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Lamido Sanusi: Nigeria’s central bank governor suspended over missing $20 billion

Clyde K. Valle
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Lamido Sanusi: Nigeria’s central bank governor suspended over missing $20 billion

Lamido Sanusi – Nigeria’s central bank governor – has been suspended by the president pending investigations into “far-reaching irregularities”.

Lamido Sanusi caused shockwaves in Nigeria when he alleged that $20 billion in oil revenue had gone missing.

Nigeria’s state oil firm has denied failing to account for the money, saying the claim was “unsubstantiated”.

Lamido Sanusi is widely respected after undertaking reforms to the banking sector since his appointment in 2009.

He was named central bank governor of the year in 2010 by Banker magazine.

Nigeria is one of the world’s biggest oil producers but the sector is marred by widespread allegations of theft and corruption.

Lamido Sanusi caused shockwaves in Nigeria when he alleged that $20 billion in oil revenue had gone missing
Lamido Sanusi caused shockwaves in Nigeria when he alleged that $20 billion in oil revenue had gone missing

In February, Lamido Sanusi told a senate committee that out of $67 billion of oil sold between January 2012 and July 2013, $20 billion had not been accounted for.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation said the allegations showed “little understanding of the technicalities of the oil industry”.

Lamido Sanusi is currently in Niger attending a meeting of regional central bank heads.

He is to be replaced by his deputy, Sarah Alade, who is travelling with him.

President Goodluck Jonathan asked Lamido Sanusi to resign in December but he refused.

The president does not have the power to sack the central bank governor – only the National Assembly can do this.

Lamido Snausi’s term in office was due to end in June but correspondents say the decision to suspend him now is still very significant.

The presidential statement announcing Lamido Sanusi’s suspension said he had been removed pending “investigations into breaches of enabling laws, due process and mandate” of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Homeland Security warns airlines of new shoe-bomb threat

Nancy Clayson
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Homeland Security warns airlines of new shoe-bomb threat

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has advised airlines to beware of any attempts to smuggle explosives onboard in footwear.

Homeland security officials did not indicate any known specific threat or plots, but said the warning focused on US-bound flights from abroad.

It is the second time in recent weeks that the US has warned of an increased threat of explosives on airliners.

The Department of Homeland Security has advised airlines to beware of any attempts to smuggle explosives onboard in footwear
The Department of Homeland Security has advised airlines to beware of any attempts to smuggle explosives onboard in footwear

In 2001, Briton Richard Reid attempted to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami with explosives hidden in his shoes.

“Our security apparatus includes a number of measures, both seen and unseen, informed by the latest intelligence and as always DHS continues to adjust security measures to fit an ever evolving threat environment,” the Department of Homeland Security said in Wednesday’s statement, reports the Associated Press.

The latest advisory comes just weeks after the US told airlines to be on the lookout for explosives hidden in toothpaste tubes on direct flights to Russia.

That warning, on February 6, came ahead of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Sochi.

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Ukraine unrest: EU foreign ministers to meet Viktor Yanukovych and opposition in Kiev

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine unrest: EU foreign ministers to meet Viktor Yanukovych and opposition in Kiev

Ukrainian police and anti-government protesters are clashing again, despite a truce agreed between President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders.

Some live rounds have been fired but it is not clear by whom. Protesters are throwing petrol bombs, while police are using water cannon.

Three EU foreign ministers are in Kiev for talks before an EU meeting to discuss possible sanctions.

The health ministry says the death toll in protests this week has risen to 28.

Fires burned at the main protest camp, the Maidan, through the night.

Two armored vehicles have been seen in the street leading towards the square.

Thursday has been declared a day of mourning for the dead.

Most of the victims died during clashes on Tuesday – the bloodiest day since the unrest erupted in late November.

Ukrainian police and anti-government protesters are clashing again, despite a truce agreed between President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders
Ukrainian police and anti-government protesters are clashing again, despite a truce agreed between President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his counterparts from France and Poland, Laurent Fabius and Radoslaw Sikorski, are expected to meet President Viktor Yanukovych and other government officials on Thursday morning.

The EU ministers will also hold separate talks with the opposition.

Ahead of the Kiev visit, Laurent Fabius called the warring sides to “return to dialogue”, condemning the violence as “unacceptable”.

“Perpetrators of these acts cannot go without sanctions.”

The three ministers will then fly to Brussels for a crisis meeting with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and other EU foreign ministers.

They will consider whether to impose sanctions, which could include a ban on sales of equipment which can be used for internal repression.

The Ukrainian opposition has been long pressing the EU and US to impose sanctions against senior government officials believed to be responsible for the violence against protesters.

The EU has so far refrained from such a move, preferring to stress dialogue and compromise.

Meanwhile, the US state department announced on Wednesday it had imposed visa bans on 20 members of Ukraine’s government.

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Facebook buys WhatsApp for $19 billion

Nancy Clayson
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Facebook buys WhatsApp for $19 billion

Social networking giant Facebook buys messaging app WhatsApp in a deal worth a total of $19 billion in cash and shares.

