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Barack Obama calls for changes to surveillance programs on NSA speech

Diane A. Wade
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Barack Obama calls for changes to surveillance programs on NSA speech

President Barack Obama has announced he has ordered curbs on the use of bulk data collected by all US intelligence agencies, saying civil liberties must be respected.

Barack Obama said such data had prevented terror attacks at home and abroad, but that in tackling threats the government risked over-reaching itself.

However, civil liberties groups have said the changes do not go far enough.

The announcement follows global anger after details of the work of the National Security Agency were leaked.

Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked the information, is wanted in the US for espionage and is now living in exile in Russia.

The leaked documents revealed that the US collects massive amounts of electronic data from communications of private individuals around the world, and that it has spied on foreign leaders.

The latest revelations claim that US agencies have collected and stored almost 200 million text messages every day across the globe.

In his much-anticipated speech at the Department of Justice, Barack Obama said he would not apologize for the effectiveness of US intelligence operations, and insisted that nothing he had seen indicated they had sought to break the law.

It was necessary for the US to continue collecting large amounts of data, he said, but acknowledged that doing so allowed for “the potential of abuse”.

President Barack Obama has ordered curbs on the use of bulk data collected by all US intelligence agencies
President Barack Obama has ordered curbs on the use of bulk data collected by all US intelligence agencies

“The reforms I’m proposing today should give the American people greater confidence that their rights are being protected, even as our intelligence and law enforcement agencies maintain the tools they need to keep us safe,” he said.

Details of the times, numbers and durations of phone calls – known as metadata – are currently collected and held by the NSA. However, Barack Obama said he was ending that system “as it currently exists”.

He has asked the attorney general and the intelligence community to draw up plans for such metadata to be held by a third party, with the NSA required to seek legal permission before it could access them.

A panel of independent privacy advocates would also sit on the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) which has responsibility for giving permission for mass surveillance programmes.

Barack Obama also offered assurances to non-Americans, saying people around the world “should know that the United States is not spying on ordinary people who don’t threaten our national security”.

“This applies to foreign leaders as well,” he said, promising that from now on the US “will not monitor the communications of heads of state and government of our close friends and allies”.

That announcement follows revelations that the US had spied on friendly foreign leaders, including the personal mobile of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Barack Obama was also critical of nations he said “feign surprise” over the leaks but “privately acknowledge that America has special responsibilities as the world’s only superpower” and have used the information gathered for their own purposes.

The president said he would not “dwell on Mr. Snowden’s actions or his motivations”, but warned that the “sensational way” the NSA details had come to light had potentially jeopardized US operations “for years to come”.

Civil liberties groups see Edward Snowden as a hero for exposing what they see as official intrusions into private lives, but many Americans believe he has endangered American lives.

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Sunanda Pushkar: Shashi Tharoor’s wife found dead in Delhi hotel

Diane A. Wade
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Sunanda Pushkar: Shashi Tharoor’s wife found dead in Delhi hotel

Indian minister Shashi Tharoor’s wife, Sunanda Pushkar, has been found dead, following reports that he was having an affair with journalist Mehr Tahrar.

Sunanda Pushkar is reported to have been discovered at a hotel in Delhi.

Shashi Tharoor and Sunanda Pushkar became embroiled in controversy over a series of Twitter messages on Wednesday that appeared to reveal he was having an affair with a Pakistani journalist.

They later insisted they were happily married, blaming “unauthorised tweets”.

Shashi Tharoor married Sunanda Pushkar, a former Dubai-based businesswoman, in 2010.

A public row between the couple erupted on Wednesday when messages began to appear on Shashi Tharoor’s Twitter account suggesting he was having an affair with journalist Mehr Tahrar.

Shashi Tharoor and Sunanda Pushkar became embroiled in controversy over a series of Twitter messages that appeared to reveal he was having an affair
Shashi Tharoor and Sunanda Pushkar became embroiled in controversy over a series of Twitter messages that appeared to reveal he was having an affair

Sunanda Pushkar admitted publishing the tweets, but later denied it.

She was found dead in a five-star hotel in Delhi, according to police sources.

Reports said that Shashi Tharoor had informed the police of her death. It was unclear how she died.

Mehr Tahrar, who denied having an affair with the minister, tweeted after she heard of Sunanda Pushkar’s death: “I’m absolutely shocked.

“This is too awful for words. So tragic I don’t know what to say. Rest in peace, Sunanda.”

Shashi Tharoor, a former UN diplomat, was forced to resign from his first ministerial position in 2010 amid controversy over his involvement in bidding for a cricket team.

Sunanda Pushkar had allegedly received a free stake in the Indian Premier League franchise he was bidding for.

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Hiroo Onoda: WWII Japanese soldier who hid in jungle dies at 91

James J. Williams
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Hiroo Onoda: WWII Japanese soldier who hid in jungle dies at 91

Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese soldier who refused to surrender after WWII ended and spent 29 years in the jungle, has died at the age 91 in Tokyo.

Hiroo Onoda remained in the jungle on Lubang Island near Luzon, in the Philippines, until 1974 because he did not believe that the war had ended.

He was finally persuaded to emerge after his ageing former commanding officer was flown in to see him.

Correspondents say he was greeted as a hero on his return to Japan.

As WWII neared its end, Hiroo Onoda, then a lieutenant, became cut off on Lubang as US troops came north.

The young soldier had orders not to surrender – a command he obeyed for nearly three decades.

“Every Japanese soldier was prepared for death, but as an intelligence officer I was ordered to conduct guerrilla warfare and not to die,” he told ABC in an interview in 2010.

“I became an officer and I received an order. If I could not carry it out, I would feel shame. I am very competitive,” he added.

Hiroo Onoda refused to surrender after WWII ended and spent 29 years in the jungle
Hiroo Onoda refused to surrender after WWII ended and spent 29 years in the jungle

While on Lubang Island, Hiroo Onoda surveyed military facilities and engaged in sporadic clashes with local residents.

Three other soldiers were with him at the end of the war. One emerged from the jungle in 1950 and the other two died, one in a 1972 clash with local troops.

Hiroo Onoda ignored several attempts to get him to surrender.

