A request is being made to a Scottish council to host a special service in memory of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon.
On Saturday August 25, 2012, a true American hero lost his life. Neil Armstrong was the first person to bravely leave our world behind and set foot on another. On July 21, 1969, he walked on the moon.
To be a young girl witnessing this amazing--and I don't use that term lightly--this amazing feat would have changed my life in ways unimaginable. But I wasn't alive in 1969. And by the time I even became aware of NASA's existence, a total of twelve people had stepped foot on the lunar surface. They were individual explorers, as are all of the fearless men and women in the space program. But their personal accomplishments mean more to me as a whole. They embody a spirit of exploration, uniting a nation--no, the world--and proving to us just what is possible.
Neil wasn't the only astronaut who passed away this year. On February sixth, Janice Voss, science director for NASA's Kepler Space Observatory, died. She left our planet on five separate occasions to fly in space. And Alan Poindexter, Navy Captain and shuttle pilot on two trips to the international space station, lost his life on July first. On July 23, Sally Ride, the first American woman in space passed away. To this day, she remains the youngest astronaut to leave Earth in her taillights.
Many astronauts live their lives quietly, humbly, insisting they're simply doing the job they were called upon to do. This humility was epitomized by Neil Armstrong. Upon his passing, his family issued this statement: "For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."
Katie Holmes walked away without a payment or alimony in her divorce with Tom Cruise, but the couple's six-year-old daughter, Suri, stands to receive $400,000 annually in child support until she turns 18, celebrity website TMZ.com reported.
Citing sources familiar with court documents filed by the former couple, whose divorce was finalized earlier this week, TMZ said the "TomKat" pre-nuptial agreement blocked Holmes from receiving any portion of the 50-year-old actor's $250 million fortune.
Citing sources familiar with court documents filed by the former couple, whose divorce was finalized earlier this week, TMZ said the "TomKat" pre-nuptial agreement blocked Holmes from receiving any portion of the 50-year-old actor's $250 million fortune.
But Cruise will make child-support payments over the next 12 years that add up to $4.8 million, or $33,333.33 a month. TMZ also reported that Cruise must pay Suri's medical, education and extracurricular expenses.
Holmes, 33, surprised Cruise in late June when she filed for divorce from the "Mission: Impossible" star after a nearly six-year marriage. Cruise was in Iceland shooting a movie at the time.
The divorce, which took less than two weeks to settle, captivated the world and prompted questions about whether Suri will be raised in the Church of Scientology, with which her father has long been closely associated.
Andrew insisted his retirement had nothing to do with the ongoing England exile of star batsman Kevin Pietersen.
England Test skipper Andrew Strauss on Wednesday announced retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect, a decision which came amidst the controversies surrounding his strained relationship with controversial Kevin Petersen and his subsequent exile.
The 35-year-old Strauss took the surprise decision to quit cricket after a week’s soul-searching during a family break in the aftermath of the 0—2 Test loss to South Africa which saw England being dethroned as the number one Test team.
He will be replaced as Test captain by Alastair Cook, who will also continue to lead the one-day international side
“After much thought over the last few weeks, I have decided to step down as England Test captain and announce my retirement from all forms of cricket,” Strauss said in a statement.
“It has clearly been a tough decision to make, but I believe that it is both in the best interests of the England cricket team and myself to step down at this stage,” he added.
Strauss made his England debut in a one-day international against Sri Lanka in 2003 and was awarded a Test cap a year later against New Zealand, scoring a century on debut.
He played 100 Tests for England and led the side in 50 matches. He scored 7037 runs in Test cricket and 4202 in 124 ODIs. His international career lasted 10 years, during which he scored 21 Test centuries and six ODI hundreds.
But his captaincy had come under the scanner after he struggled for runs in the series against South Africa which was also marked by the SMS episodes involving Petersen.
Petersen has been in exile since then for sending uncharitable text messages about Strauss and coach Andy Flower to South African players.
“There are too many people who have helped me on this incredible journey to mention them all by name, but I would like to thank all the Middlesex and England players I have played alongside, as well as the phenomenal coaches and support staff with whom I have been fortunate enough to work”, he said.
Mitt Romney has shown that he can beat an opponent with no money and a ramshackle campaign. Obama will be a different proposition
TAMPA, Florida (Reuters) - Republicans nominated Mitt Romney on Tuesday to challenge President Barack Obama for the White House, kicking off their storm-delayed convention with a barrage of sharp attacks on the president's economic leadership.
The formal nomination of Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, sets up an unpredictable two-month dash to the November 6 election. Opinion polls show Romney running even with or slightly behind Obama.
The convention's opening was pushed back a day by a storm threat, but Republicans wasted no time in condemning Obama's economic record and accusing him of failing to create enough new jobs or rein in the budget deficit.
"We can do better. We can do a lot better. It starts with throwing out the politician who doesn't get it, and electing a new president who does," House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner said.
Republicans repeatedly accused Obama of being hostile to small business owners and smothering them with high taxes and excessive regulations. His signature healthcare overhaul, they said, was an example of big government run amok. "Unlike President Obama, I know that small businesses are the true engine of our economy - not the government - and what businesses need to grow and create jobs is less taxes and regulation, not more," said U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington.
But as Republicans tried to show a united front against Obama, it was clear the bitter party divisions evident in the bruising presidential primary battle have not been resolved.
Supporters of libertarian congressman Ron Paul of Texas and other conservative activists briefly disrupted the opening session, booing a decision to unseat Paul delegates from Maine and institute rules changes they believe will weaken their power in the next election cycle.
The rules changes, approved by the convention on a voice vote, will bind delegates to the results of a statewide vote and reduce the role of smaller state-level conventions where Paul had success.