It is Facebook’s biggest acquisition to date.

WhatsApp has more than 450 million monthly users and is popular with people looking to avoid text messaging charges.

In a statement announcing the deal, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg described WhatsApp’s services as “incredibly valuable”.

WhatsApp allows users to send messages over internet connections, avoiding text messaging fees. The company claims it is currently registering one million new users a day.

It makes money by charging users a subscription fee of $1 per year, although it offers a free model as well.

The deal to buy it includes $4 billion in cash and approximately $12 billion-worth of Facebook shares, plus an additional $3 billion in stock to WhatsApp’s founders and employees at a later date.

Facebook buys messaging app WhatsApp in a deal worth a total of $19 billion in cash and shares
Facebook buys messaging app WhatsApp in a deal worth a total of $19 billion in cash and shares

On a conference call to discuss the deal, WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum said he planned to operate the firm “independently and autonomously”. He will also become a member of Facebook’s board of directors.

“We’re excited and honored to partner with Mark and Facebook as we continue to bring our product to more people around the world,” Jan Koum said in a statement.

Mark Zuckerberg said the prospect of a deal was first floated just 11 days ago.

The Facebook founder said he believed WhatsApp was on track to have a billion users, but insisted he had no plans to place advertising on WhatsApp’s interface, saying he did not think ads were the best way to make money from messaging systems.

Once the deal is finalized, Jan Koum and co-founder Brian Acton are set to become Silicon Valley’s newest billionaires.

WhatsApp has about 50 employees in total.

Cathy Boyle, a senior analyst at research firm eMarketer, said WhatsApp was valuable to Facebook for several reasons beyond advertising, including its younger user base and its popularity overseas.

Shares in Facebook dropped 5% in after hours trading before recovering slightly.

Prior to this acquisition, Facebook’s biggest purchase had been Instagram for $1 billion in 2012.

Facebook had also reportedly offered $3 billion to acquire photo messaging service Snapchat.

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North Korea holds family reunions for more than 100 South Koreans

Diane A. Wade
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North Korea holds family reunions for more than 100 South Koreans

North Korea is holding family reunions for more than 100 South Koreans who have arrived in the country to meet their relatives – the first such events since 2010.

The reunions, which come after North Korea called for better relations between the two sides, are taking place from February 20 to 25.

They are held for families separated after the Korean War. The relatives have not seen each other for decades.

They come ahead of planned US-South Korea drills, which begin on Monday.

North Korea had earlier threatened to cancel the reunions if the military exercises went ahead.

On Thursday, 82 elderly South Koreans, accompanied by 58 family members, left for North Korea by bus.

More than a dozen of them were in wheelchairs, and two travelled in ambulances as they needed medical attention, AFP news agency reported.

They carried gifts, including clothing, medicines and food for their relatives.

North Korea is holding family reunions for more than 100 South Koreans who have arrived in the country to meet their relatives
North Korea is holding family reunions for more than 100 South Koreans who have arrived in the country to meet their relatives

They were scheduled to meet their North Korea relatives in the North’s Mount Kumgang resort at 15:00 local time, followed by dinner together.

Around 180 North Koreans were expected to attend the reunion.

One of those selected for the reunions was South Korean Lee Du-young, who is in his late 70s.

He said that as well as warm clothing, he would buy his brother chocolate biscuits because he heard they were sought-after treats in North Korea.

South Korea’s unification ministry said on Wednesday: “Currently, it does not appear that there will be any hindrance to the reunion event.”

The reunions are highly emotional occasions. Families from both sides meet briefly at the events, before returning to their respective homes.

Only 100 or so relatives are chosen to take part each time, and North Korea has in the past cancelled the reunions after South Korea took actions it opposed.

The South Koreans relatives were briefed before the reunions and were told not to talk about politics.

Many people were separated from their relatives by the division of the Korean peninsula after the 1950-1953 war.

The Korean War ended in a ceasefire, not a peace treaty, and there are no direct means of communication for most North and South Koreans.

About 72,000 South Koreans are on a waiting list to join the family reunion events. Nearly half of them are over 80.

The reunions are the only legal way for families separated by the division of the country to see each other.

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Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day 13, February 20

Clyde K. Valle
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Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day 13, February 20

Sochi Winter Games: Day 13, February 20

Medals to be won today: Curling (women), figure skating (women), freestyle skiing (men’s ski cross, women’s ski halfpipe), ice hockey (women), Nordic combined (team).

Highlights include:

13:30 Curling – women’s bronze medal match and final.

Sochi Winter Olympics 2014
Sochi Winter Olympics 2014

14:30 Freestyle skiing – women’s halfpipe.

15:00 Figure skating – women’s free skate.

17:00 Ice hockey – women’s final.

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Fed minutes confirms stimulus slowdown

Clyde K. Valle
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Fed minutes confirms stimulus slowdown

The Federal Reserve will continue to cut economic stimulus measures, minutes of the US central bank’s January meeting have confirmed.

