Hijacked' EgyptAir domestic flight lands at Larnaca, Cyprus, local TV reports

Hijacked' EgyptAir domestic flight lands at Larnaca, Cyprus, local TV reports

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SELENA GOMEZ MAY AS WELL JUST MARRY JUSTIN BIEBER BECAUSE SHE'S FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE AGAINST ORIGINAL-RELATIONSHIP NOSTALGIA

By FRANK 

Remember that time when people were under the impression that Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were the end-all and be-all of celebrity couple perfection, a meant-to-be duo for the ages?

You know, like, this morning?

Three years and 4 1/2 months after now 22-year-old Justin and 23-year-old Selena broke up for the first time, tracing the ups and downs of their roller-coaster romance, breakup, reconciliation, breakup, friendship, social media trickery, song lyrics and public commentary remains a valid pastime. And despite myriad evidence that this will prove to be a fruitless pursuit in the end, practically no one on earth has given up on the idea that Bieber and Gomez belong together.

Guilty? Guilty.

No offense to Jessica Biel, but J.T. and Britney 4-ever, right? And sure, Miley Cyrus is all happy 'n' engaged, but she and Nick Jonas were thecutest. From the days of Lauren Bacall andHumphrey Bogart to Rachel McAdams andRyan Gosling to Brenda and Dylan, there are some couplings (real or scripted) that are just too iconic to abandon—even if they ended up with other people or if it was through death did they part.

Bogie & Bacall (the Golden Age version of a celeb nickname) were only married for 12 years before he died in 1957—but Bacall, who passed away in 2014, was forever linked to the man who was deemed to be the greatest love of her life.

But is Justin Bieber the greatest love of Selena Gomez's life? Though it seems as though there was never a time when they, as a unit, weren't a Thing, they've only been on the world's radar for a few years. And it couldn't be more too soon to tell whether they will really be remembered forever, considering how impossibly young they still are and how fleeting fame can be, even for on-top-of-the-world-right-now types like them.

Or is it too soon?

Dating and relationships may be different in 2016 than in 1945, but human nature hasn't changed all that much. And nowadays, the Internet is there to ensure that a memory—or a photo, a video, a tweet, a brilliant comment, a dumb comment, etc.—does last forever, whether it's one you want to remember or not.

Moreover, perhaps Jelena's youth actually makes no difference as to how iconic they're destined to be. Lauren Bacall was 19 when she met Humphrey Bogart on the set of The Big Sleep and, boom, branded for life.

And Gomez, who could understandably still have feelings for her ex-boyfriend whom nobody will ever let her forget, would be the first to acknowledge how impossible it is todistance one's self from another person once the rest of the world has latched on for dear life to the idea of you as a twosome.

The "Heart Wants What It Wants" singer (well,that song wasn't going to help her cause any) hasn't dated much, having been vaguely linkedto DJ-producer Zedd and spotted out and about with other fine young gentlemen here and there. But even if she did get into another serious relationship...it would take someone seemingly more perfect for her than Bieber to turn the tide. And who in the heck would that be?

Selena has also insisted that her life isn't about her ex and has tried her damndest to steer the conversation to her music, her clothing lines, her acting, her platonic friendships...any non-Bieber topic, basically.

But that's all been for naught. She once found love with Bieber and, for  better or worse, that's what the People still want for her.

So Selena may as well just settle down with Justin, if not downright marry the kid. There's always the chance that they are meant to be, and the glitzy drama is overshadowing what could one day be a solid relationship. Or, the sooner this plays out, the greater the chance there is that Jelena's biggest fans may at least grow out of it, or see that there could be some merit to each of them moving on for good.

Though they won't, because no one ever does. Who doesn't love a romance for the ages, even if it's ultimately just ages 18 to 23?

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Kris Jenner Brokered The Release Of Kim Kardashian's Sex Tape, A New Book Alleges

By elo Frank

An explosive new book claims Kim Kardashian’smother Kris Jenner brokered the release of her daughter’s infamous sex tape in the hopes of profiting from its release and catapulting her to fame.

Kardashian signed a deal with Vivid Entertainmentin 2007 to distribute her 2003 sex tape with Ray J, Ian Halperin’s new book, Kardashian Dynasty, alleges.

According to an “adult film industry” insider, “a mutual friend of Kim and Paris [Hilton] had advised her that if she wanted to achieve fame, a sex tape would be the way to go . . . Kim had discussed the idea of producing a tape with her familybeforehand.”

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Blac Chyna wants cameo on ‘Keeping Up with The Kardashians'

By FRANK 

Blac Chyna (left) reportedly wants to chronicle her relationship with Rob Kardashian in a minor cameo on “Keeping Up with The Kardashians.”

The world may be keeping up with Rob Kardashian's girlfriend soon, too.

Polarizing model Blac Chyna is seeking a minor cameo on "Keeping Up with The Kardashians," where she would chronicle her controversial relationship with the once-reclusive reality star,according to TMZ.

The former video vixen is reportedly eager to meet with showrunners for the popular E! Network series to negotiate a small spot on the show — but her asking price is anything but minor.

She's reportedly looking for a $1 million deal to divulge the juicy details of her romance with Rob, though TMZ reports she likely wouldn't receive anywhere close to that. She's apparently only interested in signing a non-exclusive contract, since she hopes to land her own reality series with her famous boyfriend.

Rob Kardashian through the yearsView gallery

Chyna sparked an all-out family feud between the Kardashians in January when she first started dating Rob, as the 27-year-old model was once engaged to Tyga, Kylie Jenner's current boyfriend, and has regularly traded barbs with both.

At the time, members of the Kardashian klan reportedly feared that Chyna was only with Rob to get back at Jenner and the "Rack City" rapper and that she was targeting him during a "weak time" as he battled depression, weight issues and a recent diabetes diagnosis, according to E! News.

Chyna reportedly wants $1 million to appear in the Kardashians' reality series.

Likewise, Kardashian's sister Khloe reportedly kicked Rob out her house, where he had been living, after coming home to find him and Chyna hanging out there in January, according to TMZ.He moved in with Chyna shortly after.

However, the atmosphere seems to have cooled considerably since then. Last week, Kris Jenner admitted she didn't have much of a problem with her son's new relationship.

"She seems like a really nice girl," Jenner told Australia's KIIS 1065 radio station. "I just haven't been around her too much. But you know, he's been very, very happy lately and I think he's in a really good place."

Kylie Jenner, meanwhile, has posed for several photos with her older half-brother in recent weeks — the equivalent of a virtual olive branch.

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Gunman captured after shooting at US Capitol complex White House briefly put on lockdown after reports of gunshots in the Capitol Visitors Center.

The shooting occurred in the Visitors Center of the sprawling Capitol complex [Reuters ]

A police officer was shot and wounded on Monday in the US Capitol complex in Washington and the gunman was taken into custody, officials and police said.

