Adele's '25' sold in US 7m albums

Adele's latest album 25 continues to destroy all album sales records, exceeding 7 million US purchases in its fifth week of being available to the public. The commercial success has now seen three weeks of over 1 million sales across the nation, according to Billboard.

The boost in album sales can largely be attributed to the holiday season, with millions of shoppers purchasing the 11-track album as a gift, according to Billboard. Not only is 25 continuing to hold its throne as the No. 1 selling album throughout the United States, but according to Official Charts, the album was the most-sold album during Christmas week in the U.K. as well. Adele signing autographs on her latest album Source: James Devaney/Getty Images The news follows Adele's North American leg of her recently announced world tour selling out within minutes, causing many American fans to take to social media in frustration, as Mic previously reported. "Hello from the ticket line," read one tweet Dec. 17 from Maggie Hunter, who tried purchasing tickets in Texas. "I've clicked refresh a thousand times." "This feels like such a long time coming, my new album is finally out," Adele tweeted Nov. 20 after releasing 25. "I am so overwhelmed and grateful to be able to even put another record out, and put it out how I want. The last month has been a whirlwind, it's literally taken my breath away. I hope you enjoy the record as much as I enjoyed making it for you."

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Salman Khan Says: "It feels like I am turning 27"

Salman Khan may be turning 50 on Sunday, but the Bollywood superstar says he still feels 27 is the perfect age for him.

“I am turning 27. I think 27-year-old is the right age. I have always liked that age. I am not scared about ageing. It is a part of my journey,” Salman says.

Salman, the son of noted writer Salim Khan, made his debut with a supporting role in “Biwi Ho To Aisi”. His next release “Maine Pyar Kiya” directed by Sooraj Barjatya, gave his career a much needed push.

Over the years, he has gained a great fan base courtesy to his films like “Hum Aapke Hain Koun”, “Karan Arjun”, “Biwi No.1”, “Hum Saath Saath Hain”, “Dabangg”, “Bodyguard”, “Ek Tha Tiger”, “Kick”, “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”, etc.

The actor addressed as “Bhaijaan” is also involved in humanitarian work and tries to help the underprivileged through his charity organization “Being Human”.

His life has been marred by many controversies and legal troubles over his tumultuous relationships, hunting of the endangered Chinkara deer, and the 2002 hit-and-run case.

However, 2015 was a great year for Salman, both personally and professionally. His performance in Kabir Khan-directed film “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and Sooraj Barjatya’s “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” were appreciated and both the films went on to became huge box office successes.

On the personal front Salman had a major relief in the face of Bombay High Court’s verdict in the 2002 hit-and-run case acquitting him of all charges.

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Lemmy Kilmister dead at 70

Lemmy Kilmister, the lead singer and bassist of Motörhead and a heavy metal icon for six decades, passed away Monday after a battle with cancer. Kilmister turned 70 on Christmas Eve. The band's official Facebook confirmed Kilmister's passing, "There is no easy way to say this… our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer."

 "He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made it's way down the street, with his family," the statement continued. "We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren't words. We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please… play Motörhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy's music LOUD. Have a drink or few. Share stories. Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself. HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT." Many of Kilmister's heavy metal brethren and artists he inspired took to Twitter to pay tribute to the inimitable artist. "Lost one of my best friends, Lemmy, today," Ozzy Osbourne tweeted. "He will be sadly missed. He was a warrior and a legend. I will see you on the other side." Kilmister served as a co-writer on his friend Osbourne's 1991 LP No More Tears, including the hit "Mama, I'm Coming Home" and Grammy-winning "I Don't Want to Change the World."

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Edward Norton launches fundraising campaign to help Syrian refugee

Save the Children announced Sunday that Cohen and Fisher have given $500,000 to the organization to fund a measles vaccination program for children in Northern Syria. The couple gave another $500,000 to support families, particularly women and children in and around Syria, by funding education, health care, shelter, and sanitation.

“By allowing us to make their generous donation to the Syrian children public, Sacha and Isla are helping highlight the tragedy of the issue today,” Save the Children CEO Justin Forsyth said in a news release. “These are desperate times for Syrian families facing bombs, bullets, and torture in Syria. The couple’s donation will save many thousands of lives and protect some of the most valuable children.”

According to Save the Children, more than seven million people have been displaced inside Syria, and four million are currently living in the surrounding states.

“Sacha and Isla’s donation is a great expression of humanity, and a challenge to do more for the most vulnerable,” David Miliband, president and CEO of the IRC, added. “I hope it is an example to many others seeking practical ways of making a difference during the Christmas and New Year season.”

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RECIPE: CHEESY MASHED POTATO EGG SKILLET CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS 

1 (4.7 oz.) package Betty Crocker™ loaded mashed potatoes 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup water 2 1/2 tablespoons butter 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 4-6 eggs Salt and pepper, to taste 4-6 slices fried bacon 4 green onions, chopped Pinch of crushed red pepper

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350º F.
• Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add water and butter and prepare mashed potatoes as directed on package. Once mashed potatoes are ready, cover with 2/3 of the shredded cheese. Next, make 4-6 wells in the mashed potatoes for the eggs. Crack eggs into the wells and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with remaining cheese.
• Place entire skillet in oven and bake until whites of eggs are just set but yolks are still slightly runny, about 12 to 15 minutes. Top with bacon and sprinkle with green onions. Serve.

