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Willie Robertson reveals how he got invited to State of the Union

Sonia Pantiss
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Willie Robertson reveals how he got invited to State of the Union

Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! how he got invited to this year’s State of the Union in Washington D.C. and what President Barack Obama thought of his outfit.

Willie Robertson and Barack Obama ran into each other when the A&E star attended the State of the Union and caught up after first meeting at last year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The Duck Dynasty star said he was getting ready to get on an elevator when he was told he couldn’t just yet because the president was coming.

“The president’s walking down the hall. And he sees me and he goes, <<Willie, what’s up?>>” Willie Robertson recalled.

“I’m like, <<Hey, what’s up?>> So we’re talking, and we’re having this conversation.”

Barack Obama even teased Willie Robertson about his outfit, since the Duck Dynasty star was not as formally-attired for the State of the Union as he was for the Correspondents’ Dinner.

Willie and Korie Robertson on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Willie and Korie Robertson on Jimmy Kimmel Live

“The last time I met him, at the Correspondents’ Dinner, I had a tux on,” Willie Robertson explains.

“He’s like, <<Where’s the tux?>> I’m like, <<This is my State of the Union attire>>.”

Willie Robertson also revealed how he even got invited to go to the State of the Union in the first place, something that left a number of political pundits scratching their heads.

“So, my buddy, Vance McAllister wins this special election,” Willie Robertson begins, laughing as he starts his story.

“He’s only in for a year and then he has to run again, so he calls me up and he says, <<Willie, State of the Union man. I may only be here for a year, you want to roll?>> I said <<Let’s go, man, let’s do it>>. We’re literally high-fiving in the back of it like, <<Can you believe it? We’re here>>.”

Willie Robertson and his wife Korie, who joined him on the ABC late-night show, also said that the politicians mostly asked them about Uncle Si and whether he’s really like he is on the show.

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Ukraine unrest: Viktor Yanukovych and opposition agree to early presidential poll

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine unrest: Viktor Yanukovych and opposition agree to early presidential poll

Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition protesters have agreed to an early presidential poll before the end of the year.

The election is part of a deal to end the country’s political crisis.

The deal has not been published, but Viktor Yanukovych referred to a national unity government and constitutional changes reducing the president’s power.

The compromise came after hours of talks between mediated by three European foreign ministers.

The German and Polish ministers met protesters in Kiev’s Independence Square before announcing their leaders backed the deal.

The agreement was later signed by opposition leaders and Viktor Yanukovych at the presidential administration headquarters in Kiev.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski tweeted that the deal was a “good compromise for Ukraine” which would open the way “to reform and to Europe”.

Ukrainian broadcaster ICTV said it had seen a copy of the agreement, which included three main proposals:

  • The 2004 constitution will be restored within 48 hours, and a national unity government will be formed within 10 days
  • Constitutional reform balancing the powers of president, government and parliament will be started immediately and completed by September
  • A presidential election will be held after the new constitution is adopted but no later than December 2014

Despite the agreement, isolated outbursts of violence were reported in central Kiev on Friday morning.

Ukrainian health ministry said 77 people had been killed since Tuesday, and another 577 were injured
Ukrainian health ministry said 77 people had been killed since Tuesday, and another 577 were injured

The police said they had traded gunfire with protesters, and Ukrainian media said riot police were patrolling inside parliament during a session.

Lawmakers once again began the session with scuffles, as the speaker tried to adjourn a debate about constitutional reform.

Viktor Yanukovych announced the deal early on Friday, but initially gave no details.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said there had been an agreement that nobody would publicize the deal until it had been confirmed.

However, the president later gave more details and said in a statement that he would initiate the process of constitutional reform and call an early election.

The deal came after the bloodiest day since the unrest began.

Police opened fire early on Thursday after protesters tried to push them away from the makeshift camps they have been occupying in central Kiev.

The health ministry said 77 people had been killed since Tuesday, and another 577 were injured.

But activists suggested the death toll was likely to be much higher.

On Friday the US State Department issued a travel warning advising its citizens to “defer non-essential travel” to Ukraine, saying that it had authorized “the departure of all family members of US government personnel from Ukraine”.

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Somalia presidential palace attacked by al-Shabab group

Roy Siemens
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Somalia presidential palace attacked by al-Shabab group

Somalia’s presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu has been attack by a huge car bomb.

The bomb has blown a hole in the wall of the presidential palace, followed by a fierce gun battle inside, officials say.

It is not clear how many people died in the attack.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has told the UN envoy to Somalia he was not harmed, envoy Nick Kay has tweeted.

The al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabab has said it carried out the attack, which it said was still ongoing.

This is the first time that al-Shabab fighters have entered the presidential palace, known as Villa Somalia.

The heavily guarded complex is home to the president, prime minister, speaker of parliament, other ministers and a mosque, which was hit during the attack.

Villa Somalia, a heavily guarded complex, is home to the president, prime minister, speaker of parliament, other ministers and a mosque
Villa Somalia, a heavily guarded complex, is home to the president, prime minister, speaker of parliament, other ministers and a mosque

Some of the attackers were wearing suicide vests, police sources have said.

