Army officer dies in Skype chat with wife

HOUSTON (AP) — The wife of an Army officer serving in Afghanistan witnessed her husband's death as the two video chatted via Skype, his family said Friday.

The circumstances of Capt. Bruce Kevin Clark's death were not immediately available. The Pentagon said it was under investigation, and his brother-in-law said he didn't have details.

"We are entrusting the military with investigating and with finding out what happened to Capt. Clark," Bradley Taber-Thomas told The Associated Press.

Clark, a 43-year-old Army chief nurse, grew up in Michigan and lived previously in Spencerport, N.Y., a suburb of Rochester and his wife's hometown. He joined the Army in 2006 and was stationed in Hawaii before he was assigned to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso. He deployed to Afghanistan in March.

A statement from the family released by Taber-Thomas said Clark died Monday while talking to his wife during one of their regular Skype sessions.

"At the time of the incident, the family was hoping for a rescue and miracle, but later learned that it was not to be," the statement said. "Although the circumstances were unimaginable, Bruce's wife and extended family will be forever thankful that he and his wife were together in his last moments."

Clark's body was returned Thursday to Dover Air Force Base.

A funeral is planned in Spencerport, but details were not immediately available. Clark and his wife, Susan Orellana-Clark, moved there in 2000. While living there, he worked for about four years at Highland Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., first as an operating room assistant then operating room technician.

"He was a friendly guy, always joking, always picking on me because of my (British) accent," said Ellie Villanueva, a nurse who worked with Clark at the hospital and kept in touch with him after he left. They spoke a few days before his death, and he talked about coming for a visit. "After work, we would all go out. It was like a family. He was my son."

Clark was an EMT before he worked at the hospital. He went on to earn his nursing degree and planned to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, Villanueva said.

"He was always willing and always wanting to better himself," she said.

Military records show Clark finished his nursing degree before joining the military in 2006.

He received a number of awards and decorations for his service.

"When you were in Bruce's presence it was apparent he served a higher purpose," the family's statement said. "He was deeply honored to serve his country, and he paid the ultimate sacrifice to serve people, his children, family, community, and church."

A memorial service also was planned in Addison, Mich., where Clark graduated from high school.

Villanueva said the delay in releasing the cause of Clark's death was difficult on those who knew him.

"Why is it taking so long? It's odd," she said. "It's a real shame."

Clark is survived by his wife and two daughters, age 3 and 9, he said.

Source: Yahoo

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Priest admits being married to a Filipina

A Catholic priest in Australia has made a controversial revelation: he has been married to a Filipina for a year now.

Father Kevin Lee, a priest for 20 years in Glenmore Park, Sydney, admits "living a double life" with his wife Josephina, whom he met in the Philippines.

“So I've fallen in love and I've got married and it's outside of most people's awareness, but I'm sure people within the church could have had a suspicion,” Lee told 7News.

The Australian priest claimed that there are many others like him and that he pitied those “sacrificing” priests around the world who are denying themselves a relationship.
 
“That's one of the reasons that motivated me to make public my admission that I'm one of those people who's been a pretender: To draw to the attention of the public that there are more like me, in fact most of them,” Lee was quoted as saying.
 
“I feel sorry for them, I really do, but I think they need to admit they are not being led properly. I think celibacy has to go as a prerequisite for being a minister in the Catholic religion,” he added.
 
While urging for the abolition of celibacy, Lee also plans to write a book about what he believes is the wider wrongdoing of fellow priests.

Source: Yahoo

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Australian Billionaire Plans to Build Titanic II to Set Sail in 2016

Australian businessman Clive Palmer has announced his plans to create a replica of the Titanic. Palmer is collaborating with the Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to create what he is calling the Titanic II. In addition, Palmer's new ship is going to re-create the voyage of the original Titanic as it set sail from England to New York in 1912.

Palmer says the new ship will be "as luxurious as the original Titanic," adding that Titanic II will be equipped with "state-of-the-art 21st-century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems." His vessel will have identical dimensions to its predecessor, and will feature nine decks, 840 rooms, gymnasiums, swimming pools, libraries, and restaurants. Other improvements to the ship include greater fuel efficiency and diesel generation, and an enlarged rudder and bow thrusters for improved maneuverability.

When news of Palmer's new creation began circulating, Tumblr and Twitter buzzed with people's reactions. In just 36 hours, "Titanic II" had been mentioned 34,000 times, and a new meme was born. There are countless parodies and digitally altered images like the one using the original movie poster and the tag line, "Jack is back." On Twitter, "Titanic II" was trending with a slew of tweets mocking Palmer's idea. One person tweeted, "Luckily there probably won't be any icebergs left by then." The original Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after colliding with an iceberg, and more than 1,500 people died.

