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First day at 2013 Internet & Mobile World

Dana R
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First day at 2013 Internet & Mobile World

As you might know the first day at 2013 Internet & Mobile World (2013IMWorld), the biggest “business to business” event dedicated to digital, mobile and software solutions in Romania, held at Romexpo ended. What you do not know, if you have not attended on it, is that it was successful.

We had the opportunity to talk to successful people, to see the latest offers for all companies in the field, to see the latest technology and yes … to test Google’s famous Glass.

Oh, we’ve waited too long to test Google Glass, but was worth it? Short answer, yes. Not only we’ve seen Google Glass, we also test it. We can tell for sure that Google Glass offer real sensation; they are really light, strong and can do all that’s advertised.

Google-Glass-Testing-Internet-Mobile-World-2013-Bucharest-Romania
Google Glass testing at IM World 2013 – we loved it

Did you know that Google Glass can only be used for 40 minutes (battery life) and to charge them takes about 20 minutes? They do have a mobile charging unit as you see in the photo above. Although the Google team must improve Google Glass, it won’t be long until we will test a better version of Google Glass.

Also at 2013 IMWorld we met great people with great businesses and one such person was the founder of  PadiTrack , a Conversion Funnel Tracking application. PadiTrack is integrated with Google Analytics data, ready to build up the funnels and can process funnel data retroactively, for as long as you had Google Analytics installed. We will test the application, because we’ve enjoyed their presentation.

We had a lot of fun at 2013 IMWorld, testing the Entersoft Romania micro scooters and we appreciated the creativity of Marketizator‘s stand.

We also participated in Developers Arena: Web Development in the Modern Age conference, and Digital performance – the ultimate focus conference.

After the first day of 2013 IMWorld we can say it was very successful, and those who have not managed to get there today, tomorrow is the last day, so don’t miss it.

The event is supported by Romtelecom and Cosmote as main partners and Nokia, S&T Romania, Qualysoft, Telcor Communications, Entersoft, Microsoft, Fujitsu, Zitec, MailAgent, Agilio, Safetech, Agile Media, MODE360, Transart, Dynamic Web, Voxility, Mediapost Hit Mail, Mobixera and SEO monitor, Star Storage, Cisco, Bittnet, Pay Pro, as project’s sponsors. The creative partner of the event is Saatchi&Saatchi. The media partners are: Radio Guerrilla, The Money Channel, Getica OOH, Wall-Street.ro, HotNews.ro, AdHugger, Agora, B2B Advertising, Business Review, Business24.ro, Cariere, Comunicatedepresa.ro, Connect, DailyBusiness.ro, Digital Trends, Forbes, Incont.ro, IT Channel, IT TRENDS, Market Watch, Today Software Magazine, Ziare.com and Zona IT.

Kris and Bruce Jenner’s $125 million divorce could become Hollywood’s most expensive split

Lisa.Felice
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Kris and Bruce Jenner’s $125 million divorce could become Hollywood’s most expensive split

According to a new report, if Kris and Bruce Jenner decide to move forward with a divorce, it could become one of the most expensive splits in Hollywood history.

Kris and Bruce Jenner are now potentially facing a battle over their $125 million fortune.

Bruce Jenner, 64, is legally entitled to a major chunk of the Kardashian empire’s earnings, and RadarOnline.com is reporting that the Jenners’ potential divorce could prove to be one of the priciest in Hollywood history.

If Kris and Bruce Jenner decide to move forward with a divorce, it could become one of the most expensive splits in Hollywood history
If Kris and Bruce Jenner decide to move forward with a divorce, it could become one of the most expensive splits in Hollywood history

“This is going to be a very bitter pill for Kris to swallow because when they divorce is finalized, she’ll have to split half the family fortune with Bruce,” a source with knowledge of the situation revealed to Radar.

When Kris and Bruce Jenner first married in 1991, Bruce was lavishing Kris with the fancy lifestyle she wanted. Since then – more specifically, since the launch of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, as well as the family’s subsequent products and endorsements – Kris Jenner has become the wealthier half of the couple.

Ironically, Kris Jenner forced daughters Kim and Khloe Kardashian to get prenups before marrying Kris Humphries and Lamar Odom, respectively.

Though Kris Jenner says she and Bruce have no plans to divorce right now, not having a prenup will make the process infinitely more difficult, should they decide to move forward.

Though Bruce and Kris Jenner have been separated for months, news of their separation wasn’t officially confirmed until October 9, when they told E! News: “We are living separately and we are much happier this way.”

Jase Robertson receives pocket knife from Alabama man

Sonia Pantiss
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Jase Robertson receives pocket knife from Alabama man

Wayne Bridges, an Alabama knife maker, drove just over 300 miles to West Monroe, Louisiana, on September 30 to present a 15-pound “pocket” knife to Duck Dynasty’s Jase Robertson.

“I just wanted to make it for him,” said Wayne Bridges, 67.

“I watch <<Duck Dynasty>> and he’s my favorite character. He’s got plenty of money so he can buy whatever he wants, but this is something that I handmade.”

Wayne Bridges drove just over 300 miles to West Monroe to present a 15-pound pocket knife to Jase Robertson
Wayne Bridges drove just over 300 miles to West Monroe to present a 15-pound pocket knife to Jase Robertson

Unfortunately, Duck Commander – where Jase Robertson and other cast members work to make duck calls for the family business – was closed for construction, and some of the family was out of town for the week.

Instead, Wayne Bridges met with Alan Robertson, Jase’s older brother, at the family church and left the knife with him. Wayne Bridges said everyone had a fit over the knife when he showed it to them.

Wayne Bridges has been making knives at his house on U.S. Highway 43 in Northport for 40 years. The hobby started when a friend asked him to fix a broken handle on one of his knives.

At first, Wayne Bridges just made knives for himself and his three sons, but soon people starting asking him to make them for people outside the family.

How Duck Dynasty stars make their multi-million dollar fortune

Sonia Pantiss
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How Duck Dynasty stars make their multi-million dollar fortune

Duck calls, the product that made Duck Dynasty stars millionaires, is still the Robertson family’s true moneymaker.

Last year, they sold 60,000 of their Duck Commander callers.

