My 80th post: Nephew of Illinois mayor killed after shooting five people

Rick O. Smith, the nephew of a small-town Illinois mayor, killed five people in a public housing apartment in Manchester, 85 miles north of St. Louis on Wednesday (April 24, 2013). The 43-year-old man shot the victims at close range with a shotgun after entering the home through the back door. The dead included a grandmother, a young couple and their two small children. Two bodies were found in a bedroom, two in a second bedroom and the man in the hallway. A sixth victim, a 6-year-old girl, was seriously wounded and taken to a Springfield hospital. Gunman Rick O. Smith put the injured girl in the hands of a neighbor before leading police on a chase. He was shot by the officers in the gunfire and later died at a hospital. You can share with us your information on the victims via Twitter if you know about them.

185 people killed in the fighting between Nigeria's military and Islamic extremists

At least 185 people were killed in the fighting between Nigeria's military and Islamic extremists in Baga on Friday (April 19, 2013). The attack in the country’s far northeast lasted for hours and sent people fleeing into the arid scrublands surrounding the community on Lake Chad. Homes, vehicles and businesses were burned throughout the area while many of the bodies had been burned beyond recognition in fires that razed whole sections of the town.The killings mark one of the deadliest incidents ever involving Boko Haram extremists, who earlier had killed a military officer in the assault. They used heavy machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades as well as used civilians as human shields during the fighting.

“Star Wars” actor Richard LeParmentier dies while visiting his children in Austin

Richard LeParmentier, who famously played a choking victim of Star Wars villain Darth Vader in 1977 film “A New Hope,” died at the age of 66 at his home in Austin on Tuesday morning (April 17, 2013). Circumstances of his death are unclear at this point. However, according to Opera, the actor was visiting his children when he suddenly passed away. He was even working as a screenwriter for a British TV station when he died. Richard LeParmentier starred in more than 50 films and TV shows throughout his career, including "Octopussy", "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Superman II," "Capital City" and "We'll Meet Again." The actor, who loved meeting "Star Wars" fans and traveling around the world, also had roles in “Rollerball” and “The People That Time Forgot” alongside his wife, British actress Sarah Douglas. Please tweet this post to share this news with your friends.

Iconic fashion designer Lily Pulitzer dies at the age of 81 in Palm Beach

Lily Pulitzer Rousseau, an iconic fashion designer, died at the age of 81 in Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday (April 7, 2013).  The free-spirited socialite was known for making sleeveless dresses from bright floral prints, which became known as the "Lilly" design. Lily Pulitzer got married with Peter Pulitzer, grandson of newspaper mogul Joseph Pulitzer, and they have 3 children Peter, Minnie and Liza. According to Opera, the couple divorced in 1969 and the designer then wedded Cuban lawyer Enrique Rousseau. Lily Pulitzer ‘s career sprang from her husband Peter’s citrus groves as she opened an orange juice stand. The Palm Beach socialite designed herself colorful cotton shirts to work in comfortably. The dresses received so many compliments that she began a collection of informal dresses, called "Lillys." Lily Pulitzer’s brand expanded to include country club attire, swimsuits, children's clothing, home goods and a men's sportswear line. However, it reached new heights when her schoolmate Jackie Kennedy was photographed wearing one of her dresses while on vacation.

Real Housewives of New Jersey cast members go crazy (again)

I bet the new season of Real Housewives of New Jersey is going to be very very crazy. Three cast members of the Bravo show will face charges following a bloody attack at the grand opening of a clothing boutique Saturday. Johnny Karagiorgis, 38, claims Jacqueline and Christopher Laurita and Joe Gorga attacked him as cameras rolled at “Housewives” regular Kim DePaol’s Posche 2 party in Ridgewood, N.J., according to Davis. The Paramus man told The Record newspaper he still has a mark on his forehead from a stiletto heel. “It was a huge brawl. Three of Kim D’s clothes racks were destroyed and three of our custom sinks were broken,” said Jennifer Dunn, a hair salon owner. The entire cast from the reality show will return for season 5 and Bravo has yet to announce if there will be any new cast members next season.