When asked if the ship could sink, Palmer responded, "Of course it will sink if you put a hole in it." He then added, "It is going to be designed so it won't sink."

In case you are reading this and you want to set sail on Titanic II, you'll have to wait a while. The maiden voyage is not scheduled until 2016.

Source: Yahoo

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Italy Scientists Say They Have Found Oldest Human Blood

ROME, Italy - Scientists examining the remains of "Otzi," Italy's prehistoric iceman who roamed the Alps some 5,300 years ago, said on Wednesday they have isolated what are believed to be the oldest traces of human blood ever found.

The German and Italian scientists said they used an atomic force microscope to examine tissue sections from a wound caused by an arrow that killed the Copper Age man, who was found frozen in a glacier, and from a laceration on his right hand.

"They really looked similar to modern-day blood samples," said Professor Albert Zink, 46, the German head of the Institute for Mummies and the Iceman at the European Academy in Bolzano, the capital of Italy's German-speaking Alto-Adige region.

"So far, this is the clearest evidence of the oldest blood cells," he said by telephone, adding that the new technique might now be used to examine mummies from Egypt.

The studies were carried out in conjunction with the Center for Smart Interfaces at Darmstadt Technical University in Germany and the Center for Nano Sciences in Munich.

Over the last two decades, scientists have collected data from the stomach, bowels and teeth of the well-preserved man, who was found protruding out of a glacier by German climbers in 1991 in the Tyrolean Alps on the Austrian-Italian border.

Otzi, whose nickname derives from the German word for the area where he was found, had brown hair and type-O blood and was believed to be 45 when he was felled by an arrow while climbing the high mountains some 5,300 years ago.

The nanotechnology instrument used by Zink and his team scans the surface of the tissue sections using a very fine probe, the scientists said in a summary of their report.

As the probe moves over the surface, sensors measure every tiny deflection of the probe, line by line and point by point, building up a three-dimensional image.

Red doughnut cells

Zink, an anthropologist, said the red blood cells his team found had a classic doughnut shape seen in healthy people today.

"It is very interesting to see that the red blood cells can last for such a long time," he said.

"This will also open up possibilities for forensic science and may help lead to a more precise determination of the age of blood spots in crime investigations," he added.

Earlier this year, the scientists made the first complete genome-sequencing on Otzi, determining that the man had a predisposition for cardiovascular diseases and brown eyes that betrayed possible near-Eastern origins.

Otzi had lactose intolerance that was common among Neolithic agrarian societies and was also the first-known carrier of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by ticks.

Examination of the wound where the arrow entered Otzi's back identified fibrin, a protein involved in the clotting of blood, a summary of the report said.

Because fibrin is present in fresh wounds and then decays, this appears to show that the hunter died quickly rather than after a few days as had been previously thought, it said.

Zink carried out his research with Marek Janko and Robert Stark, professors of material sciences at the Center for Nano Sciences in Munich and Italian colleagues in Bolzano.

To be certain that the specimens they were examining were blood and not pollen, the scientists used a second analytical method known as the Raman spectroscopy method.

In that method, a laser beam illuminates a tissue sample and analysis of the spectrum of the scattered light permits the identification of various molecules.

Zink said he and his colleagues hope to carry out further analysis on Otzi's enzymes, proteins and immune system.

"We hope we can make good progress in this area too," he said.

The complete results will be published by Britain's Journal of the Royal Society Interface.

Source: Abs-Cbn News

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‘Dark Knight Rises’ trailer prompts speculation

There is a lot of buzz around the latest trailer for "The Dark Knight Rises," which promises an "epic conclusion" to Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. Like any good teaser, the slickly-edited 2:19-minutes of film inspires interpretation. And the theories are flying.

Searches on Yahoo! for "dark knight rises trailer" popped up 189 percent in the past 24 hours, and mostly thanks to males. "Dark Knight 3" ranks third in April searches for summer movie blockbusters, following "Avengers" and "Total Recall."

Here are our top five questions the "Rises" trailer raises:

1. What's the story with Gotham police officer John Blake?

"Did they kill him?" Blake (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) asks Catwoman in the trailer, presumably referring to Batman. Blake is seen throughout the trailer, indicating his role is more important than that of a mere street cop. Some have speculated Gordon-Levitt is the new Robin recruit, others are saying he may be subbing in for Batman himself (if true—OMG!), and others yet wonder whether Blake takes the codename "Azrael" as part of his effort to help Batman.

