Do some good this Christmas – Exterminate Beavers

As goodwill Christmas messages go, “Exterminate Beavers” has got to be one of the most bizarre.

It is hardly up there with the more traditional “Season’s Greetings” “Goodwill to all men” and “Merry Christmas” and seems a really bizarre request to make of anyone – especially to a Christmas audience.

However it is the message which appears on millions of leaflets which have been printed for a Russian charity group.

It appears as a huge headline on a picture-postcard scene of a pine forest during a snow storm.

In the front of the poster an excited little child, wearing a red Santa hat, looks delightedly into a snow globe.

The ‘Mercy Capital’ charitable foundation had the leaflets printed as part of their “Do good” charity campaign to encourage people to give donations.

But what has any of that to do with asking people to exterminate beavers?

The answer is – absolutely nothing and it was all a terrible mistake. A mix up at the printers ended up with the leaflets calling for the mass killing of beavers when they should simply have said “Do good.”

‘Exterminate beavers! Text the word ‘vremya’ and the amount of your donation to the SMS number 7715,’ the caption read.

Charity worker Ivan Makarov told the Moscow Times that they had to scrap the whole consignment of leaflets.

He said: “I fear that people might really start exterminating beavers, if the foundation starts handing out leaflets like these, the way they are now.”

Now the charity and the printing company are in dispute over who is to blame for the error.

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Farewell Rosetta – space mission to discover origin of universe ends on distant comet

Philippine Boxing Legend Pacquiao; No Apology For Drug Use

Philippine boxing superstar and Senator Manny Pacquiao admitted to the use of illegal drugs in the past. However, he maintained he owed nobody, including his fans and countrymen, an apology.

Proclaimed a national hero, the sportsman is a prestigious supporter of his president’s violent war on drugs. The casualty count from President Rodrigo Duterte’s war presently stands at more the 3,000 fatalities.

In an interview this week, he confessed to using narcotics in his teenaged years.

“I’m not hiding the fact that I sampled those, but I was young, maybe 15 or 16 years old,” he said to reporters. At the moment, Pacquiao undergoes training for his WBO fight against top welterweight Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas on November 5.

He said, “I used marijuana, I used shabu,” even mentioning the types of drugs he used.

Locals dubbed crystal meth stimulant “Shabu”, which also happens to be the primary narcotic choice of roughly 3.7 million Filipino addicts.

The boxer/senator firmly encourages Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. A crusade condemned internationally for assumed extrajudicial killings.

He also endorses the President’s plan to reinstate the death penalty for convicted drug dealers in the predominantly Catholic country.

Not an addict

On his refusal to apologize, he stated, “Why should I say sorry to them? I did nothing wrong.”

“Also, I was not addicted. I just experienced it,” he added when a reporter asked if he turned out as a drug dependent.

Pacquiao said that he came out with his admission and related his experience to inspire drug users. If they surrender to the authorities, they can expect leniency and avoid execution in the crackdown.

It all boils down to pure willpower according to him. He focused on sports to force himself from drug abuse.

“Everyone knows that I drank, I gambled and had many women, but realized these were all sins so I stopped. I’m sure what I did for myself was an inspiration to all.”

“It’s up to the person if he really wants to have a fresh start.”

“God gave all of us a brain to discipline ourselves,” he added further.

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Kenyan Maasai Tribal Warriors Turn From Lion Hunters to Lion Guardians

KENYA – In the heart of southern Kenya, the Maasai warriors, once known as the lion hunters of the Maasai heartland has now turned a new leaf. They are now the lion guardians under a conservation project that is also helping the tribal community.

Leiyio Lengete, a member of the Maasai tribe and is one of the “Moran” or the warrior of the community.  He wears a scarlet blanket on his shoulder and a blue scarf around his hips. A number of multicolored beads interlaced to form a bracelet, anklet and necklace. He also has a large half-moon shaped earing with an intricately braided hair. However, the warrior that used to carry a spear is now holding a GPS Receiver on his hand.

The “Lion Guardians” is the organization that Lengete works with in protecting the big cats. The group has set up a forward base camp in the Selenkay Reserve near Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Maasai guardians are headed off to the bush on foot. The guardians are searching for three lionesses they saw the previous evening. They were able to find the cats after a couple of tracking into the savannah brush.

The group would have killed the lionesses before, to honor “olamayio” or the Maasai rite that gives the hunter prestige and praise from the tribe and is considered the highest act of courage upon slaying the big cat.

However, the new breed of “Morans” are not there to kill the lionesses, but to secure and protect these majestic creatures. Upon finding the cats, Lengete sent their GPS location to their base camp. Moments later, Stephanie Dolrenry arrived on the scene to perform her scientific research on the lionesses. She is the science head and co-founder of the Lion Guardian program.

“The whole program is not just based on lions. Everything we do is about the community,” Dolrenry said. “The guardians spend a lot of their time finding and protecting livestock, finding lost herders, even little children who got lost in the bush. The guardians are there, they are able to go tracking, they know the bush.”

The Morans found and returned almost a million dollars’ worth of livestock to their owners last year. The guardians also dissuade cattle-farmers from conducting punitive hunting when one of their cattle is killed by the cats. The guardians pointed out that in their work to recover lost cattle, their life is also at risk and are always in danger.

Guardians of the Pride

The “Lion Guardian” program is also currently being implemented in Tanzania, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. These programs are working on private funding, most coming from the U.S.

The Selenkay project started off with five “guardians” protecting the Lion pride. 40 guardians are now employed each being paid the minimum monthly Kenyan wage of $120.

The most recent member of the guardians is Mitiaki Kitasho. He was previously imprisoned for killing an elephant and a lion. According to him, “There’s not a single species I haven’t killed to protect the community and to gain popularity and respect.”

Kitasho pointed out that courage, prestige and praise from a kill, does not feed him or his family. He went to the Selenkay project to look for a job as a Lion Guardian. Like the Maasai warriors before him, he now swore to protect the lions as he continues to do what he is good at, and that is to track these majestic animals.

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Bacon Flavored Seaweed Found by Scientists

Scientists from the Oregon State University (OSU) declare discovering a new kind of seaweed. They claim it could match the health benefits provided by kale. Furthermore, this seaweed bears the exact flavor of bacon.

The mineral and protein packed red marine algae “dulse”, very closely resembles the average red lettuce, a TIME report shows.

Harvesters can gather the seaweed in the wild down the length of the Pacific and Atlantic seaboard. When dried, the patented algae sells as a cooking or nutritional ingredient.