Senior police officer Abdikadir Ahmed told the Reuters news agency fighting was underway in the house of a military commander within the presidential compound, near the palace.

“The car bomb hit and exploded and other al-Shabab cars with armed men drove inside the palace, and heavy fighting is still going on,” he said.

Security Minister Abdi Karim Hussein said that some of the attackers had been killed and others captured. He also said all of the country’s leaders were safe.

Al-Shabab military spokesman Sheikh Abdul Aziz Abu Musab said militants were still in control of some buildings inside the presidential compound.

“Our commandos have attacked the so-called presidential palace in order to kill or arrest those who are inside,” he told the AFP news agency.

Nick Kay said the attack on Villa Somalia had “failed”.

“Sadly some lives lost. I condemn strongly this terrorism,” he said.

Al-Shabab was driven out of Mogadishu in 2011 but it still controls many smaller towns and rural areas of the country.

Some 22,000 African Union troops are helping the government battle al-Shabab

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues longer cut to be released in cinemas for one week

Sonia Pantiss
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Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues longer cut to be released in cinemas for one week

A longer cut of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is to be released in US and UK cinemas for a single week.

The more stringently-rated version will “feature up to 763 entirely new jokes”.

Director Adam McKay joked: “If you’re a hardcore Anchorman fan, go see this. If you’re not, stay very far away.”

The sequel to the cult 2004 film, starring Will Ferrell as 1970s news anchor Ron Burgundy, has taken $169 million worldwide.

It will return to cinemas for seven days from February 28 and will be rated 15 in the UK and R (restricted) in the US.

The restricted rating means that viewers under the age of 17 are not admitted unless they are accompanied by an adult.

A longer cut of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is to be released in US and UK cinemas for a single week
A longer cut of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is to be released in US and UK cinemas for a single week

Anchorman 2, which sees Will Ferrell reunite with the original cast including Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate and Steve Carell, received largely favorable reviews on its release as a PG-13 film in December.

Speaking on the Tonight Show, Will Ferrell said: “Originally the movie was four hours long, and they played around with the idea of splitting it into two movies.

“It’s the same movie, it’s 20 minutes longer, there’s a musical number we had to cut from the original one, little treats like that.”

A film being released as a longer cut is not wholly unusual, though it is often limited to home sales coming under the guise of a “director’s cut”.

Recent examples include the film sequel Riddick, starring Vin Diesel, Ridley Scott’s The Counselor, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and cult film Iron Sky.

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Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl and associated books vandalized in Tokyo libraries

Sonia Pantiss
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Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl and associated books vandalized in Tokyo libraries

More than 200 copies of Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl and associated books have been vandalized in public libraries in Tokyo, Japanese officials say.

Pages have been ripped from at least 265 copies of the diary and other related books, they added.

It is not clear who is behind the vandalism. A US Jewish rights group has called for a police investigation.

Anne Frank’s diary was written during World War Two, while the teenager hid from the Nazis in occupied Amsterdam.

The book made her a symbol of the suffering of Jews during the war.

Japan has no history of Jewish settlement and no real history of anti-Semitism.

More than 200 copies of Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl and associated books have been vandalized in public libraries in Tokyo
More than 200 copies of Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl and associated books have been vandalized in public libraries in Tokyo

Toshihiro Obayashi, a library official in West Tokyo’s Suginsami area, said: “Each and every book which comes up under the index of Anne Frank has been damaged at our library.”

The Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a global Jewish human rights organization, said in a statement that it was shocked and concerned by the incidents, and called for the authorities to investigate.

“The geographic scope of these incidents strongly suggest an organised effort to denigrate the memory of the most famous of the 1.5 million Jewish children murdered by the Nazis in the World War Two Holocaust,” associate dean Abraham Cooper said.

“Anne Frank is studied and revered by millions of Japanese,” Abraham Cooper added.

“Only people imbued with bigotry and hatred would seek to destroy Anne’s historic words of courage, hope and love in the face of impending doom.”

The book was added to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Memory of the World Register in 2009.

Anne Frank’s diary was translated into Japanese in December 1952 and topped the bestseller lists in 1953.

Andrew Greene sues Wolf of Wall Street producers for $25 million

Sonia Pantiss
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Andrew Greene sues Wolf of Wall Street producers for $25 million

Former stockbroker Andrew Greene is suing the producers of Wolf of Wall Street for $25 million claiming he has been depicted as a “depraved” drug-fuelled criminal.

Andrew Greene has filed court papers in New York claiming the character Nicky “Rugrat” Koskoff is based on him.

He worked at Stratton Oakmont, the brokerage house founded by Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Paramount and Red Granite Pictures have not commented on the case.

Andrew Greene said his name was used in Jordan Belfort’s memoir, on which the film is based.

In the movie, Rugrat Koskoff – nicknamed for the toupee he wears – assumes significant control at Stratton Oakmont following Belfort’s resignation.

Andrew Greene is suing the producers of Wolf of Wall Street for $25 million claiming he has been depicted as a "depraved" drug-fuelled criminal
Andrew Greene is suing the producers of Wolf of Wall Street for $25 million claiming he has been depicted as a “depraved” drug-fuelled criminal

The role is played by actor PJ Byrne in the motion picture.

