Al-Hiikma: March 2015

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Amnesty: Alarming surge in death sentences globally

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International says Egypt and Nigeria account for steep rise in death sentences in 2014.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1I3rSuE

Buhari praises Jonathan in landmark Nigeria poll

President elect Muhammadu Buhari extends "hand of fellowship" to Goodluck Jonathan after winning historic elections.

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

Reginetti with Savoy Cabbage and Pancetta

Recipe from Bon Appétit

from Epicurious.com: New Recipes http://ift.tt/1C5JhKQ

Myanmar government and rebels reach ceasefire deal

Agreement signed by President Thein Sein and 16 ethnic groups comes after more than a year of intense talks.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1OXxB7g

US lifts arms embargo on Egypt

Supply of military equipment to Egypt resumes after it was frozen when the military took power in Cairo two years ago.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Il5ObE

UN says Yemen 'on verge of total collapse'

Aid groups warn of humanitarian crisis as no external assistance reaching Yemen due to Saudi-led bombing and blockade.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1IkZh0v

Joni Mitchell Rushed to Hospital Intensive Care: Report

By Scott T. Sterling

Legendary music icon Joni Mitchell, 71, was rushed to the intensive care unit of a Los Angeles hospital after being found unconscious in her Bel-Air home, according to reports.

According to Variety (per TMZ), Mitchell regained consciousness and was alert en route to the hospital.

Details regarding what exactly caused the singer/songwriter to be hospitalized have yet to be released.

Mitchell has endured a series of health issues throughout her life, including scarlet fever and polio as a child. More recently, she was diagnosed with Morgellons disease, “a rare condition that causes people to experience a crawling and biting sensation to the skin,” reports New York Daily News .

“Fibers in a variety of colors protrude out of my skin like mushrooms after a rainstorm,” Mitchell explained in an interview from 2014. “They cannot be forensically identified as animal, vegetable, or mineral.”

Mitchell, who was among the performers at the original Woodstock festival in 1969, has earned a multitude of accolades throughout her storied career, highlighted by such seminal albums as Blue and Ladies of the Canyon. She is an eight-time GRAMMY winner, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

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

Finding a 'cure' for obesity

Researchers in the UK, US and Qatar have made breakthroughs in the science of weight loss.

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

Wale and Jerry Seinfeld Call Rick Ross in New Video: Watch

By Philip Cosores

The layers of humor contained in Wale‘s album release for The Album About Nothing is so thick it is hard to see the forest from the trees. And on the latest installment of Wale and Jerry Seinfeld’s vlog series, we’re deep in the trees. Maybe we are the trees. Maybe Wale is the trees. It is really hard to tell anymore.

So, on the latest installment, titled “The Phone Call,” Seinfeld and Wale call Rick Ross to announce the completion of The Album About Nothing, with Seinfeld playing up the awkwardness of his discomfort with Rick Ross. Throughout, a Seinfeld-like laugh track is inserted to play up the absurdity of it all, and there’s plenty to play up. Everyone finally breaks character near the end of the video, laughing at Wale and the general ridiculousness.

Check out the video above and look for Wale’s new album, The Album About Nothing, out today (March 31).

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1C4vWCJ

Iraqi forces take back cental Tikrit from ISIL

Haider al-Abadi says Iraqi forces reach centre of Saddam Hussein's home city as operation under way to take whole city.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1F0AvQA

News Anchor Reads Kanye West Lyrics and it’s ‘Awesome': Watch

Romeo Santos Discusses Overcoming Jitters for ‘Furious 7′ Acting Debut

By Philip Cosores

As if you need more reason to see Furious 7 besides the final film appearance from the late Paul Walker, the cars, the Vin Diesel, and of course, The Rock (AKA Dwayne Johnson), the new movie also features the acting debut of bachata star Romeo Santos.

But, as would be expected with any career change, Santos was a little nervous about the shift into acting.

This is not my lane,” Santos said to Billboard . “I’m always onstage, and everyone there already loves me, so I go with this certain confidence. Here, it’s a different world so when I began, [co-star] Jordana [Brewster] made me feel so comfortable. I told her I was a bit nervous and she said, ‘Look, sometimes I mess up on my lines; it’s just part of the game.’”

Luckily for fans, Santos was able to overcome his jitters to deliver his performance.