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RECIPE: CHILI WITH TWISTED CHEESY CORNSTICKS

INGREDIENTS 

1 lb ground beef 1 bag (11.8 oz) Green Giant™ Seasoned Steamers™ frozen honey roasted sweet corn 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (2 oz) 1 can Pillsbury™ refrigerated original breadsticks

DIRECTIONS

• Heat oven to 350°F. Line large cookie sheet with parchment paper. In 12-inch skillet, cook ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned; drain. Stir in frozen corn (reserving 1/2 cup), beans, tomato sauce, taco seasoning and 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
• Meanwhile, place reserved corn and cheese in food processor or blender. Cover; process 15 to 20 seconds or until finely chopped.
• Unroll dough into 2 sections; separate breadsticks. Spoon corn mixture down length of 6 breadsticks; press onto dough. Top with remaining breadsticks. Twist stuffed breadsticks 2 or 3 times. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheet.
• Bake 18 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with chili.

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Salman Khan turns 50 birthday bash: Inside photos

It is undoubtedly an important moment. Not just for star Salman Khan, but also his family members, relatives, and his leading ladies and fans. While grand plans have been chalked out to ring in Salman’s 50th birthday bash at his Panvel house, guests have started arriving to be part of the key occasion. According to the photos posted by Salman's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri, his house has been decked up. The photo posted features Salman's Being Human being lit up near a swimming pool. Celebrities including Farah Khan, Tabu, Sooraj Pancholi, Harshali Malhotra, Sooraj Barjatya and Sania Mirza are also expected.

Road trip with my girls @TheFarahKhan and Tabbuuuu Happy Birthday @BeingSalmanKhan .. 35 mins more.. pic.twitter.com/lJtMCGD9Bt

— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) December 26, 2015

  A photo posted by Atul Agnihotri (@atulreellife) on Dec 26, 2015 at 7:29am PST

Salman Khan celebrating his birthday with the crew of Bigg Boss 9

Salman Khan celebrating his birthday with the crew of @BiggBoss #GoldenJubileeOfSalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/vfpxh6KVAC

— Salman Khan Universe (@SalmanUniv) December 26, 2015

This is so cute! The little fan - #HappyBirthdaySalmanKhan #HappyBirthdaySultan pic.twitter.com/gjNKgntEpG — sabina lamba (@SabinaLamba) December 26, 2015

Live Scenes of the Sight of Galaxy Apartments! The Biggest Ever Megastar Salman Khan! #HappyBirthdaySalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/S0z6MGGVpi

— Salman Khan Universe (@SalmanUniv) December 26, 2015

Thank you and God bless you bro. Happy Birthday!!! @BeingSalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/bZoeOIn5wJ — Samir Soni (@samirsoni123) December 26, 2015

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Arrow Takes Revenge on Darhk in the New Season 4 Trailer

Christmas Eve has been a busy one for trailers from The CW! Following the new DC’s Legends of Tomorrow promo and The Flash commercial, we now have a new “Revenge” trailer for the return of Arrow. You can watch the new Season 4 trailer in the player below!

Arrow stars Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen, Katie Cassidy as Dinah “Laurel” Lance, David Ramsey as John Diggle, Willa Holland as Thea Queen, Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak, John Barrowman as Malcom Merlyn, with Paul Blackthorne as Detective Lance, and Neal McDonough as Damien Darhk. The series is executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg and Sarah Schechter.

Arrow will return to The CW on Wednesday, January 20 at 8/7c.

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Sings Newborn Daughter For Her First Christmas

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is making his infant daughter’s dreams come true by singing her a sweet Christmas song. He posted the amazing video to his Instagram account on Christmas Eve, showing himself cradling his new bundle of joy in front of the family’s tree, which was lit up in colorful lights with a giant ribbon with the word “love” in big bold print. “Jack Frost nipping at your nose,” he sings to his newborn Jasmine, before noting “Santa tries to scare me tonight I’m going to kick his *ss daddy,” as he shows off her adorable Christmas onesie. The movie star and his longtime girlfriend, Lauren Hashian, welcomed their first child together on Dec. 16. It’s obviously a very merry holiday for the new daddy and his precious little one, who is totally the greatest Christmas present he could ever ask for!

'Twas the night before Christmas... #BeCarefulSantaShesTough

A video posted by therock (@therock) on Dec 24, 2015 at 6:38pm PST

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Pamela Anderson As Playboy’s Last Nude Cover Girl

Most teenagers would cringe seeing their mother naked on the cover of a magazine - but then the rest of us don't call Pamela Anderson mum.

The 48-year-old star doesn't look a day over 25 as she features on the cover of the final nude Playboy edition with her best assets on show for her die-hard fans.

Wearing smoky eye makeup and a gold 'Sex' choker, Pammy is the original blonde bombshell with her hair in a sexy, messy style. Phwoar.

The former Baywatch babe was worried about shooting another Playboy cover after her sons Brandon, 19, and Dylan, 17, teased her for years, but they finally gave her their blessing.

Pamela Anderson nude in Playboy!
One of Pammy's sons was conceived at the Playboy Mansion

Talking about a discussion with Brandon, she told him: "Hef just called, he wants me to do the last cover of Playboy."

To which her Brandon replied: "Mom you've got to do it. We're older, we're not embarrassed anymore of you. You know, we think you're great."

She was interviewed by actor James Franco for the inside chat in Playboy and the shoot marked her 14th cover and 15th pictorial.

