Texas teen Michael John Riley Jr dies from brain-eating amoeba illness

The teenager who fell ill after a swimming outing earlier this month with his high school track teammates has died.

The family of Michael John Riley Jr. announced that the 14-year-old died after contracting a lethal disease caused by a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in the warm waters at Sam Houston State Park.

"It is with a heavy heart that we tell you, Michael John Riley Jr. lost his battle on this earth but won a victory for his place in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ," according to the family's Facebook post. "Michael fought a courageous fight over the past week, allowing him to move on to be with the Lord for future heavenly tasks, a beautiful set of wings, and a pair of gold running shoes."

The family vows to honor Riley's legacy by supporting scientific efforts to better understand primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (or PAM, as it's better known) along with an awareness campaign to prevent others from contracting the disease.

PAM is caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba which flourishes in warm water. Children who play in freshwater lakes or rivers are typically the most commonly affected.

"They get water up their nose with those organisms in there," Dr. Luis Ostrosky, medical director of epidemiology at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and UT Health, told the Houston Chronicle last week. "They start invading the nasal tissues. They basically go all the way to the brain and you get a brain infection."

The amoeba, which normally feeds on bacteria, begins to multiply which causes the brain to swell. Victims usually die within seven to 10 days.

One of the difficulties of treating PAM is that it is rare. During the past five decades, there haven't been more than eight cases a year in the United States.

However, Texas Children's treated another patient for PAM three week before it treated Riley. That patient did not survive either.

Riley got sick a few days after swimming in a freshwater lake at Sam Houston State Park with his new Cy-Ridge High School track team on Aug. 13.

At first, doctors didn't know what was wrong with the accomplished long-distance runner. His headaches, however, continued to worsen and, a few days later, became unbearable. His neck was painfully stiff and he became disoriented.

But a physician at Texas Children's Hospital-West Campus recognized the symptoms from another case he had seen and Riley was transferred to the Texas Medical Center. A 2013 case from Arkansas gave the Riley family hope as well as a guide to treatment methods because that patient, who had contracted the disease from a water park, was one of only two U.S. survivors.

Doctors put Riley in an induced coma and monitored his brain activity.

But Saturday night, the test results weren't good, according to the family's Facebook post.

"Family and friends from all over the world have shown tremendous support both in presence and from far distances," according to the family. "Our family continues to find comfort in your prayers and love, please keep them coming. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your outpouring of love."

Funeral services will be announced later, according to the family.

Source: MSN

Sepp Blatter, Under Investigation in US, to Resign as FIFA President

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is being investigated by US officials as part of their inquiry into corruption at the world football body, US media say.

The news came hours after Mr Blatter announced that he was stepping down from his role. US prosecutors launched a criminal inquiry last week, with seven Fifa officials arrested in Switzerland, part of a group of 14 people indicted.

Two days after the arrests, Mr Blatter was re-elected president of Fifa. However, he said on Tuesday that it appeared the mandate he had been given "does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world".

Mr Blatter said: "Fifa needs profound restructuring."

'Bribes and kickbacks'

US officials quoted in the New York Times said they hoped to gain the co-operation of some of the Fifa figures now under indictment on charges of racketeering and money laundering to try to build a case against Mr Blatter.

In announcing the indictments last week, the US Attorney General Loretta Lynch insisted that they were at the beginning of their investigation rather than the end. She also called - just days before Sepp Blatter's re-election for a fifth term as president - for Fifa to make a new start.

It is primarily the American investigation that has plunged the world's governing body into the most serious crisis in its history.

Earlier the FBI, Internal Revenue Service and the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, who is involved in the US prosecutions, all said they would not comment on the Blatter resignation.
In its prosecution, the US justice department said 14 individuals were under investigation worldwide for allegedly accepting bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150m (£97m) over a 24-year period.

Two vice-presidents were among the seven Fifa officials arrested in Zurich. They all await US extradition proceedings.

Brazilian footballing legend Pele told the BBC that the developments surrounding Fifa and Sepp Blatter "surprised everyone".

"My position is like a player. I want to see football put people together, stop the war," he said.
"Fifa needs honest people."