2. Whose side is Catwoman on?

"Storm coming," Anne Hathaway (as Catwoman) says to Christian Bale (as Bruce Wayne) while they're dancing at some terribly important black tie affair. Is she warning him or taunting him? It's not entirely clear though it seems at some point Catwoman becomes, at least, concerned for Batman when she says, "You don't owe these people anymore. You've given them everything." Also, at the end, she catches a ride with him, on seemingly amicable terms. (BONUS: A related question that struck our bat brains is this—Does Catwoman know Bruce Wayne is Batman? Unclear.)

3. What's with Bruce Wayne's facial hair?

Ever notice that Batman, when in costume, is always clean shaven? We have. But in the trailer, we see Bale sporting facial hair, looking quite disheveled, while presumably being held captive by Bane. Perhaps we can assume Wayne/Batman is held for a long time. Judging by the length of the combination mustache-beard, at least a few weeks.

4. How does it end for Batman?

Our Batman-adept managing editor Matt McDaniel, noted that in the original comic book series, Bane broke Batman's back and the caped crusader had to be replaced. Some are wondering if Batman actually dies. If either of these ideas wind up being true, it could support the theories on Blake (Gordon-Levitt) becoming Batman.

5. How cool is Batman's flying "car"?

Very.

We know you. You have your own theories and questions. Post them below!

Source: Yahoo

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Samsung is Now the World's Biggest Handset Maker!

When Samsung predicted it will surpass Nokia as the world's biggest handset maker, we told ourselves "easier said than done." However, we also knew that it is doable and, if there's one brand that can accomplish it, then it's the Korean titan. Fast forward to now and it can be told: Samsung has finallysnatched the title of the biggest handset maker in terms of units shipped, ending the Finns' 14-year reign.

According to Strategy Analytics, Samsung has shipped a whopping 93.5 million units in the first quarter, a huge 36% increase over the same period from last year. That's over 10 million more than what Nokia managed at 82.7 million, good enough for second place. With its shipments, Samsung now commands 30.6% of the handset market. This is also the first time since 1998 when a company not named Nokia is on top. So, who's at third place? You guessed it, it's Apple, which also had a stellar performance in its most recent fiscal quarter.

This news came as a bit of surprise to us not because we didn't think it could be done but because of how soon it came to be. But, hey, we're not shocked either given Samsung's coverage of all sections of the handset market. Also, Nokia's is experiencing a decline in the lower-end scene which is bad news for the company given that they're not faring well in the flagship phone wars.

To Nokia, let's hope that your partnership with Microsoft will produce big results soon. To Samsung, congratulations! Now, drop those glasses of champagne and be ready because being the top dog is one thing. Keeping it that way is another.

Source: Techie

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Octomom Files for Bankruptcy, Delays Auction of Her Home

Just one day after Nadya "Octomom" Suleman insisted "I am making money" and could afford a $520 haircut, she claimed Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The single mom-of-14 filed in federal court on Friday, three days before her graffiti-covered La Habra, California, home was set to hit the auction block because she hasn't made a mortgage payment in a year. In the court papers, the 36-year-old listed her assets as $50,000 and her debts up to $1 million. Amongst her creditors: Verizon Wireless, bottled water company Sparkletts, Indy Mac Mortgage, Orkin Pest Control, the Department of Motor Vehicles, a Christian school, and the gas, electric, and water companies. "I have had to make some very difficult decisions this year and filing Chapter 7 was one of them," Suleman, who is on welfare, said in a statement on Monday. "But I have to do what is best for my children and I need a fresh start."

Suleman's filing postpones the auction of her home, but not for long. Amir Haddadin, the man who loaned Octomom $450,000 so she could buy the residence, tells RadarOnline that the new date is May 7. As for her going bankrupt, he adds, "This is not surprising … and now the bank will have to deal with it." But although he would like to recoup the money he lost for giving Suleman and her 14 children a place to live, Haddadin doesn't want to see them homeless. "I feel so sorry for those children and I worry about them. What kind of life are they living now? Going to the bathroom in the backyard of the house in portable toilets -- they aren't animals. Does Nadya realize that? Truly, what kind of life can these children have with her as a mother?"

The same day as her filing became public, Suleman said in an interview with HLN that she would consider doing porn — something she always said she would never do — if it meant earning money to take care of her large brood. "You know if the opportunity comes up I'll be the first to admit, I'm gonna eat my words!," said Octomom, who posed topless for a measly $8,000 in March. "Because all that matters is that I can take care of my family. If it's a job, and it's a well-paying job, and it's gonna allow me to get out of here and move [my kids] into a very safe, huge home that they deserve … I'm gonna do it."

Last week, Suleman's hairdresser went to police with photos she took of what she claimed were the octuplets — dirty and only dressed in T-shirts and diapers — using training potties in the backyard because the toilet in the house was broken. CPS did pay a visit to the home, but after a 90-minute inspection the staffers didn't feel the children were in any real danger.

