Saturday, December 31, 2016
New Year's Eve weather: Will fog ruin firework displays?
Fog is forecast to clear ahead of New Year's Eve fireworks displays, but heavy rain and gale-force winds in parts of Scotland threaten to put a dampener on Hogmanay celebrations.
The Met Office said some fog patches were expected to persist across the South on Saturday morning, with motorists warned of difficult driving conditions.
The forecaster's fog warning on Saturday morning stretches from Yorkshire and Humber through parts of the Midlands and to the South.
Air travellers are being warned that further delays or cancellations are possible.
:: Latest UK weather forecast
The fog is expected to largely lift by the evening.
Fresh warnings have been issued by Public Health England (PHE) as it warned of an incoming cold snap that is set to send temperatures plummeting as low as -5C (23F) in parts on New Year's Day.
A weather warning has been issued for northwest Scotland with outbreaks of heavy rain due to last well into Saturday.
Together with gale-force winds, it is set to make for difficult driving conditions as people make their way to Hogmanay celebrations - with the rain moving south later in the evening.
Dr Thomas Waite, of PHE's extreme events team, said people should look out for others, particularly the very young, old and ill, during the cold snap.
He said: "Every winter thousands of people die because of their exposure to cold weather and doctors' surgeries, hospitals and other parts of the NHS are kept busy as people fall ill - that's why it's really important that we all do everything we can to ensure everyone stays well this winter."
Heavy fog has caused widespread travel disruption in recent days, with cancellations and delays at major airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick.
Some 40 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow today. Passengers are being warned of delays and are asked to contact their airline for information.
In the early hours of Friday morning, 17 people were injured when a coach veered off an M40 slip road and overturned in heavy fog near Milton Common in Oxfordshire.
It happened 20 miles from a fatal pile-up on the A40 in similarly treacherous conditions on Wednesday morning that left one woman dead and several injured.
Theme park riders trapped 148ft in the air for hours
More than 20 people were stranded 148ft in the air for eight hours after an amusement park ride became stuck.
The Sky Cabin ride at Knott's Berry Farm in southern California came to a standstill halfway up the tower on Friday at 2pm.
Emergency services were called to the park at 5pm but when their attempts to bring the viewing platform back down to the ground failed, passengers had to be winched down, one-by-one, by rope.
During the operation, Orange County Fire Authority Captain Larry Kurtz told Eyewitness News: "We have firefighters in the cab with the occupants.
"No one is in any medical distress, so we're going to affix a harness on to each one of them and one at a time we're going to lower them down to the ground."
Captain Kurtz added: "It sounds scary but these guys, they train for this all time. We have very, very strong ropes that have 9,000lbs of breaking strength on them."
Seven children were among those rescued.
It is not known why the ride became stuck.
The park's officials said their rides are "inspected, check-listed and properly maintained daily".
The Sky Cabin ride at Knott's Berry Farm in southern California came to a standstill halfway up the tower on Friday at 2pm.
Emergency services were called to the park at 5pm but when their attempts to bring the viewing platform back down to the ground failed, passengers had to be winched down, one-by-one, by rope.
During the operation, Orange County Fire Authority Captain Larry Kurtz told Eyewitness News: "We have firefighters in the cab with the occupants.
"No one is in any medical distress, so we're going to affix a harness on to each one of them and one at a time we're going to lower them down to the ground."
Captain Kurtz added: "It sounds scary but these guys, they train for this all time. We have very, very strong ropes that have 9,000lbs of breaking strength on them."
Seven children were among those rescued.
It is not known why the ride became stuck.
The park's officials said their rides are "inspected, check-listed and properly maintained daily".
Friday, December 30, 2016
Another incurable, ugly disease: Far-right populism
Scientists have successfully fashioned a vaccine that may inoculate the world against future outbreaks of Ebola - an ugly, insidious and incurable disease. News of the life-saving breakthrough comes as a relief for a few obvious and not so obvious reasons.
First, of course, the vaccine will be a tangible tool to finally avert the slow, merciless deaths of countless people and the courageous souls who tend to the gravely sick in parts of the world where preventable death remains, sadly, all too common.
