Al-Hiikma: February 2015

Saturday, 28 February 2015

Sisi's ever-widening terrorism net

Hamas terror designation further underscores the politicisation of Egypt's judiciary.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AqeEiA

Chilaquiles

Recipe from Gourmet

from Epicurious.com: New Recipes http://ift.tt/1vME8uT

Alabama Shakes Bring Down the House on ‘Saturday Night Live': Watch

By Kevin Rutherford

Don’t call it a sophomore slump. Not even close.

Alabama Shakes last showed up to Saturday Night Live for the April 2013 Christoph Waltz show, a fairly well-received episode not only for Waltz’s enthusiastic performance but also for the bluesy four-piece’s grooved-out renditions of “Hold On” and “Always Alright” from their debut album.

Nearly two years later, they were back again, tossing their name in early for GRAMMY consideration if the first taste of their upcoming new record is any indication.

They kicked off the show with first single “Don’t Wanna Fight,” leading lady Brittany Howard’s piercing screech pre-verse preceding a performance during which she was practically shaking at points, jerking and pointing into the audience as though her words were a mission statement of sorts. Props of course to the earrings of Prince’s face, too. Lots of double takes across America.

Track two, the newly premiered “Gimme All Your Love ,” found Howard and co. toned it down a bit tempo-wise, trading the backing singers for verses so subdued there was actual silence on the SNL stage for a beat or two. But then came one of the night’s most startling juxtapositions: from the quietness of the verses arose a fuller, guitar-laden chorus, and from that a grooving outro.

Perhaps the best part of the night, though? Howard’s overstated pelvic thrusts during the goodbyes. Get ya some, girl.

Meanwhile, Kanye West, shortly before announcing his new album on Twitter, was lampooned for his recent antics via a Jay Pharoah impression during Weekend Update, calling out in particular the apology he made to Beck earlier this week after rushing the stage during the GRAMMYs after the rocker won Album of the Year.

Alabama Shakes‘ sophomore album Sound & Color hits stores April 21.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1E5WWbE

UN Syria envoy moves to finalise deal on Aleppo truce

De Mistura and FM agree to send delegation on fact-finding mission to war-ravaged city as part of plan to halt fighting.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1aF8hmO

Sri Lanka inflict heavy World Cup defeat on England

Thirimanne, Sangakkara share 212-run partnership as Sri Lanka chase down 310 with ease in the World Cup.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1aF8gz6

Venezuela announces diplomatic sanctions against US

President intends to limit number of diplomats allowed to work in US and detains several US citizens on spying charges.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1ApCmLN

Egypt's 'terrorist' labelling of Hamas stirs protests

Palestinians across Gaza denounce ruling and reject Egypt's accusations that the group is aiding armed forces in Sinai.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1aE6n5T

Opposition to hold vigil for murdered Kremlin critic

Detectives search for clues after killing in Moscow of Boris Nemtsov that has increased concern about Russia's future.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1LYty6q

What's behind the unrest in Venezuela?

A severe shortage of basic goods is fueling political tensions in the Latin American country.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/189LAVN

Net Neutrality celebration

Grassroots organisations that lobbied for net neutrality celebrate their victory in their own ways.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1N3yN8c

A date with Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan

Al Jazeera journalist writes about her love for Indian cinema and her time producing an interview with Bollywood star.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Ao2y9E

Deadly suicide attack targets bus station in Nigeria

At least three people killed after a woman attempting to get on a bus detonates bomb strapped around her waist.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AGinNN

Iraq's national museum reopens 12 years after looting

Baghdad-based museum that was plundered during US-led invasion opens amid destruction of artefacts in Mosul by ISIL.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1G3H1Lz

Thousands march against new Nepal constitution vote

Police fire teargas and water cannon as about 35,000 protesters throng Kathmandu calling for constitution by consensus.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1vKcQ8z

Federer brings down Djokovic for Dubai title

Switzerland's former world number one beats the Serb in straight sets to win the Dubai Championships.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1LWCafB