Chuck Toombs, team member and OSU faculty said, “Dulse is a superfood, with twice the nutritional value of kale.” He added, “And OSU had developed this variety that can be farmed, with the potential for a new industry for Oregon.”

Originally, the team planned to grow the new strain of Dulse as a feed for Abalone. They immediately altered their focus when they discovered the potential of the seaweed as addition to the human food market.

Best when fried

Chris Langdon, Chief Researcher for the team remarked, “There hasn’t been a lot of interest in using it in a fresh form. But this stuff is pretty amazing,”

“When you fry it, which I have done, it tastes like bacon, not seaweed. And it’s a pretty strong bacon flavor,” he said further.

Langdon’s team already received a large grant from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). The ODA made a commitment to support the initiative of developing Dulse as a special crop. The team presently works in tandem with the Portland Food Innovation Center along with a number of chefs. They aim to learn more methods on how to integrate Dulse in everyday cooking.

At this time, the U.S. lacks an authorized commercial venture concerning human consumption of Dulse. However, the team is confident in the sales potential of their product in foreseeable future.

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One Killed and Over 100 Injured as New Jersey Train Crashes Into Station

A rush hour commuter train killed one person and injured more than 100. It crashed into a station in New Jersey on Thursday morning.

Emergency workers tore through debris of dangling wires and twisted metal to reach the injured. Passengers kicked out windows and crawled to safety as people pulled pieces of concrete off trapped and wounded victims.

The train charged through the end of the track at Hoboken terminal at around 8:45 a.m. It also knocked out pillars, therefore bringing down a section of the roof.

Debris from the crash hit and killed one person on the platform and hurt 108 people, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said.

Officials at two hospitals said that some of the injured were in critical condition. More than a few passengers were initially trapped but were later freed.

The train’s engineer was assisting fully with investigators while being treated for serious injuries in a hospital, Christie added.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told a news conference that there are no indications that the incident was anything other than a “tragic accident”. Nevertheless, they will allow  authorities pursue the facts.

Cuomo said that it was uncertain why the train had come into the station too fast. It could be technical failure or human error that caused the accident. Further, he added that it was still premature to determine whether an anti-collision system known as positive train control could have averted the crash.

Positive train control relies on GPS and radio signals to monitor trains’ position and speed. Presently, none of NJ Transit’s trains come fully equipped with the safety system.

Installation delayed by regulators

Regulators repeatedly delayed the target date for the installation of the anti-collision system. They now scheduled for the end of 2018, at railroads’ request. The industry is under government orders to install it, and the NTSB has been pushing for some version of the technology for at least 40 years.

A similar incident happened in May 2011, when a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey train crashed at Hoboken station. That event produced more than 30 injuries when the train hit a bumping post at the end of the track. An NTSB investigation found that excessive speed was the main cause of the accident.

The agency would study the similarities between that one and Thursday’s crash, an NTSB official said.

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Ugly Friend Effect Confirmed: Stay Close to Less than Good Looking People to Increase Your “Attractiveness”

 

Known as the “ugly friend effect,” an impression by which someone would look more attractive if he/she is in the company of people who are less good looking. Many people have considered the ugly friend effect as a myth. However, with new research coming out, it seems that the spectacle is indeed a scientific fact.

Physical Science journal made a report on a research they made with this phenomena. The findings show that a person’s attractiveness increases when accompanied by people less blessed with good looks than compared to when the person stands alone when judged.

Scientists at the Royal Holloway University gathered participants to rate the attractiveness of different people. The moderators distributed photographs of individual faces as their subject.

The volunteers had to re-assess the same subjects they rated.  This time however, the moderators gave out pictures of their subject with the company of unattractive people.

After the introduction of the unattractive faces with the subject, the rate of attractiveness of the original faces increased. The score was compared to the initial rate that was given when the subject is only shown by its lonesome.

Dr. Nicholas Furl from the Royal Holloway University stated. “Until now, it’s been understood that a person’s level of attractiveness is generally steady. If you saw a picture of George Clooney today, you would rate him as good-looking as you would tomorrow. However, this work demonstrates that the company we keep has an effect on how attractive we appear to others.”

The study also revealed that looking at unattractive faces sharpened the volunteer’s critical thinking. The volunteers have become more sensitive in comparing between two or more attractive people.

“The presence of a less attractive face does not just increase the attractiveness of a single person, but in crowds, could actually make us even more choosy,” stated Dr Furl. “We found that the presence of a distractor face makes differences between attractive people more obvious and that observers start to pull apart these differences, making them even more particular in their judgment.”

Hugh Hefner Effect

This new Research is in conjunction with the previous investigation on the supposed attractiveness when appearing with the opposite sex. People appear more attractive when in the company of attractive members of the opposite sex. The phenomenon known as the “Hugh Hefner Effect.”

Hugh Hefner is the owner of the Playboy magazine. Pictures of him often show Hefner accompanied by several of his girlfriends.

Researchers believe that evolution can explain this phenomenon. In the animal kingdom, the alpha male with numerous mates have been considered as genetically superior.

Experiments made with a grouse in the 90’s found that the attractiveness of a male would increase by simply adding female birds around him.

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Meet ‘Trumpapillar’: The Donald Trump of the Peruvian Amazon

New pictures show a strange, big-haired creature skulking within the Peruvian Amazon. Although what researchers quickly noticed about the peculiar beast was its remarkable resemblance to a particular US presidential candidate. Or to be precise, the Republican’s legendary hair style.

Dubbed as the Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis), this creature boasts feathery, orange tufts closely resembling Donald Trump’s hair. Due to the similarity, the scientists who came across the creature gave it a nickname – “Trumpapillar,” after the candidate.

While roaming the Peruvian Amazon, wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer stumbled upon the dazzling orange and luxuriant fluff ball.

He said, “I was putting on my boots, and someone said, ‘Hey, check out this caterpillar hanging out.’ “Sure enough, it was Donald Trump’s hair hanging on a branch.” He began snapping pictures of the brightly colored larva.

The local’s name for this caterpillar is “ovehillo” which is Spanish for “little sheep.” The Trumpapillar grows to a length of about 2.5 inches.

Trumpapillar living up to its namesake?

Nevertheless, Cremer warns against being fooled by its cute and cuddly appearance. Touching the Trumpapillar can cause great discomfort and a lot of pain. Creme said this is because of the “urticating” hairs that cover it, akin to those Tarantulals sport.

Again like the Tarantula, the Trumpapillar uses its hair as a defense mechanism against would-be predators.