Opponents of the move said Romney's operatives and the party's establishment were trying to freeze them out. Some noted that during the state-by-state roll call of delegates to count votes for the nomination, only Romney's vote totals were announced from the podium.
"We were disenfranchised by our party. We won't participate with this chaos," said Russell Montgomery, 52, of St. George, Maine. "We won't legitimize this fiasco. This is as bad as the other party - the corruption."
The opening night will be capped by prime-time speeches by Romney's wife, Ann, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Romney, who had originally planned to stay out of the spotlight until Thursday night when he accepts his party's nomination, made an early appearance in the Florida host city to be on hand for his wife's turn at the podium.
Republicans hope to use the convention to make an aggressive argument for booting Obama from office while presenting a softer side of Romney, who is struggling to overcome a "likability gap" with the president and refute critics who paint him as a job-killing, out-of-touch former private equity executive.
In excerpts of her speech, Ann Romney said her husband has attacked every challenge he has faced - from reviving the struggling Salt Lake City Olympics to helping her battle multiple sclerosis and breast cancer.
'LIFT UP OTHERS'
"At every turn in his life, this man I met at a high school dance has helped lift up others," Romney, 63, will tell the convention.
"This is the man who will wake up every day with the determination to solve the problems that others say can't be solved, to fix what others say is beyond repair," she said. "This is the man who will work harder than anyone so that we can work a little less hard."
Republicans hope the convention will not be overshadowed by Hurricane Isaac, which hit the Louisiana coast not far from New Orleans on Tuesday night, just before the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's deadly strike on the city. They also worry about being seen celebrating Romney's nomination while swathes of the Gulf Coast are under storm threat.
While Tampa was spared the brunt of Isaac, a destructive landfall in Louisiana could create uncomfortable split-screen television images of the convention juxtaposed with the hurricane.
The Republican gathering culminates with Romney's nationally televised acceptance speech on Thursday, the biggest speaking engagement of his political life.
Obama, campaigning in Iowa and Colorado, dismissed the Republican attacks and told students at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, that the agenda his political foes were rolling out in Tampa made for a "pretty entertaining show."
He also accused Republicans of stretching the truth in a multi-million-dollar ad effort to get him out of the White House.
"They'll just make stuff up if they have to. They're doing it already," he said at a later event at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. "Sometimes -- how do I put this nicely? -- they will just fib."
Expectations are high for Tuesday's keynote speech by Christie, New Jersey's confrontational governor, which is likely to be heavy on red-meat rhetoric for conservatives. Many Republicans like Christie's in-your-face style, which contrasts with Romney's stiff demeanor and has made him a rising star.
"You start turning it around tonight," Christie told ABC's "Good Morning America" program when asked how to overcome some voters' lack of enthusiasm for Romney.
Vice presidential contender Ryan, a Wisconsin congressman, tops the bill of speakers on Wednesday.
Aug 28 (IANS) The Supreme Court Wednesday is likely to pronounce verdict on a petition filed by the 2008 Mumbai terror attack convict and Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab challenging the Bombay High Court judgment upholding his death sentence.
The high court upheld Kasab's death penalty Feb 21, 2011.
Kasab was sent to the gallows by a Mumbai trial court May 6, 2010. Besides other charges, he was convicted for waging war against the nation.
An apex court bench of Justice Aftab Alam and Justice C.K. Prasad reserved the verdict on the conclusion of arguments that spread over nearly three months, starting Jan 31.
In the Mumbai terror attack, Kasab was one of 10 Pakistanis who illegally sailed into India and launched the Nov 26-29 mayhem that killed 166 people, including many foreigners.
The court will also pronounce its verdict on Maharashtra government's appeal challenging the acquittal of Fahim Harshad Mohammad Yusuf Ansari and Sabauddin Shaikh. They were accused of providing topographical details to the Mumbai terror attack accused.
Kasab contended that he was denied a fair trial as he was not provided legal assistance as mandated under in terms of Article 22 (1) of the Indian constitution.
Senior counsel and amicus curiae Raju Ramachandran, who appeared for Kasab, told the court that "denial of right to counsel at the earliest stage and denial of right to protection against self-incrimination" together vitiated a fair trial.
Defending Kasab, Ramachandran told the court that "if he had the lawyers' assistance right from the beginning, one wonders if a confessional statement would have been made".
Senior counsel Gopal Subramanium, who appeared for the Maharashtra government, said that "legal aid was provided to him right from the word go".
The 26/11 attack was an "attempt to wage war against the country and its people and not just the government", he said.
Kasab and his nine associates who had sailed from Karachi reached Mumbai after they hijacked private Indian ship M.B. Kuber and killed its navigator Amar Chand Solanki.
Facebook (FB) already has 2,000 employees at its headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif. But it's preparing for a major expansion. Eventually, its current location—the East Campus—will hold 6,600 employees. Another 2,800 will occupy a second site, the West Campus, across the Bayfront Expressway.
Facebook has hired Frank Gehry's architecture firm, Gehry Partners, to design a new, sprawling office building which will house those engineers in a big, open space, with walls cleverly angled so the insides don't feel oppressive.
Here's a First Look at Facebook's Amazing New Campus by Frank Gehry
Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. inaugurated its first platinum rated automobile manufacturing facility in Bangalore. Take a tour of the world–class, energy efficient, green manufacturing facility to discover how Anand Mahindra’s vision to co-create and shape the “future of mobility” is being materialized here. Mahindra expects to start the sales of Reva by Diwali this year.
The plant has been developed in accordance with the standards set by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC-India), a universally accepted benchmark for the design and operation of high performance green buildings.
Ample use of natural light 100% use of LED lights are some of the features that are really commendale.
Q2C is used for public charging stations that charge the car for a range of 25kms in just 15 minutes and a full-charge in 70 minutes.
The world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, has admitted that he might try his hand at the long jump event.
