UFC champ Ronda Rousey accepts date to Marine Corps Ball

UFC champ Ronda Rousey accepts date to Marine Corps Ball

UFC champ Ronda Rousey accepts date to Marine Corps Ball

In the octagon, there's no match for UFC superstar Ronda Rousey.
But on the dance floor? We'll soon find out.

Days after Jarrod Haschert asked his "celebrity crush" Rousey to the annual Marine Corps Ball at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he scored big-time when the mixed martial arts fighter accepted his proposal.

"I would go, for sure," Rousey said in video posted on TMZ.com and credited to Splash News.

The long-distance flirtation began August 22, when Haschert -- speaking in full Marine uniform from Camp Lejeune -- put up a 34-second video online expressing his admiration for the undefeated UFC women's bantamweight champion.


"I love everything you do, and I think you are a phenomenal person," he said.

Then came the punchline: "Which is why it would be my honor to take you to the Marine Corps Ball on December 11. ... I hope you take this in consideration because, if you do, you will truly be making my dream come true."

It took a few days for the proposal to filter down to Rousey. (Haschert's recent appearances on multiple media outlets might have helped.) Initially, it seemed a no-go because she had a fight scheduled for January, meaning December would be taken up by training.

But then her next fight was moved to November, paving way for the date -- if, Rousey joked, she can get some help setting it up.

"I don't know how to ... hit him up and say, 'Yeah, I want to go with you,'" she said. "...Do I have to call him or do I set up a time and place like 'Never Been Kissed,' and just show up?"

Rousey requested, lightheartedly, that Haschert help find dates for a few of "my girls."

And of course, "He's got be a gentleman." Given her dominance in the octagon, Rousey has proven time and again she's not one to be messed with.(cnn)

Bharat Bandh call by ten unions tomorrow; govt expects minimal impact

Bharat Bandh call by ten unions tomorrow; govt expects minimal impact

Bharat Bandh call by ten unions tomorrow; govt expects minimal impact

Essential services like banking and public transport may be impacted tomorrow with ten central trade unions going ahead with their one-day nationwide strike, even as the government appealed to them for calling off the agitation, which BJP-backed BMS and NFITU decided to boycott. 

While these ten unions claim to have a combined membership of 15 crore workers in public and private sector, including banks and insurance companies, several outfits representing informal sector workers also today announced their support to the strike. Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, however, said he expects the impact to be minimal.

“I don’t think essential services will be affected by the strike. I feel that the impact will not be much. I appeal them to call off strike in the interest of workers and nation,” Dattatreya told reporters here.

The union leaders, however, said the strike will affect the functioning of essential services like banking, transport and supply of power, gas and oil.

Countering this claim, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) said that power, oil and gas supplies will not be affected as a large number of public sector workers in these areas would not participate in the industrial action.

As many as 12 central trade unions had given this strike call over a 12-points charter of demands, including withdrawal of the proposed changes in the labour laws and stopping the disinvestment and privatisation of PSUs.

While as many as ten central unions have decided to go ahead with the strike after their talks with a group of senior ministers last week failed to yield desired results, the BMS pulled out saying the government needed to be given time to fulfill its promises on the basic demands. The National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU) will also stay out.

The government also indicated that the talks with trade unions will continue even if they go on the strike tomorrow. On impact of the strike, Dattatreya said, “The BMS and NFITU are not in the strike. Besides there are 2-4 organisations (unions) which are neutral.” He did not reveal the names of the ‘neutral’ trade unions.

He further said, “We don’t want any confrontation with trade unions. The workers’ rights and interests are supreme to us. We will continue talks with trade unions even after tomorrow’s strike.” (indianexpress)

Google logo history: the freak shows in the early years

Google logo history: the freak shows in the early years

Google logo history: the freak shows in the early years

Today, Google unveiled its new logo a colorful, sans-serif treat that modernizes the logo for a new era in its company history:

This version marks a surprisingly long history of the logo's iterations, including some truly horrifying versions that never saw placement on the search giant's iconic homepage.

Google's most horrifying logo rejects

A look behind the scenes comes courtesy of the Internet Archive, on which Google catalogued its logo history as of December 1998. Housed on a page labeled "stickers," the logo history included small versions of the Google logo for Google lovers' personal use.


All these logos come from before that time, and they include an early version made by founder Sergey Brin with the open source photo-editing program GIMP. There's also a modified version that pays homage to Burning Man:

The special "Google Doodles" appeared early on, as well. But rather than being elaborate and animated, they were clip-art-happy disappointments:

But it's the really old logos that are most horrifying. Made before Google was officially "Google," they present some truly cringe-worthy alternate versions.

