Justin Bieber says he's suffering from facial paralysis

NEW YORK — Justin Bieber on Friday told fans in a video posted on Instagram that he's been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which is causing him partial facial paralysis.

The 28-year-old pop singer recently announced he was pausing his Justice World Tour due to illness, hours before his first slated concert in Toronto.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a complication of shingles that occurs when an outbreak impacts the facial nerve near one ear. In addition to facial paralysis, it can cause hearing loss.

"As you can see, this eye is not blinking, I can't smile on this side of my face, this nostril will not move," Bieber explained in a video.

"So, there’s full paralysis on this side of my face. So for those who are frustrated by my cancellations of the next shows, I'm just physically, obviously, not capable of doing them. This is pretty serious, as you can see."

The "Peaches" singer said he was doing facial exercises and taking time to "rest and relax and get back to 100 percent so I can do what I was born to do."

He did not give an estimated timeline for his recovery.

It's the third instance Bieber's tour has been postponed, the first two due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agence France-Presse

Canada bans passenger flights from India, Pakistan for 30 days

OTTAWA - Canada suspended all passenger flights from India and Pakistan on Thursday for 30 days, Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra announced, citing increased Covid-19 cases detected in travelers arriving from these countries.

"Given the higher number of cases of Covid-19 detected in air passengers arriving in Canada from India and Pakistan... I am suspending all commercial and private passenger flights arriving in Canada from Indian and Pakistan for 30 days," Alghabra told a news conference.

"This is a temporary measure, while we assess the evolving situation and determine appropriate measures going forward," he added.

The restriction will go into effect at 11:30 pm Eastern Time Thursday (0330 GMT Friday).

It will not apply to cargo flights, Alghabra said, particularly to ensure the continued shipment of vaccines, personal protective equipment and other essential goods.

India, which is undergoing an alarming surge being blamed on a "double mutant" variant and super-spreader events, reported a single-day high of more than 300,000 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday.

Health Minister Patty Hajdu said that overall only 1.8 percent of travelers to Canada have tested positive for coronavirus.

While India accounts for 20 percent of recent air travel to Canada, more than half of all positive tests at the border were from flights arriving from the country, she said, adding that "a similarly high level of cases... have also been linked to Pakistan."

"It is a significant volume," she said, "and given the epidemiological situation in India, it makes sense to pause travel from that region while our scientists and researchers (try) to better understand this variance of interest, to better understand where the trajectory of the cases in that region are going."

BAN ON NON-ESSENTIAL FLIGHTS

Health Canada data showed 18 flights from Delhi and two from Lahore, to Toronto or Vancouver, in the past two weeks had at least one passenger onboard who was diagnosed with the illness.

Canada last December briefly suspended flights from Britain over concerns about outbreaks of a Covid variant. 

Earlier on Thursday Parliament voted unanimously to urge the government to ban non-essential flights from Covid hotspots where variants have surged, including India and Brazil.

Alghabra said there are currently no scheduled flights between Canada and Brazil, but added that "we will not hesitate to ban travel to other countries if the science bears that out."

Several dozen cases of the variant of the virus initially declared in India have already been identified in Canada, according to media reports.

Some countries have taken similar steps to prevent worsening outbreaks due to this variant: the United Arab Emirates announced Thursday that it will suspend all flights from India.

Britain also this week banned entry to travelers from India, and France has announced that they will be subject to a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in the country.

All travelers to Canada are already subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. They must also present a negative Covid test before boarding an international flight, and another upon arrival in Canada.

Struggling with a third wave of infections, Canada recorded 9,000 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, bringing its total to 1,151,276 cases and 23,812 deaths.

Agence France-Presse

Trudeau does not back down on rights defense in Saudi spat

OTTAWA, Canada — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday refused to apologize for calling out Saudi Arabia on its human rights record, after Riyadh said it was considering further punitive measures against Ottawa over its criticisms of the kingdom.

Tensions have been high between the two countries since Monday, when Riyadh expelled Canada's ambassador, recalled its own envoy and froze all new trade and investments.

Riyadh also said it will relocate thousands of Saudi students studying in Canada to other countries, while state airline Saudia announced it was suspending flights to Toronto.

The kingdom was angry at Ottawa for openly denouncing a crackdown on rights activists in Saudi Arabia.

But on Wednesday, Trudeau stood firm.


"Canada will always speak strongly and clearly in private and in public on questions of human rights," he said.

