Author Archives: Վարդուհի Իշխանյան

China’s ‘tumour man’ undergoes more surgery to remove huge growths from his face – this time weighing 1.5kg

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չինացի

 

A Chinese man has undergone surgery to remove a 3.3lb (1.5kg) tumour from his face.

Huang Chuncai, 37, from Hunan province, has been dubbed ‘China’s Elephant Man’. He suffers from an extreme case of neurofibromatosis, which has caused large tumours on his face that have completely distorted his features.

He is said to have the world’s worst recorded case of the condition.

On Wednesday he underwent another round of surgery at a hospital in Guangzhou to remove the tumour from his left cheek.

The operation was successful and he will now have two more to try and get his condition under control.

Although many people who have the condition inherit it from one of their parents, up to 50 per cent develop it randomly from a gene mutation before they are born.

Huang’s tumours, which five years ago were said to weigh 33lb (15kg), have put such pressure on his body that it has deformed his backbone, stunted his growth and left him in continual pain.

 

Հուան Չունկաի

The tumour first became noticable when he turned four and as he grew up, it became bigger and bigger.

He is said to have quit school when he was 10 years old because his classmates laughed and alienated him because of his condition.

All of his teeth fell off at the age of 25 and thereafter, he found it difficult to speak and eat.

It has also been reported that several years ago, a circus approached his father to buy his son for holding ‘monster performances’, but his parents refused.

Huang had surgery in 2007 and 2008 – the first to remove the 33lb tumour. The surgery was extremely risky due to the high chance of heavy bleeding.

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The Presidential Palace hosted numerous children from border villages of Armenia

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5014

 

 Today, on the occasion of New Year and Holly Christmas, President Serzh Sargsyan and First Lady Rita Sargsyan at the Presidential Palace hosted children from a number of border villages of Armenia such as – Chambarak and Vahan villages of Gegharkunik marz, Khndzorut, Bardzrouni, Khachik, Sers villags of Vayots Dzor, Eraskh village of Ararat marz, Barekamavan, Berdavan, Dovegh, Baghis villages of Tavush marz – two hundred kids in total. In attendance of the little guests, the Christmas tree was lit up and festive events kicked off.

On behalf of Mrs. Rita Sargsyan and his own behalf, the President of Armenia warmly congratulated the participants of the event and all children on the occasion of New Year and Holly Christmas holidays and wished them all the best. “I wish you happiness, success; I wish that you – beloved kids of your parents, make them happy with your good learning performance, exemplary behavior, and greatest esteem towards your parents.

 

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I wish you all happy childhood, I wish you become good citizens of our country, active citizens, I wish you become successful persons, which first and foremost, dear children, requires good learning, diligence and, certainly, respect for the parents, elderly, and the country, “ President Serzh Sargsyan said. He also noted that he always wanted all children and young people to have the necessary opportunities to reveal their abilities and assured that the state is doing and will continue to do everything it can to create such opportunities.

Festive events for children will continue at Baghramian 26 also for two more days – December 24 and 25. Tomorrow, at the Presidential Palace hosted will be Armenian kids from Syria, children of fallen and disabled freedom fighters, children and grandchildren of the veterans and servicepersons of the Artsakh war, including those from the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, while on December 25 at the Presidential Palace will gather schoolchildren with excellent learning performance – almost 1000 children in total.

Children from the border villages have arrived to Yerevan yesterday, December 22 and before attending a festive event at the Presidential Palace they participated at the cultural program which was created particularly for them. They visited the Museum of History of Armenia, watched a performance at the H. Tumanian State Puppet Show Theater, and in the evening they participated at a festive New Year event organized at the Republic Square.

 

5021Festive events organized at the Presidential Palace on the eve of New Year have become a good tradition. Last year, hosted here were children aged 6-12 from the care and protection institutions (boarding schools and orphanages) as well as Armenian kids from Syria, schoolchildren with excellent learning performance, children and grandchildren of servicepersons and fallen freedom fighters.

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Davutoglu’s Charm Offensive During Visit to Armenia

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Հարութ-Սասունյան1

 

By Harut Sassounian

Publisher, The California Courier

 

The wily Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu used every diplomatic trick to take maximum advantage of his presence in Yerevan during the Black Sea Economic Cooperation conference (BSEC) last week.

