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Woman survives after her car was knocked off Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Nancy Clayson
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Woman survives after her car was knocked off Chesapeake Bay Bridge

A Friday evening car crash caused a vehicle to be knocked off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and plummet 40 feet into the bay below.

The unidentified 22-year-old female driver of the vehicle survived the fall and was able to swim safely to a nearby jetty where she was rescued and taken to a hospital. She was released Saturday.

The crash happened Friday evening around 8:30 PM, shortly after she got on the bridge going eastbound about a quarter mile away from the shore.

She was struck by a tractor trailer and her car forced off the road and into the bay, some 40 feet below.

Maryland Transport Authority Police believe she was the only occupant in the car.

The woman’s car landed in about six to eight feet of water and was about a quarter-mile from the shore.

She was “very fortunate” as she was able to escape her vehicle and swim to a nearby jetty, according to Anne Arundel county fire department spokesman Steve Thompson.

A boater saw the crash and drove over to wait with the woman until paramedics in a fire department boat arrived to rescue her.

A young woman survived when her car was knocked 40ft off Chesapeake Bay Bridge
A young woman survived when her car was knocked 40ft off Chesapeake Bay Bridge

When she was rescued, the woman was conscious and able to communicate with officials.

After placing her in a Strokes rescue basket and taken to shore, the victim was then transported by helicopter to the University of Maryland Trauma Center in Baltimore to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

While she was initially admitted in critical condition Friday evening, her condition improved to stable and she was released Saturday night and allowed to return home.

The driver of the tractor trailer was uninjured in the crash, and stayed to answer questions from investigators.

A SUV was also involved in the crash, but there were no other injuries.

The last time a vehicle went off the bridge was in 2008, and the driver of a tractor trailer was killed in the incident.

The eastbound lanes remained closed Friday night while traffic was diverted to the westbound lanes so engineers could inspect the bridge for damage.

The lane closures caused extensive delays eastbound on the bridge Friday night, with traffic backed up for nearly two miles

Engineers signed off on the bridge around 1 AM Saturday when the eastbound lanes were reopened.

After the crash, responders could see the car sunk beneath the water off the side of the bridge.

If wasn’t until Saturday afternoon that the car could be lifted out of the bay by a crew operating a bridge crane.

The Maryland Transport Authority is currently conducting an investigation of the crash.

The William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge – more commonly referred to as the Bay Bridge – has long antagonized local drivers, especially those who use it to get to the Atlantic Coastal resorts in the summer.

In May, the New York Times profiled Alex Robinson who runs Kent Island Express – a business that provides drivers to ferry people across the bridge in their own cars.

Alex Robinson charges $25 each way and says he provides the service to about 5,800 people.

Many aspects of the bridge cause anxiety in drivers, from the first dogleg curve, to the steep incline over the first suspension span. The bridge then drops and propels motorists downhill over the second span. Drivers then have to maneuver through a claustrophobic cantilever that feels like a tunnel.

And that’s just on a nice day. Add bad weather – which their frequently is – and you’ll understand why Travel + Leisure rated the Chesapeake Bay Bridge the ninth scariest bridge in the world.

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Japan votes in upper house elections

Diane A. Wade
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Japan votes in upper house elections

Japan is voting in upper house elections expected to deliver a win for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Half of the 242 seats in the chamber are being contested.

Polls show Shinzo Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies could secure a majority, meaning a ruling party would control both houses of parliament for the first time in six years.

The deadlock in parliament has been seen as a key factor in Japan’s recent “revolving door” of prime ministers.

Polling stations opened at 07:00 and will close at 20:00.

Despite the importance of the election, early turnout was a little down from the last upper house poll in 2010.

Japan’s upper chamber, while not as powerful as its lower house, is able to block legislation introduced by the government.

Japan is voting in upper house elections expected to deliver a win for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Japan is voting in upper house elections expected to deliver a win for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

No single party has a majority, although the opposition Democratic Party of Japan has the highest number of seats.

Opposition parties have had enough combined seats to control the upper chamber in recent years, leading to what has become known as a “twisted parliament”.

This has resulted in factionalism and multiple changes of prime minister.

“We need political stability to carry out policies,” Shinzo Abe said ahead of the vote.

“We will get that political stability by winning the upper house election.”

Shinzo Abe has relatively strong public support for his proposals for economic reform known as “Abenomics”, which seek to revive the economy, stagnant for two decades.

“I want them to carry on doing their best as the economy seems to be picking up,” one voter, Naohisa Hayashi, 35, told the Associated Press.

“I want to see a stable government. That’s the LiberalDemocratic Party,” 76-year-old Hiroshi Miyamoto was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying, after voting in the western Tokyo suburb of Hachioji.

But other policy changes that Shinzo Abe is seen as likely to endorse may prove to be controversial.

One is restarting Japan’s nuclear reactors – something many in Japan are opposed to.

Another are nationalistic policies that may cause tension with neighboring countries.

This includes the possible revision of Japan’s pacifist constitution, especially a section which prohibits the use of force in international disputes except for self-defense.

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Talia Castellano’s bucket list fulfilled by fans after she lost fight with cancer

Lisa.Felice
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Talia Castellano’s bucket list fulfilled by fans after she lost fight with cancer

Fans of Talia Castellano, who lost her fight with cancer this week, have been fulfilling the inspirational teenager’s bucket list.

The 13-year-old’s list included having a cake fight and singing around a campfire, to getting a tattoo and covering a car in sticky notes

Talia Castellano, who grabbed the attention of the nation after appearing on the Ellen show last September, had 74 items on her bucket list, which included giving flowers to a stranger and going to a Justin Bieber concert.

The Castellano family had posted her bucket list on her Facebook page, which has more than half a million “Likes” five days before Talia died, and soon her fans were posting pictures of them fulfilling the teenager’s dreams, according to ABC News.

“Talia is everywhere you look and we couldn’t be more pleased. And we especially know she is loving all the attention” her family posted on the page the day after she died.

They added: “Thank you for keeping her spirit alive and showing her family that her message and voice will continue to make an impact across the globe.”

Talia Castellano was invited on the Ellen show, where she was made an honorary CoverGirl and presented with a professional shot advert
Talia Castellano was invited on the Ellen show, where she was made an honorary CoverGirl and presented with a professional shot advert

Talia Castellano had attracted a large following thanks to her upbeat attitude to her neuroblastoma and leukemia diagnosis.

She posted make up tutorials on YouTube, and said she refused to wear a wig because it made her feel “fake” and “just not me”.

More than 759,110 people subscribed to her YouTube page to watch Talia Castellano’s bubbly and expert tips.

“When I put on my make-up I feel like I can embrace those features that I really like about myself,” she explained last year.

“I feel if someone’s looking at me, they’re looking at my makeup, not looking at my bald head. I am just trying to make young girls, young adults, adults, anyone, feel beautiful by using makeup.”