Newly discovered Poecilotheria rajaei tarantula in Sri Lanka has the size of a human face

Photo source: Polyvore

Poecilotheria rajaei, a large species of tarantula, has been discovered in Sri Lanka. Poecilotheria are tree-dwelling tarantulas that are known for their potent venom but not lethal to humans. The goliath birdeater tarantula of South America’s leg span is a reported 8 inches and it may be the largest spider in the world. The spider’s covered in a variety of colors including yellow, pink and gray. The tarantula was technically first uncovered by a villager in 2009 while live spiders were recently discovered in an old hospital, among other places. Deforestation is one of Sri Lanka's chief environmental concerns that have made the number of the tree-dwelling spider dwindle. Besides, the tarantula is also threatened due to lack of suitable habitat. Let's share this post on Twitter so your friends can see the picture of this big spider.

“ER” actor Mekhi Phifer and girlfriend Reshelet Barnes are married

“ER” actor Mekhi Phifer and his longtime girlfriend Reshelet Barnes tied the knot at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday afternoon (March 30, 2013). Congratulations! The 38-year-old star and his bride exchanged vows in an intimate outdoor ceremony in front of 100 friends and family. Mekhi Phifer, best known for his roles in “8 Mile” and “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” was dressed in a crisp white suit and took his spot under an alter of yellow flowers. Meanwhile, his fiancee Reshelet Barnes looked absolutely stunning in an ivory. This is the second marriage for Mekhi Phifer, who has a son named Omikaye with ex-wife Malinda Williams and another son Mekhi Jr. with ex-girlfriend Oni Souratha.

Photo via Pinterest

A man killed in a shooting outside a church in northeast Ohio

A 52-year-old man was killed in a shooting outside a church in northeast Ohio on Sunday (March 31, 2013). The victim was identified as Richard Riddle, who was shot around 1:15 p.m after Easter services ended. His body will be transferred to the Cuyahoga County coroner's office for autopsy. Meanwhile, the shooter, who taken into custody, was identified the victim’s son. There were no immediate reports of any other injuries. According to Ashtabula Police Chief Robert Stell, at least six law enforcement agencies rushed to assist local police after dispatchers received multiple calls about the shooting from inside the church. People at the church, which has about 175 members, didn't know what led up to the shooting.

Photo credit: Pinterest

A 17-year-old boy indicted for shooting a 13-year-old baby in the face

De'Marquise Elkins, a 17-year-old teenager, was formally indicted after being accused of shooting 13-month-old Antonio Santiago in the face on March 21, 2013. It was reported that the murder and his co-defendant tried to rob the child's mother and shot the boy, who was in a stroller. De'Marquise Elkins’ mother Karimah Aisha Elkins and his sister Sabrina Elkins were then arrested for tampering with evidence. The two were charged with throwing the gun into a saltwater pond near Highway 17 in an attempt to hide evidence of the killing. His mom was additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Meanwhile, his aunt Katrina Elkins was also arrested in connection with the suspect. I think you should share this news on Twitter so people will know about the Elkins family. They are such a disgusting family.

David Petraeus apologizes for affair that led to his resignation as head of the CIA

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David Petraeus, the hero of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, gave his first public speech since his resignation on Tuesday night (March 26, 2013). The head of the CIA apologized to an audience of veterans for the conduct that led to his stepping down following the disclosure of an extramarital affair. He made the comments to a group of about 600 people, including  many uniformed and decorated veterans at the University of Southern California's annual ROTC dinner. He once told his staff he was guilty of "extremely poor judgment" when his affair with the retired four-star general's biographer Paula Broadwell was discovered, "Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours." Since resigning, David Petraeus has remained largely in seclusion and spent much of that time with his family.

A 9-year-old girl survives a car crash while returning home from a party in California

A little girl survived a car crash in California earlier in the morning on Monday (March 25, 2013). It was reported that the accident took place when the 9-year-old child and her father Alejandro Renteria had been returning home from a party. The 35-year-old man was driving down the Sierra Highway near Acton when he lost control of the car. The girl then climbed out of the vehicle and hiked through difficult terrain in order to get help for her dad. A passing motorist spotted her and alerted authorities to the scene, where Alejandro Renteria was pronounced dead. According to Opera, the girl was later taken to the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles to treat to for minor bruises and a cut to her cheek.

