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DC5m United States music in english 84 articles, created at 2016-12-09 03:23 articles set mostly positive rate 5.7

1 1.3 Harry Reid Final Farewell Speech From Senate Floor

(13.99/14) Harry Reid gave his final speech from the Senator floor on Thursday. The 77-year-old Senate minority leader, who is retiring in less than a month, was dressed in a navy suit and spoke for about 90 2016-12-08 13:05 974Bytes dailycaller.com

2 7.9 Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer dies at 69 Legendary prog rock singer/bassist/lyricist Greg Lake, has died at age 69 following a battle with cancer. 2016-12-08 12:24 6KB www.aol.com (11.99/14)

3 1.4 Blue State Blues: Trump Isn’t Just Picking a Cabinet, He’s Choosing an Opposition President-elect Donald Trump is making sure that conservatives, not Democrats, lead (7.99/14) the congressional opposition. 2016-12-08 15:00 4KB feedproxy.google.com

4 3.0 Madonna sings classic songs, talks kissing Michael Jackson on Carpool Karaoke

(7.82/14) Madonna took James Corden's "Late Late Show" segment Carpool Karaoke to the next level Wednesday with flashy dance moves and revealing tidbits about her career. 2016-12-08 09:39 2KB www.upi.com

5 2.3 Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger becomes a father again at the age of 73 (5.50/14) Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger has become a father again at the age of 73, his publicist said. The singer and 29-year-old ballerina Melanie Hamrick welcomed a son in New York today. 2016-12-08 12:22 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

6 4.5 After ‘Hairspray Live!’: 7 TV Musicals and 5 Lessons Learned (5.32/14) “Hairspray Live!” and its musical predecessors have shown us what works in these TV productions. And what doesn’t. 2016-12-08 14:16 5KB www.nytimes.com

7 2.7 Rosenberg: Israelis 'Cautiously Optimistic' about Trump Victory Best-selling author Joel Rosenberg believes the mood in Israel is upbeat following (3.23/14) Donald Trump's surprising victory in the U. S. presidential election. Best-selling author Joel Rosenberg believes the mood in Israel is upbeat following Donald Trump's surprising victory in the U. S. presidential election. 2016-12-08 09:20 2KB www.cbn.com 8 6.2 Donald Trump to remain 'Celebrity Apprentice' executive producer, Variety reports

(3.17/14) The show will return after a two year hiatus on Jan. 2. 2016-12-08 18:59 1KB www.nola.com

9 2.3 Chechen leader claims his troops eager to fight 'scum' in Syria (2.10/14) Ramzan Kadyrov offers vocal support for close ally Vladimir Putin amid reports of Chechen battalions being readied for transit 2016-12-08 17:32 3KB www.theguardian.com

10 0.0 NBC Schedules 3 Comedies, 'Blacklist' Spinoff and More 'Chicago' for Midseason (2.07/14) This year's breakout 'Little Big Shots' also returns to the schedule in March with Jennifer Lopez drama 'Shades of Blue.' 2016-12-08 16:15 2KB feedproxy.google.com

11 0.5 Aleppo White Helmet rescuers call for safe passage The White Helmets rescue group on Thursday urged international organisations to protect its members in rebel-held parts of Syria's east Aleppo in the face of an advance (2.07/14) by government forces. 2016-12-08 12:30 2KB www.digitaljournal.com

12 0.8 'New York Times' Executive Editor On The New Terrain Of Covering Trump (2.06/14) Dean Baquet talks about covering tweets as news, his decision to use the word "lie" in a headline about Trump and why he's not worried about libel suits from the new president. 2016-12-08 12:33 755Bytes www.npr.org

(2.06/14) 13 1.4 EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Mexican Senators Beat Trump Piñata, Chant Gay Slur Mexican senators celebrated Christmas by beating a piñata of Donald J. Trump while chanting "faggot" and other expletives. 2016-12-08 12:28 1KB feedproxy.google.com

14 7.7 Kanye West working on new music as he recovers from medical scare: report (2.06/14) There's no rest for Yeezus. 2016-12-08 12:13 2KB feeds.nydailynews.com

15 3.7 Justin Bieber's 'Sorry' tops Vevo's most-watched of 2016 By The Associated Press Justin Bieber dominates Vevo's list of its most-watched (2.06/14) music videos of 2016. 2016-12-08 10:32 1KB www.cbs46.com

16 3.1 Exclusive photo: Spider-Man Tom Holland unmasked in 'Homecoming'

The Marvel webslinger copes with teen troubles in his new solo movie. 2016-12-08 07:00 (2.06/14) 3KB rssfeeds.usatoday.com 17 5.9 'La La Land,' 'Moonlight' among AFI's best films of 2016

(2.02/14) By Piya Sinha-Roy LOS ANGELES, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Modern musical 2016-12-08 17:42 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

18 3.1 Conway Reveals Trump's Music Taste Donald Trump's campaign manager just revealed what kind of music the president- elect enjoyed listening to while on the campaign trail, and he's got some good taste. (1.19/14) Several musicians spoke out agai 2016-12-08 18:13 1KB dailycaller.com

19 5.6 WATCH: Sfiso Ncwane’s Durban memorial service Gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane's memorial service is underway, here are the live (1.11/14) updates. 2016-12-08 06:30 843Bytes www.channel24.co.za

20 3.1 Global stocks advance ahead of ECB decision SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Global shares rose on Thursday following upbeat trade data from China. Investors were looking ahead to a meeting of the European Central (1.06/14) Bank later in the day. ... 2016-12-08 05:53 720Bytes article.wn.com

21 4.3 Kid Rock sells pro-Trump t-shirts due to "overwhelming demand" (1.03/14) The Detroit-based singer has several t-shirts, some with explicit language, slamming blue states 2016-12-08 16:52 1KB www.cbsnews.com

22 1.2 Meghan Trainor cancels the rest of her 2016 tour dates due to illness (1.03/14) Meghan Trainor had some sad news for her fans on Thursday. The All About That Bass songstress has cancelled the rest of her tour dates due to illness. She posted a photo on Instagram. 2016-12-08 16:21 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

23 0.7 Leaders of Poland, Hungary to Discuss EU Future, Migration

(1.02/14) Poland's prime minister met Thursday with her Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban for informal talks on the European Union's security, economy and migrant policy. Orban and Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo are among the most vocal critics of EU policies and opponents of its plan assigning... 2016-12-08 16:03 2KB abcnews.go.com

24 0.9 Ryan Gosling demands romantic music as he teaches Jimmy Kimmel how to waltz (1.02/14) Ryan Gosling guided Jimmy Kimmel across the floor on his show Wednesday night, as Ryan taught the host the one dance he remembered from his time shooting La Land with Emma Stone. 2016-12-08 15:34 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk 25 0.0 John Legend makes a surprise appearance at Mariah Carey's NYC concert: Watch!

(1.02/14) You have to hear their impromptu duet! 2016-12-08 14:55 2KB www.aol.com

26 2.5 John Legend hilariously sings poem RHONY's Joe Giudice wrote for his wife Teresa (1.00/14) John Legend just proved he can do absolutely anything. The 37-year-old All Of Me singer appeared on Watch What Happens Live with host Andy Cohen and Trevor Noah Wednesday night. 2016-12-08 13:57 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

27 2.8 Reuters Entertainment News Summary Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs. Director Chazelle crafts modern millennial musical in 'La La Land' 2016-12-08 17:02 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk (0.01/14)

28 2.3 School censors 'Charlie Brown Christmas' poster Contact WND

(0.01/14) (FOX NEWS) One of the most poignant scenes in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is when Linus stands on a stage and recites a passage from the Holy Bible describing the Christmas story. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior which... 2016-12-08 14:42 1000Bytes www.wnd.com

29 0.0 Macy’s, Sears, JC Penney and Kohl’s discounts too good to be true, LA city attorney says

(0.01/14) LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles city attorney’s office is expected to file suit today against four big retailers for deceptive advertising, which allegedly misled shoppers into believing that thousands of products were on sale at a hefty d 2016-12-08 11:29 2KB www.presstelegram.com

30 1.3 Niall Horan shops for baby GIRL gifts as Liam Payne prepares for child with Cheryl (0.01/14) The singer, 23, was stocking up on adorable gifts - possibly for the imminent arrival - as he was seen leaving baby boutique Petit Tresor in West Hollywood on Wednesday. 2016-12-08 06:11 5KB www.dailymail.co.uk

31 2.5 Raleigh music school in need of donations could close after 23 years For 23 years, the Community Music School in downtown Raleigh has brought music into the lives of children, most of whom are from families that could not otherwise afford music lessons. 2016-12-08 19:32 1KB www.wral.com

32 5.2 Elliott Schwartz, Maine’s best-known classical composer, dies at 80 A Bowdoin professor who mentored generations of students, he told a former student this week, 'I have so much more to write.' 2016-12-08 19:02 5KB www.pressherald.com 33 1.3 Justin Timberlake shocks Sydney music students with surprise music lesson Sydney music students got the surprise of their life when Justin Timberlake turned up at their school. 2016-12-08 19:01 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

34 3.6 Max Frost discusses new music video for 'Adderall' (Includes interview) Singer-songwriter Max Frost chatted with Digital Journal about his new music video for "Adderall. " He opened up about his dream female duet partners. 2016-12-08 18:59 2KB www.digitaljournal.com

35 2.1 Princess Mary stuns in a royal blue blouse at The Mary Foundation Christmas reception Australian-born royal Crown Princess Mary, 44, has stunned in a royal blue blouse at Amalienborg Palace, Copenhagen. There she held a Christmas reception for The Mary Foundation. 2016-12-08 18:47 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

36 1.2 Kate Upton wears blue workout wear on way to Hollywood gym The gorgeous model is well known for her famous bust. But on Thursday, Kate Upton was all legs as she strutted her way over to the gym in Hollywood to enjoy a workout. 2016-12-08 18:43 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

37 0.0 TV Roundup: Spike Sets January Premiere for ‘Caraoke Showdown’ In today’s TV news roundup, Spike has set a premiere date for “Caraoke Showdown,” Kelly Clarkson will perform her song from “The Hamilton Mixtape” on Seth Meyers’… 2016-12-08 18:19 4KB variety.com

38 4.8 Richard Nickerson of Windham is Grammy educator finalist The director of choral activities has taught at Windham High School for 30 years. 2016-12-08 17:54 1KB www.pressherald.com

39 2.4 Meghan Markle wears her Prince Harry love bracelet on her way to yoga Meghan Markle (pictured) was spotted wearing her Prince Harry love bracelet as went to her yoga class today. The Suits actress proudly wore the accessory as she stepped out in Toronto. 2016-12-08 17:09 5KB www.dailymail.co.uk 40 1.5 Radical Latino Congressman Brags That Dem Pressure Is Turning Trump Into A Pussy On Dreamers Excerpted From The Daily Caller: President-elect Donald Trump’s softer stance on so- called DREAMers demonstrates that Democratic pressure is having an impact on the billionaire businessman, according to one of Congress’ most vocal amnesty advocates. “My… 2016-12-08 23:13 2KB www.patdollard.com

41 5.3 Pink camo attire nears approval for Michigan hunters Legislature gives final passage to an expansion for your closet: hunter pink clothing 2016-12-08 17:03 2KB rssfeeds.freep.com

42 4.2 Icertis Continues Executive Suite Expansion with Addition of Former Microsoft, Juniper and BELLEVUE, Wash., Dec. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Icertis, the leading provider of enterprise contract management in the... 2016-12-08 17:00 3KB www.prnewswire.com

43 1.4 Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine Documentary Set for 2017 Debut on HBO HBO will debut Allen Hughes documentary “The Defiant Ones” in 2017, Variety has learned. The four-part doc traces the lives and long partnership of two of music’s legends: Dr. Dre… 2016-12-08 16:55 2KB variety.com

44 1.2 Nicki Minaj celebrates her birthday with steamy swimsuit snap in Turks and Caicos The rap star marked her special day with a vacation to Turks and Caicos and an impromptu photo shoot on Thursday. 2016-12-08 16:25 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

45 0.0 4 Lincoln County churches ransacked Thieves stole everything from a bass guitar to church building fund money in a pastor’s study. The churches are south of Lincolnton. 2016-12-08 16:22 2KB www.charlotteobserver.com

46 0.0 Emmy Rossum stuns in checkered gown at Carolina Herrera event in New York The 30-year-old Shameless star looked exquisite in a black and white plaid dress while the 36-year-old Addams Family actress opted for a sexy low-cut number by the designer. 2016-12-08 16:14 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

47 3.7 Polar bears enjoy 'winter wonderland' at California zoo The San Diego Zoo captured their adorable polar bear trio frolicking in the snow in a habitat especially prepared to enrich their experience. 2016-12-08 16:08 1KB www.aol.com 48 2.6 Barneys slammed with discrimination suit by black New Jersey couple who say they were hassled when returning scarf, jeans A black New Jersey couple filed a lawsuit against Barneys for hassling them when they tried to return a scarf and a pair of jeans. 2016-12-08 16:03 3KB feeds.nydailynews.com

49 0.9 Place Your Bids: Sotheby’s ‘Rock & Roll Anthology’ Gallery Auction See photos from WCBS-FM's visit and be sure to watch Scott Shannon's exclusive tour of all the fantastic items up for sale at Sotheby's 'A Rock & Roll Anthology: From Folk to Fury' gallery auction. 2016-12-08 15:36 3KB cbsloc.al

50 3.8 Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton suit up for The Present photocall The 47-year-old actress and the 50-year-old playwright - who met on a 1996 TV show - have four children 2016-12-08 15:33 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

51 5.0 Mardi Gras 2017 rules, contracts OK'd by Jefferson Parish Council From parade reviewing stands to parking to music, the Parish Council covered it all 2016-12-08 15:32 2KB www.nola.com

52 0.0 Dad Turns Baby Daughter’s Sleep Suit Into Astronaut Outfit, Surprises Wife

"I did this entirely to make her laugh," he said of his wife. ... 2016-12-08 15:32 2KB article.wn.com

53 2.4 How Gambia's top brass turned on long-ruling Jammeh BANJUL (Reuters) - Seconds after the chairman of Gambia's electoral commission read out the poll results that ended President Yahya Jammeh's 22-year rule to reporters, a policeman left the building, cheering and clapping his hands in the air. 2016-12-08 15:20 801Bytes article.wn.com

54 0.0 Memorial for slain officer Collin Rose placed in Richland's village square Family members and others placed blue ribbons on a tree planted Thursday in Richland Square Park. 2016-12-08 15:04 2KB www.mlive.com 55 1.4 John Lennon died 36 years ago today, here’s how people are celebrating his memory On this day, former Beatle John Lennon died in Manhattan, New York in 1980. He was most known for his songwriting in the most influential British rock and roll group, but his solo career showcased honesty, in songs like “Jealous Guy” and 2016-12-08 14:32 1KB www.presstelegram.com

56 4.4 Daniel Barenboim opens Berlin music academy for Middle East students Composer says school, which will take in 90 new talents from the region each year, is ‘attempt at creating peace through music’ 2016-12-08 14:10 6KB www.theguardian.com

57 1.1 Fundamentally Freund: A soldier’s father and his smartphone Hence, I find myself more attentive to the iPhone’s little hums and reverberations than I normally would, ever vigilant in checking to see who the sender of the message might be. 2016-12-08 14:10 5KB www.jpost.com

58 3.2 Magical unicorn eyeliner is here to make your fairytale dreams come true Some people wrap color around the wing (like a unicorn horn!) and others simply choose to decorate their eyes in colorful hues! 2016-12-08 14:01 1KB www.aol.com

59 2.0 At 90, Tony Bennett is living proof that 'quality lasts,' in clothing and careers One of Tony Bennett’s earliest memories of “wearing a great suit” was on July 11, 1936, when a teacher arranged for him to sing at the opening of the Triborough Bridge, now known as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, in New York City. 2016-12-08 13:00 7KB www.latimes.com

60 2.0 Mandolin whiz Thile brings younger crowd to 'Prairie Home' MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Mandolin whiz Chris Thile (THEEL'-ee) says he still feels 2016-12-08 12:55 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

61 5.6 Music: Flute of gold from the Emerald Isle Sir James Galway will perform with the Paris Vox Musicorum Orchestra. 2016-12-08 12:38 6KB www.jpost.com 62 2.6 Martha Stewart, Ramona Singer and Vanderpump Rules cast enjoy Jason Derulo performance at DailyMail.com holiday party Among those in attendance were Lisa Vanderpump, Ramona Singer, Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, Katie Maloney, Tom Sandoval, and Dorinda Medley and John Mahdessian. 2016-12-08 12:26 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

63 7.7 Music: Love, Ethiopian style Vocalist Aster Aweke will perform at the Hullegeb Festival in Jerusalem. 2016-12-08 12:19 5KB www.jpost.com

64 0.0 At 29, this 'El Niño' singer is the buzz of California's opera world Davone Tines is an opera wunderkind of sorts, following his stunning debut at the Ojai Music Festival with a part in the L. A. Phil's presentation of John Adams' "El Nino. " 2016-12-08 12:00 9KB www.latimes.com

65 3.8 Timothy Summers reveals safest browsers and best messaging apps Timothy Summers, an ethical hacker and director of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement at the University of Maryland, explains how to stay cyber safe. 2016-12-08 11:53 6KB www.dailymail.co.uk

66 2.9 Vinyl album sales outpace digital downloads for first time in U. K.: Report Sales of albums on vinyl records in the United Kingdom outpaced digital album sales for the first time ever, an entertainment industry trade group reported Thursday. 2016-12-08 11:50 1KB www.washingtontimes.com

67 4.8 Christina Milian reveals the gift she'd give a 'secure' man We caught up with the Grammy-nominated singer at the quirky 'Curve Your Reality' soirée. 2016-12-08 11:34 4KB www.aol.com

68 1.9 Cheyenne Tozzi opens up about transitioning from modelling to singing Cheyenne Tozzi, 27, revealed she does not become affected by what critics think of her transition from modelling to singing. 2016-12-08 11:26 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

69 1.0 Rihanna responds to Beyonce feud rumors: 'We don't need to be putting black women against each other' Rihanna took to Instagram on Wednesday to clear up rumors that she and Beyoncé were feuding over GRAMMY nominations. 2016-12-08 11:03 2KB www.aol.com 70 2.4 Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra strike ends with $700K donated FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Musicians with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra have ended their three-month strike by approving a new contract bolstered by a $700... 2016-12-08 10:24 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

71 1.5 Kerry Katona is photobombed by co-star after panto performance as the Fairy Godmother The former Atomic Kitten star, 36, looked as though her wholesome role was suiting her down to the ground as she posed for photographs outside Lincoln's New Theatre Royal on Wednesday. 2016-12-08 09:28 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

72 2.0 'Preggo but I’m still doin moves like Beyonce': Surrogate mother in labour performs energetic dance routine to the song Baby Momma Dressed in just her surgical gown and a fetching pair of yellow socks, Alexandra Theriault (pictured), from Florida, tried to hurry her labour along by dancing while four centimetres dilated. 2016-12-08 08:54 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

73 0.6 I'm A Celebrity: Martin Roberts hints there was more 'bullying' from Larry Lamb off air He famously locked horns with Larry Lamb and Danny Baker on I'm A Celebrity - but Martin Roberts hinted that there were more incidents which weren't shown on air. 2016-12-08 08:52 7KB www.dailymail.co.uk

74 4.2 Atlanta's homeless choir performs in free concert this weekend Sixty percent of the men from last year’s choir are no longer homeless and are working and living independently. 2016-12-08 08:31 2KB rssfeeds.11alive.com

75 4.5 Meghan Trainor pens, performs song for new 'Smurfs' adventure Meghan Trainor has written and recorded a song for the latest Smurfs movie, Sony Pictures Animation announced. 2016-12-08 07:51 1KB www.upi.com

76 2.0 Amazon: Triangle home shoppers buying high-tech Amazon says its Prime delivery service in the Triangle continues to grow as Christmas nears. And the Echo Dot - Amazon's own smart home device - is among the hottest selling items along with tech device cables. Also hot: Bottled water! 2016-12-08 14:51 2KB wraltechwire.com 77 1.4 Adriana Lima flaunts cleavage in plunging midi at New York red carpet The model mum-of-two stunned in the figure-hugging plunging navy number that displayed her ample cleavage as she posed for pictures at the event on Wednesday in NYC. 2016-12-08 07:37 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

78 2.1 Amazon: 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' is 2016's best-selling book Amazon says its best-selling book of 2016 is "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2, Special Rehearsal Edition Script. " 2016-12-08 07:25 2KB www.upi.com

79 0.6 For the Record: What the devil? Donald Trump won Time's "Person of the Year" honors! But they inadvertently (or totally advertently) gave him devil horns on the cover -- sad! 2016-12-08 06:52 4KB rssfeeds.usatoday.com

80 3.4 Petula Clark discusses turning down Elvis Presley on Good Morning Britain The Downtown singer, 84, put in an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Thursday to chat about her 45th studio album. 2016-12-08 06:31 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

81 0.0 Visible branding, black tights and wearing a belt with a suit: Etiquette expert reveals the fashion mistakes that are making YOU look common Much can be discovered about a person by their clothes. William Hanson reveals the sartorial signposts and wardrobe tell-tales that say a lot about who you are and your social position. 2016-12-08 06:26 6KB www.dailymail.co.uk

82 2.4 Upstate rapper works to help troubled teens with his music and m When you want to reach kids, you go where they are. That's exactly what some Upstate mentors are doing through a new music project that aims to give a voice and hope to those who need it most. 2016-12-08 06:14 2KB rss.cnn.com

83 4.0 State gives lodge a $150,000 grant Virginia is giving a $150,000 grant to help a build a new lodge and conference center near the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. 2016-12-08 05:04 1KB www.washingtontimes.com

84 4.3 German department store Kaufhof upbeat for Christmas DUESSELDORF, Germany, Dec 8 (Reuters) - The head of German department store chain Kaufhof, owned by Canada's Hudson's Bay , says the 2016-12-08 05:01 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk Articles

DC5m United States music in english 84 articles, created at 2016-12-09 03:23

1 /84 1.3 Harry Reid Final Farewell Speech From Senate Floor

(13.99/14) Harry Reid gave his final speech from the Senator floor on Thursday.

The 77-year-old Senate minority leader, who is retiring in less than a month, was dressed in a navy suit and spoke for about 90 minutes about his 34 years in Congress.

“I know it’s long and somewhat tedious,” Reid said. “I’ve been here a long time, so please be patient.”

WATCH:

Hillary Clinton Jokes at Her Harry Reid bids farewell to Kirk Tells Illinois “Take Harry Reid farewell speech: Own Expense for Harry Senate after 30 years Heart” In Last Speech On 'I made it because I worked Reid's Retirement thenewstribune.com Senate Floor hard' abcnews.go.com chicago.cbslocal.com rss.cnn.com

Harry Reid: Trump ‘Not as Harry Reid bids farewell to The Latest: Reid bids Harry Reid gives tearful Bad as I Thought He Would Senate with final speech farewell to Senate farewell to the Senate as he Be’ lasvegassun.com charlotteobserver.com reflects on hardscrabble feedproxy.google.com roots and admits Trump is 'not as bad as I thought he would be' dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-08 13:05 Kaitlan Collins dailycaller.com

2 /84 7.9 Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer dies at 69

(11.99/14) Legendary prog rock singer/bassist/lyricist Greg Lake , has died at age 69 following a battle with cancer. Best know as the bassist for King Crimson and guitarist/singer for Emerson, Lake & Palmer , Lake scored one of his biggest solo hits in 1975 with "I Believe in Father Christmas. "

In a statement, Lake's former bandmate, Carl Palmer, paid tribute to his friend and collaborator. "It is with great sadness that I must now say goodbye to my friend and fellow band-mate, Greg Lake," wrote Palmer. "Greg's soaring voice and skill as a musician will be remembered by all who knew his music and recordings he made with ELP and King Crimson. I have fond memories of those great years we had in the 1970s and many memorable shows we performed together. Having lost Keith this year as well, has made this particularly hard for all of us. As Greg sang at the end of 'Pictures At An Exhibition,' "death is life. " His music can now live forever in the hearts of all who loved him. "

As alluded by Palmer, it has been a difficult year for the fans of the pioneering band, as their third member, Keith Emerson, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in March of this year. Lake's manager told the BBC that Lake died on Wednesday (Dec. 7) after fighting a "long and stubborn battle with cancer. "

See photos of Greg Lake:

13 PHOTOS

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer through the years

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Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer through the years

UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of Greg LAKE; Posed portrait of Greg Lake (Photo by Gems/Redferns)

DENMARK - JANUARY 01: Photo of ELP and EMERSON LAKE & PALMER; Greg Lake, Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Photo by Jorgen Angel/Redferns)

Emerson Lake & Palmer 1972 ELP at Melody Maker Awards. Greg Lake, Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)

DENMARK - JUNE 01: Photo of EMERSON LAKE & PALMER; Keith Emerson Greg Lake Carl Palmer, Emerson, Lake & Palmer ELP, Copenhagen, Denmark June 1972 (Photo by Jorgen Angel/Redferns)

Emerson Lake and Palmer Carl Palmer live at Korakuen Baseball Stadium, Tokyo, July 22, 1972. (Photo by Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images) September 1972: Pop musicians (from left to right) Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer, of the group Emerson Lake And Palmer - or ELP for short, receive their awards at the 1972 Melody Maker Pop Poll; readers of the weekly music paper voted ELP the World's Top Group, and between then they won seven awards. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO - February 17: Greg Lake W/ ELP performs at the Civic Center in San Francisco, California on February 17, 1974. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

English progressive rock group Emerson, Lake and Palmer, taking a sauna during rehearsals for the band's 'Works' tour, at the Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada, February 1977. Left to right: keyboard player Keith Emerson, bassist Greg Lake and drummer Carl Palmer. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

Bassist Greg Lake, of English progressive rock group Emerson, Lake and Palmer, during rehearsals for the band's 'Works' tour, at the Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Canada, February 1977. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer performs at the Gorge in George (Photo by Dana Nalbandian/WireImage)

ABC IN CONCERT - Shoot Date: February 13, 1992. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images) GREG LAKE OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER

ABC IN CONCERT - Shoot Date: February 13, 1992. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images) L-R: CARL PALMER, KEITH EMERSON, AND GREG LAKE OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER

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Lake was born in Bournemouth, England on Nov. 10, 1947, and befriended future King Crimson bandmate Robert Fripp when the two were in school, later contributing lyrics, vocals and playing bass on the band's 1969 debut, In the Court of the Crimson King, considered by many to be the first true progressive rock album and a template for what came after. One of the most-beloved songs from the group's debut, "21st Century Schizoid Man," was memorably sampled by Kanye West on the song "Power. " It was during the U. S. tour for Crimson's debut album that Lake met keyboardist Emerson and the pair formed a trio with drummer Palmer (Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Atomic Rooster) in 1970.

