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The Turritopsis Nutricula - Immortal Jellyfish

The Secret of Eternal Youth – Does the ‘Immortal Jellyfish’ Hold the Key to Reverse the Ageing Process – Scientists Discover the Secret of Living Forever

Whilst woman all over the world are constantly searching for that magic crème or elixir that will turn back the years, scientists could well be on the breakthrough of discovering the secret to eternal life.

An ‘immortal’ jellyfish from the waters of the Caribbean is extending its reach and spreading throughout the worlds oceans. An epidemic is on the way.

The Turritopsis Nutricula is a tiny jellyfish which is just 5mm long. It is technically known as a hydrozoan and it works in a very mysterious way. It is, through its cell development, actually able to reverse the ageing process.

Scientists, geneticists, and marine biologists are very excited by the discovery which could herald the closest we have come yet to discovering the secret of eternal life since the remarkable invention of cryogenics.

They are working closely to observe cell transdifferentiation, a process in which the Turritopsis Nutricula transforms from one cell type to another through its natural life cycle.

Once sexually mature, the incredible process of age reversal is occurring when this jellyfish mates, when it then reverts back to the juvenile state; rendering the Turritopsis Nutricula seemingly ageless.

While most members of the jellyfish family usually die after propagating, the Turritopsis nutricula has the unique ability to return to a polyp state after reaching sexual maturity.

Because these jellyfish do not die naturally of old age, they are spreading through the worlds oceans at a spectacular rate of growth.

Dr Maria Miglietta of the Smithsonian Tropical Marine Institute said: “We are looking at a worldwide silent invasion.”
Scientists believe the life cycle of the Turritopsis Nutricula can repeat itself indefinitely, rendering it potentially an immortal creature.

This exciting find could put mankind on the brink of a landmark discovery. Could this small, colourful sea creature really hold the secret to eternal youth? Giving us the ability to live forever. -

A Palestinian girl stands amongst the ruins of Gaza

Breaking News Israel/Gaza Conflict – Israeli Planes Strike Tunnels on Gaza/Egypt Border – Israel/Gaza Conflict Re-ignites - Gaza/Israel End Of Ceasefire

Bringing an end to a 22 day offensive between Israel and Gaza a tentative ceasefire was put in place last week.

Tonight the conflict has been re-ignited, as Israeli planes struck tunnels in Southern Gaza near the Gaza/Egypt border.

Earlier today Palestinian officials reported one Israeli dead and three injured as a blast went off on the roadside and clashes were occurring along the Gaza Strip.

To date, 13, 00 Palestinians have been killed and a dozen or so Israelis in the latest 22 day conflict. Ceasefire has been ignored and this bloody battle is being staged once again.

An urgent call for ceasefire by Ban Ki-Moon had been heeded as emergency talks escalated.

But once again the offensive against Gaza is revived and very much in evidence in a City already ravaged by Israeli shelling. -

Myspace Film Premiere – Innovative New Platform For Film Making – Myspace Film ‘FaintHeart’

An innovative new concept to film making was launched today on the Myspace social networking Website. Faintheart is a film which has utilised the members of the Myspace community in a unique marketing enterprise.

The members of Myspace chose the script of Faintheart and were given small parts and extra roles in this online inspired Dramady. (Drama/Comedy)

One of the main roles is taken by Jessica Hynes of ‘Spaced’ fame and all other lead parts are played by professional actors. She said this could be the vision of tomorrow with remote directing via email and messenger.

Made by ‘Vertigo Films’, ‘Faintheart’ has not won the heart of Time Out critic, Dave Calhoun, who described the film as “Mildy amusing” and felt the film would be hard pushed to be able to make the DVD market.

The story of Faintheart is of a man who in his spare time likes to re-enact Viking battles much to the annoyance of his wife and his fantasy world of roleplay is damaging his marriage.

Anthony Lukom, UK Managing Director for Myspace felt that this was a platform of the future for film making and getting Myspace members involved was only right.

The film has been backed, in part by Myspace and government funding and will premiere tonight via live streaming at the same time that this film hits selected UK Cinemas which were chosen by the Myspace generation.

Entry is free for the screening of faintheart on 27/01/2009 and details are available on the official Myspace page.

It is a “Shared and steadfast desire to harness the collective creative power of the world’s leading online community and create the worlds first fully user generated feature film”.