According to Cremer, the fuzzy Flannel Moth caterpillars come in different colors such as white, yellow, red and pink.

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Exorcists in urgent demand to combat upsurge in Satanism and the occult

The Catholic church is facing an ’emergency’ need for more exorcists due to a rise in Satanism, black magic and the occult.

Church experts say more priests need to be recruited as exorcists because of the growing need to fight the forces of darkness and evil.

In the UK, the Catholic Church blamed Harry Potter, alcohol and pornography on a rise in the number of exorcisms.

Psychologist Dr Valter Cascioli is the scientific consultant to the International Association of Exorcists which is endorsed by the Vatican.

He is unequivocal when he talks about the urgent need for more priests who are capable of carrying out exorcisms.

Occult

Dr Cascioli said: “The lack of exorcists is a real emergency.

“There is a pastoral emergency as a result of a significant increase in the number of diabolical possessions that exorcist priests are confronting.

“The number of people who take part in occult and satanic practices, which lead to serious physical, psychological and spiritual damages, is constantly rising.”

He also wants a permanent university level training college where Catholic priests could learn how to counter the malign influence of the Devil.

Dr Cascioli teaches courses in exorcism at the Pontifical University of Regina Apostolorum, in Rome.

He added: “The number of exorcists has increased in recent years, but there are still not enough to deal with a dramatic situation that affects, above all, young people who use the internet a lot.

Evil

“There is a growing number of requests for help from people who are directly or indirectly struck by evil.

“It is dangerous to underestimate a phenomenon that is caused by the direct actions of the devil, but also by a decline in faith and values.”

Rome-based exorcist, Father Ildebrando Di Fulvio, said people possessed by the devil often vomited metal objects or undigested food and gibbered in Aramaic, ancient Greek or Latin.

Father Gary Thomas, the official exorcist of the diocese of San Jose in northern California, said that in the past 10 years he has performed 50 to 60 exorcisms.

He added: “I am a full-time pastor and this is a very intense ministry. Almost every free night that I have is taken up with exorcisms.”

Last year a week-long exorcism conference in Rome was attended by 160 Catholic priests from around the world, who heard that demonic possession is very real.

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Brad Pitt Voluntarily Submits To Drug Test, “Cooperating Fully” With Investigators

Brad Pitt voluntarily endured a drug test to cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services.

Angelina Jolie filed for divorce just after their two year wedding anniversary. The couple spent 12 years together and has six kids. The basis of the divorce is about Brad Pitt’s behavior during an altercation that happened on board their private plane on September 14.

Authorities started an investigation, headed by County DCFS in LA after receiving an anonymous tip of the incident. Angelina accused the 52 year old actor of “getting physical’ and “verbally abusive”. The accusation concerns an event involving their eldest son, 15 year old Maddox and Pitt.

DCFS spokesperson told People that a drug test is “very standard” in an abuse investigation. Federal Bureau of Investigation created its own analysis and most likely will not recommend further investigation.

Brad “in the worst possible light”

A source close to Pitt told People that, “He takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse on his children”. They said it saddens them that the allegations portray Pitt “in the worst possible light.”

Greenspoon Marder’s criminal law practice group’s chairman said, “I find it very hard to believe that they would take action with the facts that have been presented, given the fact that I don’t believe the child received any injuries”.

With all the legal battles, “Brad Pitt has been interviewed and is cooperating fully. The case remains open”, as another source supported Pitt.

Someone well informed on the details of the circumstances said beforehand that Pitt never struck Maddox. Rather, he “made contact” with the boy “in the shoulder area.” The informant declared, “There was absolutely no physical injury to him.”

The reason for the DCFS investigation stems from a requirement to check into anything reported. Stephanie I. Blum, certified family law specialist said, “A representative of DCFS will advise the individual of the complaints/allegations against him or her but will do so in such a way as to protect the identity of the reporting individual.”

DCFS’s decision on the truth of the allegations comes at the conclusion of the investigation. If the charges lack veracity, then DCFS finally closes the case.

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Clinton Promises to Hit Back Against Foreign Hackers

The United States will act in response to foreign hacking the same as any other attack to its sovereignty, vows Hillary Clinton.

There are legitimate questions as to how the US government should defend itself after a cyber attack. As of the moment, the Obama administration is still writing its rulebook.

Identifying who’s responsible remains to be a challenge as there are a number of usual suspects. These range from bored teenagers to cybercriminals and foreign hackers. Making it more difficult is the fact that experienced hackers can cover their tracks and also lead security experts astray.

Cybersecurity experts were surprised when Clinton made aggressive remarks about retaliating with political, economic or even military measures. Her aggressive strategy propositions ran against the State Departments policy of avoiding open conflict since it may muddle diplomatic efforts.

When asked during the presidential debate how she would respond to cyberattacks, Clinton said, “We’re going to have to make it clear that we don’t want to use the kinds of tools that we have. We don’t want to engage in a different kind of warfare. But we will defend the citizens of this country.”

Cybersecurity was at the forefront of the national security segment of the presidential debate for the first time. This thereby proves its current political significance. It also highlights the fact that the next president will influence the 21st century cyberwarfare policies. This includes establishing rules on how the US responds to foreign hackers.

While Trump has not issued any official position on the subject, Clinton confronts the matter in one and a half pages of her 288-page campaign book.

Just recently, in the midst of the presidential race, there were a rash of hacks on government sites. Cybersecurity firms, Democrats and Clinton blamed these attacks on Russia. The White House is struggling over how to counter hacking. Some officials said it was an attempt to undermine voter confidence in the election.

Still learning the ropes

Former general counsel for the National Security Agency said that they are in the very early stages of developing the rules by the benefit of the attacks that they saw.

He added that responding is a challenge: “How do you know who’s responsible for the attack and to what extent are the cyber actors even susceptible to the normal responses like economic or diplomatic pressure?”

Clinton’s stand on cybersecurity started while she was with the State Department. At that time, she created the Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues to handle diplomacy and cyber rules.

According to Christopher Painter, who served as the office’s coordinator since its launch, there was no other office in the world like it when it was created 5 years ago.
Now there are 25 counterparts around the world and more on the way.

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US Doctor Suspended for Using Vaccine on Children Made of Cat Saliva and Vodka

CHICAGO – Medical regulators from Illinois have suspended the license of a suburban doctor from Chicago. Initial reports indicate that the doctor administers patients with a modified vaccine containing cat saliva and vodka.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation executed the emergency action in the interest of public safety in the documents signed by acting director Jessica Baer.

