Ocean life threatened by industrial emissions

The Earth's oceans are acidifying at the fastest rate in 300 million years, threatening marine life
Ocean marine life is at unprecedented risk as our oceans are acidifying at the fastest rate in 300 million years, scientists say.

The rise in the ocean's water acidity comes as the seas absorb a quarter of carbon dioxide polluting the atmosphere, which in turn as increased by nearly a third over the past century.

Professor Andy Ridgwell, of Bristol University, is alarmed by the unprecedented rice in acidity levels.

"Current acidification is potentially unparalleled in the last 300 million years," he said.

Past instances of ocean acidification have been linked with mass extinctions of marine life.

Barbel Honisch, of Columbia University, wrote in Science journal: "If industrial carbon emissions continue at the current pace, we may lose coral reefs, oysters and salmon."

Researchers based in the United States, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Germany and Spain contributed to the study, which was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck Give Normal Name to Newborn Son

Shortly after words came out that Jennifer Garner has given birth to a baby boy, Ben Affleck reveals the name he and his wife gave to their newborn. While many celebrities opted to go with unique and uncommon monikers, the Hollywood couple chose a normal one for their third child together, Samuel.

On Wednesday, February 29, the star/director of "The Town" took to his official Facebook page to confirm the arrival of his son, and used the opportunity to unveil the boy's name. "We are happy to announce on February 27, Jennifer gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Samuel Garner Affleck," so he wrote.

Back in January, Affleck's wife, Garner, shared to TV host Jay Leno that her young daughters have some interesting ideas for their brother's name. "Our girls are working on names. At first they were definitely Disney," she said at the time. "It was like, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse Affleck. And then they've moved on. Then it was Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Smee."

Affleck and Garner announced they were expecting their third child together in August 2011. Through their representatives, the Hollywood couple said in a simple statement that they were "thrilled" over the news. Earlier, it was reported that they welcomed their new bundle of joy, who joins sisters 6-year-old Violet and 3-year-old Seraphina, in Santa Monica, California.

Davy Jones Mourned by The Monkees Bandmates and Hollywood Stars

News of Davy Jones' untimely passing on Wednesday, February 29 morning has sent a shock through Hollywood and prompted outpour of grief and condolences. All three surviving members of The Monkees have remembered their late bandmate in individual Facebook message, while the likes of Will Smith and Eva Longoria took to their Twitter to pay tribute.

"So many lovely and heartfelt messages of condolence and sympathy, I don't know what to say, except my sincere thank you to all. I share and appreciate your feelings," wrote guitarist Michael Nesmith on his page. "That David has stepped beyond my view causes me the sadness that it does many of you. I will miss him, but I won't abandon him to mortality."

"I will think of him as existing within the animating life that insures existence. I will think of him and his family with that gentle regard in spite of all the contrary appearances on the mortal plane," he continued. "David's spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us."

Another member, Dolenz, admitted in his post, "I am in a state of shock; Davy and I grew up together and shared in the unique success of what became The Monkees phenomena." He added, "The time we worked together and had together is something I'll never forget. He was the brother I never had and this leaves a gigantic hole in my heart. The memories have and will last a lifetime."

Fellow bandmate, Tork, also posted his thought on Facebook. "It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones," he wrote. "His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy. Peace and love, Peter T."

Hollywood star Smith, in the meantime, posted on his Twitter, "R.I.P. Davy Jones. Retweet for respect," TV beauty Longoria tweeted her sympathy, "My heart is sad that my favorite Monkee Davey Jones has passed away! #I'mABeliever," and drummer Questlove wrote, "Damn. Davy Jones is gone. I loved the Monkees."

Also among those expressing condolences via the social media were William Shatner, Kevin Smith and Melissa Gilbert. Shatner said, "My condolences go out to the family of Davy Jones. MBB," Smith wrote, "A Daydream ends: DAVY JONES DIES...His life was a big barrel of win (&Monkees). Marcia Brady will be inconsolable...," and Gilbert remembered, "Davy Jones and The Monkees were such an important part of my childhood...I'm speechless..."

Jones passed away at the age of 66 after suffering a heart attack in Florida on Wednesday morning. The "I'm a Believer" hitmaker is survived by wife Jessica Pacheco-Jones, three sisters, four daughters and three grandchildren.

