new registrations this year. It’s considered to be one of the best executive style cars available on the market.

Oscar Pistorius starts testimony at his murder trial in Pretoria

Clyde K. Valle
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Oscar Pistorius starts testimony at his murder trial in Pretoria

Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has started his testimony at his murder trial in Pretoria by apologizing to the family of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

An emotional Oscar Pistorius said he was “trying to protect” Reeva Steenkamp and said he could not imagine their pain.

Oscar Pistorius said he suffered “terrible nightmare” and often woke up smelling Reeva Steenkamp’s blood.

Prosecutors say Oscar Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp in February 2013 after an argument. He says he mistook her for an intruder.

Oscar Pistorius told Reeva Steenkamp’s relatives that there “hasn’t been a moment since this tragedy happened that I haven’t thought about your family”.

“I wake up every morning and you’re the first people I think of, the first people I pray for. I can’t imagine the pain and the sorrow and the emptiness that I’ve caused you and your family.

“I was simply trying to protect Reeva. I can promise that when she went to bed that night she felt loved.

“I’ve tried to put my words on paper many. many times to write to you. But no words will ever suffice.”

Oscar Pistorius has started his testimony at his murder trial in Pretoria by apologizing to the family of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
Oscar Pistorius has started his testimony at his murder trial in Pretoria by apologizing to the family of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp (photo EPA)

The athlete said he is taking anti-depressants and sleeping pills.

“I’m scared to sleep, I have terrible nightmares, I can smell blood and wake up terrified,” he said.

Oscar Pistorius added that he never wanted to handle a gun again.

The trial in Pretoria was delayed for a week after one of the assessors assisting the judge fell ill.

Defense lawyer Barry Roux said he will call 14 to 17 witnesses in his case to testify on “ballistics, urine emptying, damage to the toilet door, sound, and disability and vulnerability.”

Earlier, Oscar Pistorius’ defense team called on pathologist Jan Botha as its first witness.

Jan Botha, a private pathologist who said he has carried out about 25,000 autopsies, was asked about gastric emptying and calculating Reeva Steenkamp’s time of death.

Earlier in the trial, the state called forensic pathologist Gert Saayman who said vegetable matter in Reeva Steenkamp’s stomach suggested she had eaten around two hours prior to her death, which contradicted Oscar Pistorius’ version of events.

Jan Botha disputed this conclusion, saying that determining the time of death through gastric emptying is guesswork, calling it a “highly controversial and inexact science”.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel was fierce in his cross-examination of Jan Botha and sought to suggest that his evidence was unreliable since he did not attend Reeva Steenkamp’s autopsy and worked from photograps.

The pathologist accepted that he was “not a ballistician” after appearing to contradict the state’s account of the sequence of shots that killed Reeva Steenkamp.

But he insisted he was not there to “win the case for either the defense or the prosecution” after being accused by Gerrie Nel of making his findings fit with the defense case.

“I’m here to assist the court,” Jan Botha said.

Oscar Pistorius held his head in his hands and sobbed loudly as Reeva Steenkamp’s injuries were discussed.

The trial has already heard 15 days of prosecution-led testimony, which has relied on accounts from neighbors and specialist ballistics experts, as well forensic and mobile phone evidence.

One neighbor, Michelle Burger, told the court she was awoken by a woman’s “terrible screams” followed by gun shots.

Oscar Pistorus aims to convince the court that the screams were his, and that he shot Reeva Steenkamp through a closed toilet door because he had mistaken her for an intruder.

Defendants who choose to testify are the first defense witnesses in South Africa but Jan Botha was allowed to testify first because of a family illness.

The defense is also likely to address key questions, including allegations that Oscar Pistorius, 27, was reckless with guns and in not checking the whereabouts of his girlfriend before he opened fire.

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Barclays sells United Arab Emirates banking unit to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

Clyde K. Valle
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Barclays sells United Arab Emirates banking unit to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

Barclays has decided to sell its retail banking arm in the United Arab Emirates to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB).

ADIB is paying $177 million for the business which has 110,000 customers. Most of those are expatriate workers.

Customers who move to ADIB will have to switch to finance schemes that are compliant with Islamic rules, which do not allow interest payments.

Barclays has decided to sell its retail banking arm in the United Arab Emirates to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Barclays has decided to sell its retail banking arm in the United Arab Emirates to Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

Barclays says the deal will allow it to focus on its corporate and investment banking operations in the region.

In February, Barclays Chief Executive Antony Jenkins announced the result of a strategic review, which looked at the company’s 75 business units.

As a result Barclays has been focusing on markets where it believes it has scale and a competitive advantage.

In particular, Barclays is concentrating its investment on the UK, US and Africa.

The review also resulted in thousands of job cuts.

ADIB is the biggest bank in UAE with 600,000 customers.

Chuck Hagel tours China’s first aircraft carrier Liaoning

Diane A. Wade
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Chuck Hagel tours China’s first aircraft carrier Liaoning

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has toured the Liaoning – China’s first aircraft carrier – at the beginning of a three-day visit to the country.

Chuck Hagel, who arrived in the port of Qingdao from Japan, is thought to be the first senior Western official to board the vessel.

China bought it from Ukraine in 1998 and has spent 10 years refitting it.

It is seen as a potent symbol of China’s ambition to modernize its navy, amid a strategic shift in the region.

The fact that Chuck Hagel was allowed to step on board the carrier will be seen as a sign that the two countries may be willing to engage in more military co-operation.

Washington has repeatedly called for more transparency from Beijing on its military spending.