In the claim, Andrew Greene said he worked at Stratton Oakmont between 1993 and 1996 as the head of the firm’s corporate finance department and a member of the board of directors.

He alleges the film-makers – including director Martin Scorsese – changed the character’s name from “Wigwam” to “Rugrat”.

The papers, printed in The Hollywood Reporter, said: “The motion picture contains various scenes wherein Mr. Greene’s character is portrayed as a criminal, drug user, degenerate, depraved, and/or devoid of any morality or ethics.”

Andrew Greene has said he did not consent to his image, likeness and characterization being used in Wolf of Wall Street.

He has also claimed the movie contains libelous statements that have “permanently damaged” him by portraying him as a “criminal and drug user with misogynistic tendencies.

In one scene, the claim states, “investigators ask whether his hair is real. Characters are also seen attempting to grab the toupee.”

“Mr. Greene’s character is shown doing cocaine on company premises during business hours in another scene,” it adds.

The Wolf of Wall Street has been a major box office hit and has been nominated for five Oscars, including best picture and best actor for Leonardo DiCaprio.

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Ukraine unrest: Viktor Yanukovych announces peace deal with opposition

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine unrest: Viktor Yanukovych announces peace deal with opposition

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych says he has reached a deal with the opposition to end the crisis, after all-night talks mediated by three EU foreign ministers.

Viktor Yanukovych’s statement said the agreement would be signed later.

However, the French foreign minister voiced caution, saying the deal was not definitive, and the opposition has not confirmed Viktor Yanukovych’s claim.

Protesters and police are still locked in a stand-off in Kiev, a day after dozens were killed in violent clashes.

Hours after Viktor Yanukovych announced the deal, more violence was reported in central Kiev.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych says he has reached a deal with the opposition to end the crisis
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych says he has reached a deal with the opposition to end the crisis

The police said they had traded gunfire with protesters, and Ukrainian media said riot police were patrolling inside parliament during a session.

The protests first erupted in late November when President Viktor Yanukovych rejected a landmark association and trade deal with the EU in favor of closer ties with Russia.

Thursday was the bloodiest day since the unrest began.

Police opened fire after protesters tried to push them away from the makeshift camps they have been occupying in central Kiev.

The health ministry said 77 people had been killed since Tuesday, and another 577 were injured. But activists suggested the death toll was likely to be much higher.

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Dalai Lama to meet Barack Obama at White House

Diane A. Wade
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Dalai Lama to meet Barack Obama at White House

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will meet President Barack Obama at the White House on Friday, US officials say.

China has urged the US to cancel the meeting, saying it will “seriously impair China-US relations”.

China describes the Dalai Lama as a separatist, while the spiritual leader says he only advocates greater autonomy for Tibet, not independence.

Officials say the US does not support Tibetan independence but is concerned about human rights in China.

The two men last met in 2011, in talks that angered China.

Tibet is governed as an autonomous region in China.

China has been widely accused of repressing political and religious freedoms in Tibet. Beijing rejects this and says economic development has improved Tibetans’ lives.

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will meet President Barack Obama at the White House on Friday
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will meet President Barack Obama at the White House on Friday

Barack Obama will host the Dalai Lama in a private meeting in the White House Map Room on Friday morning, US officials said.

The president traditionally hosts foreign leaders in the Oval Office, so the decision to use the Map Room is viewed as an attempt to give the visit a lower-profile.

Caitlin Hayden, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, said Barack Obama would meet the Dalai Lama “in his capacity as an internationally respected religious and cultural leader”.

“We do not support Tibetan independence,” she said, adding that the US “strongly supports human rights and religious freedom in China.

“We are concerned about continuing tensions and the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibetan areas of China.”

Meanwhile, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that Beijing was “firmly opposed” to the meeting.

“The US leader’s meeting with the Dalai is a gross interference in China’s internal affairs, a severe violation of codes of international relations and will seriously impair China-US relations,” she said in a statement.

China had “already lodged solemn representations” with the US on the matter, Hua Chunying added.

In recent years more than 110 ethnic Tibetans – mostly young monks and nuns living in areas outside Tibet – have set themselves on fire in apparent protest against Beijing’s rule.

The Chinese government accuses the Dalai Lama of orchestrating the protests, a charge he strongly rejects.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, after Chinese troops crushed an attempted uprising in Tibet.

Libyan military plane crashes in Tunisia killing 11 people

Roy Siemens
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Libyan military plane crashes in Tunisia killing 11 people

Eleven people on board of a Libyan military plane carrying doctors and patients died after the aircraft has crashed in Tunisia, officials say.

The Antonov plane came down in a field near Grombalia, about 25 miles south of Tunis.

The plane was carrying three doctors, two patients and six crew, a Tunisian rescue worker said.

The Antonov plane came down in a field near Grombalia, about 25 miles south of Tunis
The Antonov plane came down in a field near Grombalia, about 25 miles south of Tunis

Correspondents say that Libyans often travel to Tunisia for medical treatment.

The crash is said to have resulted from engine failure.

