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Showing posts from May, 2019

Alvin Sargent, Spider-Man screenwriter, dies at 92

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Alvin Sargent, the American screenwriter who won two Oscars and penned scripts for the Spider-Man film trilogy, has died at the age of 92. Sargent died of natural causes at his home in Seattle on Thursday. He won Oscars for Julia, a 1977 Holocaust drama based on the personal writings of Lillian Hellman, and Ordinary People, a 1980 film about a family facing bereavement. However, he will be equally remembered for his later work on Spider-Man. Sargent wrote the screenplays for Spider-Man 2 in 2004 and Spider-Man 3 in 2007. He also did a rewrite for the 2012 The Amazing Spider-Man. Starting as a writer for television, Sargent made it on to the big screen in 1966 with "Gambit," a comedy thriller starring Michael Caine. Along with his two Oscar wins, he was also nominated in 1974 for "Paper Moon" - an American comedy-drama film set in Kansas and Missouri during the Great Depression. Sargent and his life partner, producer Laura Ziskin, married i

Freddie Starr: Tributes paid after comic dies aged 76

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Tributes have been paid to comedian Freddie Starr who has died aged 76. The Merseyside-born comic, singer, impressionist and actor was found dead in his home in the Costa Del Sol region of Spain, Comedian Bobby Davro described him as "the funniest man I have ever seen", while presenter Amanda Holden said he should be "remembered with a smile". Davro tweeted: "I'm so sad we have lost one of our greatest comedy talents." Obituary: Freddie Starr Britain's Got Talent judge Holden added: "Sad to hear of Freddie Starr passing today. His style may have fallen out of comedy fashion and favour - but it's important to recognise his once huge popularity and fame." She added: "I hope his legacy is not smalled down and he's remembered with a smile." Comedian Jim Davidson also tweeted: "Just heard the news. Freddie Starr was the greatest." Lord Sugar described Starr as a "very funny man" F

Pope: Drawing people to Jesus, even those who are looking for him, without knowing it

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Good Shepherd Sunday, Pope Francis invites two new priests - among the 19 he has just ordained - to bless the people with him from the window of the apostolic palace.  The Good Shepherd "speaks, knows, gives eternal life, safeguards".  The sheep "listen to my voice", "follow me".  A round of applause for all mothers on Mother's Day. Vatican City -  In order to draw "those people to him [Jesus] who are looking for him, but perhaps without knowing it", it is important "to live our relationship with Christ with full confidence and familiarity,"  said Pope Francis in his reflection before the Regina Caeli, the Marian prayer of Easter time. Speaking to the tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the pontiff emphasized: "There are so many people that only God knows in their hearts, and who are already his 'sheep', but they need a brother, a sister to lead them to Jesus Christ. 

Kim Kardashian West and Kanyes West's fourth child born

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Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West's fourth child, and second son, has been born via surrogate mother, Kim revealed   Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West's fourth child has been born. The couple have been expecting their fourth child, and second via surrogate mother after daughter Chicago was born in January 2018, and on Friday (10.05.19), the 38-year-old reality star revealed they are now the proud parents of a baby boy. In a simple tweet, the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star wrote: ''He's here and he's perfect!'' As of the time of writing, their new arrival's name has not been revealed, although he now joins Chicago, five-year-old North, and three-year-old Saint as the fourth child and sixth member of Kim and Kanye's family. The tot's birth comes after Kim's sister Kourtney Kardashian revealed on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' on Thursday (09.05.19) that Kim's surrogate had gone into labour. App

Rihanna makes history with new fashion label Fenty

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( Rihanna will become the first woman of colour to head a brand under the group) Singer Rihanna is to launch a fashion label with French luxury goods group Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH).  The label is called Fenty, after the singer's full name - Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and will launch in Spring 2019. She will become the first woman of colour to lead a house under the LVMH brand, and the first woman to create an original brand for the group. The singer, who has 70 million followers on Instagram, is widely known for her bold fashion choices. Fenty, which will produce clothing, shoes, and accessories, is the first new label under the LVMH brand since 1987. The label will join around 70 brands already in the LVMH group, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Givenchy. In a statement, Rihanna said that she had been given a "unique opportunity to develop a fashion house in the luxury sector, with no artistic limits." She added: "I couldn't