The group's signature mixture of classical, jazz, rock and symphonic elements made them one of the leaders of the emerging prog rock movement across a series of influential albums, including their 1970s self-titled debut (featuring the Lake-penned radio hit "Lucky Man"), 1971's Tarkus and Pictures at an Exhibition and 1973 landmark Brain Salad Surgery, establishing their signature mix of multi-part suites, fanciful instrumentals and the occasional radio-friendly track. Brain Salad Surgery featured one of Lake's best-known ELP compositions, "Still... You Turn Me On. "

While the band's over-the-top light shows and unlikely chart success with efforts such as their 1977 cover of composer Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" made them one of the most popular prog rock acts of the 1970s, their florrid compositions -- often produced by Lake -- are credited with influencing the stripped-down, no-frills sound of punk.

ELP broke up in 1979, after which Lake launched a solo career, releasing a self-titled debut in 1981 and following with Manoeuvres in 1983 and Ride the Tiger in 2015. He scored one of his only solo hits, "I Believe in Father Christmas," in 1975, reaching No. 2 on the UK singles chart (behind Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody") and briefly joining the prog-survivors supergroup Asia in 1983. A few years later he reconnected with Emerson and drummer Cozy Powell in the short- lived Emerson, Lake & Powell and reconnected with Palmer and Emerson in July 2010 for what turned out to be ELP's final concert at the High Voltage Rock Festival in London.

Tributes to Lake poured in on social media from a variety of contemporaries, friends, fans and fellow musicians.

Guitarist/singer Greg Lake of Greg Lake Dead: Emerson, Guitarist-singer Greg Lake of British prog rock musician Emerson, Lake and Lake & Palmer Guitarist and Emerson, Lake and Palmer Greg Lake dies of cancer Palmer dies Singer Dies at 69 dies dailymail.co.uk lasvegassun.com variety.com pressherald.com

Emerson, Lake and Palmer Emerson, Lake and Palmer Rock musician Greg Lake of Greg Lake, progressive rock co-founder Greg Lake dies founder Greg Lake dies at King Crimson, Emerson, pioneer dead at 69 at 69 69 Lake and Palmer dies of upi.com latimes.com chicago.suntimes.com cancer at 69 feeds.nydailynews.com

2016-12-08 12:24 AOL Staff www.aol.com

3 /84 3 /84 1.4 Blue State Blues: Trump Isn’t Just Picking a Cabinet, He’s Choosing an Opposition (7.99/14) In meetings at Trump Tower, Trump is casting a wide net, holding forth olive branches to GOP moderates and even to the Democratic establishment, as represented by leaders like former Vice President Al Gore and Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel. His prepared speeches have also adopted a more unifying and optimistic tone. The liberal Hollywood blog Deadline.com , with some degree of surprise, that Trump’s “thank you” speech in North Carolina on Tuesday was “villain- free.” Yet in his impromptu statements to the cameras, and on Twitter, Trump has goaded the haters into the usual hysterical fits. His tweet about punishing flag-burners, for example, prompted his left-wing critics to reach, panting, for the nearest Constitution (a document whose value they have belatedly discovered). And his threats to Boeing, and to U. S. companies who move jobs offshore, irritated many conservatives, who rose valiantly to defend the “free market” in Department of Defense contracts. Critics on both sides have a good point. The First Amendment exists to protect speech we like. And Trump’s on Boeing — “We want Boeing to make a lot of money but not that much money” — sound eerily similar to President Barack Obama’s own infamous for govenrment intervention: “I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money.” Why would Trump irritate these critics, both left and right? The answer is he to provoke them, even as he schmoozes the establishment. And his reasons for doing so go far beyond petty point-scoring in the media, or the sheer fun of the fight. On the left, Trump wants Democrats to keep doing what they have done for the past several months, and years — namely, obsessing over shiny objects and embracing identity politics. He wants to avoid them re-discovering some kind of ideological foundation, or popular constituency, for opposition. He wants them to stay inside their media bubble, talking to themselves. By the looks of things, Trump is succeeding. Democrats re-elected Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), rewarding her failure again. They also elevated Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) to Senate Minority Leader, affirming the popular caricature of Democrats as a “bi-coastal” party. The only leader they have found from “flyover country” happens to be Minnesota’s Rep. Keith Ellison, formerly of the Nation of Islam. That triumvirate can only take Democrats further into the political wilderness. On the right, Trump wants conservatives to be agitated. Yes, he is courting Mitt Romney. But he is also is poking the smoky coals of NeverTrump to stir their fire. He wants them — not, say, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) — to be the loudest voices. Trump prefers conservatives as adversaries at the negotiating table for two reasons. First, unlike left-liberal Democrats, who are already vowing to say “no” to almost everything Trump proposes, conservative Republicans actually want to make deals. Second, conservatives already agree with Trump on the fundamental issues — the Supreme Court, for example. As Democrats learned over decades of “negotiating” with public sector unions, it’s easier when the other side is also on your side. So when Trump adviser Stephen K. Bannon (on leave as Breitbart News Executive Chairman) gives his first interview to the and , “The conservatives are going to go crazy. I’m the guy pushing a trillion-dollar infrastructure plan,” there is a method to the madness. Unlike Obama, who quieted internal opposition and marginalized the right, Trump is stoking internal criticism and letting the left marginalize itself. He is not yet governing, but he is already re-framing the debate. Iran's FM: It's in US interest RNC's Sean Spicer On Gold Star father a likely Harry Reid on Trump's to stay committed to nuclear Trump's Cabinet Picks, Trump cabinet pick Cabinet picks: 'Quite pact Tweets msnbc.com frankly, scary' jpost.com npr.org cnn.com

Trump's ideological cabinet You're hired? Inside the Trump's Expected EPA Pick You're Hired? Inside the picks interviews as Donald Trump Faces Opposition interviews as Trump picks msnbc.com picks cabinet article.wn.com Cabinet cnbc.com article.wn.com

2016-12-08 15:00 by feedproxy.google.com

4 /84 3.0 Madonna sings classic songs, talks kissing Michael Jackson on Carpool Karaoke (7.82/14) NEW YORK, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Madonna took James Corden's Late Show segment Carpool Karaoke to the next level Wednesday with flashy dance moves and revealing tidbits about her career.

"I don't like riding in a car unless there's music," Madonna said as the pair got to driving around New York City while jamming out to a number of the pop icon's hit songs from the '80s and '90s including more recent single "[Expletive] I'm Madonna" which ended with a twerking session.

Other songs performed included "Papa Don't Preach," "Don't Cry For Me Argentina," "Express Yourself," "Ray of Light," "Music" and "Vogue" that saw Madonna breaking out an impressive leg split while sitting in the passenger seat.

A big personality in music and onstage, Corden learned from the 58-year-old that she actually considers herself quite normal and boring when she is at home.

"My work is rebellious but my lifestyle is not rebellious. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't party, I'm quite square," Madonna said much to Corden's surprise. "I go home and I'm Julie Andrews ," she continued. Another revealing moment came after Madonna admitted to kissing Michael Jackson after Corden asked about their friendship.

"Baby I've been around," she said about tongue kissing the late superstar. According to Madonna, she had to lean in for the kiss.

"I did if you wanna know the truth because he's a little bit shy," she continued about making the first move. "However he was a willing accomplice. I did get him to sort of loosen up with a glass of Chardonnay and it did wonders. "

Madonna made out with Madonna twerks, reveals Madonna confessed to once See Madonna twerk, speak Michael Jackson she kissed Michael Jackson seducing Michael Jackson on Michael Jackson fling on pagesix.com on ‘Carpool Karaoke’ into makeout session over 'Carpool Karaoke' rssfeeds.freep.com evening of white wine mlive.com feeds.nydailynews.com

Kiss and Tell? Madonna Madonna reveals she kissed Madonna confesses during makes Michael Jackson Michael Jackson in James Carpool Karaoke that she revelation Corden's Carpool Karaoke made out with Michael article.wn.com – video Jackson theguardian.com dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-08 09:39 Wade Sheridan www.upi.com

5 /84 2.3 Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger becomes a father again at the age of 73 (5.50/14) Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger has become a father again at the age of 73, his publicist said. The singer and 29-year-old ballerina Melanie Hamrick welcomed a son, Sir Mick's eighth child, in the latest addition to his brood. A statement said: 'Melanie Hamrick and Mick Jagger's son was born today in New York and they are both delighted. 'Mick was at the hospital for the arrival. Mother and baby are doing well and we request that the media respect their privacy at this time.' Sir Mick has a daughter, Karis Hunt Jagger, 46, from his relationship with Marsha Hunt and a daughter Jade Jagger, now 45, with his ex-wife Bianca. He had four children with his ex-partner Jerry Hall - Elizabeth, 32, James, 31, Georgia, 24, and Gabriel, 18. He also had a son, Lucas, 17, following a brief relationship with Brazilian model Luciana Gimenez. Their liaison ended Sir Mick's 22-year-relationship with Hall, who is now married to media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Sir Mick has five grandchildren and became a great-grandfather in May 2014 when Jade's daughter Assisi gave birth to a baby girl. The new addition is Sir Mick's eighth child, and his first with Ms Hamrick. Sir Mick and Ms Hamrick began dating after the suicide of fashion designer L'Wren Scott in 2014, Sir Mick's partner of 13 years. The baby news comes six months after his bandmate Ronnie Wood's wife Sally Humphreys gave birth to twin girls, just two days before Wood turned 69. In an interview given by Wood a month after the birth of his daughters, Wood revealed that Sir Mick was one of the first people to meet them. He told Hello! magazine: 'Mick popped in on the third day. He couldn't wait to see them, I put one in each arm and took a photo.'

Rolling Stone’s Mick Jagger Rolling Stone's Mick Jagger Mick Jagger Welcomes 8th Mick Jagger welcomes 8th celebrates birth of 8th child celebrates birth of 8th child Child at Age 73 child at age 73 lasvegassun.com wral.com article.wn.com aol.com

Rolling Stones icon Mick Jagger, 73, becomes a dad for the eighth time feeds.nydailynews.com

2016-12-08 12:22 Sam Tonkin www.dailymail.co.uk

6 /84 4.5 After ‘Hairspray Live!’: 7 TV Musicals and 5 Lessons Learned (5.32/14) We’re now three years and seven shows into the stage-musicals-on- television phenomenon. It’s time to begin drawing conclusions from this continuing experiment.

You’ll recall that NBC began the parade in December 2013 with “The Sound of Music Live!,” which starred Carrie Underwood as Maria. A year later came “Peter Pan Live!,” also on NBC, and last December the network served up “The Wiz Live!” Fox got into the act this year with “Grease: Live!,” “The Passion” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and on Wednesday night NBC resumed its December tradition with “Hairspray Live!”

[ Review: “ Hairspray Live!” Had Power Voices but Still Lacked Power ]

Let’s cut to the chase: “The Wiz” was the best by far. But in terms of ratings , which is what this is really all about, “The Sound of Music” is the king (more than 18 million viewers), fueled no doubt by a curiosity factor, since it was first. “Grease” is second at about 12 million, then and “The Wiz” at 11.5 million. Preliminary numbers for “Hairspray” put it somewhat behind those. But in general the bloom seems to be off the rose, and these musicals are settling into a good-but-not- spectacular ratings zone.

So maybe the phenomenon continues indefinitely, maybe not. But at this point, we have a pretty good idea of how to make them work.

Among the poorest ratings performers and least watchable productions was Fox’s “Rocky Horror” in October, which was not performed live. That made it little more than a remake of the 1975 film version, a wonderful cult favorite built around a still-astonishing performance by Tim Curry. Laverne Cox had the unenviable job of stepping into his shoes as Frank-N-Furter, and never looked as if she was doing more than imitating her onscreen predecessor, something that was true of the rest of the cast as well. And for the viewer the enterprise lacked that little bit of spark that comes from knowing you’re watching a live performance. Granted, these are heavily regimented productions with little risk of a catastrophic misstep, but still — it’s fun to dream.

Ms. Underwood, the country singer and “American Idol” winner, was the unfortunate sacrificial lamb who proved this point in “The Sound of Music.” She has a nice voice, but it’s not a stage voice, the kind a classic musical requires. (Also, she’s not an actress.) Anyone thrown into one of these productions as stunt-casting to attract viewers — and the ratings suggested that Ms. Underwood, with her substantial fan base, did attract viewers — is in danger of seeming inadequate next to whatever veteran stage actors are in the show. Ms. Underwood’s weaknesses were only underscored by the presence of Laura Benanti and Audra McDonald. Similarly, Allison Williams, as Peter Pan, was even more of a dud when compared to co-stars like Kelli O’Hara and Christian Borle.

Stunt-casting can work, but only when the production plays to the strengths of those performers. “The Wiz” did — its rhythm-and-blues-infused score was just right for NE-YO, Mary J. Blige and other recording artists in that cast. And Jennifer Hudson, who has starred on Broadway but is better known for her screen and singing careers, was a “Hairspray Live!” highlight, belting out powerful numbers like “I Know Where I’ve Been” and “Big, Blonde and Beautiful.”

Several of these productions, especially “Grease” and “Hairspray,” have gone to downright desperate lengths to try to make an impact on social media and with young demographics (or at least, young demographics that condescending TV executives apparently define as “too stupid to appreciate art for art’s sake”). “Hairspray” kept pausing to introduce us to its social-media squad and to check in on phony-looking viewing parties in various cities. It’s as if the producers don’t trust the musical itself to be interesting. The thing is, all of these works, even the pop ones like “Grease” and “Hairspray,” have story lines. Some of those stories, like the one in “Hairspray,” are pretty powerful if they’re left alone. But if they’re interrupted so we can hear from supposed fans dressed in period clothes at a viewing party in Philadelphia, they have no chance.

“Grease” had a live audience viewing parts of the show. So did “Hairspray.” But both of these productions sent their casts galloping about from set to set, so the audience wasn’t always there. And when it was present, it sometimes was more cheerleader than audience, whooping it up in a way that called attention to itself. Who wants to tune in a TV show to watch people watching other people perform? Either figure out a higher purpose for a live audience or jettison it, please. “Grease” went by in a blur of blandness. So did “Rocky Horror.” But people will be talking about Ms. Hudson’s chilling “I Know Where I’ve Been” for a long time. And “memorable” doesn’t necessarily mean “wonderful.” It can also mean “debatable.” What other performance are people still talking about? Christopher Walken’s odd Captain Hook in the much-reviled “Peter Pan.” Was he lost, dazed, confused? Or slyly brilliant? Hard to say, but kudos for the casting decision. Harvey Fierstein, in contrast, was a safe choice for Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray,” since he played the part on Broadway. Sure, it’s fun to hear his growly voice, but the selection felt like an opportunity missed.

Ratings: ‘Hairspray Live’ The best and worst Viewership dips for NBC's NBC's 'Hairspray Live!' is a Sings and Dances to 8.9 moments of "Hairspray Live" live showing of 'Hairspray' boisterous, heartfelt delight Million Viewers cbsnews.com cbs46.com latimes.com sfgate.com

Did 'Hairspray Live!' win Did 'Hairspray Live!' win over critics with its message over reviewers with its of acceptance? message of acceptance? csmonitor.com csmonitor.com

2016-12-08 14:16 NEIL GENZLINGER www.nytimes.com

7 /84 2.7 Rosenberg: Israelis 'Cautiously Optimistic' about Trump Victory (3.23/14) Best-selling author Joel Rosenberg believes the mood in Israel is upbeat following Donald Trump's surprising victory in the U. S. presidential election.

Rosenberg, a former advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, now lives in Israel with his family but is in the United States for a month-long visit.

The question he says he is asked far more than any other by Americans is, "What do Israelis think about the election of Donald Trump and the transition to a Trump-Pence administration? "

On his Epicenter blog, Rosenberg summarized his analysis of the Israeli reaction.

He believes the Netanyahu government is "enormously encouraged" by the results, and that optimism is high because "they will have true and dependable friends and allies at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue [in the White House and Congress] beginning on January 20th. "

Since he took office in the spring of 2009, Netanyahu has been heavily pressured by the Obama administration, especially in the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Netanyahu denounced as a "terrible deal," potentially deadly for both Israel and the United States.

Rosenberg wrote that Netanyahu addressed a diplomatic conference sponsored by The Jerusalem Post just before Thanksgiving. While the prime minister didn't mention Trump specifically, he described himself as "supremely optimistic" about Israeli's economic and diplomatic environment and the long-term future.

Among Rosenberg's other conclusions: "Israelis were as stunned as the rest of the world by the elections – especially since the media said Hillary Clinton was a 'sure thing.'" The Israeli public is "steadily warming towards Trump," with a recent poll in The Times of Israel showing that 83 percent of Israelis view Trump as "pro-Israel. "

Still, only 3 percent of Israelis believe that Trump will make good on his pledge to move the U. S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Rosenberg points out that in contrast, the Palestinian leadership is "cautiously pessimistic," fearing that the incoming administration will be "too pro-Israel. "

Stay informed with the latest from CBN News delivered to your inbox.

ESPN Says Trump Victory Trump Victory Tour: We Will Russians flock to U.S. real Political Divide on Better Than Any Sporting Destroy ISIS! estate after Trump victory Campuses Hardens After Event infowars.com rss.cnn.com Trump’s Victory infowars.com nytimes.com

2016-12-08 09:20 www.cbn.com

8 /84 6.2 Donald Trump to remain 'Celebrity Apprentice' executive producer, Variety reports (3.17/14) When Arnold Schwarzenegger takes the reins of "Celebrity Apprentice" when it returns Jan. 2, there will still be one familiar name when the credits roll: Donald Trump.

The president-elect will remain as one of the NBC show's executive producers, according to a report from Variety. The entertainment industry publication notes his name will flash after show creator Mark Burnett's. It's still unclear what Trump's payout from the show will be, Variety reports, though it will likely "be in the low five-figures, at minimum," which the publication notes could become a conflict of interest down the road.

Trump left "Celebrity Apprentice" when he first began campaigning for the presidency, but his tenure there and on "Apprentice" was brought back into headlines when former staff members and participants alleged Trump behaved inappropriately.

Read the full report from Variety here.

Trump staying on as Donald Trump to Remain Donald Trump Will Keep ‘Big executive producer of Executive Producer on Stake’ in ‘Celebrity ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ Apprentice’ After Taking nypost.com variety.com Office sfgate.com

2016-12-08 18:59 Chelsea Brasted www.nola.com

9 /84 2.3 Chechen leader claims his troops eager to fight 'scum' in Syria (2.10/14) Chechnya ’s strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, has said that troops in the Russian province would be happy to fight the “scum” in Syria if they receive the Kremlin order.

Kadyrov’s comments were made after Russian media reported that two battalions of military police from Chechnya were preparing to leave for Syria to protect the Russian air base there.

Kadyrov wouldn’t confirm the reports, but posted on Instagram that the troops stationed in Chechnya would be happy to deploy to Syria, if they are sent there. He added that he would be eager to personally join the fight against “international terrorism … I would be happy and proud to immediately go to Syria to fight the scum” on President Vladimir Putin ’s orders, Kadyrov said. “The enemy must be destroyed in his den before his tentacles reach your land.”

Russia has waged an air campaign in support of the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, since September 2015, helping his forces steadily gain ground across the country, most recently in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and its commercial capital before the war.

The Kremlin has relied on Kadyrov to stabilise Chechnya after two separatist wars, effectively allowing him use generous federal subsidies to rule the region like a personal fiefdom.

International rights groups have accused his feared police force of abductions, torture and extrajudicial killings. In September, Kadyrov won re-election as Chechnya’s leader with almost 98% of the vote.

Kadyrov has repeatedly described himself and his troops as “Putin’s foot soldiers”. Many Chechens have played a role in the fighting in eastern Ukraine, where they backed pro-Russia separatists against Ukrainian troops when the conflict erupted in 2014.

Earlier this year, he said in a documentary made by Russian state television that he had sent Chechens to infiltrate the Islamic State group in Syria and gather intelligence.

Putin has stood by Kadyrov in spite of Russian opposition claims of his involvement in the 2015 killing of a prominent Kremlin critic, Boris Nemtsov. Kadyrov has denied playing a role in the killing. The suspected gunman – now facing trial alone – served as an officer in Chechnya’s security forces.

While Kadyrov had the central avenue in Chechnya’s capital, Grozny, named after Putin, he also has encouraged strict observance of Islamic rules in Chechnya, making it obligatory for women to wear headscarves in public. Men in Chechnya have been tacitly allowed to have several wives, a practice Kremlin critics have used to show that Chechnya under Kadyrov has effectively become a separate state governed by its own rules.

Chechnya's leader says Chechnya's Leader Says troops would fight happily in Troops Would Fight Happily Syria in Syria dailymail.co.uk abcnews.go.com

2016-12-08 17:32 Associated Press www.theguardian.com

10 /84 0.0 NBC Schedules 3 Comedies, 'Blacklist' Spinoff and More 'Chicago' for Midseason (2.07/14) Sign up for our Newsletters.

Login to download The latest to firm up its midseason schedule is NBC. The network, No. 1 for the season thus far, has several key additions in store for spring — and it includes a lot of comedy.

Continuing NBC's return to half-hours, sitcoms Trial & Error , Great News and Powerless all join the schedule between February and April.

Powerless , the DC Comics comedy, moves into The Good Place's slot, on Thursday, Feb. 2, when the latter completes its freshman run. Powerless will air in the half-hour after the most stable comedy on the network's current roster, Superstore.

Trial & Error gets an advantageous lead-in from The Voice when it joins Tuesdays. Airing in the hour presently occupied by breakout This Is Us , Trial & Error will air back-to-back episodes at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on March 14 after premiering at the end of a special 90-minute episode of The Voice on March 7.

Great News , from Emmy winner Tracey Wigfield and her former 30 Rock bosses Tina Fey, Robert Carlock and Jack Burditt, also will run with back-to-back episodes at the conclusion of Trial & Error. It joins the schedule April 25.

Other new series include The Blacklist spinoff Redemption , airing in its parent series' Thursday time slot effective Feb. 23, and Chicago Justice. The fourth series in Dick Wolf's Windy City franchise is part of a previously announced strategy to improve post-football season Sundays.

The top of the week will see 2016 breakout Little Big Shots return to the 8 p.m. hour on Sunday, March 5, offering a lead-in to Chicago Justice and a shifted Shades of Blue. The Jennifer Lopez drama will now air at 10 p.m. that night.

The full schedule of announced dates follows.

Thursday, Feb. 2

8:30 p.m. ET/PT — Powerless

Thursday, Feb. 23

10 p.m. — The Blacklist: Redemption

Sunday, March 5

8 p.m. — Little Big Shots

9 p.m. — Chicago Justice

10 p.m. — Shades of Blue Tuesday, March 7

9:30 p.m. — Trial & Error

Tuesday, March 14

9 p.m. — Trial & Error (time slot premiere)

Tuesday, April 25

9 p.m. – Great News

Dick Wolf's 'Chicago ‘Blacklist’ Spinoff, ‘Chicago Justice' to premiere March 5 Justice’ Land Premiere on NBC Dates as NBC Sets chicago.suntimes.com Midseason Schedule variety.com

2016-12-08 16:15 Michael O feedproxy.google.com

11 /84 0.5 Aleppo White Helmet rescuers call for safe passage

(2.07/14) The White Helmets rescue group on Thursday urged international organisations to protect its members in rebel-held parts of Syria's east Aleppo in the face of an advance by government forces.

"If we are not evacuated, our volunteers face torture and execution in the regime's detention centres," the rescuers said in a statement released by the Syria Campaign advocacy group that handles communications for them.

The White Helmets, which was nominated this year for a Nobel Peace Prize for its work, said it believed it had "less than 48 hours left" before the army arrived in parts of east Aleppo still held by rebels.

Addressing the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations and Security Council members, the group called for an "urgent safe passage" for its staff, their families and other humanitarian workers. In the last three weeks, government forces have seized around 85 percent of territory rebels controlled in east Aleppo.

A rebel call for a five-day ceasefire and the evacuation of civilians to opposition territory elsewhere has gone unanswered.

"We have good reason to fear for our lives," the White Helmets said.

It charged that the Damascus regime and its allies have "falsely claimed many times that our unarmed and impartial rescue workers... are in fact affiliated with radical extremist groups".

The group said its members in the city feared they would "be treated as terrorists" and could face detention or execution by advancing regime troops.

"We hold the ICRC, the United Nations and the Security Council responsible for our lives and we call on you to secure safe passage," it added.

The White Helmets operates in rebel-held territory throughout Syria and has won international acclaim for its daring rescues in the aftermaths of government attacks.

It was widely considered a frontrunner for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, and in September won a Swedish right award often described as an "alternative Nobel".

It is not without its critics, mostly backers of the government of President Bashar al-Assad who accuse it of being a tool of international donors that support the opposition.

But it contends it has no political affiliation, working only to save civilian lives in highly dangerous circumstances.