“The whole plane was completely burnt out. The emergency services went to the crash site and recovered the charred bodies,” said emergency services spokesman Mongi El Kadhi.

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Shell sells its Australian downstream business to Vitol for $2.6 billion

Clyde K. Valle
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Shell sells its Australian downstream business to Vitol for $2.6 billion

Shell has agreed to sell its Australian downstream business to oil trading firm Vitol for $2.6 billion.

The sale includes Shell’s refinery in Geelong, 870 service stations, its bulk fuels and chemicals unit and part of its lubricants business.

However, Shell’s aviation business is excluded from the deal.

The oil giant is looking to dispose off assets as part of a strategy that will see the company “changing emphasis” in 2014.

The asset sales also come at a time when its profits have been declining.

Shell has agreed to sell its Australian downstream business to oil trading firm Vitol for $2.6 billion
Shell has agreed to sell its Australian downstream business to oil trading firm Vitol for $2.6 billion

Last month, Shell posted “clean” profits – which strip out the impact of oil price movements – of $2.9 billion for the October-to-December quarter, down from $5.6 billion during the same period a year ago.

“Australia remains important to Shell, but we are making tough portfolio choices to improve the company’s overall competitiveness,” Ben van Beurden, chief executive of Shell said in a statement.

Recent disinvestments by Shell include the sale of refineries in the UK, Germany, France, Norway and the Czech Republic.

The company has also offloaded its downstream businesses in Egypt, Spain, Greece, Finland and Sweden.

Shell said that majority of its downstream staff in Australia will continue to work under its new owner.

Shell and Vitol deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close within this year.

Nicolas Maduro threatens to expel CNN from Venezuela

Diane A. Wade
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Nicolas Maduro threatens to expel CNN from Venezuela

President Nicolas Maduro has threatened to expel the CNN staff from Venezuela over its reporting of recent protests there.

Nicolas Maduro said he would take action if CNN did not “rectify its coverage”.

Earlier, Nicolas Maduro said he was sending troops to the western state of Tachira, where there has been continuing unrest.

With tensions running high, the leader of the opposition, Henrique Capriles, has called for a fresh, peaceful anti-government march on Saturday.

There were reports of further clashes in the state of Tachira and in districts of the capital, Caracas.

At a news conference, Henrique Capriles rejected violence and said he was ready for dialogue, but claimed the government was not willing to listen.

Nicolas Maduro has threatened to expel the CNN staff from Venezuela over its reporting of recent protests there
Nicolas Maduro has threatened to expel the CNN staff from Venezuela over its reporting of recent protests there

“In this turbulent hour, we call on the students and on those on the streets not to fall into the trap of violence,” Henrique Capriles said before showing several videos allegedly containing evidence of abuses by the security forces.

On national television, President Nicolas Maduro accused his opponents of promoting violence.

He vowed to take the perpetrators of attacks against the Caracas metro, who were allegedly also caught on video, to court.

Nicolas Maduro also lashed out against the coverage of the protests by foreign news organizations.

“Enough war propaganda, I won’t accept war propaganda against Venezuela. If they don’t rectify themselves, out of Venezuela, CNN, out,” he said.

Last week, the government removed Colombian TV news channel NTN24 from channels offered by Venezuelan cable operators.

Nicolas Maduro also ordered the expulsion of three US diplomats this week.

Earlier on Thursday, a Venezuelan court ordered that detained opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez remains in custody pending further hearings.

Leopoldo Lopez of the opposition Popular Will party handed himself over to the authorities on Tuesday.

The government is charging Leopoldo Lopez with intentional arson, inciting violence, damage to public property and conspiracy.

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Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day 14, February 21

Clyde K. Valle
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Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day 14, February 21

Sochi Winter Games: Day 14, February 21

Seven medals to be won today: Alpine skiing (women’s slalom), biathlon (women’s relay), curling (men), freestyle skiing (women’s ski cross), short track speed skating (women’s 1,000m, men’s 500m, men’s relay).

Highlights include:

12:45 Alpine skiing – women’s slalom.

Sochi Winter Olympics 2014
Sochi Winter Olympics 2014

13:30 Curling – men’s final.

16:30 Short track – women’s 1,000 m final.

Also: Ice hockey (men’s semi-finals USA v Canada and Sweden v Finland), speed skating (team pursuit knockout stages).

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Charlie Sheen’s fiancée Brett Rossi is already married

Lisa.Felice
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Charlie Sheen’s fiancée Brett Rossi is already married

Charlie Sheen’s fiancée Brett Rossi said “yes” to the actor’s marriage proposal over the weekend, but she is already married.

“She’s been separated from this guy for two years. It’s just a matter of the paperwork winding its way through the court system,” Brett Rossi’s rep told People magazine.

Charlie Sheen’s fiancée Brett Rossi said "yes" to the actor’s marriage proposal over the weekend, but she is already married
Charlie Sheen’s fiancée Brett Rossi said “yes” to the actor’s marriage proposal over the weekend, but she is already married

“Charlie and Scottie [Rossi’s nickname] have no secrets.”

If Charlie Sheen marries Brett Rossi, the wedding will be the star’s fourth.