He later said that he dismissed search parties sent to him, and leaflets dropped by Japan, as ploys.

“The leaflets they dropped were filled with mistakes so I judged it was a plot by the Americans,” he told ABC.

Finally in March 1974 his former commanding officer travelled to the Philippines to rescind his original orders in person.

Hiroo Onoda saluted the Japanese flag and handed over his Samurai sword while still wearing a tattered army uniform.

The Philippine government granted him a pardon, although many in Lubang never forgave him for the 30 people he killed during his campaign on the island.

Following his surrender, Hiroo Onoda ran a ranch in Brazil, and opened a series of survival training schools in Japan.

Hiroo Onoda was one of the last Japanese soldiers to surrender at the end of World War II.

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Francois Hollande visits Valerie Trierweiler in hospital for first time

Nancy Clayson
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Francois Hollande visits Valerie Trierweiler in hospital for first time

France’s President Francois Hollande has visited First Lady Valerie Trierweiler in hospital for the first time since reports of his alleged affair with actress Julie Gayet broke last week.

Valerie Trierweiler was admitted to hospital, apparently in shock after learning of the reports.

Closer magazine first published details of Francois Hollande’s link with Julie Gayet last Friday.

The gossip magazine has further alleged that the affair began during the 2012 presidential race.

Julie Gayet, 41, says she is suing Closer magazine for breach of privacy, seeking 50,000 euros ($68,000) in damages and 4,000 euros in legal costs.

Francois Hollande visited his partner in hospital for the first time on Thursday evening, the Elysee Palace confirmed on Friday, without giving further details.

Valerie Trierweiler, 48, was admitted to hospital last Friday – hours after the first revelations made by Closer magazine.

President Francois Hollande has visited First Lady Valerie Trierweiler in hospital for the first time since reports of his alleged affair
President Francois Hollande has visited First Lady Valerie Trierweiler in hospital for the first time since reports of his alleged affair

In an apparent defense of Francois Hollande’s character, Valerie Trierweiler reportedly spoke to a radio journalist earlier on Thursday to explain that he had been told to stay away from the hospital by doctors.

The journalist said she was told Francois Hollande had sent flowers and chocolates and had met the team that is looking after Valerie Trierweiler.

Valerie Trierweiler said she was “very tired to the point of not being able to stand up”, and had been suffering from low blood pressure and low morale but was determined to leave hospital with her head held high.

In response to the reports, a source at the Elysee Palace said Francois Hollande was “not unhappy” about the hospital forbidding him to visit.

French media have claimed that Valerie Trierweiler suffered an anxiety attack last week, but her friends have played down her condition.

Le Point magazine quoted a friend of Valerie Trierweiler as saying she had taken “one pill too many”, but had not tried to commit suicide.

At his annual news conference on Tuesday at the Elysee to discuss his political agenda, Francois Hollande was asked questions about the alleged affair.

Francois Hollande, 59, said he was experiencing a “difficult moment” in his private life but refused to answer questions over the report in Closer, saying “private matters should be dealt with privately”.

Nor would he clarify whether Valerie Trierweiler was still first lady before a February trip to the US.

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Who is Julie Gayet, Francois Hollande’s new lover?

Lisa.Felice
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Who is Julie Gayet, Francois Hollande’s new lover?

Closer magazine has revealed today that French President François Hollande’s relationship with actress Julie Gayet goes back for over two years.

The gossip magazine, which revealed the affair a week ago, said that Julie Gayet, now 41, had been introduced to Francois Hollande by his former partner Ségolène Royal in 2011 when he was a front-running presidential candidate.

Their romantic affair can be traced back at least 12 months to December 2012, Closer said, but their relationship was already “intimate” during the presidential campaign in the spring of that year.

While currently linked to Francois Hollande, Julie Gayet was previously romanced by a different leading man. Julie Gayet was reportedly married to screenwriter, film producer, director and actor Santiago Amigorena in 2003.

Santiago Amigorena is best known for his work directing the war thriller A Few Days in September and was also awarded by the Warsaw International Film Festival for directing the feature Another Silence in 2011.

Julie Gayet’s ex-husband, the writer Santiago Amigorena, 51, confirmed his former wife was “very calm and confident” as she hid away from the media storm created by the scandal.

He said his ex-wife, with whom he has two sons, was a “sublime actress, who works a lot, a mother who cares for her two children”.

Santiago Amigorena insisted there was “no fault, no deception” on her part.

Closer magazine has revealed that President François Hollande’s relationship with actress Julie Gayet goes back for over two years
Closer magazine has revealed that President François Hollande’s relationship with actress Julie Gayet goes back for over two years

Julie Gayet’s ex-husband, the writer Santiago Amigorena, 51, confirmed his former wife was “very calm and confident” as she hid away from the media storm created by the scandal.

He said his ex-wife, with whom he has two sons, was a “sublime actress, who works a lot, a mother who cares for her two children”.

Santiago Amigorena insisted there was “no fault, no deception” on her part.

Before her scandalous relationship with Francois Hollande, Julie Gayet did make her name for herself in the acting business overseas. According to her IMDB page, Julie Gayet has been credited in 90 roles since working in the film industry in the 1990s.

In 1997 Julie Gayet was awarded with the Brussels International Film Festival award for best actress for her role in the French film, Select Hotel.

In 2009, Julie Gayet won the Tokyo International Film Festival best actress award for her role in 8 Fois Debout. She is reportedly currently filming the made-for-TV movie Ca va passer… Mais quand?.

Meanwhile, Julie Gayet, breaking her silence about the affair, has formally denied in a statement to Europe 1 radio reports that she is four months pregnant. An unsourced rumor of her pregnancy, which appeared briefly on a French blog, was picked up by some foreign media earlier this week.

Julie Gayet is already the parent to two teenage sons.

According to a report from the Telegraph, Julie Gayet comes from a prestigious upbringing. The British publication reported last week that Francois Hollande’s alleged lover was raised in the western Paris suburb of Suresnes. Her parents reportedly worked as a surgeon and an antiques dealer. According to the article, Julie Gayet has previously commented on her upbringing, stating that she didn’t take on acting as a career “for the money”.