White Helmets in east White Helmets: In Aleppo Aleppo plead for help after 'every day is worse' regime advances cnn.com theguardian.com

2016-12-08 12:30 www.digitaljournal.com

12 /84 0.8 'New York Times' Executive Editor On The New Terrain Of Covering Trump (2.06/14) Dean Baquet talks about covering tweets as news, his decision to use the word "lie" in a headline about Trump and why he's not worried about libel suits from the new president. Donald Trump's "devil horns" on cover "entirely coincidental," Time magazine says cbsnews.com

Trump’s TIME cover fans flames of devil conspiracy — RT Viral rt.com

2016-12-08 12:33 www.npr.org

13 /84 1.4 EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Mexican Senators Beat Trump Piñata, Chant Gay Slur (2.06/14) The celebration took place in Mexico City where the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) held its yearly “posada” or Christmas celebration. The PRD is a far left party known for its populist measures and protest marches around Mexico City.

A video taken by one of those in attendance at the party shows the senators call for a salute to Donald Trump. In Mexican humor, “a call for a salute” is when one person asks the rest to shout out an expletive. In this case, the assembled group echoed the chant, “chinga tu madre”, calling for the President-Elect’s mother to be violated sexually. Many senators whistled the insult in lieu of saying the exact words.

Soon after, the senators chanted another insult, “Hey Faggot”. The expression is commonly used in soccer matches to distract a rival goalie.

PRD’s current leader, Miguel Barbosa, referred to the antics as “Christmas humor.” The Mexican politician said his party is strongly opposed to Trump and his nationalist message.

The luxurious posada by members of the PRD comes at a time when most Mexicans live on a minimum wage of approximately $5 USD per day. On the other hand, Mexico spent more than $362 million Pesos or approximately $20 million U. S. to pay the salaries and benefits of its 128 senators.

Tony Aranda is a contributor for Breitbart Texas. Mexican leftist senators Mexican Leftist Senators defend battering Trump Defend Battering Trump pinata Pinata article.wn.com abcnews.go.com

2016-12-08 12:28 by feedproxy.google.com

14 /84 7.7 Kanye West working on new music as he recovers from medical scare: report (2.06/14) There's no rest for Yeezus.

Kanye West, who was recently hospitalized for exhaustion, is working on new music in the wake of his alarming medical scare, TMZ reports.

The "Fade" artist has experienced a major uptick in creativity and focus since checking out of the UCLA Medical Center last week, sources close to the rapper told the gossip site.

Because of this, he's currently in an extremely inventive state of mind, making a new album a legitimate possibility, according to TMZ.

Kim Kardashian doesn’t want a divorce from Kanye West: source

West has reportedly likened his latest ordeal to previous tribulations such as the car crash that broke his jaw in 2002 and the untimely passing of his mother Donda five years later.

Those tragedies led to West releasing his breakout hit "Through the Wire" and his innovative fourth album "808s and Heartbreaks," which the rapper reportedly considers two of his greatest works.

Upon his release from the hospital last week, West has reportedly stayed on top of taking medication for psychological issues, allowing him to rev up the creative juices.

West dropped his seventh solo album, "The Life of Pablo," in February and was in the midst of his supporting "Saint Pablo Tour" before canceling the final 21 shows on the day of his hospitalization.

A look at the artists who were snubbed in major Grammy categories The 39-year-old ended up remaining under the care of doctors for a few days longer than anticipated as he dealt with long-standing issues with paranoia and depression, TMZ reported last month. He reportedly checked into an outpatient treatment center upon his release.

Speculation has swirled in recent days about the state of West's marriage to Kim Kardashian, who has dealt with her own troubles since being robbed at gunpoint inside her Paris hotel room two months ago.

A source told the Daily News, however, that Kardashian does not want a divorce.

Canine stars recreate Kanye Kanye West 'making new West's 'Famous' music music' amid Kim Kardashian video split rumours upi.com dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-08 12:13 Peter Sblendorio feeds.nydailynews.com

15 /84 3.7 Justin Bieber's 'Sorry' tops Vevo's most-watched of 2016 (2.06/14) Justin Bieber dominates Vevo's list of its most-watched music videos of 2016. Bieber scored three of the top 10 most-watched Vevo videos this year. Vevo says Bieber's "Sorry" topped the global list with more than 1.8 billion views. The Canadian singer's "What Do You Mean? " and "Love Yourself" placed fifth and sixth on the list. Adele's "Hello" was second with more than 1.2 billion plays. Fifth Harmony placed third with "Work from Home. " Vevo also says David Bowie's videos received the biggest number of views in a 24-hour period outside of new releases. Bowie's videos were viewed 51 million times in the period following his death in January. Vevo is the music video platform of Sony and Universal. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Justin Bieber and Taylor GET READY! Justin Bieber Swift Utah Mountain Retreat is headed to Mzansi forbes.com timeslive.co.za

2016-12-08 10:32 www.cbs46.com

16 /84 3.1 Exclusive photo: Spider-Man Tom Holland unmasked in 'Homecoming' (2.06/14) We’ve already seen five big-budget Spider-Man films. Get ready for the first Peter Parker movie.

Tom Holland follows up his introduction as the wall-crawling Marvel hero in last May’s Captain America: Civil War and digs into the daily life of the New York City teenager underneath the mask in Spider-Man: Homecoming (in theaters July 7). Directed by Jon Watts ( Cop Car ), the coming-of- age story features Peter attending his high school for gifted kids, trying to impress his new benefactor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and also dealing with a pesky arch enemy, the Vulture (Michael Keaton).

For Holland, it's less an action movie and "more a character piece about this kid who's struggling to talk to girls and also struggling to save the city," says the 20-year-old British actor.

The first trailers will be unveiled online Thursday.

Homecoming begins with Peter wrestling with a return to his normal life in Queens after being recruited by Stark and surviving his first huge superhero battle (see: Civil War ). Taking the subway to school again for his sophomore year is tough for the kid.

“He literally just went to Europe with the coolest clique of them all,” says co-producer Eric Hauserman Carroll. “And now he’s back with the academic decathlon and the mathletes and going, ‘What am I doing here?’ ”

Both the previous Spidey incarnations — in the 2000s with Tobey Maguire and the more recent pair of Andrew Garfield movies — featured Peter getting his powers through a radioactive spider bite and his Uncle Ben's wise words (“With great power comes great responsibility”) becoming a heroic mantra.

But Homecoming is skipping that backstory. The filmmakers want to focus on his life as a teen crushing on girls and navigating his formative years, albeit with really cool abilities. “This is really a movie where Spider-Man’s not the finished article,” Holland says. “He really does learn and he makes massive mistakes. It’s nice to see a kid do that and then try to rectify those mistakes.”

Peter is also still figuring out the high-tech suit that Stark gave him. The getup fans saw in Civil War “can do a lot more than he even realizes right now,” says producer and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. In Homecoming , “you begin to see just how much Tony Stark loves bells and whistles. "

The young supporting cast includes Jacob Batalon as Peter’s best friend Ned Leeds, Laura Harrier as his dream girl Liz Allan, Tony Revolori as bully Flash Thompson and Zendaya as their classmate Michelle.

Marisa Tomei reprises her Civil War role as Peter’s Aunt May, while Keaton co-stars as the movie's resident bad guy Adrian Toomes, an average Joe with criminal tendencies and a wicked wing suit.

“The first time we see the Vulture is terrifying,” Holland teases. “It’s like a horror movie: really scary, very intense and shocking.”

The Spidey foe is different than other Marvel baddies such as Thanos and Ultron, Watts says. “It’s fun to think that if Spider-Man is a regular kid who becomes a superhero, there’s got to be a bunch of regular guys who become supervillains, too.”

'Spider-Man: Homecoming' ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ teaser revealed: What made First Official Image Swings first movie a hit? Onto the Web (Photo) csmonitor.com sfgate.com

2016-12-08 07:00 Brian Truitt rssfeeds.usatoday.com

17 /84 5.9 'La La Land,' 'Moonlight' among AFI's best films of 2016

(2.02/14) By Piya Sinha-Roy LOS ANGELES, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Modern musical "La La Land," independent drama "Moonlight" and sci-fi movie "Arrival" were among the diverse genres selected as the year's best films by the American Film Institute (AFI) on Thursday. AFI's top 10 films and television shows of the year were announced ahead of next week's Golden Globe nominations and Screen Actors Guild nominations, and help shape the contenders in Hollywood's annual awards season. The list also includes Denzel Washington drama "Fences," Mel Gibson's war movie "Hacksaw Ridge," Western heist story "Hell or High Water," grief drama "Manchester By the Sea," Martin Scorsese's "Silence," Clint Eastwood's "Sully" and Disney animated film "Zootopia. " "La La Land" and "Moonlight" are being touted by awards pundits as frontrunners in the Oscars best picture race. The AFI list is compiled by critics, scholars, TV and film artists. The winners will be celebrated at a lunch on Jan. 6. Among the year's best TV shows were HBO's medieval fantasy saga "Game of Thrones," crime mini-series "The Night Of" and political comedy "Veep. " Other shows were FX's 10-part series "The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story," spy thriller "The Americans" and Donald Glover comedy "Atlanta. " Netflix's summer hit "Stranger Things" and British period drama "The Crown" also made the list, alongside NBC's family saga "This Is Us" and AMC's "Breaking Bad" spin-off, "Better Call Saul. " The AFI gave special recognition to ESPN's five-part documentary series "O. J.: Made in America. " (Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Richard Chang)

Director Chazelle crafts ‘Zootopia’ Joins ‘La La modern millennial musical in Land,’ ‘Moonlight’ on AFI 'La La Land' Top 10 of 2016 dailymail.co.uk sfgate.com

2016-12-08 17:42 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

18 /84 (1.19/14) 3.1 Conway Reveals Trump's Music Taste Donald Trump’s campaign manager just revealed what kind of music the president-elect enjoyed listening to while on the campaign trail, and he’s got some good taste.

Several musicians spoke out against Trump during his presidential campaign, but it did not change the way he feels about their music, according to Kellyanne Conway.

“He believes in individual liberty and freedom of expression and the First Amendment, so it doesn’t bother him and he doesn’t like their music any less,” Conway told TMZ Thursday.

Longtime Democratic supporter Elton John was one of those artists, but Conway confirmed that Trump is a big fan of the “Rocketman” singer’s music.

“Donald Trump is a huge Elton John fan, so we’d often have that on the plane,” Conway said. “He’s a great music enthusiast actually. So you could find us dancing in the aisles on Air Trump once in a while.”

Donald Trump steps off of his airplane after arriving for a campaign rally at Pittsburgh International Airport. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

As for who we can expect to perform at his inauguration ceremony, Conway says that will remain a surprise. “It’s going to be a really nice eclectic group,” she added.

As yet another general joins Trump's team, what does the pick reveal? csmonitor.com

2016-12-08 18:13 Ford Springer dailycaller.com

19 /84 5.6 WATCH: Sfiso Ncwane’s Durban memorial service

(1.11/14) Cape Town - Gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane's memorial service is underway. Sfiso passed away on Monday.

The memorial service is taking place at eThekwini Community Church in Durban.

The event started at 11:00 on Thursday and is open to the public.

Follow News24 journalist Kaveel Singh on Twitter for more.

See the video of the start of the memorial service here:

Tobeka Madida-Zuma WATCH: Linda Sibiya Sfiso Ncwane to be LIVE: Sfiso Ncwane Durban defiant at Ncwane memorial hijacks Sfiso Ncwane's honoured with a memorial memorial service timeslive.co.za memorial, blasts the media service today timeslive.co.za timeslive.co.za timeslive.co.za

2016-12-08 06:30 www.channel24.co.za

20 /84 (1.06/14) 3.1 Global stocks advance ahead of ECB decision SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Global shares rose on Thursday following upbeat trade data from China. Investors were looking ahead to a meeting of the European Central Bank later in the day. ...

US STOCKS-Futures flat ahead of ECB rate decision dailymail.co.uk

Stocks, euro push higher ahead of ECB stimulus plan dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-08 05:53 system article.wn.com

21 /84 4.3 Kid Rock sells pro-Trump t-shirts due to "overwhelming demand" (1.03/14) Kid Rock is showing his support for Donald Trump by selling pro-red state “current event merch” thanks to “overwhelming demand,” according to a tweet he wrote.

The Detroit-based singer has several T-shirts, some with explicit language, slamming blue states.

One T-shirt says, “GOD GUNS & TRUMP,” while another is a post-election map of the U. S. with red states labeled “United States of America” and blue states called “Dumbf***istan.”

The musician is also selling red caps that say “Make America Bad*** Again” and a pro-Trump T- shirt that slams the president-elect’s detractors and refers to a sexual act. Kid Rock has been very vocal about his support for Trump. He told Rolling Stone in February, “I’m digging Trump... My feeling: let the motherf***ing business guy run it like a f***ing business. And his campaign has been entertaining as s***.”

Kid Rock is selling pro-Trump t-shirts.

Kid Rock rolls out a line of vulgar, pro-Trump merchandise feeds.nydailynews.com

2016-12-08 16:52 Andrea Park www.cbsnews.com

22 /84 1.2 Meghan Trainor cancels the rest of her 2016 tour dates due to illness (1.03/14) Meghan Trainor had some sad news for her fans on Thursday. The All About That Bass songstress has cancelled the rest of her tour dates due to illness. The 22-year-old singer posted a photo on Instagram where she revealed the news that she has been put on 'strict vocal rest' by doctors for the foreseeable future after falling ill. She uploaded a photo which read: 'I posted last week that I wasn't feeling great, but was powering through the best that I could. 'Unfortunately, I am not feeling any better and after leaving the doctor today, I have been put on a strict vocal rest for the next two weeks.' The post continued as she said: 'This absolutely kills me because I was so excited to see all of you on the road. Meghan signed off her note by thanking her fans for their support and vowing to be back on stage as soon as possible. 'I'm going to go home and rest so I can get back to see you all as soon as I can. I love you so much and am so appreciative of your love and support that you constantly show me. You mean everything to me. Can't wait to see you in 2017! Love MTRAIN.' She simply captioned the post with a heartbroken emoji. This means she won't be performing for the rest of the year and fans will no doubt be disappointed as she had dates all over the US including Connecticut, New York City, Washington D. C., Atlanta and Florida. The news comes a few days after the singer was too ill to perform in Boston, Massachusetts, shortly after announcing the Grammy Award nominees on CBS This Morning. The blonde beauty is taking the doctors orders seriously as no doubt she's trying to prevent what happened in 2015 where she suffered a vocal cord hemorrhage and also contracted bronchitis. The illnesses meant she had to cancel the rest of her MTrain tour to undergo vocal cord surgery. Meghan Trainor cancels remaining 2016 concerts due to illness upi.com

2016-12-08 16:21 Dailymail.com www.dailymail.co.uk

23 /84 0.7 Leaders of Poland, Hungary to Discuss EU Future, Migration (1.02/14) Poland's prime minister met Thursday with her Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban for informal talks on the European Union's security, economy and migrant policy.

Orban and Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo are among the most vocal critics of EU policies and opponents of its plan assigning migrants to member nations for relocation. They are also pushing for changes to give EU members more autonomy.

They met in Poland's southern city of Krakow for talks ahead of the European Council summit Dec. 15 that is to debate the 28-nation bloc's economy and future.

Szydlo greeted Orban at the National Museum, where they proceeded to see an exhibition on the "Golden Age of Hungarian Painting" from 1836-1936. They were then heading to dinner.

Orban's two-day visit to Poland includes an address Friday to a conference of Central European historians and researchers co-hosted by the Jagiellonian University and Hungary's Consulate.

The leader of Poland's conservative ruling party, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, was also expected to meet Orban during this trip, according to Polish media.

Leaders of Poland, Hungary to discuss EU future, migration article.wn.com

2016-12-08 16:03 By abcnews.go.com

24 /84 0.9 Ryan Gosling demands romantic music as he teaches Jimmy Kimmel how to waltz (1.02/14) Ryan Gosling has forgotten most of the dances he learned for his latest film, La Land, but there was one he still knew well. The Hollywood heartthrob guided Jimmy Kimmel across the floor on his show Wednesday night as Ryan taught the host the waltz - the one dance he remembered from his time shooting the musical movie with Emma Stone. When the band started playing music for the lesson, the leading man demanded a song change because he felt the original choice was not 'romantic' enough. Scroll down for video Gosling said: 'Do we not have some romantic music? I mean... I mean, c'mon, let's get sensitive, man!' Once the tune felt more appropriate to the award-winner, he started putting the moves on Kimmel. Ever the gentleman, the performer let the late night host know what was about to happen. He said: 'My forefinger and my thumb are going to start talking to your lower back. I need your lower back to just pay attention, all right?' The two got off to a slow start, though, when Ryan wasn't getting quite the attention he wanted from the late night host. Apparently Kimmel was distracted, looking around at the audience instead of making eye contact with his dance partner. Ryan scolded him: 'Stop the music! Who ya lookin' at? Are ya dancing with over there or are ya dancing with me?' Jimmy learned an important lesson in that moment about connecting with his partner. The actor went on: 'It's not about this [gesturing to their feet], it's about this [gesturing to their eyes]. I want to feel like I'm the only person in the room.' After the comedian apologized for his misstep, the two found their rhythm and Ryan led the dancing duo across the floor beautifully.

Ryan Gosling Teaches Jimmy Kimmel How to Waltz (Video) sfgate.com

2016-12-08 15:34 Dailymail.com www.dailymail.co.uk

25 /84 0.0 John Legend makes a surprise appearance at Mariah Carey's NYC concert: Watch! (1.02/14) Wednesday was a busy night for John Legend and Chrissy Teigen! The A-listers had back-to- back events in NYC, first attending the Target "Toycracker" event wear the supermodel wore a pearl-embellished top with what looked like the company's signature bullseyes on her chest.

MORE: John Legend's Daughter Luna Gets Her Own 'Sesame Street' Squad After Adorable Shoutout

Then they surprised fans at Mariah Carey's Beacon Theater performance, where Legend took the stage with the pop diva as Teigen cheered in the audience.

Mimi tweeted a video of Legend's cameo, writing, "So grateful the @BeaconTheatre stage was graced tonight with@johnlegend. I [heart] you @chrissyteigen #WhenChristmasComes. "

Prior to the show, Carey teased her followers on Twitter, writing, "Getting sewn into this gown right now... I'm coming @BeaconTheatre! "

But that wasn't the final stop of the night for Legend and Teigen. The pair also stopped by the Bravo Clubhouse for a taping of Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen and fellow guest, Trevor Noah.

It's also been a busy week for the couple's adorable daughter, Luna. The 7-month-old got a precious shout out from her musical dad and the cast of Sesame Street earlier this week, in a video shared by Teigen.

MORE: John Legend Scores Major Dad Points With Special Message for Baby Luna From the 'Sesame Street' Cast

"My heart!! I could cry," Teigen captioned the clip. "I cannot wait for the day Luna goes absolutely nuts over this. Thank you, thank you Sesame Street!! "

For more from the sweet family, watch the clip below!

More from ET Online : Watch John Legend Hilariously Impersonate Wife Chrissy Teigen in a Blonde Wig, Talk Kanye West Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Hilariously Play Charades Against Jimmy Fallon and Chelsea Handler -- Watch! Chrissy Teigen Shows A Lot of Leg in Yet Another High Slit Black Dress

Mariah Carey shows off her ample assets in racy zip-up corset and fishnets as she dresses to the nines after her holiday concert in NYC dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-08 14:55 AOL Staff www.aol.com

26 /84 26 /84 2.5 John Legend hilariously sings poem RHONY's Joe Giudice wrote for his wife Teresa (1.00/14) John Legend just proved he can do absolutely anything. The global phenomenon was asked to sing the song Joe Giudice wrote for his wife Teresa for their 17th wedding anniversary. And he batted it out of the park. The request was made when the 37-year- old singer appeared on Watch What Happens Live with host Andy Cohen and Trevor Noah Wednesday night. Teresa, 44, appeared on WWHL during an appearance in October where she revealed her husband wanted Legend to sing it. So when the singer appeared on the Bravo talk show on Wednesday, Cohen made sure to make it happen. John seemed embarrassed but he did it anyhow. Handing him a keyboard and some lyrics, Cohen asked Legend to perform. 'Why are you doing this to me!' Legend laughed as he got ready to play the keyboard. 'Because we love you,' the Bravo host responded. Legend then preceded to sing the lyrcs: 'Cause I'll love you forever; I'll never lie, no never; Cause you are my baby, my empress, my lady; Teresa you are my, I, heaven; Oh you're my, I, heaven.' He made up the melody right there on the spot, proving he's one of the greatest performers and can make anything sound good. Legend also explained that he was singing the song exactly as it was written. He seemed baffled by all the 'I's. The Real Housewives of New Jersey co-stars have had a tumultuous few years. The couple, who have four daughters together, filed for bankruptcy in October 2009 and have both since gone to prison. In July 2013 Teresa and Joe were charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications, and bankruptcy fraud in a 39-count indictment. In March 2014 they were found guilty and in October 2014 Teresa was sentenced to 15 months in a federal prison Then two years later in March 2016 Joe began his 41-month sentence - he is currently in his ninth month. Meanwhile, Legend has been on a series of chat shows recently to promote the latest film he's in, Lala Land. LaLa Land is a romantic drama that follows the artist and what it's like trying to break it in a new city. Talent, luck, faith, poverty, passion, hopelessness, depression, beauty, obsession, success, love and despair ensue. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are the leads in the highly anticipated movie.

John Legend impersonates wife Chrissy Teigen on Watch What Happens Live dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-08 13:57 Dailymail.com www.dailymail.co.uk

27 /84 27 /84 (0.01/14) 2.8 Reuters Entertainment News Summary Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs. Director Chazelle crafts modern millennial musical in 'La La Land' "La La Land" may be a front-runner in Hollywood's awards season, but getting it on the big screen presented numerous challenges for writer-director Damien Chazelle, even after his Oscar success with 2014 jazz drama "Whiplash. " "Being a musical, that alone was already a challenge to get money for, but as it was not based on anything, it's frustrating that the original movie has become this rarity," the 31-year-old filmmaker told Reuters in an interview. Aniston faces unruly festivities in "Office Christmas Party" "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston brought the holiday spirit to Tinseltown on Wednesday night with the premiere of her latest comedy "Office Christmas Party" about a festive work celebration getting out of hand. The actress plays conservative Chief Executive Carol Vanstone who threatens to close her brother's branch of the business. But her sibling Clay, played by "Deadpool" actor T. J. Miller, wants to save his office by wooing an important client and inviting him to what turns into a wild, drunken Christmas party where he pulls out all the stops. 'La La Land' duo Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling cement mark in Hollywood Actors Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling left their literal mark in Hollywood on Wednesday as their hands and feet were imprinted in cement, in support of their most recent role playing lovers aspiring for success in the modern-day musical "La La Land. " The two actors pressed their hands and feet into cement at the famed TCL Chinese Theater, where the ground is embedded with slabs of concrete bearing prints of hands and feet belonging to many of Hollywood's biggest names, such as Marilyn Monroe, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. Mick Jagger a dad again at 73 Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger became a father for the eighth time on Thursday when his ballet dancer girlfriend gave birth to a son in New York, his publicist said. "Melanie Hamrick & Mick Jagger's son was born today in New York and they are both delighted. British prog rock musician Greg Lake dies of cancer Greg Lake, the singer and bass player for British 1970s progressive rock groups Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and King Crimson, has died of cancer, his former manager said on Thursday. Lake, 69, who composed the hit song "I Believe in Father Christmas," died on Wednesday after what manager Stewart Young called "a long and stubborn battle with cancer. " Brad Pitt's request to seal divorce documents denied by judge Actor Brad Pitt's request to seal court documents in his high-profile custody and divorce proceedings involving actress Angelina Jolie was rejected by a Los Angeles judge on Wednesday. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Richard Burdge Jr. rejected Pitt's motion at an emergency hearing, a court spokeswoman said. Pitt and Jolie did not attend. Samuel L. Jackson honored at Dubai International Film Festival Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival for his contribution to cinema. The "Pulp Fiction" and "The Hateful Eight" actor was among a host of movie stars and producers attending the festival's opening on Wednesday. A Minute With: Felicity Jones finding the Force for 'Rogue One' Felicity Jones steps into the big league with "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," in an action blockbuster role that carries the first spin-off movie in the space franchise. Jones, 33, is best known for her Oscar-nominated role as the wife of physicist Stephen Hawking in "The Theory of Everything" and as Tom Hanks' sidekick in the 2016 adventure "Inferno. " Actress Sofia Vergara faces lawsuit from her own frozen embryos "Modern Family" star Sofia Vergara is being sued by her two frozen embryos in an unusual lawsuit as part of a three-year battle by her ex-fiance to see the embryos brought to life. The female embryos, which were created when Vergara was engaged to businessman Nick Loeb, are given the names Emma and Isabella and listed as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in Louisiana state court on Wednesday. Singer Rag'n'Bone Man wins BRITs Critics Choice Award British singer-songwriter Rag'n'Bone Man has won the 2017 BRITs Critics Choice Award, following in the footsteps of Adele, Sam Smith and Ellie Goulding. The 31-year-old, whose real name is Rory Graham, will receive the prize in January, when nominations for the BRITs, Britain's annual top music awards, will also be announced.

Reuters Health News Summary dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-08 17:02 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

28 /84 2.3 School censors 'Charlie Brown Christmas' poster Contact WND (0.01/14) (FOX NEWS) One of the most poignant scenes in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is when Linus stands on a stage and recites a passage from the Holy Bible describing the Christmas story.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior which is Christ the Lord. That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown,” Linus said.

It really does sum up the true meaning – the true reason for the holiday season – the birth of our Lord.

YouTube censors video of pro-Israel Muslim as 'hate speech' Contact WND wnd.com

2016-12-08 14:42 www.wnd.com

29 /84 0.0 Macy’s, Sears, JC Penney and Kohl’s discounts too good to be true, LA city attorney says (0.01/14) LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles city attorney’s office is expected to file suit today against four big retailers for deceptive advertising, which allegedly misled shoppers into believing that thousands of products were on sale at a hefty discount.

