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Enrico Letta to resign as Italy’s prime minister

Diane A. Wade
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Enrico Letta to resign as Italy’s prime minister

Italy’s PM Enrico Letta has said he will resign on Friday after his Democratic Party backed a call for a new administration.

Party leader Matteo Renzi had earlier called for a change of government at a party meeting, saying the country could not go on in “uncertainty”.

Speculation has been rife that Matteo Renzi wants to take over as prime minister.

Matteo Renzi is eight years younger than Enrico Letta and was elected leader of the party in December.

Enrico Letta said in a statement that his decision followed “the decision taken today by the national leadership of the Democratic Party”.

He said he would formally submit his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano at the presidential palace on Friday.

Enrico Letta has said he will resign on Friday after his Democratic Party backed a call for a new administration
Enrico Letta has said he will resign on Friday after his Democratic Party backed a call for a new administration

Matteo Renzi has previously accused Enrico Letta of a lack of action on improving the economy, with unemployment at its highest level in 40 years and the economy shrinking by 9% in seven years.

Correspondents say that although the prime minister has kept a careful lid on public expenditure, he has not been able to carry out much-needed administrative reforms and stimulate economic growth.

The latest political turmoil has so far had little impact on financial markets, in contrast with the volatility seen before the current coalition was formed.

Enrico Letta did not attend Thursday’s party meeting, which had been brought forward from next week.

At the meeting, Matteo Renzi thanked Enrico Letta for his “remarkable work” but said the country could not go on in “uncertainty”.

He said his proposal – a new government to take over until the end of the current parliamentary term in 2018 – was a way out of the “morass”.

Enrico Letta, 47, formed a coalition with the centre-right last year but there had been mounting speculation over his future after Matteo Renzi was elected party leader in December.

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Valentine’s Day Recipe: Strawberry Shooters

Kathryn R. Bown
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Valentine’s Day Recipe: Strawberry Shooters

Strawberry Shooters

Ripe strawberries filled with amaretto and whipped cream

Ingredients:

1 (750 milliliter) bottle amaretto liqueur

Strawberry Shooters
Strawberry Shooters

1 (1 pound) fresh strawberries, hulled and cored

1 (7 ounce) can whipped cream

Directions:

Pour amaretto liqueur into each strawberry and top with whipped cream.

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Belgium parliament approves child euthanasia bill

Diane A. Wade
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Belgium parliament approves child euthanasia bill

The Belgian parliament has passed a bill allowing euthanasia for terminally ill children without any age limit, by 86 votes to 44, with 12 abstentions.

When, as expected, the bill is signed by the king, Belgium will become the first country in the world to remove any age limit on the practice.

It may be requested by terminally ill children who are in great pain and who have no treatment available.

Opponents argue children cannot make such a difficult decision.

In the Netherlands, Belgium’s northern neighbour, euthanasia is legal for children over the age of 12, if there is parental consent.

Under the Dutch conditions, a patient’s request for euthanasia can be fulfilled by a doctor if the request is “voluntary and well-considered” and the patient is suffering unbearably, with no prospect of improvement.

Belgium passed a law decriminalising euthanasia for terminally ill people over the age of 18 in 2002.

Belgium parliament has passed a bill allowing euthanasia for terminally ill children without any age limit
Belgium parliament has passed a bill allowing euthanasia for terminally ill children without any age limit

Supporters of the legislation argue that in practice the law will affect an extremely small number of children, who would probably be in their teens.

The law states a child will have to be terminally ill, face “unbearable physical suffering” and make repeated requests to die – before euthanasia is considered.

Parents, doctors and psychiatrists would have to agree before a decision is made.

Protesters have lobbied politicians against the changes. Church leaders argued the law is immoral.

Some paediatricians have warned vulnerable children could be put at risk and have questioned whether a child can really be expected to make such a difficult choice.

But opinion polls have suggested broad support in Belgium for the changes.

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Willie Robertson leaves $5,000 tip at post-State of the Union dinner

Sonia Pantiss
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Willie Robertson leaves $5,000 tip at post-State of the Union dinner

Duck Dynasty‘s Willie Robertson left a 100% tip on a $5,000 bill while in Washington D.C. for Barack Obama’s State of the Union address on January 28, TMZ reported.