When recently prompted by reporters to address his alleged affair with Julie Gayet and his relationship with Valerie Trierweiler, President Francois Hollande would only reveal the current “pain” he is dealing with in his personal life, saying: “Everyone in his private life can go through ordeals. That is what is happening to us.”

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Valerie Trierweiler ready to forgive Francois Hollande

Nancy Clayson
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Valerie Trierweiler ready to forgive Francois Hollande

A survey for French magazine Le Nouvel Observateur showed a three-point jump among women in approval for President Francois Hollande following Julie Gayet affair report, from 23% in December to 26%.

In contrast, men in France seem far less impressed by the president’s reported liaisons and his rating stayed at 26%.

Francois Hollande’s official partner Valerie Trierweiler, 48, is still in a hospital bed in central Paris, where she has been lying since news of the president’s affair with Julie Gayet, 41, broke last Friday.

There is nothing physically wrong with Valerie Trierweiler, but she said learning about the relationship was like “being hit by a high-speed train” and is desperate to win public sympathy.

Intriguingly, an Elysee Palace spokesman would not say to whether Francois Hollande had even visited his de fact first lady in hospital, where Valerie Trierweiler has so far spent few nights.

Francois Rebsamen, a Socialist MP, said the revelations showed the entire idea of a First Lady was outdated.

“There is no longer a First Lady in France – these practices are outdated, passé and should be banned,” he told RTL radio.

He added: “François Hollande himself said it at one point: You elect a person. And then this person can live alone, can be single, can live with another man or a woman. It’s doesn’t interest people and it doesn’t come into play.”

“This means that there is no First Lady, it’s over.”

Valerie Trierweiler and Francois Hollande are not married but have been together for six years, making her the de facto first lady
Valerie Trierweiler and Francois Hollande are not married but have been together for six years, making her the de facto first lady

Mother-of-three Valerie Trierweiler, 48, has told friends she is ready to forgive Francois Hollande if he states both “publicly and privately” that his affair with Julie Gayet is over.

Francois Hollande has spoken only about the scandal since it was made public last Friday, to say he deplored the intrusion into his privacy.

Despite the media attention, a recent poll found 80% of French people believed Francois Hollande’s love life should remain private.

And 90% believed France’s struggling economy is the most critical issues facing the nation.

A spokesman said Valerie Trierweiler, would stay in hospital “for another six or eight more days”, adding that she needed rest after a “very strong emotional shock”.

From her hospital bed, Valerie Trierweiler seemed well enough to be orchestrating a campaign to win public sympathy.

She let it be known that she felt she had been “hit by a high-speed train” – but was ready to forgive Francois Hollande.

Valerie Trierweiler and Francois Hollande are not married but have been together for six years, making her the de facto first lady when the Socialist leader became president in 2012.

The divorced magazine journalist, who still writes a column for Paris Match, has been widely criticized for her high living.

She has five taxpayer-funded staff at her permanent disposal and the use of several homes, jets and limousines.

Valerie Trierweiler has been personally briefing French newspaper Le Parisien, which quoted “a friend” as saying: “She seems ready to forgive, but she wants to know quickly what Francois Hollande’s intentions are.”

Frédéric Gerschel of Le Parisien later said he had spoken directly to Valerie Trierweiler.

He said: “She has made it clear that a clarification is needed. She knows that, if she is no longer first lady she cannot continue to have an office in the Elysee and make use of state funds.”

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Zara Phillips gives birth to a baby girl

Nancy Clayson
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Zara Phillips gives birth to a baby girl

Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter Zara Tindall has given birth to a baby girl weighing 7lbs 12oz, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Zara Tindall’s husband, rugby player Mike Tindall, was present at the birth of their first child at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and the families of both parents have been informed and are said to be delighted at the news.

The baby, as yet unnamed, becomes 16th in line for the throne.

Zara Tindall later left the hospital and returned home. The couple has yet to make a statement.

Mike and Zara Tindall welcomed a baby girl
Mike and Zara Tindall welcomed a baby girl

Mike and Zara Tindall were married at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh in July 2011.

The new arrival is the third grandchild of the Princess Royal and the Queen and Prince Philip’s fourth great-grandchild.

The birth follows that of Prince George in July last year to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

In a statement, the Queen’s press secretary said: “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, Captain Mark Phillips and Mike’s parents, Mr. Phillip and Mrs. Linda Tindall, have been informed and are delighted with the news.

“The baby’s name will be confirmed in due course.”

PM David Cameron tweeted: “Many congratulations to Zara and Mike Tindall on the birth of their baby girl.”

Zara Tindall, 32, does not hold a royal title and is not referred to as Her Royal Highness. Her daughter will be known as Miss Tindall.

Mike Tindall, 34, a former England rugby star, is now a player-coach at Gloucester.

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Is Julie Gayet pregnant with Francois Hollande?

Nancy Clayson
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Is Julie Gayet pregnant with Francois Hollande?

Julie Gayet, the actress who is believed to be having an affair with Fance’s President Francois Hollande, is reported to be four-month pregnant.

The sensational claim, posted on the official Twitter account of the lereel.fr website, is said to have come from a source close to Francois Hollande and been confirmed by a journalist working for the M6 television news channel.

A translation of the post reads: “Julie Gayet is four months pregnant according to a source close of Francois Hollande at the Elysee, information confirmed by a journalist at M6.”

Julie Gayet, the actress who is believed to be having an affair with Fance’s President Francois Hollande, is reported to be four-month pregnant
Julie Gayet, the actress who is believed to be having an affair with Fance’s President Francois Hollande, is reported to be four-month pregnant

On Tuesday’s press conference, President Francois Hollande refused to answer whether his long-term partner Valerie Trierweiler is still France’s First Lady, but said he would clarify her status before his trip to Washington next month.

Francois Hollande said he would answer the question of Valerie Trierweiler’s status before his planned visit to the US on February 11.

He said the presidential partner had “no official status” in France, and he was determined to keep costs down, whoever was confirmed as First Lady.

Valerie Trierweiler is the first person to hold the post who was not married to the president.