Thanks to the online make up tutorials, Talia Castellano was able to achieve two of her bucket list wishes.

She was invited on the Ellen show, where she was made an honorary CoverGirl and presented with a professional shot advert by host Ellen DeGeneres, another representative of the cosmetics brand.

Earlier this year, Talia Castellano also fulfilled her dream of becoming a fashion designer as she collaborated on a line of clothing for teenagers called That Bald Chick with Los Angeles-based designer, Urbana Chappa.

Urbana Chappa, who runs a womenswear label called Maison De Urbana, decided to help fulfill Talia Castellano’s ambitions after hearing her inspirational story on the Ellen show last fall.

As Talia Castellano came to terms with her terminal disease, which was first diagnosed when she was seven-years-old, she found comfort in what she had been able to achieve in her short life.

“Having a YouTube channel, [inspiring] people and having people look up to me . . . the journey of having cancer was amazing. But every journey has an end,” Talia Castellano said.

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Crown Prince Philippe to become King of Belgium

Diane A. Wade
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Crown Prince Philippe to become King of Belgium

King Albert II of Belgium is about to formally abdicate in favor of his son Crown Prince Philippe.

In his final address as king on Saturday, King Albert, 79, urged Belgians to give his 53-year-old son “your support”.

King Albert also stressed that his wish was that Belgium – split between the Flemish-speaking north and the French south – remained united.

Earlier this month, the monarch said he was no longer well enough to carry on.

“Give the future King Philippe and the future Queen Mathilde your active participation and your support,” King Albert said in his address.

“They make a great couple serving our country and they enjoy my full confidence,” said the monarch, who will resign on Belgium’s national day – after nearly 20 years on the throne.

The future King Philippe and the future Queen Mathilde of Belgium
The future King Philippe and the future Queen Mathilde of Belgium

Philippe, the Oxford- and Stanford-educated prince, will then become Belgium’s seventh king.

He has also trained as an air force pilot.

Belgium has a constitutional monarchy in which the king plays a largely ceremonial role.

One of the duties the monarch does have is trying to resolve constitutional crises.

King Albert exercised his authority in mediating between political leaders on the formation of a government during the 2010-2011 parliamentary stalemate, when Belgium was left without a government for 541 days after elections failed to find a clear winner.

Tensions between the Flemish and French communities sometimes run high, and the issue has brought down several governments, creating frequent political instability.

Respect for the royal family, though, is one of the few factors that cross the communal divide.

King Albert’s abdication comes only three months after Queen Beatrix of the neighboring Netherlands vacated the Dutch throne in favor of her son Willem-Alexander.

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Superman and Batman to appear in same film in 2015

Sonia Pantiss
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Superman and Batman to appear in same film in 2015

Batman and Superman are to appear in the same film for the first time, it has been revealed.

The surprise announcement was made by Zack Snyder, who directed the most recent Superman film Man of Steel.

Speaking at a comic convention in San Diego, California, Zack Snyder said the script was still being written.

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

Batman and Superman are to appear in the same film for the first time
Batman and Superman are to appear in the same film for the first time

Warner Bros confirmed that the two superheroes would team up for the first time.

British actor Henry Cavill – who starred in Man of Steel – will again play Superman.

However, an actor for the new Batman is yet to be cast.

“They’re both alpha males,” fan Benjamin Ha was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. He added that he expected fireworks in the new film.

For many comic book enthusiasts it is a dream come true in what promises to be the ultimate superhero adventure.

The enduring popularity of Superman and Batman has seen the latest films featuring the two characters earn revenues of more than $1billion between them.

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Honey Boo Boo at the White House

Lisa.Felice
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Honey Boo Boo at the White House

Honey Boo Boo visited the White House as her family made their way from their hometown in rural McIntyre, Georgia to Washington D.C.

The breakout Todlers and Tiaras star dressed in head to toe pink and her trademark blonde curls wrapped away in tight cornrows as she sashayed her way along the National Mall.

Honey Boo Boo and her family travelled to Washington D.C. as they cross the country on a promotional tour for their new book
Honey Boo Boo and her family travelled to Washington D.C. as they cross the country on a promotional tour for their new book

Honey Boo Boo, 7, picked up a milkshake as the family toured the nation’s capital by foot, passing by the Washington Monument and stepping inside the Air and Space Museum for an air conditioned respite.

Taking in the sights with Honey Boo Boo was mother June Shannon and sisters Lauryn “Pumpkin” and Jessica “Chubs” – who dressed up for the occasion in a patriotic starry tee and jeans.

Also joining the pack was father Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson and his brother Lee “Uncle Poodle”.

Earlier in the day Honey Boo Boo attended her very own book signing in McLean, North Virginia, taking centre stage at Tysons Corner Mall to promote the new book, How to Honey Boo Boo: The Complete Guide on How to Redneckognize the Honey Boo Boo in You.

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Schindler’s List up for auction on eBay with an opening asking price of $3 million

James J. Williams
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Schindler’s List up for auction on eBay with an opening asking price of $3 million

One of four surviving copies of the original Schindler’s list is up for auction on eBay.

The list was featured in Steven Spielberg’s movie about German industrialist Oskar Schindler’s attempt to save Jews from the Nazis by employing them at his factory.

The date April 18, 1945 appears in pencil at the top of the 14-page document, which lists 801 male names. It was typed up by Itzhak Stern, Oskar Schindler’s accountant and “right hand man,” who was played in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film by Ben Kingsley.

Itzhak Stern gave the list to his nephew, who sold it to a private collector in 2011.

One of four surviving copies of the original Schindler's list is up for auction on eBay
One of four surviving copies of the original Schindler’s list is up for auction on eBay

“Now this collector wishes to sell it,” one of the list’s sellers, California collector Gary Zimet, told the New York Post.

Gary Zimet and his co-seller, Eric Gazin, say they decided to go the online route for its broad reach.

“We decided to sell the list on eBay because it has over 100 million worldwide members, and this is a global story,” Eric Gazin told the Post.

“There are billionaires using the site, wealthy celebrities. We like the platform.”

The auction opened Thursday night at a starting bid of $3 million; the sellers say they hope the list will go for as much as $5 million. The winning bidder will receive an affidavit from Itzhak Stern’s nephew confirming its validity, Eric Gazin said.

“This exceedingly rare original Schindler’s List is the only one ever on the market,” notes the eBay auction page. Three other copies of the lists are known to be in institutional hands, two at an Israeli Holocaust memorial museum and one at the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington.

“Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history that has inspired many on the difference one person can make in the face of great danger,” the auction page continues.

Oskar Schindler is credited with saving as many as 1,200 Jews from the Nazis.