Willie Robertson, 41, went out to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in D.C. with Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Senator Ted Cruz and a host of other well-known conservatives, TMZ said.

It appears that, when the bill came, Willie Robertson picked up the tab and left the enormous tip.

Willie Robertson went out to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in D.C. with Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Senator Ted Cruz
Willie Robertson went out to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in D.C. with Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Senator Ted Cruz

However, Mediabistro’s TVNewser claims their sources told them that it was Sean Hannity who paid the tab and the large tip.

The restaurant, which normally closes at 11 p.m., stayed open until 2 a.m. to accommodate the group’s post-State of the Union discussion.

Southeast ice storm leaves more than 500,000 people in dark

Nancy Clayson
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Southeast ice storm leaves more than 500,000 people in dark

A second vicious ice storm in as many weeks caused widespread power outages in Southeast leaving more than half a million people in dark.

Georgia was the worst-hit state with almost 230,000 homes and businesses without electricity, according to figures reported by utility companies at 6:45 a.m. ET.

More than 200,000 customers were experiencing outages in South Carolina with 90,000 others suffering in North Carolina. Louisiana and Virginia also had thousands of people left without electricityl.

Almost 500,000 Georgia Power customers alone had been off the grid, but the company had managed to restore more than half of them.

The Southeast was suffering after being hit Wednesday by a huge storm that stretched from Alabama to Massachusetts.

The ice storm caused widespread power outages in Southeast leaving more than half a million people in dark
The ice storm caused widespread power outages in Southeast leaving more than half a million people in dark

But during the night, those without power were not the only people suffering: Ice and fallen trees created dangerous driving conditions for crews trying to get people back on the grid, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

More than 3,400 flights into and out of U.S. airports were canceled Wednesday and 3,500 more were delayed. By 3:30 a.m. ET Thursday there were already more than 1,600 US cancelations for the day, according to FlightAware.

By early Thursday, the storm had begun its march up the East Coast, according to Kevin Roth, lead meteorologist at The Weather Channel.

In New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., it was expected to dump snow at a furious rate of two inches per hour, making tough work for even the most industrious snowplow crews.

The freezing rain had largely stopped in the South but this was due to morph into snow in parts of Georgia and Alabama, Kevin Roth said.

But with temperatures still below freezing, the ice which built up in parts of Georgia and the Carolinas on Wednesday was not expected to budge. And this was continuing to affect the states’ electricity infrastructure.

As much as an inch of ice built up in all these states, bringing down trees and weighing heavy on fragile power lines. The worst-affected areas were north and east Georgia, central and eastern South Carolina, and central and eastern North Carolina.

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Barbie on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 50th anniversary cover

Lisa.Felice
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Barbie on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 50th anniversary cover

Barbie doll, which is made by Mattel, is flaunting her frame in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit‘s 50th anniversary issue that’s hitting stands on Tuesday.

Barbie will be featured alongside supermodels like Christie Brinkley and Brooklyn Decker as part of a campaign called Unapologetic.

Barbie doll is flaunting her frame in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 50th anniversary issue that's hitting stands on Tuesday
Barbie doll is flaunting her frame in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 50th anniversary issue that’s hitting stands on Tuesday

According to multiple reports, Barbie will actually appear as a cover wrap on at least 1,000 copies of the issue, with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine proclaiming the iconic figure: “The doll that started it all.”

“As a legend herself, and under constant criticism about her body and how she looks, posing . . . gives Barbie . . . and her fellow legends an opportunity to own who they are,” said Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s senior vice president of marketing.

The campaign is a departure for 55-year old Barbie, which has been both beloved as a plaything and criticized as an unrealistic standard of beauty for decades.

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Tom Jones and Cliff Richard special guests at Morrissey’s concerts

Sonia Pantiss
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Tom Jones and Cliff Richard special guests at Morrissey’s concerts

Tom Jones will appear alongside Morrissey at a Los Angeles concert in May, it has been announced.

“I will be Morrissey Official’s special guest at his show at the LA Sports Arena on May 10th,” wrote Tom Jones on Facebook.

Cliff Richard will also appear as a special guest at a Morrissey concert in New York on June 21 at the Barclays Centre.

Missouri singer Kristeen Young will join the performers on both dates – the first confirmed shows for Morrissey since he abandoned touring last year.

