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Francois Hollande and Valerie Trierweiler split: Elysee Palace denies separation rumors

The Elysee Palace has contradicted media reports that President Francois Hollande would officially announce his separation from his partner, Valerie Trierweiler, on Saturday.

The president’s office said “false rumors” had been circulating in the French media.

Two weeks ago Closer magazine published photos apparently showing Francois Hollande’s affair with actress Julie Gayet.

Valerie Trierweiler spent a week in hospital after the revelations.

Francois Hollande, who has never denied having an affair with Julie Gayet, has admitted to a “difficult moment” in his relationship with Valerie Trierweiler.

On Thursday, Valerie Trierweiler sacked her lawyer for saying she was seeking to end her relationship with Francois Hollande “with the greatest possible dignity”.

The Elysee Palace has contradicted media reports that President Francois Hollande would officially announce his separation from Valerie Trierweiler
The Elysee Palace has contradicted media reports that President Francois Hollande would officially announce his separation from Valerie Trierweiler

Sources close to Francois Hollande told French media the presidency would make an official announcement on Saturday.

Valerie Trierweiler, who has continued to work as a journalist for the glossy magazine Paris-Match, is travelling to India on Sunday in support of the work of the French charity Action Against Hunger.

Since she left hospital, Valerie Trierweiler has been staying at an official residence, La Lanterne, near Versailles.

“He [Francois Hollande] has consulted her and brought her up to date, she accepts the situation as a fait accompli, but she is leaving it to him to take the initiative,” a member of Valerie Trierweiler’s entourage told the newspaper Le Parisien.

Valerie Trierweiler and Francois Hollande have never married. She announced their relationship six months after he left his previous partner, one-time French presidential candidate Segolene Royal, with whom he has four children.

For her part, Julie Gayet has announced she is suing Closer magazine, which published the original reports, for breach of privacy.

GM purple tomatoes large-scale production under way in Canada

Genetically modified purple tomato large-scale production is now under way in Canada with the first 1,200 litres of purple tomato juice ready for shipping.

The dark pigment, known as anthocyanin, is intended to give tomatoes the same potential health benefits as fruit such as blueberries.

Anthocyanin is an antioxidant which studies on animals show could help fight cancer.

Scientists say the new tomatoes, first developed in Britain, could improve the nutritional value of everything from ketchup to pizza topping.

The tomatoes were developed at the John Innes Centre in Norwich where Prof. Cathie Martin hopes the first delivery of large quantities of juice will allow researchers to investigate its potential.

They are part of a new generation of GM plants designed to appeal to consumers – the first types were aimed specifically at farmers as new tools in agriculture.

Genetically modified purple tomato large-scale production is now under way in Canada
Genetically modified purple tomato large-scale production is now under way in Canada

The purple pigment is the result of the transfer of a gene from a snapdragon plant – the modification triggers a process within the tomato plant allowing the anthocyanin to develop.

Although the invention is British, Prof. Cathie Martin says EU restrictions on GM encouraged her to look abroad to develop the technology.

Canadian regulations are seen as more supportive of GM and that led to a deal with an Ontario company, New Energy Farms, which is now producing enough purple tomatoes in a 5,000sq ft greenhouse to make 440 gallons of juice.

The first 1,200 litres are due to be shipped to Norwich shortly – and because all the seeds will have been removed, there is no genetic material to risk any contamination.

The aim is to use the juice in research to conduct a wide range of tests including examining whether the anthocyanin has positive effects on humans. Earlier studies show benefits as an anti-inflammatory and in slowing cancers in mice.

A key question is whether a GM product that may have health benefits will influence public opinion.

A major survey across the EU in 2010 found opponents outnumbered supporters by roughly three to one. The last approval for a GM food crop in the EU came in 1998.

Prof. Cathie Martin hopes that the purple tomato juice will have a good chance of being approved for sale to consumers in North America in as little as two years’ time.

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Justin Bieber tweets message to fans after DUI arrest in Miami Beach

A day after his DUI arrest in Miami Beach, Justin Bieber took to his Twitter to address concerned fans.

Justin Bieber, 19, wrote to his fans: “YOU ARE ALL WORTHY NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS.”

The singer then alluded to a Bible verse: “BE STRONG GOD IS WITH US ALL.”

“MY BELIEBERS CHANGED MY LIFE> I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL.”

Justin Bieber was arrested early Thursday in Miami Beach for driving with an expired license and driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs.

The arresting officer also said the teen cussed repeatedly as he resisted arrest.

