| Kylie Sings for Charles and Camilla Ahead of Diamond Jubilee Tour Posted: 25 Oct 2012 04:29 PM PDT | Pop star Kylie Minogue dazzled the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on Wednesday when she performed a surprise concert by royal appointment. Kylie sang three pared-down songs for Charles and Camilla at a St James's Palace reception to mark their Diamond Jubilee tour next month. The royal couple will be visiting Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand on next month's tour. Famous faces and dignitaries from the three nations were also present. But all eyes were on Kylie, who wore a stylish black evening dress. The audience enjoyed Kylie's Locomotion, especially Charles and Camilla. She also sang "On A Night Like This" and "I Believe In You," and later described the experience as "terrifying but great." After Kylie stepped down from the stage, she had a brief chat with the royal couple. Kylie is celebrating 25 years as a singer and has released her 12th album in celebration - The Abbey Road Sessions. It features 16 songs from her career, with new orchestral arrangements, recorded in the famous Abbey Road studios where the Beatles recorded. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 6 0 ratings | | Time: 01:17 | More in News & Politics |
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| Stevie Wonder Performs at UN 67th Anniversary Concert Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:55 PM PDT | Musician Stevie Wonder brings a message of peace and music to the United Nations during a special concert to celebrate the world body's 67th anniversary. [Ban Ki-Moon, UN General Secretary]: "Everybody knows about the famous seven wonders of the world. We know that there is an eighth wonder -- Stevie Wonder. Music legend Stevie Wonder played at the United Nations this Thursday in celebration of its 67th anniversary. The concert was titled "A Message of Peace featuring United Nations Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder." Stevie performed some of his best known songs on the iconic stage of the UN General Assembly Hall. He started the concert with the 1976 hit "Sir Duke" from his album "Songs in the Key of Life". He followed it up with "People Get Ready," a 1965 single by The Impressions. [Stevie Wonder, Musician and Messenger of Peace]: "Today is the United Nations' 67th birthday. So it's got a few years on you, all right? Because I'm still a baby. We've all lived through some very difficult times. The United Nations stands up not just for countries but for the people within those countries, not just for heads of state, but for the people they govern. Not just for the powerful, but those who struggle daily with adversity." The Grammy award-winning artist is also viewed as a role model for overcoming the challenge of blindness. He called for support of a high level meeting next year in the General Assembly, dealing with disability and development. [Stevie Wonder, Musician and <b>...</b> | Views: 26 1 ratings | | Time: 02:56 | More in Music |
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| More Changes Announced for People's Liberation Army Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:25 PM PDT | China's Defense Ministry has announced more changes to the People's Liberation Army. Its new chief of staff is Fang Fenghui, a man promoted by Chinese leader Hu Jintao in 2010 to full General. Fang's appointment means he'll likely enter the Central Military Commission. It's a 12-member group led by Hu Jintao and oversees the PLA. Other changes announced today include the head of logistics, which will now be Zhao Keshi. Zhang Youxia, an ally of upcoming leader Xi Jinping, will take over as the chief of armament. Zhang Yang, another man with close ties with Hu Jintao, will be the director of the political department. The three men could also gain a seat in the Central Military Commission. The appointments signal the power shift that's resulted from the jostle between Hu Jintao's allies and the faction belonging to former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin, and confirm earlier unofficial reports that Hu and Xi are taking steps to install their allies in the PLA. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 14 0 ratings | | Time: 00:56 | More in News & Politics |
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| Swedish Princess Madeleine Announces Engagement Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:18 PM PDT | Today the Swedish Royal Family announced the engagement of Princess Madeleine and Mr. Christopher O'Neill. Princess Madeleine says the wedding will be held this summer. The princess says they are both very happy and that Chris has opened her heart, and is her soul mate. The couple have known each other for two years, having met through mutual friends. In early October, Chris took heart and proposed to Princess Madeleine in New York. Although growing up in London, Chris now works in the finance industry in New York, where they both live and work. But the couple do not exclude the possibility of moving to Sweden in the future. Christopher says he has come to know the Swedish royal family well, and has been very well received. He has also learned a little Swedish, but says he finds it difficult.The wedding will take place in Sweden in 2013 NTD News, Stockholm, Sweden For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 91 5 ratings | | Time: 00:42 | More in News & Politics |