Bolt insisted he had no intention of retiring after becoming the first man to win the sprint double in successive Olympic Games, and said he would need to find a new goal to remain motivated.
He said: "No, no, no, I'm not ready to retire yet,' he added. 'I love this sport, I have got all my success through this sport, all my fans through this sport, so I'll always continue to run.
"I think when I get to 30 I've got to be thinking about retirement because track and field is way too hard. It's rough day in and day out."
American Mike Powell said last year that Bolt should wait until after London 2012 before giving the long jump a go, and believes the world record holder over 100 and 200m could add the long jump mark to his collection, The Daily Mail reports.
"That's something I've always wanted to try," Bolt said of the long jump, adding: "I made a goal, to become a legend, so I need to sit down and find something that's going to really motivate me to go out there and do great things.
"I don't know what I really want to do after this, if I'm going to still run the 100 or the 200 or I want to try something else. I don't know so I'll see.
"All I have to do now is go home and rest, I have got the 4x100m coming up and then on Saturday I will party like it's my birthday."
He also claimed he would find it hard to defend his titles once more at Rio 2016 with the compatriots he led home in last night's 200m final - Yohan Blake and Warren Weir - both only 22.
What does the world look like from 1483 feet? From the world's tallest building in the Dubai desert, travel photographer MITHUN BASAK brings these stunning images. View more of his work at his website
Hymenocallis, a desert flower, is the inspiration behind the design of Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper at 828 meters or (2716.5 feet).
A view of the world's tallest building from the road in Dubai.
American architect Adrian Smith's concept of the Burj Khalifa has been thus described: Like petals from a stem, the tower's wings extend from the central core.
Dominating the skyline of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is not merely the world's tallest building but the tallest free-standing structure and the world's tallest structure.
Hymenocallis, a desert flower, is the inspiration behind the design of Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper at 828 meters or (2716.5 feet).
A view of the world's tallest building from the road in Dubai.
American architect Adrian Smith's concept of the Burj Khalifa has been thus described: Like petals from a stem, the tower's wings extend from the central core.
Dominating the skyline of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is not merely the world's tallest building but the tallest free-standing structure and the world's tallest structure.
The world's tallest building has more than 160 stories. These include a fine-dining restaurant, At.mosphere, on level 122, 37 office floors, the Armani Hotel Dubai with 160 guest rooms and suites, 144 private Armani residences and 900 Burj Khalifa residences.
A visit to the Burj Khalifa begins in the reception area on the lower ground level of The Dubai Mall. A multimedia presentation describes Dubai’s exotic history and the story of the Burj. A high-speed elevator travels at 10 metres per second. The doors open at any floor to a floor-to-ceiling glass wall offering an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of the city, desert and ocean.
An outdoor observation deck, named At the Top, opened on January 5, 2010 on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa. At 452 meters (1,483) feet, it is the world's third highest observation deck and the second highest outdoor observation deck. This observation deck also features the Behold Telescope, which allows visitors to view the surrounding landscape in real-time.
Directed by Telugu filmmaker K. Raghvedra, the Jeetendra and Sridevi starrer Himmatwala, which released in 1983 was a super hit film.
Intense actor Ajay Devgn, who was last seen playing a rustic pehelwan in Rohit Shetty's laugh riot Bol Bachchan, is gearing up to step into 'Jumpin' Jack' Jeetendra's shoes with the remake of Himmatwala and the first look of the Sajid Khan helmed flick was unveiled recently.
The first look, which is in three parts, shows a grim Ajay Devgn looking quite macho in a leather jacket and holding a pair of temple bells while a tiger stands behind him.
The next poster shows South actress Tamannaah Bhatia in a very 'Catwoman' like pose, holding a coiled whip in her hand whereas the third poster shows Devgn and Tamannaah striking a romantic pose with background dancers holding pots (like in the naino mein sapna song from the original Himmatwala) standing behind them.
Yuvraj Singh has been named in India’s squad for the Twenty20 World Cup, which will be played in Sri Lanka in September.
A delighted Yuvraj tweeted. "Can't explain how I feel! " Yuvraj wrote. " Feels like I'm going to play for India for the first time. Its a special day for me. When I was diagnosed with cancer I always thought in my heart that one day I will come back and play for India. So here I am ready to represent my country once again. Its a huge honour. I can't wait to step on the field and wave the Indian flag!"
The left-handed batsman, who underwent successful chemotherapy for a rare germ cell cancer, was recuperating at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and was considered to have recovered enough to be included in the side.
“We really appreciate the kind of effort he has put in. It is a great factor from Indian cricket’s point of view. It’s great to have him in the team. With this kind of combination we will have a great chance of winning the Twenty20 World Cup,” said Chairman of Selectors K. Srikkanth.
The same squad will also play New Zealand in two Twenty20 matches in the first week of September.
A pleasant surprise was also in store for Harbhajan Singh as the woefully out-of-form off-spinner was handed a Twenty20 berth. Harbhajan lost his place in the team during last year’s tour of England and subsequently fell out of favour as R. Ashwin rose to prominence.
Despite an ongoing sub-standard stint with Essex, the Turbanator was given another chance to cut it on the international stage.
Yuvraj's inclusion, however, was not unanimous as the 30-year-old has not played in any competitive cricket for the past nine months. He had last played international cricket against the West Indies in the second Test at Kolkata last November.
Also on the comeback trail was medium-pacer L. Balaji - out of reckoning for three years - who was included on the back of stellar performances for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL-V.
Irfan Pathan's good show in the recent ODI series against Lanka also earned him a berth for September’s tournament.
Although he failed miserably in the ODIs, Rohit Sharma has been selected for the T20 World Cup, but doesn’t find a place in the squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand.
The selectors also announced VVS Laxman in the Test squad, ending swirling rumours that Laxman might be booted out in favour of grooming a younger batsman.
