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Princess Diana’s death: Prince Charles and Mohamed Al-Fayed contacted by police

Scotland Yard has contacted Prince Charles and Mohamed Al-Fayed as the police assess claims that the SAS murdered Princess Diana.

Police said they are also getting in touch with Lord Justice Scott Baker, the judge who presided over the inquest into her death.

Princess Diana, 36, Mohamed Al-Fayed’s son Dodi, 42, and driver Henri Paul, 41, all died in a crash in Paris in August 1997.

Police are currently carrying out a “scoping exercise” as they look into claims that the trio were murdered by a member of the British Military.

They have not launched a full investigation.

Royal bodyguards and MPs have brushed off accusations that the Princess of Wales’ death 16 years ago was carried out by British special forces who then “covered it up”.

The sensational allegation surfaced in the second court martial of Sergeant Danny Nightingale, the SAS sniper convicted of illegally stashing a pistol and 338 bullets in his bedroom.

The claim was contained in a letter from the parents-in-law of Soldier N, Sgt Danny Nightingale’s former housemate, which was sent to the SAS’s commanding officer in September 2011.

Scotland Yard confirmed in a brief statement this morning that they will be contacting members of the Royal family to inform them about the new developments.

“We are in the process of notifying Princess Diana’s family, the family of Dodi Al Fayed and Lord Justice Scott Baker,” a spokesman said.

Scotland Yard has contacted Prince Charles and Mohamed Al-Fayed as the police assess claims that the SAS murdered Princess Diana
Scotland Yard has contacted Prince Charles and Mohamed Al-Fayed as the police assess claims that the SAS murdered Princess Diana

Scotland Yard routinely contact relevant parties to keep them informed about what is going on when there are new developments in a historic case.

The eight-page correspondence claims Soldier N boasted it was the SAS that had “arranged Princess Diana’s death” and that it had been “covered up”.
Sergeant Danny Nightingale, 38, was found guilty last month of illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition at a Hereford house he shared with Soldier N.

Soldier N, who is serving a custodial sentence for possessing firearms at the same address, was originally reported to the police by his wife, from whom he is now separated.

The letter was sent to Soldier N’s commanding officer in September 2011 and passed to the Service Prosecuting Authority before the start of the Nightingale trial.

All references to the SAS were removed by the SPA.

The paragraph referring to the death of Princess Diana says: “He also told her [his wife] that it was the *** who arranged Princess Diana’s death and that has been covered up.”

The letter says Soldier N told his wife there is a “box which members of his unit use for private jobs”.

“They put in the box the name, address and details of what they want done and then one of them who wants to earn extra money does that job.”

When Soldier N was challenged by his mother-in-law, he is accused of saying: “Let me stop you right there – I kill women and I kill children.”

As well as hiding weapons in his house, in a “reign of terror” on his family Soldier N allegedly attacked his son after mistaking him for the Taliban.

His children were also allegedly driven around in the boot of his Land Rover and he had hung his son 30ft above the ground in a tree.

An inquest in 2008 found that Princess Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed were unlawfully killed due to the ‘gross negligence’ of driver Henri Paul, a security manager at the Paris Ritz Hotel, who had been drinking.

Henri Paul’s mother Gisele said she believed her son was murdered together with Princess Diana and Mohamed Al-Fayed when the Mercedes he was driving crashed in an underpass.

Gisele Paul, 83, said: “We believe there was a plot to kill the Princess that terrible night in August 1997.

“We know in our hearts that our son was murdered and we still live with the hope that one day the truth will be known.”

The new information was also welcomed by Mohamed Al-Fayed, who also insists the couple were murdered. He said he trusted the Metropolitan Police would investigate the new claims “with vigor”.

A Royal spokesman said there would be no comment from Prince William, Prince Harry or Clarence House.

Bo Xilai rejects Gu Kailai’s testimony at trial

Bo Xilai has dismissed testimony from his wife, Gu Kailai, at his trial, saying she was unstable and had been coerced.

Video footage and written testimony from Gu Kailai, who was convicted last year of the murder of Neil Heywood, was posted on the court’s official microblog.

In it she said she felt Neil Heywood was a threat to her son, Bo Guagua.

Gu Kailai also spoke of receiving gifts from a Dalian entrepreneur, Xu Ming, from whom Bo Xilai is accused of taking bribes.

Bo Xilai, the former Chongqing Communist Party chief, is accused of bribery, corruption and abuse of power.

On Thursday he denied bribery, saying he had been forced into admitting it to prosecutors, and rubbished testimony from witnesses including his wife.

Of Gu Kailai’stestimony on Friday, Bo Xilai reportedly said: “In her unstable mental state, prosecutors put pressure on her so she would turn on me.”

Foreign media are not being allowed into the trial, which is taking place in the city of Jinan in Shandong province.

Analysts say the trial is as much about getting rid of a popular politician as it is about criminal wrongdoing. Bo Xilai is widely expected to be found guilty.

Bo Xilai has dismissed testimony from his wife, Gu Kailai, at his trial, saying she was unstable and had been coerced
Bo Xilai has dismissed testimony from his wife, Gu Kailai, at his trial, saying she was unstable and had been coerced

Bo Xilai’s downfall was seen as the biggest political shake-up to hit China’s ruling elite in decades. In February 2012 his police chief, Wang Lijun, fled to the US consulate in Chengdu amid an apparent fall-out with Bo Xilai.

Shortly afterwards, Chinese authorities announced that they were reinvestigating the death of Neil Heywood, who died in a Chongqing hotel in November 2011.

Gu Kailai has since been jailed for the murder of Neil Heywood – a crime she carried out, state media say, because of differences over a business deal.

In written testimony to the court, she said she believed that the personal safety of her son “was under threat”.

“In the second half of 2011 Guagua made a video call to me on his iPad telling me that Neil Heywood threatened him,” she said. Subsequent e-mails between the two scared her, she said.

“After the video call I was very worried which led to the 15 November crime [when Neil Heywood was killed].”

Written testimony from Patrick Devillers, a French architect, meanwhile, pointed to conflict between Gu Kailai and Neil Heywood over a financial deal related to a villa in France that has been a focus of the bribery charges.

It was paid for by Xu Ming, the court heard on Thursday, one of two men from whom Bo Xilai is accused of receiving bribes totalling 21.8 million yuan ($3.56 million).

In her video testimony Gu Kailai said it was true that Xu Ming had bought things for her and her son, Bo Guagua.

“When we need to book a flight, family members know to ask from Xu Ming,” she said.

Bo Xilai, responding to his wife’s testimony, is reported to have said: “How much credibility is there are about Bo Gu Kailai’s testimony, and her written material? Bo Gu Kailai has changed and she became crazy and lies all the time.”

