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Eastern Partnership Summit 2013: EU leaders meet in Vilnius under Ukraine cloud

Diane A. Wade
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Eastern Partnership Summit 2013: EU leaders meet in Vilnius under Ukraine cloud

EU leaders are gathering in Vilnius, Lithuania, for a summit rocked by Ukraine’s shock decision not to sign a far-reaching agreement.

The conclusion of the trade and reform deal was planned as the highlight of a summit aimed also at building ties with other East European states.

Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych is likely to face tough questions from EU leaders on why he stopped the deal, apparently under Russian pressure.

Viktor Yanukovych has requested more EU financial aid.

Pro-EU protests are continuing in Ukrainian cities against the government’s decision to back out of the deal.

EU leaders are gathering in Vilnius for a summit rocked by Ukraine's shock decision not to sign a far-reaching agreement
EU leaders are gathering in Vilnius for a summit rocked by Ukraine’s shock decision not to sign a far-reaching agreement

Viktor Yanukovych has dismissed an EU condition for signing the agreement – that Yulia Tymoshenko, the former prime minister and opposition leader, be freed from jail.

The dispute has increased tension between the EU and Russia, with Ukraine complaining it is becoming a “battleground” between the two.

EU leaders said in a statement that they “strongly disapprove” of Moscow’s pressure on Ukraine not to sign – while Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the EU of “blackmail”.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is expected to have talks with Viktor Yanukovych on Friday, said Russia should not view relations between the 28-state bloc and ex-Soviet republics as a threat.

“We should overcome the ‘either us or them’ mentality,” Angela Merkel said.

“The Cold War is over.”

The two-day event, billed as the third Eastern Partnership Summit, is being held in the capital of Lithuania, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU.

The leaders are due to hold informal talks at a dinner on Thursday evening, with the official business of the summit to be conducted on Friday.

Initial political association agreements with Georgia and Moldova are due to be signed, as well as a visa agreement with Azerbaijan.

However, the centrepiece of the summit had been the association agreement with Ukraine. Such agreements, which promote democratic values and economic co-operation, are seen as a key step towards EU membership.

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Thanksgiving Recipe: Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie

Kathryn R. Bown
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Thanksgiving Recipe: Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie

Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie

Ingredients:

For Pie

  • pastry for single-crust pie
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups thinly sliced peeled apples

Crumb Topping

Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie
Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup butter

Final Topping

  • 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

  1. Prepare pastry for single-crust pie, being careful not to stretch dough too much.
  2. Place in pie plate and trim and crimp the edge.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Add apple slices and gently toss until they are coated well.
  5. Transfer mixture to pie.
  6. FOR CRUMB TOPPING: Stir together brown sugar, flour, and oats.
  7. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until topping resembles coarse crumbs.
  8. Sprinkle over apple mixture in pie.
  9. To prevent over-browning while baking, cover edge of pie with foil.
  10. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes more, or until top is golden.
  12. Remove from oven.
  13. Drizzle top with caramel topping; sprinkle with pecans.
  14. Cool on wire rack and serve

Lewis Collins dies in Los Angeles at 67

Sonia Pantiss
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Lewis Collins dies in Los Angeles at 67

Lewis Collins has died in Los Angeles, after a five-year struggle with cancer, at the age of 67, his agent has announced.

The Professionals actor played Bodie in the cult 1970s TV series alongside Martin Shaw.

Lewis Collins’ agent said: “He died peacefully at his LA home surrounded by his family. Privacy is asked for at this very sad time.”

The Professionals was based around the adventures of a fictional crime fighting unit called CI5.

The ITV show became huge hit in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Lewis Collins’s other notable roles included SAS captain Peter Skellen in 1982’s Who Dares Wins.

Martin Shaw, currently appearing in a West End production of 12 Angry Men, said he was saddened by the news of his co-star’s death.

“We spent a very tough four years together in making the Professionals, and shared in the production of what has become an icon of British television,” he said.

Lewis Collins has died in Los Angeles, after a five-year struggle with cancer
Lewis Collins has died in Los Angeles, after a five-year struggle with cancer

“He will be remembered as part of the childhood of so many people, and mourned by his fans. I send my love and condolences to his family, and the great many who will miss him.”

Lewis Collins was born in May 1946 in Cheshire, UK, and worked as a drummer and a hairdresser before breaking into acting.

Early work included roles in popular TV series such as Z Cars and The New Avengers, as well as a recurring role in The Cuckoo Waltz.

Lewis Collins became a household name with the debut of The Professionals in 1977, which ran for six years and won him a global following as hard man William Bodie.

Towards the end of The Professionals, Lewis Collins played the lead in the British thriller Who Dares Wins, as an SAS soldier who infiltrates a terrorist group.

Around this time, Lewis Collins auditioned for the role of James Bond.

“I was in Albert R Broccoli’s office for five minutes, but it was really over for me in seconds,” he is reported to have said.

“He’s expecting another Connery to walk through the door and there are few of them around.”

Unlike his co-star, Lewis Collins was never able to match his success in The Professionals.

Lewis Collins continued working across the ’80s and ’90s and was last seen on screen in 2002 in The Bill.

Lewis Collins is survived by his wife, Michelle – whom he married in 1992 – and three sons.