But with Rahul Dravid already retired the selectors decided to put their faith in the experienced Hyderabadi.
Cheteshwar Pujara, Dravid’s ostensible replacement, was also included to add bulk to an already imposing batting card that includes Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Laxman and Virat Kohli.
Ajinkya Rahane gets in as backup opener, while Suresh Raina’s burgeoning reputation on flat sub-continental tracks has ensured another Test opportunity for him.
The new ball against the Kiwis will be handled by Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav, while off-spinner R. Ashwin and left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha will share the spinning duties.
A dismal domestic season seemed to have done Piyush Chawla no harm as the leggie made the squad as the third spinner.
World T20 squad : MS Dhoni (c), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, R Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, L Balaji, Ashok Dinda, Rohit Sharma, Piyush Chawla, Harbhajan Singh and Manoj Tiwary.
Test squad against New Zealand : MS Dhoni (c), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir (vice-captain), Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Pragyan Ojha, Umesh Yadav, Ajinkya Rahane, Piyush Chawla, Ishant Sharma and Suresh Raina.
Yohan Blake would like to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore since Chris Gayle also plays for the same franchise.
I am a right-arm fast bowler .I can bowl very fast. In fact, my pace is more than your Zaheer Khan!
On Sunday night, soon after he was beaten by Bolt in the high voltage clash at the jam-packed Olympic Park, Blake told a group of Indian scribes about his plan to play the IPL.
"Oh! You people are from India? I am a huge cricket fan...I know about Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid. I am their fan," said the 22-year-old sprinter.
In the IPL, Blake would like to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore since Chris Gayle also plays for the same franchise.
"I am his (Gayle) friend. He is a great batsman. He plays for the Bangalore team, so I would also like to play for them," said the double gold medallist in the 2011 World Championship, adding he was also aware of the teams like the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Chennai Super Kings.
Blake, however, feels no one could be better than Brian Lara. "He is a legend...My favourite. Among the Indian players, I like Sachin, young Kohli and Dhoni."
Asked whether he was a batsman or a bowler, Blake said he was basically a bowler. "I am a right-arm fast bowler… I can bowl very fast. In fact, my pace is more than your Zaheer Khan!" Blake remarked.
For the record, Blake plays cricket regularly with Kingston Cricket Club.
The Jamaican said he wanted to come to India during the Commonwealth Games. "My coach advised me to take some rest. So I had to cancel my plans," he said.
World champion Blake equalled his personal best of 9.75 seconds in the 100m final on Sunday night that lived up to its billing, but it was not enough to take his Jamaican compatriot and training partner Usain Bolt's sprint crown.
Bolt scorched to gold in 9.63, the second fastest time ever run, answering all doubts about his fitness with a superb performance.
How can cancer be prevented?
Cancers that are closely linked to certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. For example, choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer - most notably lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.
Skin cancer can be prevented by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and shirt when in the sun, and using sunscreen. Diet is also an important part of cancer prevention since what we eat has been linked to the disease. Physicians recommend diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Certain vaccinations have been associated with the prevention of some cancers. For example, many women receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus because of the virus's relationship with cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccines prevent the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer.
Some cancer prevention is based on systematic screening in order to detect small irregularities or tumors as early as possible even if there are no clear symptoms present. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap smears are common screening methods for various cancers.
How to eat to prevent cancer - Video
A guide to some everyday foods that contain nutrients that may help reduce your risk of getting cancer.
Cancer / Oncology news
Medical News Today is a leading resource for the latest headlines on Cancer and Oncology. So, check out our cancer news section. You can also sign up to daily medical news alerts or our weekly digest medical newsletters to ensure that you stay up-to-date with the latest news.
In fewer than 24 hours, Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake could be a gold medalist in the 200-meter sprint, if he can find a way to top Usain Bolt. Yet Blake's wrist might get much more attention from the International Olympic Committee than Bolt's entire body thanks to something Blake wore during the 100 final: A custom, $500,000 watch made by designer Richard Mille.
As reported by Britain's TNT Magazine and a handful of other English sources, the watch, which you can see in the photo on the right, is a customized sports watch in the green and yellow colorway of the Jamaican flag. Officially, the timepiece is called a Richard Mille Tourbillion watch, and the one-of-a-kind piece of functional jewelry was designed specifically for Blake to wear at the Games.
Blake followed through on his part of the bargain, wearing the watch during the semifinals and finals of the 100-meter dash, an event in which he finished second, behind countryman and world-record holder Usain Bolt.
Yet that has infuriated IOC officials, who have phenomenally strict regulations about what athletes are allowed to wear while competing at the Games. According to strict sponsorship regulations, Olympic athletes are only allowed to wear gear that is part of their country's sponsored apparel.
Similarly, if athletes use a piece of equipment that isn't strictly clothing, they are required to use the official sponsor of the Olympics in that category.
Omega is the official watchmaker of the Olympic Games. Richard Mille is not. That may create a very large problem for Blake, who could now be facing a significant fine as he prepares for his final individual event of the London Games.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Mille has sponsored a major athlete at a significant event.
In June, Rafael Nadal wore a $525,000 Mille Tourbillion watch during a match at the French Open. Similarly, American golfer Bubba Watson wore a $525,000 Tourbillion during a PGA event, drawing the ire of commenters on a handful of golf blogs.
Yet neither Nadal nor Watson was facing any kind of a fine for their watch antics. Blake is, and could find out as soon as Thursday what kind of punitive fines he'll be handed for wearing an unsanctioned watch.
After all, the IOC has to act fast, or else Blake could wear the watch again during the 200-meter final Thursday night. You might even say the IOC is on the clock ... whether it's made by Omega, Richard Mille or anyone else.