Infolinks 50 High Paying Keywords (HPK)

Infolinks 50 High Paying Keywords (HPK)  - Looking for ways on how to increase your earnings in Infolinks? YES! It's a big yes for those who owned blog and were not fortunate to have Google Adsense(maybe banned for some reason or another). You are probably searching for Infolinks High-Paying Keywords (HPK). I'm of those of those who rely to monetize my blog through In-text advertisements, preferably, Infolinks. Among other competitors in In-Text advertising, Infolinks has a very good click-through-rating (CTR). I've tried other modes to monetize this blog but so far Infolinks performed well than other ads. Along with incorporating Infolinks ads and Infolinks related tags, one of the sure-fire ways to increase your income is to add more Infolinks High Paying Keywords. With these keywords, if you're lucky that Infolinks' automated system will display those keywords in your blog, you will certainly get higher earnings. The following are the Top 50 High Paying Keywords in Infolinks(HPK):

1. Purchase Structured Settlements – 53.48

2. Mesothelioma Lawyers San Diego – 51.47

3. Secured Loan Calculator – 51.35

4. Structured Settlement Investments – 50.45

5. Endowment Selling – 50.35

6. Mesothelioma Patients – 50.23

7. Mesothelioma attorney san diego – 50.07

8. Austin Texas dwi lawyers – 50.03 9. New York Mesothelioma Lawyers – 50.01

10. Phoenix dui lawyers – 50.01

11. Secured Loans – 50.01

12. Insurance Auto – 50.00

13. Phoenix dui attorney – 50.00

14. car free insurance online quote – 50.00

15. students debt consolidation loans – 49.96

16. Pennsylvania mesothelioma lawyers – 49.87

17. data recovery Denver – 49.71

18. adverse credit remortgages – 49.56

19. bad credit remortgages – 49.47

20. data recovery service los angeles – 49.37

21. Consolidating Students Loan – 49.30

22. Students Loan Consolidation Rates – 49.17

23. Boston dui lawyers – 49.02

24. memphis car insurance – 48.86

25. conference calling companies – 48.64

26. exclusive mortgage leads

27. direct mortgage lenders

28. home mortgage refinancing

29. second mortgage loans

30. standard mortgage

31. best mortgage company

32. top mortgage lenders

33. va mortgage guidelines

34. central mortgage company

35. online mortgage companies

36. mortgage information

37. va mortgage refinance

38. mortgage bankers association

39. bmortgage rates florida

40. cheap flights

41. Charity&Donation

42. cheap mortgage loans

43. Chocolate

44. online mortgage application

45. reverse mortgage rules

46. refinance second mortgage

47. mortgage lead generation

48. reverse mortgage info

49. mortgage protection leads

50. tablets PC

What you are waiting for? If you are an avid Infolinks publisher, start making posts optimized with high-paying keywords in Infolinks

Ice Age flower revived: Russian scientists resurrect ancient plant after 30,000 frozen years

Scientists in Russia have resurrected a flower from the contents of an Ice Age squirrel's burrow containing fruit and seeds that had been stuck in the Siberian permafrost for more than 30,000 years

A team of Russian scientists have successfully grown a blossoming flower from fruit tissues found in an Ice Age squirrel's burrow in the banks of the Kolyma River in Siberia.

The scientists reported their achievement in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), noting that the so-called Silene stenophylla plant has been resurrected from what is by far the oldest plant material to have been brought to life.

The team found around 70 squirrel hibernation burrows in the Siberian river bank.

"All burrows were found at depths of 20-40m from the present day surface and located in layers containing bones of large mammals such as mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, bison, horse, deer, and other representatives of fauna from the age of mammoths, as well as plant remains," they reported.

"The squirrels dug the frozen ground to build their burrows, which are about the size of a soccer ball, putting in hay first and then animal fur for a perfect storage chamber," said Stanislav Gubin, one of the authors of the study, who spent years rummaging through the area for squirrel burrows. "It’s a natural cryobank."

The scientists say the world's permafrost — which makes up about 20 percent of the planet's surface — could be a vast time capsule, a place where ancient life is preserved, could be revived, and could speak volumes about the evolution of life on Earth.

Dame Judi Dench vows to continue acting despite eyesight problems

Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench revealed she is battling to save her sight after being diagnosed with macular degeneration

LONDON, United Kingdom -- Dame Judi Dench, an Oscar-winning actress and also famous for her role in several James Bond movies, has revealed she had been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is struggling to read scripts or recognise faces.

AMD causes severe vision impairment and can lead to blindness.