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White House Turkey Pardon 2013: Barack Obama pardons Caramel and Popcorn on Thanksgiving eve

Nancy Clayson
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White House Turkey Pardon 2013: Barack Obama pardons Caramel and Popcorn on Thanksgiving eve

This year, President Barack Obama has symbolically pardoned two turkeys on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The turkeys, named Caramel and Popcorn, were granted their presidential reprieve at the White House in what has become an annual tradition.

“I salute our two guests of honor… for their bravery,” Barack Obama said of the turkeys who competed for the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey.

Popcorn emerged the victor in a previously conducted Facebook poll.

Barack Obama has symbolically pardoned two turkeys on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday
Barack Obama has symbolically pardoned two turkeys on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday

Barack Obama, flanked by daughters Sasha and Malia, joked that his job came with “awesome and solemn responsibilities” – but the annual turkey pardon “was not one of them”.

On a more serious note, Barack Obama thanked the American people as well as members of the military for their service prior to the national holiday.

Both Caramel and Popcorn will be shuttled to nearby Mount Vernon – George Washington’s historic home – where they remain through Christmas.

Popcorn and Caramel will not be one of the estimated 46 million turkeys Americans consumed on Thanksgiving every year.

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Up Late With Alec Baldwin cancelation confirmed

Lisa.Felice
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Up Late With Alec Baldwin cancelation confirmed

Up Late With Alec Baldwin has been cancelled, weeks after it was suspended following reports the actor had used an anti-gay slur.

MSNBC and Alec Baldwin jointly confirmed that the actor’s chat show “will not continue”.

“This is a mutual parting and we wish Alec all the best,” said a statement.

Alec Baldwin, 55, claimed gay activists had “killed” his show, but acknowledged he had to take “some responsibility” for his actions.

Up Late With Alec Baldwin has been cancelled, weeks after it was suspended following reports the actor had used an anti-gay slur
Up Late With Alec Baldwin has been cancelled, weeks after it was suspended following reports the actor had used an anti-gay slur

The show was suspended for two weeks when Alec Baldwin was caught on video, apparently insulting a photographer using a homophobic epithet.

Alec Baldwin disputed using the term, claiming the audio was unclear, but he nonetheless posted an apology on the MSNBC website.

“I did not intend to hurt or offend anyone with my choice of words, but clearly I have,” Alec Baldwin wrote earlier this month.

“Words are important. I understand that and will choose mine with great care going forward.”

Up Late With Alec Baldwin, which had dropped considerably in the ratings since its mid-October debut, was due to return on Friday.

Alec Baldwin said a “fundamentalist wing of gay advocacy” had played a part in the show’s cancellation.

Alec Baldwin, who is currently filming with Jerry Maguire director Cameron Crowe in Hawaii, frequently attracts press coverage with his incendiary remarks.

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Disputed islands: Japan and South Korea defy China’s air defense zone

Roy Siemens
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Disputed islands: Japan and South Korea defy China’s air defense zone

Japanese and South Korean planes have flown unannounced through China’s newly-declared air defense zone, officials from both nations say.

Japan’s aircraft had conducted routine “surveillance activity” over the East China Sea zone, the top government spokesman said.

South Korea had also conducted a flight, its defense ministry said.

China says planes transiting the zone, which covers areas claimed by Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei, must file plans.

The zone includes islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China which are claimed by Japan, China and Taiwan.

Japan controls the islands, which have been the focus of a bitter and long-running dispute between Japan and China.

The zone also covers a submerged rock that South Korea says forms part of its territory.

China, which established the air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Saturday, says aircraft must report a flight plan, communicate and identify themselves. Those who do not could face “defensive emergency measures”.

Japanese and South Korean planes have flown unannounced through China's newly-declared air defense zone
Japanese and South Korean planes have flown unannounced through China’s newly-declared air defense zone

China’s move has been condemned by the US and Japan.

The US, which called the move a “destabilizing attempt to alter the status quo in the region”, flew two unarmed B-52 bombers through the zone unannounced on Tuesday.

Japanese officials did not specify when the flights happened, but confirmed the surveillance activity.

“Even since China has created this airspace defense zone, we have continued our surveillance activities as before in the East China Sea, including in the zone,” said Japan’s top government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga.

“We are not going to change this [activity] out of consideration to China,” he added.

For their part, South Korea’s military said one of their planes entered the zone on Tuesday.

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said on Wednesday that the air zone issue had made “already tricky regional situations even more difficult to deal with”.

“We’ve witnessed competition and conflicts among players of the region getting fiercer,” he told Yonhap news agency.

On Thursday, South Korea and China held talks on the zone, but failed to reach any agreement.

China defended its establishment of an air zone on Thursday, with a Defense Ministry spokesman telling state media it was “completely justified and legitimate”.

US Vice-President Joe Biden is expected to express America’s concerns to China when he makes a scheduled visit next week.

Joe Biden would “convey our concerns directly and… seek clarity regarding the Chinese intentions in making this move at this time”, a senior US official administration said.

The vice-president will also make stops in Japan and South Korea during his trip to Asia.

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Comet ISON to reach its closest approach to the Sun on Thanksgiving Day

James J. Williams
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Comet ISON to reach its closest approach to the Sun on Thanksgiving Day

Astronomers are waiting to see if Comet ISON survives its encounter with the Sun.

Comet ISON will reach its closest approach to the Sun at approximately 18:35 GMT on Thursday.

It has been billed as a potential “comet of the century”, but the Sun’s heat and gravitational tug could destroy it before it has a chance to light up the skies.