The shooting occurred in the Visitors Center of the sprawling Capitol Complex. The White House was briefly put on lockdown, but that was soon lifted.

The police officer who was shot was not believed to be seriously wounded, the Associated Press reported.

Al Jazeera's Shihab Rattansi, reporting from Washington DC, said: "The gunman has been taken into custody".

Staffers, reporters and others were told to "shelter in place" and not allowed to leave their offices.

Visitors were being turned away from the Capitol as emergency vehicles flooded the street and the plaza on the building's eastern side. 

Police, some carrying long guns, cordoned off the streets immediately around the building.

Traffic was jammed in the vicinity, but despite the obvious emergency the scene was relatively calm.

A work crew on the north side of the Supreme Court, across the street, was asked to stop work and move away from the building as a precaution.

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3 of the Most Naked, Slightly NSFW Celebrity Social Media Snaps

by by elo Frank

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When it comes to celebrities and social media, we'd cautiously venture to say that nudity is kind of inevitable. Let's face it: sex sells. This fact is evidenced by the tons of flawless nude magazine covers we've seen over the years and all those celebrities in Playboy. Except now, this trend toward nakedness is bleeding into the real world, and we're not just talking about all those nude scandals involving our favorite male stars. Last year alone, there were quite a few naked celebrities on Instagram, and the numbers only seem to be going up. To prove our point, we're taking a look at all the celebrities who have gotten naked on social media in recent memory.

Image Source: Twitter user jennaldewan

1. Demi Lovato

Demi got realer than real when she posed totally nude for Vanity Fair and offered some badass wisdom about confidence to boot.

2. Nicki Minaj

When she's not slaying on another artist's track, Nicki is really bringing the heat.

3. Justin Bieber

Justin may only be wearing a towel in this snap, but it's not the most naked he's ever been. Let's not forget that epic naked butt photo he posted, which has since been taken down.

4. Miley Cyrus

Not only did Miley go topless with Pamela Anderson during her latest tour, but she also frequently posts NSFW images on her social media accounts.

5. Kim Kardashian

While Kim has posted plenty of nude photos, her most recent naked snapcertainly stirred up lots of controversy. Plenty of celebrities stepped up to defend Kim, and she even ended up writing an essay about it.

6. Jenna Dewan Tatum

Jenna was more than proud to share a topless photo taken by Channing Tatum.

7. Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer bared all when she posed in Annie Leibovitz's shoot for the Pirelli Calendar.

8. John Legend

John Legend may not have posted this butt shot on Instagram himself, but thanks to Chrissy Teigen, we got a sneak peek at his sweet cheeks.

9. Lady Gaga

Seeing as Lady Gaga posed totally nude with Taylor Kinney for V magazine, it's safe to say the pop star isn't afraid to flaunt it. Plus, think about how naked she was on American Horror Story: Hotel.

10. Chelsea Handler

We've seen Chelsea Handler's boobsmore times than we can count. We're 100 percent sure we'll see them again, and we're not even mad.

11. Tyson Beckford

Looks like Tyson is one of manycelebrities on Snapchat, and if he posts things like this pretty often, you better follow fast.

12. Khloé Kardashian

Khloé has been looking hotter than ever lately — like, remember that scintillating spread in Complex? — and she's not afraid to show off the fruits of her labors.

13. Amber Rose

Amber Rose has posted tons of sexy snaps, and she's shown no signs of slowing down.

14. Rihanna

There are more than enough sexy Rihanna pictures to go around, and frankly, we're thrilled.

15. Selena Gomez

The fact that Selena went nude on her latest album cover is proof prositive that she's embracing her body. Plus, think about all her other sexy moments from last year.

16. Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen shows skin, including when she's rocking a baby bump.

17. Ashley Parker Angel

Fun fact, Ashley is nearly naked in nearly all of his sexy Instagram photos. It's just that he's especially naked in this one.

18. Heidi Klum

Seeing as Heidi isn't afraid to be topless on vacation, it makes sense that she'd go topless on Twitter and Instagram too.

19. Kourtney Kardashian

Kourtney may be a mother of three, but she's still heating up Instagram with her hot pictures.

20. Cara Delevingne

The fact that Kate Moss snapped Cara's scandalous Instagram picture should come as no surprise.

21. Julianne Hough

We've already declared this topless Julianne snap one of the hottest selfies from last year, so don't even worry about it.

22. Jake Shears

If you consider yourself a fan of the Scissor Sisters, you're probably veryfamiliar with Jake's shapely behind.

23. Miranda Kerr

Remember how Miranda wore stilettos and nothing else on the Australian cover of Harper's Bazaar last year? So, yeah.

24. Kendall Jenner

Kendall can rock the hell out of a bikini, and she can rock the hell out of less than a bikini too.

25. Chanel Iman

Seeing as Chanel is a gorgeous global supermodel, we'll be patiently waiting for her next topless snap.

26. Adrianne Curry

When you're the original winner ofAmerica's Next Top Model, you have to represent.

27. Donnie Wahlberg

This is more of Donnie than we ever knew we needed.

28. Joan Smalls

Why go topless when you can go bottomless, y'know?

29. Candice Swanepoel

Candice Swanepoel pretty much lives in her bikini. So, basically, her being naked is like the rest of us being in swimsuits.

30. Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay's topless selfie? So fetch.

31. Pamela Anderson

Pamela will never stop being naked, and we kind of love it. She just posed nude for Paper magazine in February, in case you didn't see.

32. Christina Aguilera

Christina has changed quite a bit over the years, but one thing that's never changed is her sheer sex appeal.

33. Tara Reid

Does Tara even need a reason for posting a nude snap on Instagram? Probably not.

    

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Brussels attacks: Police hunt Zaventem bombings suspect

By FRANK 

Media captionKatya Adler reports: "Brussels has turned into a city of sirens and a centre of fear"

Belgian police have issued a wanted notice for a suspect after bomb attacks at Brussels' main airport and a metro station left more than 30 people dead.

The man was seen walking with two other suspects shortly before twin explosions tore through Zaventem airport.

Both men died in the attacks after detonating suicide devices, a Belgian prosecutor said.

Anti-terror raids have taken place across Belgium. So-called Islamic State (IS) said it was behind the attacks.

An online statement from the group said the locations were "carefully selected" and warned of worse to come for "Crusader states allied against the Islamic State".

The prosecutor, Frederic Van Leeuw, said police were seeking a man wearing a hat and light-coloured jacket.

He said searches were taking place "in several parts of the country", adding that an explosive device containing nails, chemical products and an IS flag were found in an apartment in the Schaerbeek area of Brussels.

Image copyrightAFPImage captionThe two men to the left are believed to have blown themselves up

The explosions happened in quick succession shortly after 08:00 local time (07:00 GMT), with some victims reportedly hit by the second blast as they tried to escape the first.