My 69th post: Chicago plans to shutter 54 public schools

Well, this is my 69th post. You will think this is hilarious if you know what I meant when I wrote about the #69.
OK, let's get back to the news. Chicago school officials said on Thursday (March 21, 2013) that they plan to close 54 schools and 61 school buildings by the beginning of the next academic year. The move, which experts called the largest mass closing in the nation, is in an effort to stabilize an educational system facing a huge budget shortfall. Throughout the day, principals, teachers and parents were notified that their schools were on the closing list. But until late afternoon, neither the mayor’s office nor Chicago Public Schools officials would confirm the numbers. The cut represents roughly 10% of all elementary school facilities in Chicago Public Schools, the country's third-largest school district. The closures and cutbacks will help save $560 million over the next decade. But the move will cost the city money in the short run, because school officials estimated it would cost $233 million to upgrade schools receiving new students and for more security. Meanwhile, union leaders and parent activists protested the decision, saying that closings would disproportionately hurt African Americans. It can undermine neighborhoods and cause safety problems for students who may as a result have to cross gang lines.

The suspect in relation to the 2002 murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl is arrested

According to Popyah, Qari Abdul Hayee, the suspect in connection with the brutal 2002 murder of Wall Street Journal correspondent Daniel Pearl, was arrested in the city of Karachi on Sunday (March 17, 2013). He is under interrogation and then will be handed over to Pakistani police. Hayee, also known as Asadullah, was the former president of the Sindh province's chapter of extremist organization Lashkar-e-Jhangvi's. He was identified as one of 27 people allegedly involved in Pearl's kidnapping in a special investigation by Georgetown University called The Pearl Project in 2011. Officials said that they do not believe Abdul Hayee carried out the murder but was “privy” to information.

A 64-year-old man opens fire in neighboring New York towns, killing 4 people

Four people were killed in separate shootings at a carwash and a barbershop in neighboring upstate New York towns on Wednesday afternoon (March 13, 2013). A manhunt was later underway for a single gunman, who was identified by state police as Kurt Myers, 64, of Mohawk. According to Search Dave, the first shootings took place at John's Barber Shop in the Village of Mohawk, where the gunman opened fire with a shotgun, killing two people and critically wounding the other two. The shooter then drove to Gaffey's Car Wash on Mohawk Street in Herkimer, striking and killing two customers. The killings occurred shortly after a fire was reported at the Mohawk apartment house where Kurt Myers lived.

6 people killed in a serious crash in Ohio

Ohio authorities have identified six teenagers killed in the violent early morning crash of a sports utility vehicle that killed six teenagers in the northeast Ohio on Sunday (March 10. 2013). Highway Patrol officials say speed was a factor in the violent accident which occurred around 7:15 a.m. Sunday just south of the city of Warren, about 60 miles east of Cleveland near the Pennsylvania state line. According to Homes & Antiques, eight people were onboard the Honda Passport which crashed into a guardrail and flipped over into a swampy pond, killing five boys and a girl, while two other boys escaped. Investigators say it came to rest upside down in the swamp and sank with five of the victims trapped inside. A sixth who was thrown from the SUV during the crash was found under it when the vehicle was taken out of the water. The two teen boys who survived were treated for bruising and other injuries and released. All those killed were ages 14 to 19, authorities said. Their names weren't released, while family members were being contacted.

Lion kills a person at California wildlife sanctuary

An African lion attacked and killed a person at a private wild animal park in Central California on Wednesday (March 6, 2013), authorities said. The victim was identified by the park's founder as a female intern in her early 20s. She was attacked and fatally injured after getting into a cage about 12:30 p.m with the lion at Cat Haven sanctuary in Dunlap, California. Investigators were trying to determine why the woman was inside the enclosure and what might have provoked the attack. The 4-year-old lion, a male named Cous Cous, had been raised at the sanctuary since it was 8 weeks old. The lion was shot and killed after the attack. Cat Haven founder and executive director Dale Anderson refused to take questions from reporters, but extended thoughts and prayers to the victim's friends and relatives. He called the incident "very rare," noting that regulations and safety measures required by the state call for minimal human-animal interaction. Follow me on Google+ to know who is talking about this accident.