Woman Reunited With Her Dog After It Was Lost on an American Airlines Flight

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Traveling with a pet can be a stressful situation, even in the best of circumstances. Most pet owners dread the worst-case-scenario of their precious companion getting sick or even getting lost on a flight. Recent tragic incidents involving pets on flights is why many airlines have been becoming increasingly strident about their pet policies. Luckily, these cases are few and far between, and sometimes, even if the seemingly worst happens, it can still end up being a happy ending. A woman in North Carolina had one such experience but was happy to reunite with her beloved dog after he was accidentally put on the wrong flight, according to WTVR News. Amber Dalton was scheduled to fly on an American Airlines flight from San Francisco to Raleigh with her dog, Beast, last week. Although Dalton managed to get to her correct destination

Chelsea 2019 preview: McQueens celebrates bees

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McQueens Flowers will highlight the importance of bee conservation in two immersive installations at Chelsea Flower Show (21 – 25 May 2019). In collaboration with bee behaviourist Dr David Lawson, McQueens Flowers has created two installations which aim to educate visitors about the behaviour of bees and their important role in food production. The immersive installations will showcase at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Honey, I’m Home!  in The Artisan Area & Tree Tops Area (AT99), will feature a hexagonal honeycomb hive to be filled with bees made by visitors throughout the show, while in the great tunnel  Per Oculus Apum  or ‘Through the Eyes of Bees’ (TUN633), a canopy of flowers extending across the ceiling will spiral downwards and spill out onto the floor. The canopy of flowers, made from wild, organic bee-friendly flowers in vibrant yellows and purples, aims to demonstrate how bees see flowers in ultra-violet, electrostatic patter noises will show

15BEST COD RECIPES

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  Want new and exciting ways to cook with vitamin-packed cod? Pick from our one-pot paprika cod, fun cod dogs or miso-buttered cod traybake Looking for quick and easy cod recipes? Try our easy fish recipes using cod. From grilled cod to cod fritters, pan-fried cod and an easy fish traybake. Ingredients British cod is at its best in the colder months

adidas by Stella McCartney Releases New Summer 2019 Lookbook

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adidas by Stella McCartney has released a new lookbook for its Summer 2019 lookbook.  The collaborative line is filled with sporty designs crafted from Primeknit and other breathable materials. In the photo spread we get a chance to see the running long-sleeve in action. Paired with the coral top we see the Warpknit tights and essentials bra which make for the perfect workout outfit.  The Adissage slides arrive in black and pink for those looking for pool footwear. Completing the line are the latest sneakers like the laceless UltraBOOST trainer and limited-edition Alpha Edge4D. Scroll through the lookbook above and shop your favorite picks at Stella McCartney and adidas now.

You're going to see this €16 Penneys dress at lots of summer weddings

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You're going to see this €16 Penneys dress at lots of summer weddings this year. Wedding guest outfit shopping can be fun but it's not always easy to find the perfect look because funnily enough... when you're looking for something then you can never find it. However, we have spotted quite a few special-occasion appropriate pieces lately and one we have to mention is this €16 Penneys dress. #AD It's the type of piece that would be perfect for a summer wedding, at home if/when the sun shines and it's also ideal for celebrations taking place abroad. It's such a versatile look too so while you can dress it up with sandals and accessories for a wedding or similar special occasion, it could be styled down to wear casually too. The best kind of bargain. We love the colour, the button-down detail, the halterneck effect and it's fair to say that it looks a lot more expensive than its affordable price tag.