Another bomb was later found and destroyed in a controlled detonation at the scene.

The Zaventem mayor, Francis Vermeiren, told the AFP agency the suicide attackers used bombs hidden in their suitcases.

About an hour after the airport blasts, another explosion struck the Maelbeek metro station near EU headquarters.

It has not been confirmed what caused the explosion but IS said it too was a suicide bombing.

Belgian officials put the death toll from both attacks at over 30, with at least 11 killed at the airport and about 20 at the metro station.

Almost 200 people have been injured, many of them severely.

The blasts came days after the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, a key suspect in last year's Paris attacks which were also claimed by IS.

"This is a day of tragedy, a black day," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said. "I would like to call on everyone to show calmness and solidarity."

Belgium has raised its terrorism alert to its highest level. Three days of national mourning have been declared.

Some local transport has re-opened following a shutdown, but flights from the airport have been cancelled and the airport is unlikely to open for several days. Eurostar services in and out of Brussels have been suspended.

World leaders have sent condolences and messages of solidarity.

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What He Found In His Pizza Delivery Box Shocked Him...Then It Changed His Life..

What He Found In His Pizza Delivery Box Shocked Him...Then It Changed His Life.. WOW!

#1 Some Cash With Your Pizza

Berkeley, Californian Mike Vegas ordered a pizza and a box of wings from Dominos, but only quickly ate a slice of pizza before heading out to work

via http://www.farrahgray.com/

While at work he was unable to answer his cell phone that was ringing off the hook.

When he got home from work and attempted to eat some wings from the box that he put in the refrigerator, he was in for a surprise, when instead of wings, was piles of cash.

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Jury Awards Hulk Hogan $115M in Gawker Sex-Tape Suit

BY Frank

A jury on Friday awarded Hulk Hogan $115 million in his lawsuit against Gawker Media, agreeing the company violated his privacy by posting a sex tape of the ex-pro wrestler online.

The two-week trial culminated with jurors deliberating for six hours.

Hogan, 62, who used his legal name of Terry Bollea during the civil trial in St. Petersburg, was seeking $100 million in damages after Gawker published the edited sex clip in 2012.

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MICHELLE OBAMA, SASHA AND MALIA BRING THEIR FASHION A-GAME TO CUBA

By FRANK 

Despite the raindrops, the first women of the White House brought sunny style along for their first official trip to Cuba. 

Clad in black, white and floral-print sundresses, First Lady Michelle Obama and daughtersSasha Obama, 14, and Malia Obama, 17, were a breath of fresh fashionable air as the family descended the steps of Air Force One on Sunday to take their historic first steps in the nation's colorful capital, Havana—the first of any presidential family in nearly nine decades. 

Their ensembles for the day were a far cry from that of former First Lady Grace Coolidge when she made the trip with former President Calvin Coolidge in 1928. Gone are the days of flapper-inspired drop waists and cloche hats—Michelle opted for a sleeveless white cocktail dress adorned with a cranberry and navy floral print designed by Venezuelan-born American designer Carolina Herrera.

The First Lady previously wore a power blue Herrera creation to welcome Pope Francis to D.C. in September.  

Sasha took a fashion note from her famous mother and selected a black a-line sleeveless knit dress with white trim at the neck and down the waist by Shoshanna. The ensemble retails for $385. Rounding out the trio of springtime essentials, Malia sported a mixed floral dress with mid-length sleeves. 

If these teens couldn't get any cooler touring the city on their spring break, the sisters kept comfy in sneakers as they took in the sights of Old Havana. As for mom Michelle, she walked around the damp cobble streets in matching rose-colored flats. 

Come rain or shine, the three ladies kept their sleek tresses dry and picture-perfect under umbrellas. 

Just like that—on the first official day of spring, the trends have been set with one fell swoop.

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The Game Claims He Is "The Most Underrated Lyricist Ever"

by Frank

Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

 

 

 

 

The Game took to Instagram yesterday (March 18) to publish a post detailing his night that included his first shot of 50 Cent's Effen Vodka, deciding between Rihanna and Beyonce, asking Jay Z for a feature and claiming Pharrell would agree with the Compton, California rapper's claim that he is the "most underrated lyricist ever."

The Game starts his post addressing 50 Cent, his longtime rival. The caption is for an image of the G-Unit rapper's Power show side-by-side with Fox's Empire.

"@50Cent now nigga, I been quiet for 10+ years... But I'm off this Effen tonite cause the club ran outta whatever the fuck else I was drinking so I said fuck it... Me n this nigga used to be tight as #Kehlani pussy [& no I haven't f%?!€$ I'm just guessing it's tight & she blocked me...Swerve) so gimme that Effen since I ran thru 40 bottles of #AppleCiroc in #LeJardin tonite...#iGotTheReceipt to prove it !!!!! & then as I start drinking the #EFFENVODKA I thought to myself... This bullshit is actually amazing..... As soon as I took my 1st shot I felt like everybody in the club had took the same 2 shots I did cause they were all staring at me, as if they needed me to give them some direction.. & what I do???"

The "100" rapper then contemplates the difference between Rihanna and Beyonce and says that he is a subscriber to TIDAL, which has exclusively released work for both of the singers.

"I put on that @BadGalRiRi 'Work Work Work Work' not because it's better than Beyonce but actually because I can't decide between @badgalriri & @beyonce when I'm drunk," he says, "so maybe I should listen to both SINGLES on #Tidal when I'm sober so I can decide... Then I thought, I spend $27.99 on #Tidal a month... & I'm a RICH/cheap project nigga...."

He then asks Jay Z, owner of TIDAL, for some contributions to his future musical endeavors. The Game says he will probably never reach the same commercial success as his 2005 debut album, The Documentary, which sold 587,000 copies its first week, but still calls himself "the most underrated lyricist ever."

"So all that being said... Hov, I need a feature..." he says. "Cause I'm well beyond the years of me dropping the DOPEST ALBUM OF 2005.... #TheDocumentary... Which was #CLASSIC wasn't it???? I'm only asking HOV.... Well, @pharrell too because he'll be honest in telling you I'm the most underrated lyricist EVER ! Basically.... I'm that nigga 11 years, 29 million albums sold & 4 kids later & im still #SOLO & rich beyond my #HomeDepot expectations when I was a bag boy... & on that note... #Hoodnight #NoTypo - THE GAME [SIDEBAR: 2nite I beat @iam_objxiii in a dance battle & I thank @ChrisBrownOfficial for getting me prepared to serve my guy] I thank @ChampagnePapi for the #LOUISXIII he sent down the street to me... Check it, #TheDontWantYouToSpeakYoMind #MAJOR (key emoji) @DJKhaled @DreDay3000 voice!!!"

Kehlani wrote her own Instagram post condemning The Game for his comments about her.