The Fed’s policy makers said they expected to cut monthly bond-buying in predictable $10 billion steps.

The central bank cut its bond-buying program to $65 billion a month at the end of its most recent meeting in January.

That came despite a string of disappointing US economic data, including weak jobs figures.

The bond purchasing program is intended to keep interest rates low and stimulate growth.

The Federal Reserve will continue to cut economic stimulus measures
The Federal Reserve will continue to cut economic stimulus measures

According to the Fed’s minutes: “Several participants argued that, in the absence of an appreciable change in the economic outlook, there should be a clear presumption in favor of continuing to reduce the pace of purchases by a total of $10 billion at each [policy] meeting.”

Some members raised the possibility that the short-term interest rate, also known as the federal funds rate, could be increased sooner than expected, as the unemployment rate is expected to fall below 6.5%.

The federal funds rate has been at 0% since 2008.

However, most members remained committed to keeping rates low for the foreseeable future.

Overall, members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) saw an increasingly rosy economic picture through the rest of 2014.

“The committee expected that, with appropriate policy accommodation, the economy would expand at a moderate pace and the unemployment rate would gradually decline toward levels consistent with the dual mandate,” the minutes said.

This was the last meeting helmed by outgoing chairman Ben Bernanke.

Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen is set to lead her first meeting when the FOMC next meets in March.

Why is Cee Lo Green leaving The Voice?

Lisa.Felice
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Why is Cee Lo Green leaving The Voice?

Cee Lo Green announced he is leaving The Voice in an interview scheduled to air on Wednesday’s installment of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, saying he does not plan to return to the show “at all”.

However, Cee Lo Green (born Tomas DeCarlo Callaway) did say that he will “continue relationship” with NBC.

“I’m going to continue my relationship with NBC,” the singer said.

“I have a television show development deal with them as well and hopefully some other talk show opportunities for later in the year. But yeah, I’m going to miss ‘The Voice’ too. So I’m not coming back guys….”

Cee Lo Green announced he is leaving The Voice in an interview scheduled to air on Wednesday's installment of The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Cee Lo Green announced he is leaving The Voice in an interview scheduled to air on Wednesday’s installment of The Ellen DeGeneres Show

The decision to leave The Voice comes on the heels of legal woes for Cee Lo Green, who was charged late last year with furnishing a controlled substance, a felony charge that carries up to four years in state prison.

Cee Lo Green told Ellen DeGeneres that he didn’t want to “wear out my welcome” on the series, for which he has served as a coach.

“Yeah, I just want to … I don’t want to wear out my welcome there. You know what I’m saying,” he said.

“I have so many other things that I want to do.  I haven’t released an album in four years. I’m almost done with my album…”

The Voice sets to return to NBC for its sixth season on Monday at 8/7c.

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Jase and Missy Robertson special guests at Arizona Diamondbacks’ Date Night at the Ballpark

Sonia Pantiss
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Jase and Missy Robertson special guests at Arizona Diamondbacks’ Date Night at the Ballpark

Duck Dynasty’s Jase and Missy Robertson will be special guests at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ “Date Night at the Ballpark” on May 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

The baseball team is partnering with the Association of Marriage & Family Ministries that night, with the theme being focused on the importance of healthy relationships and how marriages and relationships thrive on continued dating.

Jase and Missy Robertson will be special guests at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ "Date Night at the Ballpark" on May 2
Jase and Missy Robertson will be special guests at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ “Date Night at the Ballpark” on May 2

As part of the evening, Jase and Missy Robertson will share their love story, and entertainment will be provided from David and Tamela Mann, who are co-stars on Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, as well as Raun Alosi & The Date Night Band, who will play songs from the ’70s and ’80s.

General admission for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ “Date Night at the Ballpark” event is $25 for groups of more than eight people, and the price is $30 for individual tickets in the lower bowl. For fans who want to sit on the field, the cost is $35.

Phil Robertson’s ’74 Jeep to be auctioned

Sonia Pantiss
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Phil Robertson’s ’74 Jeep to be auctioned

Phil Robertson’s 1974 Jeep has been bought by Jerry Gentry of Chatham four years ago, before Duck Dynasty reality show’s debut on A&E network.

 “It was before he got big,” said Jerry Gentry, a semi-retired contractor who bought the Jeep, dubbed the River Rat, from Randy Lowe.

A hunting buddy of Phil Robertson’s, Randy Lowe acquired the jeep for $600 from the Duck Commander himself.

Jerry Gentry bought the River Rat, which had been stored and wasn’t in running condition, for $400.

“I thought it might be a good investment,” he said.

Phil Robertson’s River Rat was his primary mode of transportation during the early years when he was fishing the Ouachita River and selling buffalo and Gasper goo for 30 cents a pound and catfish for $1 a pound.

Phil Robertson’s 1974 Jeep has been bought by Jerry Gentry of Chatham four years ago
Phil Robertson’s 1974 Jeep has been bought by Jerry Gentry of Chatham four years ago

Jerry Gentry said he reached out to the Robertsons a few years ago to offer the Jeep back to the family, “but they said they weren’t going to pay much for something Phil sold for a few hundred bucks”.