Comet ISON came from the Oort Cloud, a mysterious, icy region at the furthest reaches of our Solar System.

It has been hurtling towards the Earth, travelling at more than a million kilometres an hour.

Comet ISON makes final approach to go around the Sun on Thanksgiving Day
Comet ISON makes final approach to go around the Sun on Thanksgiving Day

Now it is entering the most perilous stage of its epic journey.

ISON will pass the Sun at a distance of just 1.2 million km, effectively grazing its surface.

The Sun’s intense gravitational field produces tidal forces that will also have a major effect on the comet.

Scientists fear it could follow the path of Comet Lovejoy, which broke apart after it passed near the Sun in 2011. Or it could run out of fuel and fizzle out. It is hoped Ison’s large size could protect it.

Astronomers estimate that its nucleus could be several kilometres in diameter, helping it to withstand the solar assault.

If it does remain largely intact, the heat from the Sun will excite the dust and gas in its core, allowing it to blaze a trail across the night skies. But whether it really will be a “comet of the century” is unclear.

There has been some debate already about whether Comet ISON is starting to break up, and telescopes such as the ESA/NASA SOHO Sun-observing satellite will be trained on the star during the approach.

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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2013: Flying balloons decision to be made on Thursday morning

Nancy Clayson
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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2013: Flying balloons decision to be made on Thursday morning

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons lay on their bellies on the pavement of West 77th Street in Manhattan as they were inflated on Wednesday evening.

Spectators to the inflation of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons streamed by, children in strollers pointing out their favorites, parents pulling tiny parkas closed and shoving little hats down on heads as the wind steadily picked up throughout the afternoon.

New York City officials have been monitoring that wind, wary that strong breezes could mean that Spider-Man will not soar and Woodstock from “Peanuts” may not get his bird’s-eye view.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons may not be flown if the weather creates hazardous conditions
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons may not be flown if the weather creates hazardous conditions

Earlier weather predictions of winds that would exceed NYC’s limit for flying balloons — a rule that kicks in if winds are 23 miles per hour or more and gusts exceed 34 mph. — had been scaled down. New predictions as of 4 p.m. on Wednesday called for Thanksgiving morning winds of 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

The final decision will be made on Thursday morning by several agencies, based on guidelines that were created after a Cat in the Hat balloon hit a lamppost at 72nd Street and Central Park West in 1997, knocking down part of the pole and injuring four spectators.

Forecasting winds in the city is challenging because of the “canyon effect,” with the tall buildings along the parade route creating a tunnel, said Joe Picca, a meteorologist at the Weather Service.

“Tomorrow before the event we will make a determination,” said James P. Hall, the Police Department’s chief of patrol, on Wednesday afternoon.

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Thanksgiving travel 2013: Fewer flight delays than originally predicted

Nancy Clayson
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Thanksgiving travel 2013: Fewer flight delays than originally predicted

The deadly winter storm that had threatened Thanksgiving travel gridlock on the East Coast has so far proven less troublesome than originally feared.

High winds and rain have delayed hundreds of flights but have failed to cause commuting misery on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

A National Weather Service official called it a “fairly typical storm for this time of year”.

More than 43 million Americans will travel during the holiday.

The storm, which developed on the West Coast over the weekend and has been blamed for nearly a dozen deaths, may still dump heavy snow on parts of the East Coast.

About 6in of snow is forecast for parts of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, while up to 1ft could fall in a pocket of upstate New York.

More than 250 flights were delayed on Wednesday along the East Coast, far fewer than the thousands originally predicted.

More than 250 flights were delayed on Wednesday along the East Coast, far fewer than the thousands originally predicted
More than 250 flights were delayed on Wednesday along the East Coast, far fewer than the thousands originally predicted

Travelers had been braced for long waits at the airport, but many were left pleasantly surprised.

“We thought it would be busier here but there’ve been no lines, and it has been really quiet all morning,” Katie Fleisher told the Associated Press news agency at Boston’s Logan airport.

But meteorologists warned that falling temperatures could create icy road conditions for those who put off travel until Wednesday evening.

The Boston area is forecast to face 60mph winds. And the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania state has been placed under flood watch.

The storm is also threatening a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition: the New York Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.

New safety rules following a 1997 accidental death from a windblown balloon could prevent their use on Thursday if gusts are too high.

Thanksgiving has been marked for hundreds of years, and is generally thought to commemorate a 1621 harvest feast the pilgrims shared with Indians after settling at Plymouth, in what is now Massachusetts.

The modern festival sees millions of people travel to be with family, eat turkey feasts, watch NFL football matches and – in recent years – plan or even begin their assault on the holiday sales.

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Expo 2020: Dubai to host World Expo trade convention

Clyde K. Valle
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Expo 2020: Dubai to host World Expo trade convention

The 2020 World Expo trade convention will be host by Dubai.

Dubai has been chosen after beating off rival bids from Brazil, Turkey and Russia.

Fireworks exploded from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, following the announcement in Paris.

Dubai will be the first Middle Eastern city to hold the Expo, which takes place every five years.

The expo sees hundreds of countries show off the latest in architecture and technology.

The 2020 World Expo trade convention will be host by Dubai
The 2020 World Expo trade convention will be host by Dubai

The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum, has promised to astonish the world with the event.

Dubai beat Russia’s Yekaterinburg in the final round of voting in Paris. The other contenders were Sao Paulo in Brazil and Izmir in Turkey.