Pamela Anderson and Hugh Hefner in the mag Pamela Anderson on the cover in 1989

Asked what the craziest thing was that happened at the Playboy Mansion, she revealed: "Oh dear, so much. But you know, when people kiss and tell, they're usually lying.

"I don't want to get too detailed, but I'm sure one of my sons was conceived there."

Meanwhile, Pammy celebrated recovering from Hepatitis C in the best way last month - by sharing another completely naked snap with her fans.

She could be seen sat back on a chair with her bare legs up to the camera and her arms covering her boobs, flashing her tattoos and laughing.

She took to Instagram to ecstatically reveal that she is free of Hepatitis C after being cured by an anti-viral drug.

To mark the occasion Pammie shared a naked vacation snap of herself and wrote alongside it: '

I am CURED!!! - I just found out #nomorehepc #thankyou #blessing #family #prayer #live."

Playboy's January/February 2016 double issue will hit newsstands on Friday, December 11.

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'Li-fi 100 times faster than wi-fi'

A new method of delivering data, which uses the visible spectrum rather than radio waves, has been tested in a working office. Li-fi can deliver internet access 100 times faster than traditional wi-fi, offering speeds of up to 1Gbps (gigabit per second), reports BBC. It requires a light source, such as a standard LED bulb, an internet connection and a photo detector.

It was tested this week by Estonian start-up Velmenni, in Tallinn.

Velmenni used a li-fi-enabled light bulb to transmit data at speeds of 1Gbps. Laboratory tests have shown theoretical speeds of up to 224Gbps.

It was tested in an office, to allow workers to access the internet and in an industrial space, where it provided a smart lighting solution.

Speaking to the International Business Times, chief executive Deepak Solanki said that the technology could reach consumers "within three to four years".

The term li-fi was first coined by Prof Harald Haas from Edinburgh University, who demonstrated the technology at a Ted (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conference in 2011.

His talk, which has now been watched nearly two million times, showed an LED lamp streaming video.

Prof Haas described a future when billions of light bulbs could become wireless hotspots.

One of the big advantages of li-fi is the fact that, unlike wi-fi, it does not interfere with other radio signals, so could be utilised on aircraft and in other places where interference is an issue.

While the spectrum for radio waves is in short supply, the visible light spectrum is 10,000 times larger, meaning it is unlikely to run out any time soon.

But the technology also has its drawbacks - most notably the fact that it cannot be deployed outdoors in direct sunlight, because that would interfere with its signal.

Neither can the technology travel through walls so initial use is likely to be limited to places where it can be used to supplement wi-fi networks, such as in congested urban areas or places where wi-fi is not safe, such as hospitals, according to a news agency.

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Arjun Tendulkar selected for Mumbai U-16

Arjun Tendulkar, son of Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar, has been selected for the Mumbai under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy team after an all-round show in the Mumbai Cricket Association's Under-16 Payyade Trophy.

Arjun, who has played for the Under-14 Mumbai side in the West Zone leg matches of the BCCI tournament, smashed an impressive century (106 off 156 balls) for his side, Sunil Gavaskar XI.

On Day Two, the promising all-rounder shone with his left-arm medium pace and took four wickets for 73 runs against Rohit Sharma XI.

The youngster then went on to score 40 runs for his team in the second innings. The Payyade Trophy serves as a selection trial for Under-16 cricketers in Mumbai.

With no less than super dad available to give batting tips, Arjun has received bowling advice from Pakistan great Wasim Akram. Arjun has also been seen in the nets with the England national side, according to ndtv.com.

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Chicken Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Chicken Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce Time: 35 minutes More for Later: Double the sauce and use as a dip for grilled chicken kebabs. Serve with Coconut-Cilantro Rice: Combine 1 cup light coconut milk and ¼ cup water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Stir in 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 17 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup chopped cilantro. SERVES 4 (serving size: about ½ cup) CALORIES 203; FAT 3.3g (sat 2.9g); SODIUM 18mg

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How To Make Food Coloring

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This color will not only be safe, but you can make it using simple household ingredients and commonly available spices and vegetables. So, how do you make food coloring at home? Read on and find out.

1. Pink/Red Coloring: There are many options you can explore if pink or red is the colour you want to add to your food. Beets have a lot of natural color, but do not alter the taste of a particular dish. This makes them amazing natural red/pink food coloring agents.

To make the color, you can use canned beet juice or boil and juice the raw vegetable. Once you have boiled the beets, blend them in a food processor and strain the colour out using a sieve.

Other options to make red or pink color include cherries, pomegranate, raspberries or other red fruits. And in case you are thinking of including apple in the list, remember that apple isn’t a red fruit.

2. Orange Coloring: If you want your food to have that orange hue, consider adding carrots to your food. Although oranges might seem like a promising bet, they don’t add a lot of color to your food.

Cut the carrots lengthwise and blend them in a food processor. They will add a natural sweetness to your food.

3. Yellow Coloring: If yellow is the shade you are looking for, then the spice rack is where you need to look into.

Turmeric is one of the best spices that impart yellow color to your food. It does not have a very strong taste, but the color is quite rich and you should make sure that you don’t end up using too much of it.

Alternatively, you can also consider using saffron leaves for that lovely sunny yellow color.

4. Green Coloring: To get green color, you can consider adding spinach to your food. Add a little spinach, so that it does not change the flavor of your dish.

