Sharpton: Our city is hurting from murder of NYPD officers

Our city is hurting, we are hurting. Today we mourn the loss of two NYPD officers who were gunned down in a vicious act of senseless violence.

As soon as news broke of the tragedy in Brooklyn, I spoke with both the families of Eric Garner and Michael Brown. And let me be perfectly clear, we are all outraged and saddened by the deaths of these police officers. Any use of the names of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, in connection with any violence or killing of police, is reprehensible and against the pursuit of justice in both cases.

At every rally and every march, we have stressed nonviolence and peaceful protests.

I delivered the eulogy at Michael Browns funeral and Eric Garners funeral and denounced anyone engaging in violence. We have even been criticized at National Action Network, NAN, for not allowing certain rhetoric/chants calling for violence, and we would abruptly denounce it at all of our gatherings. Violence never has and never will have a place in the true fight for equality and justice.

Both the Brown and Garner families send their condolences to the families of these brave police officers who were in our community serving citizens that were in need of protection. Only those who have suffered the senseless loss of a loved one understand that pain. The city must come together and protect both police and citizens. We should not be choosing between funerals; we should be choosing justice and fairness for all.

In the past, NAN has worked with former Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and current Commissioner Bill Bratton on anti-violence and gun-buyback programs. We reserve the right to question police when they are wrong, but violence to answer violence is inexcusable and unacceptable.

That is why NAN and other groups have been stressing that we must make the system work and not match those acts that we feel represent a broken system. It will only lead to more grief and will not lead to justice.

The Garner and Brown families and I have always stressed that we do not believe that all police are bad, nor do we believe that most police are bad. We must unite and work to heal our city and this nation.

Mahatma Gandhi once said: An eye for [an] eye only ends up making the whole world blind. Let those who can see help lead us forward together.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/sharpton-city-hurting-murders-nypd-officers-article-1.2052285

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PK movie review, rating

Noticed how the word G*d rhymes with fraud? Tired of anaemic films in 2014? Then here comes the year-end heartwarmer about the fraud that's pulled on unsuspecting humanity in the name of that overworked miracle-maker called G*d.

"PK" is a film designed to warm the cockles of the heart. And I use the word 'designed' on purpose, and with emphasis. Many times you feel that the aura of childlike innocence that emanates from Aamir Khan's character, is deliberately manipulating our feelings by questioning the sacred cows and haloed institutions in that tone we often hear little children adopt in ads for insurance schemes.

Let's straightaway say this. Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi's writing is smooth, skilled and sexy....Quite like what Katrina Kaif achieved in her "Chikni chameli" item song. You can see the words being polished, sparkled and flaunted, just like Katrina's waist line. She gyrated with her hips. Aamir does from the lips.

In his state of innocence, accentuated by his Dr.Spock ears, Aamir looks as spaced out as Munnabhai on speed. And that is not an undesirable thing at all. The film requires the outsider to be chronically bewildered by all the things that we earthlings take for granted.

Why do we depend on G*d-men to take us to G*d when G*d is supposed to be omnipresent? This is not the first time that theological questions have been raised in a satirical film. Umesh Shukla did it with a lot of....to use a a term from "Haider"....chutzpah.

"PK" does it with a lot more tenderness. In fact, the mood gets perceptibly treacly specially towards the end when our alien hero turns all moony-eyed over the television-journalist. He's in love although he thinks it's 'bhest of time'.

The story moves forward in episodic abundance, not caring whether it would all finally come together at the end or not. Of course, it all does. Effortlessly. The plot winds breezily through episodes like 'PK Meets Bhairav Singh' (cue for Sanjay Dutt to get all bovine and boisterous as a traditionally-dressed Rajasthani), 'PK Challenges Godman Tapsavi' (Saurabh Shukla plays the religious fraud without cheesy overtures).

This could well have been a television serial about an alien who delivers some down-to-earth homilies. While Aamir owns most of the narrative as though born to play the alien, the film's most tightly narrated episode is the Sushant-Anushka Indo-Pak love story. The efficacy of the relationship is substantially dependent in Sushant Singh Rajput, who brings an endearing and effortless warmth to what would otherwise have been just a boyfriend's role.

Watch out for an amusing cameo by Ram Sethi (the Big B's sidekick in many Prakash Mehra blockbusters) in the Sushant-Anushka episode. And yes, watch out for a very prominent mention of the father and son Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan in this episode.

There are dozens of brilliant actors making fleeting appearances in what must have seemed like a G*d-sent opportunity to work with one of India's finest filmmakers. I wish Hirani wouldn't be so conscious of his reputation as a creative genius whose films are extended 'jadoo ki jhappis'. Many of the benign characters in "PK" seem like they are spillovers from "Munna Bhai" and "3 Idiots", making an all-out effort to be good souls.