“You have great producers, you have great actors, but you also have action, drama, and when you have that mix of greatness the success is obviously going to be an easy task,” Santos said.

Furious 7 opens nationwide this Friday, April 3.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1C4ikak

Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil Fails at Singing the National Anthem: Watch

By Philip Cosores

Throughout sporting history, there have been some pretty bad renditions of the National Anthem, from ill-advised choices like Roseanne Barr, Scott Stapp, and Steven Tyler. And, if the idea of a Vince Neil signing “The Star Spangled Banner” before an arena football game kickoff sounds like the makings of some in-key, in-time, and emotionally affecting patriotism, well, you’ve come to the wrong place.

There was no Tommy Lee percussion to hide behind, no rumbling of Nikki Sixx‘s bass. Just Neil’s halting voice, with some grinning cheerleaders standing behind him, the singer holding a football in hand.

The occasion was the first game of the Las Vegas Outlaws arena league football team, which is coincidentally owned by Neil.

If we’re going to be honest here, the fact that Neil gets the lyrics mostly right is something of a miracle. Check out the video above around the 5:10 mark (via Vice ) and keep an eye out for more struggle national anthems as the Outlaws continue their quest for arena league gold.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1INCM5q

Iran nuclear talks drag past deadline as hurdles remain

US says enough progress made to warrant extension as negotiators from Iran and west renew efforts to hammer out deal.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1xUOPx0

FAQ: Hormonal Therapy for Menopause

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause is hotly debated. Is it safe? Experts answer common questions.

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

Beastie Boys’ Adam Horovitz Gives Advice to Teenagers: Watch

By Philip Cosores

Adam Horovitz is probably best known as one-third of the Beastie Boys (Ad-Rock), but also has a role in the new Noah Baumbach film, While We’re Young. And, like any good actor or musician promoting a new endeavor, he is making the rounds of interviews and promotional appearances.

His professional obligation is our gain, as he signed on for the latest edition of Rookie Mag’s Ask a Grown Man. In the iconic video series, where some of our favorite grown men have cemented themselves as role models, Horovitz gives some solid advice about first kisses, break ups, and romantic insecurities.

“Boys are, for the most part, not very observant or all together smart,” Horovitz reveals before promoting communication between a young couple.

Perhaps the biggest question comes from a young woman who battles feeling down or defeated, to which Horovitz lets her know that she isn’t alone, that everyone gets down in some way.

Check out the video below.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1IjVu3B

Undoing Autism One Toy at a Time

There's a growing movement in medicine: a push to find and treat children at risk for autism at younger and younger ages -- even in the womb -- in the hope that their social and emotional development can be boosted to normal or near-normal levels.

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

China banking checkmate?

More than 40 countries have applied to become founding members of the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

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

Al Jazeera urges Nigeria to release detained staff

Al Jazeera calls for the release of Ahmed Idris and Ali Mustafa who were detained one week ago while covering elections.

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

Album Premiere: Groovy Rock from the London Souls, ‘Here Come the Girls’

New York City-based rock band pushes onward after a life-threatening accident with a new album.

from AllMusic Blog http://ift.tt/1I1EceU

Uganda postpones 'terror' trial after prosecutor killed

Trial of 13 men accused of Kampala bombings in 2010 put on hold after prosecutor shot dead in drive-by shooting.

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

Do you know the hidden symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

WebMD explains what many people don’t understand about rheumatoid arthritis. Learn what to expect and get helpful tips, whether you’re newly diagnosed or you're close to someone with RA.

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

Donors pledge $3.8bn at Syria crisis meeting in Kuwait

Third pledging conference for Syria attended by 78 member states, as violence continues in cities across the country.

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

Operation underway in Istanbul to save prosecutor

Security forces are carrying out an operation to rescue a prosecutor being held hostage at an Istanbul courthouse.

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

Andy Summers on Police Deep Cuts, Loving the Guitar and Digging Up the Past in His Documentary

The Police guitarist offers insight into his retrospective feelings on his old band, their reunion tour and a few choice Police songs.

from AllMusic Blog http://ift.tt/1OVv4KP

E-Cigs Tied to Drinking, Other Risky Teen Behaviors

Devices may serve as gateway to tobacco use,

Strong relationship to alcohol use, study finds

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

Libya's Tripoli-based parliament sacks prime minister

Legally installed government in Tripoli removes Omar al-Hassi as the head of National Salvation Government.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1xvK8Jt

‘Better Call Saul’ Episode 9 Recap: ‘Pimento,’ or the Call Out

By Carl Franzen

It took almost the entire first season of Better Call Saul , but we’re finally getting an inkling of why the legally questionable but generally morally upstanding guy known as Jimmy McGill transforms into the purely sleezebag lawyer Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad. And the reason ain’t pretty.