It is not clear how long the trial will last. Bo Xilai is the last major player in connection with the Neil Heywood case to face judicial proceedings.

His son, Bo Guagua, remains in the US, where earlier this week he said any verdict would carry no moral weight if his “well-being has been bartered for my father’s acquiescence or my mother’s further co-operation”.

Bo Guagua also said his mother had been unwell since 2006, following a “sudden collapse of her physical health”.

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Sylvester Stallone in talks for Rambo TV series

Sylvester Stallone is in talks with The Expendables producer Avi Lerner about reprising his role in a TV series based on the film franchise Rambo.

Avi Lerner, a producer on the 2008 sequel Rambo, has teamed with Entertainment One and Nu Image for the adaptation.

He said he was “excited by the prospect of collaborating again with my good friend Sly for an encore”.

Talks suggest Sylvester Stallone, 67, will be involved on a “creative level” and may also reprise his original Rambo role.

First Blood (1982), the original Rambo movie, starred Sylvester Stallone as a troubled Vietnam war veteran.

Sequels followed in 1985 and 1988, with the franchise revived 20 years later.

Sylvester Stallone is in talks with The Expendables producer Avi Lerner about reprising his role in a TV series based on the film franchise Rambo
Sylvester Stallone is in talks with The Expendables producer Avi Lerner about reprising his role in a TV series based on the film franchise Rambo

“Rambo fans cover all demographics and we’re confident that we’ll quickly find this series a home,” said John Morayniss, of Entertainment One (eOne) Television.

Last year, Sylvester Stallone told reporters in Rome that he was keen to return to the role for one final big screen outing.

“The Rambo thing, that’s why I don’t retire. I just see a guy unable to go home. He needs war and I see him dying there,” Sylvester Stallone said, in November 2012.

“If my damn body holds up, it’ll be really good. Otherwise it won’t be Rambo fighting, it’ll be Rambo fighting arthritis,” he added.

The 2008 Rambo sequel made more than $100 million at the global box office, but earned mixed reviews.

Sylvester Stallone recently confirmed his appearance in the third film in The Expendables franchise.

Together the first two installments in the franchise have earned almost $575 million worldwide.

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Barack Obama shouted down by Buffalo crowd after he got the city mayor’s name wrong

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Barack Obama was corrected by an annoyed crowd in Buffalo, New York, after he flubbed the name of the city’s mayor in a speech on the university campus.

President Barack Obama was making a policy speech about his plan to give universities ratings for their cost effectiveness when he began to praise “Mayor Brian Higgins”.

“Your outstanding mayor, Brian Higgins, is here. Give him a big round of applause,” Barack Obama says.

Some people in the crowd began to applaud, but others began shouting the mayor’s actual name – Byron Brown – at Barack Obama.

Brian Higgins is the Democratic Congressman who represents the Buffalo area.

Barack Obama was corrected by an annoyed crowd in Buffalo, after he flubbed the name of the city's mayor in a speech on the university campus
Barack Obama was corrected by an annoyed crowd in Buffalo, after he flubbed the name of the city’s mayor in a speech on the university campus

Barack Obama responds: “…What? Byron Brown. Yes. I’m sorry about that.”

He then blames the fumble on his age.

“This is what happens when you get to be 52 years old. When I was 51, everything was smooth,” the president joked.

Byron Brown, a Democrat, was not offended by the mistake. He told reporters after the event: “Clearly the president knows who we are. It was a slip of the tongue.”

In May, Barack Obama flubbed the name of Governor Martin O’Malley, the head of the state next door to the nation’s capital.

He referred to the fellow Democrat at “Jack O’Malley”, not once, but twice.

The president is touting a new program during a two-day bus tour that will rate colleges by the expected income of their graduates, compared against the cost of tuition.

Barack Obama says the plan will help parents and students make better-informed decisions about higher education.

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Kanye West sued by photographer Daniel Ramos over LA airport incident

Kanye West is being sued by photographer Daniel Ramos, who says the singer attacked him at Los Angeles International Airport.

Daniel Ramos, who was one of the paparazzi waiting for the rapper on July 19, says he was punched by Kanye West and was wrestled to the ground.

The lawsuit claims Daniel Ramos was a victim of assault, battery and negligence and that his civil rights were violated.

Kanye West is being sued by photographer Daniel Ramos after LA airport fight
Kanye West is being sued by photographer Daniel Ramos after LA airport fight

“I told him twice, <<I don’t want to fight you>>,” Daniel Ramos said.

“However, he attacked me anyway.”

Last week LA’s district attorney decided not to prosecute Kanye West, saying Daniel Ramos didn’t have a significant injury.

The rapper is due to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) this weekend for a record seventh time.

Kanye West will showcase his single Black Skinhead at the event on August 25 at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York.

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Ben Afleck is Batman in Man of Steel sequel

Ben Affleck is to play Batman in a forthcoming Superman sequel, bringing together the two superheroes in one film for the first time.

Ben Affleck, 41, will star opposite British actor Henry Cavill, who will reprise his role as Superman from the most recent film, Man of Steel.

Director Zack Snyder revealed the big screen superhero mash-up at a comic convention in San Diego last month.

Production is expected to begin next year for release in the summer of 2015.

“We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular super heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill and then some,” Warner Bros President Greg Silverman said in a statement.

Zack Snyder, who also directed Man of Steel, said in a statement that Ben Affleck will provide an “interesting counter-balance” to 31-year old Henry Cavill’s Clark Kent.

“[Ben Affleck] has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne,” said Zack Snyder.

Ben Affleck is to play Batman in a forthcoming Superman sequel, bringing together the two superheroes in one film for the first time
Ben Affleck is to play Batman in a forthcoming Superman sequel, bringing together the two superheroes in one film for the first time

“I can’t wait to work with him.”

The Superman sequel – which has yet to be given a title – will reunite Man of Steel stars Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White) and Diane Lane (Martha Kent).

Christian Bale most recently played Batman in director Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.

Michael Keaton and George Clooney have also donned the black mask and cape in previous Batman films.

Ben Affleck’s film Argo, which he starred in and directed, won an Academy Award for best picture earlier this year.

The superhero genre is not new to Ben Affleck, who previously starred as the blind hero in the 2003 Daredevil film based on the Marvel Comics.

Batman and Superman are part of DC Comics universe, which is part of the Warner Bros Entertainment division.

Revenues from the latest films featuring Superman and Batman have exceeded $1 billion in recent years.

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North Korea and South Korea meet on family reunions

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North Korea and South Korea have begun talks on resuming the reunions of families separated by the Korean War in 1950-53.

