Picasso portrait sells for record £49.8 million

A Picasso artwork has sold for nearly £50 million - the highest auction price for any painting ever sold in Europe in pounds.

The artist's portrait of Marie-Therese Walter, known as his "golden muse", sold for £49.8 million at Sotheby's London on Wednesday evening.

The 1937 painting has never been sold on the market before, having previously been part of a private collection.

Femme au beret et a la robe quadrillee was painted in the same year as the artist's famous Guernica.

Prescription Opioids Increase Risk of Serious Infection

Taking prescription opioids may significantly increase a person’s risk of developing dangerous infections that could lead to meningitis and pneumonia, according to a new study out today.

Doctors have known for years that prescription opioids can suppress the immune system. But they weren’t sure exactly which infections these patients were at increased risk of contracting.

In a new study published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers from Vanderbilt University found evidence that people taking prescription opioids are more at risk for developing certain dangerous bacterial infections.

The researchers used the Tennessee Medicaid database and the Active Bacterial Core surveillance system to see what links they could find between opioid use and bacterial disease.

Popular Egyptian singer sentenced to prison for joking about the cleanliness of a river

A popular Egyptian singer has been sentenced to six months behind bars for joking about the cleanliness of River Nile.

Sherine Abdel Wahab, a judge on the Arabic version of The Voice, was filmed telling a fan that drinking from the river could give them parasites. "Drink Evian instead," she joked in a video which surfaced online last November.

Sherine was asked to sing Mashrebtesh Men Nilha, which reportedly translates to 'have you drunk from the Nile?'

Although the singer has since issued an apology for the offensive joke.

Germany investigates cyber-attack 'by Russians'

Germany is investigating a security breach to its defence and interior ministries' private networks, a government spokesman has confirmed.

A notorious Russian hacking group known as Fancy Bear, or APT28, is being widely blamed in German media.

They are thought to be behind a number of cyber-attacks on the West, including breaches in the 2016 US election.

The hack was first realised in December and may have lasted up to a year, the DPA news agency reported.

The group is reported to have targeted the federal government's internal communications network with malware.

Bears with keyboards: Russian hackers snoop on West
Is Russia really interfering in European states?
What are malware, patches and worms?

A New Law Could Send Parents To Jail If Their Kids Bully Other Children

Almost everyone has a story about their experiences with bullies from back when they were in school—whether they were one, dealt with one or watched one wreak havoc on the playground.

Fortunately for young kids today, many schools (and parents) have become more aware of bullying and taken a much stricter stance on it. But has one town gone too far?

North Tonawanda, a town located in western New York, instated a new rule on Oct. 1 that allows parents to be fined $250 or be sentenced to 15 days in jail if their child violates city laws two or more times within a 90-day span.

City laws include rules against breaking curfew and bullying, which means—you guessed it—parents in North Tonawanda can now go to jail for their kid’s cruel behavior in school.

Police: Dalton teacher in custody after reports of shots fired at school

Authorities have taken a teacher into custody after reports of someone opening fire inside a Dalton school.


It happened at Dalton High School. According to police, officers responded to reports of a shot or shots fired at the school early Wednesday afternoon.

Australia's defence department is phasing out Chinese phones after US intelligence issued security warnings

Huawei and ZTE phones, which were used for unclassified purposes, are being strategically phased out by Australia's defense department.
The agency said the phones were not deemed a security risk, despite assertions from US intelligence officers who said that they don't use the phones because they could be conduits for foreign surveillance.
Huawei was previously banned from contributing to Australia's national broadband network due to security concerns.

Chaos erupts as drunk father-in-law forces bride to kiss him in front of wedding guests

 

A mass brawl erupted between wedding guests after the groom's father forcibly kissed his son's bride on stage in front of hundreds of people.

Shocking footage shows the drunk father-in-law pulling his son's bride towards him for a kiss as horrified wedding guests looked on. This act led to a fight between members of both families.

At first, the lavish wedding, which was taking place in the city of Yancheng in eastern China's Jiangsu province, was going well until the blushing bride stepped onto the stage with her new father-in-law in front of the guests. The older man then puts his arm around her and she looked extremely uncomfortable by this. Suddenly, he stepped in front of his daughter-in-law and kissed her on the mouth.

North Korea 'shipping chemical weapons supplies to Syria'

North Korea has been shipping supplies to the Syrian government that could be used to make chemical weapons, say United Nations investigators.

The revelations, in a confidential 200-page long report seen by the New York Times, comes as the US and other countries have accused Syria of using chemical weapons on its own civilians, including a suspected chlorine gas attack in Eastern Ghouta in the past few days.

The report indicates there have been major flaws in international efforts to isolate both countries, and the new evidence could dampen efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table following a diplomatic détente at the South Korean Winter Olympics.