It's a double for Rooney in Manchester United's win

Former English Premier League winners bounce back from Swansea defeat to beat 10-man Sunderland.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/189dEJ3

Ongoing flooding brings further misery to Madagascar

At least 14 killed and 24,000 forced from homes as latest spell of flooding drowns areas around capital Antananarivo.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1vJW9dx

Jailed PKK leader calls on his followers to disarm

Rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan asks Kurdish leadership to make a historic decision to end 30-year-old conflict.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AUzGJF

European clubs should just accept a winter World Cup

The world of football does not revolve around European clubs and its time they realise that.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1wxbitu

Modinomics and the future of India

Will India's Prime Minister be able to live up to his promises of a better India and implement economic reforms?

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1aBikJB

The sound of cricket success in Papau New Guinea

The country missed out on the World Cup by the smallest of margins but village cricket has sparked a boom in the sport.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1wwKrxN

Egyptian court declares Hamas a 'terrorist' group

Palestinian organisation accused of aiding armed groups who have waged string of deadly attacks in Egypt's Sinai region.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1JYQMxB

Egypt sentences four Brotherhood members to death

Court orders capital punishment for four Brotherhood members as Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie receives life sentence.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1E1X8a3

Opposition mounts over Turkey's new security bill

The bill vastly expands police powers to detain demonstrators and use deadly force during violent protests.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1E1W46d

India's promise of growth triggers budget wishes

Expectations of the new government's first budget are soaring after New Delhi promises growth.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Dl7ka2

The death that divided Argentina's media

The contradictory coverage of a suspicious death; plus, the growing politics behind the world's most watched TV show.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1BMbMUs

Reigning world champions India thrash UAE

Ashwin takes career-best four wickets as Dhoni's men seal a nine-wicket win with 31.1 overs to spare.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1wwgqyi

India promises economy to 'take off' with new budget

Government aims to balance welfare spending with high economic growth and infrastructural development.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1C81uO0

Amitabh Bachchan: 'We have a strong cultural identity'

One of India's biggest movie stars discusses his latest projects, his relationship with his fans, and politics in India.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1LUVl7G

Deaths in twin bombing at marketplace in Iraq's east

At least 11 people killed, dozens injured in double bombing at busy market in eastern town of Baladrouz, officials say.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1zNzbOY

South Yemen tribes on alert despite Houthi assurances

As Houthis continue to expand their influence in the country, southern tribes are flexing their military muscles.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1vILEXK

Lesotho heads to polls to resolve political crisis

Thousands of people head to polls in hope to end political deadlock after an attempted coup six months ago.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1LUHnTf

Astro-boom offers big bang for the buck in Chile

Chile will host 70 percent of global astronomic infrastructure by 2020 - with a boom in tech innovation and tourism.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1N1AeUE

Yemen's Houthis in deadly clashes with Baida tribesmen

Several people killed in violence between Houthis and tribesmen in the city of Baida, sources tell Al Jazeera

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1DkFTgs

The US, Palestine and the pursuit of justice

US court ruling against PLO and Palestinian Authority maybe the best thing that has happened to Palestinians in years.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1N1Ai6M

Friday, 27 February 2015

Philippines army and rebel clashes leaves dozens dead

Battle between Philippine army and Abu Sayyaf leaves 24 rebels and two soldiers dead, government officials say.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Al7Mmw

Myanmar arrest photojournalist for 'insult' on Facebook

Photojournalist arrested for posting satirical message poking fun at a historical war and the country's leader.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/18wXzOe

Afghan democracy and western hypocrisy

What remains unrecognised is the West's complicity in denying Afghan democratic aspirations.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1azCt2B

Zimbabweans reflect on Mugabe's 91st birthday party

As the long-serving president celebrates with a lavish party, Zimbabweans weigh in on his leadership.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1EVj3yt

NZ edge out Australia in astonishing World Cup match

Starc takes six wickets in the chase as New Zealand almost fail to reach the 152-run target.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1vIv9eq

Ebola orphans in Africa do not need saviours

Western aid needs to support home-grown solutions to create a new generation of African leaders.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1LUbPwM