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Francois Hollande and Julie Gayet affair began during 2012 presidential race

Nancy Clayson
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Francois Hollande and Julie Gayet affair began during 2012 presidential race

Closer magazine claims French President Francois Hollande has been having an affair with actress Julie Gayet for two years.

The gossip magazine also printed more details of the alleged romance, which it says began during the 2012 presidential race.

Julie Gayet has announced she is suing Closer magazine for breach of privacy.

Francois Hollande’s official partner and France’s first lady, Valerie Trierweiler, remains in hospital, where she was admitted after learning of the alleged affair a week ago.

In its latest revelations, Closer said Francois Hollande used a second apartment in the west of Paris to meet the 41-year-old actress.

It is claimed the pair snatched weekends together in the south of France, and that Francois Hollande made excuses to avoid a holiday in Greece last year with Valerie Trierweiler, so he could travel instead to his Correze constituency with Julie Gayet.

The magazine said the president and Julie Gayet had been having a “turbulent romance” for two years – during and after Francois Hollande’s election campaign.

The magazine did not publish any further photos despite earlier reports that it would.

Closer magazine claims French President Francois Hollande has been having an affair with actress Julie Gayet for two years
Closer magazine claims French President Francois Hollande has been having an affair with actress Julie Gayet for two years

Julie Gayet is seeking 50,000 euros ($68,000) in damages and 4,000 euros in legal costs from the magazine.

If she wins, Closer will have to publish the legal verdict on its cover page, AFP reports.

Francois Hollande decided not to take legal action after first threatening to.

Valerie Trierweiler – seemingly still keen to defend Francois Hollande’s character – is said to have defended him following reports he had not visited her in hospital.

She phoned a journalist on Thursday to explain it was her doctors who had asked Francois Hollande not to attend.

Valerie Trierweiler said she is still too weak to stand – and that the president has sent flowers and chocolates in his absence.

In response to the reports, a source at the Elysee Palace said Francois Hollande was “not unhappy” about the hospital forbidding him to visit.

Meanwhile, French magazine Le Point has quoted a friend of Valerie Trierweiler saying she had not tried to commit suicide but had taken “one pill too many”.

Francois Hollande, 59, told reporters on Tuesday he was experiencing a “difficult moment” in his private life but refused to answer questions over the report in Closer, saying “private matters should be dealt with privately”.

Nor would he clarify whether Valerie Trierweiler, 48, was still first lady before a February trip to the US.

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Syria proposes prisoner exchange with rebels at Moscow meeting

Roy Siemens
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Syria proposes prisoner exchange with rebels at Moscow meeting

Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid Muallem has said Damascus is ready to offer a prisoner exchange with rebels.

Speaking in Moscow, Walid Muallem also said he had presented a ceasefire plan for the second city Aleppo to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

The moves came as the opposition Syrian National Coalition meets in Istanbul to decide whether to go to next week’s peace conference.

The coalition is under Western pressure to participate in the Geneva II talks.

However, many of its members have already pulled out.

Some are reluctant to go unless Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is excluded from any transitional government, but Damascus says there should be no pre-conditions for the talks.

Meanwhile Lebanese security officials said rockets fired from Syria had hit the Lebanese border town of Arsal, killing at least six people, among them at least one child, and injuring at least 15.

Speaking in Moscow, Walid Muallem said he had presented a ceasefire plan for the second city Aleppo to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov
Speaking in Moscow, Walid Muallem said he had presented a ceasefire plan for the second city Aleppo to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov

Arsal, in the Bekaa valley, is predominantly Sunni and its residents have been broadly supportive of the Sunni-dominated uprising against President Assad, whose Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shia Islam.

It has been flooded with refugees since the Syrian military launched an offensive nearby in November.

The three-year conflict has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

An estimated two million people have fled the country and some 6.5 million have been internally displaced.

Walid Muallem said he was ready to exchange lists of prisoners.

“I informed Lavrov of our principled position in favor of an agreement to exchange those held in Syrian prisons for those taken by the other side,” he said.

“We are ready to exchange lists and develop the necessary mechanism for accomplishing these goals.”

The Syrian foreign minister added that he had given Russia a ceasefire plan for Aleppo, which he said he wanted to “serve as an example to other towns”.

But correspondents say it remains far from clear that even a partial ceasefire could be achieved.

On Thursday, the two foreign ministers held talks with Iranian officials.

Sergey Lavrov said there was “no hidden agenda” to their meeting.

“This does not mean that we have some tri-party (peace) draft,” he told reporters.

Suchitra Sen dies in Calcutta at 82

Sonia Pantiss
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Suchitra Sen dies in Calcutta at 82

Legendary actress Suchitra Sen has died in the Indian city of Calcutta at the age of 82.

Suchitra Sen had been admitted to a hospital in Calcutta last month with a chest infection and her condition worsened on Thursday night, doctors said.

Known as the Greta Garbo of India for leading a reclusive life after she left films, Suchitra Sen was an iconic star of regional Bengali cinema.

She also acted in a number of Bollywood films such as Devdas and Aandhi.

Suchitra Sen teamed up with Bengali star Uttam Kumar to form a popular pair that delivered a series of hits in Bengali cinema for over two decades.

Known as the Greta Garbo of India for leading a reclusive life after she left films, Suchitra Sen was an iconic star of regional Bengali cinema
Known as the Greta Garbo of India for leading a reclusive life after she left films, Suchitra Sen was an iconic star of regional Bengali cinema

She quit films in 1978 and led a hermit-like existence, reportedly refusing to meet people outside her own family. She had not been seen in public or photographed in the past three decades.

Suchitra Sen made her debut in 1953 with the hugely popular comedy Share Chuattar (Seventy-four-and-a-half), which was also her first film with Kumar.

Her performance as a nurse hired by a psychiatrist to develop personal relationships with male patients in the 1959 film Deep Jwele Jaai was hailed as one of her best.

Suchitra Sen is survived by her actress daughter Moon Moon Sen. Her grand daughters, Riya and Raima Sen, are also actresses.

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Google smart contact lens can help measure glucose levels in tears

Nancy Clayson
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Google smart contact lens can help measure glucose levels in tears

Google has announced it is testing a “smart contact lens” that can help measure glucose levels in tears.