Chuck Hagel has toured the Liaoning - China's first aircraft carrier - at the beginning of a three-day visit to the country
Chuck Hagel has toured the Liaoning – China’s first aircraft carrier – at the beginning of a three-day visit to the country (photo AFP)

US officials said that Chuck Hagel’s visit to the Liaoning at Yuchi naval base – which took place after a US request – lasted about two hours.

No further details were immediately available and journalists accompanying him on the China visit did not go with him.

The carrier was built in the 1980s for the Soviet navy but was never completed.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the rusting hull – then called the Varyag – sat in dockyards in Ukraine.

A Chinese company with links to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) then bought the Varyag, saying it wanted to turn the vessel into a floating casino in Macau.

In 2001, the ship was towed to China. The Chinese military confirmed in June 2011 that it was being refitted to serve as the nation’s first aircraft carrier.

Earlier this year, it completed sea trials in the South China Sea, where China has overlapping territorial claims with several South East Asian nations.

Beijing’s more assertive stance on this issue in recent years has led to a rise in tensions between China and its neighbors, particularly Vietnam and the Philippines.

China is also embroiled in a separate dispute over East China Sea islands that are controlled by Japan.

In Tokyo, Chuck Hagel addressed regional territorial disputes, saying Chinese authorities should have “respect for their neighbors”.

“You cannot… redefine boundaries and violate territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations by force, coercion and intimidation, whether it’s in small islands in the Pacific or large nations in Europe,” he said.

The Liaoning aircraft carrier has already attracted controversy. Late last year, Chuck Hagel criticized China as “irresponsible” after the near-collision of a US warship and a Chinese naval vessel in the South China Sea.

The US said its guided missile cruiser, USS Cowpens, was operating in international waters on December 5 when the Chinese vessel – which was accompanying the Liaoning – forced it to take evasive action.

Ukraine: Pro-Russian protesters seize security buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk

Roy Siemens
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Ukraine: Pro-Russian protesters seize security buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk

Pro-Russian protesters have seized state security buildings in eastern Ukraine’s cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, officials say.

Reports say that in Luhansk the protesters have raided the arsenal in the security building. Police have reacted by blocking roads into Luhansk.

On Sunday, activists broke into the regional government buildings in the two cities and also Kharkiv.

Ukraine’s acting President Oleksandr Turchynov has called an emergency security meeting.

It comes as Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said a Russian soldier had killed a Ukrainian military officer still loyal to Kiev in eastern Crimea late on Sunday.

Another Ukrainian officer present is reported to have been beaten and detained by Russian troops.

Pro-Russian protesters have seized state security buildings in eastern Ukraine
Pro-Russian protesters have seized state security buildings in eastern Ukraine (photo Reuters)

The circumstances of the incident are unclear. The Interfax-Ukraine news agency quoted the Defense Ministry as saying the incident happened outside the Ukrainian’s living quarters.

Russian reports said a group of Ukrainian soldiers had been drinking in the town of Novofyodorovka and were on their way home when they passed Russian soldiers guarding an entry to the military base where they previously worked, prompting an argument between the two groups.

Russian news agencies reported that prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the death – one of few fatalities reported since Russia took control of Crimea last month.

Tensions have escalated in eastern Ukraine in recent weeks. Russia is consolidating its grip on Crimea, annexed by Moscow last month, and thousands of Russian troops remain massed near the Ukrainian border.

Ukrainian authorities say protesters have now left the government building in Kharkiv.

In Luhansk, on Monday police said “unknown people who are in the building have broken into the building’s arsenal and have seized weapons”.

In Donetsk, groups occupying the provincial government building remain barricaded inside.

President Oleksandr Turchynov cancelled a visit to Lithuania to deal personally with the unfolding events.

Meanwhile Ukraine’s PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk has accused Russia on Monday of sowing unrest in his country’s eastern provinces as a pretext for dispatching troops across the border.

Speaking at an emergency Cabinet meeting, Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Russia was behind the seizures of several government buildings in eastern regions that have for weeks seen a spike in secessionist sentiment.

“The plan is to destabilize the situation, the plan is for foreign troops to cross the border and seize the country’s territory, which we will not allow,” he said, adding that people engaged in the unrest have distinct Russian accents.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Russian troops remain stationed within 19 miles of the frontier. The city of Luhansk is just 15 miles west of Russia.

Eastern Ukraine was the political heartland of Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian president who fled to Russia in February after months of protests.

About half of the region’s residents are ethnic Russians, many of whom believe Ukraine’s acting authorities are extreme Ukrainian nationalists who will oppress Russians – a claim Kiev denies.

Russia has moved large numbers of troops to areas near the Ukrainian border, and has asserted its right to intervene in Ukraine in order to protect the rights of ethnic Russians there.

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MH370: Australian vessel detects signals consistent with black box flight recorders

Diane A. Wade
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MH370: Australian vessel detects signals consistent with black box flight recorders

Australian defense vessel Ocean Shield searching for the missing Malaysia Airlines plane has detected signals consistent with those from black box flight recorders.

The Ocean Shield acquired the signal twice, once for more than two hours, said Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, who is leading the search.

He called it the “most promising lead” so far.

However, ACM Angus Houston said more information was needed: “We haven’t found the aircraft yet and we need further confirmation.”

Malaysia Airlines plane, carrying 239 people, was flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8 when it disappeared. Malaysian officials say they believe it crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.

ACM Angus Houston said the signals were detected using the towed pinger locator deployed on the Ocean Shield.

Two separate detections occurred, he said. The first was held for two hours and 20 minutes before being lost.

The ship then turned around and on the return leg detected the signal again for 13 minutes.