Harper Lee: To Kill A Mockingbird author settles legal action against Monroeville museum

Sonia Pantiss
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Harper Lee: To Kill A Mockingbird author settles legal action against Monroeville museum

Nelle Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird, has settled legal action against The Monroe County Heritage Museum in her Alabama hometown, which was using her name on souvenirs.

Court documents filed by Harper Lee’s lawyer said she had reached an undisclosed agreement with The Monroe County Heritage Museum in Monroeville.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning 1960 novel was made into a film in 1962, starring Gregory Peck.

The museum is located in the former courthouse which inspired the book.

Legal papers accused the gift shop of taking advantage of Lee’s trademarks to sell book-related souvenirs including clothing and drinks coasters.

The Monroe County Heritage Museum had also used the book title as a website address without compensating the author financially.

Harper Lee has settled the legal action against The Monroe County Heritage Museum
Harper Lee has settled the legal action against The Monroe County Heritage Museum

Harper Lee’s only published novel tells the story of small-town lawyer Atticus Finch’s battle against racial prejudice as he defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge.

To Kill A Mockingbird is considered to be a modern classic and is taught in schools in the UK and the US.

Court documents show the agreement was reached just days after a judge refused to dismiss the case.

No details of the settlement were provided and a lawyer for the museum, Matthew Goforth, has declined to comment.

Harper Lee, 87, is one of 28,000 residents of Monroeville, having previously split her time between the town where she grew up and New York.

Monroeville had been split by the legal battle according to reports when the legal action was filed last year.

The museum claimed souvenir sales were vital to its survival and opposed Harper Lee’s application for a federal trademark for her book title on clothing.

Legal papers showed that the museum, which runs To Kill a Mockingbird tours and puts on a play of the book in the courtroom each year, took more than $500,000 in 2012 with $28,566 coming from souvenir sales.

A post on the museum website advertises that it has now changed its web address from www.tokillamockingbird.com to www.monroecountymuseum.org.

Ukraine: EU imposes sanctions on officials responsible for violence

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine: EU imposes sanctions on officials responsible for violence

EU foreign ministers have decided to impose sanctions on Ukrainian officials “responsible for violence and excessive force”.

According to a statement released by the EU foreign ministers, targeted sanctions including asset freezes and visa bans would be introduced “as a matter of urgency”.

At least 21 anti-government protesters died in clashes in Kiev on Thursday.

Officials said that one policeman had also died and that 67 police had been captured by protesters.

“No circumstances can justify the repression we are currently witnessing,” the statement from EU foreign ministers said.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the “prime responsibility” to get talks between the two sides under way lay with President Viktor Yanukovych.

At least 21 anti-government protesters died in clashes in Kiev on Thursday
At least 21 anti-government protesters died in clashes in Kiev on Thursday

Speaking after an emergency meeting of EU foreign minsters in Brussels, Catherine Ashton said ministers had expressed their “dismay” at the latest violence and had agreed to “suspend export licences for equipment for internal repression”.

Implementation of the measures “will be taken forward in light of developments in Ukraine”, she added.

The EU has until now refrained from imposing sanctions on Ukraine, preferring to emphasise dialogue and compromise.

The US state department had already announced visa bans on 20 members of the Ukrainian government but has not provided any names.

At least 21 protesters were killed by security forces in Kiev on Thursday following the breakdown of a truce the previous day. Officials say 67 people have now died in violence since Tuesday.

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Powerball jackpot: $425 million winning ticket sold at Chevron station in California

Nancy Clayson
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Powerball jackpot: $425 million winning ticket sold at Chevron station in California

The $425 million winning ticket of Wednesday’s Powerball drawing has been sold in California.

The lucky ticketholder picked all six winning numbers – 1, 17, 35, 49 and 54, with a Powerball of 34 – to hit the $425 million Powerball jackpot, California lottery officials said.

That makes it the sixth-largest jackpot in US lottery history.

The $425 million winning ticket of Wednesday’s Powerball drawing has been sold in California
The $425 million winning ticket of Wednesday’s Powerball drawing has been sold in California

The winner could choose to get the cash in a $242.2 million lump sum, officials said.

The winning ticket was sold at a Chevron station in Milpitas, in the heart of the Silicon Valley. The store will get a $1 million bonus for selling the ticket.

The winner didn’t immediately come forward Wednesday night, but California lottery rules require that the person’s name is publicly disclosed.

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Wal-Mart reports 22% profit drop in Q1 2014

Clyde K. Valle
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Wal-Mart reports 22% profit drop in Q1 2014

Wal-Mart – the world’s largest retailer – has reported a 22% drop in quarterly profit and given a weaker-than-expected earnings forecast for the coming year.

Net income for Q1 2014 fell to $4.4 billion from $5.6 billion a year earlier.

Wal-Mart said tough winter weather, cuts to government benefits and higher taxes contributed to the fall.

The retailer said reduced food-stamp benefits had been partly behind its lower profits, along with competition from heavy discounting during the holiday season.

Its total revenue for the quarter rose by 1.4% to $129.7 billion.

