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Front Row Seat: A Driving Tour of Nashville

Nancy Clayson
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Front Row Seat: A Driving Tour of Nashville

The capital of Tennessee and the country music capital of the world, Nashville, is a historic southern city with a hotbed of activities and sites. However, there is so much more in Nashville than meets the eye. If you’re on a limited stay to the city, here is a list of things to see and do so you don’t miss out.

Centennial Park

Beautiful Urban Setting

Image via Flickr by Powellizer

Just west of downtown is Centennial Park, a large, lush park in the middle of an urban setting. Go for a walk, jog, or bike ride and take in the various fountains and landscapes. Don’t miss the real gem in this park: a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, which is free to view and enter.

Loveless Cafe & Motel

Food to Melt the Soul

If you don’t mind a short scenic drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway for some of the best biscuits and gravy you’ve ever tasted, than the Loveless Cafe is well worth the trip. After breakfast or lunch, stick around and search the little shops and boutiques that surround the café.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Image via Flickr

Lynchburg’s Hidden Gem

Another short drive from Nashville is the town of Lynchburg, home of the original Jack Daniel’s distillery. If you’ve ever wondered how they make all the different types of whiskey and the process that goes into each, be sure and take the tour. You even get a few free shots at the end. So, enjoy the scenic drive, the liquor, and make sure to eat at Miss Mary Bobo’s on the way back to town.

The Hermitage

Andrew Jackson’s Legacy

You may not know what Andrew Jackson did, but just know that he’s important enough to be featured on the $20 bill. A president and war hero, Jackson made his home just outside of Nashville. This estate and surrounding plantation is now known as the Hermitage. Take a guided tour or simply walk around at your leisure; the museum and gift shop is open 7 days a week.

Grand Ole Opry

Image via Flickr

The Mecca of Country Music

Whether you’re a country music fan or not, the Grand Ole Opry is a must see. The concert venue has had some of the most well-recognized names in all genres of music on its stage, and the history leaves you speechless. Travel nearby to the Grand Opry hotel and marvel at the lovely gardens that surround it, and if you feel like splurging, stay overnight.

Broadway

The Main Drag

Whether you want to sample a little taste of the nightlife, go shopping, eat, or hear some live music, Broadway has it all. Located downtown, this strip has some popular venues, especially for younger crowds. If you don’t feel like enduring the loud, young adults, walk around during the day. Listen to some street musicians and without a doubt go to Jack’s BBQ, arguably the best barbecue in the city.

If, after all these suggestions, you’re still unsure about what to do in Nashville, ask the locals; they are some of the nicest and most helpful people you will ever meet. Don’t try to cram too much into one short trip though. Remember, you can always come back. And if you find you like it so much you’re considering moving there, you’ll need a car. Check out DriveTime in Nashville for all your auto needs, and drive around the city at your leisure.

4th of July Recipe: Patriotic ice cream cupcakes

Lisa.Felice
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4th of July Recipe: Patriotic ice cream cupcakes

These red, white and blue cupcakes are perfect for your 4th of July celebration with friends and family.

Red velvet cupcakes are layered with blue ice cream and frozen whipped cream topping – a festive way to turn cake and ice cream into a hand-held dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package red velvet cake mix (regular size)
  • 1 quart blue moon ice cream, softened
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1-1/2 cups marshmallow crème
  • Red, white and blue sprinkles
  • Blue colored sugar

    Fourth of July patriotic ice cream cupcakes
    Fourth of July patriotic ice cream cupcakes

Directions:

  • Prepare cake mix batter according to package directions for cupcakes.
  • Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full. Bake at 350° for 11-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • Working quickly, spread ice cream over cupcakes. Freeze for at least 1 hour.
  • In a large bowl, combine cream and marshmallow crème; beat until stiff peaks form. Pipe over cupcakes; decorate with sprinkles and colored sugar. Freeze for 4 hours or until firm. 

Yield: 3 dozen.

As a substitute for blue moon ice cream, tint softened vanilla ice cream with blue food coloring.

Nutritional Facts: 1 cupcake equals 202 calories, 13 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 50 mg cholesterol, 137 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 3 g protein.

Finnish baby box: Maternity pack given to all expectant mothers for 75 years

Lisa.Felice
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Finnish baby box: Maternity pack given to all expectant mothers for 75 years

All Finland’s expectant mothers have been given a baby box by the state since 75 years ago.

The maternity pack is like a starter kit of clothes, sheets and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say the baby box helped Finland achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates.

It’s a tradition that dates back to 1938 and it’s designed to give all children in Finland, no matter what background they’re from, an equal start in life.

The maternity package – a gift from the government – is available to all expectant mothers.

The baby box contains bodysuits, a sleeping bag, outdoor gear, bathing products for the baby, as well as diapers, bedding and a small mattress.

With the mattress in the bottom, the box becomes a baby’s first bed. Many children, from all social backgrounds, have their first naps within the safety of the box’s four cardboard walls.

Mothers have a choice between taking the box, or a cash grant, currently set at 140 euros, but 95% opt for the box as it’s worth much more.

The tradition dates back to 1938. To begin with, the scheme was only available to families on low incomes, but that changed in 1949.

“Not only was it offered to all mothers-to-be but new legislation meant in order to get the grant, or maternity box, they had to visit a doctor or municipal pre-natal clinic before their fourth month of pregnancy,” says Heidi Liesivesi, who works at Kela – the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.

So the box provided mothers with what they needed to look after their baby, but it also helped steer pregnant women into the arms of the doctors and nurses of Finland’s nascent welfare state.

In the 1930s Finland was a poor country and infant mortality was high – 65 out of 1,000 babies died. But the figures improved rapidly in the decades that followed.

Mika Gissler, a professor at the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, gives several reasons for this – the maternity box and pre-natal care for all women in the 1940s, followed in the 60s by a national health insurance system and the central hospital network.

At 75 years old, the baby box is now an established part of the Finnish rite of passage towards motherhood, uniting generations of women.

The contents of the box have changed a good deal over the years, reflecting changing times.

A boy can pass on clothes to a girl too, and vice versa, because the colors are deliberately gender-neutral.

During the 30s and 40s, it contained fabric because mothers were accustomed to making the baby’s clothes.

Many Finnish children, from all social backgrounds, have their first naps within the safety of the baby box's four cardboard walls
Many Finnish children, from all social backgrounds, have their first naps within the safety of the baby box’s four cardboard walls

But during World War II, flannel and plain-weave cotton were needed by the Defence Ministry, so some of the material was replaced by paper bed sheets and swaddling cloth.

The 50s saw an increase in the number of ready-made clothes, and in the 60s and 70s these began to be made from new stretchy fabrics.

In 1968 a sleeping bag appeared, and the following year disposable diapers featured for the first time.

Not for long. In 2006, the cloth diapers were back in and the disposable variety were out, having fallen out of favor on environmental grounds.

Encouraging good parenting has been part of the maternity box policy all along.

“Babies used to sleep in the same bed as their parents and it was recommended that they stop,” says Panu Pulma, professor in Finnish and Nordic History at the University of Helsinki.

“Including the box as a bed meant people started to let their babies sleep separately from them.”

At a certain point, baby bottles and dummies were removed to promote breastfeeding.

“One of the main goals of the whole system was to get women to breastfeed more,” Panu Pulma says.

And, he adds: “It’s happened.”

Panu Pulma also thinks including a picture book has had a positive effect, encouraging children to handle books, and, one day, to read.

And in addition to all this, Panu Pulma says, the box is a symbol.

A symbol of the idea of equality, and of the importance of children.