Beef Bourguignonne Pot Pie

Recipe from Bon Appétit

from Epicurious.com: New Recipes http://ift.tt/1LUrJJq

Protesters clash in Rome ahead of anti-immigrant rally

Clashes in Italy's capital on eve of Northern League rally as counter-protesters denounce party's anti-immigrant stance.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1ADjaPB

US Homeland Security scrambles to prepare for shutdown

Congressional representatives in the Republican-controlled House reject short-term funding, as partial shutdown looms.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1FHQ0OY

Helpful advice when fighting ISIL

Prominent US conservatives meeting in DC offer president advice on how best to tackle ISIL's advances in Middle East.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AjPUII

US governor compares Wisconsin union protesters to ISIL

Scott Walker says "if I can take on protesters, I can do the same across the world," when discussing fight against ISIL.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/187hUZy

Robert Mugabe: A man of contrasts

As Zimbabwe's president marks his 91st birthday, our correspondent looks at a man both hated and loved around the world.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1wtr1di

High expectations for India's much anticipated budget

It remains to be seen if the government's economic programme will reflect a good economic vision or a bad political one.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/17Et6wM

Russian opposition leader Nemtsov shot dead in Moscow

Boris Nemtsov shot four times in shooting near the Kremlin.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1BJiiey

Alesso Dances His Way From Nerd to Heartthrob in ‘Cool’ Video: Watch

By Philip Cosores

A couple weeks after premiering the Kylie Minogue-sampling “Cool,” Alesso has now released a video for the single, which will appear on his still unannounced debut LP, along with previously released singles “Heroes (We Could Be)” and “Tear The Roof Up.”

The clip stars the DJ in full nerd garb, tracing some traditional and campy high school stereotypes (jocks, brains, school dances) with the kind of playfulness we’ve seen from everyone from Britney Spears to Taylor Swift.

The video turns itself upside down when Alesso starts dancing over the Roy English vocals, overwhelmed by his attraction to his teacher, showing impressive abilities and a certain lack of self-consciousness that can’t help but amuse.

With his remarkably high lineup placement at this year’s Coachella, these moves might come in handy as the expectations for his performance raise.

Alesso’s new album does not yet have a release date.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1wsYzrL

Album Premiere: Louise Goffin Pays Tribute To Her Father With Her ‘Appleonfire’ EP

The daughter of juggernaut songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King honors her father’s legacy with six sophisticated tracks.

from AllMusic Blog http://ift.tt/1ACmpGZ

Ways to Treat Depression That Aren’t Antidepressants

There may be hope for hard-to-treat depression as scientists explore novel approaches to the often crippling condition.

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1awPXfq

Hepatitis C Infections in Hospitals Show Need for Tight Infection Control Practices

CDC reports on three patients who were sickened

In both cases, there were breaches in safety rules, CDC reports

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1awPVnZ

Actor Leonard Nimoy Dies of COPD at Age 83

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1FGNxEl

Palestinians tear-gassed during West Bank protests

Activists face off against Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank on 10th anniversary of separation barrier.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/18vxVJP

Immune System Changes Tied to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Inflammation may play a role, small study

Researchers saw evidence only in first 3 years of disease, findings could lead to early test

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1DiNITM

US and Cuba hold second round of normalisation talks

America rebuffs Cuban demand to be taken off US list of state sponsors of terror as they meet in Washington for talks.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1FGukmn

Star Trek film and TV series actor passes away

Leonard Nimoy, who won fans worldwide for his role as Mr Spock in the Star Trek franchise, dies in Los Angeles at 83.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1vH1iCW

People on Twitter Really Don’t Want to Hear House of Cards Spoilers

After briefly leaking it two weeks ago, Netflix dropped season 3 of House of Cards today (2/27) and tension on social media regarding spoilers is already building. It’s not helping that the release took place on a Friday when, you know, many people are at work.

As previously reported, this season looks like a busy one for Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and his ruthless co-conspirator/wife Claire (Robin Wright). At the end of season two [SPOILER ALERT], Underwood was about to be sworn in a President of the United States.