Wal-Mart’s net income for Q1 2014 fell to $4.4 billion from $5.6 billion a year earlier
Wal-Mart’s net income for Q1 2014 fell to $4.4 billion from $5.6 billion a year earlier

Wal-Mart said it expected net sales this year would grow at the lower end of its earlier forecast of 3%-5%.

Its earnings forecasts for this year also fell short of analysts’ forecasts.

Wal-Mart expects profits to be between $5.10 and $5.45 per share, against expectations of about $5.54.

Chief executive Doug McMillon said he would “innovate to improve productivity” to keep prices low.

He added: “We will invest aggressively in e-commerce and increase our small store rollout in the US, as we have done in several other countries, to deliver value and convenience.”

Wal-Mart would keep focusing on providing “supercentres” and smaller stores closer to customers’ homes, he said.

Ukraine unrest: At least 21 protesters killed by security forces in Kiev

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine unrest: At least 21 protesters killed by security forces in Kiev

New reports claim that at least 21 protesters have been killed by security forces in Kiev following the breakdown of a truce agreed on Wednesday.

According to eyewitnesses some died as a result of single gunshot wounds, typical of sniper fire.

Officials said that one policeman had died and that 67 police had been captured by protesters.

Meanwhile, three EU foreign ministers have held five hours of talks with President Viktor Yanukovych.

Eyewitnesses have told international news agencies that they have counted between 21 and 27 protesters’ bodies after clashes in Kiev.

Video footage has emerged apparently showing snipers firing on demonstrators who had been trying to retake their protest camp in Independence Square.

Officials said more than 20 policemen had also been injured.

Witnesses reported live rounds, petrol bombs and water cannon being used at Independence Square during this morning’s clashes.

An opposition Twitter feed posted an image of 13 bodies in a makeshift mortuary in the lobby of the Hotel Ukraine.

At least 21 protesters have been killed by security forces in Kiev following the breakdown of a truce agreed on Wednesday
At least 21 protesters have been killed by security forces in Kiev following the breakdown of a truce agreed on Wednesday

The hotel is serving as the base for all foreign media in Kiev.

Earlier, several dozen protesters were using the lobby as a triage centre for the wounded.

Protesters – some of them armed – asked hotel guests for blankets to use as bandages.

A statement on the presidential website blames the opposition for starting the violence, saying the “calls for a truce and dialogue were nothing but a way of playing for time to mobilise and arm militants from Maidan [Independence Square]”.

Opposition leaders called the violence “an act of provocation” by the authorities.

The foreign ministers of France, Poland and Germany conducted five hours of discussions with Viktor Yanukovych, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius tweeted.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski tweeted that he would now stay in Kiev to meet opposition leaders to test a “proposed agreement”, although it was not clear what the details of the agreement were.

Other EU foreign ministers, along with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, have convened at an emergency meeting in Brussels to discuss possible sanctions.

They could include a possible ban on sales of equipment that might be used for internal repression.

Separately, the head of the Kiev city administration resigned from Viktor Yanukovych’s Party of the Regions.

Thursday had been declared a day of mourning for those killed in clashes on Tuesday.

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Georgia May Jagger reveals father Mick Jagger oversees her modeling contracts

Lisa.Felice
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Georgia May Jagger reveals father Mick Jagger oversees her modeling contracts

Georgia May Jagger has revealed her father Mick Jagger oversees her modeling contracts before she signs them.

Georgia May Jagger, 22, has made a name for herself in the modeling world after landing lucrative jobs for companies including cosmetics giant Rimmel, fashion firm Chanel and car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.

Georgia May Jagger has revealed her father Mick Jagger oversees her modeling contracts before she signs them
Georgia May Jagger has revealed her father Mick Jagger oversees her modeling contracts before she signs them

She has now revealed the Rolling Stones rocker takes an interest in the business side of her work and makes sure she is getting a fair deal.

Georgia May Jagger told Britain’s The Times newspaper: “He has always been very business-savvy so I talk over my contracts with him.”

Georgia May Jagger also revealed her father has given her sage advice on how to juggle her hectic work schedule with a happy home life, adding: “He also taught me how to have a life too. He is someone that is so recognized, but he manages to keep his life private and he’s passed that on to me.”

Tyler Hubbard hospitalized following bicycle accident

Lisa.Felice
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0
Tyler Hubbard hospitalized following bicycle accident

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard was hospitalized on Tuesday following a bicycle accident.

The band was forced to cancel a concert in Tennessee following the singer’s accident.

Tyler Hubbard was blowing off some steam after a week of shows on Sunday by returning to his country roots and dirt biking in muddy terrain.

His bandmate Brian Kelley tells TasteofCountry.com that Tyler Hubbard fell short on a jump and subsequently injured his back.

Tyler Hubbard was hospitalized on Tuesday following a bicycle accident
Tyler Hubbard was hospitalized on Tuesday following a bicycle accident

The singer was left in excruciating pain, which led him to visit two chiropractors and even make a trip to hospital for further treatment.

As a result, Florida Georgia Line had to scrap its gig in Nashville on Tuesday so ailing Tyler Hubbard could recuperate.