 

Davutoglu and his diplomatic team had initially launched a disinformation campaign by announcing that he might not participate in the conference because of other commitments, thus giving the impression of not being eager to travel to Armenia. Later on, he conditioned his attendance on the positive outcome of the meetings between the Presidents and Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. To reassure Pres. Aliyev of Azerbaijan that Turkey was minding the interests of its junior brother, the Turkish Foreign Ministry falsely tipped off the press that Armenia had agreed to withdraw from two regions around Karabagh (Artsakh).

 

Foreign Minister Davutoglu’s real intent in unleashing a charm offensive during his Yerevan trip was to preempt the anticipated worldwide campaign against Turkey during the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide in 2015. He wanted to impress the international community of his country’s willingness to reconcile with Armenia, while helping to advance Turkey’s application for European Union membership.

 

In response, Armenian officials did everything possible to lessen the success of the Turkish charm offensive. Armenia’s strategy was to keep Davutoglu’s Yerevan trip within the confines of the BSEC conference rather than engage in bilateral Armenian-Turkish relations, and exclude any discussion of the Armenian-Turkish Protocols and the Artsakh conflict.

 

It is therefore not surprising that there was no meeting in Yerevan between Armenia’s President and Turkey’s Foreign Minister. The only official encounter was with Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, who also met with several BSEC participants as host of the conference.

 

To be sure, Davutoglu faced some obstacles during his stay in the Armenian capital. He had to enter the Marriott Hotel, the venue of the conference, through the back door to avoid young political activists protesting his visit. Meanwhile, Nalbandian issued a series of terse statements before, during, and after the BSEC conference, warning Turkey that Armenia would not accept any preconditions, such as a partial withdrawal from the Artsakh area, in return for establishing diplomatic relations and opening the border between Armenia and Turkey.

 

Nalbandian’s resolute stand forced Davutoglu to back down, fearing that his trip to Armenia would be characterized as a failure. At the risk of alienating Azerbaijan, the Turkish Minister acknowledged that he had not come to present concrete proposals on Armenian-Turkish relations, and had not asked Armenia to withdraw from two regions around Artsakh. After the conference, Davutoglu changed his tune, insisting that his only purpose for coming to Yerevan was to overcome the “psychological barrier” between Armenia and Turkey and initiate renewed dialogue and trust.

 

In his stated quest for improved relations, Davutoglu held a meeting with former Defense and Prime Minister Vazgen Manukian, during which he belittled the Genocide as “certain past events” and urged everyone “to move forward.” When Manukian recounted the deaths of his four uncles during the Genocide, Davutoglu promised to say a prayer during his next visit to their birthplace — Moks, South of Lake Van. Yet audaciously he advised Armenians not to forget Turkish victims of World War I. He also suggested that Diaspora Armenians return to their former homeland, present-day Turkey. The most intriguing aspect of the meeting with Manukian was Davutoglu’s revelation that one of the buildings in the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Ankara had belonged to an Armenian — thus raising the possibility of a lawsuit by the former owner’s heirs.

 

Foreign Minister Davutoglu made one last attempt at undermining the preparations for the Armenian Genocide Centennial, by telling Turkish reporters on board his flight that the “deportation” of Armenians in 1915 was “inhumane.” By claiming that Turkey had never supported this move, he condemned the “deportation” as a “totally wrong practice done by [the Ottoman-era rulers under the Committee of the Union and Progress].”

 

Davutoglu also revealed that he has been meeting with Diaspora Armenians during his trips abroad, but had not publicized these encounters concerned that “extremist Armenians would cause problems.”

 

The Turkish charm offensive left a good impression on those who are hell-bent on Armenian-Turkish reconciliation and have no qualms in equating the executioner with the victim. The United States and Canada were the only two countries that officially welcomed the Turkish Foreign Minister’s visit to Armenia, urging further dialogue between the two sides.

 

President Serzh Sargsyan conducted a meeting at the Ministry of Economy

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սերժ սարգսյան,էկոնոմիկայի նախարարություն

 President Serzh Sargsyan visited today the Ministry of Economy. The President toured the premise of the Ministry, conversed with the employees of the Ministry’s departmental reform group, the Agency for Licensing and Authorization and other departments about their work and forthcoming plans, inquired about the working conditions and existing problems. Later, at the conference hall of the Ministry, the President conducted a working meeting with the leadership of the Ministry.