Korean Red Cross officials met at the border village of Panmunjom in an attempt to restart the reunions last held in October 2010.

The two sides remain technically at war because the conflict ended in an armistice and not a peace deal.

The talks come as the two countries last week reached a deal on a joint industrial zone.

Many families were separated at the end of the war by the dividing of the peninsula.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye last week called for the resumption of the reunions, urging North Korea to “open its heart”.

The aim is for some of them to meet during a festival holiday in September.

North Korea and South Korea have begun talks on resuming the reunions of families separated by the Korean War in 1950-53
North Korea and South Korea have begun talks on resuming the reunions of families separated by the Korean War in 1950-53

However, the two sides have yet to agree on the venue, size and date of the possible reunions.

In South Korea, than 70,000 people have registered for the reunions.

Kim Kyung-ryun said that she had been trying for decades to reunite with her parents and siblings in the North.

“So many reunions have passed, and I’ve never been picked,” she said.

“So I wonder whether my chance will ever come, and I’m just a bit too tired to worry about it now.”

The current talks are the latest signs of tensions easing on the peninsula.

In April, North Korea withdrew its workers from the Kaesong joint industrial zone, angered by the expansion of UN sanctions after its February 12 nuclear test and annual US-South Korea military drills.

The deal reached last week came after six rounds of talks ended unsuccessfully.

Meanwhile, it was reported that a North Korean man apparently defected after he was found on South Korea’s Gyodong Island.

It was not immediately known how he had crossed the border in stormy weather. South Korean officials said he was now being questioned.

Defections by crossing the border via land and sea is said to be rare, and most are made by North Koreans entering another country before going to South Korea.

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Recipe: Blueberry and yoghurt ice lollies

Fabulous frozen yoghurt and gorgeous granita make deliciously refreshing desserts.

Ingredients (Serves 8):

100 g (3½oz) caster sugar

100 ml (3½fl oz) water

200 g (7oz) blueberries

500 g (1lb 2oz) vanilla yoghurt

2 tsp vanilla extract

8 ice-pop moulds and sticks

Blueberry and yoghurt ice lollies
Blueberry and yoghurt ice lollies

Directions:

In a saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil, then simmer for 6-7 minutes or until syrupy. When totally cool, process in a blender with the blueberries until smooth.

Press the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. Pour the yoghurt and vanilla extract into a large bowl.

Drizzle over the blueberry and sugar mixture and gently fold it through with a skewer to create a soft swirl (don’t over-mix it). Spoon the mixture into ice-pop moulds, insert the sticks and freeze for 3-4 hours or until set.

To remove the pops, dip the moulds in warm water for 10-12 seconds and gently release the pops.

Alan Robertson on his wild past and why he left church to join Duck Dynasty

Alan Robertson is the Duck Dynasty’s beardless one and the newest member of the cast.

Alan Robertson, who made his debut on Duck Dynasty‘s Season 4 premiere last week, is explaining in an interview on CBN News’ Friday edition of The 700 Club why he left his job as senior pastor of a large church to join the show.

The oldest son of Phil and Miss Kay Robertson ministered at White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ for more than 20 years. He explains that some early teen craziness led him to the church early on.

“My high school years were just terrible and it was all a secret life – running around and drinking and cutting up,” Alan Robertson tells CBN News White House Correspondent Jennifer Wishon, who traveled to West Monroe, Louisiana, to interview him and his wife, Lisa.

“So I was at the worst possible place – I was hiding in plain sight. I was in the church but I wasn’t a Christian. I wasn’t living for Christ.”

After he graduated, Phil Robertson told him he either had to shape up or move out. Alan Robertson moved out and went to New Orleans, where he found more trouble. After about a year, he realized he needed to move back home.

Alan Robertson made his debut on Duck Dynasty's Season 4 premiere last week
Alan Robertson made his debut on Duck Dynasty’s Season 4 premiere last week

Alan Robertson made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ and Phil baptized him in the river behind their house.

And now Alan and Lisa Robertson, who do a lot of the family’s scheduling, have made a decision to be on-camera.

“I really feel like God had prepared us for such a moment as this and when America needs some family to say, <<Hey, we can make mistakes, you know. We can come from nothing – we can have all these things now but ultimately none of it matters except that we’re saved and we’re gonna be in heaven forever with Christ>>. “

Lisa Robertson notes: “To have a great church is good. But there is people out there that’s not ever going to darken the doors that we have here. And they may not ever darken the doors of any church building. And so if we can give them a little taste of Christianity, a little taste of God, but in a fun way to tell them that just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean that you can’t have loads of fun and laugh all the time and just enjoy what God’s given you.”

Alan Robertson adds: “We’re fairly young. If God gives us a lot more years on the Earth who knows where we’re gonna go from there in terms of what we’re gonna do?”

Just don’t expect Alan Robertson to grow a beard. Ever.

“I don’t want to get stuck with that look, I mean, are you kidding me?”

Plus, Lisa Robertson likes her husband clean-shaven.

“You know, when there’s things crawling out of your beard or whenever you’ve got food left from lunch or dinner, I don’t know, that just kind of grosses me out,” Lisa Robertson said.

Si Robertson’s advice for impressing women at Justin Martin’s first date with Brittany Brugman

The latest episode of Duck Dynasty revealed how Duck Commander employee Justin Martin shocked everyone when he said he had a date.

The men of Duck Dynasty were wrapping up an unsuccessful fishing trip when family friend Justin Martin made a stunning announcement: He was planning on skipping the weekly Friday night poker game with the boys.

“I may or may not have a date tonight,” said Martin – who is known to viewers by only his surname.

Martin was nervous, so the Robertsons stepped in to help him make the date as successful as possible.

“I’ve known you for 10 years,” Jase Robertson told Martin as he fidgeted with a duck call.

“This is the first time I heard a woman come up.”

The wives, Korie and Missy, gave him a mini-makeover, and Uncle Si gave him a crash-course in etiquette.

Making it even more awkward, Si Robertson pretended to be the woman of Martin’s affections. “Hello Martin, my name is Tiffany,” he said, swinging a feather boa over his shoulder.

“Even when you’re eating, don’t let the conversation die,” Si Robertson advised him.

In a confessional later, Si Robertson dropped great suggestions of lines that women love, like “Can I have directions … to your heart?”.

Justin Martin’s first date was good enough as he scored himself a second date with Brittany Brugman
Justin Martin’s first date was good enough as he scored himself a second date with Brittany Brugman

Korie Robertson decided that Justin Martin’s wardrobe needed a bit of a makeover: “Let’s face it, he dresses like a seventh grader who hasn’t yet discovered deodorant.”