The lens uses a “tiny” wireless chip and a “miniaturized” glucose sensor embedded between two layers of lens material.

Google said it is also working on integrating tiny LED lights that could light up to indicate that glucose levels have crossed certain thresholds.

But it added that “a lot more work” needed to be done to get the technology ready for everyday use.

“It’s still early days for this technology, but we’ve completed multiple clinical research studies which are helping to refine our prototype,” Google said in a blogpost.

“We hope this could someday lead to a new way for people with diabetes to manage their disease.”

Google’s latest foray with the smart contact lens is aimed at a sector where consumer demand for such devices is expected to grow.

Google smart contact lens uses a "tiny" wireless chip and a "miniaturized" glucose sensor embedded between two layers of lens material
Google smart contact lens uses a “tiny” wireless chip and a “miniaturized” glucose sensor embedded between two layers of lens material

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), one in ten people across the world’s population are forecast to have diabetes by 2035.

People suffering from the condition need to monitor their glucose levels regularly as sudden spikes or drops are dangerous. At present, the majority of them do so by testing drops of blood.

Google said it was testing a prototype of the lens that could “generate a reading once per second”.

The company said it was working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bring the product to mainstream use.

It added that it would look for partners “who are experts in bringing products like this to market”.

Google said it would work with these partners to develop apps aimed at making the measurements taken by the lens available to the wearer and their doctor.

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Edward Snowden leaks: Barack Obama to announce changes to NSA electronic spy programs

Diane A. Wade
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Edward Snowden leaks: Barack Obama to announce changes to NSA electronic spy programs

President Barack Obama is to announce changes to NSA’s electronic spy programs after revelations made by Edward Snowden.

The president aims to restore public confidence in the intelligence community.

Barack Obama is expected to create a public advocate at the secretive court that approves intelligence collection.

The president’s proposals come hours after UK media reports that the US has collected and stored almost 200 million text messages per day across the globe.

According to the Guardian newspaper and Channel Four News, the National Security Agency (NSA) program extracted and stored data from the SMS messages to gather location information, contacts and financial data.

The report is the latest in a series of revelations from files leaked by Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor charged in the US with espionage and currently a fugitive in Russia.

Barack Obama’s speech on Friday at Department of Justice comes after a five-person White House panel given the job of reviewing US electronic spying programs in the wake of Edward Snowden’s disclosures presented their report in December.

President Barack Obama is to announce changes to NSA’s electronic spy programs after revelations made by Edward Snowden
President Barack Obama is to announce changes to NSA’s electronic spy programs after revelations made by Edward Snowden

Among their recommendations was the creation of a public advocate position at the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), where judges have approved the mass spying program. Currently, only the US government is represented in front of FISC judges.

In details leaked to various US media by the White House, Barack Obama is expected to endorse that position, as well as extending some privacy protections for foreigners.

He is also expected to include increased oversight of how the US monitors foreign leaders and to limit how long some data can be stored.

However Barack Obama is not expected to endorse one of the panel’s headline recommendations – shifting the storage of phone records from the NSA to the telecommunications firm or a third party where it can be queried under limited conditions.

He is expected to leave the decision on whether that should be implemented to Congress.

Civil rights and privacy groups were wary ahead of the speech.

The Guardian report describes an NSA program called Dishfire, which analyses SMS messages to extract information including contacts from missed call alerts, location from roaming and travel alerts, financial information from bank alerts and payments and names from electronic business cards,

It also alleges that the NSA’s UK counterpart GCHQ searched the NSA’s database for information regarding people in the UK.

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Michael Schumacher feared to remain in a coma forever

Clyde K. Valle
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Michael Schumacher feared to remain in a coma forever

Doctors at Grenoble University Hospital, where Michael Schumacher was placed into a medically induced coma, fear the racing champion “could be in a coma forever.”

On December 29, Michael Schumacher injured himself in a skiing accident in the French Alps.

Since the accident, Michael Schumacher, 45, has undergone two brain surgeries and, despite some reports of small progress, doctors have been steadfast in their insistence that that status of his brain injuries remain critical.

Michael Schumacher injured himself in a skiing accident in the French Alps
Michael Schumacher injured himself in a skiing accident in the French Alps

The German magazine Focus spoke with experts on Michael Schumacher’s condition and reported that the seven-time Formula 1 champion “could be in a coma forever”. In addition, doctors in France told the German newspaper Bild that Michael Schumacher’s condition is so grave there are currently no plans to wake him.

The biggest concern for doctors when it comes to patients in forced comas is that oxygen to the brain is reduced in a coma, and the longer the patient remains in a comatose state, the more likely long-term effects such as brain and organ damage are sustained.

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Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiere at lower ratings after Phil Robertson controversy

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiere at lower ratings after Phil Robertson controversy

Duck Dynasty returned to lower viewership than its previous two premieres after Phil Robertson controversy in December.

Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiere had 8.5 million viewers. That’s huge for a cable reality show, but down 28% from its record-setting fourth season debut in August (11.8 million). It’s also slightly down from the show’s Season 3 premiere in February 2013 (8.6 million).

A&E notes the number up slightly from the fourth season finale on October 23.

Duck Dynasty returned to lower viewership than its previous two premieres after Phil Robertson controversy
Duck Dynasty returned to lower viewership than its previous two premieres after Phil Robertson controversy

Duck Dynasty provoked a heated controversy in December after Phil Robertson criticize gays during a GQ magazine interview, as well as made  inflammatory comments about blacks during the Civil Rights era.

Last night’s episode and most of the rest of the current season was shot before the controversy. Presumably because of the controversy, the Robertson clan and producers were not made available for media interviews to promote the new season.

Duck Dynasty came back the same night as Fox’s American Idol, which was also down.

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Si Robertson gets sick and organizes treasure hunt for Jep’s kids

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Si Robertson gets sick and organizes treasure hunt for Jep’s kids

Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiered last night on A&E with two episodes.

Uncle Si Robertson is sick, so he has planted his “microbe” infested body on Phil’s couch to be taken care of by Miss Kay.

Si Robertson has also brought every single movie in the Air Bud franchise.

“Look, I’m a connoisseur when it comes to animal sports movies – Air Bud is an epic classic,” Si Robertson says.