Health care providers complained that Dr. Ming Te Lin is giving unapproved oral version of childhood shots. Investigators made a quick search at his office in Flossmoor. Investigators then arrived at a cluttered, unsterile office and found a box filled with vials and tube that Dr. Lin was using to make his own vaccines.

Charts recovered showed the patients who received the unapproved oral vaccines which included a seven-day-old infant. Lin is also being investigate for signing state forms certifying his pediatric patients received their conventional shots. The actual shots administered to the patients was actually his concoction and not the approved conventional vaccines.

Dr. Lin also informed the investigators that he has been preparing alternative vaccines for children for more than a decade already.

Lin also told investigators that he adds alcohol and sometimes cat saliva collected using a swab on a cat’s mouth. This mixture is used for patients with allergies.

He told investigators that he uses a device called the“WaveFront 2000”.  The contraption makes sure that the vaccines are detoxified and free from mercury.

Children, especially those patients who has a history of autism, eczema or neurological disorder receives his “special” mixture. Dr. Lin administers the vaccine either orally or through a nasal spray.

Unapproved Procedures

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved Lin’s methods. Furthermore, his process is not even considered as a legitimate medical practice. He has also failed to inform his patients of the risk involved by not following the standard vaccine guidelines.

The Medical Disciplinary Board is set to hear Lin’s case on October 11 in Chicago.

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From Explosive Smartphones to Self-destructing Washing Machines. . . Samsung is on Its Way to Ending Q3 of 2016 with a Blast…and Not in a Good Way.

Samsung’s woe’s seem to come at the most crucial times and it’s not making it easy for the company to move forward at the pace they would have wanted to.  After the exploding battery issue with the Note 7, now it’s their top-loading washing machine that is having some issues.

According to Consumer Reports on Wednesday has suspended their “recommended status” for all of the Samsung top-loading washing machine. Consumer Reports is a non-profit organization that reviews and rates products and services based on the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Samsung has revealed that they were in “active discussions” with the Consumer Product Safety Commission of the US about the issues on some of the Top Loading washing machines. Safety concerns are at the forefront of the discussions as a number of owners complained about the strong vibrations that caused the machine to break into pieces.

Samsung said that affected machines are those that were made between March 2011 to April 2016.

The affected machines may show “abnormal vibrations” when users wash bulky or water resistant items. There is a high probability of “personal injury or property damage,” resulting from the issue. Samsung however did not provide further details into how exactly would the conditions occur.

Samsung stated, “It is important to note that Samsung customers have completed hundreds of millions of loads without incident since 2011.”

Customer’s Complaint

Consumer complaints filed at the CPSC described the machine issues as “loud and Destructive”. With one consumer reported that after she added a small load into the machine, “the whole house shook”.

One user reported. “The machine jumped forward about 2 feet and turned 90 degrees. It slammed into the dryer, leaving a huge dent in the side of it. The force was so powerful, it ripped the electrical outlet from it’s screws and bent it to the side.”

Samsung for it’s part says the company is working with CPSC and are “working on a remedy for affected consumers that will help ensure there are no further incidents.”

Samsung has not yet recovered from the Galaxy Note 7 battery issue. The company said that half of the total number of Note 7’s in the U.S. were returned.

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Philippine Ex Presidential Candidate Miriam Defensor Santiago Dies of Cancer

Miriam Defensor Santiago, Philippine most sought after ex-presidential candidate succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 71. Her husband said in an interview that Miriam “died peacefully” in a hospital in Manila on Thursday morning.

The former judge and senator sought presidency twice, prior to the last elections, in 1992 and 1998. Having lung cancer did not stop the former senator as she boldly held office before running for presidency.

Miriam Santiago, known as the Iron Lady of Filipino politics was born in Iloilo City. She announced to her supporters that she was suffering from stage four lung cancer in 2014.

Furthermore, she needed to turn down a judicial position at the International Criminal Court because of her illness.

Miriam’s blunt and daring style helps her unflinchingly stand on major issues on corruption. She was known to have a quick wit and courageous statement in court even at rallies. Miriam is Philippine’s feisty senator whose trademarks were her frank and fearless style of speech.

According to Rico Hizon of BBC News, “In my days starting out as a reporter in the Philippines, I remember she was always accommodating. She would joke gamely with the Philippine media.”

‘The best president we never had’

A Facebook post from local media network, GMA News Agency it drew more than 300,000 reactions and 50,000 comments.

Filipinos flooded social media with tributes to the late Senator; describing her as the best president the Philippines “never had”.

One Facebook user, Cedric Pazcoguin posted, “We just lost a great woman, a great Filipino and a great public servant. Rest in peace, madam senator,”
Ruby Ann del Rosario, Miriam’s supporter from Manila said “My heart is broken but I am finding comfort to the fact that she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Rest in perfect peace – our nation will surely treasure your legacy forever,”

Other posted similar quotes like Kharl Ferrer, who may have best described Philippine’s sentiment. He posted “You could have been one of our greatest presidents. This is a very sad day for the Philippines. We lost a gem”.

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Obama Says Congress Veto of Saudi 9/11 Bill a Mistake

US President Barack Obama has said that congress made a mistake by overruling his veto on Wednesday and put into effect a bill that allows legal action versus Saudi Arabia over the 9/11 attacks.

Therefore, he said that the legislation set a dangerous precedent for individuals around the world to charge the US government.

“It’s a dangerous precedent and it’s an example of why sometimes you have to do what’s hard,” Mr. Obama told CNN on Wednesday. “And, frankly, I wish Congress here had done what’s hard.”

The Justice Against Sponsors to Terrorism, or JASTA bill, finally clears the way for victims to file lawsuits seeking damages from members of the Saudi government who may have played a part in the attacks.

The oil-rich nation has denied any role in the attacks. Fifteen of the nineteen hijackers, however, were Saudi nationals.

Obama contended that putting the bill into law would be harmful to US interests. If other countries passed a similar legislation, US officials, troops and companies may be exposed.

The European Union and other US allies have opposed the bill. Dow Chemical and General Electric also contested it.

Government officials including Secretary of Defense Ash Carter disputed the bill. CIA Director John Brennan said that the bill held “grave implications” for national security.

Political considerations vs “doing the right thing”

The US president also suggested that political considerations were behind the vote.

“If you’re perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that’s a hard vote for people to take.” he said on CNN. “But it would have been the right thing to do.”

Obama’s ardent Democratic supporters in congress managed to uphold all prior 11 vetoes. However, most of them linked up with Republicans to oppose him before going on the campaign trail for the November 8 elections.