Episode nine, “Pimento,” takes its name from a darkly funny confrontation involving the cheese spread of the same name—“the caviar of the South,” as Mike Ehrmantraut so affectionately puts it before he rapidly disarms a competing gun-for-hire and punches him in the throat. Yet the episode’s most important development concerns a much less physical yet more soul-wrenching clash, between Jimmy and his older brother Chuck.

But before all that unfolds, Jimmy and Chuck begin the episode seemingly on better terms than ever before, sitting together on a park bench as Jimmy gently encourages his brother to enjoy the outdoors for the first time in months. Once again, we see how, whatever his failings, Jimmy is actually a loyal and well-meaning brother, motivating Chuck to overcome his electromagnetic paranoia without forcing him to face reality head on.

The relationship goes both ways, as Jimmy clearly values Chuck’s legal advice. He even reluctantly agrees with Chuck’s assessment to refer his burgeoning class-action lawsuit against the fraudulent retirement home Sandpiper Crossing over to HHM, Chuck’s old firm and Jimmy’s hated ultra-rival. “Hail Satan, I submit to the dark side,” Jimmy says about Chuck’s idea, his trademark wit in-tact. It was important for the episode’s writer/director Thomas Schnauz to re-establish this strong dynamic between the two McGill brothers, given the twist that occurs at the end.

That twist is touched off when Chuck sneaks out of his house at night in his space blanket, retrieves Jimmy’s cell phone from its electromagnetically-dormant containment area in the mailbox, and places a mysterious call with a pencil. Just what is he up to?

Mike also receives a mysterious call that leads him to an upper deck of a parking garage, one that should look awfully familiar to Breaking Bad fans (hint: Season 4, when Walt is trying to attach a certain device to a certain person’s car). He’s joined by two other guys, a bearded mountain and a cocksure stringbean. It quickly becomes apparent all three are there for the same gig, which the skinnier man describes as a “protection job” for a civilian. He asks Mike what he’s carrying, presumably referring to a weapon. Mike’s deadpan response: “Pimento sandwich.” The guy laughs initially, but then becomes annoyed, asking if Mike is serious and then chastising him for showing up unarmed.

The client finally arrives —a nervous, nebbish bespectacled man in a wood-paneled minivan who takes the name “Price,” he tells them, after his nephew. After the skinny guy tries to cut Mike out of the deal by pointing out he’s not packing any heat, Mike swiftly takes him down and removes four separate guns from his wheezing body. “So many guns, I don’t know which one to use,” Mike says sarcastically. The answer turns out to be none of them. He drops them all into a garbage can and hops in the minivan alone after the other hired gun flees in fear. “We don’t need three guys, we’ll be fine,” Mike assures the awestruck Price.

Churk Thurber (Michael McKean) in Better Call Saul (Ben Leuner/AMC)

Back at Chuck’s house, Jimmy helps his older brother get dressed in his business suit, even coming up with the idea to line the space blanket underneath to help assuage Chuck’s paranoia. They make their way over to HHM, where Howard has already instructed all of the many other employees at the firm to dump their cellphones into a plastic bin and the power shut off. In a bizarre, almost hauntingly cult-like scene, Chuck enters the building lobby to the applause of the entire staff. Here we see firsthand how valued Chuck is to this firm — not only as a monetary asset, but to its culture. Who else could massively inconvenience everyone and get a warm reception in return?

That warmth may have something to do with Jimmy and Chuck’s case, which Howard Hamlin excitedly points out is a slam dunk. For the first time, he seems to be actually getting along with Jimmy, offering him a generous upfront fee and handsome share of the final settlement profits. But when Jimmy begins talking about moving into the corner office, the other shoe drops: Howard excuses the other gathered attorneys from the room and tells Jimmy he can’t work on the case with them. Jimmy, not surprisingly, flips out, and even the normally taciturn Chuck comes to his defense. Howard remains unmoved, saying it was a decision made by the partners. Jimmy’s response? He withdraws his offer and says: “I’m going to tell everyone of my clients what a lying miserable f–ker you are.”