“We renew our promise to astonish the world in 2020,” said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum after the win.

“Dubai Expo 2020 will breathe new life into the ancient role of the Middle East as a melting pot for cultures and creativity.”

Dubai authorities say the Expo 2020 will bring in around $23 billion. They say financing for the six-month event will cost a total of $8.4 billion, with the government spending around $6.5 billion on infrastructure projects.

A huge exhibition centre will be built to host the event, plus new hotels and an extension to Dubai’s metro line.

The 2015 Expo takes place in Milan.

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Honduras election 2013: Juan Orlando Hernandez wins presidential poll

Diane A. Wade
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Honduras election 2013: Juan Orlando Hernandez wins presidential poll

Juan Orlando Hernandez has been declared the winner of Sunday’s presidential poll in Honduras.

“Today’s figures indicate clearly that the winner of the election is Juan Orlando Hernandez,” said Honduras electoral commission’s president David Matamoros.

Conservative Juan Orlando Hernandez has won 35.88% of the vote, according to AFP news agency.

His main rival, the left-wing candidate Xiomara Castro, has won 29% with 81.5% of polling stations tallied.

David Matamoros earlier said the final result would be known in the next few days, but he called on all candidates to support the new government.

Second-placed Xiomara Castro said she was robbed of victory.

Juan Orlando Hernandez has been declared the winner of Sunday’s presidential poll in Honduras
Juan Orlando Hernandez has been declared the winner of Sunday’s presidential poll in Honduras

Xiomara Castro said she would present evidence of fraud.

Since Sunday, Xiomara Castro’s Libre party has alleged massive electoral fraud and refused to accept the results.

On Tuesday, European Union and Organization of American States observers in Honduras said the voting process had been transparent.

Xiomara Castro, the wife of ousted ex-President Manuel Zelaya, had hoped to become the first female president of Honduras.

Manuel Zelaya, who was deposed in a coup in 2009, told reporters there were “serious inconsistencies” in up to 400,000 ballots.

“We are going to defend our triumph at the ballot box and if necessary will take to the streets,” he said.

“Until proven otherwise, we hold triumph in our hands.”

Students and other Xiomara Castro supporters have already protested over the election results.

Around 5.4 million Hondurans were registered to vote in the general election, selecting a new president, members of parliament and local mayors.

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Justin Bieber in Australia graffiti row

Lisa.Felice
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Justin Bieber in Australia graffiti row

Justin Bieber has been asked to clean up graffiti left on a Gold Coast hotel wall in Australia.

Justin Bieber, 19, spray-painted cartoon faces on an external wall of a Gold Coast hotel earlier this week. The singer is currently touring Australia.

The hotel said it was pleased to have Justin Bieber’s artwork on their wall. However, Gold Coast City Council said it would order the graffiti’s removal.

Earlier this month, Justin Bieber was charged with defacing a building in Brazil.

Justin Bieber has been asked to clean up graffiti left on a Gold Coast hotel wall in Australia
Justin Bieber has been asked to clean up graffiti left on a Gold Coast hotel wall in Australia

The hotel, QT Gold Coast, said in a response to a comment on its Facebook page: “We are stoked to have Justin Bieber’s artwork on our wall.”

It added that it had given Justin Bieber permission to paint on the wall.

However, Gold Coast City Council said that while the graffiti was on a private property, it was in public view and an eyesore.

Earlier, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tait described Justin Bieber’s behaviour as “really silly”.

“Just come and clean it up and we’ll be happy with you. Alternatively come and sing at our mayoral Christmas carols on 7 December for an hour and I’ll let you go.”

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Yingluck Shinawatra wins no-confidence vote in Thai parliament

Diane A. Wade
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Yingluck Shinawatra wins no-confidence vote in Thai parliament

Thailand’s PM Yingluck Shinawatra has survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, amid major street protests in Bangkok.

The motion was brought by the opposition Democrat Party, but Yingluck Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai party dominate the chamber and voted it down.

Yingluck Shinawatra’s government is facing the biggest demonstrations to hit Thailand since the violence of 2010.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has voiced concern over the tensions and urged restraint.

Protests began in Bangkok on Sunday. Since then, demonstrators calling on the government to step down have marched on ministries and government bodies in an attempt to shut them down.

The demonstrators, who are led by a former opposition party lawmaker, say Yingluck Shinawatra’s government is controlled by her brother – the ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Yingluck Shinawatra has invoked special powers allowing curfews and road closures and police have also ordered the arrest of the protest leader – but so far no move has been made to detain him.

The protests have been largely peaceful and correspondents have described the mood of the rallies as friendly.

PM Yingluck Shinawatra has survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, amid major street protests in Bangkok
PM Yingluck Shinawatra has survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, amid major street protests in Bangkok

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters surrounded Thailand’s top crime-fighting agency, forcing its evacuation.

Ban Ki-moon has urged all sides to “to exercise the utmost restraint, refrain from the use of violence and to show full respect for the rule of law and human rights”.

Yingluck Shinawatra won 297 votes, easily surviving the lower house censure motion, while 134 voted against her.

So far protesters have succeeded only in disrupting the business of government for a few days, and the authorities have been careful not to risk violence by confronting them.

Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a military coup in 2006 that left the country bitterly divided.

In 2010, thousands of “red-shirt” Thaksin Shinawatra supporters occupied key parts of the capital. More than 90 people, mostly civilian protesters, died over the course of the two-month sit-in.