That story was confirmed by Phil and Miss Kay Robertson’s oldest son, Alan Robertson.

“You don’t stay in business with negative cash flow like that,” Al Robertson said, laughing.

Jerry Gentry believes there will be a taker, and he plans to offer the River Rat sometime this week via an eBay auction.

“As popular as they are I think there will be a lot of fans who are interested,” he said.

“Or maybe the network or production company would want it for a prop. I’d love to see it on TV or in a parade.”

However, whoever buys the Jeep will have some work to do to get it back on the road.

Jerry Gentry plans to sell the River Rat “as is”.

“It just needs a little TLC,” Jerry Gentry said.

Pope Francis loses his cap during weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square

Nancy Clayson
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Pope Francis loses his cap during weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square

A gust of wind blows away Pope Francis’ skull cap, or zuchetto, as he delivers his message during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Wednesday.

Pope Francis battled the elements today to deliver his sermon to crowds outside the Vatican, as the wind whipped his mantle around his face, and blew his skull cap from his head.

A gust of wind blows away Pope Francis' skull cap, or zuchetto, as he delivers his message during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican
A gust of wind blows away Pope Francis’ skull cap, or zuchetto, as he delivers his message during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican

The Pontiff was delivering his weekly address to well-wishers and crowds in St Peter’s square.

Pope Francis did not appear to be bothered by the interruption, and reacted calmly as his aides ran after his cap, and helped him untangle his robes from around his face.

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Big Daddy V dead: Nelson Frazier Jr. dies of heart attack at 42

Clyde K. Valle
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Big Daddy V dead: Nelson Frazier Jr. dies of heart attack at 42

Professional wrestler Nelson Frazier Jr. – best known as Big Daddy V, Mabel or Viscera – died on February 18 after suffering a heart attack, according to reports.

Wrestling agent Eric Simms shared the news on his Facebook page: “I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I just got off the phone with Big Daddy V’s wife. He had a massive heart attack and passed away today.”

Nelson Frazier Jr. just celebrated his 42nd birthday on Valentine’s Day.

Big Daddy V wrestled in both the WWF and WWE, and he was the 1995 King of the Ring
Big Daddy V wrestled in both the WWF and WWE, and he was the 1995 King of the Ring

Big Daddy V wrestled in both the WWF and WWE, and he was the 1995 King of the Ring.

Many remember Nelson Frazier Jr. best when he was Mabel wrestling in WWF back in the mid-’90s.

Big Daddy V was an imposing figure best known for his enormous size – he stood 6 ft 9 and weighed around 500 pounds.

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Photo of soldiers clowning around flag-draped casket sparks outrage

Nancy Clayson
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Photo of soldiers clowning around flag-draped casket sparks outrage

A member of the Wisconsin National Guard was suspended from honor guard duties after she apparently posted to social media a photograph of soldiers mugging around an empty, flag-draped casket.

The picture, taken at a National Guard training facility in Arkansas, sparked a furor on Facebook, in military chat rooms and other social media, where people saw it as disrespectful of veterans and those killed in action. The National Guard said it was taking steps to protect the soldier who posted the photograph after she received death threats.

The image, originally posted on Instagram, shows about a dozen soldiers clowning around a casket draped in a flag. Several hug playfully. One flashes a peace sign. Another has his back turned and is pointing off in the distance.

The caption reads: “We put the FUN in funeral – your fearless honor guard from various states.”

A member of the Wisconsin National Guard was suspended from honor guard duties after she apparently posted this photo to social media
A member of the Wisconsin National Guard was suspended from honor guard duties after she apparently posted this photo to social media

The photo was posted from an account belonging to Spc. Terry Harrison, of the Madison, Wisconsin-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, according to the National Guard.

That account has since been closed, but others have reposted the picture and Terry Harrison’s comments on multiple social media sites.

Judy Vincent, of Poteau, Oklahoma, said she saw the picture when a friend reposted it on Facebook.

“It was like somebody slapped me in the face. I’ve never in my life seen such disrespect for the fallen or the families,” said Judy Vincent, whose son died in Iraq in 2004.

Terry Harrison, a full-time member of the National Guard, has been suspended from Wisconsin’s honor guard and assigned to other duties while an investigation is ongoing, said Maj. Paul Rickert, the Wisconsin National Guard’s director of public affairs.

Wisconsin officials also have notified the National Guard Bureau because the other soldiers in the photograph were from other units, Paul Rickert said

Serge Dassault detained for questioning over alleged vote-buying

Diane A. Wade
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Serge Dassault detained for questioning over alleged vote-buying

French billionaire and senator Serge Dassault has been detained for questioning over alleged vote-buying in a Paris suburb.

Police are questioning the industrialist about his activities in Corbeil-Essonnes, where he was mayor between 1995 and 2009.