Faintheart the DVD and soundtrack is available to purchase by download on Amazon UK.

This is an interesting marketing exercise to strengthen DVD sales on a platform that might very well lead the way and change the face of technology and future in online film making. -

“Directed by Vito Rocco. With Nick Ball, Ewen Bremner, Calum Chalmers. A romantic comedy set in the world of battle re-enactments, about an irresponsible guy” IMDB -

http://www.myspace.com/faintheartthemovie

The Seven Remaining Chukwu Octuplets - Born 1998 -

Octuplets Los Angeles, Calif USA – Woman Has Given Birth To Octuplets – Worlds Second Recorded Living Octuplets

All eight babies comprising of 6 boys and 2 girls were delivered safely by Caesarean section at hospital in Los Angeles today and the octuplets were delivered within 5 minutes.

The pregnancy had gone to a healthy 31 weeks, allowing the babies lungs to develop to a good degree which will give them a strong chance of survival.

At the ultrasound scan doctors detected only 7 babies. Babies are scanned by head-count or heart-beat and it is possible that one head became superimposed upon another in the imaging.

The unborn would have been a mass of arms and legs wriggling around and only 7 were counted. So the arrival of the eighth was a total surprise to the doctors.

The octuplets arrived 9 weeks early and the smallest baby weighed in at only 1 and a half pounds and the heaviest weighing 3lb 4oz. The unnamed mother of eight is said to be delighted with the safe delivery.

Attending Doctor, Karen E Maples released a statement at the news conference earlier today confirming that this was an “Unprecedented and very exciting day in the operating room” stating that all live born eight babies were doing well. Dr. Maples added it was a “Truly, truly amazing delivery”.

46 medical staff attended the births and 4 delivery rooms were utilised. The entire medical team were in a euphoric state at their involvement in the safe delivery of this rare set of octuplets.

The next few hours and days are critical, two of the babies are on ventilators but medical staff is “hopeful“ that all the babies will survive. Their next 6 weeks will be spent in intensive care.

The last set of recorded octuplets were born 10 years ago in 1998 to a mother is Texas, USA. Sadly one girl baby died one week after birth but all remaining seven Chukwu children are now thriving.

Today the mother offered advice, saying “Take it easy. Take sleep when you can and enjoy”. She finished by saying that the octuplets were a “Precious gift from God”.

President Barack Obama - First Lady Michelle Obama

The Inauguration of Barack Obama – 44th President United States Sworn into Office – First Mixed Race/Black President of United States- Ted Kennedy Collapses at Inauguration Luncheon–

January 20th saw the historic Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America. A landmark event in American history.

It was only 5 short decades ago that black people were given the right to vote after many years of struggle, slavery and degradation.

Barack Obama came from nowhere and over a period of two fore running years he quickly won the hearts and vision of a nation.

He appealed to the middle class American but at first, had trouble capturing the imaginations of the African/ Americans who felt his speeches lacked the fire in the belly that was expected from a black leader.

Harvard educated, Barack Obama was an unlikely candidate in the Presidential campaigns. Folks questioned, “Was he black enough”?

His vision and sincerity put hope in the spirit of the American people and through his hard work, strategic campaigning and convincing speeches it finally won him the day.

The Inauguration luncheon was delayed by the collapse of Senior Senator, Edward Kennedy who collapsed into seizure and convulsions before Barack Obama could be sworn in.

Ted Kennedy is recovering from brain cancer surgery to remove a tumour performed six months ago, but this was an event that he simply could not miss.

He was quickly rushed to the nearest hospital where he is comfortable and said to be doing well after his ordeal.

Edward Kennedy was a great support to Obama in the Presidential election campaigns, giving him the full weight of the Kennedy dynasty and all that it stands for.

Veteran Senator, Robert Byrd was also amongst the guests, being the longest serving Senator and at 92 years of age, the enormity of the event overcame him and he too collapsed but quickly regained composure to enjoy the rest of the day.

Seen too was the broken figure of the once truly great boxer, Mohamid Ali, who shuffled along, barely able to lift his head. The support for Obama was amazing and the atmosphere was relaxed and very uplifting.

After being sworn into office, Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama, were driven away in a blacked out limousine which was flanked on each side by security guards. The pair got out of the car and walked the last part of the journey, as is customary; amidst fear of attack.