"Mood.... As FUCK," she writes for the caption of a picture of Rihanna crossing her arms looking annoyed. The since-deleted post from the 20-year-old was captured by TheShadeRoom. "#YourLackofRespectForWomenIsShowing #NeverMetMeBefore #DontEverExpectTo #BarelyOldEnoughToBabySitYoKids"

View The Game's Instagram post claiming he's "The Most Underrated Lyricist Ever" via Hip-Hop-n-More below:

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HERE ARE THE SURPRISING THINGS ZAYN MALIK WAS NOT ALLOWED TO DO IN ONE DIRECTION

By FRANK

With four singles topping the charts and his first studio album set for release in just a matter of days, Zayn Malik has officially embarked on his new direction away from One Direction. 

It may have only been a year since the 23-year-old dark-haired hunk bid farewell to his teenage boy band, but it seems the singer is already light years away from where he was 12 months ago.

With supermodel Gigi Hadid at his side, Malik has blossomed into a full-fledged performer with the license to express himself however he sees fit—even if that means singing about "a place that is so pure, so dirty and raw" with frosted silver tips in his hair. If the "Pillow Talk" singer was still in the band today, his hairstyle simply would not exist. 

"There were certain restrictions in terms of the way that we could come outside of that young teen boy look. Mainly my beard, honestly. I wasn't allowed to keep it. Eventually, when I got older, I rebelled against it, and decided to keep it anyway. That was just because I looked older than the rest of them," he revealed in the April/May issue ofComplex. "That's one of the things that is now quite cool. I get to keep my beard. I also wanted to dye my hair when I was in the band, but I wasn't allowed to."

Ultimately, the subtle restrictions involved with being a member amounted to one major problem for Malik. 

"It was about denying the authenticity of who I was, and what I enjoyed about music, and why I got into it," he declared. "That was always there. It was one of the things that wasn't going to go away, so I had to go away."

He's certainly turned up the heat since his departure, thanks to sexy new songs and sultry accompanying music videos. With almost 300 million views, his clip for "Pillow Talk" starring Hadid has cemented his post as music's bonafide bad boy. According to the crooner, making that music video didn't require much rehearsal with Hadid at all. 

"We were just messing around," he told the magazine. "It wasn't even, like, part of the shoot. You know when they say, 'action?' They didn't do that. It was just rolling."

No matter what they're doing, the cameras are constantly rolling on the twosome—one of Hollywood's most curious couples yet. While his personal and professional lives are engulfed by chatter, Malik does the best he can to dull the noise. 

"I try to keep the two very separate. I try to, as much as I can. But there's only so much you can do. I'm learning to deal with it," he admitted. "It's just one of those things now, in the background. I just leave it as a bit of a noise in the background."

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Kanye West Pop-Up Shop Forces NYC Cops To Shut Down Block

by Frank

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK, NY - Kanye West launched a pop-up shop in New York City yesterday (March 18) to release The Life of Pablo collection inspired by his latest album release.

TMZ reports that the line stretched across the block prompting police to close off the entire area. The shop will be open from yesterday (March 18) through tomorrow (March 20) at 83 Wooster in New York City.

Fans flooded the streets in SoHo in order to get a piece of the collection, which included shirts in memory of Kanye’s mother Donda Westm as well Kim Kardashian’s father Robert Kardashianm for $45.

The collection includes red and blue hoodies with the words “I Feel Like Pablo” for $95, burgundy bomber jackets for $350 and a $400 denim jacket which features the handwritten track listing for the album.

Other items available at the store are: beanie ($35), hat ($40), kids Ultra Light Beams long sleeve shirt ($40), Ultra Light Beams long sleeve shirt ($65), kids hoodie ($50), coaches jacket ($110), Season 1 and 2 zine ($200).

Most of the items feature the text “The Life of Pablo” in an old English script.

Customers must stick to a two-item limit.

In the past, Kanye West opened pop-up shops in various cities in order to promote his previous album Yeezus.

Across the country in Los Angeles, Life of Pablocontributor Future also opened a pop-up shop.

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Istanbul bombing: At least five killed in Turkish city

At least five killed and 20 wounded on popular Istiklal street, a major thoroughfare in the Turkish city's centre.

An explosion believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber has hit the popular Istiklal Street in central Istanbul's Taksim square area.

Government officials said at least five people were killed and 36 were injured - seven seriously - in Saturday morning's explosion.

The Israeli government confirmed that three of its citizens were among those killed. Iran later said that one of its citizens had also died.

The suspected suicide bomber is also believed to be among those killed. Twelve foreign citizens were among the wounded, including six Israelis, two Irish, one German, one Icelander, one Iranian and one Emirati.

Footage from the scene showed police and emergency services cordoning off the street, which has been completely cleared of people.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Istiklal street is a long pedestrian thoroughfare that winds its way through the Beyoglu neighbourhood from Taksim Square.

It is rimmed by hundreds of shops and would have been filled with pedestrians at the time of the explosion.

location of the explosion was the equivalent of a bomb going off in Oxford Street in London or Fifth Avenue in New York.

The explosion comes as Turkey is on edge following two recent suicide bomb attacks in the capital, Ankara, which were claimed by a Kurdish group, that is an off-shoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

Turkey has been fighting on multiple fronts. As part of a US-led coalition, it is battling the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), which has seized territory in neighbouring Syria and Iraq.

hundreds of people ran in panic away from the site of the explosion 

It is also battling the PKK in its southeast, where a two-and-a-half-year ceasefire collapsed last July, prompting the worst violence since the 1990s.

Turkey sees the unrest in its largely Kurdish southeast as deeply linked to events in northern Syria, where the Kurdish YPG militia has seized territory as it fights both ISIL and rebels battling President Bashar al-Assad.

ISIL has carried out at least four bomb attacks on Turkey since June 2015, including a suicide bombing which killed 10 German tourists in central Istanbul in January.

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Pilgrims die in bus crash between Mecca and Medina

By elo Frank 

At least 19 Egyptians killed when their bus overturned in Saudi Arabia, between two cities considered holy to Muslims.

At least 19 Egyptians were killed when their bus overturned in Saudi Arabia, officials said.

Red Crescent spokesman Khaled al-Sahli said the crash took place early on Saturday on a highway linking the two Saudi holy cities of Medina and Mecca. At least 22 people were injured, he said. 

An official with the Egyptian foreign ministry, Hisham al-Naqeeb, told the MENA news agency that the bus was carrying 44 Egyptians.

He said the bodies of the dead were transferred to different hospitals in the city of Medina.

Nawaf al-Mohammad, chief of the Medina traffic department, told Saudi online newspaper Sabq that the driver of the vehicle may have fallen asleep.

The pilgrims were on their way to Medina, about 400km from Mecca, according to the official. 