The Senate voted against the veto 97-1 after the House of Representatives disapproved it 348-77.

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Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Ailes Supported by Ex-Fox Anchor’s Doc

The Ex-Fox anchor, Andrea Tantaros’s therapist backed her allegation for sexual harassment against the former network chairman Roger Ailes. Tantaros happened to tell her therapist about the ordeal two years before she went out publicly. Fox news denied any incident, stating in a court document on Wednesday, that Tantaros just fabricated the story.

Lawyers representing Tantaros filed a statement in behalf of the therapist in New York State court in Manhattan. The court document stated that Tantaros spoke to Dr. Michelle Berdy about the harassment in 2014. She sued Ailes as well as Fox News in August. Fox News is a unit of the multinational mass media, Twenty-First Century Fox Inc.

Multiple complaints coming out

After two decades with Fox News, Ailes resigned after another former anchor, Gretchen Carlson sued him for sexually harassing her. Earlier in September, Fox News agreed to pay Carlson a whopping $20 million settlement in behalf of Ailes.

Since Ailes’s sexual harassment case made public, other women came out to complain. They told several news outlets including New York Magazine, that they too were victims of Ailes. However none of them filed a suit.

The lawsuit includes Ailes and four other Fox News executives. Tantaros claims she was abruptly removed from her show in April. It happened after complaining to top network officials about Ailes sexual advance on her.

Tantaros case filling on Wednesday was in response to Fox News statement in August. The network identified her as “opportunist” and a “wannabe.” She filed the case when the network recently took her off the air after Fox News found out she had written a book without the company’s permission.

Defense in trouble

Judd Burstein, Tantaros lawyer said in an interview on Wednesday, “This blows Fox’s defense out of the water”. In Dr. Berdy’s statement, she said Tantaros was “shocked and devastated”. It was when Tantaros complained to then-senior executive William Shine who disregarded the issue in 2014. According to Dr. Berdy, “Andrea found Shine’s warning ‘not to fight this’ as both very threatening and extremely disturbing”.

Shine succeeded as Fox News Co-President when Ailes resigned.

Case documents filed on Wednesday contain an appeal for the state judge to reject any negotiations by Fox and Ailes. The court scheduled the case for hearing in October.

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Teen Opens Fire at South Carolina School After Killing Father

A fourteen-year-old boy killed his father then opened fire at a school playground in South Carolina on Wednesday, authorities said. The shooter wounded two students and a teacher.

Police accused the teen, whose name was not released, of fatally shooting Jeffrey DeWitt Osborne, his 47-year-old father. He then drove a pick up truck to Townville Elementary School.

Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said the suspect was crying and upset when he called his grandmother’s cellphone at 1:44pm. According to the grandparents, they could not make out what he was saying so they went to the teenager’s house, which was just a hundred yards away. That’s when they discovered that their son had been shot and their grandson was gone.

Authorities received a 911 call from Townville Elementary School about a minute later.

The shooter drove a vehicle into the school parking lot and instantly started firing the moment he got out, Sheriff John Skipper said.

Tackled by firefighter

Volunteer firefighter Jamie Brock then stopped the teenager as he shot at the school.
Brock pinned down the teen while school staff led children to safety, Anderson County emergency services director Taylor Jones said.

The shooter never entered the building as police arrived within minutes to take the suspect into custody.

Immediately after the shooting, police evacuated the students from the school under armed guard. A bus took them to their waiting parents in a nearby church.

The motive of the shooting is unknown but authorities ruled out race as both the shooter and the victims were white.

A six year-old boy who was shot in the foot and a female teacher who had a shoulder wound were treated and released, said AnMed Health Medical Center Ross Norton. However, another six year-old boy, Jacob Hall, who was shot in the leg, remained in critical condition.

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World’s First Three Parent Baby Is A Boy

The world’s first three parent baby is an infant boy called Abrahim who carries the DNA of both his parents plus a tiny amount of genetic code from a third donor.

Abrahim’s conception and birth was made possible by an international collaboration of scientists and fertility experts in what has been described as a ‘milestone’ medical breakthrough.

His parents are Jordanian and a US medical team performed the egg editing procedure in Mexico using a technique which had been developed by UK scientists.

Genetic

The medical team combined the genes of three people – his parents and female egg donor – so that Abrahim could be born without a genetic condition which claimed the lives of his parents’ first two children.

The boy’s mother carries the genes for a neurological condition called Leigh’s syndrome which attacks the nervous system. Her first child died from the condition aged six and her second child only lived for eight months.

Leigh’s syndrome gradually inhibits a child’s mental and physical abilities from the moment they are born and sufferers typically die due to lung failure.

Abrahim’s mother has the defective genes in part of her cell structure called the mitochondria. In this case, one in four of the mother’s mitochondria have the mutation that causes Leigh’s syndrome.

Nucleus

The technique which allowed Abrahim to be born free of the disease involved taking the nucleus of his mother’s egg and transferring it into the outer part of a donor parent’s egg from which the nucleus had been removed.

It is the outer part of the egg which contains the mitochondria so it was hoped the technique would allow for a perfectly healthy child to be born once the egg was fertilized with the father’s sperm.

The technique has been carefully developed by UK scientists years, largely because they have had to get permission from the embryology regulator every step of the way.

It has yet to be used clinically in Britain and is not legal in the US which is why the procedure was carried out in Mexico where controls are not as strict.

Milestone

“This is a milestone technique,” said Dr John Zhang, who led the medical team from New York City’s New Hope Fertility Center. He added: “It proves for the first time that genetic information from three people can avoid disease. We now know reconstitution of human eggs can produce a healthy baby.”

The technique which led to the birth of baby Abrahim will be showcased at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Scientific Congress in Salt Lake City next month.

How the “three parent baby” procedure is carried out:

1. Eggs are taken from a mother with damaged mitochondria and from a donor with healthy mitochondria.

2. The nucleus from the mother’s egg is removed and saved while the nucleus from the donor egg is removed and discarded.

3. The mother’s nucleus is inserted into the donor egg with the healthy mitochondria and this is then fertilized by the father’s sperm.

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Unluckiest’ Aussie Bitten by Venomous Spider on Penis Again

A 21-year-old Australian builder has tagged himself as the “unluckiest man in Australia” after being bitten by a Redback spider on his penis for the second time after five months.

Jordan, who withheld his last name, said that the spider bit him “pretty much on the same spot”. It was his first time to use a portable toilet again after his last incident with the Redback spider.