Dame Judi, 77, has undergone treatment and is hoping it will stop the progression of the condition and allow her to continue working.

However, Dame Judi, who won a best supporting actress Oscar in 1998 for her role as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love, said she had no plans to let her eye condition force her retirement.

"You get used to it. I've got lenses and glasses and things and very bright light helps," she said.

Judi Dench is set to return to her role of M in the 23rd James Bond movie, Skyfall, alongside Daniel Craig as 007.

Dench has received many award nominations for her acting in theatre, film and television; her awards include ten BAFTAs, (including the Bafta Fellowship in 2001) seven Laurence Olivier Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award. In June 2011, she received a fellowship from the British Film Institute (BFI).

Iran claims "nuclear breakthrough", threatens to cut off oil supplies to Europe

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatens to cut off oil supplies to eight European nations immediately as his country claims a breakthrough its nuclear program
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iranian President Ahmadinejad claimed on Thursday that his country has made a "nuclear breakthrough" as he presented the first Iranian-made nuclear fuel rod being inserted into a research reactor.

Tehran rattling nuclear fuel rods
On the back of the claimed advance in Iran's nuclear capabilities, Tehran has proposed a resumption of international nuclear talks. These talks, with world powers China, the United States, Russia, Germany, France and Britain, had collapsed following a fruitless meeting in Istanbul a year ago.

"Ready" for resumed nuclear talks with world powers
Now, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said in a letter to European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton:

"We voice our readiness for dialogue on a spectrum of various issues which can provide ground for constructive and forward-looking cooperation," the letter read.

International sanctions
Iran's nuclear program has been the focal point of international concern amid fears the country would use its resultant nuclear capability for military purposes.

The controversy over Iran's nuclear programs centers in particular on Iran's failure to declare sensitive enrichment and reprocessing activities to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency said in November it had information suggesting Iran had carried out tests "relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device".

Facing international sanctions on its nuclear program including a planned oil embargo by Europe, Iran has now warned six European states yesterday that it plans to strike first by cutting off their Iranian oil supply immediately.

Immediate plans to cut-off Iranian oil supply to Europe
The European Union has been one of Iran's largest oil buyers, taking nearly one-fifth of total Iranian petroleum exports last year.

"Iran warns Europe it will find other customers for its oil," the Islamic Republic News Agency said.

"European people should know that if Iran changes destinations of the oil it gives to them, the responsibility will rest with the European governments themselves."

Chinese oil demand
Industry experts said China is likely to emerge as a significant buyer for Iran's oil should the planned cut-off go ahead. China is aiming to purchase nearly half a million barrels of oil per day in order to fill a newly completed strategic reserve storage facility, industry followers commented.

Empire State building owners plan $1bn IPO

The company that controls the Empire State Building has revealed plans to raise as much as $1bn in an initial public offering

NEW YORK -- The owners of the Empire State Building, which until the 1970s was the World's tallest tower, is set to go public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Empire State Realty Trust, which owns not only the landmark 102-story skyscraper in midtown Manhattan but also 11 other buildings in New York City, has files for an IPO which is intended to raise $1 billion in cash for the company.

According to reports by Reuters, the Empire State Building has seen several owners over the decades and had been at the centre of a legal battle among the Malkin family, property tycoon Donald Trump and real estate heiress Leona Helmsley.

Since taking control of the Empire State Building in 2002, the Malkin family has invested tens of millions of dollars to improve the office spaces as part of a $500-million project to bring the skyscraper, completed in 1931, to modern environmental standards.

Some of the money raised through the planned IPO is earmarked for further refurbishment work.

The Empire State Building was the first tower ever built to have more than 100 floors. It has 6,500 windows and 73 elevators, and there are 1,860 steps from street level to the 102nd floor. It has a total floor area of nearly 2.8 million sq ft.

Faster than a Porsche 911: Tesla unveils electric SUV

Tesla unveils its Model X electric SUV with "Gull Wing" doors, room for seven adults and faster acceleration than a Porsche 911

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Electric carmaker Tesla Motors unveiled a battery-powered crossover between a sports car and utility vehicle on Thursday night.

The unveiling in Hawthorne, CA was attended by California Governor Jerry Brown and celebrities including film director Jon Favreau, who witnessed Tesla's CEO Elon Musk introduce the new Tesla Model X on stage.

The fully-electric sport-utility vehicle, set to go into production late next year, features signature "gull-wing" doors which leave more room as they open. The SUV seats up to seven adults in three rows within its roomy interior - offering more space than an Audi Q7.