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| Tibetan Self-Immolations: Chinese Regime Offers Cash for Tip-Offs Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:43 PM PDT | On Wednesday, the latest self-immolation by a Tibetan farmer in Gansu province marked 58 Tibetans who have taken their lives since March last year. The overwhelming amount of Tibetans using this method to protest has prompted Chinese authorities to take action. But instead of relaxing control over Tibetan regions, it's paying money to those who provide tip-offs for would-be protestors. Authorities posted flyers offering a $7700 reward to anyone with information. But since the posters went up last Sunday in Gansu province, two more Tibetans set themselves on fire. [Yin Deyi, Beijing Writer]: "It [the CCP] using tipping won't stop the self-immolations, because one can't purchase freedom with money, and people don't have freedom to believe." Chinese authorities wrote in the notice that the self-immolations hurt social stability and were against the law. It blamed Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and other "separatist leaders" for encouraging the suicides. The Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated he is against the use of self-immolation and violence of all forms to protest Chinese oppression of Tibetans. The Chairman of the Tibet Religious Foundation says these accusations are not new, but their message has changed. [Chairman, Tibet Religious Foundation of the Dalai Lama]: "When the self-immolation first happened, it [the CCP] slandered and attacked [the self-immolators] saying that the Youth Council sells bodies...After more self-immolations happened, it said those <b>...</b> | Views: 22 3 ratings | | Time: 01:53 | More in News & Politics |
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| S&P Warns China of Growing Risks in Banking Sector Posted: 25 Oct 2012 11:22 AM PDT | According to the ratings agency Standard and Poor's, Chinese banks are likely to report falling net interest margins due to the slowdown in the economy. The return on assets is expected to drop by 10 basis points in 2012, and 20-25 basis points in 2013. The global financial crisis, which began in 2008, has led banks to increase lending at lower interest rates. Although this helped banks offset credit losses in the past few years, banks are likely to see losses in their balance sheets due to reduction in loan demand. China's economy grew 7.4% in the third quarter, the lowest rate in three years, and is now impacting the banking sector. Chinese banks will also see an increase in non-performing loans in the coming months. The non-performing loan ratio has increased to 0.97% by end of September. Banks have started to set their own interest rates following Beijing's decision to deregulate interest rates, affecting banks' net interest margin rates. China's central bank liberalized interest rates in June by increasing deposit rates to 110% of the benchmark rate and decreasing the lending rate to 80% of the benchmark rate. Chinese banks will be reporting earnings for third-quarter sometime in the next two weeks. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 28 1 ratings | | Time: 01:26 | More in News & Politics |
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| Timberlake and Biel Wedding Sparks Big Sale, Big Controversy Posted: 25 Oct 2012 11:16 AM PDT | Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake got married last Friday (October 19) during a private beachfront party in souther Italy. Andy Samberg and Biel's 7th Heaven co-star Beverly Mitchell were among the guests who flew in for the celebration. However, the biggest news of the nuptials broke even more recently. Wedding photos from the $6.5 million event were sold to People Magazine for a reported $300000, to be released in this week's issue. While that won't hit newsstands until Friday, People released its cover image, with Biel dressed in a candy pink gown designed by Giambattista Valli and Justin in a black tux. However, there has been some controversy over the wedding as well. Gawker obtained a private video, produced by Los Angeles real estate agent Justin Hutchel played at the ceremony, which features apparent "homeless people, street musicians, and transexuals" on the streets of LA wishing the newlyweds well. Gawker posted a 20 second clip of the video. An attorney for Hutchel demanded the video not be published, and noted that the video was made "without Mr. Timberlake's knowledge." For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 13 0 ratings | | Time: 01:11 | More in Entertainment |
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| Violence Rages As Syrian Ceasefire Nears Posted: 25 Oct 2012 10:51 AM PDT | Violence continues to rage in Syria as the proposed ceasefire approaches... Full Story: International mediator Lakhdar Brahimi says Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has agreed to a ceasefire. [Lakhdar Brahimi, International Envoy]: "All I want to tell you is that after my visit to Damascus, there was an agreement amongst the Syrian government for a ceasefire during Eid and I believe that they will release a statement either today or tomorrow." The four day Muslim holiday begins today, but there has no yet been confirmation of the truce from Damascus. Opposition activists in Syria are skeptical and say Assad is simply playing for time. The Syrian regime counter that the rebels are too disunited to observe the ceasefire. There will be no international observers or monitors, making it difficult to enforce the truce. The last ceasefire collapsed after just a few days in April, with each side blaming the other. None-the-less, there has been strong international backing for the proposed truce, with both China and Russia voicing their support. The two nations have good relations with Syria, and have blocked several attempts by the UN to impose meaningful sanctions. Meanwhile, violence continues to rage in the troubled Middle Eastern country. Government warplanes killed five people from one family in a bombing raid on the northern town of Maarat al-Numan, according to The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. State media report a terrorist car bomb in Damascus killed four people <b>...</b> | Views: 7 0 ratings | | Time: 01:19 | More in News & Politics |