Yingluck Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party were subsequently voted into office, and Thailand’s political landscape has remained largely stable since then.

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ObamaCare: Online medical insurance for small businesses delayed by one year

Diane A. Wade
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ObamaCare: Online medical insurance for small businesses delayed by one year

The White House has announced another delay to its healthcare law, this time to online medical insurance for small businesses.

The marketplace website allowing employers to buy health coverage for their workers will be put off by one year until November 2014.

Ongoing problems with Healthcare.gov, beset by glitches since its October 1st launch, were blamed for the delay.

It is the latest setback for the law commonly known as ObamaCare.

Enrolment for small businesses was originally meant to start in October, until the administration delayed it by a month. On Wednesday it pushed that deadline back again, by a full year.

Administration officials told reporters in a conference call that employers who want to buy healthcare plans for their workers would need to go through an insurance company or agent, rather than through a government website.

Officials said this would allow employers to buy coverage while avoiding slowing down technical repairs on the federal website, which has been plagued by errors.

The White House has promised the website will be fixed by the end of November.

The marketplace website allowing employers to buy health coverage for their workers will be put off by one year until November 2014
The marketplace website allowing employers to buy health coverage for their workers will be put off by one year until November 2014

Government health spokeswoman Julie Bataille said on Wednesday the portal was now handling 25,000 users at the same time.

She said it was on track to meet its goal of handling double that number by Saturday.

“We have a lot of work left to do in the next few days,” Julie Bataille added.

But she cautioned that some malfunctions may persist on the website beyond the end of this week.

“There will be times after November 30th when Healthcare.gov does not function properly,” said Julie Bataille.

Republicans, who have launched countless legal and political challenges to the law since its passage in 2010, seized on the latest postponement.

“With each passing day, it’s clear how much worse ObamaCare is than a website full of glitches,” Republican National Committee chair Reince Priebus said in a statement.

The online portal was established under the health law to enable consumers who do not get medical cover through their employers or via government benefits to shop for coverage.

But technical problems – including slow page loads and outages – have resulted in much lower-than-anticipated initial enrolment rates.

Considered the largest overhaul of the US healthcare system since the 1960s, it aims to extend health insurance coverage to the estimated 15% of the US population who lack it.

Support for ObamaCare, whose official name is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, has recently wobbled even within the president’s own party.

Some congressional Democrats are said to be worried that the mounting negative headlines could hurt their 2014 re-election chances.

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Street Outlaws’ Tyler “Flip” Priddy died from self-inflicted gunshot?

Lisa.Felice
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Street Outlaws’ Tyler “Flip” Priddy died from self-inflicted gunshot?

The cause of death of Street Outlaws’ Tyler “Flip” Priddy has never been made public, but reports suggest that he committed suicide.

Some reports claimed Flip died from self inflicted gunshot.

Tyler “Flip” Priddy passed away on May 28, 2013 at his home in Yukon, Oklahoma at the age of 31.

His family is reportedly not wanting the cause of his death to be released as of yet.

The cause of death of Street Outlaws’ Tyler “Flip” Priddy has never been made public
The cause of death of Street Outlaws’ Tyler “Flip” Priddy has never been made public

Tyler Gene Priddy was born November 30, 1981 in Chickasha, Oklahoma to Gene and Glenda (Long) Priddy.

He attended Hinton Elementary School and graduated from Putnam City High School in Warr Acres, Oklahoma. He worked for Warren Caterpillar for 10 years and was currently the parts warehouse manager.

Flip enjoyed drag racing. Starting with a Mustang, then an El Camino, he eventually turned his passion towards a reality TV show called Street Outlaws, where he beat out several others to be selected for the show. Anything he could get on and go fast he would because Tyler was a “Gear Head”. He loved racing RC cars and Jeepin’ with his boys.

Tyler Priddy loved his four boys and had nicknames for them all.

He is survived by his wife Morgan Amber Priddy of Yukon, his children Tovey Gene (Rito), Remey J (Flemerson), Dresdyn Rinot (Day Day) and Bennett William Edward (Baby B).

Amadou Sanogo: Mali coup leader arrested and charged with murders

Roy Siemens
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Amadou Sanogo: Mali coup leader arrested and charged with murders

Mali’s former coup leader General Amadou Sanogo has been charged with “murders and assassinations”, the justice ministry has said.

Armed troops went to Amadou Sanogo’s home to take him before a judge, after which he was remanded in custody.

Amadou Sanogo had repeatedly been called in for questioning over the deaths of six soldiers during an army protest in September but failed to appear.

The March 2012 coup plunged Mali into chaos, allowing Islamist militants to take over territory in the north.

The al-Qaeda-linked insurgents were ousted from the major towns in the north with the help of France and West African troops earlier this year.

Amadou Sanogo was taken away in handcuffs from his home by about 25 armed soldiers for questioning
Amadou Sanogo was taken away in handcuffs from his home by about 25 armed soldiers for questioning

Amadou Sanogo, who was a middle-ranking officer when he led the coup, was taken away in handcuffs from his home by about 25 armed soldiers for questioning.

The justice ministry confirmed he had been charged with “murder and assassination and complicity in murder and assassination”.

The former junta leader was also charged with kidnapping, a judicial source told the AFP news agency.

Gen. Amadou Sanogo toppled President Amadou Amani Toure, accusing him of not doing enough to combat a Tuareg-led rebellion in the north.