This year, Duck Dynasty stars are projected to sell over 750,000 duck calls, and at an average price of $59.72 (they range from $19.95 to $179.95), they are set to make $44,790,000 on their duck calls in 2013!

With their recent pay raise, the 20-person cast will be making over $200,000 per episode. At seven episodes a season, that means they’ll rake in a whopping $1.4 million for season four.

Willie Robertson’s book, The Duck Commander Family, has sold over 1 million copies on Amazon. At a price of around $12, that’s $12 million in sales.

Duck calls, the product that made Duck Dynasty stars millionaires, is still the Robertson family's true moneymaker
Duck calls, the product that made Duck Dynasty stars millionaires, is still the Robertson family’s true moneymaker

Phil Robertson also has a book, titled Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander, that also retails for $12 on Amazon.

The first three seasons of Duck Dynasty are available for purchase. Season three retails for $20 on A&E’s website.

WalMart is a big seller of Duck Dynasty products.

“<<Duck Dynasty>> T-shirts are our best-selling licensed graphic shirts across the men’s, boys’ and ladies’ departments,” Sarah McKinney, the Director of Communications at WalMart, told E! News.

She added: “WalMart currently sells Duck Dynasty products in six different departments, from apparel to home goods to sporting gear and Band-Aids.”

Next year, a Duck Commander cruise will be available for fans. The luxury Standby Balcony Cabin fetches up to $1,564.00. The Duck Commander cruises are already sold out for 2014.

The family sells kitchen products including marinade, seasonings, cups and a cooking DVD.

Other products sold on their website include hunting gear, bobbleheads, air fresheners, caps, keychains, bracelets, bandanas, mugs, plates, napkins, drink koozies and fake beards. And, of course, the $650 Catnapper Camo Laredo Recliner chair.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2013 awarded to Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt and Arieh Warshel

James J. Williams
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Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2013 awarded to Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt and Arieh Warshel

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2013 was awarded jointly to Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt and Arieh Warshel “for the development of multiscale models for complex chemical systems”.

The three scientists “took the chemical experiment into cyberspace”.

Michael Levitt, a British-US citizen of Stanford University; US-Austrian Martin Karplus of Strasbourg University; and US-Israeli Arieh Warshel of the University of Southern California will share the prize.

The trio devised computer simulations to understand chemical processes.

In doing so, they laid the foundations for new kinds of pharmaceuticals.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2013 was awarded jointly to Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt and Arieh Warshe
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2013 was awarded jointly to Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt and Arieh Warshe

“The Nobel Laureates in Chemistry 2013 have made it possible to map the mysterious ways of chemistry by using computers,” said the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

“Today the computer is just as important a tool for chemists as the test tube.

“Detailed knowledge of chemical processes makes it possible to optimize catalysts, drugs and solar cells.”

Arieh Warshel told a news conference in Stockholm by telephone that he was “extremely happy” to be woken in the middle of the night in Los Angeles to find out he had won the prize.

“In short, what we developed is a way for computers to take the structure of a protein and then to eventually understand how exactly it does what it does,” he told reporters.

Marinda Li Wu, president of the American Chemical Society, said the award was “very exciting”.

“The winners have laid the groundwork for linking classic experimental science with theoretical science through computer models.

“The resulting insights are helping us develop new medicines; for example, their work is being used to determine how a drug could interact with a protein in the body to treat disease.”

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Italy: State funeral for Lampedusa shipwreck migrants

Diane A. Wade
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Italy: State funeral for Lampedusa shipwreck migrants

Italy has decided to hold a state funeral for the hundreds of migrants who died after their boat capsized close to the island of Lampedusa last Thursday.

PM Enrico Letta made the announcement during a visit to the island with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

Jose Manuel Barroso pledged 30 million euros ($40 million) of EU funds to help refugees in Italy.

At least 274 people, mostly from Eritrea and Somalia, died in the wreck.

Of more than 500 people on board, only 155 have survived. Divers are recovering bodies.

It is one of Italy’s worst disasters involving a boat carrying Europe-bound migrants from Africa.

Lampedusa is a key destination for such boats and many residents have long complained that the authorities in Italy and the European Union are not doing enough to deal with the thousands of migrants who come ashore each year.

Jose Manuel Barroso and Enrico Letta visited the temporary mortuary holding the coffins of the victims and met survivors and those who had helped in the rescue.

The two men were heckled on their arrival in Lampedusa, with shouts of “disgrace” and “killers”.

Italy will hold a state funeral for the migrants who died after their boat capsized close to the island of Lampedusa
Italy will hold a state funeral for the migrants who died after their boat capsized close to the island of Lampedusa

Speaking at a joint news conference, Jose Manuel Barroso said he would never forget the sight of hundreds of coffins.

“It’s something, I think, one cannot forget: coffins of babies, coffins of a mother and a child that was born at that moment,” he said.

“This is something that profoundly shocked me.”

Jose Manuel Barroso said he also met survivors who had retained hope, and it was now the duty of the EU “to give reason for that hope”.

He said 30 million euros would help Italy to settle its refugees, and listed a range of measures the EU must undertake including focusing their efforts on the people smugglers and the countries where most of the migrants are coming from.

Jose Manuel Barroso also said the EU parliament would be voting on a plan to launch Mediterranean-wide search and rescue patrols to intercept migrant boats.

The European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmstroem, said on Tuesday she had asked the EU’s Frontex border agency to draw up a “concrete proposal” for an operation that would allow better tracking, identification and rescue of migrant boats.

Frontex currently helps Italy to intercept migrant boats, but the two EU operations in the southern Mediterranean have limited resources – a total of four ships, two helicopters and two planes.

PM Enrico Letta said a great human drama was unfolding on Lampedusa and pledged to put the issue of migration at the centre of the EU agenda.

The two were met upon their arrival in Lampedusa by a small group of activists and local residents who shouted “shame”, “disgrace” and “killers” at the airport gates.

“They should be ashamed of themselves. They should solve this humanitarian problem,” one protester was quoted by Agence France-Presse news agency as saying.

The 66ft boat that sank last Thursday with more than 500 migrants on board had set off from Libya and was close to Lampedusa when, according to survivors, the engine failed.

In order to attract attention from passing boats, a small fire was lit which caused the passengers to panic and move towards one side of the boat which led to the capsizing, the survivors said.