Korie and Missy Robertson ordered Justin Martin back to his wood-paneled, taxidermy-filled home to try and find an outfit that did not involve trucker hats or camouflage.

Willie Robertson, who had never been inside Justin Martin’s house, described his decorating style as “a mix between the Brady Bunch and that killer from <<Silence of the Lambs>>.”

While Martin was busy trying on various outfits for Korie and Missy, Willie and Jase snooped around their friend’s house.

“This is not normal,” said Jase Robertson, pointing out a large pile of mismatched socks.

“I think there’s something wrong with his feet.”

“Maybe they’re webbed,” Willie Robertson opined from the comfort of Martin’s leather recliner.

Picking up one of many framed photos of Justin Martin scattered throughout the house, Willie Robertson noted: “No adult male should have this many pictures of themselves.”

“All I’m seeing is huge piles of dirty socks and embarrassing photographs,” added Jase Robertson.

“It’s a bit creepy and weird.”

Perhaps it was for the best when Justin Martin told them the day after the date that he took absolutely none of their advice. He was just himself. And that was good enough, as he scored himself a second date with Brittany Brugman. He tweeted: “That was pre first date with @BrittanyBrugman. We’ve been together a while now so I guess I did something right.”

Justin Martin can only hope his second date goes as well as the season premiere of Duck Dynasty last week.

With 11.8 million viewers, Duck Dynasty became the most-watched nonfiction series in cable history.

Phil Robertson speaks against abortion

Duck Dynasty‘s Phil Robertson is not afraid to loudly proclaim his religious beliefs, including their stance against abortion.

A new video surfaced Tuesday of Phil Robertson delivering an impassioned speech slamming abortion.

“From the time you started inside your mother’s womb, Thomas Jefferson had it right,” he said.

“You have the God-given right to live, for crying out loud.”

Phil Robertson continued by holding out a finger.

“You’re this long! C’mon! You have a God-given right to live. And of all places, inside your mother – what in the world happened to us?”

Phil Robertson, a former standout football quarterback at Louisiana Tech, has been an ardent believer since the ’70s. During that time, the Duck Dynasty patriarch “was headed south” – drinking, fighting, mistreating his family. When his wife, Miss Kay, kicked him out, Phil Robertson turned to religion.

Phil Robertson is not afraid to loudly proclaim his religious beliefs, including their stance against abortion
Phil Robertson is not afraid to loudly proclaim his religious beliefs, including their stance against abortion

Though Phil Robertson feels free to let loose his opinions in a speech, he told the Wall Street Journal in June that his family purposefully plays down their faith on Duck Dynasty.

“We can’t get into spiritual matters on the show too much,” he said.

“That’s a little much for the production company. They say, you know, it’s not the Pat Robertson show.”

The Robertson family doesn’t hide their beliefs and it’s possible religion will play a greater role this season, with oldest son Alan – a former minister – joining the cast. In fact, before the season began, Alan Robertson said he hoped to spread his message to a bigger audience thanks to the popularity of Duck Dynasty.

Alan Robertson said of leaving his pulpit: “What I do for our church – you see, it’s a pretty good-sized church – impacts a lot of people. But because of my association with the show, I’ll get to minister to a lot more people.”

Duck Dynasty airs Wednesdays at 10 PM on A&E.

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Inside Kim Kardashian’s make-up bag

Kim Kardashian has revealed the contents of her make-up bag and admitted that no item in her personal cosmetics bag sets her back more than $30.

Kim Kardashian, 32, explained to MailOnline that one of her beauty essentials is a $20 Moroccan Oil.

“This really helps to smooth my hair and makes it so soft,” she said of the oil, which is also loved by Taylor Swift and Beyonce.

When it comes to keeping her cellulite at bay, Kim Kardashian swears by Dove Body Scrub.

Speaking about the product, Kim Kardashian said: “I love this; it’s great for prepping the skin.”

Kim Kardashian has revealed some of her essential beauty products and all of them are under $30
Kim Kardashian has revealed some of her essential beauty products and all of them are under $30

She also uses Bio Oil, $14, because it “prevents wrinkles around my eyes and stretch marks over my body”.

Along with her sisters Khloe and Kourtney, Kim Kardashian has designed a range of beauty products, Kardashian Beauty.

Speaking about her favorites, Kim said: “I had to <<steal>> the first lab sample of Kardashian Beauty Intimate Spotlight because once I’d tried it I never wanted to be without it.

“It adds a beautiful glow to cheekbones, bridge of nose and Cupid’s bow to light up the face. I’m in love with this product!”

The reality star is also a big fan of the Kardashian Beauty Whip Lash Mascara, and the Au Naturel Lip Kit in Nude.

To take it all off at the end of the day, Kim Kardashian loves Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Wipes, which she snaps up from Boots for $6.

Kim Kardashian, who showed just how much make-up she wears when she famously charted her makeover and shared images of the process with her 16 million Twitter followers, said of the remover: “This is one of my most essential products, I need a makeup wipe at all times.”

Hosni Mubarak released from Cairo prison

Hosni Mubarak has been released from Cairo prison after appealing against his detention.

The former Egyptian president was flown out of Tora prison by helicopter to a hospital, but is now expected to be put under house arrest.

Hosni Mubarak, 85, still faces charges of corruption and complicity in the killing of demonstrators during the protests that toppled him in 2011.

His release is seen by many as a sign that the military is rolling back the changes that flowed from the uprising.

Egypt is currently under a state of emergency amid the bloodshed which has accompanied the army-backed interim government’s crackdown on Islamists opposed to the army’s ousting of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi on 3 July.

Hundreds of members of the Muslim Brotherhood – the movement from which Mohamed Morsi comes – have been detained, including its most senior leader Mohammed Badie, who was wanted over alleged incitement to violence and murder.

On Thursday, the medical helicopter arrived at Tora, as dozens of Hosni Mubarak supporters – some waving flags – gathered outside the prison.

Hosni Mubarak has been released from Cairo prison after appealing against his detention
Hosni Mubarak has been released from Cairo prison after appealing against his detention

Egypt’s TV channel then showed the helicopter transferring Hosni Mubarak to a military hospital in the capital. The ex-leader was seen being transferred from the aircraft into an ambulance outside the hospital, amid heavy security.

This comes after a court ruled on Wednesday that the former leader must be released in a corruption case.

The ruling came during the hearing on charges that the former president had accepted gifts from state-run publisher al-Ahram. The value of the gifts has since been repaid.

The court said its decision was final and no appeal would be allowed.