As well as prompting the Islamist insurgency, the coup also caused a rift between pro-junta soldiers, known as green berets, and those loyal to the former president, known as red berets.

A collective of wives, widows and parents of 23 Malian red beret soldiers who disappeared in the month following the 2012 coup welcomed the news of General Amadou Sanogo ‘s detention.

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Latvia: PM Valdis Dombrovskis resigns over Maxima deadly collapse

Diane A. Wade
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Latvia: PM Valdis Dombrovskis resigns over Maxima deadly collapse

Latvia’s Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has resigned following the deadly collapse of Maxima supermarket in Riga.

Valdis Dombrovskis made the announcement at a meeting with President Andris Berzins.

“Considering the tragedy and all related circumstances… a new government is needed that has the clear support of parliament,” Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters.

At least 54 people died when the Maxima supermarket collapsed last Thursday.

President Andris Berzins earlier described the disaster as “murder” and called for foreign experts to investigate what had happened.

Valdis Dombrovskis met the president for an hour and a half on Wednesday, the Baltic news agency Delfi reports.

Latvia's Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has resigned following the deadly collapse of Maxima supermarket in Riga
Latvia’s Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has resigned following the deadly collapse of Maxima supermarket in Riga

President Andris Berzins was quoted by the agency as saying: “I call on all who look to the future to assess their responsibility and act accordingly.”

The prime minister’s spokesman told Agence France-Presse news agency that “the government takes political responsibility for the tragedy”.

Andris Berzins is now considering appointing a new government. Elections are not scheduled until October next year.

The collapse was the biggest loss of life since Latvia became independent from the USSR in 1991.

Police have opened a criminal investigation into the cause of the disaster.

Structural experts have suggested that the supermarket building itself may have been badly designed and so not able to support a garden that was being built on the roof.

After analyzing photos, videos and eyewitness reports, one structural engineer suggested there had been numerous design flaws in the roof’s supporting beams – including not enough bolts.

Substandard construction materials and corruption are other possible lines of inquiry.

Taking office in 2009, Valdis Dombrovskis was charged with making harsh budget cuts and tax increases as well as tough structural reforms to tackle the country’s economic crisis.

He was twice reappointed, and is widely credited with preventing the small Baltic country from going bankrupt.

Latvia is due to join the eurozone on January 1st, becoming the 18th EU state to adopt the single currency.

Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi’s marriage was ruled by secrecy

Lisa.Felice
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0
Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi’s marriage was ruled by secrecy

There was a “culture of secrecy” in Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson’s marriage, a London court has heard today.

The news emerged during legal argument in the case involving Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson’s personal assistants who are accused of fraud.

Sisters Francesca, 35, and Elisabetta Grillo, 41, deny spending more than £685,000 ($1.1 million) on Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson’s credit cards.

Isleworth Crown Court has already heard how Charles Saatchi accused Nigella Lawson of allowing their staff to spend to cover her use of drugs.

Anthony Metzer QC, representing the Italian sisters, told the court: “The defendants’ case is that Nigella Lawson lied to her ex-husband about her drug use and about the expenditure that was incurred by the defendants, both expressly and implicitly, because she was fearful of Mr. Saatchi’s reaction if he knew about the extent of the expenditure and drug use.

“There was a culture of secrecy within Nigella Lawson’s marriage.”

He added: “If Mr. Saatchi is telling the truth, then Ms Lawson is a habitual criminal.”

After the jury was sworn in, prosecutor Jane Carpenter opened the case, stating that the trial “relates to the high life lived by Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo.

“The sort of life you may often see portrayed in glossy magazines.

Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson broke up in the summer after pictures were published showing the millionaire art dealer holding his wife by the throat at the restaurant in Mayfair
Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson broke up in the summer after pictures were published showing the millionaire art dealer holding his wife by the throat at the restaurant in Mayfair

“But we say that they did so not by their own endeavors but in a greedy and fraudulent free-for-all by abusing the trust of their employers in a four-year spending spree.”

She added: “The defendants both of whom were women of good character, employed by a wealthy family in a position of trust decided to abuse their [credit] cards.

“They travelled the world staying in top hotels and spent exorbitant sums of money on clothes and accessories.

“In total they spent in excess of £685,000. Francesca Grillo spent more than £580,000 and Elisabetta Grillo around £105,000.”

Earlier, the judge ruled the case against the Grillo sisters can go ahead, despite the defense lawyer arguing his clients would not get a fair trial.

Judge Robin Johnson said that “with the right rulings and the ability to monitor the process of the court during the process of the trial, a fair trial can be achieved”.

Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo, both of Bayswater, west London, deny fraudulently using company credit cards to buy luxuries, including designer clothes and first-class air travel, between 2008 and 2012.

Anthony Metzer said his clients would not be able to receive a fair trial “as there has been a manipulation of the court process by the two main prosecution witnesses in this case”.

He said: “It’s a convenient forum for Mr. Saatchi and Ms Lawson to rehearse disputed issues between them… in the criminal courts where, of course, the possibility of libel is not possible.”

Prosecution lawyer Jane Carpenter argued the case should not be thrown out as “nothing raised shows manipulation of court process” and “the timeline proves it”.

“This case therefore started long before any allegations of drug taking,” the prosecution lawyer added.

During the hearing, Anthony Metzer read out part of a statement from Charles Saatchi, which said: “It was only during the break-up that I became aware that she was taking drugs when we were married.

