Daily Archives: September 14, 2013

Cher Turns Down Olympics Gig in Russia Over Anti-Gay Law

Posted on by
Reply

cherAfter actor Wentworth Miller declined an invitation to attend the St. Petersburg International Film Festival to protest Russia’s legal discrimination against gay people, iconic diva Cher become the latest celebrity to openly turn down a chance to fly to the Eurasian country over its anti-gay legislation. The 67-year-old singer revealed she had been asked to open the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi but she “immediately said no.”

“I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there,” said the “Woman’s World” singer to her friend who proposed the gig to her. “He said the Russian people don’t feel the way the government does.” But until the anti-gay law there is lifted, Cher, who is a known gay icon, an advocate for the LGBT community, and mother to transgender son, Chaz, won’t be going there anytime at all.

 

Heavy Clashes Among Syrian Rebels Near Iraq Border

Posted on by
Reply

syria-iraqActivists say heavy clashes between Syrian opposition fighters and Islamic extremist rebel factions near the Iraqi border have killed at least five people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group says the ongoing battles Saturday in the town of Boukamal pit the al-Qaida-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq against more moderate rebel brigades.

Infighting among rebel groups, particularly between al-Qaida-linked extremist factions and more moderate units, has escalated in recent months. The violence undermines the opposition’s primary goal of overthrowing President Bashar Assad.

It also complicates efforts by the U.S. and its allies to provide greater support to the Syrian opposition.

 

Bus carrying dozens of people flips in Ohio

Posted on by
Reply

busA passenger bus turned over onto its roof early Saturday while traveling through southern Ohio, authorities said.

At least 34 people who were on board the bus were taken to hospitals, six of them by helicopter, said Butler County emergency management spokesman Jeff Galloway.

The bus was carrying 52 people when it overturned, he said.

A sheriff’s office spokeswoman had previously said that the bus was carrying more than 80 people.

The bus originated in Cincinnati and was heading to Detroit.