Worlds collide as Mike and Price meet up with Nacho and two of his guys meet in front of a desolate power station (another vaguely familiar spot). It turns out a nervous Price is about to sell Nacho some unprescribed pharmaceuticals. When Price counts up the money, he finds it $20 short, but says “that’s okay.” Before he can hand over the pills, Mike jumps in and demands the full amount or no deal. A tense standoff ensues, but Nacho finally gives in, dropping a $20-bill and letting Price chase it in the wind.

After Nacho and his boys leave, an even more impressed Price asks Mike: “How did you know not to bring a gun?” Mike says he found out Nacho is running his own operation under the nose of his boss Tuco, and that Nacho wouldn’t want to risk this deal going bad and Tuco finding out. “The lesson is if you’re going to be a criminal, do your homework,” Mike says. Price objects to being called a criminal, saying, “I’m not a bad guy.” Mike points out Price sold stolen drugs, which fits the definition of a criminal, and launches into what may be the defining soliloquy of not the episode, but the entire Breaking Bad franchise. “I’ve known good criminals and bad cops, bad priests, honorable thieves, you can be on one side of the law or the other. But if you make a deal with somebody, you keep your word.” That is, morality doesn’t necessarily align with legality.

This rings especially true in the episode’s climactic confrontation. After being pressured by HHM partner and his sometime love interest Kim to accept the referral deal, Jimmy begins thinking. He shows up at Chuck’s house in the morning after not sleeping all night and asks Chuck why he doesn’t just threaten to quit HHM, thereby forcing Howard into accepting Jimmy’s terms. When Chuck stammers to come up with an appropriate response, Jimmy pounces, revealing that he found out Chuck called Howard and told him not to let Jimmy work on the Sandpiper case referral. A clearly deeply wounded Jimmy has one simple question for his brother: “Why?”

In an arrogant and entitled tirade, Chuck lets the truth burst forth: “You’re not a real lawyer…. Slippin Jimmy with a law degree is a like a chimp with a machine gun!” This is too much for poor Jimmy, who openly says he thought Chuck would be proud of him for turning his life around. Now that he realizes his brother doesn’t actually trust or believe in him, and didn’t want to see him rise past the position of mailroom clerk, Jimmy’s entire worldview has been shattered. The one person he trusted and selflessly looked after, the person he looked up to and tried to emulate, has betrayed him. We can understand why Jimmy tells Chuck he’s done taking care of him after this. And it’s not too much of a leap to see why Jimmy might turn to more questionable pursuits from here. His brother, a supposedly upstanding paragon of the law, is frankly just not a good person, at least when it comes to Jimmy. And Jimmy’s reward for supporting him and playing by his rules all these years is being snubbed.

BCS has only one episode left this season, and its hard to imagine the two patching things up anytime soon.

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

Dolly Parton May Do ‘Trio’ Reissue with Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt

By Annie Reuter

Are Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt teaming up to release new music this year?

In a new interview with CMT , Parton reveals that there is a possible future release of the unreleased music from her two studio recordings with Harris and Ronstadt.

In 1987, the trio released their GRAMMY-winning collaboration, fittingly named Trio, and then 1988’s Trio II.

Parton says she hopes the repackaged sessions and unreleased music will be available at some point this year.

“We’ve been trying for years to put out the thing that we had in the can and repackage the things that we did,” Parton said. “Emmylou has been working at this for a long time.”

Parton added: “We thought it was coming out two to three years ago—actually even before that—but I just got a note from Emmy and Linda saying that they had signed off on it, and so it is gonna happen. I don’t have a date, but it’s supposed to be coming out this year.”

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

Migraine or Sinus Headache: What's the Difference

WebMD talks to headache experts about the difference between migraines and sinus headaches.

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/19xqyRZ

Typhoon Mayzak leaves wreckage in Micronesia

Now a super typhoon, Mayzak has left the islands of Chuuk behind and is now threatening Yap.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1bMZL5L

Opposition party declares victory in Nigeria election

All Progressives Congress declares victory for its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari over Goodluck Jonathan.