At the meeting, the Minister of Economy, Deputy Ministers and Head of Staff reported on the works carried out in their respective areas, spoke about the existing problems and development programs.

Minister Vahram Avanessian along with the economic trends presented also the main emphases which will appear in the future activities of the Ministry. In particular, he reported on the works carried out in the area of Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union, the process of reformation undertaken in the area of civil aviation, departmental reforms, improvement of business environment and information technologies, development of small and medium enterprises, as well as about the works conducted in the area of innovative policies.

Deputy Minister Ara Petrossian presented the area of trade and market regulation speaking, particularly, about the turnover and increase of export volumes in January-October of 2013.

Main activities conducted in 2013 in the area of quality infrastructure and technical regulation were presented by Deputy Minister Garnik Badalian. The Deputy Minister spoke also about the drafts of 4 national technical regulations, National Accreditation body, works of the national institutes of Standards and Measures.

Another Deputy Minister, Garegin Melkonian presented the results of international economic cooperation, cooperation with EU and intellectual property issues, particularly, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, assistance programs implemented by the European Union in 2012-2013 and other areas under his supervision.

Deputy Minister Tigran Harutyunian spoke about investment policy, main directions and priorities for industrial development.

Head of Staff of the Ministry of Economy Emil Tarasian familiarized the President of Armenia with the structure of the Ministry, reported on human resources and administration and steps taken towards the enhancement of the staff efficiency.
After listening to the reports, the President spoke about tasks and priorities before the Ministry of Economy. “To recap our tasks, I should say that there has opened a new and vast field for work, and I anticipate active, persistent and thorough work. I emphasize these words because such work qualities are really necessary for us, related to our membership to the Customs Union. We all should realize that it is a responsibility which we have assumed,” the President underscored.

Serzh Sargsyan stressed also the importance of the Ministry’s persistent work on other directions, including strengthening of favorable business environment, development of the areas which have great export potential and capacity to generate multiple jobs, support of small and medium enterprises.

Serzh Sargsyan spoke about the necessity to develop in the Ministry of Economy of analytical capacities and creation of a relevant center whose activities should be of a more applicable nature. The President stressed the importance of a public nature of the works conducted by the future center work and availability of its analysis for the public at large. The President of Armenia noted that as the initial step, he anticipates that already in February-March 2014, when the National Statistical Service will have issued final social and economic results for year 2013, the Government will present a comprehensive and meticulous analysis. Presented will be tendencies registered throughout the year; it will become clear whether goals set for year 2013 have been met and if not, what are the subjective and objective reasons which resulted in deflection, how the external factors have influenced the final results, what base has been set for future development, etc. According to the President, such analyses are also necessary so that adopted decisions and approaches become comprehensible for all.

At the Ministry of Economy, the President responded also to the questions raised by the participants of the meeting. In particular, presenting his view on the pension reform, which is being broadly debated nowadays, Serzh Sargsyan said, “You see, I have been working on that issue personally for some time and in the past have conducted a number of meetings, also with the participation of the political forces represented in the National Assembly, to be more precise, with at least four groups, with the participation of party leaders. The objective was to understand all problems which might appear – from public discontent to economic and financial problems, and with this conviction we have drafted a law, sent it to the National Assembly and, thanks God, we already have a law which has been voted on, and my attitude towards that law is positive. I hear different opinions every day and these opinions, by the may, could be easily split as political and professional; in political as well as professional opinions present are both superficial and rather thoughtful approaches. I would like every one who believes this is a useful reform to be more active. After all, what do we want? We want to put an end to a bad situation existing today, related to the social security of the elderly. To be honest, I occasionally feel embarrassed, ashamed. I even believe, the time has come to apologize to these people. We have to solve this problem so that future state officials are not compelled to apologize. I want every official who could have solved this problem years ago, hear me now, we wouldn’t be forced to apologize now. Tall tales that a system which was created through the solidarity of generations and decades is now being destroyed. Who said that is being destroyed? The system will remain intact. What we say is “we make this addition to it.” I am very positive about it, and all those who believe it’s a good thing, should be more active,” the President said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a group of the Ministry employees were awarded for their diligent and efficient work. Artak Baghdassarian, Head of the Economic Development Policy Department, Artashes Hovhannissian, Head of the First Division, Nina Ter-Grigorian, Leading Specialist at the Department of International Economic Cooperation received Presidential Letters of Commendation.