The parliamentary immunity of Serge Dassault, 88, was lifted on February 12 at his own request, the French daily Le Monde reports.

Dassault Aviation is a major producer of jets, including the Rafale fighter.

Serge Dassault, a senator in the centre-right UMP party, requested the lifting of his parliamentary immunity in order to defend himself against the vote-buying allegations and prove that he had acted correctly, Le Monde reports.

Police are questioning Serge Dassault about his activities in Corbeil-Essonnes, where he was mayor between 1995 and 2009
Police are questioning Serge Dassault about his activities in Corbeil-Essonnes, where he was mayor between 1995 and 2009

He is ranked as France’s fourth-richest man, with an estimated fortune of 13 billion euros ($18 billion).

The Gaullist UMP was the political launchpad for former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac.

An ally of Serge Dassault, who succeeded him as mayor – Jean-Pierre Bechter – was charged last month.

Two other aides – Cristela de Oliveira and Younes Bounouara – were also charged.

Cristela de Oliveira is suspected of allocating council flats to families who agreed to vote for Serge Dassault or Jean-Pierre Bechter.

The 2008 election result was annulled by the Council of State – a top legal advisory body. It found evidence of vote-buying, and investigators are now considering whether to prosecute Serge Dassault, the AFP news agency reports.

Magistrates are examining suspicious transfers of millions of euros between France and Lebanon in connection with the affair, Le Monde reports.

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Sharon Stone on Shape magazine cover

Lisa.Felice
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Sharon Stone on Shape magazine cover

Sharon Stone admits that growing older has been a struggle as she appears on the cover of Shape magazine’s March issue.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Sharon Stone, 55, told the fitness mag.

“There was a point in my ’40s where I went into the bathroom with a bottle of wine, locked the door, and said, <<I’m not coming out until I can totally accept the way I look right now>>.”

Sharon Stone went on to explain how much of a dark tumultuous time it was.

“I examined my face in the magnifying mirror, and I looked at my body, and I cried and cried and cried,” she confessed.

“Then I said to myself, <<You’re going to get old now. How do you want to do that?>>”

Sharon Stone appears on the cover of Shape magazine's March issue
Sharon Stone appears on the cover of Shape magazine’s March issue

“I thought, <<I’d like to age like a dancer>>. I want to keep my body in shape like that. I want to do the work. I like to dance and stretch. And I’m going to the gym,” Sharon Stone said.

“Every time I exercise, I do something different based on which areas need to get in motion,” she revealed of her fitness routine, which includes stretches, yoga and dance.

Sharon Stone’s diet, meanwhile, consists of steak – lots of it.

The actress, who has been genetically blessed with “low cholesterol and low blood pressure,” told the magazine that she enjoys porterhouse, rib eyes and New York strip, but also eats fish and cheese.

“I like clean food prepared as simply as possible,” she said.

“I used to love wine, but I don’t drink at all now,” Sharon Stone admitted.

“I think, at a certain point, it’s better for women not to have any alcohol because it can make your face, breasts and midsection get very bloated.”

March issue of Shape magazine will hit stands on February 24.

Teresa Palmer welcomes baby boy Bodhi Rain

Lisa.Felice
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Teresa Palmer welcomes baby boy Bodhi Rain

Warm Bodies actress Teresa Palmer gave birth to a baby boy on February 17.

The actress shared all the details, including the baby’s weight and name, on Instagram.

“Thank you God for blessing us with the most divine gift of our baby son,” Teresa Palmer wrote on Tuesday, alongside a photo of her newborn’s hand.

Teresa Palmer gave birth to a baby boy on February 17
Teresa Palmer gave birth to a baby boy on February 17

“Introducing Bodhi Rain Palmer born safely, lovingly and naturally last night. 8lbs even.”

Teresa Palmer, who is married to Mark Webber, went on to explain the meaning behind her son’s name: “Bodhi means <<Enlightened one>> Rain means <<Abundant Blessings From Above>> and we chose Palmer as his last name as Mark’s son Isaac didn’t take his dads name either.”

Teresa Palmer concluded: “Thanks for all the blessings and love everyone.”

Chris Christie weight loss: New Jersey governor’s pictures after lap band surgery

Nancy Clayson
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Chris Christie weight loss: New Jersey governor’s pictures after lap band surgery

In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper on Tuesday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said he is “a little more than halfway” to his weight loss goal.

Chris Christie, 51, underwent lap band surgery in June. The surgery makes the stomach smaller, limiting the amount of food it can hold.

Before surgery, Chris Christie’s weight was estimated to be about 350 lbs.

Before surgery, Chris Christie’s weight was estimated to be about 350 lbs
Before surgery, Chris Christie’s weight was estimated to be about 350 lbs

The governor told CNN he sleeps better since losing the weight: “I didn’t feel badly at my previous weight, but I didn’t realize how poorly I slept until how well I’ve been sleeping.”

Chris Christie said weight loss is hard work but he’s hopeful.

“For the first time in 25 years I feel like I’ve got a pathway, which is really nice. Really nice not to be as frustrated as I was before,” Chris Christie said.

