INL_MarchNews_P4



A person out in heavy rain The most miserable day ever Misery experts have calculated that today, 19 January 2009, is the most depressing day of all time. » Why?
A person holding a test tube Trial seeks blindness cure

A new treatment that could cure certain types of blindness is to be trialled in Britain, it has been announced. » More

Star pushes cancer campaign

Man on quad bike in snow More wild weather coming

Wintry storms are predicted across the UK this week, with strong winds and the chance of snow showers. » Where?

One dead after stormy weekend

Check your local weather forecast

Stars joined by vast crowds to welcome Obama to Washington
Bono and the Edge of U2 performing at the "We Are One" inaugural celebration concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington yesterday. Addressing Mr Obama, Bono said: "What a thrill for four Irish boys from the northside of Dublin to honour you, sir." Photograph: Alex Brandon/PA

HUNDREDS OF thousands of people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington last night for the opening event of Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration, a star-studded concert celebrating national unity in diversity.

Bono, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Tom Hanks were among the artists who performed songs and read texts on the theme “We Are One”.

The vast crowd, which stretched from the memorial around the giant reflecting pool and beyond the Washington Monument, greeted Mr Obama and his wife Michelle with a great cheer as they descended the steps below the statue of Lincoln.

The president-elect and his wife joined their daughters Sasha and Malia behind a screen of protective glass as the concert began. Mr Obama told the crowd that they reflected the diversity of the coalition that drove his election campaign. “As I prepare to assume the presidency, yours are the voices I will take with me every day I walk into that Oval Office – the voices of men and women who have different stories but hold common hopes; who ask only for what was promised us as Americans – that we might make of our lives what we will and see our children climb higher than we did.” Bruce Springsteen was the first musician on stage, singing The RisingA Change is Gonna Come and Mary J Blige’s version of Lean on Me , which had the future first lady singing along. The crowd erupted later when Will.i.am, Herbie Hancock and Sheryl Crow came together to perform Bob Marley’s One Love and when country star Garth Brooks sang American Pie . Vice-president-elect Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech about the dignity of work, pointing out the great memorials of Washington, which were “all built, stone by stone, by American men and women”. Authorities in Washington are expecting between up to two million people for the extended inauguration weekend, despite forecasts for snow. Commuter trains into Washington were packed and traffic was congested by mid-morning yesterday as crowds poured in through security checkpoints. Earlier, the president-elect and Mr Biden laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington Cemetery before Mr and Mrs Obama attended church. , backed by a red-robed gospel choir. Addressing Mr Obama, Bono said: “It’s not just an American dream: it’s an Irish dream, a European dream, an African dream, an Israeli dream, an Irish dream. What a thrill for four Irish boys from the northside of Dublin to honour you, sir.”Fox drew laughter when he lapsed into an impersonation of Mr Obama, quoting the president-elect’s election night remarks: “If there’s anyone who still doubts that America is not a place where all things are possible, tonight is your answer.” Among the musical highlights were a duet featuring Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi singing

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2009/0119/1232059659857.html

 

Python with dog in its belly

Python swallows pet dog

A pet dog, including the collar and name tag, has been eaten by a python in its own back garden. » What happened?

Pink roses

Don't forget Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is this Sunday, the 22nd March - use our gift finder to track down the perfect present. » Treats for mums

Man relaxing in a park

Spring weather 'will last'

Britain is currently basking in warmer temperatures than Turkey, and the sunshine is set to stay. » Until when?

Discovery launching (library photo)

Bat boards Space Shuttle

Nasa has discovered that there was a stowaway fruit bat on the Space Shuttle when it launched last night. » How?



Public face of Saddam regime jailed

Former Iraqi deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz has been jailed for 15 years for his role in the killings of dozens of traders in 1992. Skip related content

Two of Saddam Hussein's half brothers were sentenced to death over the same incident.

The traders were executed after being accused of hiking prices of goods in breach of state price controls, when Iraq's economy was collapsing as a result of United Nations sanctions imposed for its 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

"The court has ruled that Watban Ibrahim al-Hassan and Sabaawi Ibrahim al-Hassan be hanged until death for committing a premeditated killing - a crime against humanity," Judge Raouf Abdul Rahman said. The verdict came less than two weeks after the same Iraqi High Tribunal cleared Aziz, for years the public face of Saddam's regime, of any role in killing and displacing Shia Muslims in 1999. That trial saw Saddam's cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majeed, receive a third death sentence.Majeed, nicknamed "Chemical Ali" for his use of poison gas to kill Kurdish villagers in the 1980s, was also sentenced in the trader case to 15 years.Saddam's secretary Abed Hamid Mahmoud, already jailed for life in another case, received a second life sentence. The Iraqi High Tribunal was set up after the 2003 allied invasion to try former members of Saddam's government, including the leader himself.Human Rights Watch estimates 290,000 people vanished under Saddam. Saddam was executed in December 2006 after being convicted of crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shia men and boys after a 1982 assassination attempt.

Foreign aid workers kidnapped in Darfur

Play video California 'tent city' reflects growing ...

US jobless forced to live in tents

Germany grieves after school shooting

N.Korea to launch satellite in early April

Zimbabwe MDC official freed and urges reconciliation 

Zimbabwean MDC official Roy Bennett was freed from prison on Thursday after the Supreme Court ordered his release on bail and he… More

Zimbabwe PM's aide Bennett freed on bail


Palin daughter splits with fiance: report

Iraq shoe thrower jailed for three…

Five aid workers kidnapped in Darfur


Arrest warrant issued for 'Nazi guard'

  N.Korea to launch satellite in early April:…



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  •  Celtic beat Rangers to cupExtra-time goals gave Celtic a CIS Cup final victory over fierce rivals Rangers at Hampden Park. Match report
  • Lohan wanted by police Police issue warrant for Lindsay Lohan's arrest
  • Is this the end for Peggy? Soap preview: Fears for Peggy in 'EastEnders'
  • Bob Geldof's spider problem African spider bite leaves Geldof with eye problem
  • Alcohol price hike urged Alcohol price hike urgedITN - The price of alcoholic drinks could soar if the Government's top medical adviser gets his way. More »