Read our predictions here and if you dare 5 spoilers here.

And now for some folks on Twitter who really don’t want you to ruin the show for them:

If anyone spoils something about #HouseofCardsSeason3 for me, I will push them in front of a train.

— parkeryoung (@parkeryoung) February 27, 2015

If you post any spoilers about #HouseofCardsSeason3 while I am on deadline I will immediately unfollow you.

— Raimy Rosenduft (@raimyrosenduft) February 27, 2015

House of Cards' fans – the day has come! Please, no spoilers.
#HouseofCardsSeason3 #Netflix http://ift.tt/1AixHer

— Kyle Powell (@kylekpowell) February 27, 2015

At least #TheDress has kept people from giving out Spoilers for #HouseofCardsSeason3

— John Foley (@FoleyWrites) February 27, 2015

If you post House of Cards spoilers today, you'll have to answer to Francis J. Underwood. #HouseofCardsSeason3 http://ift.tt/18vngyT

— Jeff Barrett (@BarrettAll) February 27, 2015

Oi, you lot live tweeting #HouseofCardsSeason3, no spoilers because I cannot mute you all!

— Jessamy Carlson (@rjc_archives) February 27, 2015

So I clearly have to stay off of social media until who knows when because I'm already seeing #HouseofCardsSeason3 spoilers. 😒

— Tiffany (@astoldbyTiffy) February 27, 2015

Oh, and if anyone tweets any #HouseofCardsSeason3 spoilers, they're dead to me

— Lester (@LesAsamoah) February 27, 2015

No spoilers plz, let other ppl enjoy the show too. Otherwise, everyone leave me alone this wknd #HouseofCardsSeason3 http://ift.tt/18vngyV

— Malcolm Jones (@bossjones) February 27, 2015

Please be nice and wait till at least Sunday to post spoilers about @HouseofCards. I'm looking at you @hermionAMY 😘#HouseofCardsSeason3

— Anastasia Rutkowski (@PreciousNotPoor) February 27, 2015

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1AixMPe

Once Upon a Time in Punchbowl: 1975 - 1996

The untold story of how the Lebanese community overcame the odds and found their place in multicultural Australia.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1wscNt1

1 in 5 Preemies With Lung Disease Exposed to Secondhand Smoke

But, overall risk of 'persistent pulmonary

22 percent were from what parents said were nonsmoking homes, study finds

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1ABvXBZ

Ex-Israeli spy chief slams Netanyahu on Iran handling

Former Mossad boss Meir Dagan says prime minister causing "strategic damage" in dealing with Iranian nuclear threat.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1wrGOt5

Bangladesh protesters denounce killing of blogger

Hundreds of people gather in Dhaka calling for police action, day after Avijit Roy, a US national, was hacked to death.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Bn8MvL

5 Songs That Leonard Nimoy Sang Like a Boss

The world lost one of its cultural icons today. Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr. Spock on the original Star Trek TV series and subsequent movies and spin-offs, died in Los Angeles at 83.

At his core, Nimoy was an accomplished actor and singer, known for playing Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” in addition to his star turn as Mr. Spock. While serving in the Army Special Services in Georgia, he ran a theater group.

Fellow actor Ken Berry, known for his TV roles on F-Troop, Mayberry R.F.D. and Mama’s Family was also in that group. “He was a real do-er,” Berry told podcaster Gilbert Gottfried. He added that Nimoy put together entire shows for Army personnel and the general public. “It was fun [and] that was not like being in the army at all!”

His popularity on Star Trek made it possible for Nimoy to record and to perform some very memorable versions of popular songs. So behold, our list of 5 Songs That Leonard Nimoy Sang Like a Boss:

1. How He Rocked The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins

2. Yes, He Covered ‘I Walk the Line’

3. …As Well As Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town

4. And He OWNED Proud Mary

5. Not To Mention ‘If I Had a Hammer’

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1E4yyH7

5 Things to Do After a Surprise Pregnancy

There’s no need to panic with an unplanned pregnancy. Here are the first 5 things you need to do.