Florida Georgia Line’s Night Train tour is expected to continue as planned on Thursday in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Kardashian Kids collection to be released exclusiveley at Babies”R”Us in March

Lisa.Felice
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Kardashian Kids collection to be released exclusiveley at Babies”R”Us in March

Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian announced that Kardashian Kids – their new clothing line for girls – will be released exclusively at Babies”R”Us locations nationwide in March.

The Kardashians sisters also shared adorable promo pictures of baby models wearing clothes from their collection.

“As a mom, I cherish the time my baby and I spend together getting her dressed,” Kim Kardashian said.

“The items in this collection are exactly what I have imagined for her.”

The Kardashian Kids collection was designed with frequent apparel company collaborator Jupi Corp. for girls aged 0-24 months. It includes pieces stamped with motifs like butterflies and stars, and of course, the Kardashian trio’s beloved animal print.

Kardashian Kids will be released exclusively at Babies''R''Us locations nationwide in March
Kardashian Kids will be released exclusively at Babies”R”Us locations nationwide in March

Kourtney Kardashian, 34, mother to 4-year-old Mason and 18-month-old Penelope, said the project has been on her radar “since becoming a mom.”

Though she has yet to experience motherhood herself, 29-year-old Khloe Kardashian mentioned that Kardashian Kids was a “natural” step forward.

“With our ever-expanding family and our wide circle of friends having children, designing a baby collection was the next natural progression for my sisters and me.”

It also turns out that making careers based on children’s fashion actually goes way back in the Kardashian clan.

“Our grandmother [Mary Jo] opened a children’s fashion store, and from an early age I adored baby fashion,” Kim Kardashian revealed in the statement.

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BRIT Awards 2014: David Bowie named Best British Male

Sonia Pantiss
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BRIT Awards 2014: David Bowie named Best British Male

David Bowie has won Best British Male trophy at this year’s BRIT Awards in London, although he was not there in person to collect his award.

Arctic Monkeys won both Best Group and Best Album for the third time.

Ellie Goulding won Best British Female, while pop act One Direction were honored for their global success for the second year running.

Kate Moss collected David Bowie’s prize and read a speech on his behalf urging Scottish voters to reject independence.

“I’m completely delighted to have a BRIT for being the best male – but I am, aren’t I Kate? Yes. I think it’s a great way to end the day. Thank you very, very much and Scotland stay with us,” were David Bowie’s words – as delivered by Kate Moss.

One Direction also won Best British Video, in a public vote.

Their win, for the track Best Song Ever, was helped by their 17.8 million-strong Twitter followers.

The ceremony at the O2 Arena also featured a host of performances, including from Beyonce and Katy Perry, who put on a colorful, Egyptian-themed show.

However, Katy Perry lost out to New Zealander Lorde in the race for Best International Female.

Kate Moss collected David Bowie's Best British Male award and read a speech on his behalf
Kate Moss collected David Bowie’s Best British Male award and read a speech on his behalf

Bruno Mars also gave a live performance, just shortly after picking up the prize for Best International Male.

David Bowie’s prize came at the expense of four much younger hopefuls – Jake Bugg, Tom Odell, John Newman and Mercury Prize winner James Blake.

At 67, David Bowie is the oldest recipient of a BRIT Award in the ceremony’s history and the award comes 18 years since his last BRITs success.

David Bowie, who released his The Next Day album after a 10-year hiatus, previously won Best British Male in 1984.

However, David Bowie, who spends much of his time in New York, did not attend the gala.

Noel Gallagher, announcing the award, remarked: “You maniacs didn’t think he’d actually be here? David Bowie’s too cool for that.”

The ceremony was wound up with a medley by Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers.

Ellie Goulding lifted the first prize of the night and said she was “genuinely in shock” and “shaking”.

Her award, presented by singer Prince, comes four years after she was named the Critics’ Choice, a prize won this year by Sam Smith.

Arctic Monkeys repeated their Best Group triumph of 2007 and 2008, and frontman Alex Turner joked that they had put money on rivals One Direction to win.

While One Direction scooped two prizes, they were denied a third by dance group Rudimental, who won Best British Single for the number one hit Waiting All Night.

From a clutch of three nominations, Bastille were named Best British Breakthrough Act, while French dance act Daft Punk took Best International Group.

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BRIT Awards 2014: Full list of winners

Sonia Pantiss
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BRIT Awards 2014: Full list of winners

This year’s BRIT Awards took place at London’s O2 Arena on February 19.

The complete list of this year’s winners and other nominations:

British Male Solo Artist

Winner: David Bowie

Jake Bugg

James Blake

John Newman

Tom Odell

British Female Solo Artist

Winner: Ellie Goulding

Birdy

Jessie J

Laura Marling

Laura Mvula

British Breakthrough Act

Winner: Bastille

Disclosure

Laura Mvula

London Grammar

Tom Odell

British Group

Winner: Arctic Monkeys

Bastille

Disclosure

One Direction

Rudimental

British Single

Winner: Rudimental ft Ella Eyre – Waiting All Night

Bastille – Pompeii

Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding – I Need Your Love

This year’s Brit Awards took place at London's O2 Arena on February 19
This year’s BRIT Awards took place at London’s O2 Arena on February 19