Jordan said, “This one is a bit sorer, it seems like it got a better shot at it this time”. He further added that. “I was like ‘I can’t believe it’s happened again. I looked down and I’ve seen a few little legs come from around the rim.”

He stated, “I’m the most unlucky guy in the country at the moment.”

After the first incident, he said that it made him wary of using portable toilets to do his thing. “After the first time it happened I didn’t really want to use one again,” he said.

Jordan’s workmates took him to Blacktown Hospital. Though since this is the second time that this happened, many of his workmates were able to see the lighter side of the incident.

He recalled that his workmates were worried the first time the incident happened. However, he said, “This time they were making jokes before I was getting in the car.”

Jordan’s humiliating ordeal is not yet over since the nurses at the hospital “started giggling” after he reported his injury. He said, “They remembered me from the last time it happened,” he further said. “Everyone was laughing, calling me the unluckiest man in Australia.”

The Hospital declined to give further details due to the patient confidentiality rule.

Redback Spider

The Redback spider is an endemic species of Australia and can be found across the continent. The red stripe in it’s upper abdomen is its distinguishing mark. Hence the name Redback. The spiders venom can cause intense pain, swelling and nausea and if not treated, can lead to death.

 

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Obama’s Last Legacy; Nominates First Cuban Ambassador in 50 years

President Obama nominated the first US Ambassador to Cuba in more than 5 decades on Tuesday. Disregarding adversaries, he reached out to President Raul Castro with the goal of reuniting the two countries.

Obama selected Jeffrey DeLaurentis, a career Foreign Service officer. He sat as chief of mission for the US in Havana since 2014 to handle the job.

DeLaurentis however, still needs confirmation from the senate before he gets the chance to occupy the post. Senate Republicans staunchly refused their president’s attempt to reconcile with Havana.

In a provocative statement, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, Florida said the nomination must not continue. In a statement following Obama’s declaration, he said, “This nomination should go nowhere until the Castro regime makes significant and irreversible progress in the areas of human rights and political freedom for the Cuban people and until longstanding concerns about the Cuban regime addresses theft of property and crimes against American citizens.”

Rubio, the son of Cuban Immigrants added, “Just like releasing all terrorists from Guantánamo and sending U.S. taxpayer dollars to the Iranian regime, rewarding the Castro government with a U.S. ambassador is another last-ditch legacy project for the president that needs to be stopped”.

The US re-opened the American Embassy in Cuba a year ago after the two countries reunited their diplomatic relations. After a series guarded discussions, Obama sent out DeLaurentis to along with US interests section. US and Cuba ended the 55 long years of cold war when they announced a historic détente in 2014.

DeLaurentis role in fortifying peace talks makes him the most sensible candidate for the post. Obama said in his statement “Jeff’s leadership has been vital throughout the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba, and the appointment of an ambassador is a common sense step forward toward a more normal and productive relationship between our two countries”.

Obama’s formal nomination of DeLaurentis on Tuesday displays his assertiveness by the use his influence in overcoming the opposition. Only days before Congress takes a break for the November elections and months before he leaves office, Obama’s action shows his commitment on his Cuban policy. This is the one last major piece in his legacy.

The White House will face any opposition from the Senate. For the White House, having an ambassador in Cuba will strengthen US advocacies. These include improving the human rights situation and national security interests. Convinced it will make an impact on Cuba in having profound government policies and development in their society.

Obama stated, “Having an ambassador will make it easier to advocate for our interests, and will deepen our understanding even when we know that we will continue to have differences with the Cuban government”.

He defended his decision of DeLaurentis, saying, “Jeff is the type of person we want to represent the United States in Cuba, and we only hurt ourselves by not being represented by an ambassador.”

Jose Ramon Cabanas, the first Cuban ambassador in US since 1961, praised Obama for restoring ties with Cuba. Obama’s administration lifted the restrictions to commerce, trade and travel to to the island nation.

Eager tourists

American tourism increased in Cuba starting summer because of the Direct flights readily available, said Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont. It only shows positive support of Obama’s administration in mending ties with Cuba.

However, congress at Capitol Hill still needs to approve lifting the trade ban to Cuba.

Leahy supports Obama’s decision of having DeLaurentis as ambassador to Cuba. He said, “We need an ambassador who knows Cuba, who is respected by the Cuban government, and who will stand up for U.S. interests and values. Jeff is that person.”

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Pope Francis: Those Responsible for Bombing Aleppo ‘Must Answer to God’

VATICAN – Pope Francis at a public speaking engagement in St. Peter’s Square has denounced the bombing of Aleppo in Syria. He pointed out that those responsible for killing civilians will have to answer to God. The Pope described Aleppo as “an already martyred city, where everybody is dying.”

Pope Francis said that he is “united in suffering through prayer and spiritual closeness” to the people in Aleppo. The Pope expressed “deep pain and strong worry for what’s happening,” he further said. “children and elderly … everyone is dying.”

“This is an imperative and urgent obligation. I appeal to the consciences of those responsible for the bombings, who one day will have to account to God”.  He urged all those involved to “commit themselves with all their strength to protect civilians”.

Once Syria’s largest city, Aleppo now comes in two parts – the government controlled west and rebel occupied east.

The Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad along with its Russian backers were accused of committing “barbaric” action against the people. Consequently, Moscow   is challenging the accusation and considers the Western allies’ rhetoric as unacceptable.

The current situation in Syria is that the Russian-backed Syrian forces have unleashed a major operation on the ancient city. In addition, air strikes have resumed pounding the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo overnight.

Aid groups working in Aleppo has determined that children constitute a large portion of casualties due to the air strikes. Furthermore, at least 100,000 children remain confined within the rebel controlled part of Aleppo.

Aid Severely Needed

World Health Organization is calling for an “immediate establishment of humanitarian routes” into Aleppo. Reports on the ground indicate that hospitals are in dire need of supplies. Emergency patients are coming in almost non-stop and emergency personnel as well as supplies simply aren’t sufficient.

The US have pledged to give an extra $364 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the Syrian conflict.

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EU: Cyber Criminals Offer Services to Militant Groups

Cyber criminals now offer their services to militant groups. This provides such organizations the method to attack Europe through the internet. However they have yet to utilize this form in any major attack, according to EU police agency Europol.

In its yearly cybercrime threat assessment, it mentioned, “There is currently little evidence to suggest that their cyber-attack capability extends beyond common website defacement.”