Heavy Security is now something that the President and his First Lady will become accustomed to as it goes with the territory of becoming high profile political figures in a war torn world which is hell bent on reprisal.

The Inaugural ball in Washington got off to a great start with Beyonce opening the ceremony by singing the Ette James song, ‘At Last’, with lyrics which had a very apt ring to them.

The President and his First Lady danced slowly to Beyonce’s rendition of the song and the ‘Neighbourhood’ Ball in Washington was visually stunning, decked in resplendent blue decoration.

The atmosphere in the great hall was tremendous and a great warmth and support for the new President was quite evident.

In his opening speech, Obama talked of the ‘Bitter swill of Civil war and segregation’ and recognised that America and the world were now living through new and difficult challenges which would be, in part, his job to address.

He spoke of the global warming issue, medical care, and schooling. With the utmost urgency the President spoke of the severity of the economy and how this would be his main immediate focus in this telling financial climate.

With borrowed words from the great Abraham Lincoln, Obama spoke of this ‘New era of responsibilities’, and you somehow got the feeling that he was just the man for the job.-

Whitney Houston 4 years ago

Whitney Houston at Her Height of Fame 1992

Whitney strong Houston Comeback – Diva Whitney Houston Returns – Pre-Grammy Party 2009 - New Album For Whitney Houston - Youtube Whitney Houston I will Always Love You

The 20 years of substance abuse have undeniably taken their toll on Whitney Houston’s looks and we are soon to find out if the tragic events since her metaphoric rise to fame have all but destroyed her voice.

Let’s hope there will be no cancellations this year and we get to witness the return of legendary Soul Diva, Whitney Houston. The pre-Grammy party is the music industry’s hottest party in town and with the official comeback performance of Whitney Houston; it could possibly be the hottest one to date. -

Whitney Houston - ‘I Will Always Love You’

Breaking News Airbus crashes into Hudson River New York – Emergency Landing After Plane Hits Flock of Geese - All 155 Passengers and Crew Safe - CNN Youtube

The quick thinking pilot of Flight 1549 has successfully completed an emergency landing in the Hudson River, New York after both engines were shut down just after the plane left the runway.

It was shortly after take-off at 3.26 NY time that an Airbus 320 took off from runway 4 at LaGuardia airport and collided with a flock of geese, according to eye witness reports near the scene.

The plane was on route to Charlotte, North Carolina just a short journey away, when the plane encountered the birds. Both engines got into difficulty, which was then followed by a loud explosion.

The pilot was heard to say “Brace, brace”. He also alerted traffic control to inform them that they had just hit a flock of geese.

There were a lot of fumes, fire and smoke inside the aircraft. People were bleeding and whiplash injuries were incurred as the plane impacted with the water.

After impact, the airbus remained buoyant upon the water allowing passengers to escape without harm. This was probably due to the fuel tank not being full, as the journey to Charlotte was a short trip.

The pilot managed a smooth landing in the Hudson River and an emergency armada of vessels were quickly on the scene. Passengers were ushered to safety via the chutes and many waited on the wings for rescue. Others floated in the water and sat in the inflatables which were quickly erected.

Life jackets were dropped into the freezing water and all passengers and crew were successfully rescued. They were then taken to the 42nd street terminal for a head count. The injured were ferried to the 4 New York hospitals.

Injuries included cuts, hypothermia and shock but miraculously nobody died in the incident. The temperature in New York is -6 with thick snow on the ground and the waters of the Hudson would have been icy cold.

All 155 crew and passengers have been accounted for. For updated information go to: www.usairways.com

- CNN Youtube -

Breaking News –Gaza/Israel Conflict - H/Q Refugee Aid Agency Hit by Phosphorous Artillery Fire – Gaza Journalists Injured – Truce on Horizon

After an intense morning of shelling the City of Gaza has been bombarded with phosphorous artillery fire a short while ago. In the crossfire the main UN compound has been struck by 3 artillery shells which have engulfed the building in a blazing fire.

The main UN Aid building is on fire. Huge clouds of black billowing smoke fill the city with choking fumes. 700 people from the nearby high rise buildings which were targeted earlier today had come here for safety and refuge.

The media building has also been hit and it is reported that 2 journalists have been injured. Nearby, 5 trucks stand filled with fuel in a dangerously volatile situation in a City which holds a half a million people.