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

Buhari closes in on historic win in Nigeria election

Reuters poll shows Muhammadu Buhari in lead with more than 14 million votes as counting for presidency draws to a close.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1BHC0kB

UK surveillance under scrutiny

A media post-mortem into the UK's surveillance report. Plus, why five years on in Argentina the media looks so familiar.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1CGXt28

Artillery fire kills 26 as battle for Aden rages

Medical sources say dozens killed in Yemen port city overnight in clashes between Houthi rebels and Hadi loyalists.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1C1A71T

How much of the money promised to Syria has been paid?

The UN is holding its third pledging conference on Syria. But much of the money promised before has yet to be paid.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Ii04zu

Report Shows Progress in America's War on Cancer

Small, but steady declines in deaths seen over past decade

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1NyS1zU

Breast Cancer Is Not One Disease, Experts Say

New focus on tumor subtypes could help patients, according to medical groups

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1Dl4BBC

Turkish prosecutor taken hostage in Istanbul

Armed group demands arrest of police officer, threatens to kill the prosecutor if demand are not met.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1C1cKWe

Displaced Afghan women face prison-like conditions

Already disadvantaged by their gender, the specific needs that Afghan females face when displaced must be addressed.

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

Don't let the US try and solve Arab world problems

Air strikes, drones, cyber strikes or special operations won't check the anarchic forces the US itself helped let loose.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Cscxz1

Palestine ICC entry to shake up peace process

Al Jazeera examines what to expect when Palestine officially joins the International Criminal Court on April 1.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1FcX6Mq

Massive power cuts cause chaos in Turkey airspace

Power outages throughout Turkey cause widespread chaos, affecting flights and public transport in Istanbul.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1adNtD0

Malaysia police arrest editors for sedition

Journalists face charges of sedition after publishing article on royal opposition to introducing Islamic penal law.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1C0CYs5

Serena, Venus march into Miami quarters

Williams sisters safely through; Djokovic, Nishikori advance in men's draw of the Miami Masters.

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

Buy a villa in the UAE - and get an Antiguan passport

A real estate firm is raising eyebrows by helping buyers of its villas gain citizenship in a Caribbean nation.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Ny4zrh

Iran: Friend or foe of Arab regimes?

Pumped up nationalism is a diversionary tactic to save Arab countries from their common enemy: democratic aspirations.

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

The power of the new China-led investment bank

Washington has been eclipsed by China's emergence as the economic pivot of Asia.

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

Torrential rains bring floods back into northern India

Days of heavy rain leave parts of northern India underwater, and further flooding is likely.

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

Monday, 30 March 2015

Justice still elusive for exonerated death row inmate

Glen Ford spent 30 years on death row an innocent man. Now freed, he is fighting the US state for compensation.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/19uLyc2

South Africa braces for Marikana massacre report

Activists demand that Farlam report investigating alleged police brutality in mining massacre of 2012 made public.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1adg37t

Maldives passes law 'to oust ex-leader from politics'

Law strips those serving prison sentences of political party memberships, including jailed former President Nasheed.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1bLJk9I

Singapore teen charged after insulting late leader Lee

In a widely watched YouTube video, 16-year-old Amos Yee celebrated Lee Kuan Yew's death and denigrated Christianity.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1OTc13H

Chicken Tamale Pie

Recipe from Food52

from Epicurious.com: New Recipes http://ift.tt/1IgMR9Z

Buhari ahead in tight Nigeria poll count

Official count to resume on Tuesday with opposition challenger leading President Jonathan in overall vote tally.

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

Sisi says Arab nations to create joint military force

Egypt's leader says heads of states at the Arab League summit have agreed to the principle of forming a military unit.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1D6db7n

Prosecutors rest case against Boston bombing suspect

Tsarnaev's lawyers set to present their case after prosecutors highlighted devastation caused by deadly 2013 attack.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1EtJ37x

Louis Tomlinson, Naughty Boy Feud on Twitter Over Zayn Malik Tweet

By Kevin Rutherford

The train of drama following Zayn Malik‘s departure from One Direction just keeps a-rollin’.

Now it involves Malik’s former bandmate Louis Tomlinson and the producer Naughty Boy, with whom Malik has recorded music (though their initial sessions came before his departure from the boy band).

It stemmed from a tweet Naughty Boy retweeted of a video many purport to claim that the producer “saved” Zayn from One Direction and that the former One Directioner would “rise” (the “Zaughty” in the video in question is thought to stand for Zayn/Naughty).