Tom Jones and Cliff Richard will appear on separate dates in Morrissey concerts
Tom Jones and Cliff Richard will appear on separate dates in Morrissey concerts

Morrissey, who eventually cancelled more than 40 dates, suffered a number of illnesses while on tour including a bleeding ulcer, Barrett’s oesophagus and double pneumonia.

The 54-year-old singer is expected to release a 10th solo studio album later this year.

In January, Morrissey took a swipe at the music industry saying: “The majority of people have lost faith in the music industry… It’s all, now, solely a question of marketing.

“All success stories are safe and dreary, and you will never be taken by surprise by a hit song that sounds out of place.”

Greece unemployment rate reaches record high of 28% in November 2013

Clyde K. Valle
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Greece unemployment rate reaches record high of 28% in November 2013

Greece’s unemployment rate reached a record high of 28% in November 2013, according to newly released government figures.

The jobless rate increased from 27.7% in the previous month. For those under the age of 25, unemployment hit 61.4%.

Harsh austerity measures have led the Greek economy to shrink by a quarter in four years.

However, other economic indicators have suggested that there are signs of recovery.

Before Greece received its first 110 billion-euro ($150 billion) bailout in May 2010, the jobless rate was under 12% here.

Slight growth is expected this year and the deficit now wiped out, apart from interest payments on the bailout.

Greece’s unemployment rate reached a record high of 28 percent in November 2013
Greece’s unemployment rate reached a record high of 28 percent in November 2013

Greek unemployment is more than twice the average rate in the eurozone.

According to official EU figures, the number of people out of work in the single currency bloc in December was 19 million, with the jobless rate at 12%.

Other economic figures such as retail sales, manufacturing activity and construction, have pointed to signs that Greece’s recession has bottomed out.

However, Greece’s unemployment rate is expected to rise further in the first three months of 2014 as firms continue to restructure and cut jobs.

With 1.38 million people officially jobless, turning around the country’s economy will take time, even if the recovery does start this year as Athens hopes.

Before the crash when Greece was growing at up to 5% annually, about 50,000 jobs a year were added to the economy.

At these rates it could take more than 20 years to reduce the jobless totals – without measures to encourage domestic and foreign investment.

Vladimir Putin backs Abdul Fattah al-Sisi’s bid for Egypt presidency

Roy Siemens
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Vladimir Putin backs Abdul Fattah al-Sisi’s bid for Egypt presidency

Vladimir Putin has announced he backs Egypt’s military chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in his “bid for the presidency”.

Vladimir Putin, meeting Field Marshal Sisi in Moscow to discuss an arms deal, said he was “aware” of his decision to run.

However, there has been no announcement on the matter from the Egyptian side.

General Abdul Fattah al-Sisi led the overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi last July, and the new constitution calls for an election by mid-April.

Correspondents say Field Marshal Sisi would be likely to win, given his popularity and the lack of any serious rivals.

Vladimir Putin said: “I know that you, mister defence minister, have decided to run for president of Egypt.

“I wish you luck both from myself personally and from the Russian people.”

Vladimir Putin has announced he backs Egypt's military chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in his bid for the presidency
Vladimir Putin has announced he backs Egypt’s military chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in his bid for the presidency

Field Marshal Sisi is in Russia to negotiate a $2 billion arms deal, after the US suspended some of its annual military assistance in response to Mohamed Morsi’s removal.

Field Marshal Sisi said: “Our visit offers a new start to the development of military and technological co-operation between Egypt and Russia. We hope to speed up this co-operation.”

No details have been released about the military discussions, although Russian media pointed to Egyptian interest in acquiring air defence missiles, MiG-29 jets and helicopters, among other weapons.

Two weeks ago Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) gave its public support to any presidential bid by Field Marshal Sisi.

However, last week, the military issued a denial after a Kuwaiti newspaper quoted the field marshal as saying he would run for the presidency.

The military said at the time that any announcement would “be done via clear and direct statements that cannot be doubted or misinterpreted”.

The 59-year-old former military intelligence chief was appointed head of the armed forces and defence minister by Mohamed Morsi in August 2012.

But after mass protests demanding Mohamed Morsi’s resignation took place on the first anniversary of his taking office, it was the field marshal who gave the president an ultimatum that he would have to satisfy the public’s demands or see the army step in.