    Sunday, March 15, 2009

    Crocodile (library photo) 'Monster crocodile' kills girlThe hunt is on for a 30-foot 'monster crocodile' which attacked a boat and decapitated a 10-year-old girl. » More
    Search the Web for crocodile info
    WWF: Polar bears will not survive
    Ad stars for Red Nose Day Hilarious ad for Comic Relief!The stars of the UK's most popular TV ads are here to get you in the mood for tomorrow's Red Nose Day. » Play video
    Watch more Red Nose Day videos
    Search the Web for Comic Relief
    Man after being rescued Niagara Falls jumper 'critical'A man is in a critical condition after apparently jumping into Niagara Falls and fighting off rescuers. » More
    Niagara Falls jumper - video
    Gyrocopter death was filmed
    Orbital Hybrid The cars of the futureCheck out the amazing technology that could be in the cars you drive in the not too distant future. » Like what?
    See the Geneva show supercars
    Aston Martin debut crazy concept
    Jade Goody
    Jade's wedding video Living TV will show Jade Goody's wedding tonight and we have some preview clips. » Watch them now
    Patsy wants Daniella in 'EastEnders'

    Find out what's on television later
     
    Michael Jackson Jacko fans get more showsDemand for Michael Jackson tickets is so high that he will now perform up to 50 London shows, and touts are charging crazy prices for tickets. » How much? Rihanna has delayed 21st birthday
    Jose Mourinho Jose Mourinho in fan 'attack'Police are investigating an allegation that Jose Mourinho punched a supporter in the face outside Old Trafford. » More
    Jose praises Manchester United
    Everton star handcuffed by cops
    Muntazer Al-Zaidi Bush shoe-thrower jailed The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former president George Bush has been jailed. » For how long?
    Saddam's former deputy PM jailed
    Man charged with gyrocopter murder


    Yes, We Can
    Speech by Barack Obama - President Elect of United States

    Chicago, 5 November 2008

    "..And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those

    who are huddled around radiosin the forgotten corners of our world –

    our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn

    of American leadership is at hand. ...

    And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright

    – tonight we proved once more thatthe true strength of our nation

    comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power

    of our ideals:democracy, liberty,opportunity, and unyielding hope.."

    Reflections: "I see Obama less as a black man than as a successful negotiator

    of identity margins. His ability to inhabit so many categories mirrors the African experience.

    For America to choose as its citizen in chief such a skillful straddler of global identities could

    not helpbut transform the nation's image, making it once again the screen upon

    which the hopes and ambitions of the world are projected." -

    Francis Nyamnjoh,

    Cameroonian novelist and social scientist, 5 November 2008

    "(Obama's) election rivaled the day in 1862 when President Abraham Lincoln issued

    the Emancipation Proclamation and the day 101 years later when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

    delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

    There's never been a moment like this in our lifetime, ever... Obama is the postmodern

    race man. He can wear it, he can take it off, he can put it back on. It's just an aspect of his

    identity. .. People don't see him primarily as black. I think people see him primarily as

    an agent of change." Henry Louis Gates Jr.,

    Harvard scholar of African-American history


                         NO Where To Hide........No Where to Run........

    The title of a new controversial film being produced by the INL News Group and sponsored by inlnews.com, USAWeeklyNews.com Yahoo Real Estate.com.au, YahooRealestate.co.uk, YahooRealEstate.org, EmergeFest.com, Edinburgh Fringe Festival Limited. www.EdinburghFringeFest.com, www.FringShowsHaveTalent.com, www.AustraliaWeekendNews.com, EdFringe.biz, EdFringe.info, www.EdingburghFringeFesival.co.uk, www.EdfringeFilms.com, www.NYITFest.com, www.NYTToday.com. www.CCNToday.us, www.BBCToday.ws and many others keen to see this story on film for the world to see, showing the world speaking out about the realities what what the world describes in their chants as millions march around the world in protest of the attack on Gaza's ordinary women,men and children who are just trying to live a normal life with their family and friends, by Israel. 

    Sher Watson,


    Sher Watson and his band Das Contras playing live at the 2007 W ickerman Festival and in 2008 at the famous Jazz Bar on Chambers Street, Edinburgh, Scotland. where you can hear talented Jazz, Blues, Swing from all over the world seven nights a week. Sher Watson sang his self penned song Street Princess  solo at the 2008 New York International Theater, Film and Artrs Festival in New York know sas the www.NYITFest.com, which is destined to be a big hit on the long and eagerly awaited Das Contras's first album due to be released in April, 2009.
    Click here to a live video clip

    provided by one of the  www.usaweeklynew.com readers,

     of Das Contas singing Street Princess at the 2007 Wickerman Festival held in Scotland were they burn the Wickman to try and please the Gods to have a good harvest.


    Sher Watson, the lead singer of the Scottish Jazz-Rock- Fusion Band, Das Contras is at this moment penning a theme song for the film
     
    NO Where To Hide........No Where to Run........
    Das Contras have their first album  Due to be released in April, 2009, after spending all of 2008 in and out of the recording studios recording and mixing their new album. 
    Das Contras were discovered by the Fringe Shows Have Talent Team at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and have featured live clips of Das Contras performing at the 2007 Wickerman Fringe Festival in Scotland and the famous Jazz Bar on Chambers Street in Eninburgh, Scotland, in the Volume One of the collectors DVD Fringe Shows Have Talent shows video sections of the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Edinburgh and Dublin Fringe Festivals, produced by the INL News Limited in association with the EmergeFest.com and Edinburgh Fringe Festival Limited and USA WEEKLY News Limited.
    Anyone interested in purchasing copies of Volume One of the collectors series of DVD's called
                         Fringe Shows Have Talent Collectors DVD Volume One,
                                          please email the 
                                         INL News Group 
                                                       at
                                         admin@inlnews.biz  or 
                                          inlnews3@gmail.com or
                                          admin@fringeshowshavetalent.com

    There will be a limited issue of each volume of these collectors DVD's,
     so anyone interested in being put on the waiting list of a copy please email as soon as you can, to assure yourself a copy of this amazing fun-entertaining footage of some of the best memorable moments of the Edinburgh and Dublin Fringe Festivals dutingh 2006, 2007 and 2008.
    Part if the proceeds will be used to help the suffering people of Gaza.
     A special Fringe Shows Have Talent concert is due to be held in Blackpool in 2009 to help bring publicity to the Gaza Conflict and to help raise money for help the ordinary women, men and children that are suffering Gaza as a result of the conflict with Israel.