Militants seeking services presented by computer experts skilled in illegal cyber activities may take advantage of the Darknet. Also known as the dark underbelly of the web, where one can find a lot of illegal services and goods. “The availability of cybercrime tools and services, and illicit commodities (including firearms) on the Darknet, provide ample opportunities for this situation to change,” Europol said.

Rising number of incidents of Cyber Crime

In general, the report discovered that accessible techniques in cybercrime continues to develop. Incidentally, a number of the European Union’s member states accounted for increasing incidents of cyber crimes. More in fact, than traditional misdemeanors.

Rob Wainwright, Europol Director stated: “Europol is concerned about how an expanding cybercriminal community has been able to further exploit our increasing dependence on technology and the internet.” He added: “We have also seen a marked shift in cyber-facilitated activities relating to trafficking in human beings, terrorism and other threats.”

Some of the highly illegal software and activities are “Ransomware.” This is a kind of malicious software which blocks access to a database until an amount of currency is paid. “Phishing” attacks on prominent individuals – “CEO fraud” – to obtain highly personal details. And video streaming of rape, child abuse and other pornographic and deplorable actions.

Furthermore, ATM fraud was also on the rise. These are of a new type of fraud which does not require physical presence.

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U.S. Deployment of THAAD Anti-Missile System to South Korea Expedited

The United States, plans to hasten the setting-up of the THAAD anti-missile system to South Korea. A high-ranking US diplomat for the region said the tempo of North Korean missile tests prompted the decision. He also said that Washington intends to commence deployment “as soon as possible”.

Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel mentioned ongoing discussions between the US and allies such as the European Union. The deliberations centered on refusing international banking access to North Korea due to their missile and nuclear tests.

According to him, the Pentagon handles matters concerning the timetable of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system’s deployment.

He also added, “Given the accelerating pace of North Korea’s missile tests, we intend to deploy on an accelerated basis. I would say as soon as possible.”

To the question of whether they consider the plan “a done deal”, his answer was, “yes.”

Meanwhile, Commander Gary Ross of the Pentagon declared that installation of THAAD would proceed “as soon as feasible.” He did not go into details however.

China fervently disagrees with THAAD deployment. On the other hand, experts say that the country’s support for sanctions on North Korea would be crucial.

Increased cooperation with China

Russel said the US and its partners gained a lot of progress in collaboration with China on sanctions. All due to mutual distress on North Koreas intensified nuclear program. Although “an awful lot more” improvement in China’s support would be appreciated.

He stated that they gained “a very constructive and honest candid set of ongoing conversations” with China regarding new sanctions. And further: “I hope you will see, as one of the products of that, real headway in the discussions.”

About the financial aspect of the sanctions Russel said, “We are in discussions with our partners, including the EU, about tightening the application of sanctions and pressure, including and particularly to deny North Korea access to the international banking infrastructure.”

The US, Japan and South Korea also plan on interrupting North Korea’s proceeds from coal and citizens working abroad. Additional cooperative efforts are being discussed.

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Singapore Cries Foul Over China Newspaper’s Fabricated South China Sea Story

Singapore’s Ambassador blamed one of China’s primary state run newspapers of inventing reports regarding Singapore’s stand on South China Sea territorial dispute. However, the newspaper publication shrugged off the accusations and stood firm on its story.

The Global Times reported on September 21, that Singapore raised the South China Sea issue during the summit of Non-Aligned Movement in Venezuela. Singapore included an International Tribunal’s ruling in the Philippine’s favor in a case it filed to counter China’s claims

The tabloid, run by China’s Communist Party, reported that opposition from “many” countries blocked Singapore’s effort.

The Times referred to an anonymous “person in the know”.

Stanley Loh, Singapore’s Ambassador to Beijing, sent a direct letter to The Global Times editor in chief Hu Xijin. Loh said the articles written were “false and unfounded”. He added “Contrary to the claim fabricated by the Global Times, the Singapore delegation did not raise the South China Sea or the tribunal ruling at the NAM Summit,”

Singapore declared their frustration with the publication for falsely reporting details. Loh said, “We are disappointed that an established newspaper published this irresponsible report replete with fabrications and unfounded allegations with no regard for the facts.”

The paper nevertheless, stood by their source. Hu, the editor in chief, responded to the accusation in the paper’s official micro blog. He determinedly vouched for the story and insisted that their source was “serious and reliable”. Therefore, he said he cannot accept the allegations of the Singaporean Ambassador.

U.S. jets aimed at China

Hu also stated that although Singapore did not have any claim to any of the disputed territories of the South China Sea, it sided with the Philippines and Vietnam. It even allowed U.S. combat aircraft to operate from its soil. He further said that it was no secret that the warplanes’ target was China.

A spokesman from China’s Foreign Ministry said they noted the reports. Both countries must also mutually appreciate and respect each other’s basic interests.

 

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Cooler Heads Prevail Amid Rising Tension Between India and Pakistan

War between two nuclear capable nations is what apocalyptic movies are made up off. However, this time, the threat of nuclear war looms not from the usual suspects between the US and Russia or from China for that matter, but between two warring countries fighting over their border.  The fight is between India and Pakistan.

The two nation have already clashed four times since the British relinquished its control over India in 1947. Three of the skirmishes were in Kashmir, over the Himalayan region. New Delhi and Islamabad are both claiming the entirety of the region. This resulted in a massive military buildup, which makes Kashmir one of the most militarized in South Asia. The two nation is divided by a de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC). Since both countries have nuclear capabilities, a potential apocalyptic collision is a possible horrifying scenario.

World attention has been focused on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the attack on the Indian military outpost on Sept 18. Four gunmen were able to cross the LoC and killed eighteen soldiers in the Kashmir town of Uri. The attack is the worst of its kind in more than two decades. Pakistan rejects India’s presumption that the gunmen came across the LoC from the Pakistan side of the border.

Clamor for a strong response is growing among the people, as well as with close allies of the Prime Minister. Ram Madhav of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have upped the ante with a war-like rhetoric. He said that the days of Indian restraint is over. “For one tooth, the complete jaw. If terrorism is the instrument of the weak and coward (sic), restraint in the face of repeated terror attacks betrays inefficiency and incompetence. India should prove otherwise.”

Indian Media has also demanded that the country to show that it will not take the murder of 18 soldiers sitting down. The uncertainty is growing on what will be the next move by the Indian government following the Uri attack.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Modi gave a speech that had the world breathe a sigh of relief, at least for the time being. Modi is stepping up efforts to pressure Pakistan diplomatically rather than the use of military force. At a BJP meeting in southern India, Modi said. “I want to tell the people of Pakistan, India is ready to fight you,” he added. “If you have the strength, come forward to fight against poverty. Let’s see who wins. Let’s see who is able to defeat poverty and illiteracy first, Pakistan or India.”