You can use a blended extract of spinach, or even add whole spinach leaves.

5. Blue/Purple Coloring:

These are perhaps the trickiest colors to prepare at home.

Although you can get a blue or purple coloring by blending blueberries and blackberries in a food processor, there are some other ingredients you need to add to derive that rich color. The twist in the tale is an ingredient you probably haven’t thought off – cabbage!

Yes, cabbage! Purple or red cabbage can be used to make purple or blue food coloring.

To make purple coloring, cut and boil cabbage until the water turns dark and the color is intensified. Remove the cabbage from this water. The result is a very rich and lush purple food dye.

To make blue coloring, stir in baking soda into the cabbage purple dye gradually over time. The baking soda reacts with the cabbage juice and the result is a pretty blue dye.

Benefits Of Food Coloring: Using food coloring has a few benefits. They are:

1. Safe: These food based colors are generally safe for use, and don’t contain chemicals that artificially amplified colors do.

2. Lighter Hue: These colors will be paler and more pastel-like than your regular food colors. Although this isn’t really a benefit, this ensures you never overdo the coloring. This way you can check on your progress and make sure that you get the right color combination.

3. Better Taste: Because these colors are made out of natural ingredients, they taste amazing. This makes them all the more desirable than those horrible artificially made coloring agents.

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Mini pork pies with piccalilli

Ingredients
few dots of butter 600g shortcrust pastry, bought or homemade little flour, for dusting 85g dried white breadcrumbs 400g good Cumberland sausages (about 6) 200g smoked bacon lardons ¼ tsp each ground mace, ground pepper and dried sage 1 egg, beaten with a fork few pinches sesame seeds piccalilli, homemade or bought, to serve

Method
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line each hole of a 12-hole muffin tin with a thin strip of baking parchment across the middle that’s long enough so the ends stick out a centimetre or two – use a dab of butter to stick in place. Roll out two thirds of the pastry on a lightly floured surface and stamp out 12 x 10cm circles (you may need to re-roll trimmings). Press a circle into each hole to line. Sprinkle 1 tsp of breadcrumbs into the base of each pie. Tip the rest of the crumbs into a mixing bowl. Squeeze in the sausage meat, discarding the skins, along with the bacon, mace, pepper, sage and just a little salt. Get your hands in and mash and squish everything together until the breadcrumbs have just about disappeared. Divide mixture between the holes, packing in firmly and shaping to a dome in the middle. Roll out the remaining pastry and stamp out 12 x 7cm circles. Brush with a little egg and add a top to each pie, egg-side down to stick, carefully pressing pastry edges together to seal. Brush with more egg (don’t throw away leftovers) and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 30 mins until golden then carefully remove the pies from the tin, using the parchment ends to help you lift them out. Sit on a parchment lined baking tray, brush all round the sides with more egg and put back in the oven for 8 mins. Cool completely then eat with piccalilli, or your favourite pickle.

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Fish Tikka Shashlyk (Video)

Fish Tikka Shashlyk is a combination of both Tikka and Shashlyk. Tikka refers to a piece of meat, such as a cutlet. It is a type of Indian food, found mainly in Punjabi cuisine, and usually it is served as an appetizer. It is also known as teeka or teekka. There are some popular variety of tikka like Chicken tikka, Vegetable tikka or Fish tikka. Shashlyk is skewered meat was originally made of lamb, but nowadays depending on local preferences and religious observances it is also made of beef, fish or vegetables. The skewers are either threaded with meat or fish only, or with alternating pieces of meat or fish, fat and vegetables, such as bell pepper, onion, mushroom and tomato. sometime it can also use only vegetables.

Process of Fish Tikka Shashlyk:

Ingredients:

• Fish boneless 1/2 kg
• Onion 1 (cut in cubes)
• Capsicum 1 (cut in cubes)
• Tomatoes 2 (cut in cubes)
• Salt 1 tsp
• Chilli powder 1 tsp
• Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp
• White cumin 1 tsp ( roasted and crushed)
• Lemon juice 1 tbsp
• All spice 1/2 tsp
• Oil 2 tbsp
• Ingredients for Bar B Q Sauce
• Green chillies 2 (chopped)
• Green chillies 4 (finely chopped)
• Sugar 1 tsp
• Chilli powder 1 tsp
• Salt 1/2 tsp
• Garlic paste 1/2 tsp
• Vinegar 2 tbsp
• Ketchup 4 tbsp

Method for BBQ Sauce:

1. In a pan cook together vinegar, garlic, green chillies, sugar, ketchup, salt and chilli powder for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from stove and keep aside.

Method for fish Tikka:

1. Marinate fish cubes with salt, chilli powder, ginger garlic, white cumin, lemon juice and all spice.
2. Now also mix onion, tomatoes, capsicum.
3. Put fish pieces on skewers alternating with pieces of onion, tomato and capsicum.
4. Grill, BarbQ or bake brushing with BBQ sauce.

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Milk Shake with Custard Apple

Ingredients:

• Custard apple – 1
• Milk – 1 cup
• Sugar – for taste
• Honey for topping

Method:

1. Extract custard apple pulp as said in the above procedure.
2. Blend it along with milk and sugar.
3. Top it with honey and serve.