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John Short: Australian missionary detained in North Korea

Diane A. Wade
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John Short: Australian missionary detained in North Korea

Australian missionary John Short has been detained in North Korea, his wife says.

John Short, 75, was making his second trip to North Korea with a tour group when he was detained in Pyongyang.

His wife told journalists that he had been open about his work and was carrying religious material translated into Korean.

An Australian foreign affairs spokesperson said that the government was aware of John Short’s arrest.

Australian missionary John Short has been detained in North Korea
Australian missionary John Short has been detained in North Korea

John Short and his wife Karen have been living in Hong Kong, where he owns a Christian book publishing house.

“He was carrying Korean literature on his person and that could be the reason, but again I don’t know,” Karen Short told the Associated Press news agency.

She said he knew North Korea was not a tourist destination “but he cares about the people and he wants to help”.

Australia has no diplomatic representation in North Korea.

“We are in close contact with Swedish officials in Pyongyang to seek their assistance in confirming the well-being of Mr. Short and to obtain more information,” the Australian foreign affairs spokesman said.

Religious activity is restricted inside North Korea and the authorities have arrested missionaries on multiple occasions in the past.

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Jimmy Fallon’s first Tonight Show draws 11.3 million viewers

Lisa.Felice
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Jimmy Fallon’s first Tonight Show draws 11.3 million viewers

Jimmy Fallon’s debut as the host of The Tonight Show was a ratings hit for NBC network.

Viewing-figures firm Nielsen said 11.3 million people watched Jimmy Fallon taking over the show on Monday evening.

But the audience fell short of the 14.6 million viewers who saw Jay Leno sign off as host of the program.

The figures do not necessarily take account of those who watched segments of the show online via services such as YouTube or Hulu.

Jimmy Fallon, 39, will compete against late-night shows hosted by David Letterman on CBS and Jimmy Kimmel on ABC.

Jimmy Kimmel, 46, has proved popular with the key 18-49 demographic.

Jimmy Fallon's debut as the host of The Tonight Show was a ratings hit for NBC network
Jimmy Fallon’s debut as the host of The Tonight Show was a ratings hit for NBC network

“I really don’t know how I got here,” Jimmy Fallon, who rose to fame as a cast member on the comedy show Saturday Night Live, told Monday night’s cheering studio audience.

“I just want to do the best I can, and take care of the show for a while. If you guys let me stick around long enough, maybe I’ll get the hang of it.”

Jimmy Fallon’s guests included a parade of celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Will Smith, Lady Gaga and Mike Tyson, plus a performance from the rock band U2.

Jay Leno stepped down for a second time as host of the six-decades-old show on February 6. He originally took over from Johnny Carson in 1992.

Jay Leno briefly retired in 2009, handing over to comedian Conan O’Brien.

But he Leno came back when Conan O’Brien quit amid an attempt by channel executives to reschedule The Tonight Show to later in the evening.

Jimmy Fallon’s debut, coming after the broadcaster’s nightly Olympics program, gained two million more watchers than Conan O’Brien’s debut.

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Coca-Cola shares see biggest fall in two years as sales miss estimates

Clyde K. Valle
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Coca-Cola shares see biggest fall in two years as sales miss estimates

Coca-Cola shares saw their biggest fall in two years after the company’s profit fell due to slowing sales in the US and Europe.

Coca-Cola’s fourth-quarter net income fell 8.4% from a year earlier to $1.7 billion, missing analyst estimates.

Revenue also fell, partly due to currency fluctuations and the sale of its bottling operations in Brazil and the Philippines last year.

Its stock lost as much as 4.3% in US trading after its earnings release.

Coca-Cola chief executive Muhtar Kent said they were looking to “restore momentum” to its business this year.

“While we move forward in what remains an uncertain global economy, the long-term fundamentals driving our business and industry have not changed,” Muhtar Kent said in a statement.

Coca-Cola shares saw their biggest fall in two years after the company’s profit fell due to slowing sales in the US and Europe
Coca-Cola shares saw their biggest fall in two years after the company’s profit fell due to slowing sales in the US and Europe

“A rising middle class, greater urbanization and increasing personal consumption expenditures in markets around the world will continue to drive greater demand for our beverages.”

Coca-Cola plans to increase its spending on advertising to spur sales, while simultaneously looking to save $1 billion in annual costs by 2016.

The Atlanta-based company has also been branching out into other drink options, such as juices, teas and water.

Last month, Coca-Cola also bought a 10% stake in Green Mountain Coffee Roasters for about $1.25 billion.

Rival PepsiCo has also been struggling with weak sales of carbonated soft drinks, and announced plans last week to close plants and increase automation to save money.

Sister Megan Rice: Catholic nun sentenced over US nuclear site break-in

Nancy Clayson
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Sister Megan Rice: Catholic nun sentenced over US nuclear site break-in

Sister Megan Rice, an elderly Catholic nun, has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for damage caused while breaking into a US nuclear defense site.