The story of the maternity pack:

  • 1938: Finnish Maternity Grants Act introduced – two-thirds of women giving birth that year eligible for cash grant, maternity pack or mixture of the two pack could be used as a cot as poorest homes didn’t always have a clean place for baby to sleep
  • 1940s: Despite wartime shortages, scheme continued as many Finns lost homes in bombings and evacuations
  • 1942-1946: Paper replaced fabric for items such as swaddling wraps and mother’s bedsheet
  • 1949: Income testing removed, pack offered to all mothers in Finland – if they had prenatal health checks
  • 1957: Fabrics and sewing materials completely replaced with ready-made garments
  • 1969: Disposable diapers added to the pack
  • 1970s: With more women in work, easy-to-wash stretch cotton and colorful patterns replace white non-stretch garments
  • 2006: Cloth diapers reintroduced, bottle left out to encourage breastfeeding

Baby box content:

  • Mattress, mattress cover, undersheet, duvet cover, blanket, sleeping bag/quilt
  • Box itself doubles as a crib
  • Snowsuit, hat, insulated mittens and booties
  • Light hooded suit and knitted overalls
  • Socks and mittens, knitted hat and balaclava
  • Bodysuits, romper suits and leggings in unisex colors and patterns
  • Hooded bath towel, nail scissors, hairbrush, toothbrush, bath thermometer, diaper rash cream, wash cloth
  • Cloth diaper set and muslin squares
  • Picture book and teething toy
  • Bra pads

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Kate Middleton and Prince William receive baby box from Finnish government

Lisa.Felice
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Kate Middleton and Prince William receive baby box from Finnish government

Kate Middleton and Prince William have received a baby box as a gift from the Finnish government.

The baby box is given to all expectant mothers in Finland and may have played a role in helping the country achieve one of the world’s lowest infant mortality rates.

People from all over the world contacted the social security service Kela asking to buy one.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were not among them, but as they will shortly have a use for the clothes and other mother-and-baby items inside the box (there is even one item for dad) Kela decided to send one to the expectant parents.

“Kela wanted to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge,” says spokeswoman Heidi Liesivesi.

“The maternity package gained such a positive response from all around the world. The timing was perfect that the royal couple are having a baby.”

Kensington Palace has confirmed that the parents-to-be received the box last week.

“We were delighted to receive the very kind gift of the maternity package from the Finnish government. It was a very thoughtful gesture and we’re very grateful for it,” says a Kensington Palace spokesman.

Kate Middleton and Prince William have received a baby box as a gift from the Finnish government
Kate Middleton and Prince William have received a baby box as a gift from the Finnish government

“I’m sure the Duke and Duchess will be very interested to see the contents.”

The palace does not accept gifts from commercial organizations, but is happy to receive presents from individuals and foreign governments.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are the second royal couple to receive a baby box from Finland. In February last year, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden were given one to celebrate the birth of Princess Estelle.

As well as containing essentials, the baby box can also be used as a bed because it comes with a fitted mattress. Many Finnish babies have their first sleeps in these cardboard cots.

The baby box includes cloth diapers as the Finnish government disapproves of disposable nappies.

Maternity package is not a commercial product and therefore Kela cannot sell it. It is available solely as a benefit offered under the Finnish social security system. The items it contains are sourced through a competitive bidding process complying with EU law.

Baby box content:

  • Box itself doubles as a crib
  • Range of clothing including snowsuit, romper suits and leggings
  • Hooded bath towel, nail scissors, hairbrush, toothbrush, diaper rash cream, wash cloth
  • Cloth diaper set and muslin squares
  • Picture book and teething toy
  • Bra pads

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Mandla Mandela: Nelson Mandela’s grandson accused of illegal grave tampering

Roy Siemens
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Mandla Mandela: Nelson Mandela’s grandson accused of illegal grave tampering

Members of Nelson Mandela’s family have laid a criminal complaint against former South African president’s grandson Mandla Mandela.

According to police spokesman Mzukisi Fatyela, officers would investigate allegations of illegal grave tampering.

A public prosecutor would then decide whether to press charges, he said.

Members of Nelson Mandela's family have laid a criminal complaint against his grandson Mandla Mandela for illegal grave tampering
Members of Nelson Mandela’s family have laid a criminal complaint against his grandson Mandla Mandela for illegal grave tampering

It involves the bodies of three of Nelson Mandela’s children, who were allegedly moved from a family graveyard about two years ago by Mandla Mandela.

In a separate case, 16 Mandela family members are seeking to move the bodies back to the graveyard in the village of Qunu, where Nelson Mandela, who is critically ill in hospital with a recurring lung infection, wants to be laid to rest.

The case is being heard at the Mthatha High Court in Eastern Province and has been postponed until Wednesday.

Last week, the court granted an interim order for the remains to be exhumed and moved from Mandla Mandela’s homestead in the village of Mvezo to nearby Qunu, 14 miles away.

Mandla Mandela, who was appointed as chief of Mvezo by his grandfather, is now contesting that order.

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Fourth of July celebrations across US

Nancy Clayson
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Fourth of July celebrations across US

The 4th of July is a day for family fun.

Whether you’re taking a trip or looking for fireworks close to home, here’s a sample of festivities.

  • Philadelphia: Welcome America Festival
    Philadelphia’s annual Independence Day festival celebrates for almost two weeks, starting the last week in June with concerts, food events, and much more, and leading up to a full day of festivities on July 4th.
    Events on the 4th of July include a parade, a Liberty Bell tapping ceremony, a “Party on the Parkway”, and an evening concert followed by fireworks.
  • Fourth of July in New York City
    From Hot Dog Eating Contests to Cruises to Concerts…
  • A highlight in NYC is Macy’s stupendous Fourth of July Fireworks, set off from several locations from barges on the Hudson River.
  • Long Island, NY
    Fireworks, parades, festivals, races, more.
  • Boston’s Fourth of July Harborfest
    “America’s Biggest Independence Day Party” is a multi-day bash with hundreds of events – from historic tours to Children’s Day to Chowderfest- and attracts more than 2.5 million visitors. Fourth of July Pops Concert at the Esplanade is a tradition, leading up to fireworks over the Charles River.
  • July 4th in Chicago
    Chicago’s biggest fireworks spectacle took place for decades on July 3rd at Grant Park, with over a million people – with blankets, coolers, picnics – watching from the lakefront, but this event was discontinued. On July 4th, Navy Pier – which has fireworks all summer – will have a special fireworks display.

    The 4th of July is a day for family fun
    The 4th of July is a day for family fun
  • Baltimore’s Fourth of July Celebration
    Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is the place to be: check Calendar for all-day fun, and grand finale fireworks.
  • Washington DC: 4th of July
    A giant National Independence Day Parade starts the celebration along Constitution Avenue; in the afternoon, the annual Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife entertains; the National Archives has a Family Day; and in the evening, the National Symphony Orchestra performs while one of the country’s largest shows of fireworks lights up the reflecting pool on the National Mall.
  • 4th of July in Colonial Williamsburg
    Colonial Williamsburg is living history: real-life actors in the streets and in historic houses bring to life the days before the American Revolution. Expect fireworks, and the chance to ask a few questions – ask Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry, that is.
  • Virginia Beach
    It’s a Stars & Stripes Explosion for July 4th: oceanfront stages with live performances; thousands of visitors; many styles of live music; spectacular fireworks over the ocean.
  • Fourth of July in Orlando
    Expect great fireworks in this town! Find fireworks and celebrations at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, more.
  • Houston, Texas
    Festivities and live entertainment in Eleanor Tinsley Park lead up to “the nation’s largest land-based fireworks show” (-NYC’s fireworks are on a river).
  • Austin, Texas
    Bring a blanket and picnic basket, for fireworks and music by the Austin Symphony; other venues too.
  • New Orleans
    Celebrate Independence Day New Orleans style: Go 4th on the River is a major bash, with live entertainment followed by the “Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza” on the Mississippi River. Other events, too.
  • Top Picks for 4th of July in St. Louis
    The Fair St. Louis has a parade that’s been rolling for over 130 years, a Family Fun Village, free concerts, and of course fireworks. Other celebrations too in nearby towns.
  • Phoenix Independence Day
    Picnics, concerts, rides, etc., leading up to the fireworks.
  • Los Angeles: 4th of July Festivities
    Where to celebrate the 4th of July in and around LA: festivals, fireworks, BBQ’s, and more, including events in the Valley and Orange County.
  • LA: Americafest at the Rose Bowl
    A standout event for July 4th for families in the LA area: the Rose Bowl stadium, in Pasadena, has a day-long festival with live music, food, entertainment, and “the biggest and best fireworks show in Southern California”.
  • San Francisco
    The 4th of July Celebration takes place at Pier 39, part of the popular tourist complex that includes Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cannery, and Ghirardelli Square. Free family fun, bands, street performers, marionettes, face-painting, and, of course, fireworks.
  • Seattle
    Celebrations include the day-long Family Fourth at Lake Union which ends with a fireworks extravaganza, Tacoma’s Fourth of July Freedom Fair, and more.