Divers said they found dozens of bodies entwined together in the hull of the boat which lies about 155ft below the surface of the sea.

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Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro seeks special powers to fight corruption

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro seeks special powers to fight corruption

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has asked parliament to give him special powers to fight corruption and what he called economic sabotage.

Venezuela is currently facing shortages of food and essential goods, power cuts and soaring inflation.

The measure, used on four occasions by his predecessor Hugo Chavez, would allow Nicolas Maduro to govern by decree for a set period of time.

The opposition fears he will use his powers to stifle any dissent.

A vote to implement the so-called Enabling Law is due to be held in the National Assembly next week.

President Nicolas Maduro has asked parliament to give him special powers to fight corruption and what he called economic sabotage
President Nicolas Maduro has asked parliament to give him special powers to fight corruption and what he called economic sabotage

In a three-hour speech to the assembly, Nicolas Maduro called it a “matter of life or death” for the country’s socialist revolution.

“If corruption keeps expanding and perpetuating its destructive capitalist logic, there will be no socialism here,” he said.

Nicolas Maduro vowed to root out corruption in all aspects of Venezuelan life, stressing that even members of the governing Unified Socialist Party would not be exempt from scrutiny.

Henrique Capriles, the opposition presidential candidate who narrowly lost the election to Nicolas Maduro earlier this year, said the decree would not solve the country’s problems.

“I don’t think this law will bring any economic or social benefit to Venezuelans,” he said.

“They’re going to use the law to persecute and distract the people from their real problems.”

Although Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves, its people are suffering from the highest inflation in Latin America, sluggish growth and shortages.

A power cut last month left more than two-thirds of the country without electricity.

Finance Minister Nelson Merentes has conceded that while the social-oriented policies of Hugo Chavez have improved the living standards of many Venezuelans, they did not solve the “structural problems” of the economy.

Hugo Chavez died of cancer in March after 14 years in power.

His vice-president and handpicked successor, Nicolas Maduro, has pledged to continue his policies but does not command the same support enjoyed by Hugo Chavez.

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Plane noise linked to higher risks of stroke and heart disease

Kathryn R. Bown
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Plane noise linked to higher risks of stroke and heart disease

According to a new research, the risks of stroke, heart and circulatory disease are higher in areas with a lot of aircraft noise.

The new study of 3.6 million residents near Heathrow Airport suggested the risks were 10-20% higher in areas with the highest levels of aircraft noise.

The team’s findings are published in the British Medical Journal.

The researchers agreed with other experts that noise was not necessarily to blame and more work was needed.

The risks of stroke, heart and circulatory disease are higher in areas with a lot of aircraft noise
The risks of stroke, heart and circulatory disease are higher in areas with a lot of aircraft noise

Their work suggests a higher risk for both hospital admissions and deaths from stroke, heart and circulatory disease for the 2% of the study – about 70,000 people – who lived where the aircraft noise was loudest.

The lead author, Dr. Anna Hansell, from Imperial College London, said: “The exact role that noise exposure may play in ill health is not well established.

“However, it is plausible that it might be contributing – for example, by raising blood pressure or by disturbing people’s sleep.”

“There’s a <<startle reaction>> to loud noise – if you’re suddenly exposed to it, the heart rate and blood pressure increase.

“And aircraft noise can be annoying for some people, which can also affect their blood pressure, leading to illness.

“The relative importance of daytime and night-time noise from aircraft also needs to be investigated further.”

The study used data about noise levels in 2001 from the Civil Aviation Authority, covering 12 London boroughs and nine districts outside of London where aircraft noise exceeds 50 decibels – about the volume of a normal conversation in a quiet room.

The authors say fewer people are now affected by the highest levels of noise (above 63 decibels) – despite more planes being in the skies – because of changes in aircraft design and flight plans.

The researchers – from Imperial and also King’s College London – adjusted their work in an effort to eliminate other factors that might have a relationship with stroke and heart disease, such as deprivation, South Asian ethnicity and smoking-related illness.

They stressed that the higher risk of illness related to aircraft noise remained much less significant than the risks from lifestyle factors – including smoking, a lack of exercise or poor diet.

Bo Xilai appeal accepted by Chinese court

Diane A. Wade
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Bo Xilai appeal accepted by Chinese court

A Chinese court has agreed to consider an appeal by former Chongqing party leader Bo Xilai.

Bo Xilai was convicted of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power last month and jailed for life.

At his trial, he denied all the charges in a fiery defense.

Bo Xilai was convicted of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power last month and jailed for life
Bo Xilai was convicted of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power last month and jailed for life

Bo Xilai was removed from office last year amid a scandal which saw his wife Gu Kailai convicted of the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood.

The announcement regarding the appeal came on the website of the high court in Shandong, the province where Bo Xilai’s trial was held.

“Within the appeal period, Bo Xilai refused to accept the court’s first instance judgement and submitted an appeal through the Shandong Jinan Intermediate People’s Court to this court,” it said.

“After the appeal period expired on 8 October, upon examination, this court decided to accept the appeal, in accordance with the law.”

No time period for the appeal was specified in the brief statement.

Bo Xilai’s downfall came as China ushered in a new generation of leaders, amid a once-in-a-decade power transfer.

The charismatic politician had been seen as a candidate for the very top, until his fall from grace.

Barack Obama accuses Republicans of using extortion on debt limit

Diane A. Wade
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Barack Obama accuses Republicans of using extortion on debt limit

President Barack Obama has announced he is willing to hold budget talks with Republicans, but not until they agree to lift “threats” against the economy.

Republicans “don’t get to demand ransom in exchange for doing their jobs”, Barack Obama said, by demanding concessions in policy before reopening government.

The US government shut down last week when Congress failed to agree a budget.

Republican leaders on Tuesday renewed their calls for Barack Obama to open negotiations over ending the impasses.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner told reporters he was “disappointed that the president refuses to negotiate”.

He said the president’s position not to talk with Republicans “until [they] surrender” was not sustainable, and any discussions regarding the debt ceiling must address how the nation is “living beyond its means”.

At the White House, Barack Obama said he had spoken to John Boehner and was “happy to talk with him and other Republicans about anything”.