Sister Megan Rice, 84, and two other protesters cut fences and entered the Oak Ridge, Tennessee, facility, which processes and stores uranium.

The other two, Michael Walli and Greg Boertje-Obed, were sentenced to more than five years in prison.

The July 2012 incident prompted security changes at the Y-12 site.

“Please have no leniency with me,” Sister Megan Rice told the court at Tuesday’s hearing in Knoxville.

“To remain in prison for the rest of my life would be the greatest gift you could give me.”

During the trial Sister Megan Rice, from Washington DC, said her only regret was waiting so long to take action.

Sister Megan Rice and Michael Walli and Greg Boertje-Obed cut fences and entered the Oak Ridge facility, which processes and stores uranium
Sister Megan Rice and Michael Walli and Greg Boertje-Obed cut fences and entered the Oak Ridge facility, which processes and stores uranium

The peace activists, members of the group Transform Now Plowshares, had initially faced up to 20 years in prison after their conviction last May.

Michael Walli and Greg Boertje-Obed received tougher sentences because they had longer criminal histories.

The trio were also found guilty of causing more than $1,000 of damage to government property.

After cutting a fence to enter the site, the three walked around, spray-painted graffiti, strung out crime-scene tape and chipped a wall with hammers.

They spent two hours inside.

The trio also sprayed the exterior of the complex with baby bottles containing human blood.

When a guard approached, they offered him food and started singing.

US lawmakers and the Department of Energy later launched an inquiry and uncovered “troubling displays of ineptitude” at the facility.

Top officials were reassigned, including at the National Nuclear Security Administration.

WSI, the company providing security at the site, was dismissed and other officers were sacked, demoted or suspended.

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Peugeot Citroen signs rescue deal with Dongfeng Motors and French government

Clyde K. Valle
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Peugeot Citroen signs rescue deal with Dongfeng Motors and French government

Europe’s second-largest carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen has signed a rescue deal with China’s Dongfeng Motors and the French government that will see its founding family cede control of the company.

Dongfeng Motors and the French government will each invest about 800 million euros in return for 14% stakes.

Another 1.4 billion euros will be raised from existing investors in Peugeot.

The deal is still subject to a shareholder vote but will provide much-needed cash to keep Peugeot afloat after government guarantees expire.

Should the deal be approved, the Peugeot family’s 25.4% stake will be diluted to 14%, matching that of the French government and Dongfeng Motors.

Peugeot also announced its latest financial results on Wednesday, warning that it may face losses until 2016.

The carmaker said its net loss narrowed to 2.32 billion euros last year, compared to a 5 billion-euro loss in 2012.

Sales also fell by 2.4% from a year earlier to 54.1 billion euros, due to tepid demand for new cars in Europe.

PSA Peugeot Citroen has signed a rescue deal with China's Dongfeng Motors and the French government that will see its founding family cede control of the company
PSA Peugeot Citroen has signed a rescue deal with China’s Dongfeng Motors and the French government that will see its founding family cede control of the company

Reports say the deal is likely to be formally signed in March.

In a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange, Dongfeng said the deal is meant to “expand and deepen their current cooperation” with Peugeot.

It also said the venture would “strengthen overseas cooperation to achieve the objective of selling 1.5 million vehicles under the Dongfeng, Peugeot SA and Citroën brands per year starting from 2020”.

Peugeot already has a joint venture with Dongfeng, which is one of China’s newer car brands and is known for its heavy trucks and “Fengshen” line of vehicles.

However, the new arrangement is expected to bring an increase in production and a new research and development centre.

Dongfeng is also expected to promote the Peugeot brand in the fast-growing car markets in South East Asia.

The deal also makes Dongfeng the latest Chinese carmaker to buy into a Western competitor.

Peugeot was founded 200 years ago and is one of France’s oldest industrial dynasties.

The company began in 1810 as a maker of tools and coffee mills, which are still marketed under its name.

However, it has faced financial difficulties and shrinking market share over the last few years.

Peugeot signed an investment deal with General Motors in 2012, but the US carmaker offloaded its stake in the loss-making company in December.

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Ji Wenlin: Zhou Yongkang’s former secretary investigated

Diane A. Wade
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Ji Wenlin: Zhou Yongkang’s former secretary investigated

Ji Wenlin, a senior official linked to Chinese former security chief Zhou Yongkang, is being investigated, state media say.

Ji Wenlin, the vice-governor of Hainan province, was being investigated for “suspected serious violation of discipline and laws”, the Communist Party disciplinary body said.

No other details were given of the probe, which comes amid a crackdown on corruption by President Xi Jinping.

There are ongoing rumors that Zhou Yongkang is under investigation.

Zhou Yongkang was until 2012 a member of the Communist Party’s top decision-making body, the Politburo Standing Committee, with oversight of China’s security apparatus.

There has been no official comment on any investigation, but in recent months several business and political associates of Zhou Yongkang have come under scrutiny.