Video of Milk Shake with Custard Apple

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Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a milk-solids-based dessert, popular in countries of South Asia such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

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Apple Cake:Recipe

Ingredients:

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs , beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups finely chopped apples
1/2 cup apple juice
1 cup chopped walnuts
Glaze topping for cake
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup whipping cream

Instruction:

In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, soda and salt. Make a well in the center and set aside.

In a medium bowl combine eggs, oil, apple juice and vanilla. Stir in apples and nuts. Add the egg mixture to dry ingredients, just until moistened.

Spread batter in a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.

In a small saucepan combine the brown sugar, butter and cream.

Cook and stir till bubbly and all of the sugar is dissolved. Cool slightly. Drizzle warm sauce over cake, when it has cooled for 5 minutes, so it can seep into the cake, keeping it moist.

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10 times quicker than the ones in current smartphones

Chinese technology company Huawei has announced that its latest prototype battery fills up with power 10 times quicker than the ones in current smartphones. Huawei has been showing off the technology at the 56th Battery Symposium in Japan this week, where a 3,000mAh pack reached a 48 percent charge in just 5 minutes. The lithium-ion batteries inside smartphones, tablets, and other similar gadgets have two main sections: an anode and a cathode. Electrons move from one section to the other while our devices are in use, and then back in the opposite direction as they are recharged.

Huawei says it has managed to bond special heteroatoms to the graphite molecules in the anode section of the battery to get this process moving faster, without decreasing energy density or battery life.

Faster charging might not seem as important as longer-lasting batteries, but if you combine it with modern-day wireless charging technologies, the need for batteries that go on and on becomes less urgent: if your phone can get back to a 100 percent charge every time you put it down at the office or at the coffee shop for 5 minutes, for example, you won't notice it getting dangerously low as often.

And it's not just about smartphones either, because everything from solar panels to electric cars need batteries that can take on a lot of energy quickly. If you're stopping your electric vehicle for a recharge, you don't want to be twiddling your thumbs for half an hour while it fills back up.

"Huawei is confident that this breakthrough in quick charging batteries will lead to a new revolution in electronic devices, especially with regard to mobile phones, electric vehicles, wearable devices, and mobile power supplies," says the company. "Soon, we will all be able to charge our batteries to full power in the time it takes to grab a coffee!"

While Huawei says the batteries "underwent many rounds of testing" and "have been certified by Huawei's terminal test department", it stopped short of saying exactly when these new packs will make their way into our gadgets.

We shouldn't have to wait too long, however - manufacturers such as Motorola and Samsung already have fast charging technologies built into their handsets, though not quite as speedy as the one shown off by Huawei's team of technicians.

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South Korean stocks higher

South Korean shares advanced on Thursday with the biggest gains in electronics and machinery sectors as institutional buying persistently supported the main board. Foreign investors turned net buyers in five sessions, purchasing a net 68.8 billion won ($60 million) worth of KOSPI shares, preliminary data showed. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed up 1.1 per cent at 2,030.68. The local currency was quoted at 1,147.3 to the dollar at the conclusion of onshore trade, down 0.3 per cent compared with Wednesday's close at 1,143.4, according to Reuters

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Concussion Official Trailer

Here’s the trailer of Will Smith starrer Concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a sports-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu’s emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful – and beloved – institutions in the world.

The film stars also stars Alec Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha, Arliss Howard, Paul Reiser, Luke Wilson, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje with David Morse and Albert Brooks.

Check out the new trailer right here : 

Concussion is slated to release on 5th February, 2016.

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Missing Russian jet pilot

A Russian pilot who went missing after his jet was shot down by Turkey while taking part in air strikes over Syria was rescued in a 12-hour operation involving special forces, Russia says.

The pilot is "alive and well" at a Russian air base in Syria, it says.

His co-pilot and a marine involved in a rescue were killed.

Turkey said the jet had strayed into its airspace but Russian President Vladimir Putin says the plane was flying over Syrian territory.

It is not clear what has happened to the body of the other pilot, who was killed by gunfire as he parachuted from his burning plane.

Tensions have escalated between Russia and Turkey over the incident, but the US, the EU and the UN have all appealed for calm.

President Putin has described the downing of the plane as a "stab in the back", and warned of serious consequences.

Turkey's President Recep Erdogan has defended the action, saying "everyone must respect the right of Turkey to protect its borders", but he stressed he did not want to escalate tensions further, according to media reports. 

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Bad loans at Europe's banks still double

The scale of bad loans held by banks in the European Union is "a major concern" and more than double the level in the United States, despite an improvement in recent years, the EU's banking regulator said on Tuesday.

Non-performing loans (NPL) across Europe's major banks averaged 5.6 per cent at the end of June, down from 6.1 per cent at the start of the year. But that compares with an average of less than 3 per cent in the United States and even lower in Asia, according to the European Banking Authority (EBA).

The total of NPLs across Europe is about 1 trillion euros ($US1.1 trillion), equivalent to the size of Spain's annual gross domestic product (GDP) and 7.3 per cent of the EU's GDP.

Tuesday's figures were the first time detailed data on NPLs, defined as a loan that is more than 90 days overdue or where problems are spotted earlier, have been released in Europe. The EBA data covered 105 banks, spanning 20 EU countries and Norway.

Some 16.7 per cent of loans at banks in Italy were designated as NPLs, equivalent to 17.1 per cent of the country's GDP. Spain's banks had an average NPL ratio of 7.1 per cent, or 15.8 per cent of its GDP.