The vaccine is also powerful testament to the quiet, deliberate work of good people, armed with knowledge and perseverance, who set about to confront a modern-day pestilence and conquer it.
Taken together, word of the Ebola vaccine is a desperately needed - if only a temporary - tonic to the deluge of bad, hope-sapping news that has been a singular aspect of 2016.
A more serious disease
This past year has been marked, or more accurately, scarred by another persistent contagion - the resurgence of far-right "populism", which has infected nations on disparate continents on such a scale that we're confronting what constitutes, in effect, a hate pandemic.
The use of the benign-sounding term - "populism" - has had the largely intended effect of diluting the sinister character of a malevolent "nationalist" crusade defined by hate, ignorance, intolerance and an incoherent allegiance to flamboyant demagogues who not only embrace these qualities, but embody them.
"Alt-right" is another more palatable phrase in vogue these days to describe the dangerously unpalatable nexus of xenophobia, overt racism, and anti-intellectualism that has metastasised like an ugly, insidious and incurable disease.
Whatever the genial label, United States President-elect Donald Trump is the global movement's titular leader given the outsized attention he attracts and deftly exploits to generate more attention and disciples.
Absurdly, Trump denies harbouring any sympathy for the wretched political pathogen he has helped resuscitate and foment. His long, now familiar ledger of notorious deeds and words, however, indict him.
So do many of his loyal, fervent supporters, who not only share but also revel in their often profane attachment to Trump's signature illiteracy, jingoism, and, above all, naked bigotry.
Predictably, there have been attempts - including by "progressive" voices - to absolve Trump voters of their culpability in not simply extolling, but violently channelling the odious beliefs of a racist they have elected president.
And by any objective measure, Trump is a racist. His racism is plain to see and hear. To suggest that Trump voters were motivated principally by their sense of alienation from, and objection to, a "rigged" political and economic system - although inviting - strikes me as conveniently exculpatory.
First, of course, the vaccine will be a tangible tool to finally avert the slow, merciless deaths of countless people and the courageous souls who tend to the gravely sick in parts of the world where preventable death remains, sadly, all too common.
The vaccine is also powerful testament to the quiet, deliberate work of good people, armed with knowledge and perseverance, who set about to confront a modern-day pestilence and conquer it.
Taken together, word of the Ebola vaccine is a desperately needed - if only a temporary - tonic to the deluge of bad, hope-sapping news that has been a singular aspect of 2016.
A more serious disease
This past year has been marked, or more accurately, scarred by another persistent contagion - the resurgence of far-right "populism", which has infected nations on disparate continents on such a scale that we're confronting what constitutes, in effect, a hate pandemic.
The use of the benign-sounding term - "populism" - has had the largely intended effect of diluting the sinister character of a malevolent "nationalist" crusade defined by hate, ignorance, intolerance and an incoherent allegiance to flamboyant demagogues who not only embrace these qualities, but embody them.
"Alt-right" is another more palatable phrase in vogue these days to describe the dangerously unpalatable nexus of xenophobia, overt racism, and anti-intellectualism that has metastasised like an ugly, insidious and incurable disease.
Whatever the genial label, United States President-elect Donald Trump is the global movement's titular leader given the outsized attention he attracts and deftly exploits to generate more attention and disciples.
Absurdly, Trump denies harbouring any sympathy for the wretched political pathogen he has helped resuscitate and foment. His long, now familiar ledger of notorious deeds and words, however, indict him.
So do many of his loyal, fervent supporters, who not only share but also revel in their often profane attachment to Trump's signature illiteracy, jingoism, and, above all, naked bigotry.
Predictably, there have been attempts - including by "progressive" voices - to absolve Trump voters of their culpability in not simply extolling, but violently channelling the odious beliefs of a racist they have elected president.
And by any objective measure, Trump is a racist. His racism is plain to see and hear. To suggest that Trump voters were motivated principally by their sense of alienation from, and objection to, a "rigged" political and economic system - although inviting - strikes me as conveniently exculpatory.