    Welcome to
    Fringe Shows
     Have Talent!!!
    The Fringe Shows Have Talent Team Think they do

    Fringe Shows Have Talent will be starting a TV series  in the near future, so watch for it!
     In the meantime, come out and see for yourself that Frige Shows Do Have Talent at your nearest Fringe Festival or keep an eye on the latest Fringe Talent on

    www.FringeShowsHaveTalent.com

    Now available:
    Fringe Shows Have Talent Collectors DVD's showing an exiting and fun selection of fringe performances from the Dublin and Edinburg Fringe Festivals for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008.
    The film footage on these Dvd's are not available anywhere else and are truly a collectors item...Only a limited amount of these DVD's will be released
    £UK 19.90 per single DVD
    £UK 49.90 for 5 DVD's
    £UK 79.90 for 10 DVD's
    each DVD has over two hours playing time of a range of exciting music, theatre, dance and comedy
    Anyone interested in any of the 
    Fringe Shows Have Talent Collectors DVD's  please email
    The Fringe Shows Have Talent Team at
    fringeshowshavetalent@gmail.com

    At a peace rally held in Edinburgh, Scotland on Saturday 10th January, 2008, in opposition to the Israel attcks on Gaza, there was so much community spirit from all walks of life and all ages from little kids to old people, just ordinary people trying to have their say....... 

                                          all singing
    Free Free Palestine ...Occupation is a crime
    Occupation is a crime.....Killing children is a crime
    Ethnic cleansing is crimeFree Free Palestine

    At the strong and powerful Solidarity for peace rally in Edinburgh on Saturday the 10th January, 2009, they had some very powerful and moving speakers at the end rally in the park and thousands braving cold winds and rain to listen to the speakers, which included a doctor who spoke live form a mobile telephone from Gaza describing to the crowd of the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused for the relentless bombing of Gaza by Israel.

    The ordinary citizens from all nationalities, ages and backgrounds from all countries spoke out in a loud unity voice
                       " Israel Must Stop the killing of innocent women and children"

    Anyone that wants to contributed any stories, views, ideas, photos, film clips and just want to be involved with tha making of  the film
                     NO Where To Hide.........No Where to Run........
    Please email all ideas, views,stories, photos, video clips etc to
                            INL News Limited at
                          inlnews3@gmail.com
    The film

    "             NO Where To Hide........No Where to Run........
    wants to include views from all sides so that a fair cross sections of all points of view is shown and each individual can make up their own mind about the wrongs and rights of the conflict.. and what is the best way to solve the conflict so that no more innocent women, men and children are killed from either side of the conflict.... so that there will be a long last lasting peace in that region of the world between all races and all religions....the concern is that no matter which point of view you hold as to the wrongs and right of the Israel-Gaza Conflict, if it carries on much longer, it has the potential to create a third world war and help ignite a new round of world wide hatred in the world between various people in different races and religions and as
    Annie Lenox


    stated to the BBC...

            "
     that both sides were "wrong" and a total ceasefire was the only sensible solution."

    Annie said

    "the intervention of President George W Bush, who has described Hamas's rocket attacks as an "act of terror", was not helping the situation."

    She said: "The problem is, from my perspective, they are pouring petrol onto the fire.

    "They have to sit down. This is a small window of opportunity just before things kick off.

    "For every one person killed in Gaza, they are creating 100 suicide bombers. It's not just about Gaza, it's about all of us.

    Former model

    Bianca Jagger

    Bianca Jagger with Mick Jagger in the early days 

    and singer Annie Lennox have supported the action, and have also called on American president-elect Barack Obama

    President George W. Bush meets with President-elect Barack Obama

     


    President George W. Bush meets with former President George H.W. Bush, President-elect Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former President Jimmy Carter in the Oval Office of the White House January 7, 2009.

     (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

     

     

    President-elect Barack Obama has lunch with Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty at Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, January 10, 2009 to discuss a resolution to the Israel-Gaza Conflict (Jim Young/Reuters) Mon Jan 12, 7:12 PM ET

    U.S. President-elect Barack Obama speaks at a news conference in Washington January 9, 2009.

     (Jim Young/Reuters)

     

    to speak up against the bombardment.
    Actor Paul Kaye, whose mother-in-law was killed in a Hamas rocket attack, told the BBC he had experienced the situation from an Israeli point of view.
    "It's terrifying," he said. "My wife was trapped in a supermarket in a rocket attack. I was with my sons in Ashkelon station, holding them, waiting for a rocket to land and shutting my eyes thinking 'is this it?'
    "So I think it's important to remember that mothers fleeing rocket attacks holding their children have the same fear on both sides of the border

    "The minimum is to treat these [injured] people, to feed these people, give them water, and keep them in a safe place" Katarina Ritz ICRC's head of mission in Jerusalem
                           NO Where To Hide........No Where to Run........
                        soon to be at your local cinema, and on DVD for the world to see.....

     


    George Galloway MP will be joining the protest at the BBC in Edinburgh this afternoon
     
    Wed January 28th Demonstrate  at the BBC 
     PROTEST at the BBC's decision not to air the DEC Appeal for Gaza
     Edinburgh - BBC East Scotland, The Tun, Holyrood Rd  5.30pm (called by Scottish PSC and supported by Edinburgh Stop the War Coalition)
    SPSC will project the DEC's Appeal for Gaza onto the wall of the BBC building in Edinburgh. Speakers include Pauline Goldsmith (one of the four signatories of the actors' boycott letter) and George Galloway 
    Mounting Protests at BBC

     Wed January 28th
    Glasgow - BBC Scottish HQ, Pacific Quay  4.30pm
    (called by Stop the War)
    Edinburgh - BBC East Scotland, The Tun, Holyrood Rd   5.30pm (called by Scottish PSC)

    SPSC will project the DEC's Appeal for Gaza onto the wall of the BBC building.
    Speakers include Pauline Goldsmith, one of the four signatories of the actors' boycott letter BBC.

