Cuban man proud of his extra digits
A Cuban man nicknamed "Twenty-Four" says he's proud of his four perfectly formed extra digits. The condition, polydactyly, is relatively common, but the fact that Yoandri Hernandez Garrido's extra fingers and toes are perfectly formed and functional is what sets him apart from others. Hernandez says his extra digits have helped make him a pretty popular guy.

JOSEPH HYUNGMIN SON, known as Dr. Evil’s henchman “Random Task” in the first “Austin Powers” movie, was convicted of raping and torturing a 20-year-old woman and faces 15 years in jail. It took 18 years for police to wrangle Son, who was convicted of the 1990 attack on a California woman. DNA collected from Son in 2008 as a result of a probation violation from an unrelated vandalism charge linked him to the crime, KTLA reports.

Australian national airline Qantas apologized for posting a picture of two rugby fans wearing Afro wigs and with their faces and arms painted black at an international rugby game after it sparked online outrage.
The photo, briefly run on the Qantas Twitter site, was the result of a competition asking Australian fans to tell how they would show their support for the team and depicted two fans impersonating Fiji-born Australian team player Radike Samo at a Saturday night international game.
"We apologize that the photo of two Radike fans offended some of our followers," Qantas said in a statement.
"We've spoken with Radike and whilst he is not offended we decided to remove the image."
The Twitter community was divided, but many were angered.
"What that image represents to most people is appalling," said one commenter.
Others said the whole issue had been blown out of proportion.
"What is all the fuss about? See things in context not offensive. Good Aussie fun," tweeted another.
Radike, who is a loose forward, said he didn't have any problems with the costumes.
"I don't know what the fuss is all about. These guys were paying me a tribute," he said.
"I was glad to be in a photo with them, so I don't know why anyone is getting worked up. That (sort of reaction) is just silly."
Neighboring New Zealand is set to host the Rugby World Cup from September 9 but Australia beat New Zealand 25-20 in Brisbane Saturday night to win the Tri-Nations title, raising pressure on the two long-term rivals.

U.N. issues new bird flu warning
The United Nations is warning of a resurgence of the bird flu. Authorities say a mutant strain of H5N1 is spreading in Asia , and it seems to bypass the current vaccine. They also say bird migration is bringing the virus back to virus-free countries.
avian flu Bird flu (avian influenza) Bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus that rarely infects humans. But when bird flu does strike humans, it's often deadly. More than half the people who become infected with bird flu die of the disease.
+Bird flu china vietnam 


bird flu prevention

Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff Bird flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration has approved one vaccine to prevent infection with one strain of H5N1 bird flu virus. This vaccine isn't available to the public, but the U.S. government is stockpiling it and will distribute it in the event of an outbreak. It's intended to help protect adults ages 18 to 64 and could be used early in such an outbreak to provide limited protection until another vaccine — designed to protect against the specific form of the virus causing the outbreak — is developed and produced.
Researchers continue to work on other types of bird flu vaccines. One of the stumbling blocks is that most vaccines need chicken eggs for their development and production. Bird flu viruses are lethal to chicken eggs.
Recommendations for travelers
If you're traveling to Southeast Asia or to any region with bird flu outbreaks, consider these public health recommendations:

• Avoid domesticated birds. If possible, avoid rural areas, small farms and open-air markets.
• Wash your hands. This is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent infections of all kinds. When you're traveling, alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol are an excellent choice. They are effective, easy to use, don't require water and they're safe for children.
• Ask about a flu shot. Before traveling, ask your doctor about a flu shot. It won't protect you specifically from bird flu, but it may help reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with bird and human flu viruses.

Poultry and egg products
Because heat destroys avian viruses, WHO officials don't consider cooked poultry a health threat. Even so, it's best to take precautions when handling and preparing poultry, which is often contaminated with salmonella or other harmful bacteria.

• Avoid cross-contamination. Carefully wash cutting boards, utensils and all surfaces that have come into contact with raw poultry in hot, soapy water.
• Cook thoroughly. Cook chicken until the juices run clear, and it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
• Steer clear of raw eggs. Because eggshells are often contaminated with bird droppings, avoid mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, ice cream, and any other foods containing raw or undercooked eggs. 

Michael Jackson's 53rd birthday
The "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, would have turned 53 today. His career started with The Jackson 5  and he became one of the best-selling artists of all time. Although he had worldwide musical success , Jackson also had some personal downfalls. Two years after his death , Jackson is remembered by fans and family  and a tribute concert is in the works.Michael Jackson’s children and father visited the late pop star’s boyhood home in Gary, Ind., as the town celebrated what would have been his 53rd birthday.
Hundreds of fans took part in activities outside the house in Jackson Street over the weekend ahead of Jackson’s birthday on Monday.
Thirteen-year-old Paris Jackson told WLS-TV that she enjoyed seeing so many fans at the house when she and her brothers, 14-year-old Prince and 9-year-old Blanket, visited on Saturday.

Hilary Duff gets $100K for getting dumped from 'Bonnie & Clyde'
Hilary Duff scored a $100,000 severance package after getting dropped from the upcoming remake of "Bonnie & Clyde". Rumor has it that the star of "Red Riding Hood" was approached to replace Duff, but turned down the role.Hilary Duff received a $100,000 severance package after she was dropped from the remake of the film classic "Bonnie and Clyde" due to her pregnancy.

Nancy Grace dancing HLN's Nancy Grace to take the 'Dancing' stage.She’s known for her passion and strong point of view on her namesake HLN show. But on the next season of "Dancing with the Stars," Nancy Grace will unleash her quickstep and her tango.
The legal commentator was one of 12 celebrities announced for the 13^th season of the hit ABC show, which premieres September 19.

Joining Grace to compete for the Mirrorball trophy are:
David Arquette – The eccentric actor hopes to place the Mirrorball on his trophy case next to the WCW World Heavyweight Championship title belt he inexplicably won in 2000.
Chaz Bono – The actor, writer and activist was a contestant on VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club” in 2008.
Carson Kressley – The stylist and TV personality served as “fashion savant” on Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.”
J.R. Martinez – The retired soldier and motivational speaker has played Brot Monroe on “All My Children” since 2008.
Ron Artest – Of course, the controversial basketball star could be competing as “Metta World Peace” if his name change gets approved before or during the tournament.
Rob Kardashian – Will the reality TV star do better than sister Kim, who finished 11^th in the fall 2008 season of “Dancing”?
Chynna Phillips – The singer hopes to hold on for more than just one day on the dance floor.
Elisabetta Canalis – The Italian actress and TV host is best known to U.S. audiences for her two-year relationship with George Clooney, which came to an end earlier this year.
Hope Solo – The U.S. women’s World Cup soccer goalkeeper could join the long list of athletes who’ve had success on the “Dancing” floor.
Kristin Cavallari – The "Hills" star hopes her run on “Dancing” lasts longer than her hosting gig on “Get the Party Started,” which lasted all of two weeks on UPN in 2006.
Ricki Lake – The actress and talk show host might be preparing for her first dance at her wedding reception. Lake announced her engagement to jewelry designer Christian Evans earlier this month.