There's this one, which looks like a lost Limp Bizkit album cover:

This one, which has a haunting pair of peering eyes (not good news for privacy advocates):

And this ... interesting one (with a filename of "carlplogo," it may have had a connection to Carl Page, Larry Page's father, or Carl Page Jr., his brother, but it's unknown whether that's truly the case):

Finally, there's an artifact from when Google was just known as "Backrub," so named because the algorithm counted "backlinks" (the hand in the photo is Larry Page's):

You can show that to anyone who complains about the new version. (video google logo). (vox)

Thousands attend Notting Hill Carnival in west London

Thousands attend Notting Hill Carnival in west London

Thousands attend Notting Hill Carnival in west London

Hundreds of thousands of people attended the first day of Europe's biggest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival.

The two-day event in west London started with children's day and featured Caribbean culture, food, music and dance.

Giant floats and dancers wearing colourful costumes made their way along the procession route from 10:00 BST.

About a million people are expected at the two-day event which ends on Monday.
Organisers say this year is part of the build-up to the event's 50th anniversary.

About 6,000 police officers attended and the Met Police said they had arrested 95 people for offences including drugs, public disorder, assault, possession of offensive weapons and theft.

Ch Supt Robyn Williams said the force's priority was to "facilitate a safe and vibrant carnival".

"Carnival very much presents us with two extremes; those who want to enjoy the sound systems, cuisine and have a good time and those who use it as an opportunity to commit crime," she said.

Prior to the main carnival, the J'ouvert event from 06:00 BST opened proceedings with a procession and a paint fight.

During the parade, the Chocolate Nation Mas float was followed by hundreds of people throwing liquid chocolate over themselves and the public as they danced through the streets.

Michelle Johns, 37, from Lincoln, who watching the procession with her family, said: "The group was spraying the chocolate around and going right up to them and spreading it on the officers' faces.

"The officers were laughing the whole time."

This year's event will pay tribute to the steel pan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, which has been a significant feature of the carnival from 1964 until the present day.

The Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust said some people thought the first carnival took place in 1964, but others argue a street parade took place the following year.
However, the trust said there was documentary evidence which showed the first event with performers, costumes, music and placards took place in 1966

A crackdown by police in the run-up to the carnival on 21 August saw officers make 126 arrests and seize guns, drugs and about £78,000.

Officers known as "super-recognisers" are trained to spot anyone banned from attending the carnival in the crowds.(bbc)

Box Office: Zac Efron Getting Outplayed by Faith-Based ‘War Room,’ ‘Compton’

Box Office: Zac Efron Getting Outplayed by Faith-Based ‘War Room,’ ‘Compton’

Box Office: Zac Efron Getting Outplayed by Faith-Based ‘War Room,’ ‘Compton’

Zac Efron’s DJ drama “We Are Your Friends” is being silenced by the faith-based film “War Room” at the U.S. box office, according to early Friday estimates.

“We Are Your Friends” would appear to have few friends heading into the weekend, and will likely finish with a dismal $2.6 million. Projections were as high as $10 million a few days ago.

Meanwhile, the Christian drama “War Room” is showing traction in second at nearly $10 million — double its $5 million forecast.

“Straight Outta Compton” will stay at the top of the box office this weekend with about $13 million, while Owen Wilson’s thriller “No Escape” is performing slightly below expectations and should take in about $8 million over the next three days.

Universal-Legendary’s “Straight Outta Compton,” a biopic about the iconic rap group N.W.A, is showing decent legs heading into its third frame, and should lead the Friday box office with about $4 million. It will wind up the weekend with more than $133 million after 17 days — a stellar result, given its moderate $29 million production cost.

“It continues to generate conversation and excitement, and it’s continuing to benefit from a very good release date,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Rentrak.

Sony’s Christian drama “War Room” launched with $600,000 at 1,017 locations at Thursday preview screenings, obliterating Warner Bros.’ “We Are Your Friends,” which generated a mild $175,000. “War Room” expanded to 1,135 sites Friday and will have the top per-screen average among wide releases this weekend.

“We Are Your Friends,” which expanded to 2,333 locations on Friday, has been aimed at younger women and the electronic music community. It’s a small risk for Warner Bros. given that the studio paid an extremely modest $2 million for the movie at the American Film Market.

“War Room,” which is going out through Sony’s TriStar label, centers on a couple who find the solution to their crumbling marriage in prayer. TriStar scored impressively last year with another faith-based drama, “Heaven Is for Real,” which topped $90 million domestically. “War Room” stars T.C. Stallings, Elizabeth Becka and Noel Baker.