Body found in Rio feared to be Kyriakos Amiridis
The discovery of a body in a burned-out car in Rio state has sparked fears that it might be that of the Greek ambassador to Brazil.
Kyriakos Amiridis had been missing for three days and was last seen on Monday in the Baixada Fluminense region north of Rio de Janeiro.
The car, which had licence plates matching that of the rental car the 59-year-old was using, was found on Thursday in the Nova Iguacu district of the Brazilian capital, the news website G1 reported, citing police.
The website published photos of the burned car found on the slope of a busy suburban thoroughfare. It reported that police "suspected" the body inside to be that of the ambassador.
Amiridis had been on holiday with his family in Rio de Janeiro's northern Nova Iguacu area since December 21.
He was due to fly back to Brasilia on January 9, a Greek embassy official told AFP news agency.
But he went missing after he left the apartment he was renting and took the car, according to Brazilian media. His Brazilian wife formally declared him missing on Wednesday.
The Greek foreign ministry had earlier issued a statement saying that after Amiridis was declared missing, saying "the full mobilisation of all the competent Brazilian authorities was requested".
Amiridis was named ambassador this year. He had previously served as Greece's consul general in Rio from 2001 to 2004.
He served as Greece's ambassador to Libya from 2012 to 2016.
He is married and has a daughter, according to the embassy in Brasilia.
Kyriakos Amiridis had been missing for three days and was last seen on Monday in the Baixada Fluminense region north of Rio de Janeiro.
The car, which had licence plates matching that of the rental car the 59-year-old was using, was found on Thursday in the Nova Iguacu district of the Brazilian capital, the news website G1 reported, citing police.
The website published photos of the burned car found on the slope of a busy suburban thoroughfare. It reported that police "suspected" the body inside to be that of the ambassador.
Amiridis had been on holiday with his family in Rio de Janeiro's northern Nova Iguacu area since December 21.
He was due to fly back to Brasilia on January 9, a Greek embassy official told AFP news agency.
But he went missing after he left the apartment he was renting and took the car, according to Brazilian media. His Brazilian wife formally declared him missing on Wednesday.
The Greek foreign ministry had earlier issued a statement saying that after Amiridis was declared missing, saying "the full mobilisation of all the competent Brazilian authorities was requested".
Amiridis was named ambassador this year. He had previously served as Greece's consul general in Rio from 2001 to 2004.
He served as Greece's ambassador to Libya from 2012 to 2016.
He is married and has a daughter, according to the embassy in Brasilia.
How will a Trump presidency impact sanctions on Russia?
US President Barack Obama slapped sanctions on Moscow and gave 35 Russian diplomats just 72 hours to leave the United States over alleged Russian interference in the US election.
Russia's foreign minister recommended Moscow does the same, but Russian President Vladimir Putin decided against that.
Putin wants to know where President-elect Donald Trump stands on the issue.
US intelligence agencies accuse Russia of cyber attacks in the recent election aimed at helping Trump defeat Hillary Clinton for the presidency.
Trump has praised Putin's leadership in the past - so will his first move in the White House be to lift the sanctions?
Russia's foreign minister recommended Moscow does the same, but Russian President Vladimir Putin decided against that.
Putin wants to know where President-elect Donald Trump stands on the issue.
US intelligence agencies accuse Russia of cyber attacks in the recent election aimed at helping Trump defeat Hillary Clinton for the presidency.
Trump has praised Putin's leadership in the past - so will his first move in the White House be to lift the sanctions?
George Michael song sales soar after his death
George Michael's musical collection has soared up the singles and album charts following his death earlier this week.
Wham's Last Christmas reached number 7 in the singles chart - the first time the festive hit has appeared in the top ten for 31 years.
Martin Talbot, from the Official Charts Company, said: "The sudden and terribly sad death of George Michael has naturally prompted his fans to re-explore his rich catalogue again, paying tribute to his incredible talent, both as a solo artist and founder of Wham!.
"Quite appropriately, given the season, it is Last Christmas which makes the biggest impact."
:: Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016
One of the singer's most famous songs, Careless Whisper, sits just outside the top 40, while Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - his duet with Elton John - is at 91.
Meanwhile in the album chart, George Michael's greatest hits collection, Ladies and Gentleman, reached the top ten for the first time in 17 years.
Combined sales and streaming helped Ladies and Gentlemen surge by 5,625% in the week to Friday.
Five other of Michael's albums also broke into the top 100, including Faith, Older, Symphonica and his last Wham! album, The Final.
The charts have been released just 5 days after George Michael died at his home in Goring-On-Thames, Oxfordshire.
The 53-year-old was found by his partner Fadi Fawaz, hours before a planned Christmas lunch.
Wham's Last Christmas reached number 7 in the singles chart - the first time the festive hit has appeared in the top ten for 31 years.
Martin Talbot, from the Official Charts Company, said: "The sudden and terribly sad death of George Michael has naturally prompted his fans to re-explore his rich catalogue again, paying tribute to his incredible talent, both as a solo artist and founder of Wham!.
"Quite appropriately, given the season, it is Last Christmas which makes the biggest impact."
:: Celebrity deaths: The big names mourned in 2016
One of the singer's most famous songs, Careless Whisper, sits just outside the top 40, while Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me - his duet with Elton John - is at 91.
Meanwhile in the album chart, George Michael's greatest hits collection, Ladies and Gentleman, reached the top ten for the first time in 17 years.
Combined sales and streaming helped Ladies and Gentlemen surge by 5,625% in the week to Friday.
Five other of Michael's albums also broke into the top 100, including Faith, Older, Symphonica and his last Wham! album, The Final.
The charts have been released just 5 days after George Michael died at his home in Goring-On-Thames, Oxfordshire.
The 53-year-old was found by his partner Fadi Fawaz, hours before a planned Christmas lunch.
Run DMC rapper sues Wal-Mart and Amazon for $50m
A member of Run DMC has filed a $50m (£40m) trademark lawsuit against Wal-Mart, Amazon and other US retailers.
Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels has accused the corporate giants of "advertising, selling, manufacturing, promoting and distributing multiple products" in the group's trademarked name without his consent.
The 52-year-old rapper is the founder of the 1980s hip-hop group and the owner of the band's brand name.
The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York by McDaniels, regarding products including glasses, hats, t-shirts, patches, wallets and other items of the DMC brand.
The lawsuit alleges the retailers have "improperly profited, diluted and harmed Run DMC".
The rapper says the brand has generated more than $100m (£80m) in revenue since its inception in 1981.
The group is considered a hip-hop pioneer, with hits including King of Rock, It's Tricky and the Aerosmith collaboration Walk This Way.
Run DMC was founded in New York by McDaniels, Joseph 'Run' Simmons and Jason 'Jam Master Jay' Mizell.
The group stopped recording after Master Jay was shot dead in his Queens recording studio in 2002.
The Run DMC logo became a symbol of hip-hop culture and its success outlived the group.
Amazon and Wal-Mart, which also owns similarly accused Jet, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels has accused the corporate giants of "advertising, selling, manufacturing, promoting and distributing multiple products" in the group's trademarked name without his consent.
The 52-year-old rapper is the founder of the 1980s hip-hop group and the owner of the band's brand name.
The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York by McDaniels, regarding products including glasses, hats, t-shirts, patches, wallets and other items of the DMC brand.
The lawsuit alleges the retailers have "improperly profited, diluted and harmed Run DMC".
The rapper says the brand has generated more than $100m (£80m) in revenue since its inception in 1981.
The group is considered a hip-hop pioneer, with hits including King of Rock, It's Tricky and the Aerosmith collaboration Walk This Way.
Run DMC was founded in New York by McDaniels, Joseph 'Run' Simmons and Jason 'Jam Master Jay' Mizell.
The group stopped recording after Master Jay was shot dead in his Queens recording studio in 2002.
The Run DMC logo became a symbol of hip-hop culture and its success outlived the group.
Amazon and Wal-Mart, which also owns similarly accused Jet, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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