The accident came a day after at least 14 Palestinian pilgrims en route to Mecca died in a bus crash in southern Jordannear the Saudi border.

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Paris Terror Suspect Salah Abdeslam Captured: Source

By FRANK

Fugitive Paris attack suspect Salah Abdeslam was captured in a terror raid in Belgium on Friday, a Belgian police source told NBC News.

DSK

Abdeslam Salah in a handout photo.

Belgian news outlets reported two people had been injured and arrested in the Brussels suburb of Molenbeek— including Abdeslam, 26, who has been on the run for more than four months.

A Belgian police source who requested anonymity confirmed the arrest to NBC News, but would not say whether Abdeslam was injured.

The coordinated ISIS attacks in Paris killed 130 people who were out enjoying a Friday night on Nov. 13, 2015. One of Abdeslam's brothers blew himself up in that terror spree, while another has repeatedly urged him to turn himself in

Abdeslam, suspected of being the eighth person ISIS said took part in the attacks, is believed to have crossed into Belgium following the bloody spree. The terrorists who died in the siege were French and Belgian.

The third brother, Mohamed, has told Belgian broadcaster RTBF that he had noticed a "slight change" in his brothers' behavior — when they started praying more and gave up drinking — but said that they did not appear to have been "radicalized."

FRANCOIS LENOIR

Police at the scene of a security operation in the Brussels suburb of Molenbeek in Brussels, Belgium, March 18, 2016.

Earlier this week, a separate raid targeting suspects in the attacks resulted in the death of Mohamed Belkaid, 35. That name, and other personal details, match those of an ISIS fighter who wanted to be suicide attacker, according to a cache of documents obtained by NBC News.

Moleenbeek, a poor Brussels suburb, has a history of links to extremists. In the days after the Paris attacks, security forces detained several people there in a series of raids.

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HERE'S HOW TO FIND OUT WHO'S IGNORED YOUR FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUESTS IF YOU WANT TO TORTURE YOURSELF

By FRANK 

Hey, you. Want to feel kind of crappy about yourself? And we promise it's not just yet another reminder that you will never beBeyonce. (Though that's still true).

No, we have a different way to make you feel bad about yourself OR at the very least cause some fights between you and that cute new guy at work that smiles at you a lot but you can't tell if he actually likes you. You know the one.

And obviously, this blow-to-your-self-esteem trick takes place on social media. On Facebook, to be precise.

Did you know that you can see a complete list of everyone you've sent Facebook requests to? Usually, you find someone you want to friend on Facebook, you send a request and either they suddenly appear on your feed or you just forget that you ever tried to be their Facebook friend in the first place. You don't actually get a notification if someone totally turns you down.

Well, if you want, you can see every single person who has rejected your digital friendship. Doesn't that sound like fun?!

It's real easy. Just go to toolbar at the top right corner of the page and select the "Friend request" icon.

Scroll down and click "see all" at the bottom.

On the next page, you'll see a little "view sent request" option. Go ahead and give that a click.

Look at list. Send angry, passive-aggressive emails to anyone who refused your love. Cry. Request their Facebook friendship again. Repeat.

Happy Wednesday!

(H/T Hexjam)

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Woman Who Called 911 on Escaped Inmate Charged

BY Frank

Second of 2 Escaped New Mexico Convicts Apprehended - Nightly News

A prisoner with a history of violence who escaped during a transfer in New Mexico has been captured, a day after police caught a convicted murderer who also escaped

Two women were arrested Wednesday for allegedly helping a pair of escaped inmates in New Mexico last week — including the woman who called 911 on one of the fugitives, authorities said.

The first woman, Michelle Abeyta, 40, let escapee Lionel Clah stay in her Albuquerque apartment even after she learned that he escaped from a prison van last Wednesday, state police charged. She then called 911 on Clah Saturday, leading to an end to the manhunt.

Clah, 29, and another inmate, Joseph Cruz, 32, escaped from a prison van near Artesia by apparently picking the locks on their handcuffs Wednesday night, police said. From there they made their way to Albuquerque, around 250 miles away, until their capture Friday and Saturday, police said.

Joseph Cruz and Lionel Clah are seen in these photos taken at the New Mexico State Penitentiary in Santa Fe, Mexico, on March 12, 2016.

Also Wednesday, a Texas woman was arrested on charges she let both men stay in her Albuquerque hotel room for several hours after the escape, gave them both cash and gave Clah clothes, and let Cruz use her cell phone to call others who helped them, police said.

Patricia Petrushkin, 51, described as having a "close connection" to Cruz, was arrested in Houston, police said. Petrushkin and Abeyta are both charged with harboring and aiding a fugitive.

Cruz was arrested after a foot chase in Albuquerque Friday and Clahsurrendered to police outside Abeyta's apartment Saturday after she called 911, police said.

State police did not say why Abeyta turned Clah in. Police said she met Cruz and Clah at an unsuspecting neighbor's apartment Thursday night, and that she let Clah stay with her after that neighbor kicked them out, and after she learned he had escaped.

Fugitive Back Behind Bars

Michelle Abeyta says she had no idea the man her neighbor brought to her apartment last week was New Mexico's most wanted fugitive. She later turned him in to police. KOB's Devin Neeley reports.

Abeyta told NBC affiliate KOB Sundaythat Clah "seemed like a nice guy" and helped her put a bed together.

She told the station that when Clah told her he had escaped from prison she "started to freak out" and left for two nights, and called 911 when she returned Saturday and he was still there.

"I told him I would turn him in if he didn't. And I did," she said

State police said in a statement that because Abeyta was arrested in the case, she is ineligible for the $10,000 reward offered by the U.S. Marshals Service.

A listing for Abeyta did not contain a phone number, and a number listed to apparent relatives could not accept calls Wednesday. She was being booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque Wednesday evening, police said.

The inmates said they escaped the prison van by picking their handcuff locks while the vehicle was moving, and then opening a locked back door, State Police Chief Pete Kassetas told reporters Monday.

They escaped at around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, but weren't noticed missing until the van arrived in Las Cruces and a count was done at around 12:30 a.m., he said.

Police said they are investigating whether the inmates had help after their escape. New Mexico's harboring or aiding a felon statute has exemptions for some family members, Kassetas said.

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Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Trying to Help ISIS

BY Frank

An Ohio man who allegedly swore allegiance to the leader of the terror group ISIS and tried to recruit others on Wednesday pleaded guilty to federal charges.

Amir Said Rahman Al-Ghazi, 39, of Sheffield Lake, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms, prosecutors said.

This undated photo provided by Cuyahoga County Jail shows Amir Said Abdul Rahman Al-Ghazi. Al-Ghazi legally changed his name from Robert McCollum in 2015.

Al-Ghazi, who changed his name form Robert McCullom last year, faces 16 years in prison under a plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio said.