But Barack Obama said any negotiations on the ongoing government shutdown or the debt limit “shouldn’t require hanging the threats of a shutdown or economic chaos over the heads of the American people”.

Barack Obama has announced he is willing to hold budget talks with Republicans, but not until they agree to lift "threats" against the economy
Barack Obama has announced he is willing to hold budget talks with Republicans, but not until they agree to lift “threats” against the economy

“We can’t make extortion routine as part of our democracy,” Barack Obama said.

“Democracy doesn’t function this way. And this is not just for me. It’s also for my successors in office, whatever party they’re from.”

He also warned of the repercussions of defaulting on the government’s debt should Congress fail to raise the borrowing limit, currently set to be reached on October 17.

Barack Obama said breaching the borrowing limit could disrupt capital markets, undermine international confidence in America, permanently increase the nation’s borrowing costs, add to its deficits and debt, and pose the “significant risk of a very deep recession”.

The US government partially shut down operations on October 1st after Republicans who control the House of Representatives refused to approve a budget, saying they would only do so if Barack Obama’s healthcare reform law were delayed or stripped of funding.

Barack Obama and the Democrats have thus far refused, noting the law was passed in 2010, subsequently approved by the Supreme Court, and was a central issue in the 2012 election which Obama won.

At the same time, the Republicans have refused to approve an increase in the US debt limit unless it is accompanied by significant spending cuts and other policy concessions.

Barack Obama maintains John Boehner could end the current government showdown by allowing the House to vote on a “clean” budget bill that does not alter the health law, because that could pass with votes from both Democrats and moderate Republicans.

But doing so would risk damaging his standing with the most conservative elements of his caucus, analysts say.

US and foreign officials and economists have warned of severe economic consequences if the US defaults on its debt because the government is unable to borrow money to fund its obligations.

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Kris and Bruce Jenner split after 22 years of marriage

Lisa.Felice
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Kris and Bruce Jenner split after 22 years of marriage

Kris and Bruce Jenner have confirmed they separated a year ago, after 22 years of marriage.

In an interview with Us Weekly magazine hitting newsstands Friday, Kris Jenner says their scenes together on the show have been genuine and there’s no animosity between them. She says they’re committed to their family.

Bruce Jenner says they’ll always love and respect each other.

News of the split was first reported by E! News.

Kris and Bruce Jenner have confirmed they separated a year ago, after 22 years of marriage
Kris and Bruce Jenner have confirmed they separated a year ago, after 22 years of marriage

They say no divorce papers have been filed and that Bruce Jenner will continue to appear on the family’s reality show.

The admission explains why on recent episodes, Bruce Jenner moved out to his own beach house, saying he needed more space.

The couple’s teenage daughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, were also filmed joining him for the summer, because their house with mom Kris was too crowded after half-sister Kim Kardashian moved in with Kanye West and their new daughter.

Since Bruce Jenner moved out, he’s still featured on the series often. Kris Jenner has taped scenes at his new home, as have the other Kardashian kids.

Kris Jenner, 57, and Bruce Jenner, 63, married in April 1991, less than a year after getting fixed up on a blind date.

At the time, Bruce Jenner had already been married twice before and had four kids.

Kris Jenner was newly divorced from Robert Kardashian, a prominent attorney who represented O.J. Simpson in the murder trial of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman. She already had four kids, Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and Rob Kardashian.

Bruce Jenner has served as a father figure to Kris Jenner’s children, especially since the death of Robert Kardashian in 2003 of cancer.

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Willie Robertson at Liberty University’s Convocation

Sonia Pantiss
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Willie Robertson at Liberty University’s Convocation

Students and College for a Weekend (CFAW) guests enjoyed a performance by the band Crowder and a message of encouragement from Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson during Liberty University’s Convocation.

Willie Robertson, 41, is the CEO of Duck Commander, a leading duck call manufacturer, and the executive producer of Duck Dynasty. As the only member of the family with a business degree, Willie Robertson took the company from a living room operation to a premier destination for all things outdoors.

Before Willie Robertson took the stage, Crowder gave the crowd a preview of its upcoming concert with Colton Dixon. The band performed, This I Know, a song about Christ’s love for people.

Vice President for Communications Johnnie Moore also took a few minutes to greet CFAW guests and let them know how much Liberty appreciates them.

“We want you to know that as members in the body of Christ you are our honored guests and we are really glad you are here today,” he told the crowd.

President Jerry Falwell, Jr. introduced Robertson as “the star and driving force of the biggest reality television show in the history of cable television.”

Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson during Liberty University’s Convocation
Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson during Liberty University’s Convocation

“In addition to his business savvy, Willie and his entire family are known for their faith in Jesus Christ,” Jerry Falwell said.

“They are not just some of the top celebrities of our time, but are some our nation’s most famous Christians.”

Willie Robertson shared how his father Phil came to know Christ when he was 28 years old and decided to make duck calls, a tool hunters use to lure fowl.

“Without my father making the decision to come to Christ, there would not be a show called <<Duck Dynasty>>,” he said.

“When you are moving toward God, you are moving in the right direction.”

Willie Robertson then told the story of John the Baptist pointing people to Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew and how the book of Isaiah calls John the “highway for God.”

“My challenge to you is to not let the world’s measuring stick show you what is successful,” he said.

“Our family views success (as being) able to go around the country and share the message of the Lord and to talk about our faith.”

As he finished, Willie Robertson reminded students that even though they may believe in God, Satan will always try to prevent them from spreading the Gospel.

“A base like this [Liberty University] of young people can move mountains. Thank you for watching our show – you are making a difference,” Willie Robertson said.

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Galaxy Round: Samsung launches curved-screen smartphone

Nancy Clayson
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Galaxy Round: Samsung launches curved-screen smartphone

Samsung has launched Galaxy Round smartphone with a curved display screen.

The Galaxy Round will feature a 5.7in display.

The launch comes just days after rival LG said it would begin production of curved-screen phones next year.

Digital display technology has been progressing towards curved screens. Both Samsung and LG already offer curved organic light-emitting diode (OLED) television sets.

Samsung Electronics said the curved screen display would help consumers use some of the features on the phone, including those that enable users to check information such as date, time and missed calls when home screen is off, with more ease.