Queen Elizabeth to meet royal baby first

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The Queen will reportedly meet The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's newborn son at Windsor Castle Queen Elizabeth will be the first member of the royal family to meet her new great grandchild. The 93-year-old monarch braved the extremely wet weather to attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire on Wednesday morning (08.05.19), and now HELLO! has reported that Her Royal Highness will be introduced to Prince Harry and his wife Duchess Meghan's baby boy - who was born on Monday (06.05.19) - at Windsor Castle later today. It's believed the 37-year-old former actress - who was known as Meghan Markle before she married Prince Harry last May - and the flame-haired royal will also share the first photograph of their son as well as announce the moniker they have chosen for him today (08.05.19). The birth was officially announced in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, in keeping with tradition. The typewritten note - which was in a gold frame - simply stated: '

Kim Kardashian West lands new true crime show Kim Kardashian: The Justice Project

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 Kim K ardashian West is executive producing a true crime documentary about her prison reform work on America's Oxygen channel, entitled 'Kim Kardashian: The Justice Project'.   The 38-year-old reality star has helped release 17 prisoners in the past 30 days, who were facing a lifetime in jail for non-violent drug offences, and now the lawyer student has announced a new two-hour documentary on US cable channel Oxygen. The TV doc shows the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star ''secure freedom for Americans who she believes have been wronged by the justice system.'' It will also give ''an exclusive, never before seen look inside her mission to tackle on of America's most controversial subjects.'' Kim has been listed as an executive producer alongside Bunim Murray Productions with Gil Goldschein, whilst Julie Pizzi and Farnaz Farjam are also executive producing. The KKW Beauty owner has been working on the

Keith Flint: Prodigy star died by hanging after taking cocaine

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The Prodigy star Keith Flint died by hanging and had cocaine, alcohol and codeine in his system at the time, an inquest has heard. The 49-year-old was found dead at his home, in Essex in England, on March 4th. The coroner’s officer Linda Calder told Wednesday’s brief inquest hearing: “Mr Flint was found at his home address by a friend, hanging from a beam.” The postmortem noted the presence of cocaine, alcohol and codeine in his body but did not specify the amounts. The county’s senior coroner, Caroline Beasley-Murray, recorded an open conclusion, adding that “we will never quite know what was going on in his mind on that date”. She said Flint’s family and band manager were aware of the hearing but did not wish to attend. The hearing was held in their absence, with no witnesses called to give evidence in person. Police found no suspicious circumstances and no third-party involvement during their investigation, Beasley-Murray said. Explaining how she reached

N20m fraud: Kwara perm sec, others to remain in EFCC custody

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Four officials of the Kwara state government accused of N20.3 million money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were Wednesday returned to the custody of the anti-graft agency. EFCC had last week arraigned Abubakar Ishiak (Permanent Secretary Government House), Shina Akorede (Director of Finance and Administration), Rasaq Momonu (Controller Finance and Accounts) and Hafeez Yusuf (Cashier) all of government house before a Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, the state capital. Abubakar Ishiak, it was gathered is due for retirement from the Kwara state Civil Service next month. In the charge sheet, EFCC accuse the four of making “cash payment of N20.3 million to one Energy Multi-Trade Interbiz limited for services rendered to the Kwara state Government House which cash sum exceeded the limitation of N10 million payable to a body corporate committing an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (a

Nigerian to become president of UN General Assembly June

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Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Professor Tijjani Mohammad Bande is expected to take over the presidency of the world body’s General Assembly in June. This was disclosed by outgoing president of UNGA, María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés at a press conference in Abuja after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday. Bande will become the second Nigerian to be considered for appointment as President of UNGA after General Joseph Nanven Garba who held the position between 1989 and 1990.  Bande was born at Zagga in present day Kebbi State. He holds M.A in Political Science from the Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA in 1981 and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Toronto, Canada in 1987. Bande was, from January 2000 to February 2004, the Director-General of the Centre African de Formation et de Recherche Administrative pour le Development (CAFRAD) in Tangier, Morocco.  This is Africa’s premier institutio