Al-Ghazi was arrested on June 19 after allegedly buying an AK-47 from an undercover agent to use in propaganda videos, according to a criminal complaint. A.45-caliber handgun, an ISIS flag and a sword was found at his home, officials said.

Al-Ghazi pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi via social media in 2014, and last year told an FBI informant he wanted to "put a squad together" for an attack on the U.S., according to a criminal complaint.

In other conversations, Al-Ghazi characterized himself as a "cyber jihadi" and denied he wanted to kill anyone, according to the complaint. Al-Ghazi will be sentenced June 23.

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Russia Could Rebuild Syria Force in Mere 'Hours: Putin

BY Frank

MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that Russia could rebuild its forces in Syria "in a few hours" if necessary, and would continue striking extremist groups.

Putin, who ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian warplanes from Syria earlier this week, said Russia has kept some forces in Syria to support the Syrian army's action against ISIS and other extremist groups.

He also emphasized that the Russian military will be ready to use an array of air defense missile systems it has in Syria "against any targets that would threaten our servicemen."

Putin walks in Moscow's Kremlin on Thursday.

Speaking during a Kremlin ceremony honoring Russian military officers who have taken part in the Syrian campaign, Putin said that the action in Syria has demonstrated Russia's "leadership, will and responsibility" in fighting "enemies of civilization."

While praising cooperation with the U.S. in negotiating a ceasefire that began on Feb. 2, Putin warned that the Russian military remaining in Syria would be ready to act against any groups that would violate the cease-fire.

"If it becomes necessary, Russia is capable of building up its groups of forces in the region to the level required by the situation in literally a few hours and use our entire arsenal," he said. "We wouldn't like to do it ... and we count on common sense of all sides, on the Syrian authorities' and the opposition's adherence to the peace process."

"There is no more efficient way of training than real combat," he said, adding that the military action in Syria allowed the Russian armed forces to test its long-range cruise missiles and other new weapons in real action for the first time.

Putin added that the ceasefire has now allowed Russia to reduce its military presence in Syria. The number of Russian air missions flown in Syria has dropped from 60-80 to 20-30 a day, meaning that some warplanes could be sent home, he said without saying how many warplanes will stay in Syria.

How Syria's Protest Movement Spiraled Into 5 Years of War

NBC News takes a look back at how Syria's civil war started, how the world reacted, and why it remains out of control.

Putin said that Syrian President Bashar Assad had been informed in advance about the Russian pullout and supported the decision.

Putin praised Assad for what he described as his readiness to contribute to a peaceful settlement. "We have seen his restraint, a sincere striving for peace and readiness for compromise and dialogue," he said.

The Russian president voiced hope that the partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria would send an "important positive signal" and help Syria peace talks that began in Geneva on Monday.

Without naming any specific country, Putin said that "all interested nations have been warned" about Russia's intention to destroy any target that would threaten the Russian military. The warning appeared directed at Turkey, which downed a Russian warplane at the Syrian border in November.

He also said the Syrian army will press its offensive on Palmyra and drive out the ISIS forces controlling it, adding that Russia will continue offering all kinds of assistance to Assad's military.

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Kerry: ISIS Is Committing Genocide

By FRANK

Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday that ISIS has been committing genocide against Yazidis, Christians and Shiite Muslims.

The designation marked just the second time a U.S. executive branch has used the term "genocide" during an ongoing conflict.

"Daesh is genocidal by self proclamation, by ideology and by actions," Kerry said in a televised address, using another name for the Sunni militant group. "We must recognize what Daesh is doing to its victims."

"Naming these crimes is important but what is essential is to stop them," he added.

Congress had put mounting pressure on the State Department to label ISIS atrocities a genocide and set a March 17 deadline for Kerry to determine his findings.

Fireworks erupted at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing last monthwhen lawmakers grilled Kerry over why the State Department had not yet branded ISIS massacres of Christians a genocide.

"The whole world knows Christians are being slaughtered in the Middle East," Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a California Republican and frequent critic of the Obama Administration, said at the hearing.

JIM WATSON

Secretary of State John Kerry delivers a statement on Syria at the State Department in Washington, DC, March 15, 2016. He is expected to declare that ISIS has been committing genocide, on Thursday, March 17, 2016.

The State Department had said Wednesday it would not meet the March 17 deadline set by Congress to determine its findings on a genocide designation. However, Kerry on Thursday said he had judged that a genocide was in fact taking place.

"The determination to act against genocide, against ethnic cleansing, against the other crimes against humanity, must be pronounced among decent people all across the globe," he said.

The decision applying to the group's treatment of ethnic and religious minorities in areas it controls in Syria and Iraq is laden with ethical and legal questions. A key issue facing the administration is whether it will be obligated to take action to stop the genocide.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner previously had said a genocide determination in ISIS' case "would not necessarily result in any particular legal obligation for the United States."

Although the U.S. is already involved in military strikes against ISIS and has helped halt episodes of ethnic cleansing, some experts argue that the determination would require more actions by the U.S.

At least, a determination would probably be accompanied by a referral to the Security Council for possible prosecution by either the International Criminal Court or some other tribunal that might be set up specifically for Syria and Iraq.

The first genocide designation during a time of war was in 2004, when Secretary of State Colin Powell determined that atrocities being committed in Sudan's Darfur region constituted genocide.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton rejected requests to categorize the mass murder, rape and displacement of Rwandan Tutsis at the hands of Hutus in a genocide. It wasn't until Dec. 23, 2003 that the violence was designated as such by the United Nations.

Kerry Grilled Over ISIS, Anti-Christian 'Genocide'

California Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and Secretary of State John Kerry had a slightly tense exchange over why the State Department has not branded the massacres of Christians as genocide.

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Meet the Transgender Model Making History in Europe

BY FRANK

MAINZ, Germany — At age 18, Yvonne Melzer was convinced that she "was stuck in the wrong body."

Just over 10 years later, today's Benjamin Melzer is making history as the first transgender man in Europe to appear on the cover of a men's fitness magazine.

Melzer, 29, is appearing on the limited edition collector's cover of Men's Health magazine in Germany after entering a competition that included votes from readers and social media users.

Ben, center, won a cover model contest for Men's Health 2016.

"When I entered the cover model contest, many of the other men had no idea that I am a transgender model," he told NBC News.

But Melzer was surprised to find that all of the participants were "curious to hear my story."

"There was enormous positive feedback for Ben," said Markus Stenglein, editor in chief of Men's Health in Germany.

The U.S. edition of the magazine featured 27-year-old transgender man Aydian Dowling on the cover last year. The German edition's cover is a first for Europe — and the magazine has 50,000 copies now available for online purchase and regular subscribers.

From a young age, Melzer's parents had described their daughter as "boyish" — a daughter who felt increasingly uncomfortable in her body during puberty.

Model Benjamin Melzer.