Samsung has launched Galaxy Round smartphone with a curved display screen
Samsung has launched Galaxy Round smartphone with a curved display screen

At the same time, users can also change music tracks on their phone, even while its display is off.

The Galaxy Round will initially be launched only in South Korea. The firm gave no indication of its plans for a global launch.

The global smartphone market has been growing rapidly.

According to research firm CCS Insight, worldwide smartphone sales will hit nearly 1 billion in 2013 – accounting for more than half the total of 1.7 billion mobile phones sold.

As result, smartphone manufacturers have been keen to offer new products to win consumers.

With display technology moving towards flexible and bendy screens, it is one area that companies have been looking at.

Janet Yellen to be nominated as head of Federal Reserve

Clyde K. Valle
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Janet Yellen to be nominated as head of Federal Reserve

According to a White House official, President Barack Obama will nominate Federal Reserve Vice-Chair Janet Yellen to be the next head of the US central bank on Wednesday.

If confirmed by the Senate, Janet Yellen would replace Ben Bernanke, who has held the post for eight years.

Janet Yellen has been Ben Bernanke’s deputy for the last two years, and would become the first woman to head the Federal Reserve.

Janet Yellen is to become the first woman to head the Federal Reserve
Janet Yellen is to become the first woman to head the Federal Reserve

Janet Yellen and Ben Bernanke are due to appear with President Barack Obama on Wednesday.

She has taught at Harvard University and the London School of Economics, as well as holding a series of senior administrative positions in the US.

Janet Yellen, like Ben Bernanke, is seen as a “dove”, meaning she prefers to prioritize boosting employment by keeping rates low rather than worrying about inflation.

Her nomination has been widely expected after former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers withdrew his candidature.

Democrat Charles Schumer said Janet Yellen had the backing of politicians and would win Senate confirmation “by a wide margin”.

The chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Tim Johnson, said she had “a depth of experience that is second to none”.

“I have no doubt she will be an excellent Federal Reserve chairman,” he added.

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Alcatel-Lucent to cut 10,000 jobs worldwide

Clyde K. Valle
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Alcatel-Lucent to cut 10,000 jobs worldwide

Alcatel-Lucent plans to cut 10,000 jobs in a bid to reduce costs.

The cuts represent 14% of its 72,000 workforce and 900 of those job losses will be made in France.

The telecoms equipment maker has reported losses in the previous five quarters and hopes to save $1.4 billion through costs cuts by 2015. Shares in Alcatel-Lucent rose 2% following the news.

Alcatel-Lucent has reported losses in the previous five quarters and hopes to save $1.4 billion through costs cuts by 2015
Alcatel-Lucent has reported losses in the previous five quarters and hopes to save $1.4 billion through costs cuts by 2015

Chief executive Michel Combes said the decisions were “difficult”.

Alcatel-Lucent, which competes with Sweden’s Ericsson and Finland’s Nokia, announced the cuts in a statement ahead of a meeting with its European works council later today.

Michel Combes said the cuts were necessary to give the company an “industrially sustainable future” and the company’s employees could expect an “open and transparent dialogue”.

Alcatel-Lucent’s most recent cuts are in addition to the 5,000 announced in July.

Last year the company reported losses of 1.2 billion euros ($1.6 billion).

In July rival Ericsson reported a sharp rise in quarterly profits, helped by cost cuts and higher profit margins.

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Halloween pumpkin-carving tips

Nancy Clayson
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Halloween pumpkin-carving tips

Basic pumpkin-carving tips to help you carve the perfect pumpkin for Halloween:

  1. Be sure to cover your work area (a countertop, table, or floor) with newspapers or a sheet of heavy plastic. If you plan to carve lots of pumpkins, you might want to work outside where any debris can be hosed off or swept away.
  2. Decide whether you will be cutting the top or the bottom off of the pumpkin in order to remove the seeds. If you cut a hole in the top, you’ll have an easy way to vent the heat from a candle. If you cut off the bottom, you’ll have easier access for an electric light cord.
  3. Before cutting into the pumpkin, determine how wide to cut the access hole. The hole should be large enough to fit your hand through, as well as accommodate a spoon or other scraping tool. If you’re not quite sure how large a hole to cut, try a hole about 6 inches in diameter.
  4. You can draw your jack-o-lantern design on a piece of paper and transfer the design to the pumpkin. You can also draw right on the pumpkin. Be aware, however, that a pencil or pen can dent the flesh of the pumpkin and a permanent marker may not wash off. If you’re drawing directly on the pumpkin, use washable markers or waxy china pencils instead.
  5. Once you have drawn the circular area for the lid (or bottom), begin cutting with a knife or pumpkin saw. Knives will cut faster, but not quite as accurately. Saws are fairly delicate and it may take longer to patiently saw out the opening. If you use too much pressure on a pumpkin saw, (sold in kits) the blade may snap off.
  6. Be sure to cut the top out holding the knife at a 45 degree angle, with the tip of the knife pointing toward the center of the pumpkin. Why? So the lid has a surface to sit on and it won’t slip through the opening into the pumpkin.
  7. Choose which side of the pumpkin will be the “front”. Then on the back side make a mark with a pen or cut a slit in both the lid and the adjoining pumpkin edge to mark how the lid should be realigned after carving.

    Halloween pumpkin
    Halloween pumpkin
  8. Next, get your hands slimy by reaching in to pull out the strings and seeds. Scrape this material away from the sides and the bottom with a heavy serving spoon (don’t use your best silver!) or another kitchen utensil such as an ice cream paddle.
  9. Continue scraping until all of the strings have been dislodged then reach in to remove everything that is loose. You should end up with a clean inside, free from pumpkin seeds or strings.
  10. For easier carving, keep scraping the areas of the pumpkin where you plan to carve. Scraping the inner walls down to a thickness of about an inch will allow knives and carving tools to more easily pierce the pumpkin’s flesh. (Test the depth of the skin by inserting a pin or small knife into an area that will be cut away.)
  11. Remove all of these additional scrapings so the interior of the pumpkin is clean.
  12. Draw a face or other design onto the pumpkin. Do a casual pumpkin with a freehand design or trace a pattern especially designed for pumpkins. Use a combination of non-permanent markers, china pencil, or pin pricks to mark the design. Make sure that the design does not start too low on the pumpkin or some if it may be hidden when you set it on the porch.
  13. Carve your pumpkin where you will be comfortable — sitting at table, standing over it, or holding it in your lap. Begin carving the design. Use tools you have including paring knives, utility blades, exacto knives, wood carving tools, or pumpkin saws and tools that are readily available in pumpkin carving sets sold in grocery stores during October.
  14. Keep carving until the design is complete. If you cut too much out by mistake, you might be able to repair the pumpkin by reattaching a piece using toothpicks or straight pins.
  15. Test the look of your design by inserting a votive candle or flashlight into the pumpkin. Dim the room’s lights to get the full effect. You’ll be able to see where additional areas may need to be carved away or expanded to better showcase the design.