"We do not wish to have poor relations with Saudi Arabia," he added, saying Ottawa recognizes that Riyadh "has made progress when it comes to human rights."

Trudeau noted that his foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, had "a long conversation" on Tuesday with her counterpart Adel al-Jubeir to try to resolve the dispute.

"Diplomatic talks continue," he said.

On Wednesday, Saudi state media said the kingdom has nevertheless also stopped all medical treatment programs in Canada and was working on transferring all Saudi patients there to other countries.

Further straining ties, the Saudi central bank has instructed its overseas asset managers to dispose of their Canadian equities, bonds and cash holdings "no matter the cost," the Financial Times reported.

But in an apparent effort to safeguard its economic interests, Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih said the dispute will not affect state oil giant Aramco's clients in Canada.

Saudi oil supplies are independent of political considerations, Falih was quoted as saying by state media.

'Matter of national security'
Last week, Canada sparked fury in Riyadh by calling for the "immediate release" of rights campaigners, including award-winning women's rights activist Samar Badawi, the sister of jailed blogger Raif Badawi.

That arrest came after more than a dozen women's rights campaigners were detained and accused of undermining national security and collaborating with enemies of the state.

When asked about the jailed activists, Jubeir on Wednesday reiterated the government's stance that they had been in contact with foreign entities, but did not specify the charges against them.

"The matter is not about human rights, it is a matter of national security," Jubeir told reporters.

"Saudi Arabia does not interfere in the affairs of Canada in any way. Therefore, Canada must correct its actions towards the kingdom."

Jubeir ruled out mediation as a way to put an end to the row.

"There is nothing to mediate," he said.

"Canada made a big mistake... and a mistake should be corrected."

Jubeir added that Saudi Arabia was "considering additional measures" against Canada, without elaborating.

Experts have said the Saudi move illustrates how the oil-rich kingdom is increasingly seeking to use its economic and diplomatic muscle to quell foreign criticism under its young de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

In Canada, there was disappointment that major Western powers including the United States — a key ally of Saudi Arabia — have not publicly come out in support of Canada, though it is not the first country to be targeted for speaking up.

In March 2015, Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador from Stockholm over criticism by the Swedish foreign minister of Riyadh's human rights record.

Earlier this year, Bloomberg News reported that Saudi Arabia was scaling back its dealings with some German companies amid a diplomatic spat with Berlin.

The move came after Germany's foreign minister last November remarked that Lebanon was a "pawn" of Saudi Arabia after the surprise resignation of its Prime Minister Saad Hariri while in Riyadh.

source: philstar.com

Canadian pharmaceutical billionaire, wife found dead in Toronto

TORONTO —  Canadian police said they were investigating the mysterious deaths of the billionaire founder of Canadian pharmaceutical firm Apotex Inc, Barry Sherman, and his wife, Honey, who were found dead in their Toronto mansion on Friday.

The two were found dead after police responded to a medical call just before noon (1700 GMT) at their home in an affluent section of northeast Toronto.

“The circumstances of their death appear suspicious and we are treating it that way,” said Constable David Hopkinson. Homicide detectives later told reporters gathered outside the home that there were no signs of forced entry.

Two bodies covered in blankets were removed from the home and loaded into an unmarked van on Friday evening. The property is listed for sale for nearly C$7 million ($5.4 million).

Sherman, 75, founded privately held Apotex in 1974. He stepped down as chief executive in 2012, but remained as executive chairman. Forbes has estimated his net worth at $3.2 billion.

Apotex employs 11,000 people and is the world’s No. 7 generic drugmaker, according to its website.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said in statement that he was “shocked and heartbroken” to learn of the deaths, and noted the couple had made extensive contributions to the city.

“Toronto Police are investigating, and I hope that investigation will be able to provide answers for all of us who are mourning this tremendous loss,” he said.

Other politicians echoed that sentiment.

“I am beyond words right now,” Ontario health minister Eric Hoskins said in a tweet.“My dear friends Barry and Honey Sherman have been found dead. Wonderful human beings, incredible philanthropists, great leaders in health care. A very, very sad day.”

Apotex says it is the largest Canadian-owned pharmaceutical firm, with annual sales of more than C$2 billion. It has operations in more than 45 countries, including the United States.

source: interaksyon.com

West thumps East in Kobe Bryant’s final All-Star Game

The West All-Stars breezed past the East All-Stars, 196-173, to conclude the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend festivities that set the stage for a fitting tribute to retiring superstar Kobe Bryant.