“I can’t remember precisely when but I think it was in June 2013, at the time of the well-publicized incident at Scott’s restaurant in Mayfair.

“It was subsequently confirmed to me by other people in and around the household.”

Charles Saatchi and Nigella Lawson broke up in the summer after pictures were published showing the millionaire art dealer holding his wife by the throat at the restaurant in Mayfair.

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Bitcoin value surpasses $1,000 for first time

Nancy Clayson
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0
Bitcoin value surpasses $1,000 for first time

Bitcoin’s value has surpassed $1,000 for the first time, MTGox announces.

MTGox is one of the virtual currency’s major exchanges.

Bitcoin’s value has been rising rapidly since a US Senate committee hearing earlier this month.

Confidence grew after the committee described virtual currencies as a “legitimate financial service”.

Bitcoin’s value has surpassed $1,000 for the first time
Bitcoin’s value has surpassed $1,000 for the first time

Bitcoin has become popular in part due to it being difficult to trace transactions.

The currency is often linked to illegal activity online.

Customers using the Silk Road – a website selling illegal drugs that was shut down last month – would pay for goods using Bitcoin.

Many worried the crackdown would cause the value to plummet, but instead growing confidence that regulators will not imminently seek to ban the currency has seen its price soar.

Enthusiasts say it is a highly efficient way of handling global money transfers.

“For Bitcoin to go from zero to $1,000 in just five years has been amazing to watch,” said Mike Hearn, a Bitcoin developer.

“It’s easy to forget that Bitcoin’s true value is not in an arbitrary exchange rate, but in its ability to enable new applications and services which aren’t possible with today’s payment networks.”

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Brazil World Cup 2014: Itaquerao stadium accident kills three people

Clyde K. Valle
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0
Brazil World Cup 2014: Itaquerao stadium accident kills three people

Three people have died in an accident at Sao Paolo’s Itaquerao stadium that is due to host the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup football.

A senior local fire official said crews were called to the Arena Corinthians after reports of a collapsed crane.

It fell on top of a metal structure, destroying parts of a stand.

The arena was due to be completed at the end of December to meet a FIFA deadline. Brazil has admitted it is struggling to have all 12 venues ready.

TV footage showed the huge metal structure buckled on top of the stadium, which is also known as Itaquerao.

Three people have died in an accident at Sao Paolo’s Itaquerao stadium that is due to host the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup football
Three people have died in an accident at Sao Paolo’s Itaquerao stadium that is due to host the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup football

Part of the stand – believed to be in the southern sector – was damaged. A LED panel outside the venue was also hit.

Rescue teams are checking the site to see if there are more victims.

Corinthians, the club that will move into the new stadium, said in a short statement that it “deeply regrets the accident”.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic deaths”.

Secretary General Jerome Valcke said: “Extremely shocked by the news from Sao Paulo. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims of this accident.”

The venue is being built by Brazil’s Odebrecht company, who recently said the arena was about 94% ready.

Six of Brazil’s stadiums – including Itaquerao – are not yet ready for the World Cup next summer.

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Silvio Berlusconi expelled from parliament

Diane A. Wade
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Silvio Berlusconi expelled from parliament

The Italian Senate has voted to expel former PM Silvio Berlusconi from parliament with immediate effect over his conviction for tax fraud.

Silvio Berlusconi, who has dominated politics for 20 years, could now face arrest over other criminal cases as he has lost his immunity from prosecution.

Silvio Berlusconi could face arrest over other criminal cases as he has lost his immunity from prosecution
Silvio Berlusconi could face arrest over other criminal cases as he has lost his immunity from prosecution

The 77-year-old told supporters in Rome it was a “day of mourning” for democracy.

Ahead of the vote, Silvio Berlusconi vowed to remain in politics to lead his Forza Italia in a “fight for the good of Italy”.

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Porter Ridge Christmas special to premiere on December 3

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Porter Ridge Christmas special to premiere on December 3

When the Porter Ridge gang and Dog Killer Ridge crew plan for their respective Christmas parties, a competition grows as to which ridge will have the more spectacular party.

Porter Ridge Christmas special will premiere on Tuesday, December 3
Porter Ridge Christmas special will premiere on Tuesday, December 3

Porter Ridge Christmas special will premiere on Tuesday, December 3, at 10/9 C on Discovery Channel.

Porter Ridge is preparing for Hilljack Games

Sonia Pantiss
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Porter Ridge is preparing for Hilljack Games

Porter Ridge is preparing for the Hilljack Games and Terry Porter was fighting with Bryan Sciscoe the latest episode of Discovery Channel’s show, Prank Wars.

In anticipation of the upcoming Hilljack Games, Bryan Sciscoe plays a prank on Terry Porter which quickly escalates into an all out prank war between the ridges.

Porter Ridge is preparing for the Hilljack Games
Porter Ridge is preparing for the Hilljack Games

Following up the prank war, the Hilljack Games commence. Then, as the Hilljack Games approach, Terry Porter enlists the help of a trainer, while Bryan Sciscoe struggles to keep a DKR ringer from driving everyone nuts.

As you would expect, Terry Porter’s ideas of traditional training moves are, well, nontraditional -and his “burpees” skill did not impress his trainer very much.

Black Friday 2013: Deals to score on kids stuff

Nancy Clayson
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0
Black Friday 2013: Deals to score on kids stuff

Black Friday is the Olympics of shopping and is the right time to start loading up on all those presents that’ll make their way under the Christmas tree.