Australian defense vessel Ocean Shield searching for the missing Malaysia Airlines plane has detected signals consistent with those from black box flight recorders
Australian defense vessel Ocean Shield searching for the missing Malaysia Airlines plane has detected signals consistent with those from black box flight recorders (photo AP)

“On this occasion two distinct pinger returns were audible. Significantly this would be consistent with transmissions from both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder,” ACM Angus Houston said

“We are now in a very well defined search area, which hopefully will eventually yield the information that we need to say that [Malaysia Airlines flight] MH370 might have entered the water just here.”

The Ocean Shield was still in the area but had not been able to reacquire the signals since, he said.

The position of the signals needed to be fixed, ACM Angus Houston said. Once that happened, the Ocean Shield could lower the Bluefin 21 underwater autonomous vehicle to try to locate wreckage on the sea floor.

The signal had been heard in sea with a depth of 4,500m, he added, which was at the limit of the capability of the Bluefin 21.

ACM Angus Houston cautioned that the next steps would take time.

“It could take some days before the information is available to establish whether these detections can be confirmed as being from MH370,” he said.

“In very deep oceanic water, nothing happens fast.”

The search operation is in a race against time as the flight recorders’ batteries are due to run out, meaning a signal would no longer be emitted.

A Chinese search vessel, Haixun 01, also said it briefly heard signals over the weekend in a different search area.

Those signals are now being investigated with the help of a British naval vessel, HMS Echo, which is equipped with sophisticated sound-locating equipment.

Reports said the crew of the Chinese ship had been using a sonar device called a hydrophone to pick up sounds.

Experts said it was technically possible but unlikely that the sounds heard with this equipment related to the missing plane.

Chris Portale, a director of the US company Dukane which makes the device that emits signals from flight recorders, said looking for the Malaysian plane’s “black boxes” was like “looking for a suitcase on the side of a mountain” but under water.

So far, not a single piece of wreckage has been found from the missing plane, but officials have concluded – based on satellite data – that it ended its flight in the sea to the west of the Australian city of Perth.

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Oscar Pistorius murder trial resumes in Pretoria with start of defense case

Clyde K. Valle
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Oscar Pistorius murder trial resumes in Pretoria with start of defense case

Oscar Pistorius’s murder trial has resumed in Pretoria, South Africa, with the start of the defense case.

Oscar Pistorius’ defense team called on pathologist Jan Botha as its first witness after a week’s adjournment.

The Paralympic athlete is expected to take the stand after Jan Botha to tell the court how and why he shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Prosecutors say Oscar Pistorius killed Reeva Steenkamp after an argument. He denies shooting deliberately, saying he mistook her for an intruder.

The trial was postponed for a week after one of the assessors assisting the judge fell ill.

Oscar Pistorius’s murder trial has resumed in Pretoria with the start of the defense case
Oscar Pistorius’s murder trial has resumed in Pretoria with the start of the defense case

Under South African law, there is no jury system and two assessors, normally lawyers or retired magistrates, help the judge reach a decision in serious cases.

The trial has already heard 15 days of prosecution-led testimony, which has relied on accounts from neighbors and specialist ballistics experts, as well forensic and mobile phone evidence.

One neighbor, Michelle Burger, told the court she was awoken by a woman’s “terrible screams” followed by gun shots.

Oscar Pistorius aims to convince the court that the screams were his, and that he shot Reeva Steenkamp through a closed toilet door because he had mistaken her for an intruder.

Defendants who choose to testify are the first defense witnesses in South Africa but Jan Botha was allowed to testify first because of a family illness.

It is thought that Oscar Pistorius will go next. He had been expected to take the stand when the trial was postponed on Friday, March 28.

The defense is also likely to address key questions, including allegations that Oscar Pistorius was reckless with guns and why he did not check the whereabouts of his girlfriend before he opened fire.

Reeva Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model, reality TV celebrity and law graduate, was hit by four bullets while in the toilet cubicle of Oscar Pistorius’ home in Pretoria on February 14, 2013.

Oscar Pistorius, 27, is a double amputee who holds six Paralympic medals and competed in the 2012 Olympic Games.

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Hungary elections 2014: Viktor Orban’s Fidesz wins second consecutive term

Diane A. Wade
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Hungary elections 2014: Viktor Orban’s Fidesz wins second consecutive term

Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban has declared victory in Sunday’s parliamentary election, winning a second consecutive term.

Viktor Orban’s centre-right Fidesz has polled 45%, with most of the votes counted.

A centre-left opposition alliance is trailing with 25%, while the far-right Jobbik party is credited with 21%.

The Hungarian left has never fully recovered from its heavy defeat in the 2010 ballot, in which Viktor Orban swept to power with a two-thirds majority.

Sunday’s election has been mainly fought over the state of the economy, correspondents say.

“No doubt we have won,” Viktor Orban told supporters gathered in the capital, Budapest, late on Sunday evening.

Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban has declared victory in Sunday's parliamentary election, winning a second consecutive term
Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban has declared victory in Sunday’s parliamentary election, winning a second consecutive term (photo Reuters)

“This was not just any odd victory. We have scored such a comprehensive victory, the significance of which we cannot yet fully grasp tonight.”

Viktor Orban said the election results showed that Hungarians wanted to stay in the EU, but with a strong national government.

“I’m going to work every day so that Hungary will be a wonderful place,” he declared.

Fidesz is predicted to win around 135 of the 199 seats in parliament.

It now also seems likely that Jobbik will become the second-largest party in parliament.

Although the Socialist-led opposition is in second place, the five parties making up the alliance plan to form their own factions after the elections.

Observers say Jobbik’s adoption of a softer image has paid dividends, as a recent opinion poll found leader Gabor Vona to be the most popular opposition politician.