Donald Trump tax information reveals business losses of over $1 billion in 10 years

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The new data shows the most detailed look into the president’s taxes to date, as Mr Trump has refused to disclose his tax returns Ten years of tax information on President Donald Trump reveal a loss of $1.17 billion over a decade in his core businesses, including casinos, hotels and apartment buildings, according to reporting by the New York Times. The information reportedly includes copies of Mr. Trump’s official Internal Revenue Service tax transcripts, with the figures from his federal tax form for the years 1985 to 1994. These show the most detailed look into the president’s taxes to date, which is information he has continuously kept from public view despite widespread calls for it to be shared. Huge losses The New York Times found that Mr Trump appears to have lost more money than nearly any other individual American taxpayer, after comparing his results with detailed information the IRS compiles on high-income earners.  From 1990 and 1991, the President

British soldier dies in Malawi during anti-poaching operation

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A British soldier has died in Malawi during counter-poaching operations, the Ministry of Defence has said. Mathew Talbot, 22, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on a patrol on 5 May when he was killed by an elephant. His commanding officer, Lt Col Ed Launders, described Guardsman Talbot as "determined and big-hearted". Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said he served with "great courage and professionalism" and was carrying out "vital" counter-poaching work. She added: "This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world's most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife." Gdsm Talbot, who was from the West Midlands, was serving in his first operational deployment, the MoD said. He was killed in Liwonde National Park, in the south of Malawi. He leaves behind his father Steven, his mother Michelle, his sisters Aimee and I

Myanmar releases Reuters journalists after 511 days in prison

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Two Burmese journalists have walked free in a presidential anmesty, a year and a half after being jailed for reporting on the Myanmar army crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in August 2017. Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29 left the Insein prison, just outside the former capital Yangon, smiling and waving to reporters. “I’m really happy and excited to see my family and my colleagues. I can’t wait to go to my newsroom,” said Lone. The pair were sentenced to seven years in jail after they were convicted on charges of violating the official secrets act – a outdated law that harks back to British colonial times, according to Phil Robertson, Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch, Asia Division “They were charged with receiving information that was secret and that therefore the possession of that would bring them into violation of that law,” explains Robertson. In Myanmar, it is common practice by authorities to free prisoners across the country around the time of their tr

Beloved Kosher deli Reubens announces it is closing down after 46 years

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Reubens, which opened on Baker Street in 1973, made the announcement in an emotional Facebook post today A beloved Kosher deli in Baker Street has revealed that it is closing down after 46 years due to a family bereavement.   Reubens, which opened on Baker Street in 1973, made the announcement in an emotional Facebook post today. “With a heavy heart, unexpectedly we have had to close due to a family bereavement. We are proud that of the 46 years Reubens has served the community,” the post read. “Our family have proudly run the business for over 37 years. We wish all our customers and friends the best wishes.  “Thank you for your custom and good m emories we have all shared!  Love from all the Reuben family.”   Simon Johnson, CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: “That is very sad news. “An institution passes and a place that I often would go to. It seemed always to be busy."

Michael Jackson's name has been taken out of Quincy Jones' show

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Michael Jackson's name has been taken out of Quincy Jones' London show. The music producer's concert was first announced as a night in June celebrating three of Michael Jackson's most iconic albums. The flyer said Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad were going to be performed with a live symphony orchestra. That's now changed to Quincy Jones: Presents Soundtrack of the 80s. Defining Albums and Iconic Songs. Songs by Michael Jackson will still be performed on the night. The show has been described as a world exclusive. Music fans were told there would be back-to-back performances of three of Michael Jackson's albums. Quincy Jones produced Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad and the show in London was supposed to be a celebration of his work. The original flyer said there would also be a feature film of the producer talking about the making of the records. The new flyer now appears to focus on iconic songs and defining albums from the 80s. The names of Mi