    Protesters will today gather outside the BBC in Glasgow and Edinburgh against the controversial decision by the BBC not to air a Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) crisis appeal for the people of Gaza .

      Mick Napier, chair of the SPSC, said, “The BBC’s decision to impede the humanitarian appeal on behalf of the people of Gaza comes on top of this well-substantiated record of pro-Israeli bias.  It also comes to a population who see yet another invasion in the Middle East where the British government is on the wrong side and believe that the BBC is even more so. The Sun newspaper never recovered on Merseyside from its appalling misreporting of the Hillsborough disaster and the BBC may never recover from this similar violation of deeply held convictions.  The great majority of British people clearly feel that Palestinians have been savaged and that denying aid to the victims is sadistic.”

    Samena Dean, from the Islamic community said: “This has nothing to do with impartiality, but everything to do with Mark Thompson’s views on the conflict.  He clearly wants to help Israeli punish the Palestinians for resisting the Occupation and the Siege.  Mark Thompson visited Israel in 2005 and held talk with Ariel Sharon, the man responsible for the massacres at Sabra and Shatila.  By the very fact that Mark Thompson would meet Sharon shows that he would rather ‘Aunty Beeb’ peddle Israeli propaganda then help to relive a humanitarian crisis in Gaza .”

     Solidarity Campaign started in autumn 2000 in response to the Palestinian second uprising against Israeli occupation (intifada). The SPSC has branches and groups of supporters in several Scottish cities and universities, as well as individual members across Scotland .
    For further information, contact:
    Email: info@scottishpsc.org.uk

    Website: www.scottishpsc.org.uk  

     2. BBC defends Gaza appeal decision:

    The BBC has defended a decision not to air a TV fund-raising appeal for Gaza , saying it wanted to avoid compromising public confidence in its impartiality.

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7846150.stm

     3. BBC under pressure over Gaza emergency appeal

    The BBC came under mounting pressure today to screen an emergency appeal for Gaza , after ITV, Channel 4 and Five all announced they will show it.

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bbc-under-pressure-over-gaza-emergency-appeal-1515149.html

     4. DEC would normally raise about £10 million:

    A national appeal from the DEC would normally raise about £10 million, but without the broadcasts the total is certain to be lower.

    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5568735.ece

     5. DEC Access and Impartiality
    The DEC members are committed to humanitarian principles including independence and have confirmed they are able to work without hindrance from the Hamas controlled authorities both to identify who are the most needy and to channel assistance to them directly, either through their own staff or well established local non governmental partners. The DEC members have submitted lists of partners and their banking arrangements, to insure proper systems are in place
    .

    http://www.dec.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?ap=1&id=320

     6. General Background

    The State of Israel was founded through the systematic ethnic cleansing of Palestine in 1948. This event, known as the 'Nakbah', or catastrophe, to Palestinians, saw the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of them from their homes. Those expelled are still refused their rights under international law to return to return home. The crimes committed against the Palestinian people did not end in 1948 however, and daily theft of land and resources continues as Israel pushes forward its policy of replacing the Palestinian people with Jewish immigrants from around the world.


    Protest at BBC studios turns  into Occupation
    About 200 protesters demonstrated outside the BBC studios in Glasgow against the
    controversial decision by the BBC not to air a Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)
     crisis appeal for the people of Gaza. 
    At around 5pm the protesters managed to  gain access to the building turning protest  into an occupation, around 70 protesters  remain in occupation of the building some  4 hours later with the remaining protesters taking up residence outside.
    The protest was supported by a number of  organisations including the Scottish Palestine  Solidarity Campaign (SPSC).   The BBC's decision is even more controversial  now as the other networks have bowed to  requests by the public and also the government
    Mick Napier, chair of the SPSC, said,  "Block Israeli propaganda not aid to Gaza. 
    The BBC's decision not to air the DEC  appeal is absolutely disgusting.   Failure to raise the estimated 10 million  required is going to result in more deaths. 
    These deaths are going to be as a direct  result of some BBC executive decision. 
    These executive have literally  got the blood of Gaza on their hands".
    Samena Dean, from the Islamic community  said: "This takes the BBC's Islama-phobia
    to a new level with their discrimination  against the Palestinians. Depriving people
    of desperately needed humanitarian aid  because they are Palestinians is shocking
    discrimination that would never be  tolerated against anyone else. 
    They suffered under a brutal 20 month  Israeli siege, followed by a savage
    Israeli war, where they used illegal  weapons on the civilian population and
    now this discrimination from the  BBC will result in more deaths,
     and the ones to die are once again going  to be children."

    Click here at www.inlnews.com for a  complete historical round up of stories  and photos of what has been happening  with the Israel-Gaza Conflict.
    http://www.inlnews.com/Gaza_Israel_Ceasefire.html
     
    Open Letter to the BBC from  Tam Dean Burn

    Mark Thompsonm rector general of the BBC
    Broadcasting House nPortland Place London W1A 1AA.

    Dear Mark Thompson

    We, the undersigned actors and directors,  like millions of others, are absolutely
    appalled at the decision by the BBC to  refuse to broadcast the DEC appeal for
    Gaza. We therefore are taking what action  we can in protest at this decision
    by stating, like our fellow actor,  Samantha Morton, we will never work for
    the BBC again unless this disgraceful  decision is reversed. We will urge others
    from our profession and beyond  to do likewise.
    We will also not pay our TV license fee  in protest and encourage others to do likewise.
     It is time for the people of Britain to take  a stand on this issue by demanding the
    BBC reverse this decision and by  supporting the call from Palestinian civil society for a complete economic,  academic and cultural boycott of Israel  until it ends its pitiless violence against  the long-suffering people of Gaza
    and the whole
    of Palestine .