Tips:

  1. Running short of time? Plan to clean out your pumpkin one day and carve it a day or two later.
  2. Patience and care may result in the most beautiful designs, however even haphazardly cut pumpkins can look happy and festive.
  3. It can help to insert a tool in the center of an area to be cut away, working your way out to the actual cutting line. It may also help to begin with shallow cuts, retracing them more deeply until the pieces are removed.
  4. Keep cut pumpkins in a cool place whenever possible. Setting them inside large plastic bags may also help keep pumpkins from drying out.
  5. Coating all cut edges with petroleum jelly will help keep pumpkins from drying out.[youtube oTEo_Roo8uw]

Jessica Robertson tips for a strong marriage

Sonia Pantiss
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Jessica Robertson tips for a strong marriage

Duck Dynasty’s Jessica and Jep Robertson celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary.

Jessica Robertson revealed how they kept their marriage strong and how you can improve yours.

Jessica and Jep Robertson celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary
Jessica and Jep Robertson celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary

In a blog post for A&E, Jessica Robertson recalls meeting now-husband Jep at their “mutual hair stylist” in February 2001 and marrying him just eight months later.

Since they marries, Jessica and Jep have raised a happy family: Lily, 10, Merritt, 8, Priscilla, 6, and River, 4, make up their burgeoning brood – and have managed to keep their marriage full of love.

Jessica Robertson shared four tips to maintaining a strong marriage:

1. Be loyal to your spouse.
2. Forgive your spouse.
3. Respect your spouse.
4. Cherish your spouse.

[youtube DSpUGminA8k]

Si Robertson’s blue Tupperware cup story

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Si Robertson’s blue Tupperware cup story

For Duck Dynasty’s Si Robertson the one item he can’t live without is his blue Tupperware cup.

Uncle Si Robertson explains the full story behind his unusual accessory for the first time in his new book, Si-cology: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty’s Favorite Uncle.

He first acquired the blue Tupperware container when his mother sent it to him in a care package during his time serving in the military in Vietnam.

“Somehow, Momma’s iced tea cup stayed with me all the way through Vietnam, and I’ve carried it in my back pocket ever since,” Si Robertson writes.

Si Robertson explains the full story behind his blue cup for the first time in his new book
Si Robertson explains the full story behind his blue cup for the first time in his new book

“I guess if it can make it through the napalm, mustard gas, and rice wine of Vietnam, I’ll probably take it to my grave.”

Si Robertson says he never lets the cup out of his sight, and he wouldn’t part with it for the world.

“One time, a guy handed me a blank check and wanted to buy my iced tea cup,” Uncle Si claims.

“<<Fill in the amount>>, he said. <<Whatever it takes. I want that Tupperware cup>>.”

Si Robertson continues: “<<It’s not for sale>>, I told him. I told the guy to go buy his own Tupperware cup …”

The Tupperware brand has been thrilled with all of the prominent product placement the blue cup gets on Duck Dynasty show, and sent Si Robertson “a stainless steel saucepan with a lid, a big boiling pot, and a really nice set of steak knives,” plus a dozen blue cups, he claims.

“Apparently Tupperware cups are making a comeback,” Si Robertson writes.

[youtube Rh8OPTC6tH8]

Phil Robertson reveals fake bleeps were inserted into Duck Dynasty

Sonia Pantiss
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0
Phil Robertson reveals fake bleeps were inserted into Duck Dynasty

Duck Dynasty continues to smash competition in the ratings on Wednesday nights, but Phil Robertson has spoken out about how the show is portrayed.

In an interview with Sports Spectrum TV earlier this year that’s only recently gone viral, Phil Robertson admitted that fake bleeps were inserted into the show even though there was no cursing happening.

“The inserted fake bleeps … like somebody had used profanity, but no one had used profanity,” Phil Robertson said.

“I ask those guys that produce the show … <<What’s the point of the fake bleeps?>>”

In an interview with Sports Spectrum TV earlier this year that’s only recently gone viral, Phil Robertson admitted that fake bleeps were inserted into the show even though there was no cursing happening
In an interview with Sports Spectrum TV earlier this year that’s only recently gone viral, Phil Robertson admitted that fake bleeps were inserted into the show even though there was no cursing happening

Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson admitted that there are up to 20 editors who are “arranging the scenes” on the show so they might think that’s where cursing likely happened.

“Of course these people probably thought that there was some profanity going on which there was zero,” Phil Robertson stated.

“If we’re not using profanity, why make it look like we’re using profanity? What is the point? Why don’t you just run it and say what we say?”

Phil Robertson also said that the name Jesus has been cut out during the family’s prayer scene at the end of the show.

“So they would just have me saying, <<Thank you Lord for the food, thank you for loving us. Amen>>. So I said, <<Why would you cut out ‘In Jesus’ name?>> They said, <<Well those editors are probably doing that. They just think that they don’t want to offend some of the Muslims or something>>.”

Phil Robertson said that since that conversation the show has been leaving “Jesus” in the show.

“So I notice now they are … leaving it in there, but you got to remember, spiritual warfare,” Phil Robertson said.

“I mean you have people with no moral compass, it ain’t there.”

[youtube Y_0XS1vaX-M]

IMF cuts global economic growth forecast

Clyde K. Valle
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IMF cuts global economic growth forecast

The IMF has cut its forecast for global economic growth at the same time as lifting its UK growth projection.