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| Ai Weiwei's 'Gangnam Style' Video Blocked Posted: 25 Oct 2012 09:57 AM PDT | Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei goes Gangnam style. But his take on the dance phenomenon was removed from Chinese websites. He called his version of the video dance craze 'Caonima' Style, meaning 'grass, mud, horse,' in Mandarin-- a phrase phonetically similar to a strong curse word. Weiwei is also seen in the now-banned video donning a pair of handcuffs-- a suggestive dig at Chinese government censorship. Ai and his colleagues uploaded the video to Chinese sites like 'Tudou', an equivalent YouTube, but found that hours later it had been removed. [Ai Weiwei, Chinese Dissident Artist] "Overall, we feel that every person has the right to express themselves, and this right of expression is fundamentally linked to our happiness and even our existence. When a society constantly demands that everyone should abandon this right, then the society becomes a society without creativity. It can never become a happy society." Fifty-five-year-old Ai, an internationally renowned artist and China's most high-profile dissident, has regularly clashed with the country's communist authorities. | Views: 250 13 ratings | | Time: 01:28 | More in News & Politics |
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| Hurricane Sandy Approaches Cuba Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:09 AM PDT | Heavy wind and rain hits Havana as Cubans feel the first effects of Hurricane Sandy. Full Story: Heavy rain and wind in the Cuban capital Havana on Wednesday night, as Hurricane Sandy approaches. Palm trees and traffic lights sway in the wind, and Cubans on the streets look for cover. Cuba's national meteorologist says Sandy will hit southeastern Cuba with high winds. [Jose Rubiera, National Meteorologist for Cuba]: "It passed over Jamaica with the intensity of a Category One hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gusts between 150 to 160. But now the winds are maintaining this velocity and it is expected that it will hit the southeastern coast of Cuba that way because it will hit in just a few hours." He added that Sandy's rains are his biggest concern. [Jose Rubiera, National Meteorologist for Cuba]: "The most dangerous phenomenon is not the wind, but the rain because this comes with a very intense area of rain and this intense area of rain will be crossing over mountainous territory, which will exacerbate the rain. And at night, there is more rain in this type of system." Hurricane Sandy battered Jamaica with ferocious winds, waves and rain on Wednesday, knocking down trees and power lines across the country. A hurricane warning was in effect for Cuba, where forecasters say Sandy is expected to make landfall as a Category One storm. Computer models show Sandy on a projected path carrying it over eastern Cuba and losing hurricane strength <b>...</b> | Views: 250 9 ratings | | Time: 01:28 | More in News & Politics |
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| Psy Brings Gangnam Style To The United Nations Posted: 24 Oct 2012 10:46 PM PDT | Psy brings Gangnam Style to the United Nations - and even teaches the dance to UN chief Ban Ki-moon. Full Story: South Korean rapper Psy danced his way into the United Nations on Tuesday. The mastermind behind the hit "Gangnam Style" met with UN chief Ban Ki-moon to discuss how they can work together on global issues. The meeting attracted a lot of media attention. [Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General]: "What a big crowd we have. I've never seen such a big crowd. Thank you for bringing so many people. This is the first time that we have so many crowds." Ban's spokesman said that although the secretary general deals with important issues such as the conflict in Syria, he also engages with other parts of society. [Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General]: "I was thinking about you when you were coming - you know we have tough negotiations in the United Nations. In such a case I was also thinking of playing 'Gangnam Style' dance so that everybody would stop and dance, maybe you can bring UN style." Ban, also South Korean, did eventually try the popular "horse riding style" dance. "Gangnam Style" is the most liked ever video on YouTube, and has been viewed more than 560 million times. Ban jokes that Psy is stealing his spotlight. [Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General]: "Until a few days ago somebody told me that I am the most famous Korean in the world. Now I have to relinquish that title to you, but I have no regrets." The 34-year-old poster says the <b>...</b> | Views: 123 14 ratings | | Time: 02:03 | More in Nonprofits & Activism |