    Tam Dean Burn  Pauline GoldsmithPeter Mullan lison Peebles
    Gazans' attempts at rescuing trapped bodies were hampered by continued attacks on Sunday [AFP]

    Gazans tell of ordeal as war rages
    [Gallo/Getty]

    With more than 1,000 Palestinians dead amid Israel's war on Gaza - more than
     300 of them children - Al Jazeera spoketo citizens of the territory struggling
    to surivive under the Israeli offensive.

     Moussa el-Haddad, a doctor at Shifa hospital in Gaza City "We hear screams over the radio from people injured in the streets asking for emergency
     help, but paramedics can't reach them and,  besides, the hospitals are overcrowded.
    Even those killed can't be reached. 'm telling you, Gaza is on fire. Everyone on  this piece of land is under attack.  In this time and age, I can't believe the  world is watching and no one is doing anything.
    don't understand Ban Ki-moon is making  trips from here to there.
    Why doesn't he help stop this bloody war?"
    A
     A mother who lost her only son

    "They [Israeli soldiers] opened fire at us. My son Faris was killed in my arms. I couldn't have children for 21 years after marriage until God gave me this child.


    Elaina Qleibo, the head of food and security for Oxfam
    "There is this grave feeling of impotence and  I wish I was a doctor or a magician so I can
     save all of these people.
    There is no safe place to say and there is  a lack of water, so it's become a very  overbearing situation.People here are sufferring deeply, so much  that they are numb, like when you have an  accident, you immediately enter a state  of numbness.You see an old man sitting by himself looking  like he's about to cry or you'll see a group
    of people walking to pretend that nothing  is happening.
    The shock is so big here, I don't know  if people realise what is happening to them."

    A four-year-old girl attacked by an Israeli soldierb

    "I saw him [the solider] hiding next to the shop. I looked around for my mum, then he shot me.One bullet hit my hand and the other  penetrated my  stomach through my back."

    Maysa al-Khitab, a resident of Gaza City

    "Please help us. The Israelis are bombing us  with phosphorus bombs, so please help us.The shelling has been continuous since last night. We are in an area where 500 other families are under bombardment."Where are the Arabs? Where is the world?  None of them are doing anything."We are being killed. I just saw 300 peoplekilled in front of my own eyes when the tower
     collapsed. Please stop this war."

    A father who lost two daughters

    "My three daughters went out with my mother. All of a sudden, Israeli soldiers started  shouting at them from a very close distance. My eldest was hit by 17 bullets in the chest and my two-year-old was hit by 12. They both died, of course." Khaled Ezzidin, a resident of Deir al-Balah outside of Gaza "I used to live in a city called al-Zahra and,  one night, me and my family were hiding in  the basement of our house. We came under fire for about two hours and  by a miracle we survived the bombardment. The next day we left the city and moved to Deir al-Balah."

    http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2009/01/
    20091155194386203.html

     

     

     

     


    Yahoo! Finance
    Barack Obama is sworn in as President of USA By Sara NelsonThe upcoming Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama is set to be a worldwide event – and is even being immortalized in LEGO. The entire scene of the event, which will be held on the West Front of the US Capitol, has been constructed out of the colourful building blocks at Legoland California. The massive project features more than a thousand mini-figures, including President-elect Barack Obama and his family, vice president-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill, George and Laura Bush, Dick and Lynn Cheney, and George Bush Sr and Barbara Bush. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1119429/Barack-Obama-sworn-President--Legoland.html
     

        

    Yoko Ono LIVE: Passages for Light - in conversation with Alexandra Munroe [Guggenheim, NY, USA]

      Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128 01173, USA Thursday, April 2, 6:30pm; tickets $30    Third Mind Live Performances, Education, and Public Programs  In conjunction with the exhibition, the Guggenheim Museum presents Third Mind Live, a performance and lecture series... [More here ?]

    IMAGINE: The Peace Ballad of John and Yoko

    IMAGINE: The Peace Ballad of John and Yoko

      Montreal museum celebrates Bed-In anniversary April 2 to June 21, 2009 Following Warhol Live, this spring the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts will continue in a musical vein by celebrating the fortieth anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous 1969 Bed-in in Montreal with an exhibition designed... [More here ?]

    Group Show: The Third Mind: American Artists Contemplate Asia, 1860-1989 [New York, USA]

    Group Show: The Third Mind: American Artists Contemplate Asia, 1860-1989 [New York, USA]

    The Third Mind: American Artists Contemplate Asia, 1860-1989 30 January 2009 – 19 April 2009 EXHIBITION EXPLORES IMPACT OF ASIAN ART AND THOUGHT ON AMERICAN ARTISTS FROM THE LATE 19TH THROUGH 20TH CENTURIES Approximately 250 Works by 100 Artists and Literary Figures from James McNeill Whistler to... [More here ?]

    Yoko Ono at Stanford

    Yoko Ono at Stanford

    Yoko Ono reflects on her life, work and public perception History Professor Gordon Chang and Yoko Ono answered questions from the audience after Ono’s  presentation Wednesday in Dinkelspiel Auditorium. by Cynthia Haven, Stanford Report, January 15, 2009 Tickets vanished within a few hours. Clearly,... [More here ?]

    Imagine Peace Tower Stamp - Bronze award

    Imagine Peace Tower Stamp - Bronze award

    The 2008 stamp of the IMAGINE PEACE TOWER has been awarded a Bronze by Stamp News. From StampNews.com Top 10 extraordinary stamps of the year 2008 We at StampNews.com want to strike the balance of the passing year. Plenty of new stamps have seen the light all over the world. No question all of them... [More here ?]




    The Fringe Shows Have Talent Team anounce a new movie

                            
    Give Peace A Chance


    Click on the above photos to find out more about "Give Peace a Chance - The Movie"


    Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
    This interview  by Jonathan Ross with Yoko Ono-Lennon are a must watch

    Click here to view Jonathan Ross Interviewing Yoko Ono-Lennon-Part1

    Click here to view Jonathan Ross Interviewing Yoko One-Lennon- Part2




    • Airs Next:BBC-1 at Friday 10:35 PM (60 min.)
    • Status:Returning Series
    • Premiered:November 2, 2001
    • Show Categories:Talk Shows
    With a cheeky gag never too far away and a wit sharper than his own suits, don't expect the guests to get an easy ride on the way to plugging their latest film, book, session in rehab or range of underpants. Funny, likeable and unlike any other chat show host, if you get to sit with Jonathan you're doing something right. Either that, or you're just Ricky Gervais.