The International Monetary Fund now expects global growth of 2.9% this year, a cut of 0.3% from July’s estimate. In 2014 it expects global growth of 3.6%, down 0.2%.

It cited weakness in emerging economies for the cut.

The forecast for UK growth this year received a significant upgrade to 1.4%, up from July’s estimate of 0.9%.

And for next year the IMF expects UK growth of 1.9%, up from July’s projection of 1.5%.

The IMF’s upgrades for its outlook on the UK are larger than those it made for any other country in its World Economic Outlook – its twice-yearly assessment of the global economy.

It credited recent data indicating higher consumer and business confidence, for the increase.

However, it warned that it would still take years for the UK economy to recover fully from the 2008 financial crisis. It suggested that the government could help boost growth by bringing forward planned public infrastructure spending, such as building new homes.

The IMF has cut its forecast for global economic growth at the same time as lifting its UK growth projection
The IMF has cut its forecast for global economic growth at the same time as lifting its UK growth projection

The UK Treasury said the IMF upgrade showed the government’s economic strategy was working.

“But risks to the global economy remain high, and the recovery cannot be taken for granted. That is why the government will not let up in implementing its economic plan,” a spokesman added.

Despite the improvement in growth in advanced economies such as the UK and US, the IMF warned that a slower pace of expansion in emerging economies such as Brazil, China and India, was holding back global expansion.

The IMF expects growth in Russia, China, India and Mexico to be slower than it forecast in July.

In part, it says this is due to expectations of a change in policy by US central bank the Federal Reserve. Simply the expectation that the US could trim back its efforts to stimulate the US economy has already had an impact on interest rates in emerging economies, the IMF said.

It said an increasing belief that China’s growth rate would slow would also hit global growth.

The IMF expects the US to drive global growth.

But it warns that the political standoff over raising the US government’s borrowing limit, if it results in the US defaulting on its debt payments, “could seriously damage the global economy”.

The IMF expects growth of 1.6% in the US this year and 2.6% next year, down 0.1% and 0.2% from its July forecast.

In the euro area, the IMF says business confidence indicators suggest activity is close to stabilizing in peripheral economies, such as Italy and Spain, and already recovering in core economies such as Germany.

Overall, it predicts growth will fall 0.4% this year, an improvement of 0.1% on its July prediction, and grow 1% next year.

“In short, the recovery from the crisis continues, albeit too slowly,” said Olivier Blanchard, economic counselor at the IMF.

“The architecture of the financial system is evolving, and its future shape is still unclear. These issues will continue to shape the evolution of the world economy for many years to come.”

Costa Concordia: Russel Rebello’s remains found on third deck

Nancy Clayson
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Costa Concordia: Russel Rebello’s remains found on third deck

The remains of Indian waiter Russel Rebello – one of two people still missing from the Costa Concordia – have been found by Italian divers searching the wreck of the cruise ship, officials say.

An Italian passenger, Maria Grazia Trecarichi, is still unaccounted for.

Thirty people had already been confirmed dead after the Costa Concordia partially sank off the island of Giglio last year.

Salvage teams moved it to an upright position last month.

The remains of Indian waiter Russel Rebello have been found on the third deck of the Costa Concordia cruise ship
The remains of Indian waiter Russel Rebello have been found on the third deck of the Costa Concordia cruise ship

“The remains have been found by rescuers on the third deck” of the cruise ship, said a civil protection agency spokeswoman, Francesca Maffini.

“Several elements make us say that they could relate to the body of the young waiter of Indian nationality, Russel Rebello,” she said.

The agency the results would not be confirmed for several days, but said Russel Rebello’s family had been informed about the development.

An earlier announcement by the authorities that they had found the remains of two human bodies was subsequently played down.

The search for the two people who remained unaccounted for resumed on September 24, a week after the wreck of the cruise ship had been moved to an upright position and stabilized.

Officials have made the recovery of the remaining bodies a priority.

Divers had previously focused their search for the two missing people on the fourth deck of the Costa Concordia, where they had reportedly been seen for the last time on the evening of the accident.

The captain of the Costa Concordia, Francesco Schettino, is on trial over the disaster.

Francesco Schettino is accused of manslaughter, causing the shipwreck and abandoning ship, but says he is being made a scapegoat for the errors of others.

RTS,S: World’s first malaria vaccine could be widespread by 2015

Kathryn R. Bown
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RTS,S: World’s first malaria vaccine could be widespread by 2015

Giant drug-maker GlaxoSmithKline is seeking regulatory approval for RTS,S, the world’s first malaria vaccine after trial data showed that it had cut the number of cases in African children.

Experts say that they are optimistic about the possibility of the world’s first vaccine after the trial results.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne parasitic disease, kills hundreds of thousands of people worldwide every year.

Scientists say an effective vaccine is key to attempts to eradicate it.

RTS,S (or Mosquirix ) was found to have almost halved the number of malaria cases in young children in the trial and to have reduced by about 25% the number of malaria cases in infants.

GSK is developing RTS,S with the non-profit Path Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), supported by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“Many millions of malaria cases fill the wards of our hospitals,” said Halidou Tinto, a lead investigator on the RTS,S trial from Burkina Faso.

GSK is seeking regulatory approval for RTS,S, the world's first malaria vaccine
GSK is seeking regulatory approval for RTS,S, the world’s first malaria vaccine

“Progress is being made with bed nets and other measures, but we need more tools to battle this terrible disease.”

The malaria trial was Africa’s largest-ever clinical trial involving almost 15,500 children in seven countries.

The findings were presented at a medical meeting in Durban, South Africa.

“Based on these data, GSK now intends to submit, in 2014, a regulatory application to the European Medicines Agency [EMA],” GSK said in a statement.

GSK has been developing the vaccine for three decades.

The statement said that the hope now is that the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) may recommend the use of the RTS,S vaccine from as early as 2015 if EMA drugs regulators back its licence application.

Testing showed that 18 months after vaccination, children aged five to 17 months had a 46% reduction in the risk of clinical malaria compared to unvaccinated contemporaries.

However, in infants aged six to 12 weeks at the time of vaccination, there was only a 27% reduction in risk.

A spokeswoman for GSK told the AFP news agency that the company would file its application to the EMA under a process aimed at facilitating new drugs for poorer countries.