The retailers — Macy’s, Sears, JC Penney and Kohl’s — falsely advertised high “list” or “regular” prices on merchandise that was never actually available at that price, according to the lawsuits. That allegedly caused customers to believe they were getting a better bargain with the “sale” price than they actually were. California law bans retailers from advertising a higher original price unless a product was actually available at that price within three months of the ad running.

Feuer planned to hold a news conference at City Hall today to discuss the suit with reporters. He’s expected to stress that customers have the right to know the truth about the prices they’re paying and to know if a “bargain” is really a bargain. The suits will seek civil penalties and injunctions to prohibit such practices.

This is not the first time that retailers have gotten in trouble for false reference pricing schemes, the Los Angeles Times reported. In 2015, class action lawsuits were filed against JC Penney and Kohl’s accusing the retailers of tricking customers by inflating original prices. JC Penney eventually settled the suit for $50 million in cash and store credit to customers, and Kohl’s agreed to pay $6.15 million.

Macy’s, Sears, JC Penney and Kohl’s discounts too good to be true, says LA city attorney — and he’s suing presstelegram.com

2016-12-08 11:29 By City www.presstelegram.com

30 /84 1.3 Niall Horan shops for baby GIRL gifts as Liam Payne prepares for child with Cheryl (0.01/14) His bandmate Liam Payne, 23, is preparing to welcome his first child into the world with girlfriend Cheryl, 33, in early 2017. And it looked as though Niall Horan was stocking up on adorable gifts - possibly for the imminent arrival - as he was seen leaving baby boutique Petit Tresor in West Hollywood on Wednesday. The singer, 23, was pictured carrying a white basket full of pretty pink items for a baby girl as he emerged from the upmarket store with his generous haul of presents. Scroll down for video The Irish heartthrob kept it casual for his day of shopping, dressing down in a sky blue Nike T-shirt and grey jogging bottoms. Opting for comfortable white trainers, the former One Direction hunk accessorised with a stylish watch and sunglasses to shelter his eyes from the Californian rays. The This Town hitmaker was sporting a healthy glow from his stint in Los Angeles and blond highlights in his short hair. Appearing to have enjoyed the relaxed Californian lifestyle, Niall sported a spot of facial hair and short beard as he went about his day. Cheryl, 33, and Liam, 23, are believed to be expecting their first child in early 2017. While they haven't formally announced the singer's pregnancy, the Fight For This Love hitmaker revealed a huge baby bump as she attended the Quintessentially Foundation fair of St James Christmas Carol Concert in London last week. A spokesperson for Cheryl told MailOnline that she will not be commenting on the matter. The couple first met in 2008 when Liam was a teenage contestant on The X Factor and Cheryl was a judge. They went public with their romance in February, just weeks after Cheryl announced her split from husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini after 18 months of marriage. But the genetically-blessed twosome are said to have started dating in secret as early as December 2015. Baby-faced Liam was 14 when he first auditioned for the show but he returned as a solo artist in 2010 only to be partnered with Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, who went on to become global boyband One Direction. Cheryl first set tongues wagging about her rumoured pregnancy in September when she looked fuller-faced in a L'Oreal promotional video. Fans speculated that Liam was using his social media to send a hint about Cheryl's 'pregnancy' when he changed his Twitter bio to say he was 'the happiest man in the world'. The singer's management, Supersonic PR, then added fuel to the fire when they tweeted a snap of Cheryl from the waist up, just days after fans started speculating about the couple's happy news. The couple are believed to have started trying for a baby as early as June. 'It’s very serious now between Cheryl and Liam and they have been talking among close friends about starting a family,' a source told The Sun at the time. 'Her dream is to become a mum. But she also wants to get her divorce to JB out the way and be able to have a complete fresh start.' Cheryl and Liam's close friends have heaped praise upon them as a couple, with the One Direction heartthrob's former bandmate Niall Horan hinting there is a 'little bit of a story' behind their romance. He said: 'There's a little bit of a story behind it but I won't be telling you that. 'She's a great girl, really fun. He's a top man and one of my best friends. She seems happy, he's happy, so I'm happy for them.' Music mogul Simon Cowell, 56, said the smitten couple are 'like two little chipmunks madly in love' and hinted they were ready to start a family during an interview with the Daily Mirror back in July. He said: 'Cheryl would be an amazing mum. I have seen her with my son Eric and other kids over the years and she is incredible. 'She is very good with them. I think she is in a good place in her life right now. I had dinner with her a couple of months ago with Liam and they were great.' Simon joked to The Sun newspaper: 'I saw them together and we had a really nice dinner. They were on good form. They’re like two little chipmunks madly in love. Literally, they were so cute.' Cheryl and her second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini are yet to finalise their divorce, after their separation was announced in January. The couple had been married for just 18 months but living apart for five months by this time, splitting on their secret second wedding anniversary. The Geordie beauty married Jean-Bernard on the private island of Mustique in 2014 after a three-month courtship. She announced their separation earlier this year. And it is his strong- willed stance against signing the papers that will inhibit Cheryl from ploughing ahead with her relationship with One Direction's Liam. Cheryl was previously married to love rat footballer Ashley Cole, 35, for four years, between 2006 and 2010. The couple parted ways amid multiple allegations of cheating on his part. Niall, meanwhile, is reportedly dating bikini model Jessica Serafty, 25. The pair were first linked back in March, when they were seen at a number of events in the US.

Liam Payne is planning to propose to pregnant Cheryl dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-08 06:11 Matthew Wright www.dailymail.co.uk

31 /84 2.5 Raleigh music school in need of donations could close after 23 years Raleigh, N. C. — For 23 years, the Community Music School in downtown Raleigh has brought music into the lives of children, most of whom are from families that could not otherwise afford music lessons.

The school had about 120 students - elementary through high school – enrolled in lessons until the end of October, when the music stopped due to lack of funds.

"I was devastated," said Lanif Azcona, a former student. "I was like, 'Oh, no! The school can't be closed down.' We had just started a theater class, and I was the lead for the musical. "

The school and its $1 lessons are funded solely by individual donations or grants. This year, fundraising fell flat, and there was no reserve fund to fall back on.

Erin Zanders, operations manager, said telling students and their families was one of the hardest things she had been forced to do.

"It was the hardest day of my life," she said. "To have to tell my parents and students that they weren't able to come back for classes was absolutely heartbreaking. "

Azcona said, if it were not for the school, she would not be able to play music.

"I would not be able to take all these lessons. I would not play saxophone. I would not play the drums the way I do or the guitar the way I do," she said.

The school has launched a fundraising campaign and is working to raise $100,000 by Jan. 31. So far, the school has raised a little less than $27,000. 2016-12-08 19:32 WRAL www.wral.com

32 /84 5.2 Elliott Schwartz, Maine’s best-known classical composer, dies at 80 Elliott Schwartz, one of Maine’s most influential classical music composers and a longtime Bowdoin College music professor known for inspiring students during a 43-year career, died Wednesday. He was 80.

Fellow composers and musicians from around the country flooded his Facebook page with their memories of his warm demeanor and creative mind, which constantly pushed the boundaries of music. He composed one piece based on actual Facebook posts, which included musicians reading the posts, while another piece featured TVs and radios on stage with the performers. His 1966 piece “Elevator Music” was performed by 12 small groups on various floors of a building, while the audience rode an elevator and heard parts of the piece on each floor.

“To classical music listeners outside the state, (Schwartz) was unquestionably Maine’s best- known composer, but it’s not until you look closely at Maine’s own musical life that you understand how influential he was,” said Allan Kozinn, a former New York Times music critic who now reviews classical music for the Press Herald. “It’s hard to find a composer in Maine who hadn’t studied with him.”

His compositions have been performed by symphonies around the country, and books he wrote or co-wrote are used in many college music programs.

In 2006, Schwartz’s years of notes, sketches, files, sheet music, correspondence and recordings were acquired by the Library of Congress.

Students, colleagues and friends went to Schwartz’s bedside in Brunswick this week, hoping to talk to him one last time as his health deteriorated. One former student, Mark Piszczek, flew up from Florida on Tuesday.

“When I saw him, I told him I’d bring (Maine composer Dan Sonenberg) to see him Wednesday, and he said that was good because he wasn’t sure he’d last four or five days,” Piszczek, 59, said. “Then he said ‘I have so much more to write.'”

Schwartz taught at Bowdoin from 1964 until 2007, but he continued to show up on campus, to eat in the dining hall, and to talk to students about music as much as they wanted. He continued to work with students, too.

Peter McLaughlin, 29, was a student of Schwartz’s during Schwartz’s last year at Bowdoin. But Schwartz continued to work with McLaughlin and meet with him. The two have had lunch together about every month for the last 10 years. Schwartz also wrote some music for a student group McLaughlin was in and paid for the group to travel to New York to perform.

“Those of us in that last class were lucky because he was full of energy, and after retiring, he had all this free time that he spent with us,” said McLaughlin, a percussionist who works as music programmer at Space Gallery in Portland. “He loved his students. He loved young people. He was an infinitely energetic soul.” Schwartz was born in New York City and studied composition with well-known composers Otto Luening and Jack Beeson. His wife, Dorothy Schwartz, was an artist, professor and past director of the Maine Humanities Council who was considered a driving force in Maine’s cultural scene for some 20 years. She died in 2014 at the age of 75.

Besides his long career at Bowdoin, Schwartz had residencies or visiting professorships at Ohio State University, the University of California and Harvard, as well as Cambridge University in England.

Schwartz turned 80 in January and throughout the year various groups and events honored him. In Portland in April, the Back Cove Contemporary Music Festival celebrated his career with five of his works and some works by his students.

The Bowdoin International Music Festival held during the summer featured his music as part of a performance in July. Schwartz attended the performance.

“What impressed me about Elliott is that he was not only a lifelong creator and ardent advocate of new music, but that he also had a deep love of historical music of all eras and styles,” said David Ying, co-artistic director of the Bowdoin festival.

In a Bowdoin website article about his works being acquired by the Library of Congress, Schwartz was self-effacing: “I don’t think I’m being singled out because the Library thinks I’m a great composer. I think it’s partly because I’ve been a witness to so much that has happened in American music.”

But students and colleagues say Schwartz was innovative and extremely talented.

Schwartz, who played piano, was something of a musical collagist, said Vineet Shende, chair of the Department of Music at Bowdoin, a position Schwartz held for 12 years. Schwartz could find snippets of pieces that seemingly didn’t go together, but he would meld them perfectly.

He had a piece called “By George” that combined bits of music from Baroque composer George Handel with music by 20th century tune-smith George Gerwshin. But it worked, Shende said.

Schwartz was also a fan of word puzzles, and he’d sometimes use notes in a composition – E, F, B – to spell out words only the musicians could see.

“He had a sense of humor and a playfulness. But his works were lyrical, presented beautifully,” Shende said.

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2016-12-08 19:02 By www.pressherald.com

33 /84 1.3 Justin Timberlake shocks Sydney music students with surprise music lesson Sydney music students got the surprise of their life when Justin Timberlake turned up at their school. Justin was in town to promote his new movie Trolls a few weeks ago when he arranged a visit to Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. Nine's Today aired a VT of the surprise appearance which showed the award-winning musician listening to the students perform their original music. Scroll down for video Christopher Miller, Newtown's head of music told Lisa Wilkinson, '[Justin] wanted to give a little back, and work with some music students'. 'I was really blown away by his sincerity, he built an instant rapport with the students. Everything he said was genuine and really positive.'

2016-12-08 19:01 Hanna Flint www.dailymail.co.uk

34 /84 3.6 Max Frost discusses new music video for 'Adderall' (Includes interview) Singer-songwriter Max Frost chatted with Digital Journal about his new music video for "Adderall. " He opened up about his dream female duet partners. He noted that he made references to films and talked about what he thought the song was about. "I liked the one from Niklaus Lange and it was a real collaborative effort, and it came about through me writing down some thoughts and collaborating with the director. " The music video's ice cream concept was a "cool idea" for Frost. "I thought that was a cool idea since I had a hard time visualizing what we were going to do without it being too dark. " On his tour last year, the musician shared that both the West Coast and East Coast shows were beyond his expectations, and he enjoyed connecting with his fans as a headliner. "It felt like a first step towards something great and consistent," he said. The singer-songwriter listed Kai, Beyonce and Janelle Monáe as his dream female duet choices in music. "Adderall" is available on Regarding his music video for "Adderall," he said, "This is actually one of the first times I've written down about what I wanted to do. "He noted that he made references to films and talked about what he thought the song was about. "I liked the one from Niklaus Lange and it was a real collaborative effort, and it came about through me writing down some thoughts and collaborating with the director. "The music video's ice cream concept was a "cool idea" for Frost. "I thought that was a cool idea since I had a hard time visualizing what we were going to do without it being too dark. " Frost's plans for the future are to release and album in the spring of next year, and he hopes to have more singles out before then, and to eventually tour sooner than later. He was named by Rolling Stone and NPR as one of their "10 Artists You Need To Know. "On his tour last year, the musician shared that both the West Coast and East Coast shows were beyond his expectations, and he enjoyed connecting with his fans as a headliner. "It felt like a first step towards something great and consistent," he said. The singer-songwriter listed Kai, Beyonce and Janelle Monáe as his dream female duet choices in music. "Adderall" is available on iTunes

2016-12-08 18:59 www.digitaljournal.com

35 /84 2.1 Princess Mary stuns in a royal blue blouse at The Mary Foundation Christmas reception It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Denmark. The Mary Foundation focuses on three main social issues: Bullying and well-being, domestic violence and loneliness. Throughout the year the Princess, 44, has attended a number of events to support the Foundation's work. She visited schools and women's shelters, where women are offered guidance and a comfort pack. The event came after Mary and her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, took their four children to see The Nutcracker. The Tchaikovsky classic ballet was shown in Copenhagen, and Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine dressed in warm coats for the occasion. The royals posed in near freezing temperatures outside the Tivoli Concert Hall, Christmas trees adorning the footpath.

2016-12-08 18:47 Lauren Grounsell www.dailymail.co.uk

36 /84 1.2 Kate Upton wears blue workout wear on way to Hollywood gym The gorgeous model is well known for her famous bust. But on Thursday, Kate Upton was all legs as she strutted her way over to the gym in Hollywood to enjoy a workout. Wearing skin-tight workout pants in a bright color, the 24-year-old showed off her enviable body that has made her a Sports Illustrated favorite. Scroll down for video The Other Women starlet had her freshly- chopped blonde locks pulled back into a ponytail and her natural beauty shone through as she forewent makeup. She wore vibrant azure blue Under Armour workout pants that featured a flattering black stripe stretching down the sides of her thighs. Upton covered up under a high- neck black t-shirt and a black bomber jacket. She was later seen enjoying a weight-training session with her trainer at the gym in Hollywood. Kate chose comfort over style when she picked out her sturdy-looking sneakers. Her only accessories were her silver Louis Vuitton cross-body, a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses - and of course, her stunning eight carat diamond ring. The model is engaged to Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, who is nine years her senior at 33. She announced she was off the market by flashing her dazzling ice at the 2016 Met Gala, where she told E! News that he had asked her 'right before season started,' which is why they were keeping it 'on the down low for quite a while.' Though the good-looking couple have not revealed a wedding date, they have recently made a huge commitment to each other with the purchase of a mega mansion in Beverly Hills. Their new abode - which once housed singer Kenny G - cost them a nearly a cool $5.5 million. The 5,000 square feet residence features five bedroom and six baths in an East Coast country style home. Aside from a luxury kitchen and sumptuous living areas, it features a swimming pool, hot tub, and tennis court.

2016-12-08 18:43 Dailymail.com www.dailymail.co.uk

37 /84 0.0 TV Roundup: Spike Sets January Premiere for ‘Caraoke Showdown’ In today’s TV news roundup, Spike has set a premiere date for “ Caraoke Showdown ,” Kelly Clarkson will perform her song from “The Hamilton Mixtape” on Seth Meyers’ New Year’s Eve show, and more.

DATES

Spike will premiere its newest series “ Caraoke Showdown “ on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 p.m. following a new episode of the network’s hit series “Lip Sync Battle.” Hosted by actor Craig Robinson , the series gives participating car passengers an opportunity to win money by competing in a series karaoke challenges through various rounds. Core Media Group is producing with Robinson serving as executive producer alongside Howie Mandel, Alice Dickens-Koblin, Peter Herschko and Brian Veskosky.

“ Alaskan Bush People ” will return to Discovery on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. The Brown family returns with new challenges and new strategies of survival as they endure the rough Alaskian landscape. The series is produced in partnership with Park Slope Productions with executive producers Paul Reitano, Terrence Sacchi, and Ian Gelfand.

Investigation Discovery ‘s newest series “ Murder Chose Me ” will premiere Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 10 p.m. Co-produced by Jupiter Entertainment, the series follows homicide detective Rod Demery and his 14-year career working in some of the country’s most chilling investigations, included 250 homicide cases alone. Todd Moss, Erich Sturm and Lorna Thomas all serve as executive producers.

RENEWALS

E! Network ‘s reality series “ Botched ” has been renewed for an 18-episode fourth season. Starring plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif, the series returns in spring 2017 to complete the remainder of season three. “Botched” is an Evolution Media production with Douglas Ross, Alex Baskin, Matt Westmore, Dr. Dubrow, Dr. Nassif, Robert Carroll, Louis Boyd, Sarah Kane and Bill Povletich all serving as executive producers.

SPECIALS

NBC will air a special New Year’s Eve edition of “Late Night with Seth Meyers” in primetime on Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. Meyers will close out 2016 with appearances by Jennifer Lawrence, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Leslie Jones, and Kelly Clarkson will perform “It’s Quiet Uptown” from “The Hamilton Mixtape.”

SiriusXM Radio’s RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 will team up with the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund to broadcast “ Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund, ” a telethon to raise funds for the victims of the recent fires in the Great Smoky Mountains, the company stated. Scheduled to perform at the event are Dolly Parton , Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers and Alison Krauss. The special will be broadcast Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. on both RFD-TV and Rural Radio.

EXECUTIVES

Curtis Lelash and Tramm Wigzell of Cartoon Network have both been promoted to s enior vice president, original series. The duo will co-lead the original series group, where they will expand Cartoon Network’s portfolio of original video and multiplatform programming, as stated by the company. Both will report to Rob Sorcher, Chief Content Officer, in their new roles.

Bravo Media has elevated Quest Marks to v ice president, on-air/video creative marketing of the company. Based in Los Angeles, Marks will work closely with Bravo’s social media team to oversee the creative process for Bravo’s social media video content, as well as continue to lead Bravo’s on-air promotion strategy. Marks previously served as senior creative director, on-air promotion for Bravo Media.

2016-12-08 18:19 Arya Roshanian variety.com

38 /84 4.8 Richard Nickerson of Windham is Grammy educator finalist Richard Nickerson, director of choral activities at Windham High School, was named one of 10 finalists for the 2017 Music Educator Award, a national program that recognizes “educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education.” Created by the Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation, the winner will be recognized during Grammy week and will attend the 59th Grammy Awards ceremony on Feb. 12. The finalists were announced Thursday on “CBS This Morning.”

Nickerson, who has taught at Windham High for 30 years, was among 25 music educators nationwide who advanced to the semifinal round in October. He also was nominated in 2013, the first year that the award was given, and advanced to the quarterfinals.

A Windham resident, Nickerson conducts three choirs, teaches music courses and serves as music coordinator for the district. He’s been named Maine Music Educator of the Year, Maine Distinguished Choral Director of the Year and was runner-up for Maine Teacher of the Year.

Choral Director Magazine named him one of 10 “Choral Directors of Note” in the United States.

Nickerson considered leaving Windham High to teach at the college level after he earned a doctorate in choral conducting from the University of Missouri. But he decided to stay.

“Honestly, I feel this is where I am supposed to be,” he said. “Working with high school kids is my gift.”

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2016-12-08 17:54 Staff Report www.pressherald.com

39 /84 2.4 Meghan Markle wears her Prince Harry love bracelet on her way to yoga Meghan Markle was spotted wearing her Prince Harry love bracelet as went to her yoga class today. The Suits actress proudly wore the accessory as she stepped out in a long coat, hat and scarf in Toronto. It has not been confirmed Prince Harry gave Meghan the bracelet but she has suggested they may have matching 'his and hers' accessories in photo posts on Instagram in which she was wearing a blue and white bracelet identical to the one sported by the royal. Prince Harry sent rumours swirling about their relationship when he wore his own before the cameras last month. Gifting jewellery is something that Prince Harry is known to do. When he dated South African socialite Chelsea Davy, it was reported that he gave her jewellery as a token of his affections. Prince Harry’s relationship with TV star Meghan came to light at the end of last month when fans spotted the matching love bracelets the couple have been wearing for months. Meghan, who is 35, shared a picture of herself wearing her bracelet during a stay at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire earlier this year, sparking rumours that she was close to the young royal. The besotted royal, 32, had made a 1,700-mile detour to visit the American actress on the way back home from an official tour of the Caribbean on Sunday. He had been scheduled to fly directly to London from Barbados but instead stopped off in Toronto, where Miss Markle, 35, is based while filming US TV legal drama Suits. The couple spent two nights holed up together before Harry broke cover yesterday afternoon and darted out to a waiting car and headed for the airport. The prince took a 6.30pm British Airways flight from Toronto to London arriving at 6.25am - in time for an official engagement in the City less than four hours later. While Harry will reimburse the public purse for the cost of his flights, the security officers seen with him outside Meghan's apartment are thought to be Canadian, and funded by Canadian taxpayers. annual ICAP charity day, which sees traders donate all of their profits to a series of charities, including his own, Sentebale, which supports orphans and children affected by the HIV/Aids epidemic in Lesotho. After almost three weeks apart, Harry and Miss Markle enjoyed a low-key weekend inside Miss Markle's apartment. Security staff were positioned around the property and guards with earpieces patrolled the area, a witness said. On Tuesday afternoon, a male figure with a hood over his head ran out of Miss Markle's home and bundled into a waiting car. The vehicle sped away, followed by a security truck. Following his 15-day tour of the Caribbean, Harry had been scheduled to return immediately to Britain on a commercial flight funded by the taxpayer. In the hours before Harry was due to leave, aides maintained the prince would be returning to London. However he later took a different flight to Toronto. An official said that in any situation costs incurred to taxpayers as a result of altered plans or extra flights taken would be met 'privately'. Buckingham Palace has previously stated that members of the royal family should be 'actively discouraged' from combining official and personal trips. Following a 2004 investigation into visits by Harry's uncle, Prince Andrew - who earned the nickname Air Miles Andy for his 'excessive' foreign travel - the Royal Household told the National Audit Office: 'Members of the Royal Family are entitled to grant-in-aid for official travel, as are their staff and, where capacity permits, other officials. 'They meet their own costs, however, for private travel. In order to avoid confusion, combining private and public engagements in the same trip is actively discouraged.' Despite the guidance, royals do on occasion mix personal trips with official engagements. It is unlikely that Harry's change of plans was made at the last minute because the prince has security with him at all times. As he was visiting a Commonwealth realm, local authorities would also have needed to be notified in advance. Harry and his girlfriend are also believed to be planning a pre-festive getaway together before he returns to Sandringham in time for Christmas. The couple have yet to make an official appearance together but Meghan continues to drop subtle hints about the budding relationship. She has been spotted wearing a personalised gold necklace that appears to be subtly decorated with the letters M and H. The actress also posted an Instagram photo showing her dog Guy dressed in a Union Jack printed coat.

2016-12-08 17:09 Anthony Joseph www.dailymail.co.uk

40 /84 1.5 Radical Latino Congressman Brags That Dem Pressure Is Turning Trump Into A Pussy On Dreamers Excerpted From The Daily Caller : President-elect Donald Trump’s softer stance on so-called DREAMers demonstrates that Democratic pressure is having an impact on the billionaire businessman, according to one of Congress’ most vocal amnesty advocates. “My reaction is, it’s working. It’s working. The fact that we are raising the issue of the DREAMers is working. The pressure is beginning to reverberate in his own comments. Let’s keep it up,” Illinois Democrat Rep. Luis Gutiérrez said Wednesday, during the unveiling of House Democrats’ latest call for a presidential pardon of DREAMers granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or — as critics have called it — executive amnesty.

Wednesday, Time magazine released an interview with Trump showing him as more open to compromise on the question of DREAMers, or undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.

“We’re going to work something out that’s going to make people happy and proud,” he told Time, in the issue naming him “Man of the Year.”

“They got brought here at a very young age, they’ve worked here, they’ve gone to school here,” he added. “Some were good students. Some have wonderful jobs. And they’re in never-never land because they don’t know what’s going to happen.”

The shift in tone was striking for a former presidential candidate who ran on stopping illegal immigration and holding law breakers accountable. The comments come as Democrats push for a solution to the concerns of DREAMers who signed up for DACA and now fear that their information could be used against them during an administration focused on law and order.

According to Gutiérrez — who initially joked that perhaps the comments would have more gravity if Trump put them on Twitter — Trump’s comments show their efforts are having an effect. “Let’s keep the pressure up. I understand that there are others that are going to see Donald Trump today, and are going to take petitions for the DREAmers,” he said. Keep reading

2016-12-08 23:13 www.patdollard.com

41 /84 5.3 Pink camo attire nears approval for Michigan hunters LANSING — If blaze orange clashes with your skin tone, options are expanding.

Fashion conscious hunters in Michigan will soon have another choice thanks to legislation that received final passage in the state Senate Thursday. Hunter pink will become an option for hunters hitting the woods and blinds.

The bill would expand Michigan’s law that requires hunters to wear blaze orange coats, vests or hats to ensure safety during the wildly popular hunting seasons in the state, to include “hunter pink.” It passed the Senate on a 37-1 vote without any debate or discussion and now moves to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature. State Rep. Lisa Lyons, R-Alto, sponsored the bill and has said her goal is to continue to see increases in the number of people who are hunting in Michigan, including women who are the fastest growing population of hunters in the state.