'beast from the east' batters Britain for second day

 

Hundreds of schools expect to remain closed today across the UK with 400 in Scotland alone as a result of snow from the Beast from the East. There is more snow forecast and Scotland is on the verge of being put under a red weather warning – the highest warning available.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said amber alerts for snow and freezing winds from the early hours of Wednesday could be changed to red for extreme weather in certain areas, with motorists urged not to travel. East Dunbartonshire Council, City of Edinburgh Council, Falkirk Council, Fife Council, Scottish Borders Council, Stirling Council and East Renfrewshire Council announced all schools in their areas will be closed on Wednesday due to potential of dangerous conditions.

Usain Bolt signs South African side, Mamelodi Sundowns

The South African Premier Division club, Mamelodi Sundowns, have dropped a big hint that they have signed retired athletics star Usain Bolt.

The Jamaican track legend is due to announce which football team he has signed for today.

But Mamelodi Sundowns through their social media accounts have hinted they are set to announce the signature of Bolt.

Sundowns – who sit at the top of the Premier Division table – confirmed they will make a major announcement at on Tuesday at 8am GMT (7pm AEDT) with a picture of Bolt captioned “football will never be the same.”

Two stowaways fall to their death from US-bound flight

Two stowaways fell to their death Monday from an airplane as it took off from an airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on a flight to New York, authorities told local media.

Details of the incident were sketchy, with authorities not saying whether a commercial airline was involved.

Officials said the bodies of two men, between 25 and 30 years of age, were found on the southern end of the runway of the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport in Guayaquil.

Japan: American tourist arrested after female body parts found across Osaka

Police have found dismembered body parts believed to belong to a Japanese woman who disappeared after meeting up with an American tourist via a dating application.

The gruesome discovery of a torso, arms and legs occurred a day after police found a human head in a suitcase at a lodging facility in Osaka, a major port city about 400km (250 miles) south-west of Tokyo.
The suspect has been named in Japanese media as Yevgeniy Vasilievich Bayraktar, 26, of New York. He was arrested last week on suspicion of illegally confining the woman to another short-term rental property in Osaka’s Higashinari ward.

The woman, 27, went missing after telling a friend on 15 February that she was travelling from the inland city of Sanda to meet a male acquaintance, local media reported.

British boxer, Scott Westgarth, 31, dies mysteriously after winning a heavyweight fight in London

It was a weekend of pain and grief in London, as British boxer, Scott Westgarth, died after falling ill after a heavyweight bout on Saturday.

Westgarth looked uncomfortable as he was interviewed at the ringside after his points victory over Dec Spelman in Doncaster and was taken to hospital, having deteriorated backstage.

The 31-year-old who had been chasing an English title fight died in Royal Hallamshire Hospital as confirmed by Stefy Bull, his promoter who wrote on social media today saying “God bless Scott Westgarth. To promote a boxing show and a young man doing a job he loves losing his life, I have no words.”



Spelman also reacted to the news, saying “absolutely heartbroken and lost for words: all continue to pray for Scott’s family and the people close to him: rest easy my friend.”

The newest ‘Metal Gear’ game has been poisoned by the controversy surrounding Konami and Hideo Kojima — here’s what’s going on

You might think a major new game in the long-running "Metal Gear" franchise would elicit a ton of hype.

The last major "Metal Gear" game, "Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain," was a blockbuster phenomenon — just like every major "Metal Gear" release before it.

But things are quite the contrary in the case of "Metal Gear Survive," the latest major "Metal Gear" game.
Though I personally enjoyed the game, much of the talk surrounding it has been focused on "Metal Gear" franchise creator Hideo Kojima, who either left Konami or was forced out of the company, depending on who you ask. Is he or isn't he officially thanked in the game's credits? Does this image from the game contain a secret message from employees loyal to Kojima?

So, what in the world is going on with "Metal Gear Survive"? Here's the deal:

Saudi king sacks military chiefs

Saudi Arabia has sacked its top military commanders, including the chief of staff, in a series of late-night royal decrees.

Saudi King Salman also replaced the heads of the ground forces and air defences.

The news was published by the official Saudi Press Agency, but no reason for the sackings was given.

They come as the war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting rebels, is nearing the end of its third year.

2018 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony In South Korea

The closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics just aired in the U.S. and the love is real! See the reactions to the enormous show!

The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang have sadly drawn to a close. But they ending the 2 weeks of games with a serious bang! The closing ceremony was a jaw-dropping extravaganza of music, art and sportsmanship that truly dazzled! Viewers were treated to some larger-than-life performances from some of South Korea’s biggest acts like CL and the pop group EXO. Basically, if you weren’t familiar with K-pop before tuning in, you definitely were by the end of the show! Head here to see the highlights!

Groom & his grandma killed, bride injured after wedding gift exploded at their home 5 day afters wedding in India

A newly-married man was killed and his wife critically injured when a gift that was presented to them at their wedding reception exploded later at their home in India.

The tragic incident took place in Odisha's Bolangir district on Friday, just five days after their wedding.