 

 Անկախ

Australian judges overturn law allowing gay marriage and declare 27 weddings invalid

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Ավստրալիա,նույնասեռականների ամուսնություններ, օրենք

 

Australia’s highest court has overturned a landmark law which had begun allowing the country’s first gay marriages.

The federal government challenged the validity of the Australian Capital Territory’s law that had allowed gay marriages in the nation’s capital and its surrounding area from last Saturday.

It means at least 27 weddings have been deemed invalid.

The federal government’s lawyer argued that having different marriage laws in various Australian states and territories would create confusion.

The High Court unanimously ruled that the ACT’s law could not operate concurrently with the federal Marriage Act, which was amended in 2004 to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

Gay marriage has legal recognition in 18 countries as well as 16 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia.

 

It’s a Christmas miracle! Airline makes stunned passengers’ festive wishes come true (pity the guy who asked for socks)

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Կանադական, ավիաուղիներ, ամանոր

 

 

If you aren’t quite in the Christmas spirit yet then maybe this viral video from Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet will help.

 

The airline claims to have spent the past four months putting together its Christmas Miracle stunt, in which passengers got to tell Santa Claus what they want before catching their flight and hey presto it was there waiting for them at the other end of their journey.

 

The video was uploaded onto YouTube on Sunday and depending on your seasonal cheer levels, it is either a heart-warming reminder of what Christmas is all about or a shameless attempt by an airline to milk the holidays for all they can in a shamelessly icky promo stunt.

 

Passengers flying to Calgary from Toronto and Hamilton were filmed asking a virtual Santa Claus what they wanted for Christmas while still in the departure lounge.

 

The video shows a variety of passengers – young and old – take it in turns to tell Father Christmas about the gift they most what before boarding their flights.

 

Then we get to see behind-the-scenes as an army of 150 volunteers rush to the nearest retail park to fill their vehicles full of all the requested presents.

 

After the passengers finally touch down in Calgary we see them milling around baggage reclaim, which has been decorated to look as seasonal as possible with giant gingerbread men and even fake snow.

 

Then the baggage carousel starts up and rather than their luggage, the passengers are greeted with individual gift boxes containing their specially-requested Christmas gifts.

 

 

 

The footage of the passengers opening their presents is very touching, especially a young boy who looks super excited to receive an Android tablet and a young family get the biggest present – a big screen TV, looking slightly less impressed is the poor guy who only gets some socks and underwear.

 

He and some of the other must be regretting that they didn’t set their sights a little higher, after all they knew they were being filmed for a Christmas Miracle stunt.

 

 

 Անկախ

The models in masks: Shocking images show women forced to don medical garb for fashion event in smog-hit city of Nanjing

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Չինաստան,նորաձևության շոու,մոդելներ,բժշկական դիմակներ

 

Elegant in their long white dresses and spectacular gold jewellery, accessorised with medical masks, the women sashayed down the catwalk to applause from watching fashionistas.

Thanks to sky high levels of air pollution In Nanjing, the capital of the smog-hit Jiangsu province, the masks were insisted upon by officials concerned about the impact of doing an outdoor show on models’ health.
Չինաստան,նորաձևության շոու,մոդելներ,բժշկական դիմակներ

Air pollution is becoming an increasingly serious issue in the world’s most populous country, with scores of coal-burning power stations pushing emissions to a level that is 40 times higher than the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organisation.
In Nanjing, and capital Beijing, conditions worsen in winter thanks to additional demand for power and have been exacerbated by the country’s rapid urbanisation.

And it’s not just fashion shows that are affected by the poisonous clouds: so thick is the lingering smog, flights into and across China are regularly disrupted.

The current outbreak of smog is affecting the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Henan provinces, although the capital has also been badly hit.

Other cities to face smog-related problems during the outbreak, which has lasted for more than a week, include Shanghai and Hangzhou.

But it is Nanjing that is enduring the worst of the smog, with officials putting the city on red alert according to Chinese news agency, Xinhua.

 

The newly appointed Ambassador of Denmark to Armenia presented his credentials to the President

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Today, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Republic of Armenia Merete Yuhl (residence in Kiev) presented his credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan.