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1LQYIwm

Album Premiere: Mother Superior is Reborn as Motor Sister on ‘Ride’

The nineties rock band is revived by its frontman with assistance from past and present members of Anthrax, White Zombie and Armored Saint.

from AllMusic Blog http://ift.tt/17DHMfB

The Spy Cables: Decoded - Episode two

What do the leaks tell us about spy communications and what effect will these leaks have on international relations?

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1FFbw6K

5 Things To Know About The Supreme Court Case Challenging The Health Law

Millions of Americans might not be able to afford insurance if the Supreme Court rules the government erred in making subsidies available in all states.

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1LQBQNE

Iggy Azalea Gets into ‘Trouble’ with Jennifer Hudson: Watch

By Courtney E. Smith

Iggy Azalea is making her next play for cultural dominance vis a vis the intersection of music and video—in other words, she’s dropped another new classic that you’ve gotta see.

Part B-movie, part Bonnie & Clyde and part ’70s cop film, “Trouble” pits Azalea and her bad, bad boyfriend against eagle-eyed cop Jennifer Hudson, whose function through the video is to make her best dubious face. As she is an Oscar-winning actress, that’s pretty damn dubious.

As always in Azalea’s videos the wardrobe is on point. She goes from a DVF-esque wrap dress with Farrah Fawcett hair to body-hugging bell bottoms and bright red lip stick. The halter top is everything, as is the scene at the end where she attempts to buddy up to Hudson and gets arrested.

It may not have the cultural cache of her Clueless inspired “Fancy” video, but Azalea is still head and shoulders above most artists in the video game with “Trouble.”

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1BHuIDB

How Your See “The Dress” Could Mean You’re Stressed

via CBSNewYork

Social media was abuzz Thursday night about what would appear to be an everyday photo of a two-tone dress.

Everyone agrees that the photo is of a dress featuring two colors – but Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr have blown up – complete with hashtags – over the just what those two colors are.

It all started when a woman — identified in multiple published reports as singer Caitlin McNeill of the Hebrides Islands offshore from Scotland — posted the image on Tumblr Wednesday with the question, “Is this dress white and gold, or blue and black?”

Now just about everyone is weighing in. Taylor Swift has gone with blue and black.

I don't understand this odd dress debate and I feel like it's a trick somehow.
I'm confused and scared.
PS it's OBVIOUSLY BLUE AND BLACK

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) February 27, 2015

But the city’s global welcome ambassador might run into some disagreement up in the Bronx. The Yankees’ Jacoby Ellsbury said he sees white and gold.

I see a #whiteandgold dress. What color u see? http://ift.tt/1BHuI6F

— Jacoby Ellsbury (@JacobyEllsbury) February 27, 2015

Wired.com provided a scientific explanation about why people can’t agree. The publication explained that human eyes are evolved to see in daylight, but daylight changes color at different times of day.

Thus, neuroscientist Bevel Conway told the publication, the brain unconsciously tries to discount the “chromatic bias” of the daylight axis – which ranges from a stark blue and white in the midday hours to red at dawn and dusk. The result is that people discount the blue and see white and gold, or discount the gold and see blue and white, Conway explained to Wired.com.

Another theory is more philosophical in nature – if you see black and blue, you are dealing with stress in your life, while if you see white and gold, everything is fine.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1BHuKLL

Thousands rally against detention of Maldives ex-leader

Supporters of country's former President Mohamed Nasheed march in capital Male calling for his release.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1av2ujE

The Spy Cables: Decoded - Episode one

In the first of two programmes, we assess the impact of Al Jazeera's release of hundreds of classified documents.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Ahdk1o

Rear End Takes a Front Seat in Plastic Surgery Offices

Technique uses liposuction, fat injections to

Men also drove up overall number of cosmetic procedures, doctors say

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1E3DYSK

Could Coffee Lower Risk of Multiple Sclerosis?