Australian miners are fired for performing 'Harlem Shake' video

Up to 15 miners in Australia have been fired from their high-paying jobs after filming a “Harlem Shake” video underground. According to Witty Sparks, the workers were part of an overnight crew working at the Agnew Mine in Western Australia owned by South African miner Gold Fields Ltd. Like thousands of others, the miners posted their video on YouTube. It shows eight miners wearing safety gear, some wielding tools and shirtless, doing the convulsive dance. A dismissal letter obtained by the West Australian newspaper said mine owner Barminco considered the stunt a safety issue. Barminco did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday (March 4, 2013). He made the decision to fire 15 workers, including some who watched the performance but did not participate, in a second incident of the Internet dance craze sparking safety concerns. Australia is experiencing a mining boom, with thousands of workers attracted by high salaries to remote Outback mines. The West Australian said the miners who lost their jobs had six-figure salaries.

Queen Elizabeth II cancels trip to Wales after suffering from stomach bug

Photo source: We Heart It

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has been forced to cancel a planned trip to the Welsh city of Swansea after coming down with a stomach bug, Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said on Friday (March 1, 2013). The 86-year-old Queen had been due to visit Swansea, Wales, on Saturday (GMT) to carry out the tradition of presenting leeks to soldiers of the Royal Welsh Regiment in honour of Wales' national day. The spokesman said the Queen was suffering symptoms of gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and bowel caused by bacteria or viruses. She will now spend the weekend at her official residence in Windsor and will be assessed in the coming days.  The monarch appeared in good health earlier in the week when she presented a host of Olympic stars with honours during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. The Queen’s visit to Rome, Italy next week with the Duke of Edinburgh was still due to take place but a decision would be made later.

Man charged in death of gay mayoral candidate

A 22-year-old man has been charged with murder Thursday in the death of a gay black mayoral candidate in the small but violent Mississippi town of Clarksdale. Lawrence Reed of Shelby is accused of killing Marco McMillian, 34, who was well-known in the community and beyond. Authorities had been looking for McMillian since Tuesday morning when his SUV was involved in a car crash with another vehicle and he was nowhere to be found.  The candidate's body was found near the Mississippi River levee Wednesday morning (February 27, 2013) between Sherard and Rena Lara. The body was sent for an autopsy, and the cause of death hasn't been made public. McMillian was seen as a rising star in Mississippi Democratic politics, and some political observers believed he was a viable candidate for office. The death was not considered politically motivated, despite a heated mayoral race, said Coahoma County Coroner Scotty Meredith. Follow me on Tumblr and Twitter to catch latest updates on this news story.

Deadly fire in Calcutta illegal market

At least 19 people have been killed when a massive fire swept through an illegal plastics market in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on Wednesday morning (February 27, 2013). The fire was detected at 3:50 a.m. at the Surya Sen market complex in central Kolkata 's Sealdah area when the victims, mostly shop owners and workers, were sleeping inside. The unlicensed shops clustered in the building were selling plastics, papers, and foam products which created acrid black smoke that impeded rescue efforts and led to the high death toll. The building had only one entrance, making rescue difficult. Efforts were also hampered by thick smoke blanketing the area. It took three hours to contain the blaze, but rescue operations are ongoing. Many have been transferred to two city hospitals for treatment. In March 2010 a huge blaze on one of Kolkata's most exclusive streets killed 43 while in late 2011, 90 people were killed when a fire engulfed a city hospital. Remember to share this news on your Google+ profile if you think this post is helpful. Thanks for your support.

An Indian man arrested for calling 911 nine times to order a cheeseburger

Gregory Jackson Sr., an Indian man, was arrested after repeatedly calling 911 nine times in a one-and-a-half hour period last Friday (February 21, 2013). The 52-year-old guy drew the attention of local police, calling the emergency service just to order a cheeseburger. However, instead of sending him a cheeseburger, New Castle Police sent an officer to his apartment and arrested him for failing to appear at a court hearing two days earlier. Now, Jackson is being held in the Henry County Jail, awaiting an appearance scheduled today. According to Topsy, the former inmate has previously served jail sentences for theft, dealing a controlled substance and criminal recklessness.