Hunter pink is not a soft hue, however. It’s a bright florescent shade and is available in camouflage jackets, pants and rain boots.

Colorado and Wisconsin have approved the additional shade for hunting. The bill requires the Natural Resources Commission to do a study ensuring that the color is safe for hunting, even for people with color blindness.

The bill – HB 5484 – now moves to the governor and if he signs it, would be in effect for the 2017 fall hunting season. spokeswoman Anna Heaton said, "as long as any concerns about hunter safety are addressed, he will likely sign. "

Contact Kathleen Gray: 313-223-4430, [email protected] or on Twitter @michpoligal.

2016-12-08 17:03 Kathleen Gray rssfeeds.freep.com

42 /84 4.2 Icertis Continues Executive Suite Expansion with Addition of Former Microsoft, Juniper and BELLEVUE, Wash. , Dec. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Icertis , the leading provider of enterprise contract management in the cloud, today announced the appointment of Peter Boit as Executive Vice President of Business Development. His appointment follows a series of several new executive hires at the company, which was recently ranked by Glassdoor as one of the best places to work. Peter brings a wealth of experience to the Icertis leadership team with more than 25 years building and scaling field operations at Smartsheet, Juniper Networks and Microsoft. At Icertis, Peter will lead business development and alliance management to drive growth and develop strategies for extending the Icertis Contract Management platform (ICM) ecosystem through new and existing partners such as Microsoft, Workday, Box , PROS , and most recently, Thomson Reuters.

"To win in the fast moving world of enterprise SaaS, it is key to align with the right partners, and build the right alliances," said Samir Bodas , CEO and cofounder of Icertis. "Peter's deep experience at some of the most successful partner-centric companies in the world will be invaluable as we lean forward to team with other best-in-class players to deliver the most value to our joint customers. "

Peter's 17-year tenure at Microsoft spanned national and global field and program leadership roles, culminating as Vice President of Worldwide Enterprise Partners, where he oversaw global sales and operations for 1,400 Enterprise Alliances and Managed Partners. After leaving Microsoft, Peter joined Juniper Networks as Senior Vice President of Enterprise Sales, where he led and re-engineered the enterprise field operations for the global networking company. Most recently, Peter built field operations and was responsible for all revenue as Executive Vice President of Sales for Smartsheet, an innovative SaaS leader of collaborative work management.

"Icertis immediately stood out for me as a company with the right culture and values and a huge opportunity to be a transformational leader," said Peter. "Contract management touches virtually every department within most every enterprise. I see endless opportunities to add to and build on Icertis' strong strategic partner network to drive even greater value for customers and growth for the company. "

For more information on the Icertis Contract Management (ICM) platform, click here.

About Icertis is the leading provider of contract lifecycle management in the cloud. Icertis Contract Management (ICM) is an innovative, easy-to-use platform that is highly configurable and continually adapts to complex business needs. Today, ICM is used to manage 2+ million contracts, by 750,000+ users, in 90+ countries and 40+ languages. With its intelligent workflow and built-in analytics, ICM provides ongoing contractual insights and best-of-breed contract management. ICM enables customers to increase compliance, improve governance, mitigate risk and enhance user productivity, thereby maximizing ROI and accelerating time to value across the global enterprise. For more information, visit www.icertis.com .

Icertis Media Contact: Bailey Fox Barokas Public Relations for Icertis [email protected] 206- 264-8220

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160902/403987LOGO

SOURCE Icertis

2016-12-08 17:00 Icertis www.prnewswire.com

43 /84 1.4 Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine Documentary Set for 2017 Debut on HBO HBO will debut Allen Hughes documentary “ The Defiant Ones ” in 2017, Variety has learned. The four-part doc traces the lives and long partnership of two of music’s legends: Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine.

“‘The Defiant Ones’ has everything you expect in a great story — drama and humor, tragedy and triumph,” said Casey Bloys, HBO’s president of programming. “Allen Hughes takes you on a journey through some of the most important flash points of popular culture, and I’m delighted that we can bring this unforgettable saga to our viewers.” For the doc, director Hughes filmed Iovine and Dr. Dre over a three-year period. The story, though, follows both long before the present day, from their roots as the son of a Brooklyn longshoreman (Iovine) and a kid straight out of Compton (Dr. Dre) and all through their ascent to mogul status.

Dr. Dre and Iovine gave Hughes extensive interviews, speaking frankly about their highs and lows, and the show will also include interviews with other music giants like Bono, Eminem, Nas, Ice Cube, Gwen Stefani, Tom Petty, Trent Reznor, Snoop Dogg, and Bruce Springsteen. The series also features never-before-seen footage from a multitude of recording and writing sessions with Eazy-E, JJ Fad, Stevie Nicks, N. W. A., Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and U2, among others.

Iovine, co-founder of Interscope Records, had invested early in Dr. Dre’s Death Row Records. In 2008, the two teamed up to create Beats by Dre. Initially a headphones brand, the company soon expanded into digital music distribution, and in 2014 the company was purchased by Apple for a whopping $3 billion.

“The Defiant Ones” is a Silverback 5150 Pictures Production in association with Alcon Television Group. Executive producers are Allen Hughes, Doug Pray, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Laura Lancaster, Jerry Longarzo, Michael Lombardo and Gene Kirkwood. It is written by Allen Hughes, Lasse Jarvi, Doug Pray; edited by Lasse Jarvi and Doug Pray. Music is composed by Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, Claudia Sarne. Steven Williams serves as producer.

2016-12-08 16:55 Oriana Schwindt variety.com

44 /84 1.2 Nicki Minaj celebrates her birthday with steamy swimsuit snap in Turks and Caicos This star certainly knows how to ring in another year. Nicki Minaj celebrated turning 34 with a very steamy swimwear photograph on Thursday. The rap star marked her special day with a vacation to Turks and Caicos and an impromptu photo shoot. Nicki was not exactly beach ready but she was ready for her close up as she reclined on a sun lounger. For her birthday snap, the Anaconda star wore daring red one piece with gold studs which was very low cut on the side. The suit made sure to show off Nicki's impressive chest and its high cut style also highlighted her famous behind. The songstress wore the look with a pair of stiletto peep toe booties. The birthday girl also rocked a new hair style with her locks braided and piled up on the top of her head. Posting the picture of Instagram, Nicki said: 'Lord, I thank you for another year of life. #TurksAndCaicos Birthday vibes. 'Thanks for the [love] u guys. Right back atcha.' Beau Meek Mill also posted a snap of the birthday girl saying, 'On a island wit a pretty lil hitta on her bday'. The rapper also his lady love a happy birthday on social media also, saying: 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY QUEEN @nickiminaj $tay Bad & Ble$$3d u.' The couple have been celebrating a lot recently, with the pair partying it up in Atlanta and Miami over the weekend to celebrate Meek's new album DC4.

2016-12-08 16:25 Chelsea White www.dailymail.co.uk

45 /84 0.0 4 Lincoln County churches ransacked Thieves absconded with everything from a bass guitar to cash in a pastor’s study during four church break-ins south of Lincolnton since the weekend.

On Saturday, someone who arrived to clean Community Full Gospel Church on Gastonia Highway for Sunday services found the church ransacked. Televisions, an amplifier, speakers and a bass guitar were stolen. The items were valued at $1,650, Lincoln County sheriff’s investigators said. Entry was believed to have been made through an unsecured window, investigators said.

On Monday, deputies were dispatched to Howards Creek Baptist Church on N. C. 27 West after a church member found a window screen on the ground near a side window of the church. Entry is believed to have been made through a side door that had been pried open, investigators said. The pastor’s study was ransacked and a pink bucket and a blue bucket with money for the building fund had been stolen.

On Wednesday, deputies responded to a break-in at Trinity Second Chance Church on Laboratory Road. Church members arriving for a bible study found the main door in front of the church had been broken and was open. A bass guitar and case.

An Xbox and TV were stolen from Long Shoals Wesleyan Church south of Lincolnton this week. Investigators found no signs of forced entry. The theft was reported at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, and the church was last known secure on Sunday.

Anyone with information about the break-ins is encouraged to call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050 or Lincolnton/Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909.

2016-12-08 16:22 By Joe www.charlotteobserver.com

46 /84 0.0 Emmy Rossum stuns in checkered gown at Carolina Herrera event in New York They opted for two very different looks but both stood out in their showstopping frocks. Emmy Rossum and Christina Ricci looked equally gorgeous in their black and white gowns as they attended An Evening Honoring Carolina Herrera in New York City on Tuesday. The Shameless actress stunned in a chic checkered dress while the Addams Family star opted for a sexy plunging number by the legendary celebrity designer. Scroll down for video Emmy was ever the classic beauty in the strapless gown that included a long flowing train from the Carolina Herrera Spring 2017 collection. She swept her chestnut tresses back in a low ponytail as to not draw any attention away from the main attraction. The beauty - who scored a Golden Globe nomination at just 17 for her role in Phantom of the Opera - added a bold red lip for a pop of colour. During the event Emmy revealed that her wedding dress will be designed by Herrera. 'Yeah, she’ll be making it. That’s all I’ll say!' Rossum told E! News. The actress is engaged to marry Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail after accepting his proposal in August 2015. Christina, 36, hit the red carpet also dressed in a piece from the same collection but her's was a semi-sheer lace garb. She flashed a hint of cleavage in the low-cut dress which included see-through panels along the skirt. The gorgeous blonde - who also picked up a Golden Globe nomination at the early age of 18 - went with a dark eyeliner and smokey eye for a dramatic nighttime look. Legendary high-end fashion designer Carolina Herrera, 77, was being honored with the Women's Leadership Award. The ageless beauty wore an off-the-shoulder black number with white polka dots and a delicate ribbon tied around her waist. Victoria's Secret Angel Romee Strijd, 21, made sure to turn heads during her grand entrance with hunky boyfriend Laurens van Leeuwen. The genetically-gifted supermodel flaunted her long bronzed legs in a backless couture dress with thigh high slit. Nicky Hilton Rothschild, 33 - who gave birth to her first child, daughter Lily Grace just five months ago- showed off her enviable post-pregnancy figure in a floral frock. The hotel heiress and socialite wore a low-cut dress that put her ample décolletage on display. Julianna Margulies, 50, dazzled in a metallic floor-length gown as she cosied up to her husband of nearly a decade, Keith Lieberthal. The Good Wife star flashed a bit of cleavage in the plunging shimmery frock which cinched at the waist and highlighted her slender figure. Disney Channel star Peyton List, 18, wore an extremely low-cut dress with several cutout panels along the front as well as David Yurman earrings and ring. Raven-haired beauty Hilary Rhoda, 29, made sure to stand out from the crowd in a full-length bright red gown with sequinned stripes. Broadway star Laura Osnes, 31, looked exquisite in a feminine black lace number which was held up by two thin spaghetti straps. Fashion entrepreneur Carmen Busquets, 51, looked majestic in a luxurious gold garb with flowing train and black sequinned tassels. Actress Emily Robinson, 18, looked angelic in a multi-coloured pastel gown with numerous layers of tulle skirting.

2016-12-08 16:14 Sarah Jones www.dailymail.co.uk

47 /84 3.7 Polar bears enjoy 'winter wonderland' at California zoo The San Diego Zoo uploaded a video capturing their adorable polar bear trio frolicking in the snow in a habitat especially prepared to enrich their experience. Footage shows Tatqiq, Chinook, and Kalluk playing in the habitat covered in snow.

All three polar bears were brought to the facility as orphans, with brother and sister Kalluk and Tatqiq arriving in March 2001 at a few months of age and Chinook joining the facility back in May 1996 when she was roughly one-year-old.

The marine mammals, normally found in the Arctic Sea ice, are listed as a threatened specieS given the impact of climate change on their natural habitat.

2016-12-08 16:08 AOL Staff www.aol.com

48 /84 2.6 Barneys slammed with discrimination suit by black New Jersey couple who say they were hassled when returning scarf, jeans A black New Jersey couple filed a lawsuit Thursday against Barneys for hassling them when they tried to return a scarf and a pair of fancy jeans, the Daily News has learned.

Conrad Barton, 30, and Geneva Gordon, 25, of Elizabeth, N. J., went to the Barneys store at 101 7th Ave. in Chelsea on Oct. 4 to return the items.

Barton paid $1,045.20 for the jeans and $321.19 for the scarf on Sept. 11, court records show.

He left Gordon in the car and walked into the store to return the clothes, the suit said,

Barton turned over the items. He also showed his debit card and two receipts for cash and debit purchases, the suit said.

A clerk told him to wait, he said. Fifteen minutes later, a man who claimed to be a store manager came out and demanded that he produce identification, the suit said. Barton argued that he didn’t need ID, the suit said.

The man talking to him said he was the manager — but he turned out to be a loss prevention officer, Barton said in his suit. The officer refused to give back the clothes or Barton’s debit card, court papers said.

“You’re being stereotyped when you are just following a regular store procedure,” said Barton, who works in transportation operations. “It shouldn't have went down that route.”

A frustrated Barton went back to his car and Gordon then went inside. After arguing with the loss prevention officer for about 15 minutes, an actual store manager appeared and quickly made the exchange, the court papers said.

“I feel the whole situation was very disheartening and embarrassing and unnecessary,” Gordon said.

“They tried to insinuate that the merchandise did not belong to us. That's what the whole ordeal seemed to be about. It makes no sense,” she said.

Barton and Gordon reached out to a lawyer, who contacted Grace Fu, a lawyer for Barneys. She initially assured him they were investigating, but then stopped communicating. Barton and Gordon then decided to sue the company.

The racial discrimination lawsuit was filed Thursday in Brooklyn Supreme Court.

“Barneys has the temerity to look customers straight in the face and charge $1,200 for so called ‘designer jeans,’ and then look down their noses at the same patrons who then decide to return the item,” said Peter Gleason, the couple’s attorney.

Fu, an attorney for Barneys, did not return a call or an email seeking comment.

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of cases involving allegations that black New Yorkers were unfairly targeted by Barneys employees.

In 2014, Barneys was forced to pay $525,000 to the state after the attorney general’s office fined the store for racial profiling.

The AG's office found that store detectives were disproportionately asking sales associates to reprint receipts after minority customer made purchases and questioning clerks about purchases made by minorities.

In 2013, 19-year-old Queens student Trayon Christian sued the chain and the city after Barneys employees at the Madison Ave. store called cops and claimed he bought clothes using a fraudulent credit card. The case was settled in 2014, records show.

The 7th Ave. Barneys opened in February.

2016-12-08 16:03 Graham Rayman feeds.nydailynews.com

49 /84 0.9 Place Your Bids: Sotheby’s ‘Rock & Roll Anthology’ Gallery Auction Sotheby’s auction house in New York City is currently holding an epic gallery auction, called ‘A Rock & Roll Anthology: From Folk to Fury’, featuring, as they call it, ‘a kaleidoscopic survey of the history of rock & roll, pop, folk, and punk.’

We just call it the place we’d like to hang out all day!

The gallery showing and accompanying auction features memorabilia from The Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Eagles, Bob Dylan & Joan Baez, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, the Beach Boys and countless rare and one of a kind Rock & Roll artifacts.

A highlight of the sale is John Lennon’s John Broadwood & Sons upright piano, on which he composed songs like “A Day in the Life,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” and many others.

Check out photos from WCBS-FM’s visit to the gallery auction below and be sure to watch Scott Shannon’s exclusive tour of all the fantastic items up for sale in the video above.

John Lennon’s piano with Scott Shannon — Part of the iconic music memorabilia up for auction at Sotheby’s ‘A Rock & Roll Anthology: From Folk To Fury’ Gallery Auction in NYC. (Photo: Joe Cingrana/WCBS-FM)

PHOTOS: ‘A Rock & Roll Anthology: From Folk To Fury’

CLICK HERE to see the complete auction and register for your chance to bid!

The gallery auction will be available at Sotheby’s ( 1334 York Ave, NY, NY 10021 ) from Thursday, December 1 through Friday December 9th, 2016. Auction items can also be bid on online at Sothebys.com

John Lennon's John Broadwood and Sons circa 1872 upright piano can be yours! – @sothebys gallery auction, 'A Rock & Roll Anthology: From Folk To Fury'

A photo posted by Scott Shannon in the Morning (@scottshannoncbs) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:10am PST

Incredible memorabilia at @sothebys gallery auction, 'A Rock & Roll Anthology: From Folk To Fury'!

A photo posted by Scott Shannon in the Morning (@scottshannoncbs) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:07am PST

Sure wish I was at THIS show! — @sothebys gallery auction, 'A Rock & Roll Anthology: From Folk To Fury'

A photo posted by Scott Shannon in the Morning (@scottshannoncbs) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:04am PST

John Lennon's jacket from 'Help!' And Michael Jackson's shirt with famous black armband — both would never fit me! Check CBSFM.com later for a video from my visit to @sothebys gallery auction, 'A Rock & Roll Anthology: From Folk To Fury'

A photo posted by Scott Shannon in the Morning (@scottshannoncbs) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:02am PST

Ahead of our Rock & Roll sale, discover the history behind the CBGB awning with the club's former manager: https://t.co/jaClrUFBj3 pic.twitter.com/j88H6do3Fd

— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) December 6, 2016

–Joe Cingrana/WCBS-FM

2016-12-08 15:36 cbsloc.al

50 /84 3.8 Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton suit up for The Present photocall Cate Blanchett and her husband Andrew Upton suited up at the photocall for their play The Present in Manhattan Thursday. The 47-year-old actress and the 50-year-old playwright - who met on a 1996 TV show - will impressively celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary on December 29. It's a rare sighting of the Australian couple who are parents to three sons Dashiell, 15; Roman, 12; and Ignatius, 8; as well as adopted daughter Edith, 8. Scroll down for video The two- time Oscar winner looked chic in her single-buttoned white blazer, matching trousers, and black court shoes selected by stylist Elizabeth Stewart. 'I'm wearing dresses less and less and less,' Cate - born Catherine - told Vogue on Wednesday. 'I've always loved a well-made suit.' The three-time Golden Globe winner finished her sophisticated look with a lacy camisole, peachy blush and lipstick, and her blonde bob coiffed in curls. Surprisingly, The Present marks Blanchett and the rest of the cast's Broadway debut following their successful Sydney Theater Company run last year. The Truth star plays a widow called Anna Petrovna opposite Richard Roxburgh's Mikhail in the Upton-penned play directed by John Crowley. Previews begin December 17 ahead of its official two-month run beginning January 8 at New York's Ethel Barrymore Theatre. 'I will literally be onstage or in bed,' she told Vogue. Cate portrayed a dozen characters for Julian Rosefeldt's art installation Manifesto, which screens at Park Avenue Armory through January 8 before heading to Sundance January 19. The Spoils video vixen was also in the Big Apple filming the 2018 female-dominated caper Ocean's Eight alongside Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, and Rihanna. Blanchett is said to be playing the equivalent of Brad Pitt's right-hand man character Rusty Ryan from the previous Ocean's trilogy.

2016-12-08 15:33 Cassie Carpenter www.dailymail.co.uk

51 /84 5.0 Mardi Gras 2017 rules, contracts OK'd by Jefferson Parish Council Several Mardi Gras season items were approved by the Jefferson Parish Council on Wednesday (Dec. 7), including 2017 contracts for parade reviewing stands and Family Gras in Metairie and relaxing the minimum number of marching bands that krewes must hire.

Float krewes won't have to increase the number of marching bands in their parades, because the council voted to postpone the requirement until 2018. The number of bands was supposed to increase to eight in 2017 but will remain at seven.

Family Gras 2016 brings Andy Grammer, The Band Perry to Metairie this weekend

Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken, whose Metairie district hosts most of the parades, sponsored the change. Krewe captains have complained about the difficulty of hiring school marching bands that often prefer playing in New Orleans parades.

"It's something the captains have asked us to look into," she said. "We need some more discussions to talk with them and see what's feasible because we had those bands increasing at one a year until they got to 10. "

Krewes that violate the ordinance face fines that could lead to the loss of their parade permit. Jefferson Parish caps the number of Mardi Gras season parade permits at 12 for float krewes and two for truck parades. Nine krewes plan float parades in 2017.

Van Vrancken said parish officials will talk with krewe captains after Carnival 2017 to determine how best to address the marching band requirements. "So we did say this year let's hold it at seven, which is what we had for Mardi Gras 2016," she said. "That will give us an opportunity to talk with our krewe captains and see if we want to continue increasing in the future or whether we want to stay where we are. "

Also, the Parish Council agreed to:

2017 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

2016-12-08 15:32 Littice Bacon www.nola.com

52 /84 0.0 Dad Turns Baby Daughter’s Sleep Suit Into Astronaut Outfit, Surprises Wife Len Cowitch who has been deployed since January 7, 2016 and has seen his... A dad was shocked when his wife’s aunt handed him some baby clothes featuring illustrations that could be interpreted very differently. The clothes in question have what...

When a teen asked her dad to help her with an essay for school, she didn’t expect his answer to make her (and the rest of the internet) cry. Sydney was writing an essay for...

And a baby makes four! E! News can confirm that Jimmy Kimmel's wife Molly McNearney is pregnant with the couple's second child. During tonight's episode of Jimmy......

The Poland international striker dedicated his winning strike to his wife and unborn child as FCB claimed a notable scalp ...

Ronan Keating and his wife Storm are expecting their first child together. Australian-born Storm, 35, already step-mother to Jack, 17, Missy, 15, and Ali, 11, announced the news on her blog saying she is "very...

The daughter of a woman killed and nearly decapitated on a Queens street allegedly by her jealous husband said her father had been threatening to kill her for years. SEE ALSO Man arrested for allegedly stabbing wife to death :0 A man nearly decapitated his wife on a Queens street... Man arrested for allegedly stabbing wife to death “My dad was a very bad person, my mom didn’t...

Superstar Rajinikanth, wife Latha Rajinikanth, daughter Aishwaryaa and son-in-law Dhanush paid homage to Puratchi Thalaivi J Jayalalitha at Rajaji Hall, Chennai. ...

A Del Mar knitting group recently held a surprise baby shower for a local busboy. While dining with her husband, Larry Brooks, at En Fuego Cantina and Grill in Del Mar, Martha Brooks learned that a busboy was expecting babies in December. Rodrigo and his wife, already parents of two girls, are......

Congrats are in order for Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, producer Molly McNearney, who are expecting their second child together! The late night host revealed the happy news on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday, the same day it was announced that he would be hosting this year’s Academy ...

2016-12-08 15:32 system article.wn.com

53 /84 2.4 How Gambia's top brass turned on long-ruling Jammeh BANJUL (Reuters) - Seconds after the chairman of Gambia's electoral commission read out the poll results that ended President Yahya Jammeh's 22-year rule to reporters, a policeman left the building, cheering and clapping his hands in the air. 2016-12-08 15:20 system article.wn.com

54 /84 0.0 Memorial for slain officer Collin Rose placed in Richland's village square RICHLAND, MI - A memorial marker now sits beneath a tree newly planted in the Richland's village square.

It reads: This memorial tree and monument are in loving memory of Sgt. Collin Rose who gave his life in the line of duty, protecting others. End of watch November 23, 2016

"You know we've got a storm here, but it's a beautiful day," Jeff Mattioli, chief of the Richland Police Department, said Thursday as snow fell at a tree-planting ceremony in honor of Collin Rose, a Gull Lake High School graduate and former Richland police officer who was shot and killed in Detroit.

"I want to thank you very much for coming today. I know this is hard, it's hard for everyone, but not as hard as it is for you," Mattioli said to Rose's family.

The tree, a Kousa Dogwood, was donated by Gull Lake Landscape Co. and according to owner Bruce Snyder it is one of a kind. "Collin was vibrant, full of life, full of joy, so we chose a tree that would flower," Snyder said.

After the tree was in planted in Richland Square Park, family members and others placed blue ribbons on it.

Rose, 29, was shot in the head while on patrol near the Wayne State campus Nov. 22 and he died the following day. He had called dispatch for backup after stopping a man on a bicycle in an area experiencing a rise in thefts from cars.

Mattioli at Thursday's ceremomy addressed the news the day before that murder charges against a suspect in Rose's killing were dropped .

"I know the news yesterday was discouraging, but I have faith they will find the garbage that did this and there's a special place in hell for him," Mattioli said.

Rose, who had been with the Wayne State Police Department for five years, where he was a canine officer and sergeant, was an officer in Richland before going to Detroit. The Richland Police Department received an outpouring of support from the community when it sought donations to pay for the memorial. Donations that weren't used were put toward a scholarship fund in Rose's name created by Gull Lake Community Schools, from which he graduated in 2006.

"It (Thursday) was one of the first times I've seen Mrs. Rose smile in a long time," Mattioli said. "I hope this was a beautiful moment for them. "

Rose, the son of Randy and Karen Rose, was engaged to be married to Nicole Salgot.

2016-12-08 15:04 Madison Bennett www.mlive.com

55 /84 1.4 John Lennon died 36 years ago today, here’s how people are celebrating his memory On this day, former Beatle John Lennon died in Manhattan, New York in 1980. He was most known for his songwriting in the most influential British rock and roll group, but his solo career showcased honesty, in songs like “Jealous Guy” and “Mind Games,” as well as a campaign for peace.

Many of his fans took to social media to remember the musician.

Super fans even shared their art projects and tattoos in commemoration.

He was known for his sense of humor.

And his push for peace.

And from performing dance hits with The Beatles.

To venturing out into his solo career with Plastic Ono Band.

His songs will always be remembered.

If you’re reading this on a mobile device, use this link for the full story .

2016-12-08 14:32 By Angela www.presstelegram.com

56 /84 4.4 Daniel Barenboim opens Berlin music academy for Middle East students Daniel Barenboim has called it an “experiment in utopia”, a project that marks the culmination of the leading musician and conductor’s life’s work in bringing together musicians from the Middle East.

The Barenboim-Said Academy , which opened on Thursday evening in Berlin, will offer 90 talented students from the Middle East the chance to study classical music under the maestro himself as well as a raft of other top musicians and composers.