Washington DC 4th of July Fireworks 2013

Nancy Clayson
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Washington DC 4th of July Fireworks 2013

Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th.

The National Mall, with Washington DC’s monuments and the U. S. Capitol in the background, forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America’s Independence Day celebrations. This is an all-day event in the nation’s capital, beginning with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ending with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.

Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th
Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate July 4th

The 4th of July celebrations in Washington, DC are among the most attended events of the year and many people arrive early to stake out a seat on the lawn. There are plenty of activities scheduled throughout the day to keep the whole family busy.

Getting to the National Mall

The best way to get to the National Mall is to take the Metro. Stations nearby include Smithsonian, Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, Judiciary Square, Federal Triangle and L’Enfant Plaza.

The Smithsonian Metro station will be open all day!

It typically takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to clear the Mall after the fireworks.

Public access to the National Mall begins at 10:00 a.m., with all visitors required to enter via a security checkpoint.

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Monica Lewinsky auction results: Collectors not interested to buy her clothing and notes

Sonia Pantiss
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Monica Lewinsky auction results: Collectors not interested to buy her clothing and notes

Monica Lewinsky clothing and notes collection fetched only $12,650 at an online auction scheduled to end last Thursday night.

The Nate Sanders website doesn’t list a final price in their results. It appears the highest bid didn’t met the reserve set by the unidentified consigner.

Monica Lewinsky clothing and notes collection fetched only $12,650 at an online auction
Monica Lewinsky clothing and notes collection fetched only $12,650 at an online auction

The 13 bids for 32 items collection went as high as $12,650, but “it didn’t meet the consigner’s reserve,” as auction manager Laura Yntema told The Washington Post.

“For something that’s rare, it’s hard to determine the value,” she added.

Laura Yntema didn’t say if the items will be offered again.

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Venezuela most likely to shelter Edward Snowden

Diane A. Wade
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Venezuela most likely to shelter Edward Snowden

Venezuela emerged today as the country most likely to shelter NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden from US justice.

President Nicolás Maduro said he was “willing in principle” to grant Edward Snowden asylum, declaring: “He didn’t kill anyone or plant a bomb.”

Nicolás Maduro said that the NSA whistleblower had not made a formal application for refuge but that he deserved protection under international law.

But the Venezuelan president, who is in Russia on a state visit, batted down speculation that he could spirit the data analyst away to Venezuelan capital Caracas on his presidential jet when he leaves Russia tonight.

Edward Snowden, 30, has so far applied for asylum in 21 countries but faces a thinning list of options after Finland, India, Ecuador and Poland rejected his plea and a number of others said applications can only be made in person on their home soil.

President Nicolás Maduro said he was “willing in principle” to grant Edward Snowden asylum
President Nicolás Maduro said he was “willing in principle” to grant Edward Snowden asylum

In the most positive news yet for Edward Snowden, Nicolás Maduro said: “He did not kill anyone and he did not plant a bomb… He only said a big truth to prevent wars.”

His comments came after Edward Snowden has abandoned his bid for asylum in Russia, hours after president Vladimir Putin said he would only be welcome if he stopped leaking the secrets of “our American partners”.

WikiLeaks today revealed Edward Snowden has begged 21 countries to take him in as he fights extradition to the US where he faces charges of espionage after leaking top-secret documents on US surveillance schemes.

The list includes Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Finland, France, Spain, Germany and Ireland.

“Snowden really asked to remain in Russia,” Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said.

“Learning yesterday of Russia’s position… he abandoned his intentions and his request to get the possibility to stay in Russia.”

Earlier, Vladimir Putin made it clear Russia would only consider his request if he stops “attacking our American partners” in an unusual gesture of solidarity with the US.

“Russia never hands over anybody anywhere and has no intention to do so,” said the Kremlin leader, defying a specific U.S. request.

“If he [Edward Snowden] wants to remain here there is one condition – he should stop his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners no matter how strange this may sound coming from me.”

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What Does Your Car’s Eco Footprint Look Like? [Infographic]

Nancy Clayson
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What Does Your Car’s Eco Footprint Look Like? [Infographic]

Eco-friendly car technology is all the rage these days.  Cars regularly get 30, 40, or 50+ mpg now utilizing several new advancements such as hybrid or electric technology.  While some of these technologies still have their limitations, it’s still nice to know that you won’t have to take out a loan to go on an out-of-state road trip this summer.

No matter which technology your automobile uses, you are still producing pollution every time you drive.  So when you’re deciding if you should take that great deal on a 2014 Ford Fusion or spend the extra bucks for the hybrid model, you may want to consider the difference in ecological impact between the two options.  This infographic compares the ecological footprint caused by hybrid vehicles and your standard internal combustion autos.

CarEcoFootprint_Final3

John Paul II to be declared saint as Vatican approves second miracle

James J. Williams
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John Paul II to be declared saint as Vatican approves second miracle

John Paul II could be declared a saint this year after a Vatican committee approved a second miracle attributed to the former pope’s intercession.

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints ruled an “inexplicable recovery” on 1 May 2011 was due to the late Pope’s intercession, Ansa reported.

Earlier that same day he had been beatified after a first miracle was attributed to his intervention.

Pope Francis must now give his approval before a canonization date is set.

Canonization is the final step in the official process that declares a deceased person to be a saint.

At a plenary meeting of the Congregation on Tuesday, cardinals and bishops mooted a canonization ceremony taking place in December, sources told Ansa.

One possible date would be 8 December, on which Catholics celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception, which this year falls on a Sunday.

John Paul II could be canonized at the same time as John XXIII, Vatican sources suggested. Venerated by Catholics as “the good pope”, John XXIII was elected in 1958 and convened the Second Vatican Council in 1962, but died the following year before it was finished.

John Paul II could be declared a saint this year after a Vatican committee approved a second miracle attributed to him
John Paul II could be declared a saint this year after a Vatican committee approved a second miracle attributed to him

Canonization requires the attribution of one further miracle to the intercession of the candidate after they have been beatified.

The Vatican has not revealed details about the second miracle in John Paul II’s case.

It was reportedly deemed an “inexplicable recovery” by a panel of doctors before being approved last month by a board of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints’ theologians.

John Paul II died in 2005 aged 84 and was beatified by his successor Benedict XVI in May 2011.

Among a crowd hundreds of thousands strong on St Peter’s Square was French nun Marie Simon-Pierre, who says she was cured of Parkinson’s Disease after praying for the intervention of the late pope little more than a month after he died.

Some questioned the Church’s speed in beatifying John Paul II just six years after his death.

Although widely regarded as one of the great popes of modern times, his 26-year pontificate was tarnished by his handling of the clerical sex abuse scandal that has rocked the global Church.

Critics say other of the Church’s deep-seated problems – such as its dysfunctional management and financial scandals at the Vatican bank – stem from shortcomings of his pontificate.

John Paul II reformed the sainthood process in 1983, making it faster, simpler, and cheaper. The office of “Devil’s advocate” – an official whose job was to try to knock down the case for sainthood – was eliminated, and the required number of miracles was dropped.