Melzer described life in his northwestern home town of Oer-Erkenschwick — population 30,000 — as "another world" and said he felt "external pressure" during his teenage years despite strong support from family and friends.

At the age of 18 he decided to seek advice on the process of a sex change, but it took another 5 years before Yvonne came "to the point of no return," Melzer said.

That's when he launched on a journey of long and often painful surgeries. Eleven operations later, and after "a number of complications along the way," Melzer said that he now feels "like a normal man."

"It is as if Yvonne never existed," he told NBC News.

Bejamin Melzer grew up in northwest Germany as Yvonne.

His passion for sports and fitness helped him turn from a salesman to a male model. Today, Melzer actively engages in surfing, wakeboarding and cliff-diving.

In February, U.S. TV and film star Ashton Kutcher applauded his story in a Facebook post.

"At first I could not believe it," said Melzer, who had to be convinced by friends that it was a real post by the star. "But it was very cool and felt totally unreal."

He called that recognition and the Men's Health cover appearance the "crowning touch" on a difficult and lengthy process — a story that Melzer said he hopes will give the trans community more visibility and recognition.

"When you are born this way, you have no choice," he said. "I want to give hope and comfort to those, who ask themselves every day why they were not born in a different body."

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PORSHA WILLIAMS FAINTS ON A PLANE AFTER SUFFERING FROM LOW BLOOD SUGAR Wed, 16 Mar 2016 11:40 PM GMT+01:00 by Corinne Heller and Beth Sobol

By FRANK

Porsha Williams had quite a health scare during a recent flight.

The 34-year-old Real Housewives of Atlanta star fainted in her seat while on board a plane from Atlanta to Miami Wednesday, E! News has learned.

A source said she suffered from low blood sugar and is now in Florida and is feeling better. Her rep added, "Porsha is absolutely fine. She just fainted."

 

A flight attendant had asked passengers if there was a doctor on board who could help Williams, who traveled by herself in first class, and three physicians responded, according to TMZ, which first reported the story. One of the doctors gave Williams a sugar pill, the outlet quoted her sister Lauren as saying. She also told the website Williams has had fainting spells in the past due to her low blood sugar issue.

Williams had a day earlier seemed healthy during an appearance on Dish Nation.

Williams is getting ready to host a party at the Villa Lounge nightclub in Addison, TX this Saturday and her appearance remains scheduled.

Williams had recently made headlines when she posted a video showing her getting a nose job, without surgery. The procedure involves getting injections of a hyaluronic acid filler. Results are immediate and typically last for many months and can be permanent. Bruising and swelling can occur and recovery time is usually a few days.

"Thank you @simonourianmd1 for my beautiful new nose-done in minutes WITHOUT surgery!!! #HesTheBest," she wrote on Instagram.

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CAITLYN JENNER REVEALS ''FANTASY'' OF WALKING PARIS FASHION WEEK RUNWAY WITH DAUGHTER KENDALL JENNER: ''IT WOULD BE A LOT OF FUN''

By FRANK 

Listen up, Chanel, Balmain and Dior. Caitlyn Jenner has haute couture dreams!

The I Am Cait star exclusively revealed at the E! International press junket she would love to visit Paris again now that she's transitioned so she can really enjoy all the City of Light has to offer and live out a high-fashion "fantasy."

"I have been to Paris and to France, but never as my true authentic self, so for me I would love to travel at this point," she said. "Going back authentically, honestly I think I would be a lot more into the culture, the history of the city, all of those types of things. I honestly never really liked going out. Now, I actually do."

Cait also explains it would be a dream for her to return to Paris and share a special experience with Kendall Jenner.

"One thing on my bucket list is to do a runway show with my daughter, right at the end with Kendall during Paris Fashion Week," she confessed. "I don't know if I'm going to work that one out, but it is a fantasy of mine."

Watch the video above to find out why it would mean so much to her!

Tune in to E! News tonight at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. for even more scoop from Caitlyn Jenner, including her opinion on Senator Ted Cruz and her relationship with Kris Jenner!

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ROB KARDASHIAN ENJOYS "PRE BIRTHDAY TURN UP" WITH BLAC CHYNA AND KING CAIRO AT LEGOLAND THEME PARK

Forget about cake and candles. Rob Kardashian is starting off his birthday celebration with LEGOs!

Just one day before turning 29, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star traveled down south to San Diego, Calif., where he enjoyed a busy day at the Legoland theme park.

Joined by Blac Chyna and her son King Cairo, the group appeared to be all smiles as they enjoyed food, rides and plenty of photo opportunities.

"Pre Birthday Turn up," Rob shared on Instagram while posing with his girlfriend next to a giant house made out of LEGOs. They later headed to a playground where Blac couldn't help but have a little fun on Rob's Snapchat.

Throughout the day, Blac headed to Snapchat where she gave followers a glimpse into the day.

After enjoying a nice nap on the way from Los Angeles to San Diego, King Cairo appeared more than ready to enjoy the attractions including a ride through the safari.

Meanwhile, Blac was seen dancing and hugging Rob on Snapchat as she enjoyed many areas of the park including Imagination Zone and Miniland USA.

While specific plans for Rob's actual birthday tomorrow remain top-secret, we do know the Arthur George sock designer has been enjoying his romantic relationship with Blac in recent weeks.

Whether taking vacations together in Jamaica or simply enjoying backyard BBQs closer to home, the pair has been spending plenty of time together and showcasing their love on social media.

"Things are very serious again and they are completely in love," a source told E! News after the couple experienced a super short breakearlier this month. Rob is "very thoughtful and giving."

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KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN TELLS EVERYONE TO "RELAX" AS SHE SPENDS TIME WITH SCOTT DISICK

By FRANK 

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick hanging out together?! You may just want to hold any and all freak outs for the time being.

Just a few hours after joining Snapchat, theKeeping Up With the Kardashians star started to chronicle her afternoon that just so happened to include the father of her children.

But before fans start buzzing about their time together, Kourtney had a message for her followers.

"By the way, everyone relax," she said in a post. "We have three kids together. We spend time together."

Scott echoed her sentiments by joking to followers, "Oh my god. Shut up!"

As seen on the popular app, Scott and Kourtney appeared to enjoy a low-key day that consisted of spending time at Kris Jenner's home where they experimented with a few Snapchat filters. They later drove to a local gas station where Scott filled up a vehicle.

"Do you think the Lord does his own gas?" Kourtney asked. "I'm going to let you know. He does! He pumps his own gas." The businesswoman later joked that Scott was "getting annoyed" with all of her posts to and from different locations.

As the pair enjoyed a drama-free afternoon near Calabasas, multiple sources confirmed to E! News that Scott has been hanging out with a model named Christine Burke in recent weeks.

The pair has recently spent time together in both Las Vegas and Mexico where they got along well.