Justin Bieber was arrested in Miami Beach for driving with an expired license and DUI
Justin Bieber was arrested in Miami Beach for driving with an expired license and DUI

Hours after his arrest, Justin Bieber made a solemn appearance in court wearing a red jumpsuit, where his bond was set at $2,500.

On Friday, Justin Bieber posted a split-screen Instagram photo comparing himself to Michael Jackson.

His manager, Scooter Braun, also broke his silence Friday and wrote a direct tweet at Justin Bieber: “@justinbieber love you and I will act in the manner of someone who truly cares.”

“That is all I have to say. Thanks for all those concerned.”

“Bottom line is we are defined by how we handle adversity. Be there when it counts. Love fully in good times and bad.”

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Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick list Calabasas house for $3.5 million

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick has quietly listed their current home in Calabasas, California, for sale.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick are asking $3.499 million for the designer pad that was “dramatically reimagined” by celebrity decorator Jeff Andrews. That’s more than double what the reality stars paid for the home in December 2010.

Built in 2004, the East Coast traditional offers a comfortable four bedrooms and four full bathrooms. However, in recent months, the celebrity family has found that they have simply outgrown the 5,400-square-foot home.

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick has quietly listed their current home in Calabasas, California, for sale
Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick has quietly listed their current home in Calabasas, California, for sale

“Our family is bigger since we moved in,” Kourtney Kardashian told Domaine.

“I’d like to have a guest room and more space outside for the kids.”

Bathed in black and white, the interiors feature colorful accents clearly aimed at drawing the eye. The style is especially prevalent in the living and the office, where various accessories and finishes pop in the modern surroundings.

In addition to its luxury touches, the designer living space features an open floor plan containing an entry breezeway, a gourmet kitchen and a master suite complete with a private sitting area, balcony, two walk-in closets and a spa-like spa sheathed in marble accents. Outside, a swimming pool, patio and loggia frame mountain and city views.

Courtney Love wins Twitter defamation case against former lawyer Rhonda Holmes

Courtney Love did not defame her former lawyer Rhonda Holmes in a 2010 Twitter post, a jury said on Friday.

The verdict comes after an eight-day trial that centered on Courtney Love’s statements against San Diego-based lawyer Rhonda Holmes.

Courtney Love, 49, hired Rhonda Holmes to pursue a case against the estate of her late husband, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. The case was never filed and Rhonda Holmes said Courtney Love fired her.

Courtney Love did not defame her former lawyer Rhonda Holmes in a 2010 Twitter post
Courtney Love did not defame her former lawyer Rhonda Holmes in a 2010 Twitter post

Courtney Love’s tweet suggested that Rhonda Holmes had been “bought off”.

Attorneys for Courtney Love maintained that she meant for the post to be a private message and few people saw it.

Rhonda Holmes’ lawyers sought $8 million in damages.

Courtney Love attended and testified at the trial but was not present when the verdict was read.

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Kim Kardashian shares Paris wedding plans on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Kim Kardashian made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week and shared her wedding plans with fiancé Kanye West.

“We will be getting married this summer, hopefully, in Paris,” Kim Kardashian, 33, told host Jimmy Kimmel.

Kim Kardashian made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week and shared her wedding plans with fiancé Kanye West
Kim Kardashian made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week and shared her wedding plans with fiancé Kanye West

“We love it there.”

Last weekend, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, 36, made a quick trip to Paris together.

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Kim Kardashian shares photo of baby North West with cousin Penelope Disick

Kim Kardashian shared an adorable picture of her 7-month-old daughter North West with Kourtney’s 18-month-old girl Penelope.

Kim Kardashian shared an adorable picture of her 7-month-old daughter North West with Kourtney’s 18-month-old girl Penelope
Kim Kardashian shared an adorable picture of her 7-month-old daughter North West with Kourtney’s 18-month-old girl Penelope

Baby North West is seen sitting in front of her older cousin. She’s sporting a white onesie, yellow bib, and has her light brown locks swept across her forehead.

Kourtney Kardashian and Scot Disick’s daughter meanwhile, is wearing a grey sweater while wrapping her arms around Nori.

H7N9 Bird Flu alert: China confirms 73 cases in first days of 2014

According to the World Health Organization, a surge in cases of the deadly new strain of bird flu has been reported in China at the beginning of 2014.

Only a handful of people had been infected with H7N9 since June, but health officials have reported 73 cases so far this month.

Influenza researchers argue the winter season and preparations for Chinese New Year may be driving the increase.

The WHO called for vigilance, saying the virus was likely to remain present for some time.

H7N9 made the jump from infecting domestic chickens and ducks to infecting people at the end of March 2013.