Cuban President Raul Castro reveals retirement plan

Cuban President Raul Castro announced on Sunday (February 24, 2013) that he will step down from power in 2018 following a final five-year term. The 81-year-old leader also said he hopes to establish two-term limits and age caps for political offices including the presidency. During his years in power, Raul Castro eased some restrictions on personal freedoms by lifting bans on mobile phones and home computers, and abolished the need of citizens to buy expensive exit visas when travelling abroad as tourists. The Communist assembly tapped a 52-year-old rising star, Miguel Diaz-Canel to become his first vice president and first in the line of succession. Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdes, 80, and Gladys Bejerano, 66, the comptroller general, were also re-elected as vice presidents. This comes as Cuba's newly elected 612-member parliament gathered on Sunday. Former President Fidel Castro joined the National Assembly meeting in a rare public appearance. If you want to ask me anything about Castro's retirement plan, please drop a comment here.

Senator Marco Rubio joins Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a Google-sponsored ad

Marco Rubio, the former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, was recently featured in a Google-sponsored ad that encourages businesses to start websites. The Cuban American native of Miami was joined in the ad by three Democrats including Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James, Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "Get online," Senator Marco Rubio said. "Fifteen million businesses do not have a website." This clip is part of Google's Get Your Business Online initiative that offers a free web hosting and domain name to small businesses that apply. Besides this blog, you can also follow me on Pinterest and other social networking sites. Have a nice weekend!

A California couple return a bag filled with wads of cash near Golden Gate Bridge on Valentine’s Day

Carlos and Barbara Landeros, a California couple, found a bag filled with wads of cash during their romantic Valentine’s Day stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge on February 14, 2013. There were also expensive camera equipment and credit cards inside the bag. The honest pair waited for more than 45 minutes to make sure it wasn't stolen and hoped an owner would return to claim it. When no owner arrived, Carlos and Barbara Landeros decided to turn the bag and its contents over to the police. The owner of the bang was then tracked down. He is Mark, a tourist from China. Mark said that he mistakenly left the camera bag in the parking lot after posing for family photos. Mark also personally visited the Landeroses to thank them and put a check in the mail as a reward. I think this is a very interesting story. Please share it on Jeqq if you agree with me.

Mother and daughter sentenced to prison for kidnapping a little boy and hiding him for 8 years

Gloria Walker and her daughter Krystle Tanner in Texas were sentenced to prison after being convicted of kidnapping Miguel Morin on Tuesday (February 19, 2013). Krystle Tanner, who  used to babysit the Houston boy, took him from his apartment complex when he was eight months. She and her mother then kept him hidden in homes in Central and East Texas for eight years before he was found. The two also renamed him Jaquan. Gloria Walker was sentenced to 30 years for injury to a child and eight years for kidnapping while Krystle Tanner was sentenced to eight years for kidnapping and eight years for the lesser charge of reckless injury to a child. Please share this news on TweetBuzz and Opera so other children will know and stay away the two women.

Billionaire Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss dies at the age of 80

Jerry Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers' owner and real estate magnate, died at the age of 80 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Monday (February 18, 2013). Buss, whose condition worsened in recent months, had been hospitalized for most of the past 18 months while undergoing cancer treatment. However, the immediate cause of death was kidney failure. With a scientist's analytical skills, a businessman's money-making savvy and a die-hard hoops fan's heart, Jerry Buss shepherded the Lakers to 10 championships from the Showtime dynasty of the 1980s to the Kobe Bryant era. Buss purchased the NBA team and other assets in 1979 for $67.5 million in 1979 and the club is now run largely by Jim Buss and Jeanie Buss, two of his six children. Follow me Tumblr or Google+ if you are a fan of the Lakers.