The annual showcase played in Toronto, Canada for the first time centered on Bryant who played in a record 18th All-Star appearance. A video montage showing the highlights of his 20-year career was showed before the game in a ceremony em-ceed by Lakers great Magic Johnson.

“I just want to thank you guys for all your support all these years,” Bryant told the “Ko-be!” chanting crowd.

“I’ve just been extremely fortunate to play the game I love and be in the NBA for over half my life.”

“He’s the Michael Jordan of our era,” said Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, an Eastern All-Star who like Bryant hails from Philadelphia.

“He’s the most competitive a lot of us have played against. And the things he’s done throughout his career and the things he’s done to change the game and motivate other players is unbelievable.”

Bryant, the top vote-getter in the All-Star Game, finished with 10 points, six boards and seven assists as his younger counterparts stole the spotlight.

Russell Westbrook won the NBA All-Star MVP award for the second straight year after piling up 31 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

“We were just playing lockup defense at the end,” said Russell, although for the most part defense wasn’t part of the program at the Air Canada Centre, where the annual exhibition was being held outside US borders for the first time.

Reigning NBA MVP scored 26 points, Anthony Davis had 24 while Kevin Durant and James Harden each had 23 markers. Chris Paul also collected 16 assists to go along with 14 points.

East’s Paul George top-scored the game with 41 points, one shy of tying the record for the most points made in an All-Star Game.

He just missed the All-Star single-game record of 42 points set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

It was a night of soaring dunks and long-range bombs all adding up to unprecedented numbers.

The 369 total points was an All-Star Game record, as was the West’s 196 total and their 104 points in the second half.

The Western Conference made a record 31 three-pointers — including seven apiece from Westbrook and James Harden and six from Curry.

source: interaksyon.com

Canada court rules doctors can help ill patients die

TORONTO — Canada's highest court unanimously struck down a ban on doctor-assisted suicide for mentally competent patients with terminal illnesses, declaring on Friday that "an individual's response to a grievous and irremediable medical condition is a matter critical to their dignity and autonomy."

The Supreme Court's decision reverses its own decision two decades ago and gives Parliament a year to draft new legislation that recognizes the right of consenting adults who are enduring intolerable suffering to seek medical help ending their lives. The current ban on doctor-assisted suicide stands until then.

The judgment said the ban infringes on the life, liberty and security of individuals under Canada's constitution. It had been illegal in Canada to counsel, aid or abet a suicide, an offense carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years

"The law allows people in this situation to request palliative sedation, refuse artificial nutrition and hydration, or request the removal of life-sustaining medical equipment, but denies the right to request a physician's assistance in dying," the ruling noted.

Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, Germany, Albania, Colombia, Japan and in the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, Vermont, New Mexico and Montana. Euthanasia is currently legal in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Friday's decision reverses a Canadian Supreme Court ruling in 1993. At the time, the justices were primarily concerned that vulnerable people could not be properly protected under physician-assisted suicide.

"For seriously and incurably ill Canadians, the brave people who worked side by side with us for so many years on this case — this decision will mean everything to them," said a visibly overjoyed Grace Pastine, the litigation director for the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association.

The pressure will now be on Parliament to act in an election year, as the court says no exemptions may be granted for those seeking to end their lives during the 12-month suspension of the judgment.

Friday's decision was spurred by the families of two now-dead British Columbia women, supported by Pastine's organization.

Gloria Taylor was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, a degenerative neurological illness. Kay Carter was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal cord condition. At age 89, Carter travelled to Switzerland, where assisted suicide is allowed.

Taylor had won a constitutional exemption at a lower court for a medically assisted death in 2012, but that decision was overturned in subsequent appeals. She died of an infection later the same year.

It has been more than 20 years since the case of another patient with Lou Gehrig's disease, Sue Rodriguez, gripped Canada as she fought for the right to assisted suicide. She lost her appeal but took her own life with the help of an anonymous doctor in 1994, at the age of 44.

source: philstar.com

Tory Burch mixes good design with good fortune

MANILA, Philippines - Tory Burch is launching a special capsule collection in bright red, the traditional color of the holiday, symbolizing good fortune. It includes handbags, wallets, cosmetic cases and iPhone covers. These limited edition designs are now available at Tory Burch freestanding stores in Beijing, Tianjin, Hong Kong–IFC, Hong Kong–Harbour City, Hong Kong–Times Square, Makati City and Singapore. They will also be offered at 14 select locations in North America, including New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Honolulu and Toronto boutiques.