Within a month, 126 cases and 24 deaths had been recorded.

The virus was stopped in its tracks as control measures, such as closing live poultry markets, were introduced.

Influenza researchers argue the winter season and preparations for Chinese New Year may be driving the increase of bird flu cases
Influenza researchers argue the winter season and preparations for Chinese New Year may be driving the increase of bird flu cases

There were just five cases between June and November.

The recent jump takes the total number of cases to 219, including 55 deaths.

Apart from a couple of cases in close family clusters, the virus has not been able to spread from person to person.

Gregory Hartl, spokesman for the WHO, said flu viruses circulated more easily during the colder winter months.

“Our calculation was always that we were going to have to watch the winter, and that’s where we are at the moment.

“We need to remain vigilant, but so far the virus does not seem to have mutated in any way,” he says.

“Some people will be looking very closely at the Chinese New Year, when there will be lots of people travelling.

“It will be crowded on trains and they’ll also be travelling with chickens.”

The H7N9 virus itself, however, does not appear to have mutated in a way that could make it more likely to spread around the globe.

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Egypt uprising anniversary: At least seven people die in violent clashes

At least seven people died during violent clashes between supporters and opponents of the military-backed government as Egypt marks the third anniversary of the 2011 uprising which ended with the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak.

Police broke up anti-government protests with tear gas, and arrests were reported in Cairo and Alexandria.

Hundreds have died since July when the army deposed President Mohamed Morsi.

The government has said extra security measures are in place for Saturday.

Egyptian Interior Minister Muhammad Ibrahim urged Egyptians not to be afraid to go to events marking the anniversary of the uprising.

Egypt marks the third anniversary of the 2011 uprising which ended with the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak
Egypt marks the third anniversary of the 2011 uprising which ended with the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak

Thousands of supporters of the military and the government have gathered in high-profile locations including Tahrir Square – the focal point of the 18-day 2011 popular revolt.

Participants waved Egyptian flags and banners showing army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whom many urged to run for president.

But police dealt harshly with anti-government protesters in Cairo and elsewhere. At least seven people have died – four in the greater Cairo area, two in the southern city of Minya and a woman in Egypt’s second city, Alexandria.

Shortly before 8 a.m. on Saturday, a bomb was thrown at the wall of the police training academy in the Cairo suburb of Ain Shams, reportedly injuring one person.

Six people died in four bombings in Cairo on Friday, along with at least another dozen people killed in clashes with security forces.

Meanwhile on Saturday, an army helicopter crashed in the restive Sinai peninsula, with an unconfirmed report that its crew of five soldiers was dead.

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High-fat diet during pregnancy may alters baby’s brain

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Animal studies suggest that high-fat diet during pregnancy has the potential to alter a baby’s developing brain and increase its chances of obesity later in life.

The team at Yale School of Medicine showed diet could change the structure of mice brains.

They argue this could explain why the children of obese parents are more likely to become grossly overweight.

Animal studies suggest that high-fat diet during pregnancy has the potential to alter a baby's developing brain and increase its chances of obesity later in life
Animal studies suggest that high-fat diet during pregnancy has the potential to alter a baby’s developing brain and increase its chances of obesity later in life

Experts said the study had merit, but brain changes in humans were unproven.

Obesity can run in families and shared eating habits are a major factor.

However, there is evidence that diet during pregnancy can also influence a child’s future waistline, such as through changes to DNA.

The latest foray into the field, published in the journal Cell, shows the structure of the brain itself may be changed.

The experiments on mice showed that mothers on a high-fat diet had pups with an altered hypothalamus, a part of the brain important for regulating metabolism.

These mouse pups were more likely to become overweight and develop type 2 diabetes than the pups of mothers given a normal diet.

Prof. Tamas Horvath, from Yale, says a healthy diet during pregnancy may help to break the cycle of obese parents having obese children.

George Zimmerman’s Angie painting copied AP photo

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The Associated Press news agency is demanding George Zimmerman to halt the sale of a painting it says he copied from one of its photos.

George Zimmerman was acquitted of murdering unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012.

He is seeking buyers for his portrait of Florida prosecutor Angela Corey that closely resembles a photograph shot by the Associated Press.

George Zimmerman sold a painting on eBay in December for $100,099.

In 2013, a jury found George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin, 17, in self-defense.

The painting, advertised on Twitter by George Zimmerman’s brother Robert, depicts Florida prosecutor Angela Corey holding her fingers together, with an apparently fictitious quote reading: “I have this much respect for the American judicial system.”