Banks in Cyprus fared even worse, with half of their loans classified as bad, followed by Slovenia (28.4 per cent), Ireland (21.5 per cent) and Hungary (18.9 per cent).

"Although gradually improving, quality of assets remains a major concern in the EU and an impediment to new lending and banks' profitability, particularly in countries already under economic stress," the EBA said.

Banks in Sweden had the lowest level of NPLs at an average of 1.1 per cent, followed by Norway (1.4 per cent), Finland (1.7 per cent), Britain (2.9 per cent), the Netherlands (2.9 per cent) and Germany (3.4 per cent).

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I stand by everything I have said: Aamir Khan

Amid the controversy around his comment on 'growing intolerance' in India, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan said on Wednesday that he stands by what he said but at the same time he is proud to be an Indian.

"I stand by everything I have said. To all the people shouting obscenities at me for speaking my heart out, it saddens me to say you are only proving my point," Aamir Khan said in a statement.

He has been slapped with sedition charges in Kanpur sessions court for his statement and the hearing is set to take place on December 1.

The case has been filed under IPC section 124 A (sedition), 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups on religious grounds) 153 B (Imputations) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).

Speaking at the eighth edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards, the bollywood actor had expressed alarm and despondency over the rise in cases displaying intolerance in the last six to eight months.

He had said that a sense of 'insecurity' and 'fear' had seeped deep within society, according to Times of India.

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Clock boy' family seeks $15m

Fifteen million dollars and apologies were sought from the mayor and police chief.

That's what an attorney says the family of Ahmed Mohamed is demanding from city and school officials in Irving, Texas, or they say they'll file a civil suit.

In September, 14-year-old Ahmed made international headlines when he brought a handmade clock to school to show his teachers.

One of them thought it was a bomb and notified school authorities, who then called police. Ahmed was detained, questioned and hauled off in handcuffs. At the time, the school said it reacted with caution because the contraption that had wires could have been an explosive device.

It wasn't. It was just a clock.

But despite the surge of support for Ahmed, the attorney representing his family says the teen suffered severe psychological trauma and that his "reputation in the global community is permanently scarred."

In two letters sent Monday to attorneys representing the school district and the city, attorney Kelly Hollingsworth says that Ahmed's civil rights were violated by the way the case was handled.

Irving city officials told CNN they were reviewing the letter and had no comment.

School district spokeswoman Lesley Weaver told CNN that the district is aware of the letter and also had no comment.

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Japan plans to raise minimum wage

Japan’s government plans to raise the minimum wage and introduce other steps to revitalise the economy, but the draft of stimulus measures seen by Reuters on Monday appeared to break no new ground on reforms that analysts say are needed to end decades of stagnation.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government will also offer some financial support to people living off their pensions to bolster consumer spending, a copy of the draft obtained by Reuters showed.

Citing unnamed sources, the Nikkei newspaper said on Monday that the government is planning to raise the minimum wage by 3.0 per cent. But the draft didn’t provide any specifics and analysts say the government will need to do more to foster durable growth.

Raising wages is an urgent task for policy makers as Tokyo is keen to ramp up consumer spending, which is seen as crucial to boosting domestic demand and pulling the economy out of 15 years of deflation.

However, some economists remained sceptical of the plans because they do not do enough to address Japan’s rigid labour market and low worker productivity.

"This sounds like short-term stimulus, but Japan needs structural reforms more than stimulus measures," said Marcel Thieliant, Japan economist at Capital Economics in Singapore.

"We might get a growth spurt for the next one to two years, but this will not lead to stronger growth in the long term."

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Adele credits Sarah Palin

Adele says Sarah Palin is directly responsible for her career as a singer.

Adele recounted recentlyhow the former Alaska governor and GOP candidate for vice president made an appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in October, 2008 during the height of the presidential campaign when Adele, then still relatively unknown, was the show’s musical guest.

That was the episode where Palin and Tina Fey, playing Sarah Palin, famously acknowledged one another during the show's cold opening.

"It was one of the most watched SNLs ever and then it was two weeks before the Grammy ballot, which is when people decide what songs they want to maybe nominate, so, like, literally the stars aligned for me," she said. "The album shot to number one on iTunes and I was nominated for a Grammy and then I won one! It was a joke! It was a joke. All thanks to Sarah Palin!"

Upon hearing of Adele’s story, Palin sent her a copy of her book “Sweet Freedom” with an inscription in which she said in part: “So… rumor has it you recently threw me some credit for your amazing success – very kind coming from someone like you.”

Adele sang two songs on Saturday's "SNL," and her hit single "Hello" was the subject of a new "SNL" Thanksgiving skit, according to BBC.

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Kidman wins award for Photograph 51

Nicole Kidman paid a moving tribute to her father in her acceptance speech as she was named best actress at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, for her role in Photograph 51.

She played pioneering British scientist Rosalind Franklin as she returned to London's West End, 17 years after a performance in the Blue Room famously described as "theatrical Viagra".

Ms Kidman said she had taken on the role in memory of her scientist father who died last year - and revealed how he became part of her nightly ritual before going on stage at the Noel Coward Theatre over the past 10 weeks, according to media reports.

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Salman's selfie with His family

It's time to rejoice for the Khan family since Salim Khan, the father of superstar Salman Khan and the man behind evergreen hits like Sholay, Seeta aur Geeta, Andaaz and many more, turned 80 on Monday.