TARGET

-XBOX 360 Kinect Bundle for $190
-FISHER-PRICE Poppity-Pop Musical for $19
-LEGO City for $50
-BARBIE Glamour Jet (with 30+ accessories) for $35
-RAZOR Folding Kick Scooter for $19

TOYS “R” US

-DESPICABLE ME 2 Dancing Dave for $25
-SKYLANDERS SWAP Force Starter Pack for $37
-LEAPFROG LeapPad 2 Explorer for $40

WALMART

-DISNEY Infinity Starter Pack for $37
-HOT WHEELS Single Car  for 60¢
-LITTLE TIKES Cozy Coup for $35
-MARVEL Iron Man 3 Sonic Blasting Iron Man for $24
-CONNECT 4 Board Game for $5

KOHL’S

-HELLO KITTY Camping Kit for $25
-ROCKIN’ RIDER Pony for $25
-MEGA BLOCKS First Builders Safari Set for 425
-JUMPING BEANS Tops for Infants and Newborns for $4
-60% off all SO Fashion Tops for Girls

SEARS

-YOUR CHOICE Cuddle Pillows for $15
-GLOW PETS Tie-Dye Unicorn for $30
-SLEEP AND SLIDE Princess Fairytale Loft Bed for $200
-NAKAMICHI NK KIDZ Headphones for $10
-60% off fleece for the family

KMART

Black Friday is the Olympics of shopping and is the right time to start loading up on all those presents that'll make their way under the Christmas tree
Black Friday is the Olympics of shopping and is the right time to start loading up on all those presents that’ll make their way under the Christmas tree

-HASBRO Furby Boom Figure for $59
-DISNEY Sophia, The First Dress-Up Trunk for $22
-HOT WHEELS Car Maker for $45
-IMAGINEXT DC Super Friends Batcave for $33
-HADBRO Play-Doh Disney Princess Design-a-Dress Boutique for $15

LAND’S END

-T-100 Fleece Half-Zip for $12
-Snow Flurry Boots for $25
-Down Jackets for $25

BABIES “R” US

-All licensed t-shirts for $6
-All kids pillows for $12
-All character hide-away play tents for $10
-50% off all NFL blankets, huddlers and pillows
-All Babies “R” Us Sleepwear for $8

OLD NAVY

-50% off the entire store

BON-TON

-60% off Disney Boys’ 2T
-4T Navy 2-pc. Monsters Tricot Set
-60% off BONNIE JEAN Dresses
-RUFF HEWN Boys’ Jeans for $13
-GRANE Puffer Vests for $17
-CARTER’S Baby Microfleece for $11

AEROPOSTALE

-60% off the entire store

JCPENNY

-60% off Xersion Apparel
-ARIZONA Girl Sweaters for $12
-60% Babies’ and Toddlers’ Holiday Dresses
-30-40% off Boys Team Apparel
-50% off JOE FRESH Boy’s Apparel

GAME STOP

-WII U Deluxe Set for $300
-THE SIMS 3 Starter Pack for $20
-SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT Little Big Plant for $20
-NINTENDO 3DS with Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for $200

RADIOSHACK

-RC M.I. Archer Indoor Helicopter for $30
-RADIOSHACK Twin Turbine RC Plane for $25
-COBRA 2-Way Radio with Weather Alerts for $25
-ZIBITS Mini RC Robot for $7
-AUVIO Color Head Phones for $10

BEST BUY

-APPLE iPod Nano for $100
-Select DVDs for $2
-NINTENDO Wii U Console Deluxe Set with New Super Mario Bros. Game for $20

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2013: Storm could ground parade balloons

Nancy Clayson
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0
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2013: Storm could ground parade balloons

Balloons have only been grounded once in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s 87-year history, when bad weather kept them from flying in 1971.

This year, a storm bearing down on the East Coast with a messy mix of snow, rain and wind is threatening to ground giant balloon versions of Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The iconic characters that soar between the Manhattan skyscrapers every year may not lift off Thursday if sustained winds exceed 23 mph and gusts exceed 34 mph, according to city rules enacted after fierce winds in 1997 caused a Cat in the Hat balloon to topple a light pole and seriously injure a woman spectator.

Current forecasts call for sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts of 36 mph.

“At this time, it is too early to make any determinations on the flight of the giant balloons,” said Macy’s spokesman Orlando Veras.

Balloons have only been grounded once in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade's 87-year history
Balloons have only been grounded once in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s 87-year history

“On Thanksgiving morning, Macy’s works closely with the NYPD, who, based on real time weather data and the official regulations, determine if the balloons will fly and at what heights.”

Balloons are set to be inflated in Manhattan on Wednesday evening.

The parade was awash in animal-related protests over its floats, with controversies involving the unlikely pairing of rocker Joan Jett and Shamu the killer whale.

Activists planned to line the parade route to protest a SeaWorld float over accusations in a new documentary that the theme parks treat whales badly. And ranchers succeeded in getting Joan Jett pulled off the South Dakota tourism float after they questioned why the vegetarian and animal-rights ally was representing their beef-loving state.

SeaWorld says the accusations have “absolutely no basis” and that “the men and women who care for these animals at SeaWorld are dedicated in every respect to their health and well-being.”

Macy’s said the parade does not engage in social commentary or political debate.

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