Fidesz supporters say Viktor Orban’s victory is a tribute to his leadership powers. But opposition parties have accused the prime minister throughout their campaign of undermining Hungarian democracy.

They have also accused Viktor Orban of curtailing civil liberties and harming free speech.

Fidesz has insisted that reform was needed to complete the work of eradicating the legacy of Communism from the country, and reduce the budget deficit to below the EU’s required 3% of gross domestic product.

Viktor Orban’s populist and Eurosceptic approach has proven popular with many Hungarians.

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John Pinette found dead at Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh

Sonia Pantiss
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John Pinette found dead at Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh

Comedian John Pinette has been found dead in a hotel room in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, aged 50.

John Pinette died of natural causes, the local medical examiner’s office told Associated Press.

A veteran of the international comedy circuit, John Pinette was also famous for his role in the final episode of the sitcom Seinfeld.

The actor had just started a tour across venues in the US and Canada, which was due to finish in June.

John Pinette had been suffering from liver and heart disease
John Pinette had been suffering from liver and heart disease

John Pinette died at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon, US media report.

A spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office said John Pinette had been suffering from liver and heart disease. His manager told the Hollywood Reporter the actor had suffered a pulmonary embolism.

John Pinette was born in Boston in the state of Massachusetts in 1964 and was given his break when he was asked to tour with Frank Sinatra.

In his Seinfeld appearance, John Pinette played the role of a carjacking victim mocked by the stars of the show, who in turn end up before a judge for failing to help him.

John Pinette was known for making self-deprecating jokes about his weight and his agent, Nick Nuciforo, told US media he had been working on a stand-up project when he died.

His film credits included an appearance alongside John Travolta in The Punisher in 2004.

John Pinette also performed on Broadway and was a regular guest on NBC’s long-running The Tonight Show.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in New Zealand with Prince George

Lisa.Felice
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Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in New Zealand with Prince George

Prince William and Kate Middleton have carried their son, Prince George, off the plane at the start of a three-week visit to New Zealand and Australia.

It is the first official tour for the 8-month-old prince, who was awake in his mother’s arms as the trio were greeted at Wellington airport by New Zealand’s PM John Key and waiting media.

It was only the second time Prince George has faced the press.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were met with cold, wet and windy weather.

After greeting them on the tarmac, John Key tweeted: “The Royals have landed in Wellington. Let’s make them very welcome, New Zealand.”

Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in New Zealand with Prince George
Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in New Zealand with Prince George

Prince William and Kate Middleton were then taken to Government House, the official residence of the governor general, where they received a traditional Maori welcome.

They were greeted with a nose-press, called a hongi, and met Maori warriors.

A minor controversy marked the start of the trip – which ends in Canberra on April 25.

Plunket, New Zealand’s national childcare agency, published photos of a baby seat facing forwards in the royal car, with critics claiming this contradicted Plunket’s advice that children of Prince George’s age should face the rear window.

Kate Middleton’s fashion choices are expected to be closely scrutinized during the tour and she arrived in New Zealand wearing a red coat with gold buttons – from British designer Catherine Walker, who was a firm favorite of Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Duchess teamed her outfit with a red pillbox hat designed by Gina Foster and a silver fern-shaped brooch, a symbol of New Zealand.

She has been loaned the diamond and platinum piece by the Queen, who had herself received it as a gift during a visit to Auckland 60 years ago.

Prince George was seen to be wearing a cream cardigan and matching shoes.

He will be taken to a few specific engagements throughout the trip, and the program stops on most days in the late afternoon to allow his parents to get back to him.

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince George flew on a scheduled Qantas flight from Heathrow Airport, via Dubai, to Sydney where they transferred to a military plane.

Their engagements in New Zealand will see them take in a yacht race and visit a Maori tribe, a rugby stadium and a vineyard.

In Australia, their destinations include Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Queensland, Adelaide and Canberra.

Helping oversee the care of Prince George will be his newly-appointed nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, who stayed in the background as the royals received their official welcome to New Zealand.

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India elections 2014: Indians vote in world’s biggest poll

Diane A. Wade
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India elections 2014: Indians vote in world’s biggest poll

India has begun voting in the world’s biggest election, with the nine-phase ballot beginning on Monday and concluding on May 12.

India ruling Congress party pitted against the Hindu nationalist BJP opposition.

Votes will be counted on 16 May.

More than 800 million Indians are eligible to vote in a poll dominated by corruption and high inflation.

A new anti-corruption party, the AAP, is also contesting the elections after a spectacular result in local polls.

The AAP (Aam Aadmi, or Common Man’s Party) made a strong showing at the state assembly polls in the capital, Delhi, and is standing for all the seats in the parliament.

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 government formation.

The Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) has 543 elected seats and any party or a coalition needs a minimum of 272 lawmakers to form a government.

PM Manmohan Singh has already said he is stepping down and the Congress is being led by Rahul Gandhi, the latest member of India’s influential Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.

India has begun voting in the world's biggest election
India has begun voting in the world’s biggest election (photo AP)

The BJP is being led by the charismatic and controversial Hindu nationalist leader Narendra Modi.

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

Some 814 million voters – 100 million more than at the last elections in 2009 – are eligible to vote at 930,000 polling stations, up from 830,000 polling stations in 2009.

Electronic voting machines will be used and will, for the first time, contain a None of the Above (Nota) button – an option for voters who do not want to cast their ballot for any of the candidates.

On the first day of voting, polling is taking place in 6 constituencies in two states in the north-east – five in Assam and one in Tripura.

The first voters have already cast their ballots in the state, with many others queuing up outside polling stations.