Malaria:

  • Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death around the globe
  • Worldwide, a child dies of malaria every 30 seconds
  • The parasitic disease, carried by mosquitoes, kills around 800,000 people a year
  • 90% of all malaria cases are in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Making malaria vaccine available for routine use will be a major hallmark
  • The vaccine will only be part of the solution to tackling this preventable infection
  • Bed nets, insect repellents, malaria drugs and targeted killing of mosquito breeding grounds are also key, say experts [youtube J6r9UIWGvW4]

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef funeral: 800,000 mourners take streets of Jerusalem for largest funeral in Israel’s history

Diane A. Wade
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0
Rabbi Ovadia Yosef funeral: 800,000 mourners take streets of Jerusalem for largest funeral in Israel’s history

At least 800,000 people from across Israel took to the streets of Jerusalem to mourn Rabbi Ovadia Yosef , the spiritual leader of Sephardic Jewish community, police said.

Police helicopters hovered above the city and Light Rail trains reached maximum capacity due to multiple road closings, as hundreds of thousands rushed to attend the 6 pm funeral at the Sanhedria Cemetery.
According to Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, hundreds of officers were deployed throughout the city to ensure order.
Meanwhile, dozens of chartered buses that were able to navigate the numerous street closings – as well as sections of Highway 1 – were parked, some haphazardly, around Ammunition Hill’s sidewalks and parking lots.

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who had enormous influence among Israeli Jews of Middle Eastern and North African ancestry, died aged 93 in hospital on Monday.

At least 800,000 people from across Israel took to the streets of Jerusalem to mourn Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
At least 800,000 people from across Israel took to the streets of Jerusalem to mourn Rabbi Ovadia Yosef

His death came two weeks after he had heart surgery at Jerusalem’s Hadassa hospital, where he eventually passed away.

The mourners were mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews wearing traditional black clothing and with men separated from women.

They gathered outside the seminary Rabbi Ovadia Yosef had studied at, before going to his funeral in the Sanhedria district.

Police blocked off roads and stepped up security, with thousands of additional officers deployed.

They said with the huge number of mourners it was the biggest funeral in Israel’s history.

Iraqi-born Rabbi Ovadia Yosef turned an Israeli underclass of Sephardic Jews of Middle Eastern heritage into a powerful political force.

Through the Shas (Sephardic Torah Guardians) party Rabbi Ovadia Yosef founded in the early 1980s, he wielded unique political influence from his modest apartment in the city.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat issued a statement mourning the loss of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.
“Rabbi Ovadia Yosef was a part of the Jerusalem landscape for many decades,” Nir Barkat wrote.

“He was a spiritual leader, a respected scholar, an influential author and a halachic authority for hundreds of thousands of people in Israel and around the world.”
He continued: “Jerusalem mourns with all of Israel and sends condolences to Rabbi Yosef’s family.”
Nir Barkat added that the Jerusalem Municipality will coordinate an official commemoration of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef’s legacy in the coming months.

[youtube BK1kM0Tr42s]

Nobel Prize in Physics 2013 awarded to François Englert and Peter W. Higgs

James J. Williams
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Nobel Prize in Physics 2013 awarded to François Englert and Peter W. Higgs

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2013 was awarded jointly to François Englert and Peter W. Higgs for their work on the theory of the Higgs boson.

Peter Higgs, from the UK, and François Englert from Belgium, shared the prize “for the theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles, and which recently was confirmed through the discovery of the predicted fundamental particle, by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider”.

In the 1960s they were among several physicists who proposed a mechanism to explain why the most basic building blocks of the Universe have mass.

The mechanism predicts a particle – the Higgs boson – which was finally discovered in 2012 at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, in Switzerland.

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2013 was awarded jointly to François Englert and Peter W. Higgs for their work on the theory of the Higgs boson
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2013 was awarded jointly to François Englert and Peter W. Higgs for their work on the theory of the Higgs boson

“This year’s prize is about something small that makes all the difference,” said Staffan Normark, permanent secretary of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

FrançoisEnglert said he was “very happy” to win the award.

“At first I thought I didn’t have it [the prize] because I didn’t see the announcement,” he told the Nobel committee, after their news conference was delayed by more than an hour.

Prof. Peter Higgs, of the University of Edinburgh, said: “I am overwhelmed to receive this award and thank the Royal Swedish Academy.

“I would also like to congratulate all those who have contributed to the discovery of this new particle and to thank my family, friends and colleagues for their support.

“I hope this recognition of fundamental science will help raise awareness of the value of blue-sky research.”

CERN director general Rolf Heuer said he was “thrilled” that this year’s prize had gone to particle physics.

“The discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN last year, which validates the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism, marks the culmination of decades of intellectual effort by many people around the world,” he said.

Typhoon Fitow kills at least 5 people in eastern China

Diane A. Wade
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0
Typhoon Fitow kills at least 5 people in eastern China

Typhoon Fitow hit eastern China killing at least five people, with four others missing, local media report.

The powerful storm hit China’s eastern coast early on Monday, with winds of up to 151km/h.

The cyclone flattened houses, flooded villages and farms, and affected more than 4.5 million people, officials said.

Typhoon Fitow has caused economic losses of more than 21 billion yuan ($3.4 billion), officials in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces said.

Typhoon Fitow hit eastern China killing at least five people
Typhoon Fitow hit eastern China killing at least five people

Two people died in Wenzhou, in Zhejiang province, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.

Three people in Ruian, also in Zhejiang, died from electric shocks, the agency added.

Rescue operations were underway, with footage on state television showing stranded residents being picked up by speed boats.

State media described shrimp farms and seaweed farms being damaged by the storm and powerful winds.

“We have basically lost everything this year,” a seaweed farmer told reporters.

Typhoon Fitow – named after a flower – made landfall at 01:15 local time on Monday in the city of Fuding, Chinese meteorologists said.

It triggered the evacuation of hundreds of thousands in Zhejiang and Fujian, and caused transport chaos as train, coach and flight services were cancelled.

Typhoon Fitow came just weeks after Typhoon Usagi killed at least 25 people in southern Guangdong province.

[youtube yt6UFImAkLs]

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