Housed in the former sets and props depot of Berlin’s Staatsoper (state opera), the academy – which is being largely funded by the German government, including students’ tuition fees and accommodation – will aim to nurture new recruits for 74-year-old Barenboim’s acclaimed West- Eastern Divan Orchestra, which for the past 17 years has brought together musicians from across the region and is now considered world class.

Barenboim, the artistic director of the Staatsoper next door, said that just as with the orchestra, the academy was inspired by conversations he had with his friend, the late American- Palestinian professor of literature Edward Said.

“The academy is an attempt at creating peace through the means of music,” said Barenboim, who holds Argentinian, Israeli and Palestinian citizenships. “But it is not a political project, it’s a humanistic project.

“Here we hope the young musicians will find a protected place far from the everyday of war and crisis. The students should not only learn to become professional musicians but also to become ambassadors of peace.”

Barenboim and Said’s joint vision had been for the academy to be built in the Middle East. “It should have been founded in Tel Aviv, Damascus or Ramallah. But because we cannot have it in those places, here at least the musicians can meet in a place that evens out the differences, at eye level.”

For now the aim is to give the students a chance to develop their musical skills and encourage dialogue between them. The academy’s unique four-year bachelor of music programme offers accredited degrees in all orchestral instruments, piano, conducting and composition. As well as courses in ear training, music history and physiotherapy (for repetitive strain injuries typically suffered by musicians), a quarter of the degree involves a humanities component, comprising courses in philosophy, ethics, history and literature.

The academy has also reached out to musicians who arrived in Germany from Syria as refugees, with five enrolled in a preparatory scheme where exceptional students can be promoted to the degree programme.

Next to the academy is its €35.1m (£29.6m) concert hall – designed by the American architect Frank Gehry and the Japanese acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, both of whom waived their fees for the project. Due to be inaugurated in March 2017, it has been named after the late composer and conductor Pierre Boulez.

Gehry said during a recent visit to Berlin that he had become involved in the project after meeting Barenboim, and out of a conviction that the arts offered “an understanding of humanity that transcends all rhetoric”. He recalled showing a model of the concert hall to Boulez two months before he died. “It became a very important thing for him at the end of his life,” Gehry said.

Gehry’s ellipsis-shaped hall appears to be suspended in mid-air, with a stage made of Canadian cedar, whose vibrations have been compared to the sounds of a Stradivarius and which are meant to enhance the musical experience. A sense of intimacy has been created by ensuring that no audience member is more than 14 metres away from the conductor.

As the academy’s foyer buzzed on Thursday afternoon with the sound of musicians tuning up and conversing in a mix of languages – from German to Arabic and Urdu to Farsi – several of the students reflected on what being a part of the school, which started teaching last year, meant to them.

Yamen Saadi, a 19-year-old violinist from Nazareth who started his course in October, said he first met Barenboim when he was 10, when he told him it was his dream to join the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.

“Here I can express my thoughts and I have started to have Israeli friends,” he said. “What I’ve learned so far is to play music better, how to think better and how to become an all-round better musician, I have improved my ability to analyse.”

Viola player Sadra Fayyaz, 24, from Tehran, said he was relieved that the focus was on the learning and not the politics. He said: “We don’t discuss the political situation. We’re beyond that. Maybe do we so at home, but in the school it’s all about learning.”

Miri Saadon, 29, a clarinettist from Israel who completed the pilot scheme, said she had learned the importance of putting the music into context. “It’s crucial for all of us I think, to be able to consider not only the music we play but to look at it in a broader way, at life in general,” she said. “Here our understanding about everything becomes a lot deeper.”

The academy’s location just off Bebelplatz – the site of the 1933 book burning – underscores the sense of historical responsibility felt by the Berlin government, which added to the federal government’s extensive support by giving a grant towards the academy’s maintenance as well as gifting it the 99-year-lease of the building in which it is housed.

Barenboim said: “As a Jew, I would not be able to live in Berlin if I did not have the feeling that the German people had come to terms with their past. As for the government’s generosity towards the school, I have to say I lived for 15 years in London where none of the politicians had much interest in the musical life. In Germany, Mrs Merkel … and her finance minister [Wolfgang Schäuble], and other top politicians, regularly come to classical concerts. And we are grateful that they clearly saw this academy as fitting in with their wider idea of what culture means.”

2016-12-08 14:10 Kate Connolly www.theguardian.com

57 /84 57 /84 1.1 Fundamentally Freund: A soldier’s father and his smartphone It was the middle of the day when the WhatsApp arrived, accompanied by that familiar ring which indicates that someone, somewhere, has sent you a message. In our eventful everyday existence, that charming little “ding” often serves as a form of soothing background music, one whose chime seems to fade in and out of our consciousness from morning till evening, reminding us that we are never truly alone or isolated.

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But as the father of an IDF soldier, even the little sounds that emanate from a smartphone seem to take on a slightly more amplified meaning. After all, when your son is serving in an elite combat unit, undergoing rigorous physical training, and handling weapons that most of us see only when playing a video game on the Xbox, there is always that gnawing concern buried somewhere deep in your head that everything hopefully is, and will be, okay. Hence, I find myself more attentive to the iPhone’s little hums and reverberations than I normally would, ever vigilant in checking to see who the sender of the message might be. As much as I detest the manner in which people now commonly use their devices during meetings, posting to Facebook rather than engaging in conversation, or staring down at the screen as though entranced by a hypnotist’s glare, I cannot help but sneak a quick peak. What if it is my son the soldier who has contacted me? The other day, the message was indeed from him. I quickly opened it, as I always do, immediately relieved to see that he was fine and in good spirits. But unlike previous communications, this one included a special little bonus: a photograph of my son, taken by his friend, that is one of the most vivid and moving images I think I have ever seen. There he was, in silhouette, sitting alone in his uniform on top of a mountain, wrapped in his tefillin and reading from a prayerbook, while the sun rose in the distance, bursting forth into the sky. I was stunned into silence, drawn by the intensity of the image, which overwhelmed me with that incomparable mixture of pride, joy and delight that is best summed up by the familiar Yiddish word, “nachas.” Here was my own flesh and blood, my first child to have been born in the Land of Israel, taking time out from his duties to beseech the Creator. You can almost feel the concentration with which he is speaking to God, huddled over in humility yet equipped with the mettle to do his religious duty, even though he is one of just a handful of observant soldiers in his unit. We all know the power of visual storytelling, even if we don’t always give it much thought. Scenes can be etched in our minds in a manner that provides us with a far richer perception of the world, one that is incomparably superior to those produced by other senses. It is no coincidence that many words in the English language that are used to describe a new comprehension of our surroundings, such as insight and enlightenment, are words that relate to visual imagery. But there was something about this photograph that simply seized my attention, and I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. Then it hit me. As I continued to gaze at the image, awestruck at my child’s faith and fortitude, I suddenly realized that what I was looking at was far more profound than a family photo. It was a glimpse of the Jewish future, a stirring and hopeful sign that the next generation is a lot less self-centered than they often get credit for being. In many Western societies, selfies have replaced selflessness, to the point that fundamental values such as sacrifice for the greater good or serving a cause that is larger than one’s self seem to have become as popular nowadays as typewriters, rotary dial phones and VHS video recorders. But before we allow cynicism to drown us in despondency, we would do well to consider what that little photo on WhatsApp so starkly showed us. Each day across Israel, there are thousands of young Jewish men and women who rise early, don drab olive green attire, and devote some of the best years of their lives to guarding our Land and thwarting our foes. Whether they undertake dangerous missions or serve as desk jockeys in a run-down military facility is beside the point. For two or three years, they are giving of themselves, serving the country, protecting the Jewish people and doing their part to shoulder the collective burden. Sure, they complain when they come home for the weekend, falling exhausted into bed after (and sometimes even before) taking a hot shower to clean off layers of muck. And most of them would of course prefer to be sitting on an idyllic green lawn at university, debating great ideas while also checking out members of the opposite sex. But the bottom line is that a large majority of Israeli youth, ranging from religious to secular, still do their duty, serving in a Jewish army that our ancestors could only dream of.

Days later, I continue to be thankful for that WhatsApp photo, and the message that it contained, because it leaves me brimming with optimism that even in an age when people are seemingly growing more self-absorbed, the valor and patriotic spirit needed to keep this country secure is alive and well. And I pray that the Guardian of Israel will keep each and every one of our soldiers safe, just as they do for us.

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2016-12-08 14:10 MICHAEL FREUND www.jpost.com

58 /84 3.2 Magical unicorn eyeliner is here to make your fairytale dreams come true Unicorn eyeliner is here. And it will make all your fairytale dreams come true.

People all over social media are hopping aboard this new beauty trend. It involves a pointed eyeliner wing, followed by some pretty color contrast.

Some people wrap color around the wing (like a unicorn horn!) and others simply choose to decorate their eyes in colorful hues!

SEE MORE: Best unicorn eyeliner Instagrams Top it off with glitter and mascara, and these creations come to life.

So whether you're looking for some holiday inspiration or just some beauty tips, add some magic to your eyes!

More in lifestyle This is what the Victoria's Secret models look like without makeup You've been getting rid of blackheads the wrong way How to take your beauty look from fall to winter

2016-12-08 14:01 AOL Staff www.aol.com

59 /84 2.0 At 90, Tony Bennett is living proof that 'quality lasts,' in clothing and careers One of Tony Bennett’s earliest memories of “wearing a great suit” was on July 11, 1936, when a teacher arranged for him to sing at the opening of the Triborough Bridge, now known as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, in New York City.

“I walked hand in hand with Mayor [Fiorello] LaGuardia, who is still one of my heroes, and I remember the beautiful white silk suit I wore that day,” said Bennett during a recent interview with The Times. “It was one of the first times that I recall appreciating clothes and knowing how special it made me feel to be well-dressed.”

Ever since, suiting up has been a given for Bennett, even in the most extraordinary of circumstances. The 19-time Grammy Award winner, who turned 90 in August, recalled staying at an L. A. hotel on Jan. 17, 1994, when the Northridge earthquake hit at 4:31 a.m.

With the dresser and TV toppling down, Bennett took time to slip into a dapper suit before evacuating with the bathrobe-clad crowd.

And then there was his 1998 performance at the Glastonbury Festival in England: “It was massive rain, so the front of the stage was a mud pile and every single person in the audience was covered in it,” said Bennett. “I was the only person in a suit and tie that day. The staff was so lovely that they set up a trail of hay bales for me to [climb onto] stage and there wasn’t a speck of mud on my suit!”

So it was almost a relief to see Bennett lounging in a true leisure suit — a sky-blue, triple-stripe Adidas tracksuit — at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa before his Oct. 23 performance at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The classy crooner sat down in his hotel room, along with his wife, Susan, to discuss his philosophy of style and life amidst his decidedly un-leisurely schedule.

Bennett’s fifth book, “Just Getting Started” (Harper: 288 pp., $27.99), featuring people and places that have inspired him, was co-written by Scott Simon and released in November.

A star-studded holiday special, “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet to Come,” featuring Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Stevie Wonder, is scheduled to air Dec. 20 on NBC, and an accompanying album will be released Dec. 16.

Bennett also is an accomplished painter (under his given name, Anthony Benedetto) who sketches or paints every day, even while on the road. His nonprofit organization, Exploring the Arts , partners with 33 public high schools nationwide, including six in Los Angeles, to support arts education.

“There was a moment when I was 10 years old [after his father had died], when I didn’t know who I was or what I should do,” said Bennett. “Some relatives would come over on Sundays to help my mom out because they knew that she was raising three children alone and working so hard. And they said, ‘We love the way you sing and we love the way you paint.’ They gave me a great gift. Ever since then, that’s what I’ve been doing.”

Now when it comes to style, Bennett’s buzzword is “quality,” something he learned from his mother, Anna, who worked as a seamstress to support the family.

“We were extremely poor, but even the poorest people were well-dressed,” Bennett said.

“It’s funny how it’s changed; everybody’s in bluejeans now. It’s not as nice,” he said. “There are too many things that are successful but forgotten right away. But if you do something with quality, it will always sound good or look good, no matter what year it is, no matter what the trends are. ... Quality lasts.”

Bennett says 95% of his tailored suits, shirts and pocket squares are crafted by Italian menswear brand Brioni, although lately he has ordered custom suits from Costa Mesa label David August.

Other fashion favorites: a black Aquascutum raincoat with red lining, sleek leather loafers by Bally and his signature aviator-style glasses with tinted yellow lenses that look hipster but are so old — more than a decade — that Bennett can’t make out the label.

Bennett also cherishes two watches given to him by close friends — a Tiffany & Co. ticker from Carol Burnett and a Cartier watch from Lady Gaga — along with a gold signet ring, worn on a long chain around his neck, that was a childhood gift from his mother.

As for style heroes, Bennett has long looked to Fred Astaire — he once wrote down every outfit that Astaire wore in the 1953 film, “The Band Wagon,” to study the performer’s clothing choices.

“You gravitate toward the things you admire,” he said. “If you see Fred Astaire in the movies and you see the way he dances, you say ‘Oh my God, look at that.’ And you realize that if you’re going to do something well, you’re going to have to put that much work into it. He had an awful lot of style in the way he danced and the way he dressed. It doesn’t look dated.”

It was singer Dean Martin who got Bennett to add a touch of color to his stage uniform.

“Dean told me to always have a red handkerchief in my side pocket,” Bennett said. “Now everybody does that, but at that time, it was brand-new. He did it for television.”

Clothing aside, what’s on Bennett’s bucket list? Singing with Beyoncé, who recently received nine Grammy nominations for her visual album “Lemonade.”

“She said she has an idea in mind about doing something, so I think it will come about,” Bennett said. “And here I am at 90. ... I really feel like I’m just starting out. It’s funny how it works. I’m far from finished with what I like to do. So I’m hoping for a very long life. If I can be blessed with that, I would love it.” [email protected]

Daylight Saving Time tips

Michelle and Dennis Madden of Irvine show us their e-bikes. (Video by Allen J. Schaben)

Waldo Yan's parents worked at a Chinese restaurant for years so that he could have a better life, toiling nights, weekends and holidays at a tiny restaurant in the food court of a Rosemead grocery store.

Before his mother died two years ago, she begged him from a hospital bed "not to do this work. " But about a year ago, after graduating from UCLA with honors, Yan took over the family restaurant and began to pursue a career as a chef.

He makes the food his mother used to make for him, to honor her memory and to prove that he's made something of himself.

Waldo Yan's parents worked at a Chinese restaurant for years so that he could have a better life, toiling nights, weekends and holidays at a tiny restaurant in the food court of a Rosemead grocery store.

Before his mother died two years ago, she begged him from a hospital bed "not to do this work. " But about a year ago, after graduating from UCLA with honors, Yan took over the family restaurant and began to pursue a career as a chef.

He makes the food his mother used to make for him, to honor her memory and to prove that he's made something of himself.

Area artists discuss how they celebrate Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) to remember their loved ones, featuring work from the Dia de los Muertos exhibit at the Ontario Museum of History and Art.

PlateFit workout is done on a vibrating plate.

PlateFit workout is done on a vibrating plate.

2016-12-08 13:00 Ingrid Schmidt www.latimes.com

60 /84 2.0 Mandolin whiz Thile brings younger crowd to 'Prairie Home' MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Mandolin whiz Chris Thile (THEEL'-ee) says he still feels "like a kid in a candy store" taking over as host of the long-running public radio show "A Prairie Home Companion. " The 35-year-old Thile was chosen by creator Garrison Keillor to replace him on the Saturday-evening show. Thile began his first season of 13 shows in October and is drawing musical guests such as Jack White, Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and singer- songwriter Jason Isbell. But the energetic Thile says he knows he can be "so much more of a relaxed host. " "Prairie Home" was drawing more than 3 million listeners weekly when Keillor stepped down this summer. Thile's audience is projected at more than 2 million. Thile hopes to do 26 shows next season, closer to what Keillor would do.

2016-12-08 12:55 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

61 /84 5.6 Music: Flute of gold from the Emerald Isle There are not many musicians whose names have become synonymous with their chosen form of expression. One could comfortably mention “Pablo Casals and cello” in the same naturally fitting breath, and the same goes for Arthur Rubinstein and the piano or Itzhak Perlman and the violin. Then again, those three luminaries played instruments that have been identified with frontline classical music endeavor for centuries. The same could hardly be said of the flute.

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However, Sir James Galway changed the perception of the wind instrument more than three decades ago, and the 77-year-old Belfast-born flutist continues to shine and entertain audiences worldwide with peerless musicianship and signature charm. It is not for naught that Galway is known as “the man with the golden flute.” Galway will perform here with the Paris Vox Musicorum Orchestra, conducted by Ada Pelleg, along with his wife, Lady Jeanne Galway, an internationally renowned flute player, in a rendition of Cimarosa’s Concerto for Two Flutes in G Major. He will also be the soloist in Mozart’s Concerto for Flute in D Major. The program also features a couple of more contemporary works: Britten’s Simple Symphony and Barber’s Adagio for Strings. Galway grew up in a musical family, which he says helped in all kinds of ways. His father was an avid flutist, and his mother was a pianist. “You could play the flute anytime of the day or night and no one would care, so that was one good thing,” he chuckles. “There was music in the house all the time.” Mind you, quantity did not necessarily translate into clarity. “My dad was in love with Viennese waltzes, and half the time I wondered whether we were living in Belfast or Vienna,” he laughs. The youngster cut his musical teeth in various fife and drum marching bands, and his early musical diet consisted largely of that and his dad’s beloved Viennese waltzes, “and Gilbert and Sullivan operas and Bach’s B Minor Mass, which we played in the local orchestra,” he adds. As a teenager in the 1950s, one might have expected the young flutist to be wooed by the captivating dynamics of rock and roll, but that was not the case. “There was pop music around – people like Bing Crosby – but I didn’t really get exposed to that sort of stuff because I exposed myself to other kinds of music that I liked better,” he explains, referring to classical music. Over the last 40 years, Galway has gained a reputation for flitting easily among various genres. During his long career, he has released dozens of albums, selling them in the millions, and gained popularity with renditions of such pop hits as John Denver’s “Annie’s Song” and “I Will Always Love You,” written and originally performed by Dolly Parton and later by Whitney Houston. Galway has also shared bandstands with the likes of Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, The Chieftains and Andrea Bocelli. The flutist says he began to branch out a long time ago. “When I moved to London in the 1960s, I started to do things like jingles, and there was also some sort of crossover idiom,” he recalls. It was very much a matter of bread- winning back then. “You had to fall in with the idea. I got more into falling in with the idea than the actual playing.” While Galway has been feted by music critics and fans of all stripes, there are some who have voiced disappointment with his propensity for stepping outside the confines of classical music. But Galway has no time for the purist approach. “If you look at actors, they do all sorts of things – they do comedy, murder stories, Shakespeare, they direct films, they do everything. But as soon as you step out of a box as a musician, you’re branded as somebody weird. By playing all these things, I wasn’t doing anything that hadn’t been done before,” he counters. Artists have to display courage in exploring new fields of endeavor and wearing their heart on their sleeve on stage. But in the mid-1970s, Galway displayed a tremendous amount of daring. After six year as principal flute player with Herbert von Karajan’s Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, considered the world’s top classical ensemble, Galway departed to pursue a solo career. “It was quite a move,” he confesses. “Not everybody leaves the Berlin Philharmonic.” But Galway wanted to follow his own path. “It’s another way of thinking to be a soloist,” he states. “I did very well in the orchestra; but if you want to be a real soloist, you have to take things on board like a soloist. You have to study as a soloist.” Of course, that involves taking on a lot more responsibility, in addition to grabbing the limelight. “In the orchestra, if you try something and it goes okay, then that’s it, you’ve done it, you don’t need to practice it more. But when you practice as a soloist, you take bits from pieces – they don’t have to be difficult but just things that require some sort of expression. You play it maybe 10 times, and if you don’t get it right, you keep on playing it until it becomes second nature,” he explains. Presumably, soloists tend towards the virtuoso side of the performance track, but Galway begs to differ. “It’s not really a matter of virtuosity, it’s a matter of expression. By that I mean really singing the music, knowing the music that’s inside your heart,” he says. Practice, as they say, makes perfect, and Galway maintains a rigorous practicing regimen. Even after well over half a century of wowing audiences around the world, he is still as keen as ever to give every concert his utmost. He recounts that he recently had to refuse an offer to lunch with “a distinguished colleague who plays in a very distinguished orchestra,” telling him that he had to practice for an upcoming recital. When his friend suggested that Galway didn’t have to spend more time preparing, as he knew the works back to front, the flutist insisted that he had to put in practice time. “He couldn’t understand that because for him, if he got the works up to the standard that I start at, he would happy. But I’m not happy with the standard I begin with; I’m only happy with the standard at the end, if it’s really good,” he says. The audiences here are clearly in for a treat.

The concerts will take place on December 12 at Heichal Hateatron in Kiryat Motzkin; December 13 at the Culture Hall on Kibbutz Yifat; and December 14 at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Tickets and information: 050- 534-2687 Relevant to your professional network? Please share on Linkedin

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2016-12-08 12:38 BARRY DAVIS www.jpost.com

62 /84 2.6 Martha Stewart, Ramona Singer and Vanderpump Rules cast enjoy Jason Derulo performance at DailyMail.com holiday party It was a star-studded night as Martha Stewart joined a host of stars at Unwrap The Holidays with DailyMail.com and Elite Daily. This year's event was held at New York City hotspot Vandal, where guests were treated to a performance by singing sensation Jason Derulo. Among those in attendance were Lisa Vanderpump, Ramona Singer, Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, Katie Maloney, Tom Sandoval, and Dorinda Medley and John Mahdessian. Scroll down for videos Others stopping by the festive gathering included Stephanie March, Jonathan Cheban, Nancy Grace, Crime Watch Daily's Chris Hansen, Sean Kleier of Odd Mom Out, the Fat Jew, Sammi Sweetheart and Bachelor stars Olivia Caridi and Izzy Goodkind. Cheban took some time to chat with DailyMail.com after a report had surfaced earlier in the day claiming that his good friend Kim Kardashian was splitting from her beau Kanye West. 'It's kind of funny to me,' said to Cheban, who added that 'I didn't know there was rumors about it.' He then confided: 'I didn't hear any rumors today, 'cause I've been busy today, but it's - I mean, I just literally got off the phone with them.' Cheban added: 'We were FaceTiming. I literally, just before I came here was FaceTiming with the two of them and going over some stuff.' Derulo meanwhile took some time to talk with DailyMail.com about some of the projects he has on the horizon, promising that he had both a big al;bum and big single coming up in the new year. The singer said that because of this he was just looking to relax and spent some time with family over the holidays. Vanderpump, who attended with her husband Ken Todd and their two dogs Giggy and Harrison, was also in town for an in-store appearance on Thursday at PetCo in Union Square to promote her new Vanderpump pets line. She will be in the store from noon until 2pm, and a percentage of every purchase goes towards the Vanderpump Dog Foundation, which is focused on ending dog torture both locally and internationally.

2016-12-08 12:26 Dailymail Reporter www.dailymail.co.uk

63 /84 63 /84 7.7 Music: Love, Ethiopian style Like any wave of immigrants, the members of the Ethiopian community have had their fair share of challenges and all kinds of trials and tribulations connected to finding their place in Israeli society. However, over the last decade or so, some things have taken a turn for the better, part of which is due to the fact some of the younger members of the community have found ways to express their creative gifts.

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The annual Hullegeb Festival, which will take place for the seventh time in Jerusalem from December 15 to 21, features a wide swathe of acts, including several star turns from outside the Ethiopian community. The festival takes place under the auspices of Confederation House in Jerusalem and its artistic director and general manager Effi Bnaya, who has endeavored to present the Israeli populace with some of the brightest stars in the Ethiopian-Israeli artistic firmament over the years. “The festival exposes the enormous riches of Ethiopian culture in Israel, the many talents of members of the first and second generations of the Ethiopian aliya,” Bnaya notes. “They are making their unique voice heard in the areas of music, dance and theater, and drawing audiences that are not necessarily from the Ethiopian community.” As we well know, there is a period of identity searching after olim come to Israel which may, in fact, continue throughout our lives. We tend to mix our native sensibilities with our adopted culture, and hopefully arrive at some kind of comfortable identity equilibrium. Bnaya says that artistically inclined members of the Ethiopian community also feed off their domestic cultural origins. “The creative work of the younger generation is fueled by their home roots but is also bona fide contemporary art, with a new multifaceted artistic language,” he says. This year’s offshore attraction is veteran Ethiopian vocalist Aster Aweke, who will perform at the Jerusalem Theater on December 15 (9 p.m.). The 50something singer will make the relatively short trip over here from northeast Africa, although she has been largely based in the US for the past three decades. Aweke, who hails from Gondar, where many Ethiopian olim used to live, discovered her musical aspirations early on. “I was about seven years old when I started to have a great interest in music,” she recalls. That infant ambition was fired by titans of the trade from across various genres and cultures. “I loved great singers from home, like the late Tilahun Gessesse and Bizunesh Bekele, and many more Western singers, such as Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday,” she says. In fact, more than a few music critics and fans have compared Aweke’s on stage delivery to that of soul and R&B First Lady Franklin. Aweke says she eagerly imbibed a rich and varied diet of sounds as a youngster, which included “songs from home, traditional and modern, and from the West, like R&B, jazz, opera. If it’s music, I love it!” she laughs. Since she first entered a recording studio as the leader of the musical pack in the late 1908s, Aweke has released 10 albums of her own and contributed to many more. To date, all her vocal work has been in her native language of Amharic. Considering her lengthy US sojourn, that is a little surprising; but Aweke says she prefers to go with the natural flow, her interest in other genres notwithstanding. “I like listening to songs in English, and I think about singing in English too. But it is just a passing thought. I am not sure if I can be good at it,” she says. Although she sticks to the homegrown vocal side, there is some cross-cultural side to the non-vocal output. “I rarely use African instruments in my gigs, but I do mix it with Western instruments in the recording sessions – whenever there’s an opportunity,” she says. There is also an on-the-fly aspect to her work, fueled by her interest in jazz. “I like jazz,” she notes. “We might improvise some jazzy style in the performance in Jerusalem.” Aweke likes addressing various topics in her work but says there is a central warm theme to her offerings. “I love singing about love,” she declares. “Most of the time, that is what I do best.” She is also looking forward to seeing some familiar faces in the Jerusalem Theater audience. This will not be her debut in Israel, and she says she always enjoys working here. “I have good friends and fans in Israel. “I have been coming here for years and have been greeted with love and great hospitality, for which I am always grateful,” she smiles. Aweke says she is planning to reward her faithful fans with a memorable experience.