Prosecutors have previously brought new charges when courts have ordered Hosni Mubarak’s release – a move intended to keep the ailing ex-leader in detention.

But shortly after the court ruling, the office of PM Hazem el-Beblawi said Hosni Mubarak would be placed under house arrest after his release.

“In the context of the emergency law, the deputy military commander issued an order that Hosni Mubarak should be put under house arrest,” the office said in a statement.

Hosni Mubarak was sentenced to life in jail last year for complicity in the killing of demonstrators, but a retrial was later ordered after his appeal was upheld.

That retrial opened in May but Hosni Mubarak has now served the maximum amount of pre-trial detention permitted in the case.

European Union foreign ministers on Wednesday agreed to stop export licenses on military equipment to Egypt and to reassess security co-operation in response to the clampdown.

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HHS hires criminal investigators to target consumers and companies that don’t follow Obamacare’s rules

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources (HHS) has hired more than 1,600 new employees in the aftermath of Obamacare’s passage.

The new employees include just two described as “consumer safety” officers, but 86 tasked with “criminal investigating” – indicating that the agency is building an army of detectives to sleuth out violations of a law that many in Congress who supported it still find confusing.

On the day President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law in 2010, HHS received authority from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make as many as 1,814 new hires under an emergency “Direct Hiring Authority” order.

The Obama administration ordered that employment expansion despite a government-wide hiring freeze.

A total of 1,684 of those positions were filled and the new employees’ salaries alone cost the U.S. at least $138.8 million every year.

The HHS has hired more than 1,600 new employees in the aftermath of Obamacare's passage
The HHS has hired more than 1,600 new employees in the aftermath of Obamacare’s passage

The hiring began in May 2010 and continued through June 2013, making the later hires eligible for higher salaries as a result of annual cost-of-living increases.

The difference between what HHS spent on new Obamacare-related employees and what it was authorized to spend is explained by its failure to hire most of the 261 “consumer safety officers” it was authorized to bring aboard. Only two such employees were hired.

But while OPM authorized HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resources Denise Carter – later renamed Denise Wells – to hire 50 criminal investigators, the agency increased that number to 86 on its own.

The lowest salary on the list was for a single contracting officer at Grade 7, Step 1, an annual rate of about $42,350, including a so-called “differential” payments. Those increases are given to all federal employees in order to adjust for regional cost-of-living differences.

The highest salary in 2010 dollars, including that differential payment, was about $161,450, earned by a total of 29 new employee. They include health insurance administrators, contracting officers and information technology managers.

The fleet of 86 new criminal investigators are earning a range of compensation between $51,800 and $89,350, according to the 2010 salary tables and differential payment guidelines.

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Inside Kylie Jenner’s Sweet 16 party goodie bag

Kylie Jenner had over 150 guests at her Sweet 16 party and few of them went home laden down with gifts.

While the estimated value of the party favors was over $1,000, the Kardashian clan didn’t have to pay a cent towards supplying them.

Instead Kris Jenner enlisted Brand Placement L.A. to stuff Kylie Jenner’s Sweet 16 birthday gift bags with goodies.

Kylie Jenner’s luxurious favors were comprised of backpacks stuffed with gifts including Audiovox 808 headphones, iHome Bluetooth speakers, gift cards, and more.

Impressively, only four of the items were directly connected to the famous family – Kardashian Beauty cosmetics, a PacSun journal, Glamhouse jewelry, and Rob Kardashian’s Arthur George socks.

According to the New York Daily News, the Kardashian-Jenner clan “didn’t pay a cent” for any of it.

Brand Placement also provided the gift bags for Kendall Jenner’s Sweet 16 in November, but they were notably smaller than Kylie’s.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is currently holding a Twitter contest giving one lucky fan a leftover swag bag and TMZ just posted pictures of the spoils.

Gift certificates for a Triangl bikini, salon treatments at Blo Blow Dry Bar, BALLASOX foldable flat, and $50 at Karmaloop were also inside.

Kylie Jenner's luxurious favors were comprised of backpacks stuffed with gifts including Audiovox 808 headphones, iHome Bluetooth speakers, gift cards, and more
Kylie Jenner’s luxurious favors were comprised of backpacks stuffed with gifts including Audiovox 808 headphones, iHome Bluetooth speakers, gift cards, and more

Also inside were MadPax Spiketus Rex backpack, NeffHeadwear beanies, Koolaburra boots, See You Monday hair turban, Fresh-Tops clothing, and a JonesTShirts.com tote.

There were cosmetics and haircare from It Factor, Cake Beauty, Cover FX, and an EOS lip balm basket.

Less exciting were the Duck Tape, Nika Water, Luggage Pros tag, and Emi-Jay hair ties.

The E! cameras were rolling as Kylie Jenner celebrated her landmark birthday last Saturday at downtown L.A.’s AT&T Center.

Everyone from the Kardashian-Jenner clan attended – except for Kim Kardashian, who took baby North to the funeral of Kanye West’s grandfather in Oklahoma, and Khloe’s husband Lamar Odom.

Kylie Jenner’s rumored boyfriend Jaden Smith, his sister Willow, and Glee star Naya Rivera were present at the Alice In Wonderland themed bash.

The five-foot-nine brunette received a smooch and serenade from R&B star Drake and rapper Big Sean during the festivities.

However, the newly licensed driver’s biggest present came in the form of a $125,000 black Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV.

Kylie Jenner’s big sister Kendall famously received a $90,000 Range Rover for her own 16th birthday.

Kendall and Kylie Jenner share an impressive combined 10.3 million Twitter followers as well as a “Back-To-School” PacSun clothing line.

Both of them were Sierra Canyon School cheerleaders until they started homeschooling last September.

Keeping Up With The Kardashians Season 8 currently airs Sundays on E!.

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Chelsea Manning: Bradley Manning announces his female identity

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Convicted soldier Bradley Manning has revealed that he wants to live as a woman named Chelsea and intends to undergo hormone therapy to begin his transition to a female.

Bradley Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Wednesday for leaking thousands of classified documents to WikiLeaks, made the shock announcement through his attorney on the Today show on Thursday.

“As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me. I am Chelsea Manning. I am a female,” Bradley Manning wrote in the statement entitled, The Next Stage of My Life.

“Given the way that I feel, and have felt since childhood, I want to begin hormone therapy as soon as possible. I hope that you will support me in this transition.”

Bradley Manning added that he now wishes to be referred to as Chelsea and as a “she” rather than a “he”.

On Thursday, Bradley Manning’s lawyer David Coombs denied the former intelligence analyst was making this announcement for the attention or because she was a narcissist.

“Chelsea didn’t want to have this be something that overshadowed the case,” he explained.