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Lorde shares picture with acne cream on

Lisa.Felice
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Lorde shares picture with acne cream on

Lorde proved that she really is just a typical teenager by sharing her acne-fighting skin care routine on Instagram.

Lorde, 17, shared a picture of her bare face with the captation: “In bed in Paris with my acne cream on.” Wearing her hair up in a bun and a black T-shirt, the precocious New Zealand singer took a closeup photo of her face with spots of a blemish-fighting treatment on chin and cheeks.

Lorde proved that she really is just a typical teenager by sharing her acne-fighting skin care routine on Instagram
Lorde proved that she really is just a typical teenager by sharing her acne-fighting skin care routine on Instagram

Last month, rumors and speculation abounded online that Lorde (real name Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor) wasn’t actually 17, based on her more mature appearance. To prove the “Lorde age truthers” wrong, The Hairpin website then published Lorde’s birth certificate that listed her birthdate as November 7, 1996.

Telangana protest: Pepper spray fired in Indian parliament over new state bill

Nancy Clayson
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Telangana protest: Pepper spray fired in Indian parliament over new state bill

India’s lower house of parliament erupted in mayhem after a legislator used pepper spray to disrupt proceedings.

The MP from the governing Congress party, L Rajagopal, was protesting against a plan to create the new state of Telangana in southern India.

Some members had to be taken to hospital. L Rajagopal was suspended along with several other MPs.

The parliament has often witnessed unruly scenes but what happened on Thursday morning is unprecedented.

L Rajagopal smashed a glass and used pepper spray on his colleagues when Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde tried to table the bill to create Telangana, which will be carved out of Andhra Pradesh state.

Some unconfirmed reports said another legislator pulled out a knife. Several other MPs were reportedly involved in clashes with their opponents.

India's lower house of parliament erupted in mayhem after a legislator used pepper spray to disrupt proceedings
India’s lower house of parliament erupted in mayhem after a legislator used pepper spray to disrupt proceedings

The Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that four ambulances were called in and an unspecified number of members of parliament were taken to hospital.

Indian television showed members of parliament leaving the colonial-era building coughing and spluttering, some wiping their eyes.

“Members tried to use gas in the house… gas the house… I did not see, but I am informed that there was a knife, there was gas, there were other kinds of weapons,” PTI quoted Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath as saying.

“The circumstances and incidents which took place in the house are a big blot on our parliamentary democracy,” he added.

The entire session of the current parliament – which began on February 5 – has been disrupted by those against the creation of Telangana.

Telangana, with a population of 35 million, would comprise 10 of Andhra Pradesh’s 23 districts, including the city of Hyderabad.

Backers of the new state say the area has been neglected by the government.

Those against the idea are unhappy that Hyderabad, home to many major information technology and pharmaceutical companies, would become a shared state capital for 10 years after which it would remain with Telangana while Andhra Pradesh would have to develop a new capital.

Last month, lawmakers of the Congress party, which governs Andhra Pradesh, opposed a proposal to split the state.

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French couple found dead in final embrace

Nancy Clayson
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French couple found dead in final embrace

The French emergency services found the dead bodies of a woman of 94 and a man of 55 locked in an embrace in the flat they shared in Bordeaux.

The authorities entered the flat after being alerted by a caretaker, whose suspicions were aroused by the smell on the stairs, local media say.

They had lived together for five years or more, since the woman took the man in from a life on the streets.

When a fall two years ago largely confined her to the flat, he stayed on.

Forensics experts believe the man, Didier Delavigne, died first and the woman, Elisabeth Devidas, died shortly afterwards, the French newspaper Sud Ouest reports.

The woman was found on Monday afternoon with her arm wrapped around her companion in their bed in the flat, close to Bordeaux railway station.

The French emergency services found the dead bodies of a woman of 94 and a man of 55 locked in an embrace in the flat they shared in Bordeaux
The French emergency services found the dead bodies of a woman of 94 and a man of 55 locked in an embrace in the flat they shared in Bordeaux

People who knew them told the paper they had made an “odd couple of iconoclasts”, walking hand in hand in the street at the start of their relationship.

“They say he was homeless and you could smell the wine from 10 metres away,” Heri Rananaivoson, the caretaker, recalled of Didier Delavigne, when he first made his appearance six or seven years ago.