Tomlinson saw the retweet and was unhappy with Naughty Boy promoting the video, calling him “inconsiderate” and telling him to “grow up.”

The truth http://t.co/AzxTwyZqBZ

—

Naughty Boy/Zayn (@naughtyboymus) March 28, 2015

“Always have struggled to bite my tongue,” he added.

Always have struggled to bite my tongue

—

Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) March 30, 2015

When Naughty Boy tweeted back saying that he was getting upset about a tweet he says was about Louis Walsh, a judge on Britain’s X Factor (on which One Direction were contestants), Tomlinson shot back that he was not upset about anything to do with Walsh but the video he retweeted.

@Louis_Tomlinson calm down. was talkin bout Louis Walsh cuz he didn't let someone through on X factor. Look @ the date of the tweet. 😂 #2014

—

Naughty Boy (@NaughtyBoyMusic) March 31, 2015

“Clearly trying to wind the fans up!” he wrote. “Well you succeeded anyway. Fair play.”

@NaughtyBoyMusic I was talking about the video you tweeted . Clearly trying to wind the fans up ! Well you succeeded anyway . Fair play

—

Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) March 31, 2015

Fans have been blowing up Naughty Boy’s mentions on Twitter since the news Malik left One Direction due to his recent work with the singer, not to mention after some sites reported Malik was spotted with the producer, causing many to wonder if the duo was recording.

When Malik left the group, he said he wanted to “be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight,” many left wondering if and when he’d get back into music.

One Direction has since continued on their tour, recently playing in Asia and in Africa.

Naughty Boy is best known Stateside for his song “La La La” featuring Sam Smith, which peaked at No. 19 in the U.S.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1NwH81z

Taiwan seeks membership of major Asian investment bank

Country says it will apply to join Beijing-backed institution as it seeks further regional economic integration.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1DmSHc8

Obama presidency: how will it be remembered?

With not long left in his second and final term, US President Barack Obama is trying to cement his legacy.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Dho1aO

This Is What TIDAL Looked Like in 1919

By Philip Cosores

If TIDAL’s launch ceremony seemed a little familiar, it was, whether known to Jay Z and his new partners or not. A similar act took place almost 100 years ago in 1919, when D. W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks created United Artists. Even the name “United Artists” seems to symbolize what Jay Z is going for in his recruitment of partners ranging from Arcade Fire to Alicia Keys as co-owners of this new music streaming service.

For United Artists, the idea was simple. Chaplin, an actor, Griffith, a director, Pickford, an actress, and Fairbanks, an actor/writer/director, all wanted control of their own commercial interests rather than relying of the large corporate movie studios to handle their affairs. At the time, they were at the top of the cinematic food chain, and the company they created was a way in which they could control their own creative and financial choices.

Obviously, the company name has existed in some aspect since its creation, but the legal troubles and power struggles that the company faced over the course of its run is the subject of much historical writing.

Still, this video shows the company at its beginning, with nothing but optimism for how great the industry might be if the artists remained in control.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1DmEXy0

Hanson to Headline Their Own Hop Jam Craft Beer and Music Festival in Oklahoma

By Philip Cosores

When Hanson first appeared on the music scene in the ’90s, the idea of them playing at a beer and music festival would seem, well, illegal.

Decades later, the boys of Hanson are are all grown up and appropriately headlining the second annual Hop Jam Craft Beer and Music Festival on May 17 in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Brady Arts District, an event they also played a part in founding.

And Hanson are not alone. Also performing is a strong bill of The Polyphonic Spree, Black Joe Lewis, Jamestown Revival, Horse Thief and a contest winner yet to be determined. These acts will perform in an all-ages performance space, allowing younger concertgoers an activity while the over-21 crowd bounces back and forth between the many beer tastings.

On the beer side, a mixture of Oklahoma breweries like Hanson’s Hanson Brothers Beer along with Prairie Artisan Ales, Elk Valley Brewing, and many more are providing the local beer lineup, plus out-of-town brews like Abita, Lagunitas, and Ommegang.

For more information about tickets and a full beer listing, check out the festival’s website.

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

Iran nuclear talks continue as deadline looms

Foreign ministers from six world powers prepare to join their Iranian counterpart in Lausanne for key meeting on Monday.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1DeQ0t1

Assad: Russia signed arms deals during Syria conflict

Syrian president appears to contradict Russian claims that Moscow supplies weapons under contracts signed before revolt.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1BKsn5u

Wilco Cancel Indiana Show Over Religious Freedom Act

By Kevin Rutherford

An upcoming show in Indiana from Wilco will not be performed as scheduled, with the band citing the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act as the chief reason for the cancellation.