“War Room,” which has a $3.5 million budget, has been the top online ticket seller at the Fandango site, generating more than 30% of sales.

Dergarabedian noted that Sony is benefiting from slotting “War Room” strategically. “It’s a movie that’s going to play well among an audience that’s underserved,” he added.

Should the $13 million estimate hold, “Straight Outta Compton” will become the fourth title this year to lead the U.S. box office for three consecutive weekends, following Universal’s tentpoles “Jurassic World” and “Furious 7,” as well as Warners’ “American Sniper.”

The Weinstein Co.’s political thriller “No Escape,” which opened Wednesday with $1.2 million at 3,007 theaters and adds 343 more locations Friday, should wind up in a battle for third place with Paramount’s fifth weekend of “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” at about $8 million. “Rogue Nation” will likely end the weekend nearing $170 million.

As of Aug. 27, the summer box office total was up 8.18% over last year to $4.24 billion but 7.59% behind 2013. Year-to-date was up 5.77% at $7.5 billion over last year, according to Rentrak.(variety)

Mahathir ‘certain’ 1MDB money in Najib’s accounts

Mahathir ‘certain’ 1MDB money in Najib’s accounts

Mahathir ‘certain’ 1MDB money in Najib’s accounts

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, 90, reminded the people at a gathering in Pasir Gudang on Saturday, “Bicara Negarawan – Malaysia Hari Ini- Kemana Kita” (A Statesman Speaks – Where is today’s Malaysia headed?) that if the Malays have been warned that they will end up as bangsat (outcasts), they can escape that fate if the bangsat leader who said this was sent packing.

“Because of him, we are bangsat,” said Mahathir while also tearing into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and family for their lifestyle, their opulence and grandeur. “Never take money and think that it’s okay as long as you don’t give your vote to the person who is trying to bribe you. Once you accept money, all will be lost. Never think that it’s okay, I am just taking only a little money’.”

He said that if he was accused of being an instigator, then he has to concede that he was one. “Let’s have more conventions and rallies all over the country.”

“He (Najib) said about bangsat. Why bangsat? It’s because of stealing money. There has never been so far, until now, a Malay Prime Minister who stole money (from the people).”

Mahathir, sometimes not referring to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak by name, added: “He said that it (RM2.6 billion) was a donation. Are we stupid (to swallow this lie)?”

“I waited for Najib at the Nothing2Hide Forum for him to turn up. He didn’t come. He knew that if he turned up and lied, I will nail him. I am certain that the money in his personal banking accounts is from 1MDB. I am certain that it’s not a donation from an Arab.”

The former Prime Minister noted that someone (Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) had met with the Arab donor and seen the evidence on the claim. “If so, bring the Arab. Let’s ask him from where he got his money, what business does he do, and why he donated such a large sum of money to Najib.”

Mahathir lamented that the government and institutions had failed because the laws were being used to protect criminals and persecute those who complained about wrongdoing. “That’s Malaysia today. The laws are not being used to protect the victims of the criminals.”

“If we report to the police we will be investigated. It’s not the fault of the police. They are being instructed by the people on the top.”

The Federal Constitution was being ignored, he continued, by people who think that they are above the law. “The same thing happened in the Philippines during the time of Marcos. The people had to take to the streets. It’s the same in Malaysia. People are taking to the streets because all channels for dialogue have been closed.”

The former Prime Minister referred to the possibility that Umno Deputy President Muhyiddin Yassin and Langkawi Wanita Umno leader Anina Saadudin would both be stripped of their party membership. “Anina has filed a case (on behalf of Umno re the RM2.6 billion). You (Anina) may be sacked but I hail you for your bravery. No risk, no gain.”

“I say file more cases and attend more rallies, More Bersih rallies. We can succeed.”
Mahathir asked what right Najib had to sack a veteran like Muhyiddin from the party. “I also heard that he wants to rig the election (GE14 in 2018). We want Barisan Nasional (BN) to win the General Election but we want Najib to lose.”
“If the President goes, who will become Prime Minister? By convention, it’s the Deputy President.”

What we need is a new Prime Minister, added Mahathir. “Maybe Muhyiddin.”
Pasir Gudang was the parliamentary seat of Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin between 2008 and 2013. He’s currently the Assemblyman for Permas Jaya, a state seat in Pasir Gudang.(freemalaysiatoday)

Dr Subramaniam: Doctor who took ‘selfie’ with woman in labour may have service terminated

Dr Subramaniam: Doctor who took ‘selfie’ with woman in labour may have service terminated

Dr Subramaniam: Doctor who took ‘selfie’ with woman in labour may have service terminated 

The doctor who took a ‘selfie’ while attending to a patient in labour at a Johor Baru hospital recently, may have her service with the health ministry terminated.