Sadly, even the brilliant Boman Irani is reduced to a playing a minuscule part as Anushka's channel boss. But here's the thing. Watch Boman respond to Aamir's blatantly glorified theological arguments in their sequence together, and you realise why capable stars need brilliant supporting actors to shine on screen.

And shine, Aamir certainly does, in spite of the exaggerated Bhojpuri dialect that seems to have been put there to get applause. And yes, those crimson-red lips look like they've been designed by lipstick rather than stained by paan.

And what, pray, is that cameo by Ranbir Kapoor in the end? A signal for a sequel? Not such a bad idea.

Even though "PK" left me underwhelmed at times, there is no denying its utter sincerity of purpose. That feeling when you're effortlessly floating in the air.

In "PK", director Rajkumar Hirani makes us feel good about life. And that, in these troubled times, is not short of a miracle. Following the zany, kooky escapades of an alien, PK takes us into everyday life as seen through the eyes of a gentle compassionate outsider. This is revisionist cinema at its most inspiring.

It tells us, life is beautiful even when it seems to suck. Provocative and yet gentle, evocative and quite often, heartbreakingly artless, "PK" is just what the healers ordered after the savagery in Peshawar.

Review by Subhash K Jha

rtaing: 4/5

Source: http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-12-20/PK-movie-review-rating-122156

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Bruno Fratus Impresses Again in Sprints in Senior Champs Morning Session

DArtagnan Dias contributedto this report.

Brazilian sprinterBruno Fratus was impressive on Friday morning in the Senior Champs portion of the mens 100 free in Brazil before flagging in the evening open session. h**l hope to avoid that same pattern on Saturday in the 50 free after swimming a 21.45 for the fastest time of the day.

WithCesar Cielo scratching that 50 (he was a 21.60 leading off a relay, making him 2nd in line for a spot at the long course World Championships next summer), Fratus will be chased in the open most likely by Matheus Santana. Second-and-third fastest swims in the senior division in the morning went toNicholas Santos in 22.15 andWalter Pereira in 22.17.

The womens 50 free also had impressive times, as 50 meter backstroke queenEtienne Medeiros swam a 24.99 in the 50 free for the fastest swim. She and the very tallGraciele Hermann (25.05) will battle this one out in finals, though for now both are qualified for the World Championships with still two qualifying meets left to go.

The other Worlds qualifying swim in the morning came in the mens 100 breaststroke, whereFelipe Franca swam a 1:00.44.

Full Saturday Senior Champs Top 3s Below

200m fly Fem 1) Yana Medeiros Corinthians 2m16s98 / 2) Manuela Lyrio Minas Tnis 2m17s22 / 3) Julia Gerotto Corinthians 2m19s48

200m flyMasc 1) Leonardo de Deus Corinthians 1m59s93 / 2) Marcos Oliveira Minas Tnis 2m00s02 / 3) Luiz Pedro Pereira Sesi/MT 2m000s84

50m freeFem 1) Etiene Medeiros Sesi/SP 24s99 / 2) Graciele Hermann Grmio Nutico Unio -25s05 / 3) Lorrane Ferreira Minas Tnis 25s44

50m freeMasc 1) Bruno Fratus Pinheiros 21s45 / 2) Nicholas Santos Unisanta 22s15 / 3) Walter Lessa Esportiva So Jos /SP 22s17

100m breastFem 1) Beatriz Travalon Pinheiros 1m10s27 / 2) Ana Carla Carvalho Pinheiros 1m10s58 / 3) Juliana Marin Minas Tnis 1m11s41

100m breastMasc 1) Felipe Frana Corinthians 1m00s44 / 2) Joo Gomes Junior Pinheiros 1m00s72 / 3) Felipe Lima Minas Tnis 1m01s07

800m freeMasc -Srie Fraca- Melhor Tempo: 1) Elder de Oliveira Curitibano 8m22s27

4x100m Medley Relay Fem 1) Pinheiros Aline Caetano, Ana Carla Carvalho, Daniele Jesus e Larissa Oliveira 4m13s62 / 2) Minas Tnis Roberta Albino, Juliana Marin, Dandara Antonio e Manuella Lyrio 4m15s06 / 3) Corinthians Thalandra Borges, Pamela Souza, Bruna Rocha e Isabela Silva 4m16s95

4x100m Medley Relay Masc 1) Pinheiros Guilherme Guido, Raphael Rodrigues, Filipe Nunes e Joo de Lucca 3m37s10 Recorde de Campeonato / 2) Minas Tnis Henrique Martins, Felipe Lima, Marcos Macedo e Cesar Cielo 3m39s77 / 3) Unisanta Pedro Franceschi, Tales Cerdeira, Nicholas dos Santos e Vinicius Waked 3m43s93.