Ji Wenlin, the vice-governor of Hainan province, is being investigated for suspected serious violation of discipline and laws
Ji Wenlin, the vice-governor of Hainan province, is being investigated for suspected serious violation of discipline and laws

Ji Wenlin worked with Zhou Yongkang when he was land resources minister. Ji Wenlin was also an aide to Zhou Yongkang when he was party secretary in Sichuan province.

He then served as deputy director in the general office of the ministry of public security from April 2003 to December 2008, the People’s Daily newspaper said. Zhou Yongkang was the minister of public security from 2002-2007.

Unconfirmed reports have been circulating for months that Zhou Yongkang is under virtual house arrest.

Several other top officials linked to him are facing investigations, including Sichuan officials Li Chuncheng and Li Chongxi, and former energy chief Jiang Jiemin.

Zhou Yongkang was also the patron of jailed former Chongqing party chief Bo Xilai.

Bo Xilai was found guilty of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power, and sentenced to life imprisonment in September. Bo Xilai’s supporters, however, believe he is the victim of a political purge.

President Xi Jinping has warned that corruption could topple the Communist Party, and launched an anti-corruption campaign he said would target both “tigers and flies” – high and low ranking officials in the government.

If Zhou Yongkang was charged it would send shockwaves through the ruling elite, who generally are not investigated once they retire.

It is not clear whether China’s leaders will decide to press ahead with the case against Zhou Yongkang. Any trial would run the risk of embarrassing revelations being made public that could damage the standing of the party.

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Ukraine: At least 25 people die in Kiev unrest

Diane A. Wade
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Ukraine: At least 25 people die in Kiev unrest

At least 25 people died in Kiev as the Ukrainian police have launched a fresh attack on anti-government protesters.

The new attempt to uproot the protest stronghold came as President Viktor Yanukovych blamed opposition leaders for the worst violence in months of unrest.

After failed overnight talks, Viktor Yanukovych urged them to distance themselves from radical forces.

Activists say the violence has been stoked by the authorities.

Police launched their latest assault on Independence Square, also known as the Maidan, shortly after 04:00 local time. Several tents were set ablaze, and water cannon was later used.

Police had taken control of a corner of the square for the first time since December.

The clashes spread to surrounding streets and police launched a first attack on Independence Square on Tuesday evening.

In a statement, the health ministry said on Wednesday the number of dead on both sides had risen to 25. Nine of those killed were police, the interior ministry says. A journalist has also died.

At least 25 people died in Kiev as the Ukrainian police have launched a fresh attack on anti-government protesters
At least 25 people died in Kiev as the Ukrainian police have launched a fresh attack on anti-government protesters

Hundreds of people have been treated in hospital for injuries and there are fears the number of deaths could rise still further.

Explosions are taking place, fireworks are being thrown and large fires can been seen.

But the protesters appear to have been able to hold their defense lines, burning tires on the barricades.

Thousands of policemen have been surrounding the Maidan since Tuesday, although reports suggest that many anti-government activists are heading to join the camp.

President Viktor Yanukovych said in statement on Wednesday morning: “The opposition leaders have disregarded the principle of democracy according to which one obtains power not on the streets or maidans – but through elections.”

“They have crossed the line by calling for people to take up arms,” he said, warning that those responsible for violence would face the law.

The president added that there was a “better and more effective way” to solve the crisis – through dialogue and compromise.

“It is not too late to stop the conflict,” Viktor Yanukovych said.

Security forces had given the protesters a deadline of 18:00 on Tuesday to leave the square, the scene of a mostly peaceful protest camp since November.

When the deadline expired, riot police advanced with an armored vehicle, dismantling barricades and firing stun grenades and water cannon.

Protesters have been resisting, throwing missiles from behind piles of burning tires.

In speeches from the main stage through the night, protest leaders urged people already on the Maidan to stand firm, and called on Ukrainians elsewhere to come to the square.

“This is an island of freedom and we will defend it,” said Vitaly Klitschko, the leader of the Udar (Punch) party.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who heads the Fatherland party, appealed to President Viktor Yanukovych to “stop the bloodshed and call a truce”.

Earlier on Tuesday, police blocked protesters from marching on parliament, where lawmakers had been due to debate proposed changes to the constitution.

The debate did not take place. Arseniy Yatsenyuk said President Viktor Yanukovych was blocking the reforms and that his allies “show no desire whatsoever to end the political crisis”.

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Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day 12, February 19

Clyde K. Valle
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Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day 12, February 19

Sochi Winter Games: Day 12, February 19

Medals to be won today: Alpine skiing (men’s giant slalom), biathlon (mixed relay), bobsleigh (women’s), cross country skiing (team sprints), snowboard (parallel giant slalom), speed skating (women’s 5,000m).

Sochi Winter Olympics 2014
Sochi Winter Olympics 2014

Highlights include:

10:00 Curling – semi-finals.

14:30 Biathlon – mixed relay.

16:15 Bobsleigh – women’s third and fourth heats.

Also: Figure skating (women’s short programme), ice hockey (men’s quarter-finals).

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