Producer-actor Arbaaz Khan took to Instagram today to share a picture perfect selfie of the all the Khan men in just one fine frame saying: "My dad turns 80 today.  Wish him good health and happiness always. My dad means everything to me and my family, we all love him and respect him immensely. He's been the pillar of strength and inspiration to us all. May allah give him a long life love you dad."

For the Khans, it is certainly all about loving your family. Recently, Salman Khan, in an attempt to promote his latest film 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', had shared a 'PRDP Family' moment on Twitter, according to media reports.

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American Music Awards full Winners List

One Direction scooped the top gong - the artist of the year award - at Sunday's American Music Awards.

The four-piece won the accolade for the second year running and also won the best pop/rock album for a third consecutive year, with the album Made In The A.M.

"It's absolutely incredible to receive this award two years in a row. It's a testament to how incredible our fans are," Louis Tomlinson said.

Meanwhile, actor-musician Jared Leto made a moving tribute to the 130victims of the deadly attacks across Paris, specifically the 89 who died at the Bataclan concert hall, where he said he and his band, 30 Seconds to Mars, had performed "a beautiful, peaceful" show earlier this year.

"Tonight we honor victims of the unimaginable violence that took place in Paris and around the world," he said.

"France matters, Russia matters, Syria matters, Mali matters, the Middle East matters, the United States matters, the entire world matters and peace is possible."

Celine Dion sang Edith Piaf's classic French ode La Vie en Rose in memory of those lost.

Key winners on the night included Taylor Swift, who went into the night with a leading six nominations and won three awards but didn't attend the event.

Nicki Minaj won two awards in the rap/hip hop categories, The Weeknd won two soul/R&B awards, Florida Georgia Line won two country music awards and country artist Sam Hunt was named best new artist.

Star Wars veteran Harrison Ford introduced five-piece acappella group Pentatonix, who put their vocals to John Williams' iconic Star Wars score, along with a full orchestra on stage. The performance comes ahead of next month's highly-anticipated new Star Wars: The Force Awakens film.

FULL WINNERS LIST:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Luke Bryan Ariana Grande Maroon 5 Nicki Minaj One Direction - WINNER Ed Sheeran Sam Smith Taylor Swift Meghan Trainor The Weeknd

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

presented by Khol's

Fetty Wap Sam Hunt - WINNER Tove Lo Walk The Moon The Weeknd

SONG OF THE YEAR

Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth, “See You Again” Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!” Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud” Taylor Swift, “Blank Space” - WINNER The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth, “See You Again” Rihanna & Kanye West Featuring Paul McCartney, “FourFiveSeconds” Mark Ronson Featuring Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!” Skrillex & Diplo Featuring Justin Bieber, “Where Are Ü Now” - WINNER Taylor Swift Featuring Kendrick Lamar, “Bad Blood”

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST - POP/ROCK

Nick Jonas Ed Sheeran - WINNER Sam Smith

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST - POP/ROCK

Ariana Grande - WINNER Taylor Swift Meghan Trainor

FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP - POP/ROCK

Maroon 5 One Direction - WINNER Walk The Moon

FAVORITE ALBUM - POP/ROCK

Ed Sheeran, X Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour Taylor Swift, 1989 - WINNER

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST - COUNTRY

Jason Aldean Luke Bryan - WINNER Sam Hunt

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST - COUNTRY

Kelsea Ballerini Miranda Lambert Carrie Underwood - WINNER

FAVORITE DUO or GROUP - COUNTRY

Zac Brown Band Florida Georgia Line - WINNER Little Big Town

FAVORITE ALBUM - COUNTRY

Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt Florida Georgia Line, Anything Goes - WINNER Sam Hunt, Montevallo

FAVORITE ARTIST -- RAP/HIP-HOP

Drake Fetty Wap Nicki Minaj - WINNER

FAVORITE ALBUM - RAP/HIP-HOP

J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive Drake, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint - WINNER

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST - SOUL/R&B

Chris Brown Trey Songz The Weeknd - WINNER

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST - SOUL/R&B

Beyoncé Mary J. Blige Rihanna - WINNER

FAVORITE ALBUM - SOUL/R&B

Chris Brown, X D’Angelo and The Vanguard, Black Messiah The Weeknd, Beauty Behind the Madness - WINNER

FAVORITE ARTIST - ALTERNATIVE ROCK

Fall Out Boy - WINNER Hozier Walk the Moon

FAVORITE ARTIST - ADULT CONTEMPORARY

Ed Sheeran Taylor Swift - WINNER Meghan Trainor

FAVORITE ARTIST - LATIN

Enrique Iglesias - WINNER Ricky Martin Romeo Santos

FAVORITE ARTIST - CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

Casting Crowns - WINNER Hillsong United MercyMe

FAVORITE ARTIST -- ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC (EDM)

Calvin Harris - WINNER David Guetta Zedd

TOP SOUNDTRACK

Fifty Shades of Grey Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1 Pitch Perfect 2 - WINNER

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Angelina's sons Maddox and Pax working on 'First They Killed My Father'

Love for films and filmmaking is quite evident in Hollywood star Angelina Jolie's sons Maddox and Pax as the two have joined their mother in the making of her next directorial venture "First They Killed My Father". Co-written by Jolie, 40, the film is adapted from a memoir about by Loung Ung about the 1970s genocide in Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge. Maddox, 14, who originally hails from Combodia, is helping with the research work, while 11-year-old Pax is clicking stills, reported People magazine. "Pax is doing a lot of the stills. The whole movie is from a child's point of view," the "Maleficent" actress said. Maddox also worked as a production assistant on Jolie's recent movie, "By the Sea", her first first on-screen collaboration with husband Brad Pitt in 10 years.