AP news agency says George Zimmerman directly copied a photo taken during the press conference in April 2012 in which Angela Corey announced he would face murder charges in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin
AP news agency says George Zimmerman directly copied a photo taken during the press conference in April 2012 in which Angela Corey announced he would face murder charges in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin

Robert Zimmerman has said he and his brother were in negotiations with potential buyers.

On Friday, an Associated Press spokesman said George Zimmerman “clearly directly copied an AP photo” taken during the press conference in April 2012 in which Angela Corey announced Zimmerman would face murder charges in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

The news agency has sent a letter to George Zimmerman’s former lawyer, Jayne Weintraub, calling for the sale of the painting to be halted, or for damages to be paid in the event of a sale.

In November, George Zimmerman was arrested after reportedly pointing a shotgun at his girlfriend. Prosecutors later declined to file domestic violence charges against him in the incident after the girlfriend refused to co-operate.

He was also briefly detained following a domestic disturbance at the home of his estranged wife, Shellie, in September.

George Zimmerman’s acquittal on a charge of second-degree murder over the February 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin also sparked a fierce debate about racial profiling and gun culture in the US.

He said the teenager, who was unarmed and walking at night toward his father’s house, attacked him when he confronted him about his presence in the neighborhood.

George Zimmerman said he shot Trayvon Martin in the chest in self-defense.

Nintendo World Championships: Rare Nintendo game auctioned on eBay

Nintendo World Championships, super-rare Nintendo game, is expected to fetch thousands of dollars in an eBay auction.

Only 116 copies of Nintendo World Championships were ever made, as part of a special event in 1990.

The first bid came in at $4,999, but the game is likely to fetch more, one Nintendo expert said.

Unfortunately for collectors, the cartridge is in poor condition – with a ripped label and “Mario” written on it in ballpoint pen.

“This is quite unfortunate but happened many decades ago,” explained the seller in his description of the “super-rare” item, adding that whoever wrote on the label did not have “a clue what they actually had”.

Nintendo World Championships was designed for a competition, and never went on general sale
Nintendo World Championships was designed for a competition, and never went on general sale

Created for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Nintendo World Championships was designed for a competition, and never went on general sale.

The game features shortened versions of three classics – Super Mario, Tetris and Rad Racer.

Competition entrants were given six minutes to amass points on the games, with whoever came top winning a trophy, a trip to Universal Studios and various other prizes.

Each of the 90 semi-finalists was given a grey cartridge like the one now up for auction.

Rarer still are the “golden” cartridges of the same game, sent out as part of a separate competition by Nintendo Power magazine.

Genuine copies of the game are hard to come by, and so the poor condition would not be too much of a deterrent to keen collectors, predicted Chris Scullion, games editor for Computer and Video Games.

The eBay auction is set to end on January 25.

Prince announces impromptu concert series in London

Prince has announced a number of concerts in London for next month.

The musician will play a number of “iconic venues in and around London”, after arriving on February 3, according to a statement.

Details will be announced in a press conference, set to be held in the flat of UK soul singer Lianne LaHavas.

The dates are in support of a new album, PlectrumElectrum, recorded with his all-female band, 3rdEyeGirl.

“Details about the event are very hush-hush at this time but as we find out more, you will be the 2nd ones to know,” said a press release.

Lianne LaHavas won a Mercury Prize nomination for her debut album Is Your Love Big Enough?.

Prince has announced a number of concerts in London for next month
Prince has announced a number of concerts in London for next month

“This 24-year-old singer-songwriter met Prince last year during LaHavas’ tour of America,” the press release explained.

“They jammed together at Prince’s Paisley Park Studio in Minneapolis and have kept in touch ever since.

“When Prince told Lianne he was coming to London to launch his new project, Ms LaHavas jokingly offered her flat as the location for the press conference.”

Prince, 55, has a habit of playing “hit and run” shows, often announced just days in advance.

Recent gigs have focused on his guitar-playing, backed by the powerhouse 3rdEyeGirl – three women he found online or through recommendations, and started playing with last January.

Guitarist Donna Grantis, drummer Hannah Ford and bassist Ida Neilsen have pushed harder tracks like Bambi and I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man to the front of his set-list.

Poppier moments, such as She’s Always In My Hair, have been retro-fitted with blazing guitar solos in the style of Jimi Hendrix and Santana.

However, it is not yet known what material will make the final cut of the PlectrumElectrum album.

Xi Jinping inspires Pork Bun Shop song

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China’s President Xi Jinping’s visit to a fast-food restaurant last month was reported across the globe, and has now inspired a song too.

Wu Songjin, a Guangzhou-based composer, said his new song Pork Bun Shop was inspired by footage of President Xi Jinping queuing up to order a reasonably-priced meal, according to Sichuan newspaper West China City Daily.