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Vladimir Putin suggests taking Viagra for critics of Universiade success

Clyde K. Valle
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Vladimir Putin suggests taking Viagra for critics of Universiade success

President Vladimir Putin lashed out at critics of Russia’s crushing victory in the Universiade world student games, mischievously suggesting they would be better off enjoying life by taking Viagra.

The Russian team won six times more gold medals than any other nation at the biennial Universiade world student games that wrapped up Wednesday in Russia’s Volga city of Kazan.

Vladimir Putin lashed out at critics of Russia's crushing victory in the Universiade world student games, mischievously suggesting they would be better off enjoying life by taking Viagra
Vladimir Putin lashed out at critics of Russia’s crushing victory in the Universiade world student games, mischievously suggesting they would be better off enjoying life by taking Viagra

Several editorials in Russia’s sports and opposition media have however ridiculed the achievement, saying the medal haul was made possible by fielding elite professional athletes in the amateur competition.

“When we have such great victories, people start lamenting that something is not right,” Vladimir Putin told the medal winners at a reception outside Moscow.

“I’d like to advise them to play sport – and if they have health problems then go to the doctor… Maybe taking Viagra would help. And life would work out. See its most beautiful side.”

Vladimir Putin’s reference to Pfizer’s iconic drug was characteristic of his frequent use of earthy language to mock critics.

Russia won an astonishing 155 gold medals at the 27th Universiade, with a team packed with Olympic champions and elite athletes.

It even won both the men’s and women’s competitions in rugby, not a sport where it is a known world beater.

No other nation could even touch Russia’s dominance, with China coming second in the gold medal tally with 26 golds and Japan third with 24.

Russia’s political leaders are keen to show the nation has retained its Soviet-era sporting dominance ahead of the Winter Olympics in the southern Russian resort of Sochi in 2014, despite a series of let-downs in recent years.

Pakistan: Women barred from shopping without a male relative

Diane A. Wade
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Pakistan: Women barred from shopping without a male relative

Women in Pakistan’s north-west Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have been barred from shopping without a male relative.

The decision was made by Islamic clerics and tribal elders during a meeting at a mosque in Karak district and announced over its loudspeaker.

Most women in Pakistan’s tribal north-west cover their heads and bodies.

The step is reportedly aimed at keeping men from being distracted during the holy month of Ramadan. It is not clear whether it will be lifted when it ends.

The annual period of fasting and prayer this year falls in July.

Pakistani women banned from shopping alone
Pakistani women banned from shopping alone

One cleric and tribal elder said the ban would be publicized using local mosques’ loudspeakers.

“We have decided that women will not visit bazaars without a male relative,” the cleric, Maulana Mirzaqeem, was quoted as telling AFP news agency.

“Those who will visit markets without male relatives will be handed over to police.

“They spread vulgarity and spoil men’s fasting in Ramadan.”

The clerics have requested police help enforce their ban and called on shopkeepers not to serve unaccompanied women.

One told Reuters news agency he feared the ban would be bad for business and the region’s reputation.

“We never supported this ban and convened a meeting on Wednesday to protest over the clerics’ decision,” Reuters quoted the trader, Munwar Khan, as saying.

Trayvon Martin protests across US a week after George Zimmerman not guilty verdict

Diane A. Wade
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Trayvon Martin protests across US a week after George Zimmerman not guilty verdict

Protests are under way across the US, a week after George Zimmerman was cleared of murdering unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin.

Demonstrators want federal charges to be brought against George Zimmerman, 29, over the February 2012 incident.

A Florida jury agreed that the neighborhood watch volunteer killed 17 year-old Trayvon Martin in self-defense.

In his first comments, President Barack Obama admitted many black men in the US experienced racial profiling.

The protests against the court’s decision are being led by the National Action Network, headed by civil rights activist the Reverend Al Sharpton.

Thousands are gathering for “Justice for Trayvon” rallies outside federal court buildings in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and New York.

Al Sharpton told supporters on Saturday morning in Manhattan that he wanted to see the scrapping of “stand your ground” self-defense laws, such as that in force in Florida.

“We are trying to change laws so that this never, ever happens again,” he said.

Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, told the crowd: “Today it was my son. Tomorrow it might be yours.”

Jay Z and Beyonce appeared on stage at the New York rally.

Protests are under way across the US, a week after George Zimmerman was cleared of murdering unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin
Protests are under way across the US, a week after George Zimmerman was cleared of murdering unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin

In Miami, Trayvon Martin’s father, Tracy Martin, was among those who gathered to the words of the civil rights song We Shall Overcome.

In an unexpected press call on Friday, President Barack Obama said very few black men in the US had not experienced racial profiling.

Barack Obama said the pain that African-Americans felt around the case came from the fact that they viewed it through “a set of experiences and a history that doesn’t go away”.

He said African Americans were also keenly aware of racial disparities in the application of criminal laws.

“That all contributes to a sense that if a white male teen was involved in the same kind of scenario, both the outcome and the aftermath might have been different,” Barack Obama said.

“When Trayvon Martin was first shot, I said that this could have been my son. Another way of saying that is Trayvon Martin could have been me, 35 years ago.”

He shared his experiences of being racially profiled in the past, such as being followed while out shopping.

“There are very few African-American men who haven’t had the experience of walking across the street and hearing the locks click on the doors of cars.

“There are very few African-Americans who haven’t had the experience of getting on an elevator and a woman clutching her purse nervously and holding her breath until she has a chance to get off,” he said.

Barack Obama called for the protests to remain peaceful, saying any violence “dishonors what happened to Trayvon Martin”.

He said that although criminal matters and law enforcement were traditionally dealt with on a state and not a federal level, it would be useful to examine some state and local laws to see if they encourage confrontation in certain situations.

On Wednesday, US Attorney General Eric Holder cited the case as he urged a nationwide review of the “stand your ground” laws, which permit the use of deadly force if a person feels seriously threatened.

The issue was never raised during the trial, though the judge included a provision about the law in her instructions to the jury, allowing it to be considered as a legitimate defense.

Trayvon Martin was shot dead by George Zimmerman after an altercation in a gated community in Sanford, Florida.

Last Saturday, the all-female jury of six found George Zimmerman not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter.

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Siohvaughn Funches: Dwyane Wade’s ex-wife walks the streets with poster saying he left her homeless

Clyde K. Valle
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Siohvaughn Funches: Dwyane Wade’s ex-wife walks the streets with poster saying he left her homeless

Dwyane Wade’s ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches is in the midst of an apparent meltdown as she has taken to the streets of Chicago carrying a sign saying the Miami Heat guard has left her homeless and ranting about his “$90 million contracts” in an apparent attempt to humiliate the NBA star.

Siohvaughn Funches has been seen carrying the sign, which reads “NBA Miami Heat star mother of his children on the street”, around Dwyane Wade’s native Chicago, where he and his former wife were high school sweethearts and married in 2002.