Source: http://swimswam.com/bruno-fratus-impresses-sprints-senior-champs-morning-session/

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Caramel Apples Linked To Recent Listeria Outbreak

A recent outbreak of listeria has been traced to prepackaged caramel apples, sickening at least 24 persons and resulting in four deaths in 10 states.

Health officials are warning consumers to avoid these products until a full investigation by the CDC reveals the source of the outbreak.

According to the CDC, there have been 28 cases of people affected, with at least 26 hospitalized. There have been five reported deaths from the outbreak, of which four have been directly linked to listeria.

Nearly 83 percent of ill persons who provided information to the CDC stated that they had eaten the prepackaged caramel apples prior to becoming ill. It is unclear which brands are affected and how the contamination actually occurred. However, the CDC has made it clear that there is no reason to stop eating caramel or apples that have not been prepackaged.

The outbreak began around mid-October extending into Halloween, which is the time when the confections are typically purchased. The commercially produced and packaged item can have a shelf life of up to 30 days, so it is possible that some may still be in stores with low turn over of products.

Listeria is a foodborne illness which can have a devastating effect on the elderly, pregnant women, infants, as well as those whose immune systems are compromised, especially those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes. In these persons, it could lead to meningitis, a potentially fatal illness affecting the brain and the central nervous system.

Symptoms of listeria, a bacterial illness, can be nonspecific, and may include nausea, diarrhea, muscle aches, headache, malaise and fever. The disease typically does not lead to serious infection in healthy persons, and can successfully be treated with antibiotics if detected early in its course.

One pitfall is that listeria can mimic the flu, so persons may not seek medical treatment, believing that the illness will just runs its course. However, if there is a recent history of consumption of caramel apples along with flu-like symptoms, then persons should contact their medical provider, or seek care in an emergency department.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2014/12/20/caramel-apples-linked-to-recent-listeria-outbreak/

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Watch Jenny Slate Cover Fleetwood Mac In Her Marcel the Shell Voice

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Jenny Slate, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, Parks and Recreation and Obvious Child, is perhaps most beloved for the viral Marcel the Shell videos, in which she voices a very tiny shell who wears shoes.

In a recent chat with Conan OBrien, the comedian talked about her creation and how she uses his voice doing things around the house. She also busted out a few lines of Fleetwood Macs Landslide, and if you thought the song was a tear-jerker before, just wait till you hear it in Marcels extremely tiny voice. Check it out below.

Source: http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/12/watch-jenny-slate-cover-fleetwood-mac-in-her-marce.html

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Baring It All! Nicki Minaj Suffers Nip Slip While Talking Wardrobe ...

Nicki Minaj was feeling nippy on Wednesday nights Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen!

While flaunting her assets in a tight black top with an extremely plunging neckline, the Anaconda rappersuffered yet another embarrassing nip slip!

The wardrobe malfunction happened only seconds into her appearance, as Cohen introduced the 32-year-old performer and talked about her cleavage-baring outfit.

PHOTOS: Clothes Call! Kim Kardashians 31 Most Embarrassing Wardrobe Malfunctions Ever

It didnt take long for viewers to turn to Twitter to discuss the b**b blunder.

Trying to be classy, and you had a nip slip @NICKIMINAJ @Andy #wwhl @Bravotv @BravoWWHL, one user tweeted with a photo of the malfunction.

Cohen then took calls by viewers, who unsuccessfully tried to let the face of Roberto Cavallis campaign know about her exposed nipple.

PHOTOS: Nicki Minaj Shows Off Leopard Print Pasties On Huge Breast

When one viewer asked if her Good Morning America nip slip in 2011 was tougher to deal with than her wardrobe malfunction at this years MTV Video Music Awards, Minaj replied, Definitely the nip slip because the dress malfunction didnt show anything, thank the lord.

She added, The nip slip was very hard for me to deal with.

Hopefully itll be easier this time around!

Source: http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2014/12/nicki-minaj-nip-slip-watch-what-happens-live/

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Cameron Diaz And Benji Madden Are Engaged!

by Emilee Lindner 13h ago

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden have decided to tie the knot. Us Weekly reports that the couple is engaged.

Diaz, 42, and Madden, 35, were first seen out together in May.

The newly dubbed fiance stars as Mrs. Hannigan in Annie, the remake of the classic musical that premieres today. As for Benji, the former Good Charlotte rocker, you can find him still making music with his twin brother, Joel, as The Madden Brothers.

Check out our tour video for #Brixton#TheMaddenBrothershttps://t.co/H6OtNJ5RCs

benji madden (@benjaminmadden) December 18, 2014

Congrats to the happy couple!

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/2031381/cameron-diaz-and-benji-madden-are-engaged/

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