According to Police, the man's grandmother also died in the blast. The elderly woman died on the spot while her grandson died at a hospital in Rourkela where he was rushed to after being injured.

NBA YoungBoy: 5 Things On Rapper Who Allegedly Body-Slammed His GF Before Getting Arrested

Not long after rapper NBA YoungBoy was arrested on charges of kidnapping, a video surfaced allegedly showing him attacking his GF. Here’s all the details.

Never heard of NBA YoungBoy (aka YoungBoy Never Broke Again)? This rising star from the south has now become the object of intense scrutiny. Why? On Sunday, Feb. 25, he was arrested in Tallahassee, Florida. And the allegations he’s facing are pretty serious: assault, kidnapping and a weapons charge. Soon after, a clip surfaced from TMZ that allegedly shows him body-slamming his girlfriend Jania in a hotel in Georgia. In light of this news, let’s take a closer look at this 18-year-old rapper.

Sade Adu To Release New Music For The First Time In 7 Years!

Ava DuVernay‘s ‘Wrinkle In Time’ soundtrack is going to be blessed with an iconic voice. The 2018 adaptation of the science fantasy novel, which is set to hit the cinemas in March, will find the legendary Sade Adu ending her seven-year musical break with a song called ‘Flower of The Universe’.

DuVernay took to Twitter to make the big announcement. Check out her tweet here:

Ava DuVernay

✔@ava

I never thought she’d say yes, but asked anyway. She was kind + giving. A goddess. We began a journey together that I’ll never forget. Proud to announce that Sade has created an original song for WRINKLE IN TIME. It’s entitled “Flower of the Universe.” And it’s a dream come true.

18:39 - 20 Feb 2018

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The movie’s soundtrack album is set to feature a number of top-notch musicians including Demi Lovato, Sia, Dj Khaled and a number of other artistes. ‘Wrinkle In Time‘ does not only have a star-studded soundtrack but also a star-studded cast. The movie will star Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling.

Afrobeat Legend, Femi Kuti Releases 10th Studio Album; “One People, One World”

Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti released his 10th studio album “One People One World”.

The album which has been working on for some years now is a new direction for the Afrobeat legend who says he has become more optimistic about the future of the African man.

In a recent interview with the Rolling Stone magazine, Kuti said the album’s optimistic lyrical themes underscore the important way music can make politics personal and instigate social change. “I’m a father and I love my kids, so I want to give the younger generation a message of hope,” he said. “Despite all our problems, we can create greatness in our lives.”

7.5-magnitude earthquake hits Papua, New Guinea

A large earthquake has struck the middle of Papua New Guinea. The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-7.5 quake hit about 89 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Porgera early Monday in the Pacific island nation. Geological Survey geophysicist Paul Caruso says the quake, which had a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles), occurred in a rural, jungle area near a mountain range.

It wasn’t immediately clear if there was damage. The Geological Survey website had 19 reports of people feeling the quake, including some saying the shaking was violent. He however says there is no tsunami danger

18-year-old fatally shot, sister wounded in Dallas apartment shooting

Witnesses described a spray of gunfire at a Dallas apartment complex that killed an 18-year-old woman and injured her 16-year-old sister, CBS Dallas/Fort Worth reports. The two victims were inside their apartment on Highland Hills Drive Saturday when they heard a disturbance outside and looked out their window on the second floor.

The apartment complex turned into a crime scene with windows riddled with bullet holes.

Police say 18-year-old Nequacia Jacobs and her 16-year-old sister were shot from below as they looked out their window. Both were struck and taken to the hospital.

Bollywood actress Sridevi dies aged 54 after suffering cardiac arrest

Legendary Bollywood star Sridevi Kapoor has died aged 54.

The actress passed away on Saturday night after suffering a cardiac arrest in Dubai, her family confirmed.

The veteran actress and her family were in the United Arab Emirates for a wedding, her brother-in-law told the Indian Express.

She is believed to have been with her husband, producer Boney Kapoor, and daughter Khushi when she died.

 


Sridevi began her acting career aged just four when she starred in M.A. Thirumugham’s devotional “Thunaivan.”

The Czech spy who met Jeremy Corbyn

Much of the news in the UK this week has been driven by allegations, by a former Czechoslovak spy, that the opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was a paid informer for the country's communist era secret police, the StB.

Mr Corbyn emphatically denies the claims. Indeed all the evidence suggests he was never anything more than a person of interest to the StB. But, as Rob Cameron reports from Prague, while the Cold War is over, a few sheaves of yellowing paper still have the power to throw lives into turmoil.

As I sat at my computer, poring over secret police files, I felt a sudden tug of nostalgia. The files were digital copies of reports written by StB officer Jan Sarkocy, sent to Britain in 1986 under diplomatic cover. When he met first Jeremy Corbyn, in November of that year, his business card read "Jan Dymic, Third Secretary to the Czechoslovak Embassy in London".