But he seems to have changed after he met Elisabeth Devidas, for whom he initially ran errands before moving in.

“I saw him on the mend,” said Heri Rananaivoson.

“He stopped smelling of alcohol.”

The last time he saw Didier Delavigne, at the beginning of the month, he was “looking well”.

Mila Kunis surprise bash for Ashton Kutcher’s 36th birthday

Lisa.Felice
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Mila Kunis surprise bash for Ashton Kutcher’s 36th birthday

Mila Kunis arranged a surprise bash for Ashton Kutcher’s 36th birthday at La Poubelle restaurant in Hollywood on Saturday night.

“It was very small. Ashton has been going there for year and years,” an insider exclusively told Us Weekly.

“It’s one of his favorite spots, like home, so it was comfortable and they were well taken care of.”

Mila Kunis arranged a surprise bash for Ashton Kutcher’s 36th birthday at La Poubelle restaurant in Hollywood
Mila Kunis arranged a surprise bash for Ashton Kutcher’s 36th birthday at La Poubelle restaurant in Hollywood

Ashton Kutcher’s friends also helped to rent out the place for the night.

“They had been planning it for awhile. Ashton didn’t want a huge thing but they got a good group together,” the source added.

“He’s certainly changed from how he used to like to party years ago. This was more of a wholesome situation. They had a great time.”

The witness added that the couple of nearly two years “looked romantic together” as they feasted on T-bone steak, shells and cheese with lobster, quail, braised rib and short rib at the French bistro.

Prince William and Jecca Craig reunited during hunting trip in Spain

Lisa.Felice
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Prince William and Jecca Craig reunited during hunting trip in Spain

Prince William and his ex-girlfriend Jessica “Jecca” Craig reunited during a hunting trip in Spain taken last weekend with a group of pals.

According to Us Weekly, while Prince William went on hunting trip, Kate Middleton and their son Prince George stayed home in London.

Jecca Craig and Prince William were photographed on February 6, joking and chatting animatedly together along with a bunch of pals, including Prince Harry, arriving at the Seville airport.

Jecca Craig attended the royal wedding back in 2011 with boyfriend Captain Philip Kaye
Jecca Craig attended the royal wedding back in 2011 with boyfriend Captain Philip Kaye

Prince William led the pack of hunters with Jessica Craig, who looked casual in jeans, chucks and a green utility jacket. The troupe then took a helicopter to the countryside property of the Duke of Westminster to “shoot wild boar and stag”, the insider told Us Weekly.

Jecca Craig and Prince William were linked during his years at Eton, when the two were teens, and remained good friends in the years following. She even attended the royal wedding back in 2011 with boyfriend Captain Philip Kaye.

Prince William’s recent hunting trip has enraged animal rights advocates.

Rand Paul sues Obama administration over NSA mass surveillance

Diane A. Wade
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Rand Paul sues Obama administration over NSA mass surveillance

Senator Rand Paul sued the Obama administration Wednesday over the NSA’s mass collection of millions of Americans’ phone records.

Rand Paul , a possible Republican presidential candidate, said he and the conservative activist group FreedomWorks filed the suit for themselves and on behalf of “everyone in America that has a phone”.

The lawsuit argues that the bulk collection program that’s been in existence since 2006 violates the US Constitution’s Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches. It calls for an end to the program, which was revealed by former NSA analyst Edward Snowden.

The Obama administration maintains that the program, begun under President George W. Bush, is legal. Courts have largely sided with the government.

Rand Paul sued the Obama administration over the NSA's mass collection of millions of Americans' phone records
Rand Paul sued the Obama administration over the NSA’s mass collection of millions of Americans’ phone records

President Barack Obama has called for reforms to the program in an effort to regain public trust. Others, like Rand Paul, have called for the end of this kind of surveillance.

Rand Paul dodged a question about his presidential ambitions during a news conference Wednesday. But his lawsuit is the latest effort to propel the debate over the once-secret surveillance program into the 2016 presidential campaign.

The surveillance debate has exposed intra-party tensions for Republicans. The party split on this issue between its leadership, which backs the program on security grounds, and libertarian-minded members who are more wary of government involvement in Americans’ private lives.