In this undated photo provided by the US Army, Bradley Manning poses wearing a wig and lipstick
In this undated photo provided by the US Army, Bradley Manning poses wearing a wig and lipstick

David Coombs added that Fort Leavenworth, where Bradley Manning is serving her term, does not provide hormone therapy for soldiers, but that he hoped it would “do the right thing” and provide it.

“If not, I am going to everything in my power to make sure everything is done to force them,” he said.

During the 12-week court case, an image that was released by the Army emerged showing Bradley Manning wearing a blonde wig and makeup in a photograph she had taken herself.

“She never really wanted this to be public,” David Coombs added of Bradley Manning’s identity.

“Now that it is, unfortunately, you have to deal with it in a public manner.”

Bradley Manning’s lawyers had argued throughout the case that he was under incredible stress at the time of the leaks due to his struggles with gender identity disorder in the masculine environment.

On Wednesday, Bradley Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison for leaking an unprecedented volume of classified documents to WikiLeaks.

The 25-year-old first class Army private appeared not to show any emotion when his long-awaited fate was read out, though spectators gasped inside the military courtroom at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Because of the 1,294 days he has already spent in custody, Bradley Manning will immediately shave three and a half years off his 35-year term.

Bradley Manning is eligible for parole after serving at least one-third of the sentence, which means he could be free in eight years, when he’s 33 or 34 years old.

He also learned he will be reduced in grade to the rank of private E1, dishonorably discharged from the military and forfeit all pay and allowances.

In a press conference following the hearing defense attorney David Coombs said he was saddened by the sentence, adding that it didn’t represent the harm his client had caused.

David Coombs said: “When I heard the sentence I thought to myself <<I have represented hundreds of clients some of them have committed murders and some have molested children and those clients received less time than private Manning>>.”

He added that he was surprised by the decision to dishonorably discharge Bradley Manning from the military, adding: “Bradley Manning is a man of honor.”

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Robert Mugabe sworn in for seventh term as Zimbabwe’s president

Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a seventh term in office as the country’s president.

Thursday has been declared a public holiday to allow supporters of Robert Mugabe, 89, to attend the inauguration.

The ceremony had been delayed by a court petition filed by his main rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, over allegations of widespread electoral fraud.

But the Constitutional Court dismissed the case, declaring Robert Mugabe’s re-election “free, fair and credible”.

Robert Mugabe won with 61% of the presidential vote against 34% for Morgan Tsvangirai on July 31.

The elections ended a fragile power-sharing government formed by the two men in 2009 under pressure from regional leaders following elections the year before marred by violence and allegations of electoral fraud.

Outgoing Prime Minister and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said he would not be attending the inauguration ceremony.

“Expecting Tsvangirai to attend the inauguration is like expecting a victim of robbery to attend a party hosted by the robber,” his spokesman, Luke Tamborinyoka, told AFP.

Free fizzy drinks and T-shirts reading “Mugabe fearless revolutionary” were being given to the arriving crowds.

Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a seventh term in office as Zimbabwe's president
Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a seventh term in office as Zimbabwe’s president

One of the banners in the stadium reads: “It’s Africa versus Europe with Zimbabwe as the new battlefront.”

The US and UK have expressed concern over the official results granting victory to Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party.

But the African Union has said that any irregularities were not enough to overturn the margin of victory.

Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) lost two court cases related to fraud claims in last month’s disputed elections. Rulings were issued despite the MDC withdrawing its case saying it would not get a fair hearing.

The party alleged that more than a million voters were prevented from casting their ballots in polling stations, mostly in the capital and urban areas considered to be MDC strongholds.

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network, which placed 7,000 observers around the country, has also judged the election flawed.

MDC officials have indicated they are unwilling to continue their partnership government with Zanu-PF.

Meanwhile, the US said recently that sanctions imposed on Robert Mugabe and some 119 other Zimbabwean individuals would remain in place until there were further political reforms.

Some 40 heads of state and government have been invited to attend the high-profile inauguration ceremony.

Once inaugurated, Robert Mugabe will serve another five-year term. Under the new constitution approved in a referendum earlier this year he will be able to serve another term after this.

Robert Mugabe served as Zimbabwe’s first post-independence prime minister between 1980 and 1987, and has held office as president ever since.

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Porter Ridge draws 1.4 million viewers on premiere night

Porter Ridge, Discovery’s new reality show from the producers of Duck Dynasty set in the backwoods of Indiana, drew 1.4 million viewers on its premiere night last Tuesday, overshadowed by other unscripted shows on the net.

Looking at the Tuesday nationals, Nielsen estimates that Porter Ridge averaged a 0.7 rating/2 share in adults 18-49 and 1.42 million viewers in the 10:30 p.m. half-hour – a decent start but lagging cable competition in its time period, including a repeat of The Big Bang Theory on TBS, Legend Shelby Swamp Man on History and USA’s Suits.

Discovery’s new reality show Porter Ridge drew 1.4 million viewers on its premiere
Discovery’s new reality show Porter Ridge drew 1.4 million viewers on its premiere

Certainly, no one expected Duck Dynasty-like numbers for Porter Ridge, as even that now red-hot show bowed to 1.8 million viewers with its series premiere nearly 18 months ago.

Porter Ridge had a solid lead-in at 10 p.m. from Tickle (0.9/2 in 18-49, 1.91 million viewers overall), a spinoff of Discovery’s Moonshiners.

Discovery logged its best numbers of the night in the 9 o’clock hour with Amish Mafia (1.1/3 in 18-49, 2.54 million viewers overall), which tied with TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles as cable’s top show for the time period in 18-49. It was second on all of television (behind NBC’s America’s Got Talent) in men 18-49 and 25-54.

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Madonna wears gold grills to visit Rome branch of her Hard Candy fitness studio

Madonna was keen to give fans and photographers a closer look at her gold grills as she paid a visit to the Hard Candy fitness studio in Rome on Wednesday.

While the unusual fashion accessory is a common feature in the mouths of younger stars like Justin Bieber and Rihanna, Madonna – who celebrated her 55th birthday last week – clearly puts no limit on what she can get away with.

Madonna was keen to give fans and photographers a closer look at her gold grills as she paid a visit to the Hard Candy fitness studio in Rome
Madonna was keen to give fans and photographers a closer look at her gold grills as she paid a visit to the Hard Candy fitness studio in Rome

Wearing a black mini-dress, black tights and those fingerless leather gloves she’s so fond of sporting, Madonna called in to the Colosseo gym for what amounted to a quick inspection, but all eyes were inspecting her mouth as she made her across the threshold.