Assam is a Congress party stronghold but the opposition BJP is hoping to make inroads.

The Congress party has promised “inclusive growth” if it returns to power.

In its election manifesto, the party has promised a raft of welfare schemes, including a right to healthcare for all and pensions for the aged and disabled.

The BJP has yet to come out with its manifesto but in his election speeches across the country, Narendra Modi has promised economic development, jobs for the youth and a corruption-free government.

India’s polling days:

  • April 7 – 2 states, 6 constituencies
  • April 9 – 5 states, 7 constituencies
  • April 10 – 14 states, 92 constituencies
  • April 12 – 3 states, 5 constituencies
  • April 17 – 13 states, 142 constituencies
  • April 24 – 12 states, 117 constituencies
  • April 30 – 9 states, 89 constituencies
  • May 7 – 7 states, 64 constituencies
  • May 12 – 3 states, 41 constituencies
  • Counting of votes – May 16

Election Commission of India

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Mickey Rooney dies aged 93

Sonia Pantiss
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Mickey Rooney dies aged 93

Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney has died aged 93, Los Angeles police say.

Mickey Rooney was with his family when he died at home on Sunday, April 6.

Born in Brooklyn on September 23, 1920, Mickey Rooney began his career aged 18 months in his parents’ vaudeville act, Yule and Carter, and never really retired.

By 1965, Mickey Rooney’s 200 films had earned more than $3 billion around the world.

Laurence Olivier once referred to Mickey Rooney as the greatest film actor America ever produced.

Mickey Rooney’s death was first reported by Variety magazine. The actor is said to have been ill for some time.

Mickey Rooney began his career aged 18 months in his parents' vaudeville act, Yule and Carter, and never really retired
Mickey Rooney began his career aged 18 months in his parents’ vaudeville act, Yule and Carter, and never really retired (photo Getty Images)

In a film and musical career spanning eight decades, Mickey Rooney was nominated for four Academy Awards and received two special Oscars, including one in 1983 for his body of work.

Mickey Rooney was married eight times, including actress Ava Gardner.

Asked once if he would marry all his wives again, the actor replied: “Absolutely. I loved every one of them.”

Initially named Joe Yule Junior, Mickey Rooney was barely 6 years old when he had his first film role as a cigar-smoking midget in Orchids and Ermine.

In 1937, he the part of Andy Hardy in A Family Affair. Playing the son of a small-town judge proved a huge box-office draw, and spawned a hit series lasting eight years.

At the same time, a series of barnyard musicals paired Mickey Rooney with another celebrated child star, Judy Garland.

By 1939, Mickey Rooney was established as the film industry’s top box office draw.

He enjoyed international triumph alongside Elizabeth Taylor in the 1944 movie National Velvet.

But despite his success, Mickey Rooney admitted his fame had forced him to grow up too quickly. By the time he was 30, the actor said he felt 100 years old.

The show business legend was declared bankrupt by the early 1960s, with much of his money going to alimony for his ex-wives and a reckless lifestyle.

However, Mickey Rooney’s career enjoyed a revival with the film Pete’s Dragon in 1977, and his hit show Sugar Babies which hit Broadway in the late 1970s.

True to his motto to “never retire but inspire”, Mickey Rooney continued to work in film, television and theatre well into his 80s.

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Recipe: Italian Easter Bread Ring

Kathryn R. Bown
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Recipe: Italian Easter Bread Ring

Italian Easter Bread Ring

Ingredients:

5 eggs

1/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

3 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter

2 eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup mixed candied fruit

1/3 cup chopped blanched almonds

1/2 teaspoon anise seed

2 tablespoons melted shortening

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon whole milk

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons multicolored sprinkles (jimmies)

 

Directions:

  1. Color the 5 eggs with egg dye. In a large mixing bowl, blend the white sugar, salt, and yeast well with 1 cup of the flour.
  2. In a saucepan, combine 2/3 cup milk and butter, heating slowly until liquid is warm and butter is melted. Pour the milk into the dry ingredients and beat 125 strokes with a wooden spoon. Add eggs and 1/2 cup flour or enough to make a thick batter. Beat vigorously for 2 minutes. Stir in enough flour to make a ball of dough that draws away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Turn out onto a floured board and knead for about 10 minutes, working in additional flour to overcome stickiness. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and put in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
  4. Meanwhile, combine the fruit, nuts, and anise seed.
  5. Punch down the dough and return it to a lightly floured board. Knead in the fruit mixture, keeping the syrupy pieces dusted with flour until they are worked into the dough. Divide the dough in half.
  6. Carefully roll each piece into a 24-inch rope
    Italian Easter Bread Ring
    Italian Easter Bread Ring

    -the fruit and nuts will make this slightly difficult. Loosely twist the two ropes together and form a ring on a greased baking sheet. Pinch the ends together well. Brush the dough with melted shortening. Push aside the twist to make a place for each egg. Push eggs down carefully as far as possible. Cover the bread with wax paper and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

  7. Bake the bread in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in a twist comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool.
  8. Once the bread is cool, drizzle the icing on top between the eggs, and decorate with colored sprinkles. To make icing: mix together confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon whole milk, and vanilla.

Easter Recipe: Carrot cake with pecans

Kathryn R. Bown
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Easter Recipe: Carrot cake with pecans

 Carrot cake with pecans

Ingredients (9×13 inch cake):

4 eggs

1 1/4 cups vegetable oil

2 cups white sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

Carrot cake with pecans
Carrot cake with pecans

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 cups grated carrots

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup butter, softened

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
  4. To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake.