    Click here to view John Lennon & Yoko Ono stage a 'bed-in'


    Click here to view Yoko One-Lennon discussing

    forgiving Mark Chapman for shooting John Lennon


    Click here to view Yoko Ono-Lennon interview with Jay Leno

    Click here to view Yoko Ono-Lennon interview with Barbara Waters

    Click here to view interview with Sean Ono-Lennon on his album Friendly Fire Part 1

    Click here to view interview with Sean Ono-Lennon on his album Friendly Fire Part 2

    Click here to view interview with Sean Ono-Lennon on his album Friendly Fire Part 3

    Click here to view interview with Sean Ono-Lennon on his album Friendly Fire Part 4

    Click here to view interview with Sea Ono-Lennon on his album Friendly Fire Part 5


    Click here to view interview with Sean Ono-Lennon on his album Friendly Fire Part 6

    Click For more info of Sean Ono-Lennon and his album Friendly Fire

    Click here to view early interview with the Beatles Part 1

    Click here to view early interview with the Beatles Part 2

    Click here to view early interview with the Beatles Part 3


    Click here to view a Promo for Attempt 3.4- The Movie produced by the Fringe Shows Have Talent Team at the 2007 the Edinburgh Fringe Festival soon to be at your local cinema as the beginning of many alternative cinema filmed live from Fringe Performances around the world

    Click here to view John Lennon Singing Give Peace a Chance


    Click here to view  John Lennon Singing Imagine Live

    Click here to read more about the life of John Lennon who lost his life just trying to Give Peace a Chance and trying to get everyone in the world to image a world were everyone loved each other and so there was no more need for wars

    Click here to read more about Yoko Ono-Lennon who is carrying on John Lennon's work to Give Peace a Chance with her special expression where everyone says to everyone else they first meet  "I LOVE YOU" as Yoko Ono-Lennon said during the Love In For Peace days where John and Yoko stayed in Bed For Peace...
    "....if everyone can be happy and love each other...no one will want to kill anyone else...as only sad people want to kill others... happy people do not want to kill anyone..."



    Yoko Ono to receive Lifetime Achievement Golden Lion at Venice Biennale 2009

    24 February 2009

    Message from Yoko Ono: Dear Friends,

    When I heard that I was selected for the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award of 2009,

    I felt like i was in a fog, listening to a foghorn far away! The fog slowly cleared.

    The foghorn changed into the speech the director of the Biennale was giving on this

    occasion. So what should I say…thank you? John would have been so proud of me.

    “I told you, didn’t I?” he would say. I am glad, too.

    I feel like I was suddenly given a huge birthday card. I see myself struggling to hold

    it in my heart. Thank you for being there for me all these years. I am a lucky girl. yoko

    Yoko Ono 1 March 2009 NYC Yoko Ono to receive Lifetime Achievement Golden Lion

    at Venice Biennale 2009 As part of the 53rd... [More here ?]


    Yoho Ono has launched Peace Web Site callled www.imaginepeace.com


    http://imaginepeace.com/news/

    Yoko Ono to receive Lifetime Achievement Golden Lion at Venice Biennale 2009

    24 February 2009

    Message from Yoko Ono: Dear Friends, When I heard that I was selected for the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award of 2009, I felt like i was in a fog, listening to a foghorn far away! The fog slowly cleared. The foghorn changed into the speech the director of the Biennale was giving on this occasion. So what should I say…thank you? John would have been so proud of me. “I told you, didn’t I?” he would say. I am glad, too. I feel like I was suddenly given a huge birthday card. I see myself struggling to hold it in my heart. Thank you for being there for me all these years. I am a lucky girl. yoko Yoko Ono 1 March 2009 NYC Yoko Ono to receive Lifetime Achievement Golden Lion at Venice Biennale 2009 As part of the 53rd... [More here ?]

    IMAGINE PEACE


    HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOKO!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOKO!

    Happy Birthday YOKO! 18TH FEBRUARY 2009 IMAGINE PEACE TOWER - Viðey Island, Reykjavik, Iceland. In celebration of Yoko Ono’s 76th birthday, and by special arrangement with Reykjavik Art Museum, Reykjavik Energy & The City of Reykjavik, IMAGINE PEACE TOWER was illuminated from sunset till... [More here ?]

    BED PEACE 2009: 40th Anniversary 1969-2009

    BED PEACE 2009: 40th Anniversary 1969-2009

    The John & Yoko Amsterdam Bed-In took place from 25-31 March 1969 at The Hilton Hotel, Amsterdam, Holland. The John & Yoko Montreal Bed-In took place from 26 May to 2 June 1969 at The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, Canada, culminating in the recording of the anthem “Give Peace A Chance”... [More here ?]



    John Lennon’s Imagine to ring out on Liverpool Cathedral’s bells

    John Lennon’s Imagine to ring out on Liverpool Cathedral’s bells

    By Catherine Jones, Liverpool Daily Post HE FAMOUSLY described it as “anti-religious, anti-nationalistic, anti-conventional and anti-capitalistic’. But now John Lennon’s magnum opus Imagine – dubbed one of the greatest songs of all time – is to be performed on Liverpool Cathedral’s bells. The... [More 

    here ?]



    $4m+ of INSTANT KARMA to Darfur

    $4m+ of INSTANT KARMA to Darfur

    Gift of Lennon’s Songbook Supports Amnesty International’s Global Campaign on Darfur February 18, 2009 Yoko Ono’s generous gift to Amnesty International — the right to have leading international musical artists record new versions of John Lennon’s solo compositions – provided... [Morehere ?]