The Republican National Committee last month approved a resolution to end the surveillance programs. While some Republicans played down its significance, the nonbinding vote was seen as a nod to Republicans like Rand Paul.

The White House and Justice Department did not comment on the lawsuit specifically, but said they believe the bulk collection of phone records is legal.

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Paula Deen launches new company with $75 million cash infusion from private investment firm

Lisa.Felice
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Paula Deen launches new company with $75 million cash infusion from private investment firm

Paula Deen announced Wednesday that she’s launched an umbrella company that will oversee her restaurants, cookbooks, product endorsements and other remaining slices of her media empire.

The new company, called Paula Deen Ventures, said private-equity firm Najafi Companies is investing $75 million to $100 million to help the cook make a comeback.

Paul Deen’s fortunes took a dive last year after comments she made under oath during proceedings in a lawsuit, namely that she had used racial slurs in the past, became public.

The Food Network dropped Paula Deen, as did pork producer Smithfield Foods, book publisher Ballantine and several other companies that paid her to endorse their products.

In a statement, Paula Deen praised the partnership with Phoenix-based Najafi and the decision to name Steven Nanula, who has already worked with Deen for the past two years, to serve as CEO of Paula Deen Ventures.

Paul Deen's fortunes took a dive last year after comments she made under oath during proceedings in a lawsuit, namely that she had used racial slurs in the past, became public
Paul Deen’s fortunes took a dive last year after comments she made under oath during proceedings in a lawsuit, namely that she had used racial slurs in the past, became public

“I know this is the right decision to lead my team, as we continue to share quality products with my fans — whose love and support have built my brands,” Paula Deen said.

Jahm Najafi, CEO of the Najafi Companies, said his firm has great respect for Paula Deen’s past success and is confident its investment will pay off.

Others brands to benefit from Najafi’s investments include the Phoenix Suns pro basketball team, the Book of the Month Club and SkyMall, the direct marketing business aimed at travelers.

“We know that the enterprise will be successful and valuable, as Paula and her team continue to bring quality products and experiences to her loyal fan base,” Najafi said in a statement.

Paula Deen’s image took a crushing blow last summer when a transcript of a legal deposition she gave to attorneys in a discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee was made public.  She was asked under oath if she had ever used the N-word.

“Yes, of course,” Paula Deen replied, though she added: “It’s been a very long time.”

The lawsuit was settled out of court in August and terms were never disclosed.

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Ray Nagin: Former New Orleans mayor found guilty of corruption

Nancy Clayson
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Ray Nagin: Former New Orleans mayor found guilty of corruption

Ray Nagin, the former New Orleans mayor who was in office during Hurricane Katrina, has been found guilty of corruption.

Ray Nagin, 56, helped contractors secure millions of dollars of work in exchange for bribes, free trips and other gifts.

He was charged in January 2013. The former mayor was found guilty of 20 of the 21 charges against him.

Mayor of the city from 2002 to 2010, Ray Nagin was criticised for failing to implement his evacuation plan when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005.

Before the verdict was read, Ray Nagin said outside the New Orleans federal court that he had been “at peace with this for a long time”.

Ray Nagin was found guilty of 20 of the 21 charges against him
Ray Nagin was found guilty of 20 of the 21 charges against him

Prosecutors argued during his trial Ray Nagin took at least $500,000 in bribes, beginning before Hurricane Katrina but continuing during the city’s recovery.

The graft included money, free vacations and tonnes of free granite for the stone company Ray Nagin and his sons owned.

In exchange, the local businesses were awarded consulting and construction contracts with the city.

Ray Nagin, a Democrat who served two terms, was his defence lawyers’ chief witness.

During testimony Ray Nagin vehemently denied taking bribes, saying he was bound to approve contracts awarded to the lowest bidder or through a panel recommendation process.

At least four Ray Nagin associates have already pleaded guilty in the case. Defence lawyers also argued the prosecution’s case was built on the testimony of business owners who pleaded guilty in hopes of getting lighter sentences.

Among more than two dozen prosecution witnesses were five people who said they were involved in bribing the former mayor.

Each charge carries a sentence of three to 20 years, but how long he will serve is unclear.

Ray Nagin will remain free on bond but will be monitored, before his sentencing hearing, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported.