Elon Musk claims his new Model X has better manoeuvrability than a Mini Cooper, and accelerates from 0-60 mph within just 4.4 seconds - faster than a Porsche 911 sports car.

Musk said: "Even though the X is heavier, it will still go zero to 60 miles an hour in about 4.4 seconds. And that's not even the Performance model. This is will be our most important, and highest-volume car, when it comes out."

The vehicles qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit aimed at encouraging sales of electric vehicles. Including that credit, Model X pricing will start at $49,900.

American Idol Drama: Symone Recovers, but Now Tent Girl Is Sick!

Well, last night's cliffhanger was rather dramatic, wasn't it?

There was a scary moment for Symone Black on American Idol last night as she finished singing "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" and, seemingly overcome with fatigue or nerves, tottered toward the edge of the stage and fell off. Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe called for a medic, and her understandably concerned father rushed toward the front of the room.

Luckily, Symone was taken to the hospital, treated for dehydration and appears to be doing just fine.

But what happened when she told her dad to quit worrying and showed up for day three of Hollywood Week, along with 184 fellow aspiring stars?

Well, aside from missing out on a little key bonding time when the remaining hopefuls knew they had to split up into groups, Symone fit right in.

In fact, the teen was hardly alone when it came to excitement, anxiety and exhaustion taking its toll.

Amy Brumfield, who won hearts with her story of living in a tent in the woods with her boyfriend and then made headlines with news of her misdemeanor-peppered past, showed up for the group round with a nasty flu.

Her group worried about her stamina, but the 24-year-old Tennessean said she was determined to "beat the devil."


And that bug traveled fast, because, before long, Gabrielle Carruba was tossing her cookies during rehearsal, the poor 16-year-old from Connecticut throwing up into a bag in between harmonies.

Phillip Phillips and Eben Christian chose to take their stomach troubles to their rooms, but both were back after some alone time, be it in bed or in the bathroom.

And throughout, of course, group members who were perfectly healthy were rubbing each other the wrong way and butting heads right and left.

Wow! The flies may not be dropping but they're caught in a pretty tangled web of nerves and creative differences. We can only imagine how this will affect the actual group round performances—which will air next Wednesday.

Capello quits as England manager

London: Italian Fabio Capello`s turbulent reign as England manager ended when he resigned after meeting FA chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne at Wembley stadium.

The discussions followed the FA decision to remove the England team captaincy from John Terry after the Chelsea defender`s trial for allegedly racially abusing Queens Park Rangers` defender Anton Ferdinand was adjourned until July.

Terry, who would have led England at this year`s European Championship, denies the charge.

Capello, 65, expressed his unhappiness with the decision in an Italian television interview Sunday.

"I thought it was right that Terry should keep the captain`s armband," he said.

An FA statement said Capello`s resignation had been accepted and he would leave his post immediately after just over four years in charge.

"I would like to stress that during today`s meeting and throughout his time as England manager, Fabio has conducted himself in an extremely professional manner," Bernstein said in a statement.

"We have accepted Fabio`s resignation, agreeing this is the right decision. We would like to thank Fabio for his work with the England team and wish him every success in the future."

A news conference with Bernstein has been scheduled for Wembley stadium at 1200 GMT Thursday.
Related Stories

 

Cup Humiliation

Capello took over as England manager in January 2008 after England`s failure to qualify for Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren.

His first match, a friendly against Switzerland exactly four years ago this week, ended in a 2-1 victory and in he was in charge for 42 matches, winning 28, drawing eight and losing only six.

Among those six, though, was a crushing 4-1 loss to Germany in the World Cup finals in South Africa 18 months ago. That was England`s worst defeat in the finals and led to a chorus of calls for his dismissal.

He kept his job and guided England unbeaten through the qualifiers for the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.

Capello`s tenure as England boss was a roller-coaster ride with several highs and lows. Apart from the World Cup, the lowest points both concerned Terry.

Terry was relieved of the England captain`s armband after allegations that he had an extra-marital affair with the former girlfriend of his former Chelsea team mate Wayne Bridge.

Capello, who was on a salary of 6 million pounds ($9.5 million) a year, re-instated Terry last March. However, the latest incident proved one too many for the Italian and led directly to his resignation.

After winning 32 caps for his country, Capello enjoyed a glittering club management career.