The idea was to lift up contemporary role models of holiness in order to convince a jaded secular world that sanctity is alive in the here and now, says veteran Vatican analyst John Allen.

The result was that John Paul II beatified and canonized more people than all previous popes combined.

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Barack Obama ends Africa trip with Tanzania bombing tribute

Diane A. Wade
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Barack Obama ends Africa trip with Tanzania bombing tribute

President Barack Obama ended his Africa tour by visiting Tanzania, after trips to Senegal and South Africa.

Earlier Barack Obama laid a wreath for the victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam.

Eleven people were killed in the al-Qaeda attack, which coincided with a bombing in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, which left hundreds dead.

President Barack Obama was joined for the ceremony by predecessor George W. Bush.

George W. Bush was in Dar es Salaam for a conference on African women sponsored by the George W. Bush Institute.

While the former president and Barack Obama attended the ceremony at the US embassy memorial, their wives took part in the African First Ladies Summit.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete walked Barack Obama and his wife down a red carpet to the Air Force One at the international airport in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

A guard of honor saluted and marching bands played as the couple boarded the plane.

Barack Obama laid a wreath for the victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam
Barack Obama laid a wreath for the victims of the 1998 US embassy bombing in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam

President Barack Obama had arrived in Tanzania on Monday.

During his stay, he also visited a US-owned power plant, following his announcement over the weekend of a multi-billion-dollar electricity initiative.

The $7 billion five-year initiative is intended to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa, in partnership with African countries and the private sector.

“We’re starting with countries that are making progress already with reforms in the energy sector – Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Mozambique and Liberia,” Barack Obama told a business leaders forum in Dar es Salaam.

“And with a focus on cleaner energy, we will initially add 10,000 megawatts of new electricity generation, which expands electricity to 20 million homes and businesses.”

At the same forum on Monday evening, Barack Obama launched a programme helping Africa’s eastern nations of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda trade both with each other and with the US.

“We’ll work with the countries involved to modernize customs, move to single more efficient border crossings, reduce bottlenecks, reduce the roadblocks that stymie the flow of goods to market,” he said.

Barack Obama’s second tour to sub-Saharan Africa since becoming president began in Senegal where he called on African governments to give gay people equal rights.

President Barack Obama excluded from his week-long itinerary Kenya, where his father was born, and Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer which has been hit by an Islamist insurgency.

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Prince Harry pictured going incognito at Glastonbury Festival

Lisa.Felice
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Prince Harry pictured going incognito at Glastonbury Festival

Prince Harry attended Glastonbury Festival with his girlfriend Cressida Bonas, somehow managing to go unnoticed.

Now it seems the secret to Prince Harry’s ability to mingle with the crowd at Glastonbury was in his outfit.

In the first image that has emerged of Prince Harry, 28, he is seen wearing the oldest and best form of disguise – a hat and sunglasses – as he explores the site with a large group of friends.

Prince Harry, who is known for his love of a good party, was photographed from behind while chatting to a friend.

His side profile is instantly recognizable, as is the dash of red hair which can be seen poking out the front of his hat.

It seems Prince Harry’s pals may have been in on his little disguise as a number of them are also wearing trilby hats in the picture.

He wore a grey one, pulled over his head while shades were firmly on his face. He is also seen wearing jeans and a pair of trainers.

Prince Harry attended Glastonbury Festival with his girlfriend Cressida Bonas, somehow managing to go unnoticed
Prince Harry attended Glastonbury Festival with his girlfriend Cressida Bonas, somehow managing to go unnoticed

Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, can be seen strolling just behind him wearing a pair of dungarees with a bright blue hat and her arm draped around another pal.

The Prince’s ability to go unnoticed ensured he had what sound like an epic weekend at the festival.

As well as being seen hanging out with Kate Moss’s posse, Prince Harry was seen with girlfriend Cressida Bonas on the dancefloor at wild hardcore dance club The Rabbit Hole.

The club which was in The Park area of the festival was the main hangout for hard-partying stars like Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, and Sam Branson – who were able to remain anonymous among the crowd.

They had their own VIP area which overlooked the VIP teepee accommodation provided to celebrities such as Cara Delevingne, Florence Welch and Kate Moss.

Prince Harry joined the model after watching The Rolling Stones headline set, and following a recommendation from festival organizer Michael Eavis to stay and sample the event’s varied and wild nightlife.

A source told The Sun: “Harry was well up for it. He was dancing in a grey trilby and a white T-shirt, with two security guards close by. They just let him get on with it.”

Michael Eavis, 77, said: “Prince Harry was great actually. I recommended that he should go on into the night, because the nightlife is what Glastonbury is all about.

“At three o’clock in the afternoon, you don’t get it.”

Michael Eavis said he did not join Prince Harry for a pint of cider as he abstains from drinking from two months before the festival until after everyone has left the site.

Ace Knute Johnson: Jessica Simpson’s baby boy mocked by online bullies for his unusual name

Lisa.Felice
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0
Ace Knute Johnson: Jessica Simpson’s baby boy mocked by online bullies for his unusual name

Jessica Simpson would like her baby son to excel like his father, former NFL player Eric Johnson, his middle name is Knute – apparently in homage to Knute Rockne, regarded as one of the greatest coaches in American football history.

However, others have not been so quick to appreciate the name chosen by the celebrity couple.

Just hours after his birth, Ace Knute Johnson has been targeted by “cowardly” online bullies.

Becoming the latest celebrity new-born to be attacked by internet trolls over his name, Ace has been branded “stupid and ugly” in dozens of Twitter messages.

Jessica Simpson, 32, has been accused of preparing him for a lifetime of bullying.

The singer, who is engaged to former NFL player Eric Johnson, gave birth to her son on Sunday afternoon.

The couple revealed their baby’s name to a US magazine and within hours they were being plagued by hateful messages.

Jessica Simpson's newborn son Ace Knute Johnson was mocked by online bullies for his unusual name
Jessica Simpson’s newborn son Ace Knute Johnson was mocked by online bullies for his unusual name

One Tweeter speculated that Ace would be nicknamed “Ass Nut Johnson” at school while others questioned whether the name was a mistake.

“Knute? Did she mean Newt? Because Knute is a made up word, or Eskimo for <<Jessica Simpson is an idiot>>!” one wrote.

Referring to the trend celebrity parents to give their offspring unusual names, another posted: “Another week, another ridiculous baby name. Yes, Jessica Simpson, I mean you.”

Last night campaigners reacted to the tweets by branding those responsible “cowardly” and “small and nasty”. And they called for an end to trolling.

Susie Boone, of parenting site Made for Mums, said: “Celebrity or not these people are brand new parents and any new mum and dad will be feeling extremely vulnerable just after giving birth.

“It’s a very emotional experience, sometimes it can be a very worrying experience and it can be quite long and exhausting. 

“There’s a pressure now for celebrities to announce the birth of their child and then everyone wants to know what the name is.

“They’re trying to get that information out and it’s very sad that people are coming in straight away and attacking them.”

Siobhan Freegard, founder of Net Mums, added that she was “fed up with this cowardly practice” and described the people responsible as “mean spirited, small and nasty”.

She went on to say that Ace, which means first, is an “unusual but not unheard of” name.

The middle name, Knute, is in honor of Eric Johnson’s Swedish grandfather.

This is not the first time Jessica Simpson has been targeted by Twitter trolls.

When she announced the name of her daughter, Maxwell, 14 months, she was accused of being a “terrible mother” for naming the girl “after an elderly man”.

Other stars to have been subjected to online bullying following the birth of their children include television presenter Fearne Cotton, reality star Kim Kardashian and Coleen Rooney, wife of England footballer Wayne Rooney.

Jessica Simpson, who gave birth via a scheduled C-section, was open with her fans throughout her pregnancy.