The visit was part of the president’s campaign to put his party back in touch with the people.

Pork Bun Shop song was inspired by footage of President Xi Jinping queuing up to order a reasonably-priced meal
Pork Bun Shop song was inspired by footage of President Xi Jinping queuing up to order a reasonably-priced meal

Wu Songjin says he was “moved” by the spectacle, and wrote the song with lyricist Zou Dangrong just in ten days.

Three singers recorded different versions of the song, all of which were popular with customers at the Beijing shop when Wu Songjin played them some samples. One customer said the “lyrics are simple, it’s down-to-earth and spreads positive energy”.

The newspaper reports that Professor Zhao Shilin, of Minzu Central University, claimed the song was reflective of a cult of personality, and “seriously damaged the leader’s image”.

Pork Bun Shop goes on sale at the end of January, to mark Chinese Lunar New Year. Singers from various regions of China are reportedly recording dialect versions already.

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Valerie Trierweiler to visit India amid Francois Hollande affair scandal

France’s First Lady Valerie Trierweiler is to visit India as uncertainty continues over her ties with President Francois Hollande.

Valerie Trierweiler will be in Mumbai on Sunday and Monday for a visit organized and funded by a French aid agency, Action Against Hunger.

She was invited in her official capacity, AFP news agency reports.

Doubts have arisen over her status since allegations that Francois Hollande was having an affair emerged.

Valerie Trierweiler and Francois Hollande are unmarried.

She was admitted to hospital immediately after the allegations surfaced on January 10 in Closer magazine, along with photos seeming to show him secretly meeting actress Julie Gayet.

Since leaving the clinic last Sunday, Valerie Trierweiler has not commented on the allegations but has been staying at a presidential retreat in Versailles, La Lanterne.

Valerie Trierweiler is to visit India as uncertainty continues over her ties with President Francois Hollande
Valerie Trierweiler is to visit India as uncertainty continues over her ties with President Francois Hollande

Valerie Trierweiler and Francois Hollande are scheduled to make their next official foreign visit together on February 11, a state visit to the US.

On Friday, President Francois Hollande visited Pope Francis at the Vatican on his own.

Valerie Trierweiler, 48, last visited India just under a year ago, in the company of the president, 59, when she saw a shelter for street children in the capital Delhi.

In Mumbai, Valerie Trierweiler will be shown around by French actress Charlotte Valandrey, who is involved in the cause of promoting organ donations and transplants.

She will visit a slum and attend a charity gala dinner at a hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace.

According to Action Against Hunger, the visit was planned “long in advance”.

It will be Valerie Trierweiler’s first appearance in the public eye since before the allegations of the affair.

The announcement of the Indian trip astonished some members of staff at the Elysee Palace, Le Parisien reported.

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JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon gets $20 million for 2013

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JPMorgan chairman and chief executive Jamie Dimon will be paid $20 million for the past year’s work.

Jamie Dimon’s pay was cut to $11.5 million in 2012 following huge trading losses. This was half the $23 million he received in 2011.

JPMorgan’s profits fell 16% last year, after costs resulting from legal issues dented the bank’s figures.

For 2013, Jamie Dimon was paid $1.5 million as a basic salary, and an additional $18.5 million in shares, the company said.

Over the past year, JPMorgan has paid around $20 billion to regulators for various violations relating to the US financial crisis.

JPMorgan chairman and chief executive Jamie Dimon will be paid $20 million for the past year's work
JPMorgan chairman and chief executive Jamie Dimon will be paid $20 million for the past year’s work

Jamie Dimon’s pay was initially cut after the so called “London Whale” trading loss, in which a single JPMorgan trader wracked up losses of $6 billion.

JPMorgan has also been caught up in another high-profile banking scandal – the manipulation of a key interest rate, the London inter-bank offered rate, or Libor.

It also had to pay fines totaling $2.6 billion to settle government and private claims resulting from its handling of the accounts of the convicted fraudster Bernie Madoff. The bank was accused of not reporting its concerns about Bernard Madoff’s investment scheme.

JPMorgan’s net income fell 7.3% for the fourth quarter of 2013 to $5.3 billion, from $5.7 billion in the final quarter of 2012.

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David O. Russell to make his first TV drama

American Hustle director David O. Russell is to make his first TV drama.

David O. Russell has co-written a 13-part series for the ABC network about a private country club and will also act as executive producer.

The drama has already been scheduled for a serial without a pilot episode.

David O. Russell is in contention for best director and best original screenplay at the Academy Awards, which take place in Los Angeles on March 2.