The Tory Blog will highlight Chinese New Year as well with a special feature. Visit blog.toryburch.com for more information.

This is the brand’s second year designing custom product for Chinese New Year, marking the important role of China in the company’s global expansion plan — it opened its Hong Kong office when the brand launched in 2004 and there are now eight stores in Greater China.

In the Philippines, Tory Burch is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5 and Rustan’s Makati.

source: philstar.com

‘Lumayo Ka Man’ singer Rodel Naval died of AIDS, sisters confess

Rodel Naval — the handsome and enigmatic singer behind the hit ballads “Muli” and “Lumayo Ka Man” — succumbed to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) 17 years ago, two of his siblings revealed on Saturday, World AIDS Day.

The singer’s sudden and mysterious death in Toronto, Canada on June 11, 1995 at age 42 was officially ascribed to pneumonia, but rumors soon reached Manila that he had in fact died of complications from AIDS.

His sisters Rosalie and Delia acknowledged the rumor as fact in an interview with Cristy Fermin on “Ang Latest” on Saturday, ahead of the release of a new commemorative album of Rodel’s best-known songs.

Delia said Rodel had confessed to his family in Toronto that he was HIV-positive in 1993, two years before his death. “Kalmado niya kaming kinausap. Sabi niya meron nga siyang sakit na genital,” she said.

Rosalie said their brother faced his impending death peacefully. “Kalmado siya kasi bumalik siya sa Diyos, at binigyan siya ng forgiveness and peace,” she said.

Despite his illness, Rodel managed a one-year stint with the cast of the Toronto production of “Miss Saigon” in 1994. He also performed two concerts in April of that year, one in Toronto and another in Los Angeles.

According to his official website, Rodel had begun his showbiz career in 1975 as an actor. But he left in 1979 when he felt his career wasn’t going anywhere and joined his immigrant family in Canada.

When he returned to the Philippines in 1990, he was already an accomplished singer who had performed in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and other cities in North America.

He finally found success at home with the songs “Muli” and “Lumayo Ka Man”. However, he left for Canada again in 1993 when he contracted HIV.

Besides the commemorative album, which will be released by Alpha Records this week, his sisters said a biography of Rodel is also in the works.

source: interaksyon.com

Filipino nurses warned vs e-mail scam on non-existent Canada jobs

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs is warning the public against a scam circulating by e-mail that offers Filipino nurses non-existent jobs in Toronto-based hospitals.

Citing a report from the Philippine consulate general in Canada, the DFA said the e-mail offers work with Shouldice and other hospitals in Toronto. It invites nurses to “coaching interviews” conducted by staff of these hospitals in Makati to prepare them for interviews by the Canadian embassy in Manila.

Participants are made to pay a fee of P3,888 for the “coaching interview,” which is a prelude to a two-day seminar at the completion of the initial consultation, the consulate said.

According to Shouldice Hospital, it has been represented illegitimately and falsely by an “unidentified” agency in the Philippines in conducting interviews of nurses, who have been sent e-mails supposedly from Shouldice Hospital.

In the past few days, Shouldice Hospital has been receiving at least 100 e-mails and telephone inquiries about these “coaching interviews” for potential employment in its hospital in Thornhill, Ontario.

These would-be participants are asked to send money via Western Union, specifically to somebody using Shouldice Hospital’s officers, including its chief executive officer.

The consulate general thus “advises recipients to be wary of such invitations, especially those that demand money from potential applicants.”

source: interaksyon.com

Kristen Stewart Spotted at L.A. Airport—in Robert Pattinson's Old T-Shirt

Looks like Kristen Stewart has no intention of bailing on the Toronto Film Festival.

The scandal-singed star, seen hardly at all over the past month while she waited out the public-relations repercussions of stepping out on Robert Pattinson, was spotted making her way through LAX today to catch a flight to Toronto.

Stewart is due to make her first public appearance since she was caught canoodling with Rupert Sanders and will attend a special presentation of On the Road tomorrow night.

Along with her jeans, boots and glasses, Stewart's low-key travel getup included what appeared to be the same T-shirt Pattinson was photographed wearing on July 19, 2011.

And if it's not the same shirt, then Robsten were sporting his-and-her tees once upon a time, before Stewart's fling with her Snow White and the Huntman director came to light.

But though K.Stew watch hasn't been very effective lately, she still managed to be everywhere—posing for Marie Claire, fronting a a new Balenciaga campaign and covering the October issue of British Vogue.

source: eonline.com