The President congratulated the Ambassador on assuming his post and wished every success in his work for the benefit of further development and strengthening of the Armenian-Danish relations.

The President of Armenia underscored that Armenia attaches importance to the Armenian-Danish relations and cooperation in different areas and is interested in expanding and deepening interstate relations with the Kingdom of Denmark. According to the President it is proved by the opening in 2011 of the Armenian Embassy in Copenhagen.

Ambassador Merete Yuhl welcomed and stressed the importance of establishing the Embassy of Armenia in Denmark and underlined that it is important for his country as well and clearly signals that Armenia is willing to further relations with Denmark. He assured the President of Armenia that considering the existing great potential, during his tenure he would do his best to promote strengthening and development of bilateral relations.

Discussed was also the issue of deepening the Armenian-Danish relations in the framework of the Armenia-EU cooperation.

Customs reform strategy has been established

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10832_am_1

The Government held a regular meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan.

The Government approved the State Revenue Committee of Customs Administration Strategy Program for 2013-2014.
During the reform process of the legislative, institutional, human resource management, enforcement, information technology development and other areas numerous problems and tasks are revealed, methods and ways of their solution are reflected in the strategic document.
Prime Minister instructed to include the Customs Union agreements in this program document.
The government authorized the proposal about the creation of the agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation concerning the Russian-Armenian humanitarian response center.
Tasks to be implemented by the Centre are the prevention measures in emergencies, urgent humanitarian assistance to the population affected by emergency situations, joint projects and programs, trainings for specialists, etc.
During the meeting the project between the Republic of Armenia and the International Development Association, as well as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Republic of Armenia “development policy first funding” and “the first development policy loan” credit agreements projects have been approved.
According to them USD 72 Million will be directed to the improvement of a number of industries.
Changes and additions are made in one of the government’s previous decisions; the government established the privilege procedure for handle relations with the income tax provided by the development cooperation agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Austria’s governments
The government has allowed the “temporary import” tax regime terms extension for the imported goods by “Korsan – korviam construction” JSC Armenia branch until 2015. November 27.
Last year, the company has been recognized as a winner of the international open competition of the road reconstruction and improvement, imported equipments by the North-South Road Corridor Investment Program which development will continue this year as well, so there is a need for decision-making.
The government redistributes the 2013 budget made changes and additions in one of the earlier decisions of the Ministry of Urban Development and has allocated almost AMD 6 million for making a structural inspection of 19 high school buildings.
Pursuant to the President’s decree of 2013 November 6, about the “winter conscription and demobilization”, the government has decided to set up a military commission in order to ensure the overall management of the recruitment committee, coordinating the work of the Marz (Yerevan city) military commissions to confirm their compositions.

Global smuggling ring busted after 12 tons of elephant tusks worth £62million is found by customs officers in China

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12 tons of smuggled ivory- China

 

Customs officials have smashed a global smuggling ring after they discovered 12 tons of smuggled ivory worth £62million in China.

The 3,188 pieces of elephant tusks were found in Xiamen city and have an estimated value of 603 million Yuan on the black market.

Officials named one of the ‘masterminds’ as a Fujian native called Chen who was known to customs since 2011 and operates between China and Africa for his licensed ivory shop, according to the South China Morning Post.

Several members of his group were also arrested and almost 2,000 kilograms of ivory was seized in August.

Ivory is seen as a symbol of wealth and status in China, and has become increasingly popular in recent years with the growth of the wealthy middle class.

According to a recent survey by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, 70 per cent of Chinese people did not know that elephants are killed for ivory products.

The survey revealed that most thought elephants lost tusks in the same way humans lose teeth.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a news conference on Tuesday that China was committed to working with the international community to protect wildlife.

The U.S. is the world’s second largest consumer of ivory products behind China.

 

Dozens in Hospital Over Pollution in South Iran

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Իրան, օդի աղտոտվածություն

 

An Iranian newspaper says more than 50 people were hospitalized in a southern city where air pollution levels spiked this week.

Tuesday’s report by the pro-reform Arman daily quotes the head of provincial health department, Mohammad Hossein Sarmast, as saying that at least 5,000 people rushed to the city hospitals in Ahvaz seeking medical assistance after pollution levels increased following lightning strikes and heavy rains on Sunday.