The singer and actress let her hair down in France recently at the Menton music festival before celebrating son Rocco’s 13th birthday with a game of paintball that included young boyfriend Brahmin Zaibat and her teenage daughter, Lourdes.

Her own birthday fell on August 16, and Madonna celebrated by throwing a fancy dress party themed around the French Revolution.

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Lamar Odom Seen Loading Sizable Amount of Luggage into His Car Amid Divorce Rumors

Lamar Odom was seen loading a sizable amount of luggage into his car on Wednesday.

Lamar Odom, 33, was seen standing by while a man packed two large suitcases and some smaller bags into the trunk of his white Mercedes-Benz in Calabasas, California, amid rumors his wife Khloe Kardashian has filed for divorce following persistent rumors of his infidelity.

The basketball star was seen standing outside a gas station supermarket wearing khaki shorts and a white top as the man loaded the luggage into the trunk of the car.

Lamar Odom is likely not leaving for training as basketball season is over and the pre-season only starts in October. He also hasn’t yet given the LA Clippers an answer as to whether or not he’ll play for them this coming season.

Once the luggage was packed, he was seen getting into the luxury vehicle and driving off.

Lamar Odom was no doubt relieved to hear that he will not be prosecuted for destroying a photographer’s equipment.

The LA City Attorney will not file vandalism charges against that star for trashing a cameraman’s equipment last month in Hollywood, according to TMZ. Instead, an informal hearing will be held in the City Attorney’s office.

Meanwhile, his wife Khloe Kardashian has allegedly threatened to file for divorce from the sportsman.

Khloe Kardashian, 29, is furious that her husband of four years has been accused of having affairs with two different women and has told him she will file for a legal separation if more cheating rumors surface.

A friend close to Khloe Kardashian, who is reportedly worth $18 million, told Life and Style magazine that the reality star is “humiliated and p***ed off” about allegations Lamar Odom cheated on her with Jennifer Richardson for a year until March 2013 and also had a six-week long affair with lawyer Polina Polonsky at the start of the summer.

The insider said that Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom, who has an estimated fortune of $56 million from his 14-year basketball career, signed a pre-nuptial agreement with a built-in cheating clause that would see her secure $500,000 for every year they were married if he is unfaithful to her.

The source added: “With both mistresses coming out, she can’t handle much more. If more women come forward, she will do it.

“[Although] Khloe is a strong girl, the cheating rumors have really worn her down.”

Khloe Kardashian’s mother Kris Jenner previously denied her daughter was preparing to file for divorce.

Kris Jenner recently said: “Khloe and Lamar are absolutely not getting divorced. There’s been no talk of divorce.”

Other sources close to the couple, who got married just one month after they started dating, also insisted that Khloe Kardashian has not even spoken to a divorce lawyer.

NSA gathered up to 56,000 personal emails between people with no links to terror suspects

Declassified court documents show a NSA surveillance system illegally gathered up to 56,000 personal emails by Americans with no links to terror suspects annually.

Officials revealed that a judge in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court ruled the programme illegal in 2011.

The US government faces mounting criticism over its surveillance operations after the leaks of whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

The court, whose rulings are normally kept secret, said the NSA may have violated US law for collecting as many as 56,000 emails on an annual basis between 2008 and 2011.

But intelligence officials speaking to reporters anonymously say the scooping of emails was unintentional, blaming it on a technological problem.

The NSA was unable to separate out emails between Americans with no direct connection to terrorism, so the agency was collecting tens of thousands of “wholly domestic communications” every year, the court documents said.

NSA may have violated US law for collecting as many as 56,000 emails on an annual basis between 2008 and 2011
NSA may have violated US law for collecting as many as 56,000 emails on an annual basis between 2008 and 2011

In the ruling, Judge John Bates criticized the NSA over the breach of privacy, marking it as “the third instance in less than three years in which the government has disclosed a substantial misrepresentation regarding the scope of a major collection programme”.

The court found that the data gathering violated the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution, prohibiting “unreasonable searches and seizures”.

The court’s opinions, which are usually kept secret, were revealed by the government in response to a Freedom of Information request.

Government officials said that the court rulings had been declassified to show that eavesdropping programmes at fault had been found and fixed, highlighting its oversight measures.

The scope of the NSA’s massive surveillance programme, which sweeps up internet traffic and phone records, was exposed in June in leaks to media by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama promised to be more transparent about US spying programmes, with “appropriate reforms” to guarantee greater oversight.

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Bo Xilai goes on trial in China

Chinese politician Bo Xilai has gone on trial on charges of bribery, corruption and abuse of power.

The former Chongqing Communist Party leader once tipped for the highest office is accused of accepting money from two businessmen, the court said. Bo Xilai has so far denied one charge.

The abuse of power charge relates to his wife’s role in the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood, the court said.

Bo Xilai’s trial is China’s most politically-charged in decades.

Two years ago the 64-year-old high-flier was seen as a candidate for promotion to the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s seven-member top decision-making body.

But in February 2012, as China prepared for its once-in-a-decade leadership handover, questions emerged over the death of Neil Heywood.

Bo Xilai’s wife, Gu Kailai, has since been convicted of Neil Heywood’s murder. Bo Xilai faces multiple charges and is widely expected to be found guilty.

His downfall was seen as the biggest political shake-up to hit China’s ruling elite in decades.

The trial – which started at 08:30 – is taking place at the Intermediate People’s Court in Jinan, which is in Shandong province. The court is providing an account of proceedings on its official microblog.

“I hope the judge will try this case fairly and justly according to the law of the country,” Bo Xilai reportedly said.

Five of Bo Xilai’s relatives are said to be in court, along with 19 journalists and 84 other people. Foreign journalists have not been allowed in.

Bo Xilai has gone on trial on charges of bribery, corruption and abuse of power
Bo Xilai has gone on trial on charges of bribery, corruption and abuse of power

According to the indictment posted by the court, Bo Xilai is accused of receiving bribes totalling 21.8 million yuan ($3.56 million) from two Dalian-based businessmen.

The court microblog quoted Bo Xilai as saying about one of the cases: “That Tang Xiaolin gave me three bribes – that did not happen. He asked me to help him sort out something, and these were all done according to procedure.”

Bo Xilai said he had admitted this “against his will” under questioning, adding: “What I meant was that I was willing to take the legal responsibility but I had no idea of all these details back then.”

The abuse of power charge is connected to his wife’s role in Neil Heywood’s murder and his treatment of Wang Lijun, his now-jailed former police chief whose flight to the US consulate brought the case out into the open, the court indictment said.

Hearings would last two days, CCTV said in a tweet, with a verdict “likely in early September”.