Experts believe that Modi’s approach is a result of India recognizing the downside of a military confrontation. India’s growing economy which has one of the fastest growth in the world, would have adverse effect and would definitely pull down their sustained growth. Happymon Jacob, an expert from Delhi’s Jawaharla Nehru University stated. “Having gone through some discussion, the government of India has come to the conclusion that you can only escalate this diplomatically and politically, which is exactly what they are doing.”

Ashok Malik, a senior member at the Observer Research Foundation think tank sees India’s situation as volatile. The Prime Minister domestically faces pressure “to be seen to be doing something in response to this attack.”

On the global scale however, India needs to build “an even stronger case against Pakistan and emphasize that [terrorism linked to] Pakistan is a challenge not just for India but also the rest of the world.”

Adding Diplomatic Pressure

India also withdrew from the upcoming summit for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. The regional meeting will be in Islamabad. This is to add to the diplomatic pressure India is currently undertaking on Pakistan.

Although the world can sleep better with Prime Minister Modi’s approach, the possibility of a military confrontation will always be an available option.  Malik said. “I don’t think Modi has given up on the military option for the remainder of his term [in office, which expires in 2019].”

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Mysterious udumbara flower – which only blooms once in 3,000 years – spotted worldwide

The udumbara flower must be one of the rarest flowers on the planet and it is certainly one of the most mysterious…

According to Buddhist scripture, it blossoms only once every 3000 years and when it does it is said to herald a world event of great importance.

The fragrant flower – whose name means “an auspicious flower from heaven” – is found on top of a thin stem and is surprisingly resilient for something so small.

Now that is again being spotted around the world after a 3,000 year absence, people are asking what it really means.

Udumbara’s flowers can bloom on almost any surface and they have been seen on wood, metal and even under a nun’s washing machine.

Some say its appearance signals the imminent arrival of a celestial being or that some other great and significant change is about to happen in the world.

According to Buddhist legend, the udumbara flower is a supernatural phenomena which is not of this world and appears to mark the arrival of a Holy King who offers salvation to all through compassion.

The flower is last said to have bloomed before the birth of Buddha in 623 BC and has not been seen since then until relatively recently.

It was spotted in South Korea in 1997 when it appeared on a statue of Buddha and since then there have been a number of other sightings of this rare and mysterious flower.

People who’ve found the udumbara flower in recent years have reported keeping it for long periods of time without it withering, and even say it sprung back to life after being crushed.

In 2010, Chinese state-run media reported sightings of the flower, which it called ‘celestial.’ All such articles were removed shortly after they were published by the atheist regime, but by then they had spread across the Internet.

The story was picked up by The Telegraph in the UK which reported that the flower had been found in the home of Chinese nun Miao Wei, 50, who discovered the cluster of white flowers under her washing machine while cleaning.

At first she thought the stems were worm eggs until the next day when she noted that they had grown 18 white tiny flowers on top and smelled “fragrant.”

Other sightings have been made by a Chinese farmer who spotted a cluster of 38 of the flowers growing on a steel pipe in his garden.

It was also seen at Chonggye-sa Temple in Seoul where the flower blossomed on a statue of Buddha.

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A Pen, an Apple, a Pineapple. . . And a Song that You Can’t get Rid Off in your Head

A video circulating the net and has gone viral has been hyped by some as the next YouTube sensation. After viewing the video, it will surely make no sense to you. . . And yet the song would still linger on in your head long after you’ve watched it.

The song is as infectious as it gets. Titled ‘PPAP’ (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen), the song was performed by Japanese entertainer Kazuhiko Kosaka under the guise of a fictional character Piko Taro. “PPAP” already has more than 4 million views on YouTube since it was posted in August.

The video is about a minute long and the lyrics feature pens, apple and pineapples being combined which absolutely makes no sense. The video also shows Piko Taro wearing a dress with mixed animal prints dancing in a rhythmic way that is simply hilarious.

While the original PPAP video has reached more than 4 million views, the Facebook video by 9GAG has drawn in more than 44 million views already.

the song PPAP goes like this:

“I have a pen. I have an apple. Apple-pen!

I have a pen. I have [a] pineapple. Pineapple-pen!

Apple-pen. Pineapple-pen. Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen.”

Which really does not make any sense at all. . . However, the video still gets viewed. . . and is now an internet sensation. . . Want to find out why?

See for yourself, watch the video below and let the song and the moves creep into you subconscious.

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US Off Target with Emissions Goal

13-Year-Old Tyre King, Victim of Police Shooting Mourned by Family and Friends

Tyre King, the 13-year-old African-American boy shot and killed by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio was finally laid to rest. 500 mourners attended the funeral service held at the First Church of God in Columbus.

At the funeral held on Saturday, Nia Malika King, wept as she stood beside her son’s casket. She begged for his casket not be closed for the final time.

Ushers with white gloves consoled the friends and family of Tyre. However, the ushers needed to guide the distressed mother away from the casket so the service could start.

The incident happened on September 14, and the latest to evoke rage in the US due to excessive force by police against black males. Similar incidents occurred in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tulsa, Oklahoma within the past week.

Mike Bell, a youth sports coach said “Tyre had a smile that was a glow, he demanded attention”. Friends fondly called him “Lil Boxx”, and said he enjoyed playing hockey, football and basketball.

King’s family attorney said that Tyre’s funeral represents citizen’s opinions on recent police shooting victims in Charlotte and Tulsa. Police shooting incidents sparked extensive debates on race and justice in the United States. The Black Lives Matter movement swelled its numbers because of the series of incidents caused the spread of the Black Lives Matter movement.

According to the Columbus Police Department, police accosted 3 suspects including Tyre  as they responded to reports of an armed robbery. A police officer shot King several times after he seemed to draw a handgun from the waistband of his pants.

It turned out that Tyre carried an air pistol that fires small metal pellets called BBs.  Columbus Mayor Andre Ginther described the BB gun as “almost Identical” to the 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistols issued to the city police, hence the mistake.

Conflicting accounts

Skeptical of the police reports, Tyre’s family however, called for an independent investigation. The medical examiner they hired found evidence that the officer shot the teenager while the latter ran away. Also, eye-witness accounts did not match the details of the police reports.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office said the investigation for determining the cause and manner of Tyre’s death is ongoing.

Columbus Police officials placed Bryan Mason, the veteran Columbus police officer who shot Tyre, on administrative leave.

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