Cancer is such a staggering epidemic–the sheer number of people affected by the disease is as heartbreaking as it is mystifying. As we are slowly learning more about the causes, we are beginning to learn more about preventive measures.
In terms of the relationship between diet and cancer, this leads us to lists of what not to eat (french fries, sigh), as well as the other side of the coin: What we should eat (artichokes and red wine, yay!).
In the book Cancer: 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic (New Society Publishers, 2007) the authors Liz Armstrong, Guy Dauncey and Anne Wordsworth consider the importance of eating specific foods and drinks for cancer protection. Here’s what they suggest:
1. Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale. These score high for containing many anti-cancer substances, such as isothiocyanates.
2. Globe artichoke for very high levels of salvestrols.
3. Dark greens, such as spinach and romaine lettuce, for their fiber, folate and a wide range of cancer-fighting carotenoids. Other dark colored veggies, too, such as beets and red cabbage.
4. Grapes and red wine, especially for the resveratrol.
5. Legumes: beans, peas and lentils, for the saponins, protease inhibitors and more.
6. Berries, particularly blueberries, for the ellagic acid and anthocyanosides.
7. Flaxseed, especially if you grind it yourself and consume when fresh, for the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, lignans and other “good fats.”
8. Garlic, onions, scallions, leeks and chives, for many anti-cancer substances including allicin.
9. Green tea, for its anti-cancer catechins, a potent antioxidant.
10. Tomatoes, for the famous flavenoid lycopene.
Nearly 1.5 million new cases of cancer were expected to be diagnosed last year–while 559,650 people were expected to die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s more than 1,500 people a day–such a startling statistic. In the book Cancer: 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic (New Society Publishers, 2007) the authors write that the Number 4 solution is to “Eat a Healthy Diet.”
Listed within are the 10 Foods and Drinks to Limit or Eliminate:
1. All charred food, which create heterocyclic aromatic amines, known carcinogens. Even dark toast is suspect.
2. Well-done red meat. Medium or rare is better, little or no red meat is best.
3. Sugar, both white and brown–which is simply white sugar with molasses added. (See Care2′s Directory of Natural Sweeteners for great, healthy alternatives.)
4. Heavily salted, smoked and pickled foods, which lead to higher rates of stomach cancer.
5. Sodas/soft drinks, which pose health risks, both for what they contain–sugar and various additives–and for what they replace in the diet–beverages and foods that provide vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
6. French fries, chips and snack foods that contain trans fats.
7. Food and drink additives such as aspartame.
8. Excess alcohol.
9. Baked goods, for the acrylamide.
10. Farmed fish, which contains higher levels of toxins such as PCBs.
Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.
Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.
More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when two things occur:
a cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue in a process called invasion
that cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed itself in a process called angiogenesis.
When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to treat.
In 2007, cancer claimed the lives of about 7.6 million people in the world. Physicians and researchers who specialize in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer are called oncologists.
What causes cancer?
Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control.
What is cancer? - Video
A short, 3D, animated introduction to cancer. This was originally created by BioDigital Systems and used in the Stand Up 2 Cancer telethon.
Genes - the DNA type
Cells can experience uncontrolled growth if there are damages or mutations to DNA, and therefore, damage to the genes involved in cell division. Four key types of gene are responsible for the cell division process: oncogenes tell cells when to divide, tumor suppressor genes tell cells when not to divide, suicide genes control apoptosis and tell the cell to kill itself if something goes wrong, and DNA-repair genes instruct a cell to repair damaged DNA.
Cancer occurs when a cell's gene mutations make the cell unable to correct DNA damage and unable to commit suicide. Similarly, cancer is a result of mutations that inhibit oncogene and tumor suppressor gene function, leading to uncontrollable cell growth.
Carcinogens
Carcinogens are a class of substances that are directly responsible for damaging DNA, promoting or aiding cancer. Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, radiation such as gamma and x-rays, the sun, and compounds in car exhaust fumes are all examples of carcinogens. When our bodies are exposed to carcinogens, free radicals are formed that try to steal electrons from other molecules in the body. Theses free radicals damage cells and affect their ability to function normally.
Genes - the family type
Cancer can be the result of a genetic predisposition that is inherited from family members. It is possible to be born with certain genetic mutations or a fault in a gene that makes one statistically more likely to develop cancer later in life.
Other medical factors
As we age, there is an increase in the number of possible cancer-causing mutations in our DNA. This makes age an important risk factor for cancer. Several viruses have also been linked to cancer such as: human papillomavirus (a cause of cervical cancer), hepatitis B and C (causes of liver cancer), and Epstein-Barr virus (a cause of some childhood cancers). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - and anything else that suppresses or weakens the immune system - inhibits the body's ability to fight infections and increases the chance of developing cancer.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin - a lump on the breast or testicle can be an indicator of cancer in those locations. Skin cancer (melanoma) is often noted by a change in a wart or mole on the skin. Some oral cancers present white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue.
Other cancers have symptoms that are less physically apparent. Some brain tumors tend to present symptoms early in the disease as they affect important cognitive functions. Pancreas cancers are usually too small to cause symptoms until they cause pain by pushing against nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Symptoms also can be created as a tumor grows and pushes against organs and blood vessels. For example, colon cancers lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool size. Bladder or prostate cancers cause changes in bladder function such as more frequent or infrequent urination.
As cancer cells use the body's energy and interfere with normal hormone function, it is possible to present symptoms such as fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are common in several other maladies as well. For example, coughing and hoarseness can point to lung or throat cancer as well as several other conditions.
When cancer spreads, or metastasizes, additional symptoms can present themselves in the newly affected area. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely to be present early. If cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience vertigo, headaches, or seizures. Spreading to the lungs may cause coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, the liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice and bones can become painful, brittle, and break easily. Symptoms of metastasis ultimately depend on the location to which the cancer has spread.