The arrests overshadowed the vote for a new president, which Mr Blatter won, defeating his sole challenger, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan.
Prince Ali withdrew despite forcing a second round, having lost the first by 133 votes to 73.

Announcing his exit on Tuesday, 79-year-old Mr Blatter called an extraordinary Fifa congress "as soon as possible" to elect a new president. The Swiss, who has been Fifa president since 1998, said: "The next ordinary Fifa congress will take place on 13 May, 2016 in Mexico City.

"This would create unnecessary delay and I will urge the executive committee to organise an extraordinary congress for the election of my successor at the earliest opportunity.
"This will need to be done in line with Fifa's statutes and we must allow enough time for the best candidates to present themselves and to campaign."

The extraordinary congress is expected to take place between December 2015 and March 2016.
Further allegations of corruption emerged on Tuesday with claims that Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke was linked to an alleged $10m (£6m) payment of bribes over South Africa's bid to host the 2010 World Cup. He denies any wrongdoing.

A separate criminal investigation by Swiss authorities into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were allocated is also under way.

source:bbc

Beautiful Exotic Natural Place for Summer Vacation, Bali Ubud

Tjampuhan Valley in the heart of Ubud, Bali, Pita Maha Resort & Spa adorn, the landscape flowed beautiful Ayung river. It seems clear from the lobby and restaurants, natural beauty of Ubud foothills. As far as the eye could see, paddy fields and lush tropical vegetation extends along the valley to the sea.

Resort and spa locations is very strategic because it is located in the tourist areas are relatively close distance of places tourist destinations such as Ubud Palace, Ubud market, Monkey Forest, several museums and temples, walk tracks, and specialist shops and many other well-known resorts such as Ubud Hanging Garden as a favorite tourist destination

Rich in history, the area Tjampuhan main attraction of Bali’s arts community in 1934, the Prince of Ubud, Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati combine forces with the two western artists Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonner formed an association of artists called “The Pita Maha.”

Most of the villa has a private pool with garden, four two-storey villas to accommodate families. The whole villa has air conditioning, satellite TV, private bar, and other modern conveniences.
Restaurant terraced overlooking the valley offers luxury West and East, while cafes at the edge of the pool with spring water provides a variety of snacks and drinks laid out with a relaxed impression.

Private villa spa lull you to relax in style, enjoy a session recovery from fatigue and saturation. Pita Maha Private Villa Spa is a very luxurious resort is the main attraction, offering comprehensive health care, total relaxation for the body and mind in the middle of typical Balinese beautiful landscapes let's see how beautiful Bali Ubud below,

Meet Caitlyn Jenner, Formerly Bruce Jenner, Now is a woman, even Obama praised her.

Bruce Jenner to say goodbye to his previous identity as man when appearing on the cover of  Vanity Fair magazine in July, 2015. For the first time Bruce did a photo shoot as a woman.

Bruce introduced herself with her new identity while posing to be a woman to the leading entertainment magazine. Her name is Caitlyn Jenner. She now also uses female pronouns 'she' to refer to herself.

In the magazine cover taken by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, Bruce look like a woman. 'Call me Caitlyn, "so the headline is written on a Vanity Fair photo featuring Bruce.

Bruce, who now prefers to be called Caitlyn posing wearing a white corset bodysuit. From behind the clothing was seen former Olympic gold medalist has done on her breast implants.

She also looks more beautiful exactly like a woman with makeup and hairstyle are made slightly wavy. Even President Barack Obama also expressed support and praise to the reality TV star. He wrote, "It takes courage to share your story"  Obama policy is known to support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender issues.

Within only four hours of sending her first tweet on Monday afternoon, Jenner has surpassed one million followers. The fastest-growing Twitter record was previously held by the POTUS when he gained one million followers in under five hours on May 18. According to Twitter, there have been over 1.5 million tweets about the Olympian since her first tweet, including comments of support and celebration from her family and celebrities.

Muslim woman victim of racism by the United Airline, Islamophobia is real in the US

United Airlines has come under fire after a Muslim passenger was allegedly refused an unopened can of soda because she might "use it as a weapon."