Justin Bieber gets neck tattoo

Lisa.Felice
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Justin Bieber gets neck tattoo

Justin Bieber revealed his new tattoo on his right neck, just below his ear.

Justin Bieber revealed his new tattoo on his right neck
Justin Bieber revealed his new tattoo on his right neck

Last week, the singer said he was done with tats, but he went and got a new tattoo inked on his neck.

Justin Bieber’s latest addition to his ceaselessly growing collection of body art is the word Patience.

David Letterman reveals reasons behind his retirement

Lisa.Felice
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0
David Letterman reveals reasons behind his retirement

During Friday night’s Late Show monologue, David Letterman discussed his retirement and the reason for leaving his longtime show.

Cracking wise about telling CBS boss Leslie Moonves about his retirement, David Letterman – who announced his plans to step down next year during Thursday night’s show – said that he called Moonves to break the news.

David Letterman announced his plans to step down next year during Thursday night's show
David Letterman announced his plans to step down next year during Thursday night’s show (photo CBS)

“I said, <<I’m retiring>>, and there was a pause and he said, <<Who is this?>>” David Letterman cracked.

David Letterman, 66, then semi-addressed the reason for his retirement.

“People are saying to me, <<Honestly quit the wise remarks [and] screwing around, why did you decide to announce your retirement?>>” David Letterman noted.

He then claimed that the decision had come from a recent conversation with his makeup artist Jane.

“She says to me, <<Dave, there’s really nothing more I can do>>,” David Letterman joked.

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Ukraine: Pro-Russian activists storm government buildings in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv

Roy Siemens
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0
Ukraine: Pro-Russian activists storm government buildings in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv

Pro-Russian protesters have stormed government buildings in eastern Ukrainian cities Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv.

Protesters clashed with police, waved Russian flags and called for a referendum on independence from Ukraine.

Ukraine’s acting President Oleksandr Turchynov called an emergency security meeting.

The unrest comes amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine over the removal of pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych and Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

In Donetsk, about 50 people broke away from a rally of about 2,000 people in the city centre, and got past a police cordon to enter the regional administration building.

The activists shouted “Donetsk is a Russian city” and raised Russian flags above the building.

Pro-Russian protesters clashed with police, waved Russian flags and called for a referendum on independence from Ukraine
Pro-Russian protesters clashed with police, waved Russian flags and called for a referendum on independence from Ukraine (photo Reuters)

Some called for the region to have a referendum on the region’s independence from Ukraine.

A similar referendum held in the Crimean peninsula in March led to Russia’s annexation.

In Luhansk, near the Russian border, dozens of demonstrators stormed the offices of the state security agency.

Ukrainian media said protesters pelted the building with eggs, a smoke grenade and a firebomb.

Similar incidents were later reported in Kharkiv.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has vowed to protect Russian-speaking people in eastern Ukraine.

President Oleksandr Turchynov has cancelled a diplomatic trip to Lithuania to deal with the unrest, according to his press service.

The statement said Oleksandr Turchynov would hold an emergency meeting with the heads of security services.

Tensions are running high between Ukraine and Russia, with thousands of Russian soldiers still said to be deployed along the border.

Viktor Yanukovych was forced from office in February, following months of street protests.

The new administration has faced continuing opposition from Ukraine’s Russian-speaking regions, particularly in the east of the country.

Russia has said it will defend the rights of ethnic Russians in Ukraine – which it claims are under threat under the new government – but has said it will not send troops into the rest of the country.

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Rwanda genocide commemorations in Kigali

Diane A. Wade
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Rwanda genocide commemorations in Kigali

People gathered for a Mass in Rwandan capital Kigali ahead of a week of official mourning to mark the 20th anniversary of the country’s genocide.

Meanwhile a diplomatic row has seen France pull out of the commemorative events.

The Mass at Sainte-Famille Catholic church in Kigali remembered those who died in the church itself or elsewhere in the country.

At least 800,000 people – mostly ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus – died at the hands of Hutu extremists in 1994.

Most of the victims of the genocide were attacked with machetes during 100 days of slaughter that began on April 6, 1994, shortly after Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana was killed when his plane was shot down over the Rwandan capital.

People gathered in Kigali ahead of a week of official mourning to mark the 20th anniversary of Rwanda's genocide
People gathered in Kigali ahead of a week of official mourning to mark the 20th anniversary of Rwanda’s genocide

Some Christian leaders were implicated in the violence.

A genocide survivor who attended the Mass, Innocent Muhozi, said: “Today’s Mass was about resurrection and I believe that one day, the souls of the people we lost will resurrect.

“This church has a very long history because many people died in it during genocide but some also survived it because they were in this church.”

Pope Francis, in his weekly address to the faithful at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, spoke of the anniversary.

“On this occasion I would like to express my paternal closeness to the people of Rwanda, encouraging them to continue with determination and hope, the process of reconciliation that has already manifested its fruits, and the commitment of human and spiritual reconstruction of the country,” he said.

The killings in Rwanda ended in July 1994 when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a Tutsi-led rebel movement that entered the country from Uganda, marched on Kigali and seized control of the country.

Yesterday, the French government announced it was pulling out of the 20th anniversary commemorations following an accusation by Rwandan President Paul Kagame – who led the RPF to victory – that France had participated in the mass killings.

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Nigeria is Africa’s biggest economy following GDP rebasing

Clyde K. Valle
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Nigeria is Africa’s biggest economy following GDP rebasing

Nigeria has become Africa’s biggest economy after rebasing its GDP, leaving South Africa behind.

Nigerian GDP (Gross Domestic Product) now includes previously uncounted industries like telecoms, information technology, music, online sales, airlines, and film production.