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Sochi Winter Olympics 2014: Day Six, February 13

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

Sochi Winter Games Day Six, February 13

Medals to be won today: Biathlon (men’s individual), cross country skiing (women’s classic), freestyle skiing (men’s slopestyle), luge (team relay), short track speed skating (women’s 500m), speed skating (women’s 1,000m).

Highlights include:

05:00 Curling – group games.

Sochi Winter Olympics 2014
Sochi Winter Olympics 2014

06:15 Freestyle skiing – men’s slopestyle.

07:30 Skeleton – women’s first and second heats.

12:30 Ice hockey – men’s group games.

16:15 Luge – team relay.

Also: figure skating (men’s short program).

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Valentine’s Day Recipe: Eclair Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Kathryn R. Bown
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Valentine’s Day Recipe: Eclair Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Eclair Cake with Chocolate Ganache

 

Ingredients (1 9 x 13-inch dish):

Pastry Shell:

1 cup water

1/2 cup butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 eggs

Eclair Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Eclair Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Filling:

2 cups cold heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix

2 cups cold milk

Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

  1. Preheat an oven to 400 F (200 C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place a mixing bowl in the freezer to chill.
  2. Combine the water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the flour. Cook and stir until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Spread the dough evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Bake the pastry in the preheated oven until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. (The dough will rise and make a boat shape, but should drop as it cools.) Cool completely on wire rack.
  4. Remove the chilled mixing bowl from the freezer and pour in 2 cups of cold whipping cream. Whip until the cream thickens, about 1 minute; stir in the confectioners’ sugar and the vanilla extract. Continue to whip until the cream forms stiff peaks. Refrigerate the whipped cream while you mix the pudding.
  5. Pour the pudding mixes and the milk into a mixing bowl and stir until creamy. Fold in the whipped cream. Spread the filling over the cooled crust and refrigerate.
  6. Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Bring 1 cup of cream almost to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow it to soften for 1 minute. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly to thicken, about 10 minutes. Pour the ganache over the cream filling, spreading to cover the entire surface. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Richie Incognito attacks Jonathan Martin on Twitter

Clyde K. Valle
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Richie Incognito attacks Jonathan Martin on Twitter

After weeks of an NFL-launched investigation, Richie Incognito voiced his feelings towards his teammate Jonathan Martin on Twitter.

Richie Incognito, who had been suspended from the Miami Dolphins since November 3 following bullying allegations by teammate Jonathan Martin, had his suspension lifted last week.

Richie Incognito, who will be a free agent in 2014, also went after Jonathan Martin’s agent and accused him of releasing a voicemail to ESPN.

The Dolphins guard has been waiting patiently for the release of independent arbitrator Ted Wells’ report on the alleged bullying scandal that rocked the NFL landscape last season but Wednesday Richie Incognito decided to let loose on Twitter:

“I’m ready to move on with my life and career. I’ve been dragged through the mud for months by my <<best friend>>.”

Richie Incognito voiced his feelings towards his teammate Jonathan Martin on Twitter
Richie Incognito voiced his feelings towards his teammate Jonathan Martin on Twitter

“Dear Jon Martin….. The truth is going to bury you and your entire <<camp>>. You could have told the truth the entire time.”

“Jon Martin—you started all of this when Kenny Zuckerman released the VM to ESPN. The same VM we joked about with @brianhartline.”

“Kenny Zuckerman from Priority Sports…. What do you have to say for your actions? Why did you release the VM. What was your goal ?”

“I’m guilty of being a loyal friend and good teammate. I apologize for my poor language and rude remarks. I’ve never denied it.”

“I apologize to all of the women out there that I offended with my text messages to my close personal friend.”

“FACT: Jonathan Martin told me he thought about taking his own life in MAY 2013 b/c he wasn’t playing well. Told me he felt worthless.”

“I have no further comment at this time. Please contact my attorney Mark Schamel…”

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US ice storm hits South and East Coast leaving 350,000 people without power

Nancy Clayson
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US ice storm hits South and East Coast leaving 350,000 people without power

A massive ice storm is now poised to pummel the US East Coast after wreaking havoc in the South, say forecasters.

More than 350,000 people are reportedly without power and 3,000 US flights have been cancelled due to ice and strong winds.