"Christine and Scott met through a mutual friend about six months ago," a source shared with E! News.  "They've been hanging out a lot and go to lunch quite often."

Our insider added, "Scott likes hanging out with Christine because she's different than other girls he's been with in the past. He thinks she's innocent and down to earth."

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Where's Zika Most Likely in the U.S.?

BY Frank

Zika virus is spreading fast across Latin America and the Caribbean, spread by both people and by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. A new study shows where in the U.S. it's most likely to spread, too, and some of the vulnerable cities may be surprising.

New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. have a moderate risk, the team at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado say. That's because the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can live there and thrive in the hot, humid summers those cities typically enjoy.

Miami, Orlando, Savannah and Charleston are the highest-risk cities - higher even than Houston, the team reports in the Public Library of Science journal PLOS Currents Outbreaks.

Low-risk cities include dry, high-altitude places such as Denver, Albuquerque and Salt Lake City, even though they're warm in summer.

"While there is much we still don't know about the dynamics of Zika virus transmission, understanding where the Aedes aegypti mosquito can survive in the U.S. and how its abundance fluctuates seasonally may help guide mosquito control efforts and public health preparedness," NCAR's Andrew Monaghan, who led the study, said in a statement.

"Even if the virus is transmitted here in the continental U.S., a quick response can reduce its impact," added NCAR scientist Mary Hayden, a medical anthropologist who worked on the study.

"There is strong evidence that Aedes aegypti eggs are capable of surviving even in harsh winter conditions."

Two factors are needed for Zika to spread. A human being has to carry the virus in his or her body and the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes need to be on hand to carry it to others. The virus can also besexually transmitted, but that results in less spread, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Experts almost all agree that Zika is unlikely to spread much in the U.S., in part because the Aedes aegypti mosquito isn't common except in parts of the far south and Hawaii, and also because Americans mostly live indoors, with air conditioning and little chance for the mosquitoes to live and breed inside homes.

They've predicted small, localized outbreaks come summer.

This is based on past history. The CDC and other federal agencies have already said they're looking to see where and how other viruses carried by Aedes mosquitoes spread in the U.S. Those include chikungunya and dengue virus.

Monaghan's team took these factors into account, as well as data on travelers from affected regions that would coincide with the hot summer months when mosquitoes thrive.

"Meteorological conditions are largely unsuitable for Aedes aegypti over the U.S. during winter months (December-March), except in southern Florida and south Texas where comparatively warm conditions can sustain low-to-moderate potential mosquito abundance," Monaghan's team wrote.

CDC says 30 million to 40 million Americans fly to Latin America and the Caribbean every year and even more go by land.

"By mid-July, all 50 cities are meteorologically suitable for Aedes aegypti."

"We chose 50 U.S. cities within and near the known range of Aedes aegypti," Monaghan's team wrote.

"These cities were selected because they may be meteorologically suitable for Aedes aegypti for at least part of the year, though not all have recorded the presence of Aedes aegypti to date."

They also calculated whether people had water in containers handy for the mosquitoes to breed. Aedes mosquitoes can breed in very small containers and are notorious for making their homes in and around where people live.

"There is strong evidence that Aedes aegypti eggs are capable of surviving even in harsh winter conditions as a result of being laid in favorable cryptic environments such as subterranean habitats," the team noted.

"Poverty has been linked to a number of indicators of elevated exposure to mosquitoes such as lower usage rates of air conditioning and less efficient cooling options."

Based on all this, there's not much risk of Aedes-transmitted disease anywhere but south Florida and Texas in winter.

"By mid-July, all 50 cities are meteorologically suitable for Aedes aegypti, with far southeastern cities being suitable for high abundance, and other eastern cities being suitable for moderate-to-high abundance," the team added.

What happens if Zika can be spread by other Aedes mosquitoes, such as Aedes albopictus, aka the Asian tiger mosquito? Then all bets are off -- those mosquitoes can survive in much colder climates, the researchers say.

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Meet Merrick Garland, Obama's Supreme Court Pick

BY elo Frank

In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, Merrick Garland said goodbye to his wife and young daughters and flew out to the scene of the worst act of domestic terrorism on U.S. soil.

As a supervisor with the Justice Department in 1995, Garland's job was to help put away accused bombers Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. The voluminous investigation required that each scrap of evidence be correctly cataloged — and ensured that those behind the brutal deaths of 168 people, mostly young children, would be brought to justice.

"Perhaps most important is the way he did it," President Barack Obama said Wednesday in recounting Garland's efforts. Obama stood with Garland at the White House as he announced the veteran federal appeals judge as his pick to replace Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court.

President Obama and Supreme Court Justice nominee Merrick Garland speak in the Rose Garden on Wednesday.

"When people offered to turn over evidence voluntarily, he refused," Obama continued, "taking the harder route of obtaining the proper subpoenas instead — because Merrick would take no chances that someone who murdered innocent Americans might go free on a technicality."

But the president said it was a simple gesture of Garland's that also showed a human side.

"Everywhere he went, he carried with him in his briefcase the program from the memorial service with each of the victims' names inside — a constant searing reminder of why he had to succeed," Obama said.

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Watch George and Amal Clooney's emotional sit down with Syrian refugees

BY elo Frank

George and Amal Clooney recently met with three Syrian refugee families in Germany to help raise awareness about the ongoing crisis that has forced millions to flee their war-ravaged homeland.

George Clooney speaking with Syrian refugees in Berlin.

In a video released by the International Rescue Committee, the couple listens as one man describes being tortured while held in a political prison. They also hear one mother recall sitting in a corner with her children, hoping for "mercy" and to be shot to death rather than beheaded.

George spoke of his Irish heritage and told the group his own family faced challenges several generations ago when they fled Ireland to immigrate to the United States.

"It's what our country is, is a country of immigrants. We have not recently done a very good job of remembering who we are," he said. "And being here and talking with you is important to remind them who we are and who we have always been, which is you."

Amal also shared her family's story, recounting how her family left Lebanon in 1982 to escape violence but that her father eventually returned to Beirut. She expressed hope that the families she met with would eventually be able to "go back to a safe and free Syria."

The video is intended to bring attention to the ongoing crisis in Syria, which marked it's five-year anniversary this week.

"It's easy to dismiss giant numbers," the actor said. "But it's very hard to dismiss a young child sitting on the ground crying when her mother's telling the story about how she left, how she grabbed her daughter and sat on the ground and said, 'If I die, we want to die by a bullet, because it would be quicker.'"

Amal Clooney: The human rights lawyer on her reluctant celeb status - TODAY

Amal Clooney has been practicing law at the highest levels for the past 15 years, and in 2014, she married one of the most famous bachelors on the planet, actor George Clooney. Amal sits down with NBC's Cynthia McFadden for TODAY in her first-ever network interview to discuss her important work, her marriage, and her newfound fame.

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