How is cancer classified? There are five broad groups that are used to classify cancer.
Carcinomas are characterized by cells that cover internal and external parts of the body such as lung, breast, and colon cancer.
Sarcomas are characterized by cells that are located in bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, muscle, and other supportive tissues.
Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymph nodes and immune system tissues.
Leukemias are cancers that begin in the bone marrow and often accumulate in the bloodstream.
Adenomas are cancers that arise in the thyroid, the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland, and other glandular tissues.
Cancers are often referred to by terms that contain a prefix related to the cell type in which the cancer originated and a suffix such as -sarcoma, -carcinoma, or just -oma. Common prefixes include:
Adeno- = gland
Chondro- = cartilage
Erythro- = red blood cell
Hemangio- = blood vessels
Hepato- = liver
Lipo- = fat
Lympho- = white blood cell
Melano- = pigment cell
Myelo- = bone marrow
Myo- = muscle
Osteo- = bone
Uro- = bladder
Retino- = eye
Neuro- = brain
How is cancer diagnosed and staged?
Early detection of cancer can greatly improve the odds of successful treatment and survival. Physicians use information from symptoms and several other procedures to diagnose cancer. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound scans are used regularly in order to detect where a tumor is located and what organs may be affected by it. Doctors may also conduct an endoscopy, which is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera and light at one end, to look for abnormalities inside the body.
Extracting cancer cells and looking at them under a microscope is the only absolute way to diagnose cancer. This procedure is called a biopsy. Other types of molecular diagnostic tests are frequently employed as well. Physicians will analyze your body's sugars, fats, proteins, and DNA at the molecular level. For example, cancerous prostate cells release a higher level of a chemical called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) into the bloodstream that can be detected by a blood test. Molecular diagnostics, biopsies, and imaging techniques are all used together to diagnose cancer.
After a diagnosis is made, doctors find out how far the cancer has spread and determine the stage of the cancer. The stage determines which choices will be available for treatment and informs prognoses. The most common cancer staging method is called the TNM system. T (1-4) indicates the size and direct extent of the primary tumor, N (0-3) indicates the degree to which the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and M (0-1) indicates whether the cancer has metastasized to other organs in the body. A small tumor that has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs may be staged as (T1, N0, M0), for example.
TNM descriptions then lead to a simpler categorization of stages, from 0 to 4, where lower numbers indicate that the cancer has spread less. While most Stage 1 tumors are curable, most Stage 4 tumors are inoperable or untreatable.
How is cancer treated?
Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer (how much it has spread), age, health status, and additional personal characteristics. There is no single treatment for cancer, and patients often receive a combination of therapies and palliative care. Treatments usually fall into one of the following categories: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or gene therapy.
Surgery
Surgery is the oldest known treatment for cancer. If a cancer has not metastasized, it is possible to completely cure a patient by surgically removing the cancer from the body. This is often seen in the removal of the prostate or a breast or testicle. After the disease has spread, however, it is nearly impossible to remove all of the cancer cells. Surgery may also be instrumental in helping to control symptoms such as bowel obstruction or spinal cord compression.
Radiation
Radiation treatment, also known as radiotherapy, destroys cancer by focusing high-energy rays on the cancer cells. This causes damage to the molecules that make up the cancer cells and leads them to commit suicide. Radiotherapy utilizes high-energy gamma-rays that are emitted from metals such as radium or high-energy x-rays that are created in a special machine. Early radiation treatments caused severe side-effects because the energy beams would damage normal, healthy tissue, but technologies have improved so that beams can be more accurately targeted. Radiotherapy is used as a standalone treatment to shrink a tumor or destroy cancer cells (including those associated with leukemia and lymphoma), and it is also used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy utilizes chemicals that interfere with the cell division process - damaging proteins or DNA - so that cancer cells will commit suicide. These treatments target any rapidly dividing cells (not necessarily just cancer cells), but normal cells usually can recover from any chemical-induced damage while cancer cells cannot. Chemotherapy is generally used to treat cancer that has spread or metastasized because the medicines travel throughout the entire body. It is a necessary treatment for some forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Chemotherapy treatment occurs in cycles so the body has time to heal between doses. However, there are still common side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. Combination therapies often include multiple types of chemotherapy or chemotherapy combined with other treatment options.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to get the body's immune system to fight the tumor. Local immunotherapy injects a treatment into an affected area, for example, to cause inflammation that causes a tumor to shrink. Systemic immunotherapy treats the whole body by administering an agent such as the protein interferon alpha that can shrink tumors. Immunotherapy can also be considered non-specific if it improves cancer-fighting abilities by stimulating the entire immune system, and it can be considered targeted if the treatment specifically tells the immune system to destroy cancer cells. These therapies are relatively young, but researchers have had success with treatments that introduce antibodies to the body that inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Bone marrow transplantation (hematopoetic stem cell transplantation) can also be considered immunotherapy because the donor's immune cells will often attack the tumor or cancer cells that are present in the host.
Hormone therapy
Several cancers have been linked to some types of hormones, most notably breast and prostate cancer. Hormone therapy is designed to alter hormone production in the body so that cancer cells stop growing or are killed completely. Breast cancer hormone therapies often focus on reducing estrogen levels (a common drug for this is tamoxifen) and prostate cancer hormone therapies often focus on reducing testosterone levels. In addition, some leukemia and lymphoma cases can be treated with the hormone cortisone.
Gene therapy
The goal of gene therapy is to replace damaged genes with ones that work to address a root cause of cancer: damage to DNA. For example, researchers are trying to replace the damaged gene that signals cells to stop dividing (the p53 gene) with a copy of a working gene. Other gene-based therapies focus on further damaging cancer cell DNA to the point where the cell commits suicide. Gene therapy is a very young field and has not yet resulted in any successful treatments.
How can cancer be prevented?