The paper also cites another health official, Mohammad Alavi, as saying acid rain may have caused symptoms such as shortness of breath among those admitted to hospitals.

Ahvaz is located in the oil-rich province of Khuzestan, which is dotted with oil wells and factories, and is among Iran’s most polluted cities.

 

Boxer Klitschko to Run for Ukraine Presidency

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vitali klitschko,կլիչկո

Vitali Klitschko, a heavyweight boxing champion and top Ukrainian opposition leader, says he will run for the ex-Soviet nation’s presidency in 2015.

The 42-year-old was elected to parliament last fall as the head of his pro-Western party Udar (“Punch” in English). Since then, Klitschko, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, has campaigned against what he calls authoritarian moves by President Viktor Yanukovych.

He particularly criticized the jailing of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, which was seen as politically motivated by the West.

Klitschko announced his widely expected presidential bid Thursday in response to efforts by pro-government forces to pass a bill that could prevent him from running because he has permanent residency status in Germany.

Klitschko vowed that he “will not be frightened or stopped by this.”

 

Proof that Marilyn Monroe DID have a chin implant: X-rays and medical notes that reveal late star’s cosmetic surgery go up for auction

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A physician’s notes on Marilyn Monroe that indicate that the Hollywood sex symbol had undergone cosmetic surgery will be up for sale next month along with a set of her X-rays, an auction house said on Tuesday.

The set of six X-rays and a file of doctors’ notes that offer a partial medical history of the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes actress from 1950 to 1962, are expected to fetch between $15,000 and $30,000 at auction on November 9 and 10, said Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California.

The notes written by Hollywood plastic surgeon Michael Gurdin appear to confirm speculation that Monroe, who epitomized glamour and set a standard of movie star beauty during the latter part of Hollywood’s golden era, went under the knife for cosmetic reasons.

The seller, who is so far unnamed, received the items as a gift from Gurdin.

Gurdin’s notes include references to a 1950 cartilage implant in Monroe’s chin, which he observed to have slowly begun to dissolve.

Monroe’s biggest films, such as 1953’s How to Marry a Millionaire, 1955’s The Seven Year Itch and 1959’s Some Like It Hot, were all shot after 1950.

The X-rays include Monroe’s frontal facial bones, a composite right and left X-ray of the sides of her nasal bones and dental X-rays of the roof of her mouth.
A set of three chest X-rays of Monroe from 1954 sold for $45,000 at a 2010 auction.

A self-published memoir by Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Norman Leaf in 2010 claimed that Monroe underwent cosmetic surgery on her chin in 1950, citing the same notes made by Gurdin, Leaf’s medical partner.

Leaf also states in his memoir that Monroe underwent a slight rhinoplasty procedure on the tip of her nose.

The notes also indicate that Monroe suffered from neutropenia, a low level of a white blood cell type, in 1956 while in England and had an ectopic pregnancy in 1957.

13 Dead as Migrant Boat Runs Aground off Sicily

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sicilian coast-migrants

 

The Italian coast guard says 13 bodies have washed up on a Sicilian beach after a boat carrying some 200 migrants ran aground as it approached the shore.

Coast guard official Marco Di Milla says rescue boats and divers are in the waters off Scicli, on Sicily’s southern coast, looking for other possible bodies. The nationalities of the migrants aren’t known, but the dead were all male.

Di Milla reported witnesses saying that many of the migrants aboard the ship swam ashore and ran away.

Sicily and its islands are the frequent destination for smugglers’ boats leaving from Tunisia or Libya with would-be migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. In recent weeks there has also been an upswing in the number of Syrian migrants arriving.

 

ANC OF MERRIMACK VALLEY MEETS WITH REP. NIKI TSONGAS IN LOWELL

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Tsongas 9.9.13Lowell, MA — The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Merrimack Valley took issues of importance to Armenians in the 3rd Congressional district of Massachusetts to the office steps of Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-MA-3) on Monday, September 9, 2013.

The group included longtime ANCA activists Ara Jeknavorian, Aram Jeknavorian, Tom Vartabedian and Stephen Dulgarian. ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Michelle Hagopian accompanied the group to the meeting Monday morning.