The couple divorced in 2007 after having two children together, Zaire Blessing Dwyane Wade and Zion Malachi Airamis Wade.

Earlier this month, Siohvaughn Funches filed a new lawsuit against Dwyane Wade – who signed a six-year contract with the Heat in 2010 worth $107 million – over the splitting of proceeds from his many endorsement deals.

With his salary and endorsements, Dwyane Wade made a total of $26 million last year, landing him at the number 12 spot on Sports Illustrated‘s “Fortunate 50” list of the top earners in professions sports.

Dwyane Wade’s ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches has taken to the streets of Chicago carrying a sign saying he has left her homeless
Dwyane Wade’s ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches has taken to the streets of Chicago carrying a sign saying he has left her homeless

The lawsuit, filed on July 9, in Cook County Circuit Court, claims that Dwyane Wade is not depositing proceeds from his endorsement deals into a joint account controlled by the two of them – as required by their 2008 divorce settlement.

That agreement had previously been tossed out in domestic court following the couple’s bitter custody battle. It was later restored after Siohvaughn Funches appealed the decision.

In the suit, Siohvaughn Funches claims she’s unable to pay her mortgage and insurance on her home and cars because Dwyane Wade’s withheld his endorsement earnings from companies like Gatorade, T-Mobil and Staples.

Following the couples’ divorce, Dwyane Wade was awarded sole custody of the two children as Siohvaughn Funches routinely bashed him in the media.

Siohvaughn Funches’ latest lawsuit against the hoopster claims breach of contract and civil conspiracy. She seeks a total of $2 million in damages.

Dwyane Wade, who just won the NBA Championship with the Heat, has been romantically linked to actress Gabrielle Union since 2007.

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Alana Thompson at “How To Honey Boo Boo” book signing in McLean

Lisa.Felice
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Alana Thompson at “How To Honey Boo Boo” book signing in McLean

Honey Boo Boo proved her star power as she attended her very own book signing in McLean, North Virginia.

Looking every inch the mini superstar, Alana Thompson matched her trademark curls with a cool set of cornrows, diamante studded cowboy boots, jean shorts and a bright blue and pink vest top – which appeared to be doughnut-patterned.

Other members of Honey Boo Boo’s family were also in attendance offering up their autographs, although no-one seemed to quite captivate the crowds as well as Alana Thompson.

At one stage, Honey Boo Boo sat on the table with her back against her family members, that include Mama June Shannon, Lauryn “Pumpkin” Shannon, Anna “Chickadee” Shannon, and Jessica “Chubbs” Shannon.

June Shannon’s husband Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson was also on hand at the signing.

7-year-old Alana Thompson took center stage at Tysons Corner Mall to promote the new book, How to Honey Boo Boo: The Complete Guide on How to Redneckognize the Honey Boo Boo in You.

Of course, Honey Boo Boo didn’t actually write the book herself, although it has been inspired by irreducible pearls of wisdom from the young star, such as: “It’s called a biscuit because it looks like a biscuit.”

Honey Boo Boo proved her star power as she attended her very own book signing in McLean, North Virginia
Honey Boo Boo proved her star power as she attended her very own book signing in McLean, North Virginia

The authorized guide to the show apparently tells you all need to know to enjoy the doings and sayings of Honey Boo Boo and her lovably redneck rural Georgia family.

However, it didn’t seem to keep Honey Boo Boo’s attention for long.

After a quick outfit change the bold youngster headed straight out of the book shop in need of some retail therapy and was seen checking out the latest Windows android phone.

Mama June appeared to be as equally entertained by the phone as she played around on a test model in the shop.

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo returned for a second season on July 17, and while outside of the show Alana Thompson’s star has risen, an early clip has shown her family are still very much down to earth.

In the first episode the family are seen messing around together as they prepare to visit a local wrestling event where father Sugar Bear has been working.

“Being backstage is awesome ’cause I can show off all my butt-kicking moves,” Honey Boo Boo says before demonstrating her skills for the professional wrestlers.

“Y’all can use it in the match to knock out people,” she added.

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June Shannon opens up about putting weight back after losing 100 lbs

Lisa.Felice
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June Shannon opens up about putting weight back after losing 100 lbs

Honey Boo Boo’s mom, June Shannon, has opened up about putting weight back on after losing 100 lbs, why her family will never diet and her thoughts on getting Botox.

Mama June, 33, has also revealed that her daughter Alana Thompson (aka Honey Boo Boo), 7, is losing her “baby fat”.

The Here Comes Honey Boo Boo matriarch told InTouch: “I gain a couple of pounds back and then I lose them. But even if I gained the whole 100 pounds back, I’d be play with it.”

“A lot of larger people beat themselves up when they gain, but I’m really happy with myself.”

Mama June also revealed that her children, Anna, 18, Jessica, 16, Lauryn, 13, and Honey Boo Boo have lost weight too.

“They’ve all lost some weight too, but it’s just because we’ve been so busy. And Alana’s growing up and losing her baby fat!”

However, June Shannon – who grabbed attention for her signature dish of “sketti” – refuses to put her family on a diet.

“We eat what we like. I’m not trying to cook whatever’s cool. I cook what my family wants me to cook!”

June Shannon admits weight gain after losing 100 lbs
June Shannon admits weight gain after losing 100 lbs

Earlier this year, June Shannon said that she had tipped the scales at 365 lbs before she started filming her TLC series and at the beginning of this year she weighed a lighter 263lbs.

Mama June said at the time: “With the show I’ve been more active. They have me running around and going different places… I guess it’s paying off.”

“I haven’t done any surgeries… no diet pills… never went to the gym,” she insisted.

In a recent interview June Shannon said: “Hell no!” when she was asked if she was a fan of Botox.

On Here Comes Honey Boo Boo reality series June Shannon is regularly seen tucking into giant plates of food, with her favorite family dish being Sketti – a saucy combination of spaghetti, ketchup and butter.

A recent episode also showed how Mama June’s Thanksgiving menu featuring 15 cans of vegetables, 12 cans of cranberry sauce and a large turkey coated with a gallon of butter.

“Just like all my other recipes, butter and sugar makes everything taste better,” she exclaimed as she prepared the gut-busting feast.

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo – which is due to return to network TLC this summer – recently gained a new fan in Hollywood movie star Johnny Depp.

“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo… I could be called a fan,” Johnny Depp revealed this month.

Here Comes Honey Boo Boo Season 2  premieres with a double on Tuesday 23rd July 2013, 9 PM on TLC.

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Helen Thomas: Pioneering White House journalist dies at 92

James J. Williams
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Helen Thomas: Pioneering White House journalist dies at 92

Pioneering journalist Helen Thomas, who covered the White House for nearly five decades, has died aged 92.

Helen Thomas died at her Washington apartment after a long illness, the Gridiron Club, Washington’s historic press organization, said.