    Yoko Ono Baltic exhibition adds colour to the art world

    Yoko Ono Baltic exhibition adds colour to the art world

    by Dave Black, The Journal FAMILIES are being encouraged to add their creative touches to a work by Yoko Ono. The-six day event is part of an exhibition of the Japanese artist at the Baltic, on the Gateshead side of the Tyne. Parents and children will use Yoko Ono’s 1966 Add Colour Painting as inspiration... [More here ?]





    HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOKO!

    Happy Birthday YOKO! 18TH FEBRUARY 2009 IMAGINE PEACE TOWER - Viðey Island, Reykjavik, Iceland. In celebration of Yoko Ono’s 76th birthday, and by special arrangement with Reykjavik Art Museum, Reykjavik Energy & The City of Reykjavik, IMAGINE PEACE TOWER was illuminated from sunset till... [More here ?]


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    Government poised to increase stake in Lloyds:BBC

    Government poised to increase stake in Lloyds:BBC
    The government is poised to increase its stake in Lloyds Banking Group as part of a deal that would also see the group agree to the government insuring its risky assets, the BBC reported.

    It said the two sides were on the verge of a deal that would see the government increase its stake in LBG -- created earlier this year from the merger of rivals HBOS and Lloyds TSB -- from 43 percent to up to 60 percent.
    This would be achieved by converting the expensive shares already held by the taxpayer to ordinary shares that carry voting rights.
    At the same time, LBG are set to agree to ringfence risky assets worth up to 250 billion pounds in the government's asset protection scheme, the BBC reported.
    Lloyds insisted there was "no certainty" that it would join the scheme, under which banks pay a fee to have their bad loans underwritten by the government, leaving them with more freedom to lend to customers and businesses.
    The group's head of communications, Shane O'Riordain, said talks with the government's Treasury department "are continuing", adding: "This is a complex subject and there is a good deal of detail to be worked through.
    "Our conversations have not yet concluded and there can be no certainty that we will participate in this scheme."
    A Treasury spokesman said: "Discussions are ongoing. A deal will be announced at the conclusion of those discussions."
    Royal Bank of Scotland has already signed up to insure assets worth 325 billion pounds, in return for paying 6.5 billion pounds and promising to lend 25 billion to consumers and businesses this year.
    The International Finance Manager of the INL News Group, John Carew-Reid, however had a meeting with a senior Royal Bank of Scotland Development Loan Manager today and Mr Carew-Reid said it seemed clear that  the RBS, even though already 60% owned by the UK Government who have signed up to insure assets worth 325 billion pounds, in return for paying 6.5 billion pounds and promising to lend 25 billion to consumers and businesses this year, have made their lending conditions to businesses a lot more stricter than they were before the banking crisis, and in fac the advertising material sent out in the mail to current banking cisters saying that the bank has billions to lend outside normal strict banking lending rules, is simply not true. The clear impression given to Mr Carew-Reid by the RBS Development Manager, was that bank while publicly making out they were going to make credit fairly easily available to businesses with a sensible business plan outside normal banking guidelines, because 75% of the loan is guaranteed by the UK Government and in fact it was the UK Government and UK taxpayers money that the RBS was in effect lending, the reality is that the RBS have made lending to businesses a lot more stricter and thus 95% of business loans applied for will be refused. This is the same with NatWest is owned by the RBS and thus also effectively controlled by the UK Government. It seems that in reality what is happening, is that the billions handed to the RBS, NatWest, HBOS and Lloyds in cash and guarantees will not be used to lend to business people on reasonably liberal lenders terms to get the UK economy moving, however all these billions will be moved to overseas currencies such as US dollars to gamble on currency trading profits, rather than using these funds as promised to lend to small and medium UK businesses, which was the original condition of the UK Government providing what appears all up to be about 1,000 billion pounds in cash injections, purchasing toxic assets and Government guarantees from UK Taxpayers money stop  up the complete collapse of the UK banking system.
    It appears that the directors of the UK Banks such as the RBS, NatWest, HBOS and Lloyds who are receiving around 1,000 billion pounds bail out funding from the UK taxpayer are taking this money on false pretences and are effectively guilty of a conspiracy to defrauding the UK Taxpayer.
    What the UK Government should have done is place these funds into banks accounts in these banks owned by the government, and then had the banks lend this money as a finance broker for the UK Government, with instructions to lend these funds out liberal lending conditions to UK
    businesses with sensible businesses plans. Mr John Carew Reid, who is a qualified and experienced economist, management accountant and investment advisor for the INL News Group states, that
    "because of the taxation collection ability of the UK Government, that in effect gets back about 40% in direct and indirect taxes each time money is spent and circulated in the economy, even if some of these business loans are not repaid in the end, due to the business venture not working in time before the working capital of the business runs out, the UK Government will have recouped more than their original outlay on the loan to the business from direct and indirect taxation from the money circulated into the economy. What in effect happens when a small business person is provided £25,000 in working capital for his business, whether it be a new or existing business venture, these funds are immediately spent on rent, interest, wages, pant and equipment, refurbishment of their business etc. Those that receive these funds for their goods and services, pay about 0% indirect and direct taxation. Then they spend the other 60% on goods and services and those that receive these funds also pay about 40% in direct and indirect taxation, and the cycle continues. After a few times that this £25,000 has been circulated form the original loan given to the business person, the UK Government has had all their money back. So in effect the UK Government do not lose any money on any of the loans that are not paid paid because the business and the individual has gone bankrupt through the failed business venture. At the same time, the UK Government who have financed all these small businesses in the UK with £5,000 to £25,000 have in effect become venture capital providers, just at the business people on the well known BBC TV program Dragons Den are, and in return the UK Government can take a percentage share in the small to medium business in return for the capital injection of working capital. This is what the UK Government have done with the UK Banks who have a proven track record of losing billions. The UK Government have become venture capitalists by providing working capital to the banks in return for a shareholdinng in their businesses.
    Mr John Carew Reid asks the question?
    "Why can't the UK Government also invest directly into small and medium businesses with business people that have a track record of some successes, and to people who want to start up a new business who are keen and energetic with a sensible business plan, with amounts of up to £25,000 unsecured and up to £1 million secured on commercial real estate, rather than than handing 1,000 billion pounds to just three for four companies all in the same industry, who are all competing against each each for the banking busines, who all have the same products to sell, have a proven track record of having no business sense or ability have lost about 1,000 billion pounds over the last few years of other people's money?"
    Any comments can be emailed to:
                                               