In March she revealed she was expecting a boy and admitted finding pregnancy much harder the second time round.

Jessica Simpson said: “This pregnancy is the complete opposite. With Maxwell, I felt amazing. I could do everything, eat everything, do whatever I wanted. I had a lot of energy. This time around I’m exhausted.”

Edward Snowden sent asylum requests to 21 countries

Diane A. Wade
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Edward Snowden sent asylum requests to 21 countries

Fugitive NSA leaker Edward Snowden has sent asylum requests to 21 countries, according to a statement published by WikiLeaks.

They include China, France, Ireland and Venezuela. Russia and Norway confirmed they had received applications.

But Russia said Edward Snowden later withdrew the application as the Kremlin had set conditions.

Edward Snowden accuses President Barack Obama of putting pressure on the countries to which he has applied.

The 30-year-old former intelligence systems analyst, who is holed up at Moscow airport, is wanted by the US on charges of leaking secrets.

US Secretary of State John Kerry was expected to discuss Edward Snowden’s case in talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Brunei.

The WikiLeaks press release said that most of the asylum requests – including to Russia itself – were handed to the Russian consulate at Sheremetyevo airport late on Sunday for delivery to the relevant embassies in Moscow.

The requests were submitted by Sarah Harrison, a British member of the WikiLeaks legal team acting as Edward Snowden’s representative, the statement added.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later said Edward Snowden withdrew the application to Russia because Moscow had said he should give up “anti-American activity”.

“After learning of Russian’s position yesterday, voiced by President Putin … he abandoned his intention [of staying] and his request to be able to stay in Russia,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had said that while Moscow “never hands over anybody anywhere”, Edward Snowden could only stay on condition that he stopped damaging Russia’s “American partners” with his leaks.

Edward Snowden has reportedly been in the transit area of Sheremetyevo since arriving there from Hong Kong on June 23.

Dmitry Peskov confirmed he was still there and had not crossed into Russian territory, adding that the former analyst had never been a Russian agent and had never worked with its intelligence services.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorski said on Twitter his country had received an application but that he would not be recommending granting the request.

Fugitive NSA leaker Edward Snowden has sent asylum requests to 21 countries
Fugitive NSA leaker Edward Snowden has sent asylum requests to 21 countries

Norway’s foreign ministry later said its embassy in Moscow had received an application by fax which was “probably from him”.

But Norway, Poland, Germany, Austria, Finland and Switzerland said asylum requests could only be made on their soil.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is on a visit to Moscow, said Caracas had not yet received an asylum application from Edward Snowden but that he had “done something very important for humanity” and “deserved the world’s protection”.

“The world’s conscience should react, the world youth should react, the decent people who want a peaceful world should react, everyone should react and find solidarity with this young man who has denounced and altered the world that they [the US] pretend to control.”

Edward Snowden had previously submitted an application to Ecuador, whose embassy in London is sheltering WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, and to Iceland.

Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa told the Agence France-Presse news agency on Monday that his country would process Edward Snowden’s asylum request if he managed to enter an Ecuadorean embassy.

However, if he can complete his asylum request on Russian territory, then “the situation can be processed and resolved there,” President Correa added.

Details have also emerged of a letter from Edward Snowden to President Rafael Correa, thanking Ecuador for guaranteeing “my rights would be protected upon departing Hong Kong – I could never have risked travel without that”.

Speaking in Tanzania on Monday, President Barack Obama said Moscow and Washington had held “high level discussions” about Edward Snowden, who he said had travelled to Moscow without valid documents.

Edward Snowden describes himself as “a stateless person”, accusing the US government of stopping him from exercising the “basic right…to seek asylum”.

“The president ordered his vice president to pressure the leaders of nations from which I have requested protection to deny my asylum petitions,” he is quoted by WikiLeaks as saying.

“This kind of deception from a world leader is not justice, and neither is the extralegal penalty of exile. These are the old, bad tools of political aggression. Their purpose is to frighten, not me, but those who would come after me.”

The leaking of thousands of classified intelligence documents has led to revelations that the US is systematically seizing vast amounts of phone and web data.

Asylum requests to 21 countries:

  • Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland, Russia (withdrawn), Spain, Switzerland, Venezuela

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Egypt: President Mohamed Morsi rejects army’s 48-hour ultimatum

Roy Siemens
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Egypt: President Mohamed Morsi rejects army’s 48-hour ultimatum

Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi has rejected the army’s 48-hour ultimatum to resolve the country’s deadly crisis, saying it will only sow confusion.

Mohamed Morsi insists he will continue with his own plans for national reconciliation, a presidential statement said early on Tuesday.

The army has warned it will intervene if the government and its opponents fail to heed “the will of the people”.

However, it denies that the ultimatum amounts to a coup.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s state news agency Mena reported early on Tuesday that Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr had submitted his resignation.

If accepted, he would join at least five other ministers who have already reportedly resigned over the political crisis.

On Sunday, millions rallied nationwide, urging the president to step down.

Large protests continued on Monday with activists storming and ransacking Cairo’s Muslim Brotherhood headquarters – the group from which the president hails.

President Mohamed Morsi’s opponents accuse him of putting the Brotherhood’s interests ahead of the country’s as a whole.

He became Egypt’s first Islamist president on 30 June 2012, after winning an election considered free and fair following the 2011 revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi has rejected the army's 48-hour ultimatum to resolve the country's deadly crisis
Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi has rejected the army’s 48-hour ultimatum to resolve the country’s deadly crisis

US President Barack Obama – currently on a tour of Africa – called Mohamed Morsi to encourage him to respond to the protesters’ concerns.

Barack Obama “underscored that the current crisis can only be resolved through a political process,” the White House said in a statement”.

In an announcement read out on Egyptian TV, General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, defense minister and head of the armed forces, described the protests as an “unprecedented” expression of the popular will.

If the people’s demands were not met, he said, the military would have to take responsibility for a plan for the future.

But while he said the army would not get involved in politics or government, his words were seen by many as a coup in the making.

Noisy celebrations erupted in Cairo as protesters interpreted the army’s ultimatum as spelling the end of Mohamed Morsi’s rule.

Tens of thousands of flag-waving supporters of Tamarod (Rebel) – the opposition movement behind the protests – partied in Cairo’s Tahrir Square late into the night.

Meanwhile senior Brotherhood figure Muhammad al-Biltaji urged Mohamed Morsi supporters to “call their families in all Egyptian governorates and villages to be prepared to take to the streets and fill squares” to support their president.

“Any coup of any sort will only pass over our dead bodies,” he said to a roar from thousands gathered outside the Rab’ah al-Adawiyah mosque in Cairo’s Nasr district.

There were reports of gun clashes between rival factions in the city of Suez, east of the capital, on Monday night.

The army later issued a second statement on its Facebook page emphasizing that it “does not aspire to rule and will not overstep its prescribed role”.

According to Tuesday’s presidential statement, Mohamed Morsi was not consulted ahead of the ultimatum announcement. It said that such action would “cause confusion in the complex national environment”.

Given the inability of politicians from all sides to agree until now, the 48-hour ultimatum makes it unlikely Mohamed Morsi can survive in power.

The opposition movement had given Mohamed Morsi until Tuesday afternoon to step down and call fresh presidential elections, or else face a campaign of civil disobedience.

On Saturday, the group said it had collected more than 22 million signatures – more than a quarter of Egypt’s population – in support.

And on Monday the ministers of tourism, environment, communication, water utilities and legal affairs reportedly resigned in an act of “solidarity with the people’s demand to overthrow the regime”.

But Mohamed Morsi was defiant in an interview published on Sunday, rejecting calls for early presidential elections.

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Jessica Simpson gives birth to second child, baby boy Ace Knute Johnson

Lisa.Felice
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0
Jessica Simpson gives birth to second child, baby boy Ace Knute Johnson

Jessica Simpson has given birth to her second child, baby boy Ace Knute Johnson.