Cancers that are closely linked to certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. For example, choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer - most notably lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.
Skin cancer can be prevented by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and shirt when in the sun, and using sunscreen. Diet is also an important part of cancer prevention since what we eat has been linked to the disease. Physicians recommend diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Certain vaccinations have been associated with the prevention of some cancers. For example, many women receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus because of the virus's relationship with cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccines prevent the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer.
Some cancer prevention is based on systematic screening in order to detect small irregularities or tumors as early as possible even if there are no clear symptoms present. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap smears are common screening methods for various cancers.
How to eat to prevent cancer - Video
A guide to some everyday foods that contain nutrients that may help reduce your risk of getting cancer.
Cancer / Oncology news
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NASA's newly landed Mars science rover Curiosity snapped the first colour image of its surroundings while an orbiting sister probe photographed litter left behind during the rover's daring do-or-die descent to the surface, scientists said Tuesday.Curiosity's colour image, taken with a dust cover still on the camera lens, shows the north wall and rim of Gale Crater, a vast basin where the nuclear-powered, six-wheeled rover touched down Sunday night after flying through space for more than eight months.The picture proved that one of the rover's key instruments, a camera known as the Mars Hand Lens Imager, or MAHLI, was in good working order affixed to the end of Curiosity robot arm.Designed to take magnified, close-up images of rocks and other objects, or wide shots of landscapes, the camera currently remains stowed on the rover's deck. But once in full operation, scientists can use it to capture fine details with a resolution as high as 13.9 microns per pixel -- several times finer than the width of a human hair
Samsung took the wraps off a sequel to its popular Galaxy Note smartphone. The Galaxy Note 10.1, which went on sale in Germany and the United Arab Emirates, will soon be launched in other markets. The new Galaxy Note smartphone comes with a host of new features and is twice as wide as its predecessor and nearly the size of a tablet.
Armed with a 1.4GHz quad-core processor and 2GB RAM for enhanced performance, Galaxy Note 10.1 is designed to simplify idea capture, information access, and multi-tasking, making each easier and faster.
The Galaxy Note 10.1 - powered by Google's Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) features a touchscreen which is 10.1-inches measured diagonally, considerably wider than the 5.3-inch screen of the previous Note.
Like Galaxy Note, it comes with a stylus called the 'S pen' to write notes or draw on the screen. The new version allows users to split the screen in half to view two programs at once.
The Galaxy Note 10.1 is equipped with a quad-core processor that allows users to run multiple applications faster than the previous version, which had a dual-core processor.
The Evade SUV is available with petrol and diesel powertrain options and a 4x4 system. Prices start from Rs. 8.5 Crores including duties. View the slideshow for more details.
Toronto-based Conquest Vehicles Inc has launched EVADE, the company’s first unarmored SUV in India.
The Evade SUV is available with petrol and diesel powertrain options and a 4x4 system. Prices start from Rs. 8.5 Crores including duties.
The new body style, design and aesthetic of Evade includes new headlights and taillights sleekly wrapping around the sides of the vehicle, narrower fender flares, a redesigned grille, hood scoop, the addition of a third tandem sunroof and a wider backdoor to accommodate Evade’s wider body frame to allow for exit/entry of executive security though the rear of the vehicle.
The rear bumper now features an integrated step to simplify this access. Evade will be built on a Ford F550 Super Duty Chassis and its massive unarmored skin will be made from an aluminum-mild steel blend, making it significantly lighter then the Knight XV.
Conquest Vehicles mandate of `hand crafted’ once again is populated throughout Evade whereby elements including the vehicle’s steering wheel, proprietary hinges, running boards and even the key itself are machined out of solid stainless steel. The vehicles’ handles are machined out of a solid block of aluminum.
Evade’s luxurious interior cabin space will provide over 400 cubic feet and will carefully blend military inspired design cues with elegant and rich finishes.
“We wanted Evade to set a new standard for our company in terms of pushing the boundaries from engineering to design to incorporating new user experiences without compromising the integrity of some of the key highlight design features offered by our armored Knight XV. The result speaks for itself in terms of the final product and we couldn't be happier,” said William Maizlin, President, Conquest Vehicles.
Drug and alcohol addiction is a massive problem in India. Although there's much work to be done and many more centres need to be started and/or improved, there are many exemplary centres across India that are doing excellent work fighting the addiction epidemic. We would like to feature what we believe are the top five deaddiction centres in India.
DAIRRC Rehabilitation Centre
Mumbai and Kushivali, Maharashtra
DAIRRC Rehabilitation Centre has as its goal total abstinence for the addict. They have a main centre in Mumbai, but the centre in the small village of Kushivali is what sets this centre apart. This centre sits in the foothills of the Haji Malang mountain range and provides a beautiful environment for drug and alcohol recovery. This special centre has luxurious facilities and offers treatment to only 30 patients at a time, providing a unique atmosphere. According to their website, DAIRRC has treated over 20,000 patients between their Mumbai and Kushivali centres. DAIRRC takes addiction treatment seriously and has a successful track record in providing excellent care.
Website: http://www.dairrc.com/
Miracle Foundation
Bangalore, Karnataka
In 2007, Miracle Foundation was started with the desire to give women an equal right to recovery. This desire has translated into a successful, all women de-addiction centre that is the first of its kind in India. Miracle Foundation uses a 12 Step program that is is combined with a variety of other alternative therapies that are geared to help the women who come there to find true and lasting recovery from addiction
More Information: http://deaddictioncentres.in/rehabcentre/miracle-foundation/ Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/Miracle.Foundation
Muktangan Rehabilitation Center
Pune, Maharashtra
The Muktangan Rehabilitation Center is an established centre in Pune. It was started in 1986 by Dr. Anita Awachat, a woman who had a desire for an addiction free society. Although Muktangan has been around from some time they are constantly improving on their methods and offering new services. They recently opened a women's ward that is designed for women patients and is staffed only by women. This centre is a leader in India, producing its own magazine and providing other deaddiction literature.