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| Police Arrest Mass Protesters in Hainan Posted: 24 Oct 2012 08:52 PM PDT | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com Recently, thousands of people held protests in Yinggehai township, Hainan Province. Protesters clashed with police, and many were injured. Now the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has started it's punishment on protesters. On Oct.23, Ledong County, in Hainan Province, released a notice. It requested protesters, who had been against the launch of a local coal power plant, to surrender before October 26. Sound of Hope Radio International reported local villagers saying that everyday, police are searching for protesters door to door, and taking villagers away. Police asked the residential committee to check if detainees are organizers of the protest. Many people are worried about being detained, and have had to leave home. Now no one dares to mention the incident, otherwise, they will be arrested. The report said that local authorities had decided to go ahead with plant project. They will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 26 or 28. The authorities also warned residents that if they don't cooperate, their boats will be completely destroyed without compensation. The villagers feel hopeless. On October 24, most villagers, who were on the police wanted list, surrendered. Later, those villagers received punishment in accordance with their "crimes". Now, many police are controlling the town, with at least 200 people having been arrested. Sources Suggest CCTV Broadcast on Alzheimer's Disease is Hint About <b>...</b> | Views: 45 3 ratings | | Time: 02:23 | More in News & Politics |
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| Tibetan Dies in Self-Immolation Protest Posted: 24 Oct 2012 08:51 PM PDT | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com Dorjee Rinchen, a Tibetan, has died after self-immolating in protest against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rule. Dorjee Rinchen is the third Tibetan who has self-immolated within four days. Sources said that Lhasa is now full of CCP soldiers and police. Some of them are dressed as monks, in order to monitor the Tibetans. Heavy controls have forced some Tibetans to take shelter in rural areas. They are reported to only be returning to Lhasa after the CCP 18th Congress has ended. On October 23, Tibetan Dorjee Rinchen, aged 57, set himself on fire in protest against CCP rule in Tibet. He died at the scene, nearby the Armed Forces Department of Xiahe County, Gansu Province. Dorjee Rinchen is the third Tibetan who has self-immolated within four days. Monks traveled from Labrang Monastery to Dorjee Rinchen's home to pray for him. On route, they were intercepted by CCP police and army soldiers. Currently, Xiahe County has numerous soldiers and police active on the streets. Local Tibetans are all under surveillance. Authorities have blocked access to the internet and other communication services. Dawa Tsering, President of the Tibet Religious Foundation of the Dalai Lama, commented. Dawa says that the CCP has tightened repression over local Tibetans. This has forced Tibetans to protest by self-immolating, forming a vicious cycle. As the CCP 18th Congress draws nearer, Tibetans have been put under severe <b>...</b> | Views: 18 3 ratings | | Time: 02:50 | More in News & Politics |
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| Wang Yang's Anti-corruption "Sword" Posted: 24 Oct 2012 08:49 PM PDT | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com Outsiders widely believed, the Guangdong Provincial Party Secretary Wang Yang will be the next "Wen Jiabao" -- a liberal member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CCP Central Committee. On the eve of the18th National Congress, Wangyang is ready to carry out leading the cadres Family property declaration pilot work in Nansha District, Guangzhou city. This action is seen as an echo to the program launching official property declaration system at the 18th National Congress; At the same time, it's also considered the other "anti-corruption sword" in the Guangdong Province where Wangyang is in power. Before the 18th National Congress, to establish the property declaration system of the CCP officials have once again become the focus of attention. On 21st October, Southern Metropolis Daily (SMD) quoted the message of the Guangzhou Discipline Inspection Commission's saying that it has deployed "the leading cadre's Family property declaration pilot work in Nansha District, Guangzhou city. Political commentator Lin Zixu said that Wangyang's policy is advance and brave action to compare with other provinces. Lin Zixu: "I think this should not be Wangyang's personal decision, he should be supported by Hu and Wen. Hu and Wen, Xi are clear that if the CCP doesn't carry out the reform it will die. However, if the change steps out too fast, it could face a deep impact. Thus, Wangyang's series of <b>...</b> | Views: 25 0 ratings | | Time: 04:25 | More in News & Politics |
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| Jiannanchun Workers Renounce CCP After NTD Report Posted: 24 Oct 2012 08:45 PM PDT | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com Jiannanchun Brewery employees recently thanked NTDTV for the report that helped defend their rights. Not only did the government intervene in the equity dispute between the management and the workers, but also the collective number of public renouncements from the CCP in Jiannanchun has increased to 70. Recently, a message to NTDTV from Jiannanchun Brewery employees stated, "Some official said, 'brought international attention to the brewery strike over unfair capital stock distribution. We have to begun to resolve their problem. This strike has been going on for more than two months with no resolution. Now Falun Gong helped them to solve the problem.' Thank you, NTDTV." Political commentator Xing Tianxin: "Why would some people like to expose the news to overseas media? Because the CCP always tries to save face and give the image that they're in a golden age or it's supported by the people. Any report such as this will damage the image." In early October, NTDTV reported that 40 party members at Jiannanchun Brewery sent a letter to the Organization Department of CCP Central Committee requesting to quit the CCP. On the 22nd, a follow-up report revealed that more than 70 workers have collectively and publicly quit the party. It was also reported that 900 million of Jiannanchun assets were misappropriated to various party officials in the name of reorganization. Former Party secretary of Sichuan, Zhou <b>...</b> | Views: 14 0 ratings | | Time: 04:07 | More in News & Politics |