David O. Russell has co-written a 13-part series for the ABC network about a private country club and will also act as executive producer
David O. Russell has co-written a 13-part series for the ABC network about a private country club and will also act as executive producer

Last year, he scored nominations for best director and adapted screenplay for Silver Linings Playbook.

In 2011, The Fighter gained David O. Russell nods for best picture and director.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Russell co-wrote the story for the new TV series with Erin Brockovich screenwriter Susannah Grant. Erin Brockovich won Julia Roberts a best actress Oscar in 2001.

The magazine also reported that David O. Russell was previously attached to a television drama which did not air.

ABC has yet to announce casting and a broadcast date for the drama, described as telling the lives of both the staff and members of the country club.

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Ukraine protesters seize regional government offices

Ukraine anti-government protests are expanding after talks between the opposition and President Viktor Yanukovych stalled.

In western Ukraine, the protesters seized the regional government office in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk and are storming another one in Chernivtsi.

Protests were reported in Lutsk, in the north-west, and Sumy, in the east.

Meanwhile, President Viktor Yanukovych has vowed use “all legal means” if a solution to the crisis is not found.

The president also promised to amend anti-protests laws rushed through parliament last week and reshuffle the government at an urgent session of parliament due to begin on Tuesday.

In the capital Kiev, new barricades were erected overnight as the main protest camp expanded.

Freezing demonstrators in Kiev’s Independence Square – widely known as the Maidan – also occupied a government building as a truce with riot police continued.

Meanwhile, the parliament of the Crimean Autonomous Republic – seen as a staunch supporter of Viktor Yanukovych – urged the president to declare a state of emergency.

Ukraine anti-government protests are expanding after talks between the opposition and President Viktor Yanukovych stalled
Ukraine anti-government protests are expanding after talks between the opposition and President Viktor Yanukovych stalled

In other developments on Friday:

  • Germany and France are summoning Ukraine’s ambassadors over recent deadly clashes in Kiev
  • the EU’s enlargement commissioner, Stefan Fuele, has held talks in Kiev with Viktor Yanukovych and is due to meet opposition leaders
  • Viktor Yanukovych names Security and Defense Secretary Andriy Kluyev as new head of the presidential administration

The crisis escalated this week when the first deaths in the unrest happened.

In Ivano-Frankivsk, some 1,500 protesters occupied the regional administration and barricaded themselves in the building, according to the Ukrainska Pravda website.

The protesters are now demanding that the local governor should resign immediately.

In Chernivsti, crowds stormed the governor’s office as police tried to protect the building. People shouted “Shame on you!” and “Resign!”

In Lutsk, a big demonstration is being held outside the local administration. Unrest was also seen in Sumy.

Meanwhile, in Lviv protesters have now built barricades around the governor’s office that they seized on Thursday. There were also reports that some members of the special police, Berkut, were resigning.

In Kiev, masked activists stood guard around the newly-build defense barriers. Some activists were seen carrying riot shields captured from the police as trophies.

The barricades took shape on Hryshevskyy Street and also closer to the presidential administration building.

One group of protesters took control of the main agricultural ministry building, reportedly meeting no resistance.

Ministry workers were allowed to take their possessions but not permitted to go to work.

Interior Minister Vitali Zakharchenko issued a statement guaranteeing that police would not take action against the protest camp on Independence Square.

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Francois Hollande meets Pope Francis at Vatican

President Francois Hollande has met Pope Francis at the Vatican on his first foreign visit since reports of his alleged affair with actress Julie Gayet.

A Vatican statement said Francois Hollande and Pope Francis’ talks covered the family, bioethics and respect for religious communities.

France is planning to amend its laws on abortion and assisted suicide.

Francois Hollande’s partner, Valerie Trierweiler, spent a week in hospital amid claims he had been having an affair with Julie Gayet.

Julie Gayet has announced she is suing Closer magazine, which published the original reports, for breach of privacy.

Valerie Trierweiler, meanwhile, is travelling to India on Sunday in support of the work of the French charity Action Against Hunger.

On Thursday she sacked her lawyer for saying she was seeking to end her relationship withFrancois Hollande “with the greatest possible dignity”.

Valerie Trierweiler told the Europe 1 radio network she “felt betrayed”.

Francois Hollande has met Pope Francis at the Vatican on his first foreign visit since reports of his alleged affair with actress Julie Gayet
Francois Hollande has met Pope Francis at the Vatican on his first foreign visit since reports of his alleged affair with actress Julie Gayet

Speaking after their meeting, Francois Hollande said he had asked the Pope if the Vatican would receive a delegation from one of Syria’s main opposition groups, the National Council.