Another major snowstorm hits New England

Just one week after the historic blizzard hit New England, another storm brought several inches of snow and strong winds to parts of the Northeast on 17 February. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning on Sunday morning for Boston, Cape Cod, Nantucket and surrounding areas, saying that gusty winds, low visibility and up to 8 inches of snow were expected. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph blew the light, fluffy snow that was already on the ground, creating low visibility, possible whiteout conditions and dangerous driving conditions. The snow and ice in Boston caused flights arriving to Logan International Airport to be delayed an average of 52 minutes. The city was likely to escape the worst of it, said Bill Simpson, a meteorologist for the weather service in Taunton. The snow that was hitting the New England area came a day after the moving storm brought 2-3 inches of snow to the Carolinas. Please drop a comment here if you want to ask me anything about the snowstorm.

Memphis City Council passes the resolution to change the name of three parks

According to You Doze, a resolution was passed by the Memphis City Council to immediately rename three parks that honor the Confederacy and two of its notable members. The idea of changing the name of these parks emerged after council members learned of a state House bill that would prevent parks named after historical military figures from being renamed. The resolution changes the name of Confederate Park and Jefferson Davis Park in downtown Memphis to Memphis Park and Mississippi River Park respectively. Meanwhile, Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, which lies just a few miles away, is renamed to Health Sciences Park.

One dead and dozens wounded in Port Said clash

A crowd of protesters reportedly tried to attack a police station in Port Said on Friday (January 25, 2013). A 23-year-old man died after he was shot in the chest and forehead while dozens were wounded in the clashes. The guy who was killed with live bullets was identified Mohamed Hussein Qurany. It was not immediately clear which side is to blame for the deadly shooting. The crowd of protesters were said to throw petrol bombs and shoot fireworks at the outer wall of Mursi's Cairo presidential compound as night fell. The riot police then fired shotgun pellets, tear gas and powerful jets of water from fire hoses in an effort to disperse the demonstrators. It was estimated that at least 54 people had been injured across the country, mostly in Cairo. On Monday (January 28, 2013), thousands took to the streets of Port Said Monday during the funerals of the most recent victims of the clashes. Follow me on Jeqq if you want to see the list of the victims.

Crazy old man, 72, shoots three people at Phoenix office building

Another day, another shooting. Phoenix police are searching for a very crazy old man who they believe shot three people at a Phoenix office building, leaving one person dead and two in critical condition. Phoenix Police Public Information Officer Tommy Thompson said the gunman arrived at the office building about 10:30 a.m. and to discuss some type of meeting concerning some pending litigation. He then got into an altercation with someone, a conflict that escalated to the point where the shooter drew a gun and shot two men and a woman. One of the two seriously wounded men in the office shooting later died. Police identified the unlucky man as Steve Singer, the CEO of the Scottsdale-based Fusion Contact Centers. Police also identified the suspect as 72-year-old Arthur George Harmon and said Harmon fled the scene in a white vehicle and fired shots at a witness, who was giving chase. As police searched for the suspect, SWAT teams and two armored vehicles surrounded his house in the 14000 block of North 28th Street . For a time, police used a megaphone to ask Harmon to surrender, believing the old man might be inside the home. Harmon's son refused to allow officers to enter the house until they obtained a search warrant. Unfortunately, police could not find the shooter when they entered the house.

Bodies of 65 people found in a river in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo

The bodies of at least 65 people, all executed with a single gunshot to the head or neck, were found in a river in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on Tuesday. Most have their hands are tied behind their backs and pools of blood trail from their heads. Their faces are white and bodies bloated. All look to be young men, some teens, wearing jeans, button-up shirts and sneakers. Opposition campaigners blamed the government but it was impossible to confirm who was responsible. It is not clear who carried out the killings and restrictions on independent media in Syria make it difficult to verify reports from activists. In video filmed by activists and published by the Observatory on YouTube, the cameraman walks along the river, less than two metres wide, and films some 50 bodies that have been pulled onto the concrete path. The violence came a day ahead of a donors conference for the Syrian opposition headed by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in the oil-rich Gulf state of Kuwait. You can ask me about the the donors conference on Twitter or just leave a comment here.

Major flooding disaster hits Australia

Heavy flooding along Australia's eastern coast have killed four people and forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes across two Australian states on Tuesday, January 29. This led the country's insurers to declare a "catastrophic event" Tuesday as days of torrential rain accompanied by tornadoes added to the strain on the nation's economy. Storms were triggered by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald and heavy rains have brought flooding to the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate as wild weather cut power supplies to about 165,000 residents. An armada of military and civilian helicopters raced time and tide last night to save up to 1500 people caught in Bundaberg by the Burnett River, one of dozens now in fierce flood across central and southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. This is the second major flooding disaster to hit Australia in two recent years. Follow me on Opera for more updates on the flood.