The visit comes on the heels of a Washington, DC meeting with the Congresswoman and Hagopian. Tsongas has been a steadfast supporter of Armenian American concerns, consistently cosponsoring legislation and attending Armenian events both in the district and on Capitol Hill.

“Rep. Tsongas has always been very attentive to our issues and our cause. We’re glad she’s trying to become an even stronger advocate for Armenians, and this meeting was a reminder of that,” said Ara Jeknavorian, ANC of Merrimack Valley co-chairman.

Much of the discussion centered on the situation in Syria and the ANCA’s stance to oppose air strikes by the United States. The ANC leaders expressed their dire concern about the region and about Armenians living there and those who have fled. Rep. Tsongas was receptive and also deeply concerned about the entire situation, and she informed the group she would keep the local ANC abreast about what plays out in Congress this week.

Rep. Tsongas, a member of the Armed Services Committee, was informed about Syrian rebels targeting Armenians prior to that committee’s hearing on Syria on Tuesday, September 10.

Besides Syria, Rep. Tsongas heard concerns of the local ANC on issues such as House Resolution 227 (the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution), foreign aid to Armenia and Massachusetts’ 3rd district Armenian community. She said she is always happy meeting with constituents as she “is only as good as the stories I hear.”

“The ANCA Eastern Region is very lucky to have such a strong voice for Armenians in our corner with Rep. Tsongas. She has made her presence known both locally and nationally, whether by attending April 24 commemorations or signing on to Dear Colleague letters over the years,” stated Hagopian.

The ANC of Merrimack Valley also brought up the dedication of a new Armenian Genocide monument that will be erected on public land in front of Lowell City Hall in April 2014. Both Jeknavorians, Dulgarian and Vartabedian all serve on the Merrimack Valley Armenian Genocide Monument Committee and encouraged Rep. Tsongas to attend the event next spring.

The meeting follows a busy month in August for the ANCA Eastern Region that saw many local ANCs meeting with representatives in their districts while Congress was in recess.

 

Davit Tonoyan held separate meetings with the UNHCR representative in Armenia Mr.Damtew Dessalegne

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դավիթ-տոնոյանOn August 23, First Deputy Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan held separate meetings with the UNHCR representative in Armenia Mr.Damtew Dessalegne and with the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Armenia, Mr.Lorenzo Caraffi.

During both meetings parties discussed issues regarding the Armenian POW Hakob Injighulyan. D. Tonoyan particularly expressed his concern over the fact, that the Azerbaijani authorities continue to violate principles of international law with regard to Hakob Injighulyan and that competent international humanitarian organizations, human rights defenders and international community have not shown any reaction to the lack of restraint on part of Azerbaijan is rather perplexing.

Alleged “interviews” with Hakob Injighulyan recently recorded and broadcasted by the Azerbaijani authorities-which again testify to the informational war against Armenia on a rather very primitive level and aim to hinder the process of Injighulyan’s repatriation – have not been condemned by a single international organization. It is obvious that Injighulyan is forced to come up with controversial statements under psychological intimidation and most probably under the threat of physical abuse which has become a common way of acting for the Azerbaijani authorities under wide-spread impunity. Hakob Injighulyan’s request for resettling him in a 3rd country should be taken into consideration if he was assured  of the right  to express his wish in a free, unhindered and informed  manner and by no means under constant pressure .

He also reiterated the pledge of the Armenian authorities not to subject Injighulyan to criminal prosecution in view of the absence of corpus dilecti in his case and informed aboutintentions to ask UNHCR to use its good offices when they are engaged and inform Injighulyan duly of this commitment.

It is noteworthy that no repatriated POW of Armenian nationality has been subject to such prosecution with most of themtaking up their service in their homeland.

It was also said, that  the Armenian side believes international humanitarian organizations should engage themselves to a maximum extent facilitating the prompt repatriation of Injighulyan and will object to any attempt ofhis resettlement in a 3rd country considering them unjustified and groundless.