Yes, says study, but experts note there are

Studies link several cups daily with reduced odds for the disease

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1E3DYCq

Mexico captures most wanted drug kingpin 'La Tuta'

Notorious boss of leading cartel Knights Templar, Servando Gomez Martinez, said to be captured in Morelia city.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1JUmgVy

German MPs approve Greece bailout extension

German parliament approves four-month extension, despite unease over the new Athens government.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AgcXEl

Floods force thousands of Bolivians from their homes

Torrential downpours cause widespread flooding across northern Bolivia after Acre River overflowed.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AzXvrv

Foreign shop owner set alight in South Africa

Nine arrested in Johannesburg suburb as xenophobic attacks across foreigners sweep Rainbow Nation.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1850Raj

A game of survival for Syrian refugees in Lebanon

Harsh winter weather conditions have compounded the difficulties for jobless refugees in Lebanon's Qab Elias.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1atQtL7

Third man arrested over Copenhagen attacks

Suspect will face custody hearing on Saturday for role in attacks on free-speech event and synagogue, which killed two.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/18trA1A

Somali pirates release fishermen held for five years

Four Thai fishermen were among 24 crew members captured in 2010 when pirates hijacked Taiwan-flagged fishing vessel.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1JTX3ua

The plight of Ethiopian migrants in Somalia

In search of a better life, many Ethiopians migrate to Somalia but face xenophobia and hostility from the locals.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1EwxXNw

India rail budget geared to 'overhaul' network

Indian minister announces mammoth $137bn budget to improve one of world's largest rail networks.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1EwxXNs

The Taliban and the government: talking about talking

A lot of work needs to be done before peace talks between Afghanistan government and Taliban can occur.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1vF1EKl

If we fail in Libya, is there hope in other places?

Libya has become a litmus test for the potency of the international community and US leadership in the region.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1woCAlZ

Israel's democracy: 'Theatre of the absurd'

It's time for Palestinians in Israel to boycott the Knesset.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AzhYN8

Thursday, 26 February 2015

Morocco's Tcharmils 'consider jail home'

Frustrated with a lack of opportunities, a youth group known as the Tcharmils have turned to weapons and petty crime.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1FCosdA

The sacrificial books of Mosul

Many Iraqis evoke popular saying about the loss of non-human objects: 'May the books be a sacrifice for the people.'

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1vEQwgw

Blogger hacked to death in Bangladesh capital

Writer known for speaking out against religious fundamentalism attacked after attending book fair at Dhaka University.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AeLLFQ

On Downstream: Solar flight, YouTube for kids and Roboy

The week's top stories from the world of science and technology from Al Jazeera Technology Editor Tarek Bazley.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1G04WLL

Crispy Za'atar Fish with Israeli Couscous, Swiss Chard, and Feta

Recipe from Epicurious

from Epicurious.com: New Recipes http://ift.tt/1JTdpDq

Hong Kong woman jailed for torturing maid

Six-year sentence handed down in case that highlighted rampant abuse of migrant workers.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1AQ0vPj

Chaos in Libya damaging Tunisian business

Cross-border traffic between Libya and Tunisia has dwindled, affecting much-needed business.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1JT8NNx

US convicts Bin Laden aide over embassy bombings

Khalid al-Fawwaz faces life in prison for role in the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Dx0HnH

Mexican mentally ill women 'coerced into sterilisation'

Recent study by rights groups says 42 percent of women surveyed had been forcibly sterilised and many abused.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1zked9a

Kanye West Apologizes to Beck and Bruno Mars

By Scott T. Sterling

Kanye West, obviously still caught up in his feelings following an emotional interview with Zane Lowe, took to his Twitter account to issue public apologies to both Beck and Bruno Mars.

The apology to Beck was for obvious reasons. West famously rushed the stage at this year’s Grammy awards ceremony after Beck won the Album of the Year prize. But instead of going on a rant, he simply returned to his seat without saying a word. It was later learned that he was going to protest the award not going to Beyoncé for her self-titled surprise album.

The apology to Bruno Mars was more curious. West has never spoken ill of the multi-talented pop star in public, so the apology was for more personal grievances.

West would go on to tweet that he’d like for Mars to perform on a new song he recently wrote with producer 88-Keys and Puff Daddy. See the tweets below.