Obama Expresses Concern Over Football Violence

U.S President Barack Obama is a big football fan with two daughters, but if he had a son, he says would not allow him to play football because of the physical toll the game takes. "I'm a big football fan, but I have to tell you if I had a son, I'd have to think long and hard before I let him play football.” The President thinks the sport is too violent and should "probably change gradually" so that there are fewer concussions, particularly at the college level. The will help to protect the players, even if it makes the game "less exciting”. In another interview, Obama said he worries more about college players than he does about those in the NFL. He said the NCAA needs to think about college players who suffer from concussions. This is hardly the first time the sports-loving President has weighed in on an athletic issue. We also heard his attitudes  last year on Tebow, the NHL lockout, the title chances of the Chicago Bulls and more. Please share this post on Twitter or Google+ if you agree with the President.

Thousands of demonstrators rally in support of gun control in Washington DC

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in in the US capital Washington in favor of gun control on Saturday, including residents of Newtown, Connecticut, where a mass elementary school shooting reignited the U.S. gun violence debate. Leading the crowd were marchers with pictures of victims of gun violence, while other participants held signs reading: "Protect children, not guns." The silent march was organized by Molly Smith, the artistic director of Washington's Arena Stage, and her partner American Indian activist Suzanne Blue Star Boy. The pair used social networking sites like Facebook or Scoop to spread the word of the march. The march organizers support President Barack Obama's call for a ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines as well as for background checks for all gun sales. President Obama unveiled a far-reaching package of measures to reshape gun laws ten days ago, and and Vice President Joe Biden has since been leading efforts to sell them to the American public. The 90-minute rally was co-sponsored by One Million Moms for Gun Control, an advocacy group which has helped organize similar events from San Francisco to New York.

Spanish newspaper El Pais apologizes for posting Hugo Chavez’s false photo

El Pais, a top Spanish newspaper, apologized on Thursday for publishing a "false photo" of Venezuela's cancer-stricken leader Hugo Chavez on its front page. "El Pais apologizes to its readers for the damage caused. The newspaper has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of what happened and the errors that were committed in the verification of the photo," the paper said. After posting the dramatic photograph, El Pais said it had discovered from social media within minutes that its was not of Chavez. The image was then removed from its website.
Chavez, 58, is currently lying in a Cuban hospital after undergoing his fourth cancer operation in just 18 months. In a Twitter comment, Venezuelan Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said that the photo was actually taken from a video of an operation posted on YouTube. Follow me on Tumblr for more updates on Chavez's health.

Barbara Walters admitted to the hospital after falling

Barbara Walters, a 83-year-old veteran ABC newswoman, was sent to a Washington. D.C., hospital on Saturday night (January 19, 2013). The journalist was admitted to the hospital for treatment of a cut and for a full examination after she fell on a stair and cut her forehead at the residence of Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Westmacott. According to bestsearching.com, it is unclear when she may be released from the hospital. Barbara Walters, who was in D.C. ahead of President Obama's second inauguration, was scheduled to contribute to ABC News' coverage of the events on Monday (January 21, 2013). However, the TV news' first female superstar reportedly will not be able to contribute to the reporting and may not be back on the air for several days because of her injury.

Unusually severe flu season in US

This weekend will be important time for football fans, movie buffs and President Barack Obama as well. But as the Sundance Film Festival, the NFL playoffs and the Presidential Inauguration is upcoming, the U.S. is about halfway through this flu season. More than 3,700 people have been hospitalized and at least 20 children have already died from flu-related causes since the flu season officially began. "it's shaping up to be a worse-than-average season" and a bad one for the elderly, Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The number of older people sickened by the flu has risen dramatically, prompting federal officials to take unusual steps to make more flu medicines available and to urge wider use of them as soon as symptoms appear. Influenza prevention and treatment is an area where there is an urgent need to spend money in order to save money and lives. I think you should share this news with your friends on social networks like Pinterest so they can keep them healthy.