Security was tight at the court, with police blocking the gates and lining roads leading up to it.

As party leader in Chongqing, Bo Xilai was seen as a powerful, populist and charismatic figure.

He was known for two high-profile campaigns: a large-scale crackdown on crime and a drive to promote China’s old communist values. But analysts said his ambition earned him enemies and he was considered controversial by top party leaders.

In February 2012, around the time that China was preparing to promote a new generation of leaders, his police chief, Wang Lijun, fled to the US consulate in Chengdu amid an apparent fall-out with Bo Xilai.

Shortly afterwards, Chinese authorities announced that they were reinvestigating the death of Neil Heywood, and both Bo Xilai and his wife disappeared from public view.

Gu Kailai has since been jailed for the murder of Neil Heywood – a crime she carried out, state media say, because of differences over a business deal. Wang has also been jailed for his role in covering up events, among other charges.

Bo Xilai is the last major player in connection with the case to face trial. Interest has been intense, with many Chinese microbloggers speaking out.

Most expressed skepticism about the proceedings, judging the trial merely a political show. Nevertheless a large number still believe Bo Xilai has a case to answer when it comes to corruption and abuse of power.

Herkuang in Shanghai says: “This Bo Xilai trial thing is merely a procedural thing. Those [party] elders have already made up their minds on what to sentence him with… Just watch the end result.”

But some of comments about Bo Xilai and his alleged conduct were dripping with sarcasm. “What a clean official! Just one count of bribe-taking in 30 years as a civil servant?” Li Zhiqiang, law lecturer at Lanzhou University, said.

Other internet users were more complimentary, however. One user, “Small Town Girl”, said ahead of the trial: “Looking at him from a rational perspective, he made contributions to the people of Dalian and Chongqing.”

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Watergate: Tapes reveal Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush called Richard Nixon in support

Newly released tapes show two future US presidents called Richard Nixon in support after he gave a speech on the Watergate scandal amid a staff exodus.

Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush attempted to boost Richard Nixon as he denied any knowledge of the infamous break-in at his political rivals’ offices.

The calls are among the final installment of recordings to be released from the Republican’s administration.

Richard Nixon, who quit in 1974, remains the only US president to have resigned.

His second term was engulfed by scandal after burglars tied to his re-election committee in 1972 broke into the Democratic party’s headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington DC, in an attempt to dig up dirt on his political adversaries.

The recordings are the last of a total of 3,000 hours of tape released by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Another 700 hours remain restricted by national security and privacy concerns, but the archive says they will now be reviewed in order to see what can be released.

The tapes cover the time period between 9 April and 12 July 1973, the day before the existence of Nixon’s secret recording system in his offices was made public to a Senate panel probing the Watergate scandal.

The tapes implicated him in a cover-up about the break-in.

The calls from the future presidents came on April 30, after Richard Nixon had made a public address about the growing scandal.

Earlier that day, three senior White House officials had resigned over the affair and another was sacked.

Ronald Reagan, who was governor of California at the time, told Richard Nixon the Watergate speech had been the right one to make
Ronald Reagan, who was governor of California at the time, told Richard Nixon the Watergate speech had been the right one to make

Ronald Reagan, who was governor of California at the time, told Richard Nixon the Watergate speech had been the right one to make.

“You can count on us,” he said.

“We’re still behind you out here and I wanted you to know that you’re in our prayers.”

George Bush called the same evening. The newly appointed chairman of the Republican National Committee said he had watched the speech with “great pride”.

Richard Nixon complained to George Bush about the reaction from broadcasters.

“The folks may understand,” Richard Nixon said, adding: “To hell with the commentators.”

The tapes also show Richard Nixon press secretary Ron Zeigler briefing the 37th president about the possibility of further serious revelations by the Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward.

Despite the crisis engulfing him, Richard Nixon remained actively engaged in global diplomacy.

At one point – in discussions with an aide – Richard Nixon can be heard describing the Chinese as “the ablest people in the world”.

The president can also be heard holding a lengthy Oval Office conversation with Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev before a June 1973 summit.

Richard Nixon expresses a close interest in ties with China – a relationship he describes as the “key to world peace”.

In the hour-long one-on-one, assisted by an interpreter, the two leaders chatted about personal topics, including their families.

“We must recognize…. while we will naturally in negotiations have some differences, it is essential that those two nations, where possible, work together,” Richard Nixon said to Leonid Brezhnev.

“If we decide to work together, we can change the world,” he said.

“That’s my attitude as we enter these talks.”

Previous releases show the president as a paranoid man who was obsessed with the Kennedy family.

Richard Nixon considered Senator Ted Kennedy such a political threat that he ordered surveillance in the hope of catching him in an affair.

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Honey Boo Boo sings Kim Kardashian song

Alana Thompson, aka Honey Boo Boo, and her mother June Shannon chatted with Access Hollywood at Alice’s Tea Cup in New York City.

Honey Boo Boo and her mother June Shannon chatted with Access Hollywood at Alice’s Tea Cup in New York City
Honey Boo Boo and her mother June Shannon chatted with Access Hollywood at Alice’s Tea Cup in New York City

The 7-year-old reality star was asked about Kim Kardashian and she started singing a song about fellow  star and also singing her own Honey Boo Boo song.

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Pope Benedict resigned following a mystical experience

Pope Emeritus Benedict has said he resigned after God told him during what he called a “mystical experience”, a Catholic news agency reported.

Pope Benedict announced his shock resignation in February and became the first pontiff to step down in 600 years.

“God told me to do it,” the Zenith agency quoted Benedict as saying to a visitor to the convent in the Vatican gardens where he is living out his retirement in near isolation.

According to the agency, Benedict told his visitor, who asked to remain anonymous, that God did not speak to him in a vision but in what the former pope called “a mystical experience”.

Pope Benedict announced his shock resignation in February and became the first pontiff to step down in 600 years
Pope Benedict announced his shock resignation in February and became the first pontiff to step down in 600 years

According to Italian media, Pope Benedict’s decision to step down was influenced by the various scandals that blighted his eight-year papacy, including the arrest of his personal butler for leaking private documents alleging corruption in the Vatican.

He was succeeded by Pope Francis, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, who was elected as the first non-European pontiff in 1,300 years.

According to the Rome-based Zenith, Benedict told his visitor that the more he observes the way Pope Francis carries out his papal duties, the more he realized the choice was “wanted by God”.

Last Sunday, Benedict spent a day at the papal summer retreat at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, to escape the heat of the capital.

The visit indicated that the 86-year-old ex pope’s health was good enough for him to travel.

There had been media reports that since his resignation, Pope Emeritus Benedict’s health had deteriorated dramatically.