“It blows Rudy out of the water … it makes Field of Dreams look like Rookie of the Year.”

Phil Robertson can’t agree because it’s too unrealistic. He prefers the Bourne series.

Uncle Si Robertson organized an age-inappropriate treasure hunt for Jep’s kids
Uncle Si Robertson organized an age-inappropriate treasure hunt for Jep’s kids

There was also a lot of talk of microbes throughout the two episodes. Phil Robertson thinks Uncle Si is a hypochondriac who has claimed to have everything from bird flu to sausage fingers.

In the second part of the show, Phil Robertson has his own bizarre microbe philosophies.

Jep Robertson says his father used to expose them to microbes all the time to build up immunities. Phil Robertson suggests Jep do the same for his kids by having them go outside and throw dung at each other.

Meanwhile, Uncle Si organized an age-inappropriate treasure hunt for Jep’s kids that was as confusing to its participants as it was to the audience. It culminated in digging up candy buried in what appeared to be a grave site.

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Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiere: About group texts and emojis

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiere: About group texts and emojis

On Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiere night, the bearded Robertson clan was debating the artistic superiority of the Air Bud versus Jason Bourne film franchise.

There was also contention surrounding the merits of group texting and emojis.

Jase, Jep, Phil, Willie and John Luke Robertson went on a hunting excursion. But they aren’t talking ducks. Rather they were in deep debate about all things texting related.

Jase Robertson said: “Group texts are the worst. They’re like a terrible technological snowball coming down a mountain and you can’t stop it…  What was the original conversation? No one knows. No one cares. Stop having a conversation on my phone.”

This naturally led to discussion of emojis, of which John Luke Robertson is also a fan.

Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiered last night with the bearded Robertson clan debating the artistic superiority of the Air Bud versus Jason Bourne film franchise
Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiered last night with the bearded Robertson clan debating the artistic superiority of the Air Bud versus Jason Bourne film franchise

“Like smiley faces and people – animals sometimes,” he said.

John Luke Robertson continued to discuss emojis with his father Willie after duck hunting is over, saying: “There are all kinds of emojis.”

Willie Robertson asked: “What’s that? A bearded guy?”

John Luke answered: “That’s a monkey.”

Duck Dynasty’s newcomer Rebecca Robertson told John Luke that guys don’t really emoji.

Viewers were introduced to Rebecca Robertson, a Taiwanese foreign exchange student that Willie and his wife Korie adopted 10 years ago.

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Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiere: Rebecca Robertson comes home

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiere: Rebecca Robertson comes home

Duck Dynasty Season 5 premiered last night on A&E with two episodes.

Viewers were introduced to Rebecca Robertson, a Taiwanese foreign exchange student that Willie and his wife Korie adopted 10 years ago.

Rebecca Robertson, 24, studied fashion in LA, but then came back to Louisiana for what Willie thought was a visit. But when Rebecca brings a million suitcases and a French bull dog, it’s clear that this isn’t a two-day trip. Rebecca, however, is welcomed home with open arms and a planned out surprise party — the Robertson men bought a banner that says “Congratulations” instead of “Welcome Home” because it was on sale.

Rebecca Robertson studied fashion in LA and came back to Louisiana
Rebecca Robertson studied fashion in LA and came back to Louisiana

The other new character is a family member of Korie Robertson. John David is Willie’s new assistant who Jase Robertson said only got hired because: “He just wanted someone heavier and hairier so that he would look better by comparison.”

At first there’s tension in the workplace — John David wears flip flops, brings lukewarm donuts, and doesn’t know how to blow a duck call — but he makes up for it after he buys the team a new basketball.

John David won a place in Willie’s heart because he can recite Nacho Libre ad nauseam.

Uncle Si Robertson is sick, so he has planted his “microbe” infested body on Phil’s couch to be taken care of by Miss Kay.

Si Robertson has also brought every single movie in the Air Bud franchise.

“Look, I’m a connoisseur when it comes to animal sports movies – Air Bud is an epic classic,” Si Robertson says.

“It blows Rudy out of the water … it makes Field of Dreams look like Rookie of the Year.”

Phil Robertson can’t agree because it’s too unrealistic. A dog just can’t dunk a basketball! He prefers the Bourne series.

There was also a lot of talk of microbes throughout the two episodes. Phil Robertson thinks Uncle Si is a hypochondriac who has claimed to have everything from bird flu to sausage fingers.

In the second part of the show, Phil Robertson has his own bizarre microbe philosophies.

Jep Robertson says his father used to expose them to microbes all the time to build up immunities. Phil Robertson suggests Jep do the same for his kids by having them go outside and throw dung at each other.

Meanwhile, Uncle Si organized an age-inappropriate treasure hunt for Jep’s kids that was as confusing to its participants as it was to the audience. It culminated in digging up candy buried in what appeared to be a grave site.

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Bernie Ecclestone leaves Formula 1 board

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Bernie Ecclestone leaves Formula 1 board

Bernie Ecclestone has decided to step down from the board of the company which runs Formula 1 following his indictment on bribery charges in Germany.

However, Bernie Ecclestone, 83, will continue to run the business on a day-to-day basis, Delta Topco said in a statement.

Bernie Ecclestone will go on trial to face allegations he bribed German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky who is serving a jail sentence for receiving the payment.

He admits paying Gerhard Gribkowsky, but denies bribery.

Bernie Ecclestone has decided to step down from the board of the company which runs Formula 1 following his indictment on bribery charges in Germany
Bernie Ecclestone has decided to step down from the board of the company which runs Formula 1 following his indictment on bribery charges in Germany

The board of Delta Topco met on Thursday and were told by Bernie Ecclestone that he intended to vigorously defend the case, which will commence in late April.

A statement read: “After discussion with the board, Mr. Ecclestone has proposed and the board has agreed that until the case has been concluded, he will step down as a director with immediate effect, thereby relinquishing his board duties and responsibilities until the case has been resolved.

“The board believes that it is in the best interests of both the F1 business and the sport that Mr. Ecclestone should continue to run the business on a day to day basis, but subject to increased monitoring and control by the board.

“Mr. Ecclestone has agreed to these arrangements.”