Talks aimed at ending the three-year-old Syrian conflict are under way in Switzerland.

“We need to do everything to stop the fighting and dispatch humanitarian aid,” Francois  Hollande said.

Hours before Francois Hollande arrived in Rome, a small bomb exploded outside the offices of a French foundation near the Vatican. No-one was injured, police said, but three parked cars were damaged.

In addition to his alleged affair with Julie Gayet, Francois Hollande and Valerie Trierweiler have never married – a further irritant to Catholic traditionalists.

Francois Hollande has refused to state whether Valerie Trierweiler remains his official partner and the first lady of France. The president has promised to clarify the situation before he makes a state visit to Washington next month.

He also has four children with his previous partner, Segolene Royal.

Relations between the Catholic Church and Francois Hollande’s Socialist Party have also been strained at a policy level.

The French National Assembly on Tuesday voted to strengthen the right to abortion and is considering a bill on assisted suicide.

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Geneva: Syrian government delegation threatens to quit peace talks

Syrian government delegation has threatened to quit peace talks in Geneva if “serious” discussions do not begin by Saturday.

Foreign Minister Walid Muallem issued the threat on Syrian state media after his team held talks with UN negotiator Lakhdar Brahimi.

Lakhdar Brahimi is due to meet the Syrian opposition separately later on Friday.

Correspondents say the talks have been troubled from the start, as both sides have deeply entrenched positions.

Syria’s civil conflict has claimed well over 100,000 lives, the UN says.

The violence has also driven 9.5 million people from their homes, creating a major humanitarian crisis within Syria and for its neighbors.

Fighting continued on the ground on Friday, with government forces bombing rebel-held areas in the northern city of Aleppo, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

This is the third day of the Geneva conference, but the first in which negotiations get under way in earnest.

Syrian government delegation has threatened to quit peace talks in Geneva if "serious" discussions do not begin by Saturday
Syrian government delegation has threatened to quit peace talks in Geneva if “serious” discussions do not begin by Saturday

There were initial hopes of a joint meeting between the two sides, but later it emerged that Mr Brahimi would hold talks with each separately.

Both sides blame the other for this setback.

The Damascus delegation complained about recent remarks made by the opposition chief, Ahmed Jarba, who said President Bashar al-Assad and his regime were a “political corpse” that could not be part of Syria’s future.

For its part, the opposition said it would not meet government delegates face-to-face until they signed a written commitment accepting the Geneva communiqué drafted 18 months ago, which calls for a transitional government.

While the two sides are opposed on many issues, they have both indicated a willingness to talk about concrete steps like local ceasefires, prisoner exchanges and establishing safe corridors for the delivery of badly needed humanitarian aid.

One of the main sticking points between the government and the rebels is the role of Bashar al-Assad.

The opposition demands his removal from office as a condition for peace.

It is supported in this by many key foreign observers, including Secretary of State John Kerry.

Syrian officials have flatly rejected any suggestion of Bashar al-Assad stepping down, and he has even suggested he will run for president again in elections due this year.

The Syrian government also has its supporters: Russia’s Deputy PM Arkady Dvorkovich.

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Ranbaxy products banned in US

The FDA has banned India’s largest drugmaker Ranbaxy from producing and distributing drugs for the US market from its Toansa facility in Punjab.

The agency said there had been “significant” manufacturing violations at the facility.

The FDA alleged that staff had retested materials after those items had failed initial tests “in order to produce acceptable findings”.

Other Ranbaxy units have also come under scrutiny by the US in the past.

The FDA has previously banned products from the company’s facilities in Paonta Sahib, Dewas and Mohali.

The FDA has banned Ranbaxy from producing and distributing drugs for the US market from its Toansa facility in Punjab
The FDA has banned Ranbaxy from producing and distributing drugs for the US market from its Toansa facility in Punjab

“We are taking swift action to prevent substandard-quality products from reaching US consumers,” Carol Bennett, acting director of the FDA’s Office of Compliance, said in a statement.

Ranbaxy said in a statement that it had “voluntarily and proactively suspended shipments” from the facility to the US after it received the inspection findings earlier this month.

“This development is clearly unacceptable and an appropriate management action will be taken upon completion of the internal investigation,” said Arun Sawhney, chief executive of Ranbaxy.

Ranbaxy’s shares fell as much as 20% on the FDA ruling.

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Grace of Monaco biopic pulled from release in US

Princess Grace of Monaco biopic – Grace of Monaco – starring Nicole Kidman, has been pulled from release in the US by its distributor The Weinstein Co.