I would like to publicly apologize to Beck, I’m sorry Beck.

—

KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 26, 2015

I also want to publicly apologize to Bruno Mars, I used to hate on him but I really respect what he does as an artist.

—

KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 26, 2015

I also would love for Bruno to sing this hook on this song 88 Keys / Puff and I produced… I even asked Tyler to shoot the vid.

—

KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 26, 2015

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/18rMCxn

Black Veil Brides’ Andy Biersack Confronts Heckler at Show: Watch

By Philip Cosores

Remember that time a fan threw beer at NBA player Ron Artest and he ran into the crowd to confront him at the infamous “Malice at the Palace”? Well, rock and roll had a similar moment in Vancouver during a recent Black Veil Brides concert, when the music was stopped to address a heckler that wanted the opening act, Memphis May Fire, to come back on stage. (via Ultimate Classic Rock )

“Are you gonna be real embarrassed when a m———-r wearing mascara knocks your f—— fake a– out right now?” frontman Andy Biersack said to a heckler. “We have stopped the whole show so that you can play the guitar right now. And yet every single f—— time that we do this, you don’t have the f—— balls to come up and do anything. Come on, split the crowd and come up and play the f—— guitar you little virtuoso m———–.”

The crowd gets more and more amped up as Biersack gives his speech, igniting more rage in the singer, until he jumps into the audience. (Warning: the following videos contain language that some will find offensive)

A second video shows the aftermath, with the band standing on stage like WWE stars, pounding on their chests while security presumably removes the intoxicated fan. It all seems a little over-the-top, but fans at least got their money’s worth in terms of entertainment on this night.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1FAIUvo

Childish Gambino Confirms He Is Playing a Stripper in ‘Magic Mike XXL’

By Philip Cosores

It took several years, but now, in 2015, Childish Gambino has successfully shed his comedy writing past and is viewed as a musician first and foremost. But one thing about Gambino’s career is that he has never seemed happy just being one thing. Even his last album came with accompanying screenplay and dramatic videos, showing a range not present in many other hip hop figures.

This year, though, will mark the return of Donald Glover, Gambino’s real name/acting name. Horror movie The Lazarus Effect is out tomorrow (Feb. 27), while an even more anticipated role, in Magic Mike XXL, is currently being edited. Glover, in an interview with Collider , confirmed that he will be stripping in the movie.

“I definitely show myself a little bit,” Glover said. “It’s a funny thing. I just never really – that energy is, I don’t know, getting into it is cool, to just dive into something like that. I’ve never been in that world. It’s very few people who have ever been a convention center filled with 900 women screaming. That’s a feeling that I feel like very few people know. It was crazy. I met so many people. There was a girl there, I was having a scene with her, just talking, and everybody was just so interesting, but supportive. It’s hard to be that supportive when you’re in that room for that long, screaming.”

Glover also spoke on whether he might ever come back to popular TV show, Community.

“Everything’s possible,” Glover said. “I would never be like, ‘Nah, I’m not doing it.’ Everything’s possible. I love it over there. I just always want to make sure it’s good for the – you never want to do something just to make people feel good. You always want to make sure it works. I want my kids one day, I don’t want them to be like, ‘That episode was whack.’ And I’m like, ‘But people really wanted it.’ [Laughs] You know? No one cares. I always want the art to stand, because in the end that’s all that’s left.”

Check out the full interview here.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1arAIEx

Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath Victim of Death Hoax/Publicity Stunt

By Philip Cosores

If you missed it this morning (Feb. 26), word spread via a press release that Sugar Ray leader Mark McGrath had been killed on set while filming TBS’ Hot Package, where he was shot by a masked gunman, left to die in the arms of his co-host Derrick Beckles.

Thankfully, this story has turned out to be a weird publicity stunt by someone presumably involved with the show. Maybe the first tip-off should have been the bizarre request laid out in the press release:

“In honor of Mr. McGrath’s legacy, his team is asking in lieu of flowers, fans post a Sugar Ray Selfie, holding a packet of sugar over their heart. #RIPMARKMCGRATH”

Sadly, very few people have actually posted the photo.