“We are going to perform great tunes, popular songs. I am rehearsing with a five-piece band – keyboards, drums, bass, guitar, and sax. It’s going to be an amazing concert. I hope to see you all there!” she says.

The Hullegeb Festival takes place December 15 to 21 in Jerusalem. For tickets and more information: (02) 623- 7000, http://tickets.bimot.co.il/; and (02) 624-5206 ext. 4

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2016-12-08 12:19 BARRY DAVIS www.jpost.com

64 /84 0.0 At 29, this 'El Niño' singer is the buzz of California's opera world Standing ovations at performances get handed out like Halloween candy, a reflexive exercise that shows how the over-liking of anything has long since become the norm.

On the rural outskirts of Ojai one Saturday morning in June, an audience of 230, crammed into tiny Zalk Theater, rose as one. But this response felt different, real. And then surreal.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, whose song “By and By” had just been performed, cut through the applause as, tears streaming down her face, she emerged from the seats and flung herself onto the small stage, prostrate at the feet of the singer, Davóne Tines.

A couple of hours later and a few miles away at Libbey Bowl, where larger crowds at the 70th Ojai Music Festival had assembled for the afternoon program, buzz was building. Something special had happened that morning.

“Everyone was talking about it,” said Tom Morris, artistic director of the festival.

The wording spreading through the crowd: A striking, young singer had emerged through a sun- drenched opening at the back of the darkened theater, planted himself amid the Calder Quartet and delivered a soulful rendition of a plaintive song. Most compelling, Tines’ rich bass-baritone somehow ranged up to an equally resonant falsetto.

Reflecting later, Peter Sellars, music director of the festival and the man who had organized the performance, had an assessment:

“You know, nobody, ever, ever forgets that astonishing moment when there is someone new on the scene and we feel in a moment they are not just entering the scene, but can be part of shaping it.

“You could feel that so powerfully. Just exhilarating.”

Tines went on to sing a deliberate, powerful reading of Kaija Saariaho’s “Sombre,” and at a free street party concert closing the festival in nearby Santa Paula he soloed stirring spirituals to a rapt audience near a Goodwill storefront.

Now Tines, 29, is lined up to be in composer John Adams’ “El Niño,” set for Dec. 16 and 18 at Walt Disney Concert Hall with Grant Gershon leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

For many in the audience, the question likely will be: Who is this guy?

Davóne Tines was born in 1986 in rural Virginia — “horse country,” he describes it — and grew up largely in Orlean, an unincorporated village small enough to be uncounted in the 2010 census. It lies about 50 miles east of Washington, D. C.

Tines began playing violin at 7. He put the instrument aside three years ago, explaining why during a recent interview.

“Like a lot of things, I think I thought about the violin too much and overprepared,” he said. “This is a little bit of a blessing and a curse.”

The discovery that he might be a singer came from his grandfather, John Hilton Tines Sr., a Navy officer for about 30 years who also ran three church choirs.

“He came to the house when I was young and would pronounce with operatic enunciation: ‘Howww arrre youuu?’’’ Tines recalled. “On one occasion I responded in kind, ‘Iii ammm fiiine.’ He peered down and said he thought I had a voice.”

As Tines started to sing in African American church and high school choirs, further musical connections were forged.

“What struck me was the happiness I felt in encountering gospel or church music I would then find that same feeling inside a Mendelssohn piece or a chord structure in Beethoven,” Tines said. “Not the same kinds of music, structurally, but they would appeal to me not just intellectually, but emotionally.

“‘Soulful aspects,’ I would say.” Jump ahead to Harvard: He continued with the violin, explored fashion design and served as president of Harvard’s orchestra.

A younger classmate noticed. Matthew Aucoin, then a freshman and now a composer and conductor, was struck by “not just his voice of enviable lushness and uncanny power but all the things he was undertaking.”

Aucoin, now Los Angeles Opera’s first artist in residence, views it as Tines “drawing on every aspect of his intelligence and his experience when he sings.”

Sellars initially encountered Tines at Juilliard, where he earned a master’s degree in music in 2013.

“I am always interested in working with young singers that are emerging, and Juilliard had arranged auditions for us,” Sellars said. “He sang a spiritual” — Sellars burst out with a trademark gust of laughter at the recollection — “that I will never forget! It went on for 15 minutes. It was truly overwhelming.”

For Aucoin, who created the role of the escaped slave Freddie for Tines in the well-received 2015 opera “Crossing,” the singer’s range is a huge slate on which to compose.

“I was able to write music both at the very bottom of the bass range and waaaay up in the falsetto range — we’re talking countertenor territory,” Aucoin said. “But when Davóne sings at these extremes, it’s not grotesque. The bottom is rich and resonant, and his falsetto is like an instrument-within-his-instrument, with its own beauty and penetrative power.”

Sellars believes Tines’ vocal prowess derives from his background and experience.

“I think what you are hearing there is deeply within the tradition of the black church, where you have to go way down and way up,” he said. “And that poses a spiritual question as well as a vocal question, something that is conveying the range of the human soul.”

Tines finds his singing perhaps at its most engaged in making new music.

“It’s not exactly new music that I love, but it’s the act of creating something with explicit context. New music projects tend toward explicit relevance because of their very nature; the composer, the director, the organizations that mount the work are motivated by clear and present impetus which makes my role of being a vessel delivering this amassed energy crazy thrilling.”

Tines is anticipating some crazy thrilling in Adams’ “El Niño.”

“The Christian basis of the piece taps into my background, and the explorations about these themes are ones I am drawn to, plus I can rock out to shake the heavens, some of the coolest orchestral rock songs ever written,” he said.

Tines will again sing Adams, with Sellars writing the libretto and directing, in a world premiere at San Francisco Opera next year. Called “Girls of the Golden West,” the work in part references Puccini’s “The Girl of the Golden West” but will be a deeper exploration of California’s roots that, Sellars feels, haven’t been adequately communicated before. Adams wrote music for, and in response to, Tines’ voice.

Sellars marvels at the journey of a performer who has not reached 30. “How many singers have three new major operas with parts being written for them in the space of two years? That is astonishing. You really have to go back to Verdi and Mozart’s time for that.” Tines has other projects in progress, including “The Black Clown,” which he is writing the libretto for as well as playing the title role.

He will be backed by a Greek chorus of male and female voices in a piece based on Langston Hughes ’ poem of the same name that examines challenges of black life in America through time.

“I met [composer] Mike Schachter in college, and he has a sort of jazz tradition, so this will have a chamber orchestra with a jazz trio built into it. We have worked on and off for over five years, and Mike wrote a song-cycle and from that, the idea became, ‘Why not develop these 10 to 15 miniatures?’”

It is set to be unveiled in 2018 by the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Mass. Tines is “so damn excited to be saying the most personal thing I can think of and to get to do it at Harvard.”

Missing from this narrative are the usual trappings of a music career on the rise: management- directed roles focused on standard repertory. (Tines has cut a swath through European houses this year, singing in the Netherlands, Finland and Portugal, as well as performing “El Niño” in Paris and London.)

Tines said he’s had conversations with industry people who ask, “What do you like to sing?” His answer is, “I like to sing things I think are truthful.” If they reply,“Well, you don’t always get to do that,” Tines said his reply is, “Why not?”

“So far I have been able to pay the bills doing things I connect to and I am walking on stages to try to deliver something that counts,” he said.

“Hopefully, that is not naïve or me sounding like trying to be special, but if I make choices to sing otherwise, what am I doing, why am I even bothering?”

------

Who: L. A. Phil, Los Angeles Master Chorale , Los Angeles Children's Chorus, conductor Grant Gershon

Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L. A.

When: 8 p.m. Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Dec. 18

Tickets: $53-183

Information: (323) 850-2300, laphil.org

The classical world’s celebration of Adams’ 70th birthday in 2017 will include three concerts at Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge: Jacaranda Music’s “America Beserk” on Jan. 14, the St. Lawrence String Quartet’s concert on Feb. 3, and Wild Up conducted by Christopher Rountree on Feb. 16.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra has concerts celebrating Adams on Feb. 25 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale and Feb. 26 at Royce Hall at UCLA.

The L. A. Phil will present Adams conducting his opera “Nixon in China” on March 3 and 5 at Disney Hall.

2016-12-08 12:00 Christopher Smith www.latimes.com

65 /84 3.8 Timothy Summers reveals safest browsers and best messaging apps With devices connected to the internet these days, protecting your privacy has never been more challenging. Malicious hackers and governments can monitor the most private communications, browsing habits and other data breadcrumbs of anyone who owns a phone, tablet, laptop or personal computer. Now Timothy Summers, an ethical hacker and director of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement at the University of Maryland, explains how to stay cyber safe in an article for The Conversation. As an ethical hacker, my job is to help protect those who are unable, or lack the knowledge, to help themselves. People who think like hackers have some really good ideas about how to protect digital privacy during turbulent times. Here's what they - and I - advise, and why. I have no affiliation or relationship with any of the companies listed below, except in some cases as a regular user. PHONE CALLS, TEXT MESSAGING AND EMAIL When you're communicating with people, you probably want to be sure only you and they can read what's being said. That means you need what is called 'end-to-end encryption,' in which your message is transmitted as encoded text. As it passes through intermediate systems, like an email network or a cellphone company's computers, all they can see is the encrypted message. When it arrives at its destination, that person's phone or computer decrypts the message for reading only by its intended recipient. For phone calls and private text-message-like communication, the best apps on the market are WhatsApp and Signal. Both use end-to-end encryption, and are free apps available for iOS and Android. In order for the encryption to work, both parties need to use the same app. For private email, Tutanota and ProtonMail lead the pack in my opinion. Both of these Gmail-style email services use end-to-end encryption, and store only encrypted messages on their servers. Keep in mind that if you send emails to people not using a secure service, the emails may not be encrypted. At present, neither service supports PGP/GPG encryption, which could allow security to extend to other email services, but they are reportedly working on it. Both are free, and can be used on PCs and mobile devices. My biggest gripe is that neither yet offers two-factor authentication for additional login security. AVOID BEING TRACKED It is less straightforward to privately browse the internet or use internet-connected apps and programs. Internet sites and services are complicated business, often involving loading information from many different online sources. For example, a news site might serve the text of the article from one computer, photos from another, related video from a third. And it would connect with Facebook and Twitter to allow readers to share articles and comment on them. Advertising and other services also get involved, allowing site owners to track how much time users spend on the site (among other data). The easiest way to protect your privacy without totally changing your surfing experience is to install a small piece of free software called a 'browser extension.' These add functionality to your existing web browsing program, such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari. The two privacy browser extensions I recommend are uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger. ENCRYPTING ALL YOUR ONLINE ACTIVITY If you want to be more secure, you need to ensure people can't directly watch the internet traffic from your phone or computer. That's where a virtual private network (VPN) can help. Simply put, a VPN is a collection of networked computers through which you send your internet traffic. Instead of the normal online activity of your computer directly contacting a website with open communication, your computer creates an encrypted connection with another computer somewhere else (even in another country). That computer sends out the request on your behalf. When it receives a response – the webpage you've asked to load – it encrypts the information and sends it back to your computer, where it's displayed. This all happens in milliseconds, so in most cases it's not noticeably slower than regular browsing – and is far more secure. ADDITIONAL TOP TIPS If you don't want anyone to know what information you're searching for online, use DuckDuckGo or F-Secure Safe Search. DuckDuckGo is a search engine that doesn't profile its users or record their search queries. F- Secure Safe Search is not as privacy-friendly because it's a collaborative effort with Google, but it provides a safety rating for each search result, making it a suitable search engine for children. To add security to your email, social media and other online accounts, enable what is called 'two-factor authentication,' or '2FA.' This requires not only a user name and password, but also another piece of information – like a numeric code sent to your phone – before allowing you to log in successfully. Most common services, like Google and Facebook, now support 2FA. Use it. Encrypt the data on your phone and your computer to protect your files, pictures and other media. Both Apple iOS and Android have settings options to encrypt your mobile device. And the last line of privacy defense is you. Only give out your personal information if it is necessary. When signing up for accounts online, do not use your primary email address or real phone number. Instead, create a throw-away email address and get a Google Voice number. That way, when the vendor gets hacked, your real data aren't breached.

2016-12-08 11:53 Timothy Summers www.dailymail.co.uk

66 /84 2.9 Vinyl album sales outpace digital downloads for first time in U. K.: Report Sales of albums on vinyl records in the United Kingdom outpaced digital album sales for the first time ever, an entertainment industry trade group reported Thursday.

“In this past week in the U. K. we saw vinyl sales of 2.4 million pounds, and a digital download album sales of only 2.1 million pounds,” said Kim Bayley, CEO of the Entertainment Retailers Association, reported WTOP.com. “That’s the first and only normal week for many years where vinyl albums have outsold digital albums, other than Record Store Day.”

By contrast, here in the U. S., the Recording Industry Association of America found vinyl album sales in the first half of 2016 were slightly more than half the amount of digital downloads, WTOP reported. Even so, vinyl sales in the U. S. are at a 28-year high and rising, while compact disc sales are dropping, as Fortune reported in April.

While for older consumers, buying a record is partly based on “nostalgia,” for younger consumers a vinyl record “creates a new experience for people who were born during the digital age,” said consumer electronics researcher Barbara Kraus, Fortune reported.

“In terms of accessing music on the go, streaming is really now the dominant format, because it offers all you can eat: everything in a very easy way. But others want to own the product — they want the physical, tangible product,” Ms. Bayley said, WTOP reported.

2016-12-08 11:50 By www.washingtontimes.com

67 /84 4.8 Christina Milian reveals the gift she'd give a 'secure' man By Cristina Corvino

Christina Milian loves a good fragrance on a man.

In fact, she told us that she's fallen in love with men simply over their scent. So naturally, it comes as no surprise that Milian would be pegged to host Curve's "Curve Your Reality" party held at Lightbox in New York City on Tuesday.

We caught up with the Grammy- nominated singer at the quirky soirée meant to celebrate the "wildest, weirdest, and most amazing fantasies happening in your head" -- and she dished on her ultimate "curved reality," her 6-year-old daughter Violet's favorite part about the holidays and the ideal gift for a "secure" man.

Check out our conversation below:

In what way did this particular campaign speak to you?

It spoke to me because I'm all about a guy with personality [who] thinks out of the box. And I'm definitely about leaving an impression. I've literally fallen in love with men over a scent. They were not my type at all. I'm not even going to name names. Because I could literally name names. I literally left them, not thinking anything of them, and walked away thinking about the scents -- and not realizing that it was lingering with me. It simulates you without even being there.

I just love how [Curve has] taken a new approach of engaging the newer generation with fragrance and understanding the importance of it. When you're younger, you don't get it. Eventually younger guys get you need a little bit [of something] extra. I'm all about that. Even as a woman, for me, I like to do something that stands out when it comes to fragrance, because some women forget -- but I remember.

See photos from the event below:

If you could spray perfume and be transported to a "curved reality" -- much like the realities in the new Curve ads -- what would that reality look like to you?

The reality would be me inside of a pyramid, men feeding me grapes with my family sitting there at a big table eating delicious food -- with my daughter eating sushi, because she loves sushi. And a big warm swimming pool in the middle of it all. Sounds good, right? I need a couple men there.

With holiday gift-giving approaching, what's the most well-received gift you've given a man in your life?

A fragrance is nice -- if I'm with a secure man and they understand it's something that I think personally could be a good scent that I found in the store, not because it came from another boyfriend. If it did, we don't have to tell them). Personally, I think fragrance is to enhance the senses of love, so I do think fragrance is really nice.

Then you can't go wrong with of course, you know, sneakers -- a nice pair of high-end sneakers or something like that.

Take a peek at our gift picks for guys:

Is there any gift that's gone over terribly?

I've done pretty good when it comes to gifts. I haven't had any issues. You can get them a bag of candy [and] they'll be happy. So true.

What's your daughter's favorite part about the holidays?

That she has a break from school, and we can spend a lot more time together. That's her favorite part. And everything that comes with it, of course -- the cooking in the kitchen, no homework. Off from school, good to be with mom, I can go wherever she goes, no excuse!

Do you have any upcoming projects fans can be excited about?

I have a new project with FOX coming out next year called "Superhuman" -- that's going to be coming out with Mike Tyson and a gentleman named Dr. Jandial. Then I'm working on new music and DJing -- so I'm excited about that. I can't wait to hit the road.

Ultimate destination to DJ?

Ooh, Ibiza! I love Ibiza, I've partied in Ibiza, I would love to DJ there.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

More from AOL.com : Lonely Planet names top US destination of 2017 10 holiday gifts for the jet setter This life hack will make hanging holiday lights easy

2016-12-08 11:34 AOL Staff www.aol.com

68 /84 1.9 Cheyenne Tozzi opens up about transitioning from modelling to singing She recently added professional singer to her already-impressive resume. And numerous contracts and media exposure, has led model Cheyenne Tozzi, to not become affected by what critics have to say. '[I don't need] anyone's tick of approval,' the 27-year-old revealed to the Daily Telegraph. Scroll down for video 'It's [singing] more for me, and you live once,' Cheyenne told the publication. 'You've got to try everything in life,' the Cronulla native continued. Early last month, Cheyenne revealed to Harper's Bazaar the meaning behind the lyrics to her second single 'Swept Up,' off her self-titled album. 'Every girl understands that swept up feeling, everyone's had it. And if not, it's coming!' The beginning of the music video sees Cheyenne clad in a semi-sheer frock walking along the water's edge with her long locks cascading down her back. Soulful beats are played in the background, while the Sydney-based star whispers the words 'Swept Up' in a sultry voice. A montage then sees a woman embracing a hunky male on a bed, before taking viewers back to the stunning beach landscape. Cheyenne also explained the song's production to Harper's Bazaar. 'We were in the studio with the boys and they just had this really cool little riff on the guitar,' she said. 'We started singing and it grew from there and then one night we just had this really beautiful song.' Cheyenne has certainly been keeping busy, having wrapped up filming and promotional duties for the tenth season of reality show Australia's Next Top Model. The brunette beauty returned to the cast alongside host Jennifer Hawkins, Alex Perry, Megan Gale, and newcomers Zac and Jordan Stenmark. Cheyenne has also been spotted at numerous media events, including a Louis Vuitton male pop-up store at Sydney's Westfield.

2016-12-08 11:26 Kristy Johnson www.dailymail.co.uk

69 /84 1.0 Rihanna responds to Beyonce feud rumors: 'We don't need to be putting black women against each other' Rihanna is setting the record straight.

The 28-year-old singer took to Instagram on Wednesday to clear up rumors that she and Beyoncé were feuding over GRAMMY nominations, after she unintentionally added fuel to the fire by liking a fan's photo with a controversial caption slamming the "Sorry" singer.

WATCH: Rihanna Throws Serious Shade at Exes in Instagram Post

"Congrats and all to @badgalriri and all for her 8 Grammy nods but tbh f**k them because they snubbed her for Song of the Year and Album of the Year... I think they didn't want her tied or passing someone else *cough cough*," the caption read, referring to Beyoncé's Lemonade album.

RELATED: Beyonce's 17 Biggest Moments of 2016: Grammy Noms, the Super Bowl, and a Little Album Called 'Lemonade'

While Rihanna initially liked the picture, which showed her wearing a carnival outfit and the word "SHOOK," once she was made aware of the controversy, she quickly commented back on the photo.

See photos of Rihanna through the years:

"I never actually read your caption, thought the pic was funny and moved right along! Til I seen it pop up over and over!," she wrote. "I'm petty af, yes. But this is just unnecessary! "

"I wish y'all would drop this topic and see things from the bigger picture! We don't need to be putting black women against each other! " she continued. "We deserve to be celebrated, and the Grammy Academy agrees! "

With a combined 17 nominations between Rihanna and Beyoncé this year -- RiRi snagged eight for ANTI, while Queen Bey received nine GRAMMY nods for Lemonade -- both women definitely have a lot to be proud of.

WATCH: Beyonce on Track to Make GRAMMY History

See the GRAMMY nominations' biggest snubs and surprises in the video below.

2016-12-08 11:03 AOL Staff www.aol.com

70 /84 2.4 Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra strike ends with $700K donated FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Musicians with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra have ended their three-month strike by approving a new contract bolstered by a $700,000 donation. Symphony officials and the American Federation of Musicians on Wednesday announced terms were reached on a four-year deal. A statement says a donor, who wishes not to be publicly identified, provided the financial gift last week to help end the strike that began Sept. 8. The walkabout began when musicians rejected a contract that initially included pay cuts. The orchestra has 65 full-time musicians who earned an average $62,000 annually, plus health benefits. The new deal means a two-year pay freeze, followed by two years of slightly higher salaries. The first paid week back for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra musicians will be Dec. 26. ___ Online: http://www.fwsymphony.org/

2016-12-08 10:24 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

71 /84 1.5 Kerry Katona is photobombed by co-star after panto performance as the Fairy Godmother She made her eagerly anticipated pantomime debut as Cinderella's Fairy Godmother on Monday. And Kerry Katona looked as though her wholesome role was suiting her down to the ground as she posed for photographs outside Lincoln's New Theatre Royal on Wednesday night. The former Atomic Kitten star, 36, couldn't contain her happiness at her latest gig's early success as she worked her magic in front of the cameras - but was upstaged somewhat by one cheeky photo-bomber. Scroll down for video Working her very best angles, the mother-of-five looked as though she was having a ball as one of her co-stars larked around behind her. Kerry looked in high spirits as she slipped on a casual pair of stone-wash skinny jeans and a grey top, which sported a glitzy red anchor symbol. Already half prepped for another night on stage, the performer sported immaculately applied bronzed make-up, while her bleached blonde tresses were piled atop her head with loose tendrils framing her face. Knowing she'd be in heels for the rest of the night, Kerry kept it super comfortable in a pair of tan suede UGG boots. Striking a number of playful poses, the former pop star also joined her equally bubbly co-stars for a photo session before another spectacular take on the fairytale classic. Kerry made her big pantomime debut earlier this week as she slipped her heaving bust into a corseted gown to take on the role of the Fairy Godmother. The former pop star was squeezed into the tailored corset, which nipped in at her waist with a sweetheart neckline which highlighted her bust. As she larked around on the stage singing and dancing with her wand, it was clear the star had nailed her role in the spectacular. The blonde beauty leads an all star cast for the show as she takes the stage alongside CBeebies presenter Chris Johnson starring as Buttons atop Coronation Street's Ian Reddington, playing Baron Hardup. Earlier this year, sources revealed that the songstress was in talks with bosses to scoop a role in the seasonal show, where she would perform a whopping 68 shows in 32 days. In May, it was claimed that she was paid a huge £50,000 for her part in the pantomime, which is reportedly much-needed income for twice-bankrupt Kerry. Insiders told The Sun : 'She has also been given a seven-bedroom house for the run so that her entire family can join her. 'It has literally saved her as she had nothing else of any significance lined up. It’s huge money for her.' It is reported that Kerry has moved her whole family, including her kids - Molly, 15, Lilly- Sue, 13, Heidi, nine, Maxwell, eight, and Dylan, two, to Lincoln to be near the show after bosses at the show delightedly informed panto goers. A source told The Sun : 'Lincoln has never known a panto like it and it is on track to be the most successful ever.'

2016-12-08 09:28 Jabeen Waheed www.dailymail.co.uk

72 /84 2.0 'Preggo but I’m still doin moves like Beyonce': Surrogate mother in labour performs energetic dance routine to the song Baby Momma A surrogate mother in labour energetically danced to the song 'Baby Momma' while four centimetres dilated. Dressed in just her surgical gown and a pair of socks Alexandra Theriault, from Florida, completed the routine in an attempt to hurry her labour along. The 25-year-old first time surrogate was already in her second day of labour on Friday December 2 when she decided to dance her pain away. While clutching her surgical drip at the Sacred Heart Family Birth Place in Sandestin, Ms Theriault gets down to the Starrkeisha supported by best friend Kassandra Hanks, 26. Ms Theriault even manages to crouch down and dance on the floor to the song which includes the line, 'Preggo but I’m still doin moves like Beyonce'. The physical activity seemed to work and Ms Theriault gave birth to a healthy boy on Saturday, December 3. Ms Hanks, from Mary Esther, Florida, said: 'It was an extremely fun and hilarious thing to be a part of. 'Alexandra was pretty desperate to get things moving. 'This was already her second day but she was only four centimetres downloaded. 'The song came on and we thought a bit of dancing might hurry the labour along. 'Alexandra and I danced along while our friend Kennedy filmed and we really enjoyed it. 'We have been best friends for almost two years and have been with her since day one of the surrogacy. 'It must have had some effect as the next day her waters broke and the little man was born.' This was Alexandra's first surrogacy and the child is going to a man who lives in Japan.