Disclosure ft AlunaGeorge – White Noise

Ellie Goulding – Burn

John Newman – Love Me Again

Naughty Boy ft Sam Smith – La La La

Olly Murs – Dear Darling

One Direction – One Way Or Another

Passenger – Let Her Go

British video

Winner: One Direction – Best Song Ever

Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding – I Need Your Love

Ellie Goulding – Burn

John Newman – Love Me Again

Naughty Boy ft Sam Smith – La La La

British Album of the Year

Winner: Arctic Monkeys – AM

Bastille – Bad Blood

David Bowie – The Next Day

Disclosure – Settle

Rudimental – Home

International Male Solo Artist

Winner: Bruno Mars

Drake

Eminem

John Grant

Justin Timberlake

International Female Solo Artist

Winner: Lorde

Janelle Monae

Katy Perry

Lady Gaga

Pink

International Group

Winner: Daft Punk

Arcade Fire

Haim

Kings of Leon

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Critics’ Choice

Winner: Sam Smith

Also nominated: Ella Eyre, Chloe Howl

British producer

Winner: Flood and Alan Moulder

Ethan Johns

Paul Epworth

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Pussy Riot members beaten by Cossacks in Sochi

Nancy Clayson
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Pussy Riot members beaten by Cossacks in Sochi

Pussy Riot members have been beaten with horsewhips by Cossacks who are helping patrol Sochi during the Winter Olympics.

Footage shows members of the band, which became famous after performing a protest song in a church against President Vladimir Putin, being beaten.

Police questioned witnesses, but no-one was arrested.

On Monday, two band members were arrested on suspicion of theft at Sochi, but later released.

The footage shows Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, who both served prison sentences for their Moscow church performance, being attacked along with other band members.

A Cossack appears to spray a substance in the face of one of the band members, who were wearing ski-masks.

Pussy Riot members have been beaten with horsewhips by Cossacks who are helping patrol Sochi during the Winter Olympics
Pussy Riot members have been beaten with horsewhips by Cossacks who are helping patrol Sochi during the Winter Olympics

An officer with a whip then proceeds to attack the band members along with a man with a camera.

Other Cossacks then jump in, punching the band members and throwing them to the floor.

The group has been fiercely critical of President Vladimir Putin, who has been the main driving force behind the Sochi Games.

One band member said on Tuesday that the Sochi Games were a political event.

“Now there is an occupation of this territory, because the city is under total police and security control,” Nadezhda Tolokonnikova said on Tuesday.

“We have arrived here on Sunday [and] we are being detained all the time. Even when we were driving our car and walking in the street. So they are looking for any reasons to arrest us.”

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova said they were detained for 10 hours by police on Monday after arriving “to make a political claim about the Sochi Olympics”.

Earlier this month, six members of Pussy Riot signed an open letter insisting that Maria Alyokhina and Nadezdha Tolokonnikova should no longer be described as members of the punk rock collective.

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The Importance of Using and Outside Records Management Company

Nancy Clayson
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The Importance of Using and Outside Records Management Company

Managing records is an important part of every business, but having a good records management system can be difficult, time-consuming, and sometimes even dangerous. Many offices simply do not have the space to properly store files, and stacks of boxes that may block walkways or be stacked too high can potentially be a danger to employees.

There is also a risk of breaching security or breaking the Data Protection Act, PCI, if records are not properly stored when relevant, or properly destroyed when they become irrelevant. Using an outside company to manage your files will not only keep them from taking up your precious office space, but will also ensure their security and destruction.

Time is money, so why spend so much time looking through boxes of paperwork to find the one file you need? Many outside records management companies have personal service options that will help you organize the files you have on hand so they are the most accessible to you, and will also keep your off-site files organized for you, and you don’t have to worry about lugging boxes around, as they will deliver to you the one file you need.

Records management
dolescum / CC BY-NC-SA

Another way using a records center will help save you money is by reducing the number of staff you have to keep just to manage records. By letting them do the work for you, you can streamline the process and cut out the middle man. Plus, you’ll have a lot more office space to utilize that will no longer be wasted space filled with records.

Because these companies specialize in records management, they can store up to 5 times as many records per square foot as most people do in their office space. They will also typically provide you with protection for your files against natural and other disasters.

Destroying records at the end of their retention period can be a tedious task, and is something that is easy to fall behind on if your filing system is not overly organized. File management companies keep track of the retention dates on files and will notify you when files are up for destruction. Once you have approved it, they will destroy them in a proven method that keeps the files as confidential as they were when they were being held.

How to choose a records management company?

When choosing a records management company, it’s important to not just look at cost, especially if you have confidential files or files that contain sensitive information. Make sure the company you choose has restricted access procedures in place, as well as vetted staff, vehicles that are tracked by GPS satellites, electronic signature validations, as well as completely confidential destruction for files that are at the end of their retention period.

If you will need regular access to the files you are storing, it is also important to find a company that is fast and efficient in their file retrieving procedures. Some companies allow you 24 hour access to the files, making it easy to get what you need, when you need it. Additionally, if you are a newer business and aren’t sure what records need to be kept in your office and which can be put in storage, finding a company that offers personal assistance will be particularly helpful to you because they can help guide you through that process.

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