The rockers took to their Facebook page to announce the news, saying that the May 7 show, to be held at the Murat in Indianapolis, would not go on as planned.

“The ‘Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act’ feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination to us,” the statement reads. “Hope to get back to the Hoosier State someday soon, when this odious measure is repealed. Refunds available at point of purchase.”

Though Wilco may be the first high profile act to cancel an Indiana show following the Religious Freedom Act, they’re hardly the first to speak out. Miley Cyrus did so last week, lambasting Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, calling him an a–hole.

Bleachers and fun.‘s Jack Antonoff has also expressed his discontent on his Twitter account, though he noted he would not cancel an upcoming show in the state but planned on “speaking out.”

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

U.S. Ebola Patient's Condition Improves

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

Thousands flee Idlib city in fear of army counterattack

Government chemical attack reported in provincial capital, amid fears of offensive to retake Syrian city from rebels.

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

Gestational Diabetes Drug Might Raise Babies' Complication Risk

Large Norwegian study followed offspring for up

Study links glyburide to more infant intensive care and respiratory distress

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

Lots of Leafy Greens Might Shield Aging Brains, Study Finds

50 percent of fresh fruit and 20 percent of fresh

Vitamin K thought to slow deterioration

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1G9gBqo

Migraine, Carpal Tunnel May Be Linked

Zecuity treats headache and the nausea that can

Patients with one are more than twice as likely to have the other, study says

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

GNC to Boost Testing of Herbal Supplements

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/1G9gD1z

Serb politician Seselj ordered to return to Hague trial

Yugoslav war crimes tribunal rules Vojislav Seselj breached conditions of his provisional release on medical grounds.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1OR4FxG

US denies killing Iranians in drone strikes in Iraq

Pentagon rejects claims by Tehran that US killed two Revolutionary Guards in strikes near ISIL-held Tikrit last week.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/19qsYBL

Song Premiere: Indie Folk from the Speedbumps, “Done Treading Water”

The Ohio-based band teases their upcoming album, Soil to the Seed, with a simple, rustic new track.

from AllMusic Blog http://ift.tt/1Nv7wsz

One dead after car rams gate of NSA headquarters in US

Second person seriously wounded after two men try to a ram vehicle through the gate of security agency at Fort Meade.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1EVlbo4

Are Psoriasis and Allergies Linked?

Psoriasis and allergies both cause itchy, skin and both involve immune system reactions. Could they be related?

from WebMD Health http://ift.tt/19AS4Oj

This Hotel Wakes Up Hung Over Spring Breakers with ‘Circle of Life': Watch

By Annie Reuter

It’s 11 o’clock. Do you know where your next drink is?

At least, that’s the sentiment of the Holiday Inn Resort in Panama City, Fla., known for attracting spring breakers across the country. Each morning the hotel blasts “Circle of Life” from The Lion King at 11 a.m. in hopes of waking up the spring breakers from their long night of partying.

A video uploaded onto YouTube last week shows that the spring breakers actually love the wakeup call. After the sun rises and all is quiet on the beach, the hotel blasts the song to which the spring breakers arise and hang out on their balconies.

In the video, one spring breaker can be seen waving an American flag as others stand from their balcony and sing along as “Circle of Life” is being blasted from the hotel speakers. As the song comes to a close, chants of “U.S.A” can be heard, presumably right before that first beer of the morning is cracked open.

At least they’re keeping it family friendly before a presumably raucous day of drinking and partying. All glory to Elton John.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1Er3S3z

After ISIL: What Tikritis found when they came home

With ISIL pushed from the countryside near Tikrit, many locals are returning to find their property destroyed.

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

Christian footballer kicking down barriers in Pakistan

Minorities are often targetted in Pakistan but a Christian girl from Karachi ended up playing football for the country.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1GGYZ5K

Don’t Bring Your Selfie Sticks to Coachella or Lollapalooza

By Courtney E. Smith

The first gauntlet against the selfie stick has been thrown for festival season.

Both Coachella and Lollapalooza have noted on their websites that the camera attachments, which allow users to take selfies with relative ease, will not be allowed at either festival this year.