The trailblazing journalist covered the administrations of 10 presidents and was known for asking difficult questions.

Helen Thomas was a fixture at White House news conferences and considered a pioneer for women in journalism.

Starting out in journalism as a copy girl in a small Washington newspaper, Helen Thomas joined the White House press corps in 1961 and worked there for United Press International and Hearst newspapers until her retirement in 2010.

From her seat in the middle of the front row of the briefing room, Helen Thomas would grill presidents and exasperate government spokespeople with her pointed, persistent questions.

One White House press secretary described Helen Thomas’ questioning as “torture” – and he was one of her fans, the Associated Press reports.

Pioneering journalist Helen Thomas, who covered the White House for nearly five decades, has died aged 92
Pioneering journalist Helen Thomas, who covered the White House for nearly five decades, has died aged 92

She was a pioneer for women in journalism, notching up a series of first during her career.

Helen Thomas became the first female president of the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA), the first female member of the Gridiron Club and the only female print journalist to travel with President Richard Nixon on his first trip to China.

Her career ended under a cloud in 2010 after she said in an interview that Israeli Jews should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home” to Germany, Poland and America.

Helen Thomas later said she deeply regretted the comments, saying “they do not reflect my heartfelt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance”.

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Johnny Depp admits watching Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

Lisa.Felice
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0
Johnny Depp admits watching Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

Johnny Depp has admitted that he is an avid watcher of none of than larger than life reality toddler, Honey Boo Boo.

“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo… I could be called a fan,” Johnny Depp revealed in an interview with Extra TV host Terri Seymour.

While he has played some of Hollywood’s eclectic roles from Captain Jack Sparrow to Edward Scissorhands and Willy Wonka, Johnny Depp admitted that he is in awe of the stars of the TLC reality hit.

“I’m a little frightened of the show. That’s the thing… they’re probably great people, but there are bits that happen that just I am mesmerized by,” Johnny Depp told the English broadcast reporter, who is Simon Cowell’s ex-girlfriend.

A spin-off from beauty pageant show, Toddlers & Tiaras, seven-year-old Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, her mother, June Shannon (Mama June) and father Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson, from rural McIntyre, Georgia, have skyrocketed to worldwide infamy with their outrageous redneck ways and brash talking in thick southern accents.

Johnny Depp has admitted that he is an avid watcher of none of than larger than life reality toddler, Honey Boo Boo
Johnny Depp has admitted that he is an avid watcher of none of than larger than life reality toddler, Honey Boo Boo

The series draws in millions of viewers but has been strongly criticized for being both exploitative and offensive.

A reviewer for Forbes magazine in the US even slammed network TLC as trying to “portray Alana’s family as a horde of lice-picking, lard-eating, nose-thumbing hooligans south of the Mason–Dixon line”, adding that “it falls flat, because there’s no true dysfunction here, save for the beauty pageant stuff”.

Along with Honey Boo Boo, father-of-two Johnny Depp admitted to Rolling Stone magazine that he watches “the trashiest television imaginable”, and may have more TV-time in the future if he cuts back his acting career.

“I can’t say that I’d want to be doing this for another 10 years,” the actor revealed.

Thoughts of retirement pop up “every day”, he said, but nothing’s imminent.

“I think while I’ve got the opportunity and the desire and the creative spark to do the things that I can do right now, I should do them.”

Meanwhile, moviegoers in America are rushing to the cinema to see Johnny Depp’s latest hit. The 3D film, which features the voices of Steve Carrell, Kristen Wiig and Russell Brand grossed $4.7 million, while Disney’s big budget adventure coined in less than half that at $2 million.

Israel to release Palestinian prisoners after peace talks

Roy Siemens
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Israel to release Palestinian prisoners after peace talks

Israel announces it will release a number of Palestinian prisoners as part of an agreement made with US Secretary of State John Kerry to resume peace talks.

Yuval Steinitz, minister responsible for international relations, said it would involve “heavyweight prisoners in jail for decades”.

John Kerry announced on Friday that initial talks would be held in Washington “in the next week or so”.

The Israeli minister’s remarks are the first details of the deal.

John Kerry had declined to tell reporters in Amman what the two sides had agreed to, saying that the “best way to give these negotiations a chance is to keep them private”.

The agreement came at the end of four days of frenetic shuttle diplomacy, on John Kerry’s sixth visit to the region in the past few months.

Yuval Steinitz told Israeli public radio that the deal adhered to the principles set out by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for kick-starting the talks.

The release of prisoners would take place in stages, he said.

While the number of detainees to be freed is unclear, one Palestinian official said discussions had earlier focused on the release of 350 prisoners over a period of months, including around 100 men held since before 1993, when Israel and the Palestinians signed the Oslo peace accords.

According to Israeli human rights group B’Tselem, 4,817 Palestinians are held in Israeli jails.

Israel announces it will release a number of Palestinian prisoners as part of an agreement made with US Secretary of State John Kerry to resume peace talks
Israel announces it will release a number of Palestinian prisoners as part of an agreement made with US Secretary of State John Kerry to resume peace talks

For their part, the Palestinians had committed themselves to “serious negotiations” for a minimum of nine months, said Yuval Steinitz, who is a member of the prime minister’s Likud party.

But he made clear that Israel had not accepted Palestinian pre-conditions, including a halt to settlement construction in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

“There is no chance that we will agree to enter any negotiations that begin with defining territorial borders or concessions by Israel, nor a construction freeze.”

Israel and the Palestinians last held direct talks in 2010, which were halted over the issue of settlement-building.

Settlements are considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.

Announcing the agreed resumption of talks, John Kerry warned that while it was significant, it was still “in the process of being formalized” and the issues that needed to be tackled were “complicated”.

One of the major sticking points for the two sides is the issue of territorial borders.

Palestinian officials say a core demand is that Israel recognizes pre-1967 ceasefire lines but right-wing members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition had refused to accept talks based on the issue.

John Kerry praised the Arab League’s decision to back the plan and said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat and Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni would be travelling to Washington to hold the “initial talks”.

Israeli commentators point out that while Saeb Erekat has been in discussions with the Israeli PM, the Washington talks will not yet involve Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

A spokesman for Mahmoud Abbas said “progress has made it possible to agree on the principles that allow for the negotiations to resume”.

The Middle East Quartet, made up of the US, Russia, the EU and UN, welcomed the “huge achievement” made by John Kerry and his team.

Tzipi Livni responded optimistically to Friday’s developments on her Facebook page, saying “four years of diplomatic stagnation” were about to end, after “months of skepticism and cynicism”.

She promised to protect Israel’s “national and security interests”, saying that she was convinced the talks were “the right thing” for Israel’s future.

Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, has rejected the announcement of a return to talks.

“Mahmoud Abbas does not have the legitimacy to negotiate on fateful issues on behalf of the Palestinian people,” spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said.