Nearly empty roadways were reported as many heeded warnings to stay indoors.

More than 350,000 people are reportedly without power and 3,000 US flights have been cancelled due to ice and strong winds
More than 350,000 people are reportedly without power and 3,000 US flights have been cancelled due to ice and strong winds

North Carolina and Virginia are bracing for up to 1ft of snow as the storm rolls north.

It is predicted to drop up to 8in of snow in Washington DC and up to 10in in New York overnight.

At least five traffic accident deaths were blamed on ice in Texas and Mississippi.

The National Weather Service said it was an event of “historical proportions”, drawing comparisons with similar weather systems that struck the Atlanta area in 2000 and 1973.

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Sid Caesar dies at the age of 91

Sonia Pantiss
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Sid Caesar dies at the age of 91

Your Show of Shows star Sid Caesar has died at the age of 91, according to US media reports.

The veteran star of the “Golden Age” of US television also played Coach Calhoun in the hit musical Grease.

Sid Caesar’s friend and fellow comedian Carl Reiner said that he died at his home in Los Angeles.

Sid Caesar is best known for appearing in the classic TV series Your Show of Shows
Sid Caesar is best known for appearing in the classic TV series Your Show of Shows

He is best known for appearing in the classic TV series Your Show of Shows, which was a major influence on later US sketch shows.

Sid Caesar was also known for his show Caesar’s Hour, in which he displayed his prowess in mimicry and satire.

His career spanned six decades, although his appearances became less regular in later years.

Sid Caesar had been ill for about a year before his death, his friend Carl Reiner told Reuters.

Jade Rabbit rover declared dead on the Moon

James J. Williams
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Jade Rabbit rover declared dead on the Moon

Jade Rabbit lunar rover has been declared dead on the surface of the Moon, Chinese state media have reported.

The robot suffered a serious mechanical problem last month; officials have said it “could not be restored to full function”.

Jade Rabbit lunar rover has been declared dead on the surface of the Moon
Jade Rabbit lunar rover has been declared dead on the surface of the Moon

The Jade Rabbit, or Yutu in Chinese, was deployed on the Moon’s surface on December 15.

It was the first successful soft landing on the Moon since 1976.

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Dzhokhar Tsarnaev trial date set for November 3

Nancy Clayson
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Dzhokhar Tsarnaev trial date set for November 3

Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev trial date has been set for November 3.

The federal judge rejected defense lawyer pleas for more time.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 20, could face the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have said they expect the trial to last 12 weeks. If he’s found guilty, the sentencing phase could take another six weeks.

The accused has pleaded not guilty to 30 charges, of which 17 carry the possibility of capital punishment.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev trial date has been set for November 3
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev trial date has been set for November 3

Authorities say Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his older brother Tamerlan – who was killed in a firefight with police – built and planted two pressure cooker bombs that killed three people and injured at least 260 others at the iconic race last April.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is also charged with killing an MIT campus police officer before he was found hiding in a dry-docked boat during a massive manhunt that put the city on lockdown.

The federal execution system has been put on hold by a court battle over the combination of drugs used to administer a lethal injection. One of the drugs is no longer available, forcing the Bureau of Prisons to consider alternatives.

In the event of a conviction and a recommendation of a death sentence, the execution by lethal injection would be carried out at a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana.

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Duck Dynasty king cake at Paul’s Pastry for Mardi Gras

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck Dynasty king cake at Paul’s Pastry for Mardi Gras

Paul’s Pastry in Picayune, Mississippi, is presenting the Duck Dynasty cake as part of their 58 Days of King Cake series.

Themed on the popular Duck Dynasty reality television show, this cake offers fans of the program a unique take on New Orleans’ favorite Mardi Gras Carnival confection.

Paul's Pastry is presenting the Duck Dynasty cake as part of their 58 Days of King Cake series
Paul’s Pastry is presenting the Duck Dynasty cake as part of their 58 Days of King Cake series

Paul’s Pastry bills itself as “home of the original cream cheese and fruit-filled king cake”.

The Duck Dynasty king cake from Paul’s Pastry features sliced almonds, cream cheese and strawberry filling, “camo” sprinkles, and the faces of bearded men.

According to Paul’s Pastry website, Duck Dynasty king cake comes in an exhaustive variety of flavored fillings.

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