He won four Serie A titles with Milan and one with AS Roma plus two La Liga titles with Real Madrid. He also took Juventus to two consecutive titles which were later stripped because of a match-fixing scandal.

Passenger plane makes Belfast emergency landing

A Thomas Cook passenger jet bound for Tenerife made a safe emergency landing at Belfast amid technical problems with its landing gear

BELFAST, Northern Ireland -- A passenger jet bound for Tenerife made a safe emergency landing at Belfast International Airport on Tuesday morning.

The Thomas Cook Airbus A320 developed technical problems with its landing gear after take-off from Belfast and circled above Lough Neagh for an hour to lose fuel.

Following landing clearance, it returned to Belfast International Airport and performed a successful emergency landing at 11.30am (GMT) on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were on stand-by as the aircraft landed.

There were no initial reports of any injuries.

Thomas Cook, one of Britain's biggest tour operators, confirmed it owns and operates the plane but gave no further details.

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee: Gun salutes mark 60 years on the throne

Gun salutes mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II on the throne, as the Queen renews her pledge to serve the British people

LONDON -- Gun salutes across the United KIngdom, including London and Edinburgh marked the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne on Monday.

In an unprecedented move, the Queen marked 60 years on the throne by renewing her pledge to serve the British people.

"I dedicate myself anew to your service," the monarch said in a message released by Buckingham Palace - repeating a pledge she first made when she was 21.

"Today, as I mark 60 years as your Queen, I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Philip over these years and to tell you how deeply moved we have been to receive so many kind messages about the Diamond Jubilee."

"In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth.

"I hope also that this Jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with a clear head and warm heart as we join together in our celebrations.

"I send my sincere good wishes to you all," the Queen's message concluded.

Princess Elizabeth became Queen on February 6, 1952.

She was on tour in Kenya when her beloved father, George VI, died unexpectedly in his sleep.

Princess Elizabeth and her husband returned to Britain the next day but when she set foot back on British soil, it was as Queen.

She has since seen 11 prime ministers come and go. David Cameron, her 12th and current Prime Minister, praised the Queen's "magnificent service," thanking her for guiding the nation with "dignity and quiet authority."

"Always dedicated, always resolute and always respected, she is a source of wisdom and continuity," Cameron said. "All my life, and for the lives of most people in this country, she has always been there for us. Today, and this year, in the 60th anniversary of her reign, we have the chance to say thank you."

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee is set to be be marked with a series of regional, national and international events throughout 2012.

Visits to the nations of the Commonwealth will be carried out by members of the royal family, including Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge. Meanwhile, the Queen herself will travel around Britain with her 90-year-old husband, who underwent heart surgery in December.

I

Katy Perry Dedicates Song to Tim Tebow at Super Bowl Party

Flamboyant pop star Katy Perry dedicated suggestive song "Peacock" to evangelical quarterback Tim Tebow at a pre-Super Bowl party Saturday night.

Perry, the daughter of Christian ministers, said "This one goes out to Tim Tebow," before singing the single at the DIRECTV Sixth Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl party Saturday night in Indianapolis, Ind. – her first U.S. concert since her separation from husband Russell Brand – reported Indy Star. There is no report that Tebow was at that party when Perry gave a shout-out to him.

But the two sort-of met earlier on Saturday at the NFL Honors ceremony, where Perry spotted Denver Broncos quarterback Tebow in the front row and said to him while on stage, "Hey Tim, my parents say hi."

Perry's parents, who are evangelical pastors with a church in Huntington Beach, Calif., have said that they wanted to set up their daughter with Tebow, who they think would have a good influence on her with his strong Christian faith.

A source told OK! Magazine that Perry's mother thinks "Tebow is the perfect guy for her daughter."

"He's handsome, charming, intelligent and above all, a good Christian."

The source also said that Keith and Mary Hudson are trying to coordinate a schedule where their daughter performs at the church the same time Tebow is scheduled to speak there.

Perry is perhaps best known for her breakthrough song "I Kissed a Girl," a surprising song for a singer who had her start in the Christian music industry and who was raised by ultra conservative Christian parents. In December, Russell Brand filed for divorce from Perry, just after 14 months of marriage.

The successful pop star is in the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records for the "Best Start on the US Digital Chart by a Female Artist." Perry is also named MTV's Artist of the Year in 2011, and won several awards at the 38th People's Choice Awards earlier this year, including "Favorite Female Artist."