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Costa Concordia trial: Five people convicted of manslaughter

Diane A. Wade
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Costa Concordia trial: Five people convicted of manslaughter

An Italian court has convicted five people of manslaughter over the deadly 2012 Costa Concordia shipwreck off Giglio.

The boat’s helmsman, cabin service director, two ship officers and the head of the Italian company’s crisis team were sentenced to up to two years and 10 months in prison for multiple manslaughter, negligence and shipwreck.

Reports say they may avoid prison-time.

The trial of Captain Francesco Schettino has been adjourned after he requested electrical tests on the ship.

Francesco Schettino is charged with multiple manslaughter for causing the shipwreck and abandoning the vessel with thousands still aboard. His case will resume on 23 September after Italy’s summer holidays.

Thirty-two people were killed when the Costa Crociere ship capsized off the island of Giglio in January 2012.

Deputy commander Ciro Ambrosio, third officer Silvia Coronica, helmsman Jacob Rusli Bin, cabin service manager and Costa Crociere crisis co-ordinator Roberto Ferrarini

The five defendants were Roberto Ferrarini, director of the Italian cruise company’s crisis unit, cabin service director Manrico Giampedroni, first officer Ciro Ambrosio, Indonesian helmsman Jacob Rusli Bin and third officer Silvia Coronica.

They received prison sentences ranging from 18 months to two years and 10 months as the court agreed to plea bargains in order to avoid a lengthy trial.

The heaviest sentence was given to Roberto Ferranini who was ashore as the disaster unfolded and in charge of co-ordinating the cruise ship company’s response to the crisis.

An Italian court has convicted five people of manslaughter over the deadly 2012 Costa Concordia shipwreck off Giglio
An Italian court has convicted five people of manslaughter over the deadly 2012 Costa Concordia shipwreck off Giglio

None is likely to go to jail as sentences of under two years are suspended in Italy, while longer sentences may be appealed or replaced with community service, Reuters cited judicial sources as saying.

Francesco Schettino’s lawyers say he faces a maximum 20 years in jail if found guilty. He denies the charges and says that without his actions many more people would have died.

The trial is taking place in Grosseto, the city nearest the site of the wreck, and much of the case against him has already been disclosed in a report by court-appointed experts.

Francesco Schettino has been accused of leaving the luxury liner before all those on board – 4,229 – had been evacuated and steering it too fast and too close to shore during a night-time, sail-past salute to people on the tiny island off Tuscany.

He has already accepted some degree of responsibility, asking for forgiveness in a television interview last year as he talked of those who died.

However, Francesco Schettino maintains he managed to steer the stricken vessel closer to shore so it did not sink in deep water where hundreds might have drowned.

His lawyers say he is being made a scapegoat for what was simply an accident.

The vessel was holed by rocks just as many passengers were dining on the first night of their cruise. A disorganized evacuation followed as many of those on board panicked when the ship began to tilt to one side.

Costa Crociere, part of the American-based Carnival Corporation, agreed to pay a $1.3 million fine in April to settle possible criminal charges.

Most passengers have already accepted compensation of about 11,000 euros ($14,200) each, but remaining groups of survivors are holding out for more.

The Costa Concordia still lies partially submerged while salvage crews work to refloat it.

Costa Concordia jail sentences:

  • Roberto Ferrarini – two years and 10 months
  • Manrico Giampedroni – two years and six months
  • Ciro Ambrosio – one year and 11 months
  • Jacob Rusli Bin – one year and eight months
  • Silvia Coronica – one year and six months

Cory Monteith’s father reveals actor stole money from his mother as he kept drug habits a secret

Lisa.Felice
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0
Cory Monteith’s father reveals actor stole money from his mother as he kept drug habits a secret

Cory Monteith’s estranged father Joe believes the Glee star may have been keeping his drug use a secret, even in the days leading up to his death.

In an interview with ET Canada Joe Monteith said he still grapples with the fact that his son is gone.

“I guess he was involved a little more in drugs than anybody knew at the time,” the military man said.

“His mother who was there with him all the time, she started picking up on it,” Joe Monteith recounted, saying that she first noticed his habits when money and things around the house had gone missing.

Joe Monteith admits that he wasn’t a big presence in his son’s life, having divorced his mother Ann McGregor when the actor was 7.

Cory Monteith and his father worked on rekindling their relationship, establishing contact after Glee threw him into fame in 2009.

“When they did break the news to my wife, she almost fell over, in fact, I had to grab her,” he said.

“I had to ask them again, <<What was that you said?>>. It didn’t really sink in. It still really hasn’t.

“I always loved both my sons and am going to miss Cory very very much.”

Cory Monteith’s mother Ann McGregor first noticed his habits when money and things around the house had gone missing
Cory Monteith’s mother Ann McGregor first noticed his habits when money and things around the house had gone missing

Cory Monteith, who was found dead in his hotel room on Saturday at the age of 31, was allegedly a hard-worker when in Los Angeles, and a substance-abuser whenever he would return to his native Canada, according to TMZ.

He checked into rehab in March and managed to stay clean while on the Glee set, but his resolve to stay sober weakened whenever he visited Vancouver, a source told the website.

According to sources, Cory Monteith’s girlfriend and Glee co-star Lea Michele, along with the rest of the hit television show’s cast, were aware of his addiction problems and worked hard to keep him clean and sober.

Cory Monteith allegedly never showed up for work under the influence of drugs or alcohol and abstained from these substances “most of the time”.

But his life in Canada painted a different picture, as he often returned to his hometown of Vancouver often, and surrounded himself with friends who fueled his addiction.

Cory Monteith grew up with his mother and brother Shawn in Victoria, British Columbia, and he saw little of his father after the divorce due to Joe’s military service.

In 2009, Cory Monteith reunited with his father for the first time in 17 years.

In an interview with Parade two years ago, Cory Monteith said: “We’d spoken maybe three or four times [during that period] and he reached out to me on Facebook. I couldn’t shut the door, so I got on a plane.

“He greeted me at the airport, and [he and stepmother Yvette] were so happy they were almost crying. It was a good time.”

The British Columbia Coroners Service revealed the autopsy results on Tuesday, adding that the investigation into his death is continuing, and that no further details were available at this time.

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The Simpsons Guy: The Simpsons will meet Family Guy for a crossover episode

Sonia Pantiss
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The Simpsons Guy: The Simpsons will meet Family Guy for a crossover episode

The Simpsons will meet Family Guy for a crossover episode, Fox announced Thursday.

The two highly popular animated comedies are scheduled to meet in autumn of 2014 in a mash-up which will surely have fans jumping for joy.

The episode will take place in The Simpsons’ hometown of Springfield, where Family Guy‘s Griffin family will show up for what will surely be hilarious interaction.

The mash-up has been dubbed The Simpsons Guy and will surely be a win for Fox, which is the home of both shows.