The company has given no explanation for its decision to hold back the film, which was due out on March 14.

Grace of Monaco original November release was delayed because it was deemed not ready for cinema screens.

Director Olivier Dahan has previously claimed that he was at odds with Harvey Weinstein over the final cut.

In his interview with French newspaper Liberation, translated and reproduced in The Guardian, Olivier Dahan said: “What’s complicated at the moment is ensuring that you, the critics, can review my version of the film and not that of somebody else.

“It’s not over yet. I haven’t given up.”

Grace of Monaco original November release was delayed because it was deemed not ready for cinema screens
Grace of Monaco original November release was delayed because it was deemed not ready for cinema screens

The Weinstein Co. has not responded to Olivier Dahan’s claims.

The film-maker’s previous work includes Edith Piaf biopic La Vie En Rose, which won Marion Cotillard a best actress statuette at the Academy Awards.

The original November release date was put in place so the film would be eligible for the Oscars.

The script of Grace of Monaco has been criticized by the Monaco royal family, who said it contained “major historical untruths and a series of purely fictional scenes”.

“The Princely family wishes to emphasize that this film is by no means a biopic,” the Monaco royal family statement added.

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Billboard’s Power 100 List 2014: Beyonce and Jay-Z named most powerful people in music

Billboard magazine has named Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z as the most powerful people in music.

The celebrity couple were voted top of Billboard’s Power 100 list by the magazine editors who analyzed market share, revenue and other data.

Beyonce and Jay-Z have founded their own companies – Beyonce’s Parkwood Entertainment and Roc Nation.

The couple have been married since 2008 and have one child together, a daughter named Blue Ivy.

Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge and Red Light Management founder Coran Capshaw follow the performers on the annual list of most influential people in America’s music industry.

Billboard magazine has named Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z as the most powerful people in music
Billboard magazine has named Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z as the most powerful people in music

Lucian Grainge and Coran Capshaw were first and second last year respectively.

The third annual Billboard Power 100 list took place on Thursday night at the Emerson Theatre in Los Angeles.

Scooter Braun, who manages artists including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Martin Garrix and Tori Kelly, came in at number 33 on the list.

Music producer Dr Luke, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek and recording executive Jimmy Iovine also featured.

Music and television producer Simon Cowell came in at 58, while his former colleague on The X Factor, LA Reid, was voted two places higher at 56.

Video of Justin Bieber DUI arrest in Miami

Justin Bieber has been granted bail after appearing in a Miami court accused of racing and driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs.

Justin Bieber was pulled over by Miami Beach Police in the early hours of Thursday morning whilst driving his yellow Lamborghini
Justin Bieber was pulled over by Miami Beach Police in the early hours of Thursday morning whilst driving his yellow Lamborghini

Amateur footage shows the moment Justin Bieber, 19, was pulled over by Miami Beach Police in the early hours of Thursday morning whilst driving his yellow Lamborghini.

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Cairo bomb attacks kill five people

Three blasts that appeared to target the police force have killed 5 people in Cairo.

Nearly 70 people have been wounded following the attacks.

The attacks began with a powerful car bomb that exploded outside the police headquarters in central Cairo, killing four people and wounding 51.

Within hours, two other blasts occurred elsewhere in the city, killing one person and injuring 15.

The attacks come on the eve of the third anniversary of the 2011 uprising.

The revolution brought about the removal of the country’s decades-long ruler Hosni Mubarak.

An al-Qaeda-inspired militant group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Champions of Jerusalem) has admitted carrying out the attack on the police headquarters.

The group previously claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack on a security building in the northern city of Mansoura in December that killed 16 people and injured more than 100 others.

Three blasts that appeared to target the police force have killed 5 people in Cairo
Three blasts that appeared to target the police force have killed 5 people in Cairo

The authorities blamed Mohamed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood for that attack – something the group strongly denied – and declared it a terrorist group shortly afterwards.

Egyptian Interior Minister Muhammad Ibrahim said security is being stepped up around the squares where people are expected to gather to mark Saturday’s anniversary.

“We have a plan to secure all of this for the anniversary of the 25 January revolution,” he said.

“I am telling the people not to be afraid and go down.”

The Muslim Brotherhood condemned the attack that hit police headquarters at around 06:30 local time.

The group called for an investigation and added they were part of a “peaceful revolution”.

The powerful blast was felt across the city and black smoke could be seen rising over the scene.

Gunfire was reportedly heard soon after the blast, and more than 30 ambulances raced to the scene.

There was extensive damage to the large concrete building with debris strewn across the street.

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