Ace Knute Johnson was born on Sunday, June 30, in Los Angeles, after Jessica, 32, had a scheduled C-section.

A rep told UsWeekly: “Ace Knute [pronounced Ka-nute] Johnson has arrived! Mom and baby are doing great.”

Jessica Simpson and her 33-year-old fiancé Eric Johnson are already parents to daughter Maxwell who is almost 14-months-old.

The couple’s rep said: “Jessica, Eric and Maxwell are thrilled to welcome the new addition to their family.”

Ace’s middle name honors dad Eric Johnson’s Swedish paternal grandfather, Knute Johnson, and is pronounced “Ka-nute”.

Jessica Simpson has given birth to her second child, baby boy Ace Knute Johnson
Jessica Simpson has given birth to her second child, baby boy Ace Knute Johnson

Jessica Simpson accidentally revealed she and her fiancé, a former NFL player and Yale grad, were having a son during a TV interview with Jimmy Kimmel in March.

In typical Jessica Simpson fashion the news slipped out accidentally.

“The crazy thing is I never knew a wiener could make me nauseous,” she told the chat show host.

Jessica Simpson then laughed off the on-air mistake, saying: “Well I guess I just told the world that I’m having a boy!”

“I can’t believe I just did that, that was not planned,” she said good-naturedly.

Later Jessica Simpson said: “I just did it so crude, I feel awful!”

But she didn’t seem too worried by the gaff, as she later tweeted: “Accidental announcement tonight on @jimmykimmel.”

A source close to Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson, who got engaged in 2010, previously revealed that they were keen to tie the knot shortly after the birth of their son.

But the blonde beauty fears she may fall pregnant again and be forced to cancel her wedding plans a third time, having previously nixed their nuptials because of the unexpected baby news.

In March, Jessica Simpson said humorously of her situation: “I keep planning on getting married but I keep getting knocked up.”

A source said: “[Jessica] was telling friends she wanted to get married a few months after the baby is born.”

Chris Kelly Toxicology Report Confirms He Died of Drug Overdose

Sonia Pantiss
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0

Chris Kelly of the 1990s teen rap duo Kriss Kross died on May 1 at age 34 due to a drug overdose, the toxicology report has confirmed.

It was suspected that Chris Kelly died in Atlanta of an overdose caused by using a combination of cocaine and heroin.

An investigator from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office said a toxicology screening found that Chris Kelly died from a fatal mixture of drugs.

However, the investigator didn’t specify which drugs were present in his system, according to a report on Monday by TMZ.

Chris Kelly, known as Mac Daddy, performed alongside Chris Smith, known as Daddy Mac, and the duo was best known for their hit song Jump.

The popular song on their 1992 debut album Krossed Out helped propel the teenagers to stardom.

Kris Kross was noted for their hip-hop style and, in particular, wore their clothes back to front.

The teen rap duo were discovered at age 13 at an Atlanta mall in 1990 by then 18-year-old rising music producer Jermaine Dupri.

In 1992, Kris Kross landed a spot on Michael Jackson’s Dangerous world tour, as well as a cameo appearance in his popular Jam music video.

Their own music video for Jump shot to number one on MTV and sold over 100,000 copies as a VHS video single.

Chris Kelly was seen in a home video shot in his home partying the morning that he died.

The shaky footage shows people who appear drugged out and seem to have been in Chris Kelly’s home all night.

Kriss Kross had reunited once more to star at a 20th anniversary all-star concert honoring So So Def Recordings in Atlanta in February.

Charlotte Brosnan dies of ovarian cancer aged just 42

Lisa.Felice
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Charlotte Brosnan dies of ovarian cancer aged just 42

Pierce Brosnan’s daughter, Charlotte Brosnan, died of ovarian cancer aged just 42.

The mother-of-two died after a three year battle with ovarian cancer – the same disease which killed her mother Cassandra Harris 22 years ago – at her London home on Friday.

Pierce Brosnan, who has been filming a spy thriller, November Man, in Eastern Europe, last night said: “On June 28 my darling daughter Charlotte Emily passed on to eternal life, having succumbed to ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by her husband Alex, children Isabella and Lucas and brothers Christopher and Sean.

“Charlotte fought her cancer with grace and humanity, courage and dignity. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our beautiful dear girl.

“We pray for her and that the cure for this wretched disease will be close at hand soon. We thank everyone for their heartfelt condolences.”

Charlotte, who was adopted by the Irish actor in 1986 when her biological father Dermot Harris died, leaves behind her long-term partner, artist Alex Smith and children Isabella, 15, and Lucas, 8.

She is survived by her brothers Christopher, Sean, Dylan and Paris.

Charlotte was nine years old when her mother Cassandra married Pierce Brosnan at Chelsea Registry Office in 1980.

Pierce Brosnan’s daughter, Charlotte Brosnan, died of ovarian cancer aged just 42
Pierce Brosnan’s daughter, Charlotte Brosnan, died of ovarian cancer aged just 42

Charlotte and her brother Christopher, from Cassandra’s previous marriage to Dermot Harris, were joined by a half-sibling Sean in 1983.

However, Cassandra became ill four years later while filming in India and after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, fought a four year battle with the disease.

She was just 43 when she died in Los Angeles in December 1991.

Pierce Brosnan and Cassandra’s youngest son Sean was only eight years old when she died.

Three years following Cassandra’s death, Pierce Brosnan met journalist Keely Shaye Smith, who he went on to marry in 2001.

Pierce Brosnan, now 60, and Keely Shaye Smith got married in 2001 and they have had two children together, Paris, 12, and Dylan, 16.

In an interview, Pierce Brosnan said: “I know what it’s like to be a widower and what it’s like to find love again.

“So I know there’s hope and that you have to learn to get on with it. Ups and downs are what life is all about. But the memory of Cassie and her fight against cancer is never forgotten.

“Keely has always been kind and compassionate and encouraged me to mourn Cassie. I think of Cassie all the time – my son Sean is also her son, of course, and he’s 29 now.”

Charlotte Brosnan battled drug dependency and depression in her early thirties and volunteered for treatment at the Priory Clinic in 2003.

Edward Snowden letter released by WikiLeaks accuses Barack Obama of denying him right to asylum

Diane A. Wade
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Edward Snowden letter released by WikiLeaks accuses Barack Obama of denying him right to asylum

Edward Snowden accuses President Barack Obama of deception and taking away his basic rights as an American in a letter released by WikiLeaks.

The letter says Barack Obama – despite his public denials that he’d been “wheeling and dealing” with international parties over Edward Snowden – has dispatched Vice President Joe Biden to pressurize governments where the 30-year-old has sought asylum.

WikiLeaks today revealed they have applied to 21 countries in total on Edward Snowden’s behalf. The list includes Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Finland, France, Spain, Germany and Ireland.

It comes as Ecuador’s president Rafael Correa appeared to wash his hands of Edward Snowden saying his country is not considering his asylum request and that the former CIA analyst is Russia’s problem now.

Admitting Ecuador made a “mistake” in helping Edward Snowden flee Hong Kong in the first place, Rafael Correa appeared to backtrack on previous suggestions he was welcome, adding: “Are we responsible for getting him to Ecuador? It’s not logical. The country that has to give him a safe conduct document is Russia.”

Asked if he would like to meet Edward Snowden, Rafael Correa added: “Not particularly. He’s a very complicated person. Strictly speaking, Mr. Snowden spied for some time.”

His comments are in direct contrast to the open letter of thanks Edward Snowden issued hours earlier, before Rafael Correa’s views had been published.

“I remain free and able to publish information that serves the public interest,” Edward Snowden said in an undated Spanish-language letter sent to President Rafael Correa.

“No matter how many more days my life contains, I remain dedicated to the fight for justice in this unequal world. If any of those days ahead realize a contribution to the common good, the world will have the principles of Ecuador to thank.”