GDP for 2013 totaled 80.3 trillion naira ($509.9 billion), the Nigerian statistics office said.

That compares with South Africa’s GDP of $370.3 billion at the end of 2013.

Nigeria has become Africa's biggest economy after rebasing its GDP
Nigeria has become Africa’s biggest economy after rebasing its GDP (photo Reuters)

However, some economists point out that Nigeria’s economic output is underperforming because at 170 million people, its population is three times larger than South Africa’s.

On a per-capita basis, South Africa’s GDP numbers are three times larger than Nigeria’s.

And Nigerian financial analyst Bismarck Rewane called the revisions “a vanity”.

He added: “The Nigerian population is not better off tomorrow because of that announcement. It doesn’t put more money in the bank, more food in their stomach. It changes nothing.”

Rebasing is carried out so that a nation’s GDP statistics give the most up-to-date picture of an economy as possible.

Most countries do it at least every three years or so, but Nigeria had not updated the components in its GDP base year since 1990.

Then, Nigeria had one telecoms operator with around 300,000 phone lines. Now it has a whole mobile phone industry with tens of millions of subscribers.

Likewise, 24 years ago there was only one airline, and now there are many.

International aid donors are keen for more African countries to undertake this process regularly because it enables them to make better decisions when it comes to aid.

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Peter Matthiessen dies from leukaemia at 86

Sonia Pantiss
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Peter Matthiessen dies from leukaemia at 86

Writer Peter Matthiessen, whose notable works include At Play in the Fields of the Lord, has died at the age of 86 following leukaemia.

The New York-born writer was also a committed environmentalist and adventurer, who wrote about his travels in the wilderness.

Among Peter Matthiessen’s other books were The Snow Leopard and Shadow Country.

Peter Matthiessen’s latest novel, In Paradise, is due to be published on Tuesday.

His publisher said the author had been diagnosed with leukaemia and had been ill “for some months” prior to his death at a New York hospital.

Peter Matthiessen’s notable works include At Play in the Fields of the Lord
Peter Matthiessen’s notable works include At Play in the Fields of the Lord

After graduating from Yale University, Peter Matthiessen travelled to France and co-founded literary journal The Paris Review, with fellow author George Plimpton.

Although the publication was a success – it is still running today – Peter Matthiessen yearned for the US and returned home, mixing with the likes of artists Jackson Pollock and Wilem de Kooning.

In the 1960s, Peter Matthiessen shunned his wealthy upbringing to embrace Buddhist teachings, becoming a Zen priest, and during the same decade began gaining acclaim for his writing.

At Play in the Fields of the Lord, published in 1961, told of missionaries and mercenaries working in Brazil.

The novel was turned into a film in 1991 – starring John Lithgow and Darryl Hannah – after the late producer Saul Zaentz spent more than 25 years trying to buy the rights.

Peter Matthiessen travelled to Antarctica, the Himalayas and Australia to write about the environment and the wilderness, as well as exploring wildlife in America.

The Snow Leopard – which won the National Book Award for non-fiction in 1980 – retold his two-month Himalayan trip to search for the elusive snow leopard.

In 2008, Peter Matthiessen published Shadow Country – which brought together his “Watson trilogy”, which he began in the 1980s, into one re-edited story. It went on to win the National Book prize.

Peter Matthiessen was married three times, and had four children.

Jordan: Syrian refugees clash with police at Zaatari camp

Roy Siemens
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0
Jordan: Syrian refugees clash with police at Zaatari camp

Violence broke out at the Zaatari camp in northern Jordan after Syrian refugees have clashed with police, officials say.

At least 22 Jordanian police have been taken to hospital after clashes.

Jordanian authorities denied reports that a Syrian refugee had been killed in the unrest.

Security forces used tear gas to disperse stone-throwing refugees who had set fire to tents and vehicles.

The sprawling camp, which houses some 106,000 refugees, has seen several protests since opening two years ago, mainly over poor living conditions.

Zaatari is located in the Jordanian desert, about 7.5 miles from the Syrian border.

Violence broke out at the Zaatari camp in northern Jordan after Syrian refugees have clashed with police
Violence broke out at the Zaatari camp in northern Jordan after Syrian refugees have clashed with police

It is the world’s second-largest refugee camp – behind Dadaab in eastern Kenya – and has become the fourth largest city in Jordan.

Jordanian authorities said the violence broke out after police arrested a group of refugees trying to leave the camp illegally.

“The rioters burned six tents and two caravans and tried to attack police stations,” the Public Security Directorate said in a statement.

Residents of Zaatari, however, claimed the clashes occurred because a Jordanian policeman had run over a Syrian child.

Eyewitnesses also said the number of refugees injured in the unrest was much higher than the three cases confirmed by officials.

Opened in July 2012 with some 100 refugee families, Zaatari is now made up of roughly 30,000 shelters and administration buildings.

It costs about $500,000 a day to run, with half a million pieces of bread and 4.2 million litres of water distributed daily.

Correspondents say life inside the camp can be harsh, as residents – mostly hailing from the Daraa governorate of Syria, face a number of challenges – the biggest being security.

A second overflow camp – Azraq – is under construction in the desert to meet demand. It too will have the capacity to host up to 130,000 people.

More than 2.5 million people have fled Syria since the civil war broke out there in March 2011.

Earlier this week, the UN confirmed that the number of Syrian refugees registered in Lebanon had surpassed one million, making it the highest per capita concentration of refugees worldwide.

This is followed by Jordan, which houses almost 600,000 refugees, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.