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| Confidential Document to Persecute Falun Gong Posted: 24 Oct 2012 08:42 PM PDT | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com Recently, a confidential document, written by the CCP to implement propaganda education to persecute Falun Gong in China, has been obtained by NTD TV. It proves the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong over the past years and using lies to educate public. The document stresses the major tasks are to brainwash people, including cadres, civil servants, the young and managers. It requests to re-educate those who live in rural as well as urban areas and managers of the companies. This document with series number 2012-5 was issued on April 22nd. It was jointly written by the so-called "Prevention and treatment of heretical religions Office", under the State Council and "National Education on Legal Knowledge Office", under the Ministry of Justice. It is copied to 610 Offices over China and related offices. The document requests that from 2011 to 2015, implement the order by 610 office and Political Legislative Affairs Committee. Which is to use propaganda education to persecute Falun Gong all over China. The document said that in 2012, the task is to carry out orders on cadres and civil servants; in 2013, the task is to educate young people; in 2014, the task is to implement the education in rural and city area; in 2015, the task is to educate companies' managers. The document indicated targeting different people using different methods. It also measures the cadres'achievement by the weight of persecuting Falun <b>...</b> | Views: 19 0 ratings | | Time: 04:09 | More in News & Politics |
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| China News Broadcast, October 24, 2012: Hu Jintao Allies Tipped to Take Key Posts Posted: 24 Oct 2012 09:05 PM PDT | In today's NTD China News, more allies of Chinese leader Hu Jintao are tipped to takeover senior Party positions. The Chinese regime is looking to boost telecom network security ahead of the 18th Party Congress, though some suspect the measures are only aimed at blocking out sensitive information. China and Japan hold talks over the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. A Tibetan farmer is the latest to die in a string of self-immolation protests against Chinese communist rule. Dorje Rinchen set himself alight on Tuesday outside the Labrang Monastery in Gansu province. Chinese telecom gear maker Huawei attempts to address security concerns by announcing it would offer code access for its Australian branch. HSBC's flash PMI indicator for China shows a slight uptick in manufacturing, though it still remains in a contracting state. Zhejiang businesses are being asked to pay more taxes, despite suffereing from the economic downturn. The soundtrack from "Free China: The Courage to Believe" has been nominated for the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. NTD co-produced the documentary with World2Be productions. | Views: 6 2 ratings | | Time: 15:12 | More in News & Politics |
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| China Uncensored - Chinese Feminists Don't Know What Feminism Means Posted: 24 Oct 2012 08:21 PM PDT | Feminism means different things to different people. But China's state-run All-China Women's Federation probably has the wrong idea. With some of the most sexist statements imaginable, they'd make the guys on Mad Men cringe. They've coined the term, "leftover women," women who turn 27 but still aren't married. Yeah, that should give you an idea of what we're dealing with here. Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: www.facebook.com | Views: 236 23 ratings | | Time: 02:35 | More in News & Politics |
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| Austrian Daredevil Drops in on UN Secretary General Posted: 24 Oct 2012 04:53 PM PDT | The United Nations is not known as a place where things happen quickly. So it was a bit of a surprise when the UN Secretary-General met with the first man to reach supersonic speed on Tuesday. In mid October, Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner leapt into the stratosphere from an air balloon 24 miles (38 km) above the Earth. He set a record for the highest skydive ever and broke the speed of sound in the process. The Secretary-General's spokesman said that while most of Ban Ki-Moon's guests were of a more serious nature, he also believed it was important to meet with other parts of society. According to the spokesman, Baumgartner happened to be in town and wanted to meet the Secretary-General. Ban Ki-Moon also apparently had an interest in meeting the record-setting skydiver. In keeping with the pattern of meeting with "other parts of society", later in the day Ban Ki-Moon is scheduled to meet with South Korean pop star, Psy. Psy's youtube video "Gangnam Style," which mocks consumerism in a rich Seoul suburb, went viral in a big way since its release this July with over 530 million hits. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 0 8 ratings | | Time: 01:19 | More in News & Politics |
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