Hours after Rafael Correa’s comments, Finland became the first of today’s new list of potential safe havens to reject his plea for asylum saying such a request has to be made from inside the country.

WikiLeaks legal adviser Sarah Harrison is said to have led the petitions for asylum also made to India, Italy, Norway, Venezuela and Switzerland.

Edward Snowden accuses President Barack Obama of deception and taking away his basic rights as an American in a letter released by WikiLeaks
Edward Snowden accuses President Barack Obama of deception and taking away his basic rights as an American in a letter released by WikiLeaks

She also claims to have handled his current application in Russia and his previous request for assistance to China while he was hiding out in Hong Kong.

The long list suggests options are thin on the ground for the former NSA contractor and it appears – from his letter – that he is frustrated by the global community’s refusal to shelter him.

In it Edward Snowden complains that the US is illegally pursuing him for an act that was in the public interest.

“While the public has cried out support of my shining a light on this secret system of injustice, the Government of the United States of America responded with an extrajudicial man-hunt costing me my family, my freedom to travel, and my right to live peacefully without fear of illegal aggression,” it states.

Many critics seized on the letter’s syntax last night to claim it was a fake, written by someone in Britain.

Specifically, those doubting the letter’s authenticity pointed to this phrase: “For decades the United States of America have been one of the strongest defenders of the human right to seek asylum.”

An American English speaker would use the singular form, has, in relation to the United States.

After the internet erupted in a flurry of doubt, the word “have” was changed to “has” on the official statement on the WikiLeaks site.

Full text of letter released by WikiLeaks it claims is  from Edward Snowden

“One week ago I left Hong Kong after it became clear that my freedom and safety were under threat for revealing the truth. My continued liberty has been owed to the efforts of friends new and old, family, and others who I have never met and probably never will. I trusted them with my life and they returned that trust with a faith in me for which I will always be thankful.

On Thursday, President Obama declared before the world that he would not permit any diplomatic “wheeling and dealing” over my case. Yet now it is being reported that after promising not to do so, the President ordered his Vice President to pressure the leaders of nations from which I have requested protection to deny my asylum petitions.

This kind of deception from a world leader is not justice, and neither is the extralegal penalty of exile. These are the old, bad tools of political aggression. Their purpose is to frighten, not me, but those who would come after me.

For decades the United States of America have been one of the strongest defenders of the human right to seek asylum. Sadly, this right, laid out and voted for by the U.S. in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is now being rejected by the current government of my country. The Obama administration has now adopted the strategy of using citizenship as a weapon. Although I am convicted of nothing, it has unilaterally revoked my passport, leaving me a stateless person. Without any judicial order, the administration now seeks to stop me exercising a basic right. A right that belongs to everybody. The right to seek asylum.

In the end the Obama administration is not afraid of whistleblowers like me, Bradley Manning or Thomas Drake. We are stateless, imprisoned, or powerless. No, the Obama administration is afraid of you. It is afraid of an informed, angry public demanding the constitutional government it was promised — and it should be.

I am unbowed in my convictions and impressed at the efforts taken by so many.

Edward Joseph Snowden

Monday 1st July 2013”

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Best places to watch Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York

Lisa.Felice
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Best places to watch Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York

The Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular will light up the New York City’s sky for the Independence Day celebration once again this year.

Broadcast live on 1010 WINS, the official radio station of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, the show  promises more than 20 minutes and roughly 70,000 pounds of explosions.

Taking place over the Hudson River, the fireworks show begins at 9:20 p.m. and brings out about 2 million spectators every year.

Make this year one to remember at one of the best places to watch fireworks in New York.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
Pier 83, W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036

circleline42.com/

Price: $95
Hours: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Board any number of the city’s beautiful cruise boats for a full night of drinks, dancing and perfect fireworks viewing. The Circle Line offers the cheapest option to cruise the Hudson during the city’s biggest fireworks show. A live DJ will bring the party onto the dance floor, and food and drinks will be available for purchase on board. Pick up tickets online before they sell out; this is one of the most popular ways to see the display.

Classic Harbor Line Cruise
Chelsea Piers
www.zerve.com/

Price: $425
Hours: 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

If you want to really party in style, board a 19th-century schooner — aptly named America 2.0 — and make a classy night of it with close friends and family. This is one of the more expensive cruises offered for Independence Day but if you’re looking to impress a date, it’s the activity for you. Hors d’oeuvres will be served alongside an open bar with champagne and other drinks. Be right on the water when fireworks are launched from six barges along the Hudson.

Taking place over the Hudson River, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular show begins brings out about 2 million spectators every year
Taking place over the Hudson River, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular show begins brings out about 2 million spectators every year

Empire State Building
350 5th Avenue
esbny.com

Hours: 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

One of the most iconic images in the entire country, the Empire State Building can’t be beat for a patriotic fireworks viewing. You’ll need to plan ahead for this event because tickets are limited to only about 300 for the night. If you haven’t yet made it to the 86th floor of this historic building, now is your chance to see the Manhattan skyline lit up in celebration. Tickets will include admission to the observatory as well as light refreshments.

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Pier 86, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue
www.intrepidmuseum.org

Hours: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Every year, this museum opens its doors to ticketholders for a perfect viewing party of the Macy’s fireworks display. This World War II aircraft carrier turned museum promises a pretty patriotic Independence day as well. A ticket to the event will include entrance to the museum, a live DJ and a simulcast of the fireworks musical score. Special VIP vieweing of the spectacular event from the museum’s flight deck is the main attraction of the night.

Hudson Terrace
621 West 46 Street
hudsonterracenyc.com

Price: $150 rooftop general admission/$250 rooftop cabana
Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Rooftop bars are aplenty in New York, offering beautiful, sweeping views of the skyline. Perhaps the best known is Hudson Terrace. Grab a ticket now to the city’s premiere event, where you’ll enjoy a barbecue, open bar, live DJ and spectacular fireworks display. Find yourself a perfect spot on the dance floor, where you’ll be partying all night to the tune of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

The Press Lounge
653 11th Avenue
thepresslounge.com

Another rooftop bar in NYC that offers great views of the Manhattan skyline is the Press Lounge, located at the top of the Ink48 Hotel downtown. Known as one of the hottest bars in the city, this lounge features comfortable seating, a glass-walled interior space and modern architectural touches such as a low pool lit by footlights at night. The July 4th celebration includes an open bar with signature cocktails and a buffet featuring organic foods from the hotel’s own restaurant, Print.

West Side Highway
Price: free
Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The fireworks show will be most visible from the West Side, from 22nd to 55th Street. The roadway can offer ideal viewing, as long as you’re willing to stand. Get there early to claim your spot. The northbound lanes of West Side Highway will be closed to traffic to allow visitors to watch the show from there. The highway opens to pedestrians at 4 p.m. 12th Avenue will also be open at the same time for more standing spots.

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Duck Dynasty: Ten things you didn’t know about Robertson family

Sonia Pantiss
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Duck Dynasty: Ten things you didn’t know about Robertson family

Although the Duck Dynasty family, a close-knit clan who own and operate a thriving duck call and decoy business called Duck Commander, may be in the limelight, there are still a few things you might not know about the Robertsons.

Here’s a list of the top 10 fun facts you didn’t know about the Robertsons – Phil, Miss Kay, Uncle Si, Jase, Willie, Jep and their wives:

1.  Jase, Willie and Jep Robertson actually have a fourth brother, Alan (Al). Alan Robertson is the oldest of the bunch, and may make a special appearance in the upcoming Season 4 of Duck Dynasty.

2. Miss Kay Robertson’s favorite meal to make is fried frogs, and apparently there are two ways to cook them. Jase Robertson recommends soaking them in lemon juice first, and Miss Kay says you can fry them or sauté them in butter to make them extra delicious.

3. Phil Robertson recently ran into his old football friend, Terry Bradshaw, at the airport. When the two men attended Louisiana Tech University, Phil Robertson played first string quarterback ahead of Terry Bradshaw.