Florida man James Campbell dies after his dog jumps into his van and hits the accelerator pedal

James Campbell, a 68-year-old Florida man, was killed after his dog jumped into his van and landed on the vehicle’s accelerator on Monday (January 14, 2013). The strange incident began when he and his wife Iris Fortner, 56, returned to their home in Cantonment, Fla., on the Florida Panhandle. Campbell got out and stepped behind the vehicle to open the gate so that his wife, Mrs Fortner could back their 1995 Chevy van into their property. Mrs Fortner wanted to ensure her husband was not standing in her way, so she opened the door to see where he was standing. That’s when their rambunctious dog reportedly jumped through the open door on a van's driver side onto the vehicle’s gas pedal. The vehicle reversed and hit James Campbell, trapping him under it. If your friends have dogs, you should share this story with them on Jeqq so bad things will not happen to the dog owners.

Dennis Kucinich signs on with Fox News Channel to be a regular contributor

Former Ohio Democratic congressman Dennis Kucinich became a regular contributor for the Fox News Channel, a cable news organization that oftentimes maligns his viewpoint. The presidential candidate in 2004 and 2008 ended 16 years in Congress two weeks ago and he will begin as a contributor with an appearance on "The O'Reilly Factor" on Thursday night (January 17, 2013). Dennis Kucinich is then expected to appear on various shows across Fox News and Fox Business Network as well. The former mayor of Cleveland noted that throughout his career, the network has given him a place to air his views. “Through 16 years in Congress and two presidential campaigns, Fox News always provided me with an opportunity to share my perspective with its enormous viewership,” Dennis Kucinich said. Don't forget to share this news with your friends on Tumblr or Facebook if you are a regular viewer of Fox News.

A new island suddenly emerges off the coast of Germany and Denmark

A hook-shaped land, which is 34 acres long, has emerged from the North Sea, off the coast of Germany and Denmark. The new island is now home to more than 50 plant species and a variety of sea birds. The land mass didn’t exist 10 years ago. However, it gradually emerged from the stormy waters of the North Sea over the past few years. The German government are protecting the plucky island and will limit public access to the area. I hope that I will visit the island someday. I love traveling. I also love taking photos of beautiful places where I have been. I often share the photos on We Heart It and my friends always like them. If you have the same hobby, please follow me and Google+ so we can share our experiences to each other.

New color is added to the weather map to depict extreme heat in Australia

It's going to be a rough week in Australia, where the country’s Bureau of Meteorology had to add a new color to weather forecasting map, extending the range to 54ºC, or 129ºF, from the previous cap of 50ºC, or 122ºF. The new, deeper purple “dome of heat” swirls above South Australia, indicating temperatures above 50ºC in some areas. This last Monday was the country's hottest day on record nationwide, with average maximum temperatures around the country of 40.33 degrees, and officials expect more to come. A seven-day record-breaking heat-wave has led to a mass outbreak of fires across the country and in the most populous state of New South Wales, the official fire danger rating is "catastrophic”. Fire fighters have been battling more than 140 fast-moving wildfires in Australia. The extreme heat conditions this week were expected to replicate those of 2009, when “Black Saturday” wildfires in the state of Victoria killed 173 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage.
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Mother alerted by cat finds python wrapped around 2-year-old daughter

In a scene straight out of a horror movie, Tess Guthrie, Australia, woke up to find her 2-year old daughter, Zara, wrapped up in a python. The 22-year-old mom was sleeping in bed next to her toddler daughter when she was woken by her cat, Duchess, hissing at around 3:30 a.m, Sunday and saw a terrifying sight, the enormous python wound three times around her daughter's arm. “I couldn't believe it ... at the same time I was freaking out at what I was seeing I realised what the cat had been carrying on about for days," the young Mom said yesterday. At first she thought it was a dream but soon realised the terrible fact, Guthrie grabbed the snake by the head to try to peel it away from her child, which caused the reptile to bite Zara three times on her left hand. After being taken to the hospital, Zara was treated and released from Lismore Base Hospital with no major injuries. Meanwhile, the python was captured by and released back into the wild.
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