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Miss Piggy wears Harris Tweed in Muppets Most Wanted

Lisa.Felice
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Miss Piggy wears Harris Tweed in Muppets Most Wanted

Miss Piggy is the latest star to bring attention to Harris Tweed.

Hand-woven on the Western Isles, clothing made from Harris Tweed fabric has already been worn by Ben Affleck in Argo and Matt Smith as Doctor Who.

Vivienne Westwood designed the tweed outfit and other costumes Miss Piggy wears in the new Muppets movie, Muppets Most Wanted.

Before the movie’s release, Vivienne Westwood posted a picture on the internet showing the Muppet in tweed.

Miss Piggy has emerged as the latest high profile film character to bring attention to Harris Tweed
Miss Piggy has emerged as the latest high profile film character to bring attention to Harris Tweed (photo Vivienne Westwood)

The picture was taken with London Bridge in the background. A wedding dress Miss Piggy wears was also designed by Vivienne Westwood.

The latest film, Muppets Most Wanted, stars British comic Ricky Gervais.

The Harris Tweed Authority welcomed the appearance of Muppets in the fabric.

A spokeswoman said: “This is an most iconic partnership of true Hollywood, classic Westwood design and the very finest cloth in the world.

“Really, we would have expected nothing less of film’s most stylish lady to be dressed in Harris Tweed this season.”

Ben Affleck wore Harris Tweed in the Oscar-winning film Argo.

Following Argo‘s release, the real secret agent Ben Affleck portrays, Tony Mendez, revealed that Harris Tweed jackets were the “uniform” of CIA agents when working overseas.

Sean Connery wore Harris Tweed in 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

For filming in Petra, Jordan, a Harris Tweed pattern was screen printed onto cotton for the Scots actor in hot temperatures.

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Montreux Jazz Festival 2014: Stevie Wonder to play at Stravinsky Auditorium on July 16

Sonia Pantiss
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Montreux Jazz Festival 2014: Stevie Wonder to play at Stravinsky Auditorium on July 16

Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams and Damon Albarn will headline the 48th Montreux Jazz Festival later this year.

The full line-up for the festival, which runs from July 4-19, includes Van Morrison, Massive Attack, hip-hop duo Outkast and Jamie Cullum.

Stevie Wonder’s appearance fulfils a long-held wish of the festival’s late founder Claude Nobs, who died in 2013.

Stevie Wonder will join Pharrell Williams and Damon Albarn at the 48th Montreux Jazz Festival
Stevie Wonder will join Pharrell Williams and Damon Albarn at the 48th Montreux Jazz Festival (photo Getty Images)

“We tried to get Stevie many times,” said festival director Mathieu Jaton.

Stevie Wonder will play at the Swiss resort’s Stravinsky Auditorium on July 16, with seats priced at 450 Swiss francs ($470).

Paharrell Williams, who stole the show at this year’s Oscars with his performance of Despicable Me 2’s Happy, will perform at the festival on July 7.

“He is the artist we had to get this year,” Mathieu Jaton told Reuters.

“You hear Pharrell Williams everywhere on the radio and television. He has produced incredible pieces,” he added, alluding to Pharrell Williams’ string of hit performances on tracks like Daft Punk’s Get Lucky and Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines.

Robin Thicke will also perform at the event, as will Chris Rea – who returns to the Montreux stage for the first time in 14 years.

Announcing the line-up, Mathieu Jaton spoke about the on-going work to digitize the 6,000 hours of recorded music from Montreux concerts across the years.

Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland was founded in 1967 and has hosted stars including Miles Davis, Ray Charles, David Bowie and Prince.

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Glastonbury 2014: Festival releases latest line-up

Sonia Pantiss
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Glastonbury 2014: Festival releases latest line-up

Another 87 names have been added to this year’s Glastonbury Festival, including Kasabian, Jack White, Elbow and MIA.

The festival tweeted a link to a picture on its website, before Kasabian confirmed on their own Twitter feed that they are Sunday’s Pyramid Stage headliners and will close the festival.

The line-up also features Pixies, Jake Bugg, Robert Plant and James Blake.

Friday night headliners Arcade Fire and Dolly Parton were among those already confirmed to play the festival in June.

Other new acts announced include MGMT, Brian Ferry, Kelis, Metronomy and De La Soul.

Kasabian will headline the Pyramid Stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival
Kasabian will headline the Pyramid Stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival

Rudimental, Manic Street Preachers, London Grammar and Ed Sheeran are also set to play across more than 100 stages at the festival in Somerset from June 25 to June 29.

Saturday night’s Pyramid Stage headliner is still yet to be announced, although organizer Emily Eavis said there was definitely one in place.

“We’ve got it all booked, it was all confirmed a couple of weeks ago. We can’t give you that yet, just for contractual reasons, but it will be with you soon,” she said.

“The full lineup, the thousands and thousands of acts, will be with you in May,” Emily Eavis added.

“This is a few handpicked acts to give you a taster.”

Recently, acts such as Lana Del Rey and the Black Keys had confirmed their own appearances, joining Lily Allen, Disclosure, Blondie, Suzanne Vega and Warpaint on the bill.

In February, Dolly Parton said she was “incredibly excited” to be playing the Sunday afternoon “legend slot” on the Pyramid Stage, following last year’s appearance from her friend and contemporary Kenny Rogers.

White Stripes star Jack White is set to play an exclusive UK festival date at Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage.

Tickets for this year’s Glastonbury Festival sold out in just one hour and 27 minutes in October, despite “technical difficulties” with online ticketing site See Tickets.

Festival goers who have paid their deposit have until just before midnight on Monday, April 7, to pay their balance. Remaining tickets go on resale on April 24 for coach packages and April 27 for standard tickets.

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