The self-proclaimed rednecks of Duck Dynasty are everywhere, from the country music awards, to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
The self-proclaimed rednecks of Duck Dynasty are everywhere, from the country music awards, to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

4. Contrary to popular belief, the tea Uncle Si always drinks is unsweetened.

5. The Duck Dynasty clan appeared in Darius Rucker’s Wagon Wheel music video, a remake of the popular Old Crow Medicine Show song.

6. Jase, Willie and Jep’ Robertsons wives actually do love their husband’s beards, and prefer them to the “preppy look” the men used to have.

7. In addition to his huge truck seen on the show, Willie Robertson drives a camouflage BMW.

8. Miss Kay isn’t the only “Miss” of the family. Everyone calls the women of the show by their first names, and adds “Miss” at the beginning. It’s the proper Southern thing to do.

9. The Duck Commander warehouse actually has a store in it. People travel from all over to see the Robertsons, and sometimes hundreds of people are lined up outside at a time. The family claims to know which state is having Spring Break based on all the license plates in the parking lot.

10. Uncle Si Robertson’s favorite way to eat dove is with cream cheese, jalapenos and wrapped in bacon, which is probably another Miss Kay specialty.

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Edward Snowden applies for political asylum in Russia

Diane A. Wade
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Edward Snowden applies for political asylum in Russia

Fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden has applied to Russia for political asylum, Russian officials say.

Foreign ministry consul Kim Shevchenko said the request was made on Sunday night. The Kremlin has made no comment.

Edward Snowden, 30, is believed to be holed up in a Moscow airport hotel.

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin said Edward Snowden was welcome to stay as long as he stopped “inflicting damage on our American partners”.

The US has not yet made any comment on the latest developments.

President Barack Obama, speaking earlier in Tanzania, said Washington and Moscow had held “high level” discussions about Edward Snowden.

Fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden has applied to Russia for political asylum
Fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden has applied to Russia for political asylum

“We are hopeful the Russian government makes decisions based on the normal procedures regarding international travel and the normal interactions law enforcement have,” he told reporters, pointing out that Edward Snowden does not have a valid passport or legal papers.

According to Russia’s Interfax news agency, Edward Snowden’s application for asylum was handed to a consular official at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport late on Sunday evening.

The application was delivered by Sarah Harrison, a member of the WikiLeaks legal team acting as Edward Snowden’s representative, Kim Shevchenko was quoted by the news agency saying.

Russia’s Federal Migration Service has denied the report, which appeared in the New York Times earlier.

Edward Snowden has reportedly been in the transit area of Sheremetyevo Airport since arriving there from Hong Kong on June 23.

He flew there soon after revealing himself to be the source behind the leaking of thousands of classified documents showing the extent of US email and telephone surveillance.

It was thought he had been seeking asylum in Ecuador, whose embassy in London is sheltering WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange who is also wanted by the US.

Edward Snowden faces charges of espionage in the US.

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Vladimir Putin: Edward Snowden can stay in Russia if he stops damaging US

Diane A. Wade
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Vladimir Putin: Edward Snowden can stay in Russia if he stops damaging US

President Vladimir Putin has told fugitive Edward Snowden to stop leaking US secrets if he wants to remain in Russia.

Vladimir Putin said Moscow had never extradited anyone before and “has no intention to do so”, adding Edward Snowden was free to go if granted asylum elsewhere.

Edward Snowden, 30, is believed to be holed up in a Moscow airport hotel.

The US wants to prosecute him over the leaking of thousands of classified intelligence documents.

The leaks have led to revelations that the US is systematically seizing vast amounts of phone and web data.

This weekend, Germany’s Der Spiegel newspaper and Britain’s The Guardian newspaper publicized allegations that the US has been spying on its EU allies.

The revelations have angered many EU countries which are demanding a response from Washington.

France’s President Francois Hollande has warned that negotiations over a major EU-US trade deal planned for next week could be threatened unless Washington can guarantee the spying stops “immediately”.

“Russia never hands over anybody anywhere and has no intention to do so,” Vladimir Putin told a news conference in Moscow.

Vladimir Putin has told fugitive Edward Snowden to stop leaking US secrets if he wants to remain in Russia
Vladimir Putin has told fugitive Edward Snowden to stop leaking US secrets if he wants to remain in Russia

“If he [Edward Snowden] wants to remain here there is one condition – he should stop his work aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners no matter how strange this may sound coming from me.”

It appears President Vladimir Putin is keen to avoid damaging relations with Washington over the Snowden case.

The Russian president also stressed Edward Snowden “is not our agent and does not co-operate with us”, and Russian secret services “never worked with him and are not working with him now”.

Earlier, senior Russian official Nikolai Patrushev said both President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Barack Obama, had told the chiefs of their security services to seek a resolution to the stand-off over Edward Snowden.

Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, told Russian media that the FSB and the FBI had been told to “keep in contact and find solutions”, but warned there was no simple solution to the situation. The FBI refused to comment.

Vladimir Putin was speaking at the same time President Barack Obama confirmed to reporters that Washington had held “high level” discussions with Russia about Edward Snowden.

“We don’t have an extradition treaty with Russia,” he told reporters while on a visit to Tanzania.

“On the other hand, Mr. Snowden, we understand, has travelled there without a valid passport and legal papers. And we are hopeful the Russian government makes decisions based on the normal procedures regarding international travel and the normal interactions law enforcement have.”

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Kim Kardashian turns down appearing on Kris Jenner’s show with baby North West in favor of a shoot

Lisa.Felice
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Kim Kardashian turns down appearing on Kris Jenner’s show with baby North West in favor of a shoot

Kim Kardashian is reportedly planning to sell the first picture of her and Kanye West’s baby to a magazine after considering a $2 million dollar offer – which she plans to donate to charity.

The news is unlikely to go down well with Kris Jenner who had reportedly been hoping to unveil the baby on her chat show in order to boost her ratings.

According to TMZ, Kim Kardashian, 32, has turned down the idea of appearing on Kris Jenner’s show with her baby daughter North West in favor of a shoot.

Kris Jenner’s long awaited show will debut on July 15th, so it’s not too surprising that the momager wanted a big splash to open with, particularly after promising lots of content from her family, but that’s off the cards now.

The website claims Kim Kardashian has yet to decide on an offer but she’s been offered a whopping $2 million from one magazine.

And in a move which once again is showing a new side to Kim Kardashian, she is reportedly planning on donating all the proceeds to charity.

Kim Kardashian is planning to sell the first picture of baby North West to a magazine after considering a $2 million dollar offer
Kim Kardashian is planning to sell the first picture of baby North West to a magazine after considering a $2 million dollar offer

It seems Kanye West may be behind the decision as he is believed to be keen to maintain some level of privacy for their daughter.

It’s thought little North West also won’t feature on the next season of Keep Up With The Kardashians, which is no doubt set to cause cracks within the family.

The first picture of Kim Kardashian since she gave birth emerged last week on Khloe Kardashian’s Facebook page.

In the image Kim Kardashian looks exhausted while enjoying a nap with Khloe and Lamar Odom’s boxer pup, Bernard.

Meanwhile Kim Kardashian’s trainer Tracy Anderson has hinted that the reality star has lost some of her famous vanity now she is a new mother.

“From our talks during her pregnancy, I thought she was going to be really concerned [about her weight] once the baby was out, but she’s not,” said trainer Tracy Anderson.

Speaking to UsWeekly, she said: “It’s a tough time, and a lot of women feel like it’s a huge mountain to climb to get back.

“But Kim, surprisingly, has had the total opposite reaction [than] other moms.”

“She’s like, <<We’re going to be so good. It’s fun, I feel great!>>. She just loves the whole process.”

Tracy Anderson also revealed that Kim Kardashian is in “baby heaven” before adding: “She’s excited to get started, but she’s really calm about it all.”

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