"Securing our borders": British tourists refused entry to the U.S. after Twitter jokes

Two British tourists travelling to Los Angeles were refused entry to the U.S. on security grounds over Twitter jokes

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Two British tourists were refused entry to the United States after the Department of Homeland Security flagged them as a potential terror threat.

Twitter joke
Leigh Van Bryan, 26, had posted a message on Twitter prior to his U.S. trip with his friend Emily Bunting, 24.

The tweet read: "Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America?"

Terror suspect
Referring to his intention to have a good time and party in America, Van Bryan's tweet raised suspicion of being a terrorist at the U.S. Department for Homeland Security.

Upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, the pair were detained by armed guards and interrogated by U.S. officials.

Their attempts to explain that by "destroy" they meant "party" failed as Homeland Security agents were conducting thorough interviews to assess the severity of the perceived terror threat.

"The Homeland Security agents were treating me like some kind of terrorist," Mr Bryan said.

"I kept saying they had got the wrong meaning from my tweet."

Throrough interrogation
Following five hours of interrogation, the pair were locked up for 12 hours overnight before before being driven back to the airport where they were put on a plane home.

Homeland Security: "Striking a Balance"
The Department for Homeland Security released a statement following the event, saying:

"We recognize that there is an important balance to strike between securing our borders while facilitating the high volume of legitimate trade and travel that crosses our borders every day, and we strive to achieve that balance," the statement read.

Social media as source of intelligence
The incident comes as U.S. intelligence and security agencies are increasingly monitoring social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook to identify possible terror threats.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently outlined the objectives of its social media monitoring program:

Objectives outlined by the FBI for monitoring soical media accounts
* Detecting potential threats
* Developing threat profiles
* Outlining possible courses-of-action
* Determining timeframe for action by bad actors
* Identifying and developing tactical picture of the location for threat events
* Developing intelligence products for counter-measures

ABTA warning for holidaymakers
ABTA, which represents travel companies in the UK, told BBC News that holidaymakers need to learn to be ultra-cautious when it comes to talking about forthcoming trips, particularly after 9/11.

"Airport security staff do not have a sense of humour when it comes to potential risk," an ABTA representative told the BBC.

"Posting statements in a public forum which could be construed as threatening - in this case saying they are going to "destroy" somewhere - will not be viewed sympathetically by US authorities," it warned.

Nicole Scherzinger to leave X Factor

 X-Factor shake-up: Nicole Scherzinger will not be part of the second series this fall, nor will Paula Abdul or Steve Jones

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Former Pussycat Dolls' singer Nicole Scherzinger will not continue in her role as judge on the U.S. X Factor in the next series.

Originally set to co-host the popular TV show with Steve Jones, Scherzinger was moved on to the judging panel after Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole was dramatically booted from the program.

Now it has been announced that presenter Steve Jones will also leave and not return as host of the next X Factor season in fall.

Jones shared the news on Twitter: "I won't be hosting next season's X Factor which is a shame but I can't complain as I've had a great time. Good luck to everyone on the show," he tweeted.

Escalating the situation further to a major shake-up, news has emerged that former American Idol  judge Paula Abdul is also not returning to the program, leaving behind just Simon Cowell and record producer L.A. Reid.

Super Bowl is a big-ticket item at Costco

The members-only retailer is offering Super Bowl tickets for sale on its website, starting at $2,999.99. That's for one ticket, by the way . . . you don't have to buy 12 of them. But you can buy two.

Jumbo pack of diapers? Check. Case of bottled water? Check. Three thousand dollar Super Bowl ticket?

Geez, you really can buy just about anything supersized at Costco.

The wholesale giant is best known for its food and household items, but its website is offering three ticket packages for the NFL's big — and expensive — game Sunday between the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

"Our goal is to become one of the [ticket] options that pop into our members' minds when it comes to these types of events," said Kristin Lovik, an assistant buyer for Costco.com.

Costco has three Super Bowl offerings: A single-ticket package for $2,999.99 and a pair of two-ticket packages, one priced at $9,999 and the other at $15,499.99.

The single-ticket package includes a seat in the upper level of the end zone at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis plus some amenities, including a pregame party featuring retired NFL quarterback Archie Manning, father of Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

Ticket seller StubHub.com has Super Bowl tickets in the same vicinity for as low as $2,495, but that's only for the ticket.