Hard to extinguish, the phosphorous fires rage out of control. To put water from conventional fire extinguishers onto the flames would produce toxic fumes which would choke all around.

Sand is needed to quell the burning inferno but none is at hand. 11, 00 people have now perished in Gaza, including 400 innocent women and children. The terrible loss of life and constant suffering to the Palestinians has got to stop and this unholy war needs to be brought to an abrupt end.

Emergency talks in Egypt see Hamas Officials and delegates from Israel desperately trying to put a deal in place which suits both sides and UN Official Ban Ki-Moon has expressed his outrage at the “unbearable point” of loss of Palestinian life incurred during this conflict.

This latest strike on the city central of Gaza is against all International rules of War. Military bombardment sent into built-up areas is inhumane and morally wrong.

An Official from the Red Cross stated the Israelis were using munitions in a way which adhered to the rules laid down by International law and The Israelis assure us they are only targeting Hamas Militants.

With the main Aid building being hit, this has now severely hampered efforts to get medicine and supplies through to the sick, injured, and people fighting for their lives on the streets of Gaza. -

Standing Ovation For Heath Ledger

Double Award For Kate Winslet

The Golden Globe Awards
Latest News Golden Globes 2009 - Double Award For Kate Winslet - Standing Ovation For Heath Ledger - Slumdog Millionaire Wins The Night -

Always the bridesmaid and never the blushing bride. But tonight saw Kate Winslet well and truly wed when she took a double whammy in recognition of excellence in her craft.

Tonight’s Golden Globes which were staged in Hollywood, saw Kate Winslet grab the double prize of Best Actress for her role in Revolutionary Road, directed by her off screen husband, Sam Mendes, in which she takes on the part of a frustrated housewife.

She also won an award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Reader in which she plays the part of a former Nazi concentration camp guard.

A shocked Winslet said: “I have a habit of not winning things.” She also apologised profusely in her acceptance speech, to Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep after beating them to the covetable awards.

The Golden Globes were given out by Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lopez, and Scientologist Tom Cruise, to name but a few who presented at the star studded award ceremony.

A film which there has been a lot of noise about since its production is the low budget Indi/Brit film Slumdog Millionaire which stole four Golden Globe awards, including Best Film Drama .

Slumdog Millionaire also scooped awards for the composer A R Rahman for best musical score, the direction by Danny Boyle, of Trainspotting fame and for the screenwriter Simon Beaufoy.

Slumdog Millionaire stars Dev Patel, one of the ex cast members from the series Skins which returns to our TV screens on the 22nd January.

The film charts a poor Indian boy’s rise from the slums of Mumbai to the dubious winning and subsequent accusal of cheating on the Indian version of the TV game show “Who Wants to be A Millionaire?” Slumdog Millionaire is now being deemed as hot favourite for a win at the upcoming Oscars next month.

Boyle’s comment as he accepted his award was “Your mad, pulsating affection for our film is much appreciated, really deeply appreciated”

It was nice to see Mickey Rourke take Best Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of a washed-up prizefighter in The Wrestler.

This marked a welcome screen return for the popular 80’s actor whose career was practically wiped out by a facelift which went horribly wrong leaving him virtually unrecognisable.

“Wow, this has been a very long road back for me, I’m not a very good public speaker,” Rourke said. “Several years ago, I was almost out of this business.”

Tom Wilkinson was named best supporting actor in a mini-series and Sally Hawkins picked up Best Actress in a Musical/ Comedy for her part in Mike Leigh’s film Happy-Go-Lucky.

Steven Spielberg was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his excellent directing abilities.

Woody Allen was awarded Best Film Musical/Comedy for Vicky Cristina Barcelona and after much speculation; the late Heath Ledger was duly acknowledged and won a posthumous Globe for his brilliant, stand out performance as The Joker in the Batman Movie The Dark Knight.

Christopher Nolan, the director of Batman - The Dark Knight picked up the Best Actor Award on behalf of Heath Ledger, who tragically died of an accidental overdose in 2008 at the age of 28.

To a standing ovation and rapturous applause, Nolan said “I pick this award up with a mixture of sadness and pride” – “Heath Ledger will be sorely missed but never forgotten” -

Madeleine McCann - Still Missing