Among the many things festival goers are not allowed to bring to Coachella, added to the list this year is the notation “no selfie sticks/narcissists” (directly followed by “no stuffed animals”).

Lollapalooza is a bit more specific, saying that “GoPro attachments like sticks, selfie sticks & monopods” will not be allowed.

Looks like the hoards will have to take their selfless the old-fashioned way: with arms wide open.

Coachella takes place April 10-12 and 17-19 this year in Indio, Calif., while Lollapalooza occurs July 31-Aug. 2 in Chicago. It’s unknown if Bonnaroo, arguably the third major festival in the U.S. along with the previous two, will do the same.

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

Fecal Transplant Treats Serious, Recurrent Intestinal Infection

With greater gaps in income within an area,

Experimental procedure helps people with C. difficile, small study shows

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

Carrie Underwood Posts First Full Pic of Baby Isaiah: See the Photo

By Annie Reuter

Carrie Underwood welcomed her first son, Isaiah Michael Fisher, into the world on Feb. 27, and over the weekend, the country singer posted the first full picture of her and husband Mike Fisher’s new addition to the family.

On Sunday, (March 29) Underwood posted a photo of her son on Instagram. The baby was shown wrapped on a blanket while holding onto a miniature Nashville Predators hockey stick.

She captioned the photo showing her excitement that the Predators will be playing in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

“The Predators are in the playoffs! Just waiting to get called up! #PutMeInCoach,” she wrote.

Underwood shared a picture of her newborn baby boy earlier this month (March 3), on her Twitter and Instagram pages. “Tiny hands and tiny feet … God has blessed us with an amazing gift! Isaiah Michael Fisher – born on February 27. Welcome to the world, sweet angel!” she wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of baby Isaiah’s hand.

from Radio.com http://ift.tt/1aaU3dp

Woods falls out of world's top-100

Former world number one golfer slips to 104th after loss of form and injury.

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

Many dead in airstrike on refugee camp in north Yemen

At least 15 people killed at a camp for internally displaced people in Hajjah province.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1F9nIhd

Turkish Airlines flight diverted over 'emergency'

Flight from Istanbul to Sao Paulo declares an emergency and diverts to Casablanca, a spokeswoman for the airline says.

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

Iran nuclear talks continue as key deadline approaches

Negotiators try to bridge remaining gaps and hammer out framework deal that would be the basis for a final accord.

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

Nigerians await results of closely contested elections

International observers say the vote was broadly in line with "continental and regional principles".

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1DdtwY1

Yemen: 'I hope we will not turn into another Syria'

Fearful their homes may be hit, scores of residents have been leaving the capital for surrounding villages.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Ifaos0

Rossi wins MotoGP season-opener in Qatar

Italian rider fights back from eighth on the grid to seal his 109th GP career race.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/19nBKRe

Land Day: Palestinians walk among old memories

Every year on March 30, exiled Palestinians return home to protest the Israeli occupation.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1aae8k2

Nadal, Wawrinka knocked out of Miami Open

Third-seed loses to fellow Spaniard Verdasco while Wawrinka beaten in straight sets.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1IewD0Y

South Sudan has become an aid-dependent entity

From the Pacific to Africa, the fate of nations is too often decided in the boardrooms of London or New York.

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

Bangladeshi blogger murdered in capital Dhaka

Police arrest two suspects near scene of attack, the second on nation's writers critical of religious teachings.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1IetvT0

How sanctions and the Arab Spring helped Iran

Sanctions haven't turned Iranians against the government - worse, failed Arab uprisings have turned them off dissent.

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

Polio: Still battling the nearly eradicated disease

WHO aims to eradicate the infectious disease by 2018, but it remains endemic in three countries.

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

Former Israeli PM convicted in new corruption case

Ehud Olmert, who already faces six years imprisonment, was found guilty of accepting bribes for the second time.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/19z9lqU

The greater reality for Iran and Saudi Arabia

The geopolitics of the Middle East are being re-written before our very eyes, yet no one is truly at the helm.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1OOZ4YF

Australia unveils cockpit rules after Germanwings crash

After suspected pilot suicide killed 150 in France, Australian deputy PM says two people must always be in the cockpit.

Source Al Jazeera English http://ift.tt/1Nx4cPD

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Monday, 30 March 2015

Sunday, 29 March 2015