German prosecutors have accused Bernie Ecclestone of giving a $45 million bribe to Gerhard Gribkowsky to ensure F1 was sold to a private equity group of his choosing.

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Julie Gayet sues Closer magazine over Francois Hollande affair report

Nancy Clayson
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Julie Gayet sues Closer magazine over Francois Hollande affair report

Julie Gayet, the actress linked to French President Francois Hollande, is suing Closer magazine that published photos of their alleged affair.

Julie Gayet, 41, initiated proceedings against Closer for breach of privacy, the magazine told AFP news agency.

Francois Hollande himself said last week he was considering suing the magazine.

Julie Gayet is suing Closer magazine that published photos of her alleged affair with President Francois Hollande
Julie Gayet is suing Closer magazine that published photos of her alleged affair with President Francois Hollande

The photos plunged the presidency into a crisis which saw Francois Hollande’s official partner, Valerie Trierweiler, taken to hospital.

Julie Gayet is seeking 50,000 euros ($68,000) in damages and 4,000 euros in legal costs from the magazine.

If Julie Gayet wins, Closer magazine will have to publish the legal verdict on its cover page, AFP reports.

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Conrad Murray loses appeal in Michael Jackson involuntary manslaughter case

Lisa.Felice
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0
Conrad Murray loses appeal in Michael Jackson involuntary manslaughter case

Conrad Murray’s bid to have his conviction for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson overturned has been rejected by a Los Angeles court.

The Los Angeles appeal court ruled there was substantial evidence of guilt laid out at Conrad Murray’s trial in 2011.

Conrad Murray was sentenced to four years in jail, but was released last October after serving two years of his term.

The former doctor was convicted of administering a lethal dose of an anaesthetic drug to Michael Jackson in 2009.

In a ruling amounting to 68 pages, the court said Michael Jackson “was a vulnerable victim and that [Conrad Murray] was in a position of trust, and violated the trust relationship by breaching standards of professional conduct in numerous respects”.

The court also said that imposing the maximum sentence of four years at the original trial was right, as the evidence revealed a “callous disregard” for Michael Jackson’s health and safety.

They added that it was clear that Conrad Murray “administered a number of dangerous drugs to Mr. Jackson without the appropriate medical equipment, precautions or personnel in place”.

Conrad Murray's bid to have his conviction for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson overturned has been rejected by a Los Angeles court
Conrad Murray’s bid to have his conviction for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson overturned has been rejected by a Los Angeles court

Their ruling also concluded that Conrad Murray had been wrong to leave Michael Jackson unattended at the time.

Conrad Murray’s appeal argued that the trial judge had excluded jurors from hearing evidence.

It was also argued that the judge quashed attempts by Conrad Murray’s lawyers to introduce arguments about other doctors who had treated Michael Jackson.

His legal representative Valerie Wass said that Conrad Murray’s intention is to take the matter to a higher court.

In a separate development, the insurers of Michael Jackson’s This Is It tour have settled with the late singer’s estate over a policy amounting to $17.5 million.

The wrangle over the matter was due to go to trial next month.

The policy was taken out to insure against postponement or cancellation of the series of London concerts. Michael Jackson died of a drugs overdose while preparing for the shows.

Lloyd’s of London had asked for the policy to be declared null and void, saying they were not told that the star was taking powerful medication.

Details of the settlement have not been disclosed.

A series of legal cases have taken place since Michael Jackson’s death more than four years ago.

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Yingluck Shinawatra under investigation over corrupt rice subsidy scheme

Diane A. Wade
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0
Yingluck Shinawatra under investigation over corrupt rice subsidy scheme

PM Yingluck Shinawatra is being investigated by Thailand’s official anti-corruption commission in connection with the government’s controversial rice subsidy scheme.

The policy guarantees Thai rice farmers a much higher price than on the global market, but critics say it is too expensive and vulnerable to corruption.

The commission has already charged one minister, and is investigating others.

The news comes as Yingluck Shinawatra already faces intense pressure to resign.

Anti-government protesters have been marching through the capital, saying they will shut it down until their demands are met.

They accuse her government of being under the control of her brother, ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

They say they want an unelected “People’s Council” instead, to reform the electoral system.

The rice purchase scheme was launched in 2011, with the aim of boosting farmers’ incomes and helping alleviate rural poverty.

But it has resulted in the accumulation of huge stockpiles of rice, which the government cannot sell.

Yingluck Shinawatra is being investigated in connection with the government's controversial rice subsidy scheme
Yingluck Shinawatra is being investigated in connection with the government’s controversial rice subsidy scheme

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) says it is looking into Yingluck Shinawatra’s role in the scheme, and investigating her for possible negligence of duty.

“Those who oversaw the scheme knew there were losses but did not put a stop to it,” NACC spokeswoman Vicha Mahakhun told a news conference.

As prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra is nominally the head of the National Rice Committee.

Farmers have traditionally been some of Yingluck Shinawatra’s most ardent supporters. Her Phuea Thai Party was helped to power in 2011 by offering to buy rice at above the market price.

But the rice policy is thought to be costing Thailand around $10 billion a year – and the government has been unable to pay farmers for their most recent harvest, because a bond issue last year failed to raise sufficient funds.

Farmers are already talking about marching on Bangkok in protest.

In addition, if the NACC finds PM Yingluck Shinawatra guilty, she could be banned from politics, along with other ministers.

This would cast another shadow over the election she has called for next month.

The election is already proving contentious. The main opposition Democrat Party is boycotting the polls, which it fears will once again return the Shinawatra family to power.

Anti-government protesters have also rejected the elections, demanding electoral reforms.

Yingluck Shinawatra is currently moving around Bangkok to avoid the protesters blockading her office – although police said on Thursday that the crowds on the streets were gradually dwindling in number.

Beijing air pollution at dangerously high levels

Kathryn R. Bown
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Beijing air pollution at dangerously high levels

Beijing residents have been warned to don air masks and offices and homes to put electric air purifiers on overdrive after air pollution readings soared.