The Simpsons will meet Family Guy for a crossover episode
The Simpsons will meet Family Guy for a crossover episode

According to Fox, when the Griffin family arrives in Springfield during a road trip, they “get along famously” with the Simpsons.

Homer Simpson “welcomes his new <<albino>> friends with open arms”, the episode synopsis explains.

When the famous cartoon families meet, of course Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin will go head to head over which beer is better – Duff or Pawtucket.

Family matriarchs Marge Simpson and Lois Griffin are apparently set to become pals, whilst Stewie and Bart will bond over their mutual love for pranks.

Fox gave comments on behalf of their characters, with Peter Griffin saying: “Fox hasn’t spent this much money since they took Simon Cowell tight T-shirt shopping,” and Homer Simpson adding: “Finally I can get my hands on this guy!”

The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening, and Family Guy, created by Seth MacFarlane, have never had an official crossover episode.

Seth MacFarlane has appeared in an episode of The Simpsons, and Dan Castellaneta of The Simpsons made an appearance on Family Guy, but that has been the extent of it to date.

The Simpsons has been running for 24 seasons now, while Family Guy is in its 11th season.

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Harry Styles saved by Zayn Malik from walking into flaming pyrotechnic during live show in Chicago

Lisa.Felice
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0
Harry Styles saved by Zayn Malik from walking into flaming pyrotechnic during live show in Chicago

One Direction star Harry Styles’ latest on stage incident saw him nearly set himself on fire during the band’s second Chicago show.

The near-miss occurred when Harry Styles walked into a flaming pyrotechnic on the stage.

But luckily for Harry Styles, his bandmate Zayn Malik was there to warn and stop the 19-year old from singeing off his famous floppy hair.

The would-be accident occurred during the group’s performance of Teenage Dirtbag – the same song that saw Harry Styles running off stage to be sick a week earlier in Detroit.

The song went off with out a hitch, with a much more energetic Harry Styles running around the stage and waving at fans.

Harry Styles’ latest on stage incident saw him nearly set himself on fire during the band's second Chicago show
Harry Styles’ latest on stage incident saw him nearly set himself on fire during the band’s second Chicago show

But as the pop song came to a close, the teenager picked up a white towel and wrapped it round his head as he made his way towards the side of the stage, and the impressive flame.

And conscious of the danger that lay in Harry Styles’, Zayn Malik, 20, attempted to make his friend aware of the fact he was heading towards a fiery ending.

Calling out and pointing didn’t work thanks to the raucous cheers of the thousands of fans watching the show, so Bradford boy Zayn Malik ran towards Harry Styles and pulled him back just seconds before he set himself alight.

Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne watched as their brave bandmate saved Harry Styles from a life-threatening injury, and seemed to chuckle at their mate’s clumsy behavior.

One Direction have 15 more U.S. dates on their Take Me Home world tour before flying to Australia, so hopefully Harry Styles will survive before they head Down Under.

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Kanye West attacks photographer at Los Angeles airport

Lisa.Felice
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0
Kanye West attacks photographer at Los Angeles airport

New reports claim that Kanye West may face a felony attempted robbery charge stemming from his Los Angeles airport altercation on Friday with a photographer.

Kanye West, 36, charged a paparazzo who was peppering him with questions upon his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday.

The photographer was taken to a hospital following the assault and told authorities that he wants to press charges against Kanye West, TMZ reports.

Police officers will refer the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as a felony attempted robbery rather than the lesser charge of battery, according to the website.

The case has been transferred to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division for investigation as police suspect Kanye West committed an attempted robbery when he struck the photographer and tried to take his camera. Prosecutors will ultimately decide which charges will be filed, if any.

Kanye West may face a felony attempted robbery charge stemming from his Los Angeles airport altercation with a photographer
Kanye West may face a felony attempted robbery charge stemming from his Los Angeles airport altercation with a photographer

Kanye West was surrounded by about five paparazzi who captured the incident and the singer left with his bodyguard in their car.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Airport Police said in a statement to X17online: “Today at approximately 2:00 p.m., at the Tom Bradley International Terminal [on the arrival level curbside], Los Angeles Airport Police officers were flagged down by a citizen [photographer] who alleged that he was taking pictures of an individual when he was battered by the subject.”

“The alleged subject was not at the location nor was he observed by officers at the scene.”

The statement added: “LAFD was notified, responded to the location and transported the victim to a local hospital for medical attention. A police report was taken by the Los Angeles Police Department and the investigation is ongoing.”

Kanye West has made no secret of his contempt for photographers and just last week he went on a furious rant while at the same airport after a  snapper complimented his music.

“Don’t talk, don’t talk to me,” he said in the outburst while grabbing the camera.

However, Kanye West appears to be completely oblivious to the fact that his girlfriend and mother of his child, Kim Kardashian is a reality star who has made her name through constantly being photographed and followed by cameras.

Kim Kardashian, 32, and her family have allowed camera crews into their homes since their show Keeping Up With The Kardashians became a hit in 2007 following her tape scandal.

Since then, all members of the family have relied on reality television to acquire fame, actively seeking out press and publicity to enhance their careers.

However, it seems that Kanye West has had trouble adjusting to the lifestyle.

Sadly for the Kardashians, Kanye West’s violent outburst took place on the same day that Kim Kardashian’s mother Kris Jenner insisted that the rapper does not have a temper.

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Alexei Navalny vows Moscow mayoral poll win after being freed from jail

Diane A. Wade
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Alexei Navalny vows Moscow mayoral poll win after being freed from jail

Russian activist Alexei Navalny has told supporters he will fight and win the Moscow mayoral vote, after he was freed from jail pending an appeal against a five-year jail term.

Alexei Navalny has returned to Moscow from Kirov, where a judge convicted him of embezzlement, in a case widely condemned as political.

The court ruled on Friday he could go back to Moscow until the appeal.

The jail term has been criticized by the US, EU and human rights groups.

Alexei Navalny has told supporters he will fight and win the Moscow mayoral vote, after he was freed from jail pending an appeal against a five-year jail term
Alexei Navalny has told supporters he will fight and win the Moscow mayoral vote, after he was freed from jail pending an appeal against a five-year jail term

Alexei Navalny told a crowd of supporters at Yaroslavsky station on Saturday that “we are going to stand in the elections and we will win”.

He was accepted as a candidate in the September 8 mayoral poll shortly before he was found guilty of embezzlement and there had been some doubt over whether he would run.

The anti-corruption activist said he would take part in campaigning for the election as long as it was possible.

A number of riot police were at the station and security forces were deployed in the surrounding area, Interfax news agency reports.

Hours after his conviction was announced in Kirov on Thursday, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Moscow in an unsanctioned demonstration.

President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov has since warned activists not to hold any more protests without official approval.

Asked late on Friday whether there was any chance of Alexei Navalny being pardoned, Dmitry Peskov told reporters: “A convict first has to admit his guilt.”