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Salman Khan plans gift for fans on his 50th birthday

Salman Khan has had a great year so far with two back-to-back blockbusters – Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo – that released on Eid and Diwali respectively.

The hunk of a superstar will be turning 50 this December and will start shooting for Sultan next month.

Sultan seems to be Salman’s most ambitious project as the Bollywood titan is leaving no stone unturned to deliver his best performance in the film. He is working extremely hard on his physique to justify the role of a wrestler in the film. Salman is also taking personal interest in the scripting of the film and is spending about three hours each day with director Ali Abbas Zafar to give his inputs, reports suggest.

According to a DNA report, Salman intends to gift ‘Sultan’ to his fans, a film that is being built as his fiftieth birthday project. The film is slated to release on Eid 2016 and is reportedly set to clash with Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Raees’ at the Box Office.

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Dhaka Dynamites Win Against Comilla Victorians

Dhaka Dynamites made hard work of beating Comilla Victorians by six wickets in the second match of the BPL's opening day. The match was played in the same pitch as the high-scoring Chittagong-Rangpur fixture, but Comilla's batsmen simply imploded in the face of mostly disciplined bowling.

Dhaka took their time finishing the 111-run chase, as they stretched it to the final over, winning with four balls to spare. Not until the eighth-wicket partnership between Mashrafe Mortaza and Krishmar Santokie did the Comilla innings look to be going anywhere. They lost their top and middle-order in the first 13.3 overs, slipping to 67 for 7. Openers Imrul Kayes and Liton Das were caught at mid-off and mid-on in the first two overs before Shuvagata Hom and Marlon Samuels were undone by good deliveries. The top five didn't get to double-figures.

Darren Stevens' run out in the eighth over made it 36 for 5 and though Ariful Haque and Mahmudul Hasan stemmed the constant flow of wickets, they could only add 23 runs before Ariful was stumped off Mosharraf Hossain, who also took Mahmudul's wicket.

The best bowler on show was the Pakistan legspinner Yasir Shah who, despite going wicketless, played around with the Comilla batsmen with his flight and change of pace. Hasan took three wickets while Mosharraf Hossain picked up two.

Santokie struck three fours in one Mustafizur over before Mashrafe smoked sixes off Farhad Reza and Mustafizur, the second one landing in the second tier over midwicket. He top-scored with 25 but a total of 110 for 8 was never going to be enough to challenge a batting line-up like Dhaka's.

Shamsur Rahman made 19 off 17 balls before giving mid-off a catch off Mashrafe but Nasir Jamshed and Dhaka captain Kumar Sangakkara kept the short chase in control. Sangakkara swung but missed to give Abu Hider his first wicket.

They added 55 runs for the second wicket, before Jamshed fell for a run-a-ball 44 to Sunil Narine.

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Monday's PSC exams on Nov 30

Primary School Certificate (PSC) and equivalent examinations slated for tomorrow (Monday) will be held on November 30 for unavoidable circumstance. Public Relations Officer of Primary and Education Ministry Rabindra Roy said that Bangla examinations of PSC and equivalent examinations scheduled for Monday have been shifted for the shutdown called by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Jamaat called a countrywide dawn-to-dusk hartal for the day protesting what it said the killing of its secretary general Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mojaheed by hanging him for war crimes, according to a news agency.

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Apples Iovine for saying women cant find music

Apple’s Jimmy Iovine apologised for a comment he made during a morning television interview in which he suggested that “some women” have difficulty finding music.

“We created Apple Music to make finding the right music easier for everyone — men and women, young and old,” Iovine said in a statement. “Our new ad focuses on women, which is why I answered the way I did, but of course the same applies equally for men. I could have chosen my words better, and I apologise.”

The remarks came during an interview on “CBS This Morning,” in which the longtime music executive talked about a new Apple Music commercial featuring Kerry Washington, Taraji P. Henson and Mary J. Blige discussing the music service while making dinner.

“I always knew that women, some women, at times find it very difficult to find music,” said Iovine. “And this helps make it easier with playlists, curated by real people, not by algorithms alone.”

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UK govt sets up £1bn fund to fight malaria

The UK government is to create a new £1bn fund aimed at eradicating malaria and other infectious diseases.

The Ross Fund will be run in partnership with US philanthropists, Bill and Melinda Gates.

It is named after Sir Ronald Ross who became Britain's first Nobel Prize winner in 1902 for his discovery that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes.

The number of people dying from malaria is falling but a child still dies from the disease every minute in Africa.

Ministers say the partnership with the Microsoft founder and his wife Melinda marks a "fundamental restructuring" of the UK's aid budget.

The £1bn will come from the UK's overseas aid budget over the next five years.

UK Chancellor George Osborne said one billion people were infected with malaria and 500,000 children die from the disease each year.

He said the government's commitment to overseas aid helps to "promote our national security and interests around the world".

Working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will help us in "our joint ambition to see an end to this global disease in our lifetimes", he added.

Mr Gates, co-chairman of the foundation, said eradicating malaria and other poverty-related infectious diseases would be "one of humanity's greatest achievements," according to media reports. -amh

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