Nevertheless, the minister, Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said any impending action against the woman depended on the investigation by the ministry’s disciplinary committee, which among others might see her suspended or facing administrative action.

“What the doctor did was very serious and it is against the ethics of medical practitioners,” he told reporters at the ministry here today.

A photograph of the female doctor attending to the patient was circulated on social media recently.

In the photograph, the doctor, wearing a face mask even flashed a ‘peace’ sign to the camera.

“Imagine that, it is not easy for some to become (graduate as) a (medical) doctor because it takes years and is very costly but because of one photograph, her (the woman doctor’s) future appears bleak,” he noted.

Yesterday, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Karim said the patient’s family could take action against the doctor.

Warning medical practitioners to follow work ethics set by the ministry, Dr Subramaniam hoped the unfortunate incident would not recur.

In another development, he said the ministry would table amendments to the Dental Act 1971 in Parliament in October to create an area of expertise in the dental profession.

He said the dental expertise was aimed at strengthening health services in the country and tackle the misuse of the designation of dental experts.(themalaymailonline)

Mother Teresa's 105th Birth Anniversary Observed in Kolkata

Mother Teresa's 105th Birth Anniversary Observed in Kolkata

Mother Teresa's 105th Birth Anniversary Observed in Kolkata

KOLKATA:  Prayers marked the 105th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Mother Teresa in Kolkata today.

At the Mother House, headquarters of Missionaries of Charity, which was founded by Mother Teresa nuns of the order started the day with special prayers in the memory of her.
   
Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910 at Skopje in Maceodonia. She died in September 5, 1997 in Kolkata.
     
Mother Teresa was the recipient of numerous honours including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize and the Bharat Ratna, in 1980. In 2003, she was beatified as "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted:

Mum dies after doctors leave the head of her baby inside her womb

Mum dies after doctors leave the head of her baby inside her womb

Mum dies after doctors leave the head of her baby inside her womb

Geeta Devi, 32, was admitted to a government hospital in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, northern India, on Saturday night after she complained of labour pains. 
But she died early hours of Sunday after doctors shockingly pulled the body of her newborn baby girl and left the head inside her womb.

And in an even worse case of medical negligence, she was then abandoned and sent to another government hospital with the baby's head still inside her womb.

At nearby Bareilly hospital, doctors finally managed to remove the head but could not save her life.

Her husband Hemant, 40, from Sadar Bazar, in Shahjahanpur, said: ‘It is the fault of the doctors.

'First they removed the body of my baby - leaving the head inside - and then they told us to take my wife to another hospital. They just left us.

‘Eventually, a local nursing home took my baby’s head out of my wife but she died. They could not save her.’

Deputy Superintendent of Shahjahanpur Police, K G Yadav, said the hospital was not equipped to deal with such a complex delivery.

He said: ‘The hospital didn't have sufficient medical arrangements and hence the mother was referred to another hospital.

'The doctors were not capable of handling this tragic situation and it is due to their negligence the infant's head was left inside the mother.'

He added that his staff were currently investigating which doctors were on duty at the time.

'An investigation has started and once the names of the doctors responsible come out, strict action will be taken,' he said.

The District Magistrate of Shahjahanpur, Shubhra Saxena, has confirmed the investigation into the horrific negligence.

She said: 'It is a severe case of negligence and we are investigating the matter.'(dailymail)

La Tomatina: Celebrate 70 years of the the world's biggest food fight with the greatest splats

La Tomatina: Celebrate 70 years of the the world's biggest food fight with the greatest splats

La Tomatina: Celebrate 70 years of the the world's biggest food fight with the greatest splats

Revellers are preparing to paint the town red to celebrate 70 years of the biggest food fights in the world.

La Tomatina festival sees around 40,000 people pack the streets of the Spanish town of Buñol to hurl 40 TONNES of tomatoes at each other.

The event takes place every year on the last Wednesday of August and lasts for exactly one hour, from 10am to 11am.

Around 150,000 tomatoes are hurled during the fight. The tomatoes come from Extremadura, where they are less expensive and of inferior taste.

The festival is believed to have originated in 1945 when a group of young men staged a protest in the town's main square during the parade of gigantes y cabezudos.

The gang grabbed tomatoes from a nearby vegetable stand and used the fruit as weapons, forcing the police to intervene and break up the fight.

The rules of the game are simple: Squash your tomatoes before throwing them; only tomatoes can be hurled; give way to lorries; don't rip t-shirts and stop when you're told to.(mirror)