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Venezuela says it ends steps towards restoring diplomatic ties with US after Samantha Power’s comments

Diane A. Wade
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0
Venezuela says it ends steps towards restoring diplomatic ties with US after Samantha Power’s comments

Venezuela announces it has “ended” steps towards restoring diplomatic ties with the US, after comments made by Samantha Power, who was nominated as the next envoy to the UN.

Samantha Power said this week she would seek to combat what she called the “crackdown on civil society” in countries including Venezuela.

She was speaking at a US Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

The remarks prompted an angry response from Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela hereby ends the process… of finally normalizing our diplomatic relations,” said Venezuela’s foreign ministry in a statement.

It objected to Samantha Power’s “interventionist agenda”, noting that her “disrespectful opinions” were later endorsed by the state department, “contradicting in tone and in content” earlier statements by Secretary of State John Kerry.

Venezuela announces it has "ended" steps towards restoring diplomatic ties with the US, after comments made by Samantha Power
Venezuela announces it has “ended” steps towards restoring diplomatic ties with the US, after comments made by Samantha Power

Relations between the US and Venezuela have been strained in recent years. They last had ambassadors in each other’s capitals in 2010.

Washington angered Caracas by backing the Venezuelan opposition’s demand for a full recount of the presidential election in April to replace Hugo Chavez, who died in March.

Hugo Chavez’s anointed successor, Nicolas Maduro, won the vote by less than two percentage points.

In June, the two countries had tentatively agreed to work towards improving their strained relations, after Venezuela freed and deported a US filmmaker who had been held on conspiracy charges.

During a regional summit in Guatemala, John Kerry said he had agreed with Foreign Minister Elias Jaua on an “ongoing, continuing dialogue” in order to “establish a more constructive and positive relationship”.

He said the US wanted to “begin to change the dialogue between our countries and hopefully quickly move the appointments of ambassadors between our nations”.

Elias Jaua said at the time that for Venezuela it was important to build a relationship based on the principles of mutual respect and no interference in internal affairs.

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Kris Jenner insists that Kanye West does not have a short temper

Lisa.Felice
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Kris Jenner insists that Kanye West does not have a short temper

Kris Jenner insists that the father of her new granddaughter North, Kanye West, “does not have a short temper”.

Kris Jenner, 57, had viewers scratching their heads when she made the admission whilst appearing on The Talk on Friday.

The mother-of-six was shown a video clip from last week when her daughter Kim Kardashian’s boyfriend lost his cool after a photographer kindly complimented his music.

When asked what she thought about Kanye West’s behavior, Kris Jenner said: “Knowing Kanye and I do know him very, very well and I am very close to him…he doesn’t have a short temper like everybody thinks.”

While the cameraman in question was merely complimenting Kanye West on his collaboration with Jay-Z on their hit album Watch The Throne, Kris Jenner said she thinks that the singer was most likely pushed to the edge.

“I think what happens with anybody who gets upset over something with paparazzi-related issues is that they are obviously provoked to an extent that we see nothing about,” the momager said.

“So we don’t know, I don’t know. I am just only seeing this for the first time. So I don’t know what happened before that so I don’t want to comment or judge on something when I wasn’t there.”

“I think none of us know the fifteen minutes that happened before that and how crazy they could have gotten.”

Kris Jenner insists Kanye West does not have a short temper as she attempts to explain Kanye his outburst at photographer who complimented his music
Kris Jenner insists Kanye West does not have a short temper as she attempts to explain Kanye his outburst at photographer who complimented his music

In TMZ‘s clip, Kanye West is seen “lashing out” at one of their cameramen after the snapper simply tried to tell him how much he admires his canon of work.

Kanye West had just arrived at Los Angeles International Airport when the incident occurred.

“Don’t talk, don’t talk to me,” the rapper yelled at the photographer.

He then spiraled off into an angry stream of consciousness rant: “I don’t want to hear paparazzi talk to me or anybody I know and tell everybody never talk to anyone that anyone knows.”

But it was when the videographer asked if there’ll be another collaboration between Kanye West and best buddy Jay-Z – after telling the star he loved him – Kanye flipped.

He was seen charging back the cameraman and appearing to reach for his equipment.

As well as claiming that Kanye West is not so notoriously short tempered as everybody thinks, Kris Jenner also summed up the aggressive reaction to “sleep deprivation”.

After viewing the footage, fame-hungry Kris Jenner gushed about how much she loved the rapper.

“First of all, I love that man, I do. He is a great guy,” she gushed.

“I think he was just a little sleep deprived… because of the baby, probably, I don’t know.”

And when one of the panellist joked that Kris Jenner was not getting as much attention from the paparazzi since the outburst, Kris attempted a little joke that somewhat fell flat.

“Is that what this about? I tried to buy a couple of them coffee this morning and they wouldn’t even take that,” she said with a laugh.

This is the second time Kris has defended her daughters’ partners in one week as both Kanye West and Khloe Kardashian’s husband Lamar Odom become increasingly fed up with constantly being under the spotlight by association with the media hungry clan.

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Matt Sandusky files for name change as Penn State gives $60 million to Jerry Sandusky’s victims

Nancy Clayson
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Matt Sandusky files for name change as Penn State gives $60 million to Jerry Sandusky’s victims

Matt Sandusky filed for a name change for himself, his wife, and his four children.

This is not the first time that Matt Sandusky has tried to distance himself from his adoptive father, disgraced former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky .

During Jerry Sandusky’s trial, Matt made a statement after the other victims testified saying that he too was s***ally abused by his adoptive father.

Because the jury had already begun deliberating, Matt Sandusky was not called to go into further detail in the court.

Eight victims testified in court and the stories of two others were relayed for the jurors without having their names released.

Matt Sandusky filed for a name change for himself, his wife, and his four children
Matt Sandusky filed for a name change for himself, his wife, and his four children

Meanwhile Penn State has approved a settlement of about $60 million for the majority of the victims of convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky.

The university board reportedly agreed on the figure during a meeting on Friday but details about the exact break-down of the sum have yet to be released.

Aside from Matt Sandusky, there are a total of 32 plaintiffs who petitioned for financial compensation from Penn State.

The Legal Intelligencer reports that the $60 million settlement covers a majority of those claims, but it does not specify how many exactly or how much each victim receives.

The paper reports, via Deadspin, that “there’s a good chance” that all of the claims will be settled between the school and the victims by the end of the summer.

Jerry Sandusky, 69, was found guilty of 45 of the 48 charges against him.

He was sentenced to spend 60 years behind bars, with the first possibility of parole coming after his first 30 years.

The judge made it clear that even though the maximum possible sentence for the charges was 442 years, he decided that the former coach would spend sufficient time to ensure that he would never be released from the supermax prison in his lifetime.

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