2016-12-08 08:54 Rachael Burford www.dailymail.co.uk

73 /84 0.6 I'm A Celebrity: Martin Roberts hints there was more 'bullying' from Larry Lamb off air He famously locked horns with Larry Lamb and Danny Baker on I'm A Celebrity - but Martin Roberts hinted that there were more incidents which weren't shown on air. Talking to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning on Thursday, the 53-year-old presenter said viewers didn't see the full story. He said: 'I got in the car with my wife after the jungle and she told me some of the things that Larry had said that I didn't know about, like the middle class snob thing and was really trying to get the rest of the group against me. 'Then I asked her if she had seen certain things and she said they hadn't been shown but I know they can't show everything, so I forgive them for that.' 'So by the time I arrived at the hotel… there’s this reunion, and the last person I expected to see there was Larry. But I thought I’ve just got to put this behind me and give him a hug, but I was not feeling that inside and I think some people could see that.' Martin continued: 'Some of the stuff he did was over the top… and the first day I was really angry, but my overall experience of the jungle was so positive. 'And the anger had gone. So by the time it was our final morning - I was having breakfast with Kirsty and the kids. 'Who should walk up but Larry and his lovely lady, and it was the last I was probably going to see them and I just grabbed Larry and hugged him. 'And I kept hold of him and said this is a real hug, and he just broke down in tears. He said, "I am so sorry about the way I acted towards you, and I am so sorry about what I said"...' Holly asked Martin, 'And do you accept that apology?' Martin replied, 'Of course, of course. I think Larry said if we’d met at a party or some social event we’d probably get on fine, but you’re thrown into that environment...' On the times he was upset and seen crying, Martin confessed, 'That wasn’t a particularly good night to be honest… there are all these cameras there but very quickly you forget. 'You’re in such an intense experience. And that night, I was on my own, Danny had has a real go at me - I’d felt like I’d gone from hero to zero. 'I’d won the stars and then he had a go at me about not carrying water because Adam had been a little lazy, whatever, and I suddenly felt like the whole camp was against me.' When asked if it took him back to emotional times he had experienced at school, Martin revealed, 'Yeah.' 'The emotions you go through in the jungle are intense, and that explains some of the things that happen, but it does dig deep into your internal psyche. 'So things from your past - like that fact I was badly bullied at school and always the last to be picked for sports things - it was five years of bullying, really badly, and it’s going to do bad things to your self esteem. 'And in normal life if there are people you didn’t get on with, you’d give them a wide berth, but you’re stuck in the middle of the jungle and you can’t get away!' Martin and Larry couldn't hide their feelings about each other as they were reunited after Martin left the jungle. In scenes aired on Wednesday night's Coming Out show of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Outta Here, viewers were left in hysterics over their awkward reunion scene. 'He called you a lower middle class snob', Martin's wife revealed of Larry as they rode towards the hotel together, having left the jungle. 'He said what?' Martin responded, flabbergasted. And as he entered the Versace hotel he excitedly greeted his former campmates with bear hugs and squawks of delight. However it was a different story when it came to Larry, with them embracing him in an awkward hug. 'Welcome to the outside world,' he bellowed as Martin thanked him. 'Yeah thank you mate,' he replied, patting his back just a little harder than normal. 'It's nice to be here in reality, how are you,' he added backing away. 'Very good', Larry responded, also backing off. 'Lovely,' Martin replied. 'Good', Larry concluded. And viewers quickly took to Twitter to share their laughter over the moment. 'Was that the most awkward moment on tv in 2016- Larry Lamb and Martin's wife at the hotel entrance', one viewer tweeted. 'How two faced is Larry Lamb am dead', another responded. 'Martin's wife looked like she wanted to knock Larry out lmao', another added. Last week Martin claimed his I'm A Celebrity co-star Larry was out to 'destroy' him in the jungle. The Homes Under The Hammer star, who regularly clashed with the EastEnders actor on the show, alleged that his rival called him a 'porker' and a 'f*****g t**t' in shocking unaired scenes. Martin, 53, told the Daily Star : 'Whenever he could, Larry tried to put me down. He tried to undermine me and he tried to turn people against me.' The father-of-two added: 'During that trial when we were fishing, he said, "Get out of the way you f*****g t**t". 'I was like, "Why are you doing this? What is your end game here? Are you trying to destroy me like the bullies used to try to destroy me? "' Martin, who was bullied in school every day for five years, was convinced Larry, 69, was determined to make their fellow campmates dislike him. MailOnline has contacted a representative of Larry and Martin for comment. The TV property expert also claimed his co-star made jibes about his weight in scenes which were not screened by ITV. He told The Daily Mirror : 'I lived a long time in the jungle with Larry and it turns out a lot of the stuff that he did to me wasn’t shown. 'One thing that hurt most was when he was interviewed after a challenge and I heard him say: "He doesn’t need to win, because he’s a porker and he doesn’t need the food". 'The day before, I talked about how I was badly bullied because I was fat, so Larry heard all of that.' The pair had an explosive row last week, with Larry taking exception to Martin loudly weighing in on who would be taking part in the next Bushtucker Trial. After Martin had suggested drawing straws to decide whether Sam Quek or Wayne Bridge should take part in Panic Pipeline, Larry immediately turned around and snapped: 'They're sorting it out between themselves.' After Martin attempted to push forward with the suggestion, he was dismissed by various campmates - who then ultimately decided that pulling straws was in fact a good suggestion. Attempting to clear the air after the dispute, Martin approached the Gavin and Stacey star and said: 'I'm sorry if I antagonise you with my suggestions, I don't mean to, ever.' 'Look, everyone plays it off the back foot. Everyone has a suggestion "let's do this, let's do this, let's do this" nobody is trying to seize control,' Larry replied. 'Everyone assumes a role in it and your tendency if I may say...' 'You may say,' said Martin. 'You go wallop in like that,' Larry shot back. Discussing the incident, Larry recalled: 'I told him that he’s like the kid in class who’s always sticking his hand up and going, "I know that, I know that. " 'Every time something happens he’s always worried about him, more than anything.' As Wayne reasoned 'Martin is harmless,' Larry shot back: 'He’s harmless because he’s rendered harmless. He’s a f***ing lower middle class snob that’s what he is.' Pointing at the Bush Telegraph, Wayne smiled and said: 'I feel like going in there, slating him and get him voted off.'

2016-12-08 08:52 Rebecca Davison www.dailymail.co.uk

74 /84 4.2 Atlanta's homeless choir performs in free concert this weekend ATLANTA – One year after they sang at the White House, the Atlanta Homeward Choir is preparing to take the stage again. The choir, made up of men currently battling homelessness, will perform at the 4th annual Christmas on the Hill at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday at 5 p.m..

The concert is free and open to the public. 11Alive’s Jaye Watson and Crash Clark will narrate the concert.

The Shrine’s Music Director, Donal Noonan, created the choir after seeing the homeless people hanging out around the church. After receiving national and international media coverage, the group has spawned homeless choirs in other cities. The mission of the choir continues to grow. Choir members now work with local support agencies that assist the men with everything from job searches to balancing a budget. Sixty percent of the men from last year’s choir are no longer homeless and are working and living independently.

Noonan says attending Sunday’s concert is a gift to the men. “This event is one of those events that is unique because you’re not only going to be entertained but by you attending, you’re giving purpose to someone. The men who are in our choir get the inspiration from applause, from a job well done, so when you attend a homeward choir concert, you’re not just being entertained, your heart is being filled and you’re turning someone’s life around. I’m not talking about by money, I’m talking about by smiling and looking someone in the eye with dignity and saying ‘well done.’ That’s what you’re doing by attending a homeward choir concert. For us to be able to provide that to people is a gift, a complete gift.”

Donations fund the non profit and make it possible for the men to receive the help they need to transform their lives. To learn more about the Atlanta Homeward Choir, click here.

2016-12-08 08:31 Jaye Watson rssfeeds.11alive.com

75 /84 4.5 Meghan Trainor pens, performs song for new 'Smurfs' adventure CULVER CITY, Calif., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Meghan Trainor has written and recorded a song for the latest Smurfs movie, Sony Pictures Animation announced.

"I'm a Lady" will be heard in Smurfs: The Lost Village when it debuts in U. S. theaters on April 7. The film will feature Demi Lovato as Smurfette, Rainn Wilson as Gargamel, Joe Manganiello as Hefty Smurf, Jack McBrayer as Clumsy Smurf, Danny Pudi as Brainy Smurf and Mandy Patinkin as Papa Smurf.

"I love the Smurfs and was honored when they asked me to write a song for this new movie. I was so excited – I wrote the whole thing in one evening! " Trainor said in a statement Monday.

Directed by Kelly Asbury, the cartoon adventure follows Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty "on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does," a press release promised.

2016-12-08 07:51 Karen Butler www.upi.com

76 /84 76 /84 2.0 Amazon: Triangle home shoppers buying high-tech By WRAL TechWire

Research Triangle Park, N. C. — Amazon says its Prime delivery service in the Triangle continues to grow as Christmas nears. And the Echo Dot - Amazon's own smart home device - is among the hottest selling items along with tech device cables. Also hot: Bottled water!

On-demand, home delivery via the Internet is rapidly becoming a major business. According to a recent study published in the Harvard Business Review, more than 22.million consumers annually are spending close to $60 billion a year

That growing demand drew Amazon to the Triangle.

The ecommerce giant launched its Prime delivery service in the Triangle last April and since then has expanded the range both geographically as well as in the range of items.

And so far this month as consumers gear up for the holidays, Amazon data shows that the latest generation Echo Dot is a big want. The Dot, which sells for $49.99, is a hands-free, voice- controlled device that uses Amazon's Alexa digital assistant/entertainment service to play music, control smart home devices, provide information, read the news, set alarms, and much more.

Triangle shoppers also are ordering high-speed high-definition cables and Apple certified "Lightning"cables to link Apple devices through USB ports.

But Amazon points out that shoppers are also using Prime Now for more standard fare.

Big sellers include Aquafina and Dasani bottled water, 2% reduced fat milk from Maola and Diet Coke in cans.

"Raleigh Prime Now hub plans to leverage this data, along with recent Prime Now shopping data, to curate and update selection throughout the month to ensure a breadth of in-demand products for impatient holiday shoppers and procrastinators alike," a spokesperson for Amazon says.

Amazon Prime Delivery competes with a number of players in the Triangle for at-home, on- demand service, such as Google and specifically focused food delivery offerings.

Amazon Prime offers a wide variety of products from hot meals to alcohol in some markets. For information about what Amazon is offering in the Triangle, visit: https://primenow.amazon.com/

Enter your zip code and Amazon will provide a detailed shopping list.

WRAL TechWire any time: Twitter, Facebook

The latest blog posts from our WRAL TechWire and WRAL editors. Read more articles… 2016-12-08 14:51 WRAL TechWire wraltechwire.com

77 /84 1.4 Adriana Lima flaunts cleavage in plunging midi at New York red carpet She's made a name for herself strutting her enviable curves on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway since 1999. And now, Adriana Lima was sure to exhibited her incredible figure on Wednesday night as she slipped into a skintight leather dress as she attended the Corkcircle Presents Sword & Sound at Shop Studios in New York. The model mum-of-two stunned in the figure-hugging plunging navy number that displayed her ample cleavage as she posed for pictures at the event. Scroll down for video the richest Victoria's Secret Angel, with an estimated worth of $75 million - worked her best angles for the camera as she attempted to contain her bust in the calf grazing midi. Adriana's eye-popping display highlighted her delicate décolletage as the daring neckline cut all the way down to her narrow waist. Upping the sex factor, the saucy wardrobe choice featured a full-length silver zip detail that teased at her never-ending lithe limbs as she sashayed her way up the red carpet. Adriana - who is to Valentina, seven, and Sienna Jarić, four - injected height into her already towering frame with a pair of black patent leather pointed pumps as she teetered into the venue. Accessorising her look, she kept her fashionable additions to a minimum as she draped her black handbag with gold detailing over her shoulder, before placing gold drop earrings in her lobes. She then styled her raven-coloured mane into a centre parting as her tresses cascaded down her back to her waist. Accentuating her plump pout, she applied a slick of lipgloss and lashings of mascara to widen her dazzling eyes. Later, the supermodel swapped her usual heels for a pair of Nike trainers as she tried her hand at fencing alongside US Olympic fencer Miles Chamley-Watson. Sporting black gym leggings, Adriana dressed to impress the sports star as she covered her locks with her patriotic mask, holding her foil for their friendly game. Although she is practically the face of the Victoria's Secret brand, having walked in the Fashion Show since 1999, the supermodel has not let it get to her head. The Vogue Eyewear spokeswoman is known for her kind spirit and bubbly personality among her peers and the press. While on the Today Show on Monday, Adriana praised fellow model Elsa Hosk, 28, who opened this year's show. 'She did awesome! Now she know how it [opening the show] feels,' she said, as she sweetly hugged the fellow beauty. Last week, the beauty also had kind words to say about Kendall Jenner, 21. 'I have worked with Kendall on runways before when we were in Europe, like Versace and also with Victoria's Secret. Kendall is very sweet and very nice, and it's always pleasant to work with someone like that,' she told E!. 'You know, she works as hard as we [VS vets] do, so I give her credit for all the effort. And I think she is going to do great because Victoria's Secret is all about personality, and she has her own personality.'

2016-12-08 07:37 Lisa Mcloughlin www.dailymail.co.uk

78 /84 2.1 Amazon: 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' is 2016's best-selling book SEATTLE , Calif., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Amazon says its best-selling book of 2016 is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2, Special Rehearsal Edition Script by J. K. Rowling , Jack Thorne and John Tiffany.

The play continues the story of Harry Potter -- now an adult wizard and family man -- who was the main character in seven blockbuster novels penned by Rowling. The staged version of the drama is currently the hottest ticket in London. It is heading to Broadway in 2018.

"This year's best-selling list showcases the variety of Amazon readers' tastes, from literary fiction to thrillers to memoirs," Chris Schluep, Amazon's senior book editor, said in a statement Wednesday. "The power of Potter is still strong, and readers of all ages can't get enough of Hogwarts. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was the most anticipated book of the year, breaking pre-order records months before its release. "

The Top 10, best-selling books of 2016 are:

1. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2, Special Rehearsal Edition Script by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany

2. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

3. The Whistler by John Grisham

4. The Last Mile by David Baldacci

5. Killing the Rising Sun: How America Vanquished World War II Japan by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

6. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance

7. Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

8. Night School: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child

9. The Black Widow: Book 16 of Gabriel Allon Series by Daniel Silva

10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid No. 11: Double Down by Jeff Kinney

2016-12-08 07:25 Karen Butler www.upi.com

79 /84 0.6 For the Record: What the devil? Embed

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Donald Trump won Time's "Person of the Year" honors! But they inadvertently (or totally advertently) gave him devil horns on the cover -- sad! On the other hand, we're sure we could have ended up with a much worse Trump cover. Let's call this one a wash.

Today's FTR features exciting Trump vs. Trump action, plus the end of Jill Stein's dream to capture at least 1% of the Michigan vote. The details...

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I’m encouraged by @realDonaldTrump ’s comments on #DREAMers —he has a real opportunity to do the right thing for 744k young people

Ever have one of those dreams where you're fighting against yourself? Donald Trump is living it out on a weekly basis, with his campaign self and his elected self clawing each others' eyes out. On Wednesday, Elected Trump threw down the gauntlet on immigration , telling Time magazine he planned "to work something out" for DREAMers -- undocumented immigrants who came into the country illegally prior to age 16, have lived in the country for at least five years, and have received a high school or GED diploma.

“We’re going to work something out that’s going to make people happy and proud,” Trump said. “They got brought here at a very young age, they’ve worked here, they’ve gone to school here. Some were good students. Some have wonderful jobs. And they’re in never-never land because they don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Campaign Trump disagrees , saying that he would "(i)mmediately terminate President Obama’s two illegal executive amnesties. " In other words, his immigration policy specifically mentioned Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals as something he'd revoke after his inauguration. "All immigration laws will be enforced - we will triple the number of ICE agents," says his campaign website. "Anyone who enters the U. S. illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws and to have a country. "

Which version will take charge after Inauguration Day? Master Yoda isn't quite sure if Trump is ready to face himself, but only one can prevail.

After two days of recounting , including the realization that at least 17 precincts couldn't be recounted at all, a federal judge put a stop to Michigan's hand recount of 4.8 million ballots cast for president. Why? Because Jill Stein won't win. Stein, not Hillary Clinton, is the one who applied for the recount, and U. S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith said that with less than 1% of the vote she wasn't an aggrieved candidate.

"It is at least arguable that the Michigan Legislature intended to confine costly and disruptive recounts to cases where a losing candidate stood a reasonable chance of changing the outcome of the election," Goldsmith wrote. Goldsmith didn't mention whether or not Hillary Clinton, who lost the state by fewer than 11,000 votes, would have qualified as an aggrieved party had she requested the recount.

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The city of Chicago says Trump is trashing their city's reputation by referring to it as a "war-torn country. " A local architecture firm has fired back at Trump by proposing the installation of four flying pig balloons to block Trump Tower Chicago's 2,900-square-foot sign facing the Chicago River. Next up: flying pigs on the Soldier Field sidelines to block the view of Bears games.

2016-12-08 06:52 Brett McGinness rssfeeds.usatoday.com

80 /84 3.4 Petula Clark discusses turning down Elvis Presley on Good Morning Britain She's one of the best loved musical icons of her generation. And Petula Clark has confirmed she turned down another chart-topping legend, snubbing none other than Elvis Presley's romantic advances. The Downtown singer, 84, put in an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Thursday to chat about her 45th studio album. Scroll down for video Quizzed whether the rumour was true, Petula said: 'Yes I did. There's no more to say on that.' She also revealed that the lyrics to hit tune Downtown were finished by songwriter Tony Hatch in the toilet. Petula previously recalled meeting The King in the 60s, where he flirted with her and The Carpenters singer Karen Carpenter. She told the Irish Independent newspaper: 'I think he wanted to be more than friends. Well, I know he did. 'It was flattering but I shuffled out, dragging Karen behind me, saying we had other things to do. 'He was very amused by that. It was probably the first time anyone had ever turned him down.' Petula's music career is still going strong, over seven decades after she first started out in showbusiness. The star has accumulated a staggering 159 top 40 records around the world. She recently told The Guardian : 'I think I must be a loner. I enjoy being on my own. 'There’s so much madness and noise and too many people, it’s kind of nice to be in your own surroundings and let the world go by.' 2016-12-08 06:31 Kate Thomas www.dailymail.co.uk

81 /84 0.0 Visible branding, black tights and wearing a belt with a suit: Etiquette expert reveals the fashion mistakes that are making YOU look common Much can be discovered about a person by their clothes. But as ever, there are sartorial signposts and wardrobe tell- tales that reveal much about a person’s hopes, dreams, aspirations and social position. Follow my new guide on key social fashion faux pas to avoid to ensure you stay ‘en trende’. Popping your polo shirt collar A polo shirt is a versatile garment, ideal for casual weekends lazing about at home during warmer months. Some even opt to wear these out of the house but elect to ‘pop’ the collar (wear it folded upwards) to give a perceived ‘preppy’ look. But be aware that this does not achieve what many think it does as those who choose to ‘pop’ are generally those who have not attended a private school (even a minor suburban one). Those who did attend such a school wear the collars down as they don’t feel the need to flaunt it. Ditch the tie clip Nothing shrieks ‘spiv’ more than a tie-clip. Fine to wear them if you wish to look like a try-hard candidate from The Apprentice but they are now de trop and a superfluous accessory that should be avoided, please. Branding Are Armani paying you to advertise their clothes? How much is Polo Ralph Lauren sponsoring you, chappie? If any clothing manufacturer or designer logo is bigger than the size of a thumbnail then you really need to reconsider your outfit. You are not supposed to be a human billboard for the brand and you’re making yourself look gauche. Less is more… or preferably none at all. Buckles on suits are a no-go Is that a fallen satellite I see, blinding all who catch sight of it? Oh no, mea culpa, it’s just your belt buckle. What does that huge, king-size monstrosity do that a smaller, subtler equivalent can’t? Perhaps it’s compensating for something? Side note – belts should not be worn with suits. Instead, braces should be worn (button fastened ones, never clip-on braces). Top pocket hankies must be worn correctly A top pocket handkerchief (a pochette, if you want to impress) is an optional accessory for a man when wearing a suit, but to remain safely in the realms of the English PLU it must never be a straight across fold (yes, I know the Duke of Edinburgh does this but it is technically wrong) or show the edges of the handkerchief, even if they are decorated. You want to have it arranged into a plume, and nothing else. Wedding banned Men of the aristocracy do not wear jewellery. This used to include wearing a watch, but modern life has meant that watches are now excluded from this rule. But when it comes to a wedding band the rule has not changed. Prince William upheld the tradition when it was announced on his wedding day in 2011 that he wouldn’t be wearing a ring. (Women – if you now shriek the roof down that this means the man is going to cheat then you need to take a better look at your relationship, which is clearly not as secure as it should be.) Gentlemen do not undress for dinner One of the (many) signs of a true gentleman is that he never, under any circumstances, removes his dinner jacket. This also applies for the bow tie, which is hand-tied, of course. So many events (often seen in advert-riddled regional magazines featuring ‘society’ pages) see men arrive dressed more-or-less smarty and then whip their jackets off before heading to the bar for a pre-dinner drink. Why bother getting dressed at all? The ‘James Bond’ look of the bowtie hanging down the shirt at the end of the evening may be consciously shunned, too. Let’s put it this way, the Bond in the original books never did this. The Bond in the (American-produced) films does. You can leave your hat on… … well, you can’t, actually. Not if you are male. On pain of death, a man must remove any hat (fedora, bowler, trilby, flat cap, baseball cap, beanie) when entering a building. The exceptions are lifts and hotel lobbies, where it may remain atop the head if the overcoat isn’t removed. Women, on the other hand, may keep theirs on as their hats are part of the whole outfit, not accessories. BUT – there is a time to take them off – 6pm, to be precise. Then it’s tiara time. Hair today For a man to be even considered socially solid the direction of their hair must be backward: brushed backward, and with little visible product. Hair that is brushed forward, towards the face is a sign of a lower-class haircut. Younger, male members of the sprauncy set have recently adopted an ‘upwards’ style, where the hair is moulded pointing towards the sky. This is fine if under the age of thirty-five. For women of the candlelight supper class, hair must never be ‘long’ after the age of forty, or thereabouts. Black tights The more modern trend for young women to wear black tights is popular but not acceptable. Thinner, more opaque tights are correct. A little less mascara What a relief it was to have the now Duchess of Cambridge come along many years ago to give impressionable girls a positive role model for their appearance. The Kate Middleton look is always going to trump the Katie Price one of wearing half the Debenhams make-up concession on the face. Any sign of underwear is a BIG faux pas I don’t want to see the elastic on a man’s underpants, and neither do I want to see a woman’s bra straps. Thankfully, now we are in December, this is a rarity but in the summer it’s bra straps ahoy everywhere you turn. Showing one’s underwear is a sure way to seal your sartorial social segregation.

2016-12-08 06:26 William Hanson www.dailymail.co.uk

82 /84 2.4 Upstate rapper works to help troubled teens with his music and m Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced two children are charged with aggravated arson in connection with the deadly wildfires that destroyed hundreds of buildings, killed at least 14 people, and injured dozens more in East Tennessee. More >

Columbia police said an inmate that escaped from McCormick Correctional Institution and is accused of stabbing an officer has been captured. More >

A retired Greenville police officer has created an information safety pouch to decrease violent police traffic stops. More >

Santa Claus has called it quits in Forest City after making a remark to a child at a weekend event, town officials said. More >

The suspect wanted in for shooting two police officers in Americus Wednesday reportedly made social media posts after the shooting. More >

The jury in the federal death penalty trial of Dylann Roof, accused in the shooting deaths of nine parishioners of Mother Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015, has been selected and opening statements have begun.. More >

The jury in the federal death penalty trial of Dylann Roof, accused in the shooting deaths of nine parishioners of Mother Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015, has been selected and opening statements have begun. More >

Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for a man who stabbed an officer Wednesday night, according to the Columbia Police Department. More >

The government presented a lot of evidence in court in day two of 22-year-old Dylann Roof’s trial -- the Columbia man is accused of killing nine inside a Charleston church last year. More >

The Greenville County Coroner's Office confirmed an ongoing death investigation in the Upstate. More >

A federal Grand Jury indicted ten North Carolina men in connection to illegal dog fighting and selling narcotics in southeastern North Carolina. More >

The Clemson Tigers take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in the ACC Championship game Saturday Dec 3 at 8 p.m. More >

The Upstate celebrates the holiday season with parades, fairs and special events. (12/3/16) More >

Upstate teams face off in Week 3 of high school football playoffs. (12/3/16) More >

Wildfires leave behind damage in Gatlinburg, TN. (11/30/16) More >

Wildfires leave behind damage in Gatlinburg, TN. (11/30/16) More >

2016-12-08 06:14 Sarah Danik rss.cnn.com

83 /84 4.0 State gives lodge a $150,000 grant RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia is giving a $150,000 grant to help a build a new lodge and conference center near the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s office announced the Virginia Tourism Growth Fund was awarding the grant to Lydia Mountain Lodge and Log Cabins.

State officials said the state-funded project will create an estimated 19 new jobs and increases tax revenues.

The planned lodge, about 30 miles north of Charlottesville, will have new accommodations and dining rooms, as well as new meeting and wedding space.

2016-12-08 05:04 By www.washingtontimes.com

84 /84 4.3 German department store Kaufhof upbeat for Christmas DUESSELDORF, Germany, Dec 8 (Reuters) - The head of German department store chain Kaufhof, owned by Canada's Hudson's Bay , says the "Black Friday" discount day went well and the Christmas season has got off to a good start. "Christmas trading has started very well," Kaufhof boss Olivier Van den Bossche told journalists, adding that the Black Friday sale was a success. "We are very satisfied. " Hudson's Bay, which also operates U. S. department store Saks and the upmarket Lord & Taylor department store chain, bought Germany's leading department store from Metro for 2.8 billion euros ($3.01 billion) last year. Germany's HDE retail association expects sales over the crucial Christmas period to rise 3.9 percent this year to reach more than 90 billion euros for the first time, the group said last month. ($1 = 0.9289 euros) (Reporting by Matthias Inverardi; Writing by Emma Thomasson; Editing by Maria Sheahan)

2016-12-08 05:01 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

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