Air pollution readings on Thursday registered more than 20 times the recommended exposure levels by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau readings for PM 2.5 – air particulate smaller than 2.5 microns blamed for a range of severe respiratory ailments – registered over 500 micrograms per cubic meter. The WHO recommends no more than 25 micrograms per cubic meter.

Officials in Beijing issued a severe air warning and urged residents to wear protective masks while outdoors, and said the elderly and schoolchildren should stay indoors until conditions improved.

Beijing residents have been warned to don air masks and offices and homes to put electric air purifiers on overdrive after air pollution readings soared
Beijing residents have been warned to don air masks and offices and homes to put electric air purifiers on overdrive after air pollution readings soared

The winter months in the north of the country tend to be periods of extended bad air pollution. Biting cold forces the region’s coal-burning power plants to meet heating demands, while increased car usage and relentless construction chokes the skies with dangerous particulate.

Beijing’s topography – with hills surrounding much of this city of 20 million people – can also keep the capital immersed in dirty air unless strong winds blow it out.

Certain at-risk residents who find themselves exposed to the bad air over extended periods of time complain of watery eyes, difficulty breathing or other respiratory issues. Long-term exposure can lead to asthma, heart disease and cancer. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 has also been tied to knocking years off people’s life expectancy.

Despite ideal conditions for poor air quality, the air warning issued Friday was just the first of 2014.

China’s cities are frequently blanketed by pollution caused by coal-burning power plants, factories, and millions of vehicles on the roads.

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2014 Oscar nominations: Full List

Sonia Pantiss
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2014 Oscar nominations: Full List

The list of nominations for the 86th Academy Awards have been announced in Los Angeles on by Chris Hemsworth and Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs.

Best picture

12 Years a Slave

American Hustle

Captain Phillips

Dallas Buyers Club

Gravity

Her

Nebraska

Philomena

The Wolf of Wall Street

Best director

Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity

Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave

Alexander Payne, Nebraska

David O Russell, American Hustle

Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street

Best actor

Christian Bale, American Hustle

Bruce Dern, Nebraska

Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street

Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Best actress

Amy Adams, American Hustle

Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Sandra Bullock, Gravity

Judi Dench, Philomena

Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

Best supporting actor

Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips

Bradley Cooper, American Hustle

Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave

Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street

Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Best supporting actress

Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine

Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle

Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave

Julia Roberts, August: Osage County

June Squibb, Nebraska

Best animated feature

The Croods

Despicable Me 2

Ernest and Celestine

Frozen

The Wind Rises

Best foreign language film

The list of nominations for the 86th Academy Awards have been announced in Los Angeles on by Chris Hemsworth and Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs
The list of nominations for the 86th Academy Awards have been announced in Los Angeles on by Chris Hemsworth and Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs

 

The Broken Circle Breakdown

The Great Beauty

The Hunt

The Missing Picture

Omar

Best Film Editing

Gravity

American Hustle

12 Years A Slave

Captain Philips

Dallas Buyers Club

Best Production Design

Gravity

12 Years A Slave

American Hustle

Behind The Candelabra

The Great Gatsby

Best Costume Design

American Hustle

12 Years A Slave

The Grandmaster

The Great Gatsby

The Invisible Woman

Best Make-up and Hairstyling

Dallas Buyers Club

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa

The Lone Ranger

Best Sound Editing

Gravity

Captain Philips

All Is Lost

Rush

Inside Llewyn Davis

Best Visual Effects

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Iron Man 3

Pacific Rim

Star Trek Into Darkness

Gravity 

Best Animated Short Film

Everything I Can See From Here

I Am Tom Moody

Sleeping With the Fishes

Best Adapted Screenplay

12 Years A Slave

Captain Philips

Philomena

Behind The Candelabra

The Wolf Of Wall Street

Best Cinematography

Gravity, Emmanuel Lubezki

The Grandmaster, Philippe Le Sourd

Nebraska, Phedon Papamichael

Inside Llewyn Davis, Bruno Delbonnel

Prisoners, Roger A. Deakins
Best Original Screenplay

Gravity

American Hustle

Blue Jasmine

Nebraska

Inside Llewyn Davis

Best Original Score

Gravity

Philomena

Her

Saving Mr. Banks

The Book Thief

Best Documentary Feature

The Act Of Killing

Cutie And The Boxer

Dirty Wars

The Square

20 Feet From Stardom

Best Documentary Short Subject

Cavedigger

Facing Fear

Karama Has No Walls

The Lady In Number 6: Music Saved My Life

Prison Terminal: The Last Days Of Private Jack Hall

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Bernie Ecclestone to be tried on bribery charges in Germany

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Bernie Ecclestone to be tried on bribery charges in Germany

Bernie Ecclestone will be tried on bribery charges, a court in the German city of Munich has ruled.

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is accused of giving a $45 million (33 million euros) bribe to a German banker who is serving a jail sentence for receiving the payment.

Prosecutors allege that the payment was to ensure that F1 was sold to a private equity group of Bernie Ecclestone’s choice.

He admits paying Gerhard Gribkowsky, but denies bribery, saying he was effectively the victim of blackmail.

Bernie Ecclestone has been defending himself in a separate $147 million civil claim in London’s High Court.

That case was brought by a German media company, Constantin Medien, who claim they lost out financially when the share of F1 belonging to German bank Bayern Landesbank was sold in 2006 to private equity group CVC.

Bernie Ecclestone and Gerhard Gribkowsky, who was on the board of Bayern Landesbank, were accused in court of conspiring to deliberately undervalue F1 when it was sold, in order that Ecclestone would retain control of the sport.

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is accused of giving a $45 million bribe to a German banker
Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is accused of giving a $45 million bribe to a German banker

The F1 boss told the High Court that he made the payment because the banker had been threatening to reveal false details of his tax affairs.

A statement from Bavaria’s district court said that a trial date for the criminal trial had not yet been set, but that proceedings were likely to begin in late April.

Bernie Ecclestone is charged with bribery and incitement to breach of trust and will be obliged to appear at his trial.

The court statement says that the payments made to Gerhard Gribkowsky were dressed up as consultancy contracts, and that both their source and their destination were obscured using corporate structures.

The payments were made between July 2006 and December 2007, it says.

Bernie Ecclestone’s German lawyer said on Thursday that the alleged bribery never took place.

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