Safe House Wellness Retreat
New Delhi
Safe House is a modern rehabilitation centre with nice facilities. Beyond that, the care provided is second to none. The treatment methods are well thought out and are implemented by professionals. With a maximum of 24 patients that can be treated at Safe House at one time, a comfortable and safe environment is provided for the patients. Safe House reports an impressive recovery rate of 85%. If you further inspect their treatment facility and methods, this is not surprising.
Hope Trust
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Hope Trust has been changing lives since 2002. This innovative centre is a leader in the field of deaddiction and offers a holistic approach to treatment. The atmosphere is safe and calming, and the care is effective and professional. In June of 2012, Hope Trust opened an all women's centre to address the growing needs of women addicts. Having accomplished so much in only 10 years, and with many plans for the future, we expect Hope Trust to continue to do great things.
Website: http://www.hopetrustindia.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hopetrust
Four-time former world champion Australia has lost its No.1 position on the ICC ODI rankings for the first time since September 2009 following an annual update which took place on Wednesday.
Australia has fallen to fourth spot which is its lowest ranking since the ODI table was launched in 2002 as its outstanding record of 30 wins and eight defeats from 40 ODIs in 2009-10 does not reflect any longer after the update.
Following this year's annual update, England has become the number-one ranked ODI side, leading second-placed South Africa by one-sixth of a rating point, while world champion India is third - just one ratings point behind England.
This is the first time England has topped the ODI Championship table since it was launched in 2002. It is also the first time England can claim to be the top ODI team since January 1996, after the rankings are applied retrospectively.
Meanwhile, South Africa has replaced England as the number-one ranked side on the Reliance ICC T20I Championship table after the annual update.
However, the number-one T20 ranking, like in the current Test and forthcoming ODI series, will be up for grabs when the reigning ICC World Twenty20 champion England and South Africa go head to head in a three-T20I series starting on 8 September in Chester-le-Street.
Australia has also slipped from sixth position to ninth, as its excellent results in early 2010 have now been removed, while West Indies has moved up from eighth to fifth after benefiting from the exclusion of its results from early 2010.
ICC ODI Championship
Rank Team Rating (+/-)
1 England 121 (+3)
2 South Africa 121 (+3)
3 India 120 (+1)
4 Australia 112 (-7)
5 Sri Lanka 108 (-2)
6 Pakistan 105 (+2)
7 West Indies 94 (+6)
8 New Zealand 74 (-8)
9 Bangladesh 71 (+4)
10 Zimbabwe 50 (+4)
11 Ireland 35 (-1)
12 Netherlands 16 (+1)
13 Kenya 11 (+3)
Reliance ICC T20 Championship
Rank Team Rating (+/-)
1 South Africa 130 (+8)
2 England 129 (-1)
3 Sri Lanka 119 (+9)
4 India 111 (+1)
5 West Indies 111 (+8)
6 Pakistan 109 (+1)
7 New Zealand 101 (-4)
8 Bangladesh 95 (+5)
9 Australia 93 (-14)
10 Ireland 88 (+5)
11 Zimbabwe 47 (-4) (ANI)
South Africa test captain Graeme Smith was omitted from the 15-man squad to take part in the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka next month, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Thursday.
The 31-year-old last played a T20 international in October 2011, but in July was named by CSA in a 30-man provisional squad for the global event.
There was, however, a place in the squad for all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who has played just one T20 international for his country since May 2010.
"We are confident that our squad will be very competitive and make South Africa proud. We have had basically the same squad together for the past year and many of them also produced stand-out performances at the Indian Premier League (IPL)," CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson said in a statement.
The World T20 starts in Sri Lanka on September 18 with South Africa drawn in the same group as the hosts and Zimbabwe.
In an effort to gain some valuable match practice ahead of the global showpiece, the same 15-man squad will play a three-match T20 series in England next month.
“"The Proteas will also have excellent preparation for the World Twenty20 by finishing the England tour with three matches. They may be playing on a different surface to that they will find in Sri Lanka but they will be able to hone their T20 specific skills," Hudson added.
Squad: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Johan Botha, JP Duminy, Francois du Plessis, Jacques Kallis, Richard Levi, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
On Tuesday, Gamesys, an independent gaming company, launched a version of online Bingo for Facebook users in Britain who are at least 18, and which the company said will pay winners real money. Gamesys also announced plans to offer virtual slots gambling on Facebook.
Facebook confirmed that it is partnering with Gamesys to allow gambling on its service.
"Real money gaming is a popular and well-regulated activity in the UK and we are allowing a partner to offer their games to adult users on the Facebook platform in a safe and controlled manner," Facebook said in a statement.
Facebook spokeswoman Linda Griffin said there are no current plans to offer gambling in any other countries or with any other partners besides Gamesys.
She declined to disclose what portion of the revenue Facebook would take from the gambling on the Gamesys games, but acknowledged that there was a revenue sharing agreement between Facebook and Gamesys.
Facebook takes a 30 percent share of revenue for transactions on non-gambling games on its service, such as when users purchase virtual tractors and seeds in Zynga Inc's popular Farmville game.
Facebook, which makes the majority of its money from online advertising, has seen its revenue growth slow sharply during the past year. In the second quarter, Facebook reported revenue growth of 32 percent, down sharply from more than 100 percent growth it delivered at the same time last year.
Shares of Facebook were down 3 percent at $21.26 on Tuesday afternoon on the Nasdaq.
On Saturday August 25, 2012, a true American hero lost his life. Neil Armstrong was the first person to bravely leave our world behind and set foot on another. On July 21, 1969, he walked on the moon.