Lebanon Charges 13 in Case of Turks’ Kidnapping

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airplane_turkeyLebanon’s state-run news agency says a Lebanese prosecutor has charged 13 people in connection with the kidnapping of two Turkish Airlines pilots in Beirut. Most of the 13 are relatives of nine Lebanese Shiites who have been held by Syrian rebels for more than a year. Relatives of the Lebanese hostages blame Turkey, which supports the Syrian rebels, for not doing enough to secure their release. Gunmen snatched the two Turkish pilots on Aug. 9 from a van near Beirut’s international airport. The National News Agency said three members of the group charged Tuesday were arrested on Saturday, while the rest remain at large. Daniel Zgheib, a spokesman for the relatives of the nine Lebanese Shiites, rejected the charges, calling them a “mockery” in comments to a Lebanese TV station.

ANCA EASTERN REGION LOCAL COMMITTEES MEET WITH HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES DURING AUGUST RECESS

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Runyan_district (1)Mount Laurel, NJ — The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA-ER) has been voicing the values and concerns of Armenian Americans with U.S. representatives in their district offices while Congress is on August recess.

The ANC of New Jersey was accompanied by Michelle Hagopian, ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director, to a meeting with Rep. Jon Runyan (R-NJ-3) on Tuesday, August 13, 2013. The meeting was at his Mount Laurel district office in southern New Jersey.

“These district meetings are vital to the ebb and flow of the ANCA-ER’s activity. Even though we connect with representatives in Washington, we lay the foundation locally in the district. We appreciate the cooperation of elected officials like Rep. Runyan for meeting with our activists, who are always willing to voice their concerns and advance the Armenian cause,” said Hagopian.

Andrew and Madonna Kzirian, two constituents of Rep. Runyan, attended the meeting and brought a few pamphlets and books on the Armenian Genocide as a gift to the Congressman. House Resolution 227, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice Resolution, was a main point of discussion in the meeting as the ANCA-ER works to increase the number of cosponsors on the resolution.

“I think the 3rd district community should be pleased that we’re meeting with elected officials at the federal level and we’re putting a face on the topic of the Genocide. Even if a Congressman isn’t up to speed on our issues, we’re making them aware that constituents are concerned about justice,” Andrew Kzirian said.

Hagopian also accompanied Vatche Kaloustian of the ANC of Pennsylvania to a meeting with the office of Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA-7) on Wednesday, August 14. The discussion ranged from the history of the Genocide to the self-determination and democratic nature of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, which included a briefing on the history of the region and the aggression by Azerbaijan against Armenians.

In the Midwest, the newly formed ANC of Missouri has been hard at work getting to know their elected officials as well. On Wednesday, August 7, ANC-MO activists Jake Varadian and John Donjoian met with the office of Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO-2) to cultivate a relationship with the Congresswoman.

The pair discussed the St. Louis metropolitan area community, including the Granite City, Ill., Armenian Apostolic church, St. Gregory the Illuminator. The fact that the St. Louis area has a sizeable population of Baku Armenians provided a solid framework to discuss Nagorno Karabakh and the far-reaching roots it has in Missouri and Illinois. ANC-MO also gave personal accounts of their familial ties to the Genocide, emphasized the importance of culture that Armenian Americans bring to the area, and urged Rep. Wagner to push for more trade and aid to Armenia.

“Rep. Wagner’s office was genuinely touched by our personal accounts and our willingness to discuss the issues important to the Armenians of Missouri’s 2nd Congressional district,” Donjoian said.

ANCA-ER has other meetings scheduled in the district for this month and into September, while some local ANCs such as the ANC of Rhode Island have met with their representatives already and have made plans to meet with their Senators before the recess is over.

U.S. Congress returns to session in Washington, DC on September 9.

Elton John Has Appendicitis, Requires Surgery

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elton_johnElton John is suffering from appendicitis that requires surgery, a spokesman for the singer confirms to ABC News. As a result, the award-winning singer has canceled all upcoming shows, including a headlining concert on Friday at a London music festival.

“Elton is incredibly disappointed to postpone these tour dates,” his rep stated. “To know that he made such super-human efforts and continued to perform to thousands through his illness only confirms his dedication to his European fans. He is eager to be back on top form and return to play the remaining shows starting in early September 2013.”

John, 66, fell ill while touring and after undergoing scans and blood tests, he was diagnosed with “appendix abscess surrounding retrocaecal appendicitis.” As a result, he’s taking antibiotics and will undergo surgery in the next few weeks.

The Grammy winner and his husband, David Furnish, have a lot on their plates: their oldest son, Zachary, is 2, while their youngest, Elijah, is just 6 months old.