                                               
                                       financialeditor@inlnews.com


    U.S. and Russia pledge fresh start in relations U.S. and Russia pledge fresh start in relations  Reuters GENEVA- The United States and Russia pledged on Friday to rebuild their strained relations and launched a plan to reach agreement on strategic nuclear missiles by the end of the year. More »

    Australia/Antarctica News

    • Taliban commander killed in offensive: Australia Reuters - Sun Jan 11, 6:46 AM ET

      SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian special forces have killed a Taliban commander involved in recruiting suicide bombers and foreign fighters in Afghanistan, Australia's Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

    • A package of cocaine seized in Colombia in 2008. A Canadian man has been charged with trying to smuggle more than two million dollars (1.4 million US) worth of cocaine into Australia inside a forklift from Mexico, police said Saturday.(AFP/File/Mauricio Duenas)
      Canadian arrested smuggling drugs in forklift AFP - Sat Jan 10, 12:48 PM ET

      SYDNEY (AFP) - A Canadian man has been charged with trying to smuggle more than two million dollars (1.4 million US) worth of cocaine into Australia inside a forklift from Mexico, police said Saturday.

    • Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (left) and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing. Australia's Mandarin-speaking leader has helped spark an increase in the study of Asian languages, with record numbers of students signing up for Chinese, a major university said(AFP/File/Liu Jin)
      Chinese-speaking Australian PM sparks Asian studies boom AFP - Thu Jan 8, 11:43 PM ET

      SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia's Mandarin-speaking leader Kevin Rudd has helped spark an increase in the study of Asian languages, with record numbers of students signing up for Chinese, a major university said Friday.

    Most Popular World News

    • A Venezuelan Army aircraft is prepared to leave for Gaza with aid supplies at the Simon Bolivar airport in Caracas, January 11, 2009. REUTERS\Carlos Garcia Rawlins  (VENEZUELA)
      Israeli troops meet Hamas resistance deep in Gaza AP - 2 minutes ago

      GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Israeli troops made their deepest advance into the Gaza Strip's most heavily populated area on Sunday, encountering increasingly fierce resistance from Hamas fighters as they warned civilians to stay clear of the battle zone.

    • Storm sinks Indonesian ferry, 250 feared dead AP - 2 hours, 52 minutes ago

      JAKARTA, Indonesia - A ferry capsized in a severe storm and crashing waves in central Indonesia on Sunday and officials said around 250 people were feared dead.

    • Britain's Prince Harry listens as his brother Prince William (not pictured) delivers a speech in west London Thursday Jan. 8, 2009. A British newspaper says it has video footage of Prince Harry allegedly using offensive and racist language. The Sunday tabloid The News of The World reported that Harry, third in line to the British throne, used offensive terms to refer to people from Pakistani and people of Arab descent. Britain's St. James's Palace — the office of Harry and his elder brother Prince William — said on Saturday that Harry was sorry for any offense caused. The newspaper said the video was recorded three years ago. It alleged he called one person a 'paki' and referred to others as 'ragheads.'  (AP Photo/Toby Melville, pool)
      Lawmakers, Muslims criticize prince over comments AP - Sun Jan 11, 12:14 PM ET

      LONDON - Lawmakers, Muslim groups and the Pakistani public criticized Prince Harry Sunday after a British newspaper published video footage of him using offensive and racist language.

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    Stars joined by vast crowds to welcome Obama to Washington
    Bono and the Edge of U2 performing at the "We Are One" inaugural celebration concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington yesterday. Addressing Mr Obama, Bono said: "What a thrill for four Irish boys from the northside of Dublin to honour you, sir." Photograph: Alex Brandon/PA

    HUNDREDS OF thousands of people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington last night for the opening event of Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration, a star-studded concert celebrating national unity in diversity.

    Bono, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Tom Hanks were among the artists who performed songs and read texts on the theme “We Are One”.

    The vast crowd, which stretched from the memorial around the giant reflecting pool and beyond the Washington Monument, greeted Mr Obama and his wife Michelle with a great cheer as they descended the steps below the statue of Lincoln.

    The president-elect and his wife joined their daughters Sasha and Malia behind a screen of protective glass as the concert began. Mr Obama told the crowd that they reflected the diversity of the coalition that drove his election campaign. “As I prepare to assume the presidency, yours are the voices I will take with me every day I walk into that Oval Office – the voices of men and women who have different stories but hold common hopes; who ask only for what was promised us as Americans – that we might make of our lives what we will and see our children climb higher than we did.” Bruce Springsteen was the first musician on stage, singing The RisingA Change is Gonna Come and Mary J Blige’s version of Lean on Me , which had the future first lady singing along. The crowd erupted later when Will.i.am, Herbie Hancock and Sheryl Crow came together to perform Bob Marley’s One Love and when country star Garth Brooks sang American Pie . Vice-president-elect Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech about the dignity of work, pointing out the great memorials of Washington, which were “all built, stone by stone, by American men and women”. Authorities in Washington are expecting between up to two million people for the extended inauguration weekend, despite forecasts for snow. Commuter trains into Washington were packed and traffic was congested by mid-morning yesterday as crowds poured in through security checkpoints. Earlier, the president-elect and Mr Biden laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington Cemetery before Mr and Mrs Obama attended church. , backed by a red-robed gospel choir. Addressing Mr Obama, Bono said: “It’s not just an American dream: it’s an Irish dream, a European dream, an African dream, an Israeli dream, an Irish dream. What a thrill for four Irish boys from the northside of Dublin to honour you, sir.”Fox drew laughter when he lapsed into an impersonation of Mr Obama, quoting the president-elect’s election night remarks: “If there’s anyone who still doubts that America is not a place where all things are possible, tonight is your answer.” Among the musical highlights were a duet featuring Bettye LaVette and Jon Bon Jovi singing

    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2009/0119/1232059659857.html



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