Source: Yahoo

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Human Barbie Valeria Lukyanova

Ukrainian model Valeria Lukyanova's doll-like features and looks have left critics speculating on the authenticity of her claims. Her highly unusual plastic face and body proportions have also sparked concerns and questions as to how she managed to get that sweeping barbie look.

Is her transformation due to plastic surgery, excessive make-up, the wonder of digital photo editing technology, a fake mask or just plain hoax?

Although, it is practically impossible to naturally have the looks and features of a plastic doll, Lukyanova claims it’s natural and she has never gone under the knife to attain them.

Astonishingly, this young female looks like the replica of a barbie doll. She boasts those same angelic features, enviable hour-glass figure with a tiny waist, icy-blue eyes, huge derriere and ample bosom. To complete the look, she dresses up exactly like the famous doll with glossy bow lips and heavy eye make-up, posing in scanty outfits. 

Furthermore, her entire appearance clearly looks unnatural and fake. "She looks not only ugly, but ridiculous,” a critic commented about her.

How Did She Become The Most Convincing Real-Life Barbie?

Her denial notwithstanding, it’s quite apparent that Lukyanova has undergone plastic surgery and some major cosmetic transformation to look this smooth and glossy. We looked at some of her photographs that were clicked with minimal or no make-up and she looks like a regular pretty girl-next-door in them.

Her plastic appearance is what stuns the critics. Dr. Athony LaBruna, the director of Manhattan Plastic Surgery explained in detail as to what all needs to be done to transform a living human body to look like a plastic Barbie doll.

LaBruna speaking at ABC’s Good Morning America’s segment Tuesday said, “A women needs to get breast enhancements to be a 38DD and cut some ribs out to get an 18" waist, make the hips wider and change her face. Of course, the woman would have to go blonde like Barbie.”

BEFORE PICTURES:

AFTER PICTURES:

Is it Safe to Undergo Such Surgical Transformations?

Highlighting Lukyanova's case, Dr. Malcolm Roth, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, spoke on how dangerous such surgeries could be for young girls and what precautions should be kept in mind before going in for extremely unnatural looks.

He told ABC News that “Valeria is only 21, so certain milestones in growth and physical maturity ought to be considered before plastic surgery is performed. ASPS cautions patients to keep in mind that plastic surgery is real surgery with real risks, just as with any operation, so the decision should not be taken lightly.”

Diane Levin, professor of education at Wheelock College Boston, underlined the important issue about the unhealthy obsession with perfect, flawless looks among women.

"When Barbie came around, play suddenly became about dressing up and looking right and it eventually played a role in how women wanted to look in real life," she told ABC News.

Levin asserted that, "Even if she's totally photoshopped, the fact that her body is being changed to one that no one actually can attain."

Well, the 21-year-old is trying her level best to attain the maximum fame she can from all the Internet frenzy surrounding her. She has herself posted a couple of videos on YouTube and, surprisingly, the list of Facebook accounts that appear while searching by her name has far outnumbered the list of accounts for any A-list Hollywood celebrity.

The images of the living Barbie that have inundated the Internet is remarkable considering that she wasn’t even recognized before this.

Take a look at the before and after make-up images of Valeria  Lukyanova in the slideshow. Tell us what you think? Which look is better? Do you think it’s the height of obsession to aspire for and acquire such perfection?

Source: Ibtimes

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Spain in Recession as Austerity Bites

MADRID - Spain's economy slipped into recession in the first quarter as domestic demand shrank, data showed on Monday, with deep government spending cuts in an uphill battle to trim the public deficit likely to delay any return to growth.

Gross domestic product shrank 0.3 percent in January-March from the previous quarter according to preliminary National Statistics Institute data, unchanged from October-December and compared to a Reuters poll expecting a 0.4 percent contraction.

Madrid is under intense pressure from its European peers to streamline the euro zone's fourth largest economy, reduce a massive public deficit and fix a banking system battered by a four-year economic slump and a burst property bubble.

On an annual basis the economy contracted by 0.4 percent compared with growth of 0.3 percent in the previous quarter, the data showed. Economists polled by Reuters, as well as the Bank of Spain, had forecast a slippage of 0.5 percent.

"Spain's still very much recession and we think that this isn't going to improve soon. It's likely they'll have to create more fiscal tightening in order to catch up if they wish to avoid going in to plan, and that's going to be counterproductive," economist at Citi Guillaume Menuet said.

The Spanish government's updated economic stability plan, published on Friday before sending it to the European Commission, saw an estimated contraction of 1.7 percent in 2012 turning to 0.2 percent growth by next year.

Source: Abs-Cbn News

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