Costco's $9,999.99 package includes two tickets, the pregame party, four nights at an Indianapolis hotel and admission to the Taste of the NFL, an annual wine and food event, among other additional amenities. The $15,499.99 package is similar — with better seats.

Costco is a membership store; the annual fee starts at $55. Membership is not required to shop at Costco.com, but without it there is a 5% surcharge to the purchase, Lovik said. So, on a ticket costing thousands of dollars, a membership results in significant savings.

This isn't the first time Costco has offered high-end sports tickets. It sold them for the Super Bowl last year and for the Masters and U.S. Open golf tournaments in 2010. The chain's website also sells tickets for movies, ski lifts and other entertainment.

Lovick declined to say where Costco obtains its Super Bowl tickets but said the chain looks for "large, key events that we know are set" in terms of place and date and "where we know we can negotiate" prices for the tickets and amenities.

 

Buildings collapse in central Rio - 19 missing

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Two high-rising building blocks collapsed in central Rio on Wednesday evening following an explosion.

Rescue crews were able to pull four people alive out of the debris left behind by the two buildings, which reportedly were 10- and 20-storeys high.

Some 19 people were still missing as of the early hours of Thursday morning, with officials assessing the chances of finding more survivors as "very small".

Coronel Sergio Simoes, Rio's civil defense secretary, said he did not believe anyone had survived the tragedy: "We hope there might be an air pocket and that we might find some survivor, but this possibility is lamentably very small."

The cause of an explosion reportedly preceding the collapse of the buildings has yet to be confirmed.

Wednesday's building collapse was the latest in a series of incidents in Rio de Janeiro highlighting the failure of authorities to improve the city's infrastructure amid preparations to host soccer's World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016.

Costa cruise ship survivors offered $14,000 compensation

Each of the 3,200 passengers aboard Costa Concordia when it collided with rocks in Italy offered $14,000 in compensation

ROME, Italy -- Costa Cruises, the operator of the doomedCosta ConCordiaCruises Ship which capsized off the Tuscan island of Giglio on January 13, has offered passengers 11,000 euros ($14,000) each in compensation.

In addition, Costa said it would refund the cost of the cruise as well as medical and transport expenses.

According to reports by Reuters, consumer group Codacons has urged passengers not to accept the compensation offer.

A class-action lawsuit in the U.S., filed by Codacons and two American law firms, demands at least $160,000 for each passenger.

The tragic accident occurred when the cruise ship ran aground off the Italian island of Gilgio on Friday, January 13, with 4,200 people on board.

16 people have been confirmed dead, with at least a further 16 missing.

Captain Francesco Schettino has been blamed for causing the accident. He is under house arrest, accused of multiple manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning ship before all passengers were evacuat

Internet economy predicted to double to $4.2tn by 2016

The online economy among G-20 nations is expected to nearly double in size to $4.2tn over the next four years

According to a new report released by the Boston Consulting Group on Friday, the Internet economy of the world's top 20 economic powers will continue to grow significantly over the next four years.

With the online population expected to grow to three billion, or about 45% of the global population, the size of the online economy is set to reach $4.2 trillion in 2016. In 2010, the Internet economy was valued at $2.3tn.

The BCG report also finds that the number of people using a mobile device such as a smartphone as their primary was of getting online is set to overtake fixed-line access for the first time next year.

This trend will be couple with another technology shift that will see all kinds of devices from cars to fridges to be connected to the web.

Technology giant IBM estimates that one trillion devices will be internet-connected by 2015.

Kitchen queen Britney Spears

Britney Spears loves her kitchen.

The 29-year-old singer - who has sons Sean Preston, six, and Jayden James, five, with ex-husband Kevin Federline - has a "very traditional" home and says she spends most times in the room where meals are prepared.

She said: "My house is very traditional. And I love 'shabby chic'. It's a very homey-cosy vibe.

"We spend a lot of time in the kitchen actually, maybe my kids will be doing their homework or that kind of thing when they get home from school. I love my kitchen."

When she isn't working, Britney - who is dating her former agent Jason Trawick - enjoys relaxing by watching movies with her sons, even if they don't always understand what they are seeing isn't real.

She told Stylist magazine: "The last film I saw was 'The Never Ending Story' with my children. They liked it but they were scared in places. They were like, 'This is scary, we don't want to watch this. And I was like, 'It's not scary, it's fake, it's a movie.'

"They haven't really grasped the concept that movies are fake - they always say, 'Is this real?' and I'm like, 'No baby - it's just a movie.' But they liked it."