USA Today has done some tracking on the events, discovering that TBS was in the dark on the events, and the publicity company responsible for the email, We Are Prismatics, isn’t affiliated with the show.

McGrath tweeted about his well-being following an outpouring of worry.

Final word on the death hoax thing, I knew nothing about it and found out the same time you did...sorry about any confusion

—

mark mcgrath (@mark_mcgrath) February 26, 2015

The moral of the story is there is no bad press, but there is some press that can cause you to get fired, particularly falsely press releasing someone’s death.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1DfBFXu

Greek protesters clash with police over austerity

Protesters hurled petrol bombs and stones at Athens police, in the first riot since the leftist Syriza party took power.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1arsQTF

Zedd on How He Met Selena Gomez: ‘I Had to Pee’

By Philip Cosores

There’s that scene in Forrest Gump where Gump is going to meet JFK and drinks all those Dr. Peppers and tells the President he has to go pee. Well, a sort of real-life version of this occurred involving Zedd and resulted in him meeting not the President, but new main squeeze, Selena Gomez.

As told to Radio.com station 97.1 AMP Radio in Los Angeles (via Billboard ), Zedd noted that the story was rom-com material, beginning on a day off. “I decided to go buy stuff for my house because I just moved,” Zedd recalled, “so I have an empty house, and I had to pee. I had my engineer with me, so I was like, ‘I hope they have a bathroom.’ He was like, ‘Just go to the studio over there,’ which was across the street from my studio.

“So I walk in, and John, the head of our label, who had just signed Selena, was there… He was like, ‘Have you ever met Selena?’ That was literally the next thing he said… So he introduced me to her, and was like, ‘Hey, she’s cool, maybe we should make a song together.’ And then like a week later, we start working on a song. All because I had to pee.”

The word for this is serendipity. Check out the full interview below.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1BDgSlI

Flu Vaccine Just 18% Effective This Year

It’s no secret this year’s flu shots didn’t work as well as doctors had hoped. But the news got worse Thursday when the CDC revised its estimates of the flu vaccine’s effectiveness downward even further, from 23% to 18%.

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1DflbP1

Please Enjoy These Tweets About the Llamas on the Loose

Chances are you totally wasted part of your afternoon either following the story about the llamas on the loose in Arizona, being annoyed by tweets about the llamas flooding your timeline or completely oblivious to the event that held the world’s attention for about 23 minutes.

Well, you can go back now to reading about this week’s serious stories like Jihadi John’s identity revealed, some dude saying that ISIS has the best marketing since Goebbels and the Nazi Party, how anger can cause heart attacks OR you can enjoy these tweets about dem llamas.

Your choice.

No judgements.

Really.

Ok…maybe a little.

“@EAMaddenNFL: #Llamas Elusiveness Rating = 99

https://t.co/44w7ENN3W6”

— Joe (@CleSoldier2011) February 26, 2015

Mona Llama #llamas http://ift.tt/18qNhPF

— Magus Prime (@ubervaper) February 26, 2015

Llama told me there'd be days like this. “@FoxNews: Two escaped #llamas sparked a high-speed chase in Arizona. https://t.co/h9kgVlqge1”

— Zach Lind (@hammerheel) February 26, 2015

#llamas http://ift.tt/18qNjY2

— Mark Giacomin (@Giacomin_Mark13) February 26, 2015

+ headline fail. It's "lloose"! MT @Lucyontheloose: Amateurs. #beentheredonethat @CNN: #Llamas #Arizona captured http://ift.tt/1AcRhJ7

— Sean Eckford (@SeanEckford) February 26, 2015

Looks like the #llamas already have scouting reports and star rankings for recruiting cc: @RadiNabulsi @Rowe247 http://t.co/RzQ2z627T1—

Akhil Anumolu (@Akhil_Anumolu) February 26, 2015

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1AcRk7R

Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella

Recipe from Bon Appétit

from Epicurious.com: New Recipes http://ift.tt/1DcRQ83