Initially as a regular flight for Tahera Ahmad, representatives of the Muslim community at Northwestern University, Chicago, USA. The veiled woman sitting calm in United Airlines flight at an altitude of 30,000 feet above the ground. However, Tahera tranquility disturbed by the incident that offending her convictions, she has accused United of "Islamophobia" after an encounter with a flight attendant Friday that left her in tears.

Ahmad wrote in a Facebook post that she asked for an unopened can of Diet Coke during beverage service on her flight. When she was brought an open can, she requested a new beverage for sanitary reasons but was told, "I'm sorry I just can't give you an unopened can so no diet coke for you."

A man sitting near her was later brought an unopened beer, and Ahmad, who wears a hijab in her Facebook profile photo, asked the flight attendant again why she wasn't able to have a similar can.

"She said, 'We are unauthorized to give unopened cans to people because they may use it as a WEAPON on the plane,'" Ahmad wrote.

Ahmed also wrote that after the encounter, she asked her fellow passengers if the experience was discriminatory, but no one responded aside from one man who said, "You Moslem, you need to shut the f** up ... yes you know you would use it as a WEAPON so shut the f**k up."

Ahmad's story has quickly spread on social media, with some people adopting the hashtag #UnitedForTahera, calling for a boycott of the airline. Despite the statement from the airline, Ahmed wrote on Twitter that she has yet to receive a "sincere apology" from United and is "disappointed at [the] dismissal."

Ahmad told the Chicago Sun-Times she's been targeted because of her hijab before. She said she's been spat on and had the covering ripped off, but the airplane incident was particularly troubling because she was “publicly targeted as a threat to people.”

Ms Ahmad's account last night of her experience has been shared by thousands of people on Facebook and Twitter.

They've used the hashtag #UnitedForTahera, accused the airline of Islamophobia and racism at 30,000ft and told others to boycott it.

Mohammad Alauddin ‏wrote: "This is disrespectful. We are Muslims, We aren't terrorists. Everybody should be #unitedfortahera".

Zohal Alizai ‏wrote: "Never going to book a flight from united airlines again #unitedfortahera".

Sagal Ashour added: "Glad I'm using British airways to travel to New York otherwise I would change my ticket. Unacceptable treatment of Muslims #unitedfortahera".

World’s Largest Hotel to Open in Mecca in 2017

The city of Mecca increasingly stretched with the development of giant properties. The latest is Abraj Kudai built by Dar Al Handasah.

No kidding, the dimensions of this enormous project, which is 1.4 million square meters on an area of 6 hectares. Its location is only 2 kilometers south of the Grand Mosque Masjidil Haram, but still is in the heart of Mecca which Manafia region.

This development in the complex will stand vertically 12 residential towers, commercial space comprising a large podium, shopping centers, restaurants, dining halls, convention centers, and showrooms vehicle as well as a five-star hotel.

Striking giant size, believed to be a new landmark downtown Mecca. In fact, Dar Al Handasah designed it as a new identity which combines modern Islamic culture.

Interestingly, five-star hotel, and a number of apartments in it, dedicated to the pilgrims of the Kaaba. They can take advantage of this five-star facilities during the pilgrimage, or umrah.

Abraj Kudai bordering Ajyad Street in the east, Kudai and tunnels Birka in the west, as well as Prince meteb land in the north. With this strategic location, Abraj Kudai easily accessible by anyone.

In addition, the project site is surrounded by modern office buildings, hotels and shopping centers in the east, and west of the region.

According to the plan, citing the official website of Dar Al Handasah, Abraj Kudai will be opened to the public in two years or in 2017. If future operations, Abraj Kudai will be the largest hotel in the world

Aung San Suu Kyi Ignore Rohingya's humanitarian crisis for the sake of political pragmatism, where is she now?

At first the world can not be denied that Aung San Suu Kyi is the figure that represents the people helpless in Myanmar. However, untill now there is no  comments about the Rohingya refugee crisis makes the people questioning her moral commitment.

In fact, the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama had subtly insinuated Suu Kyi because she has not taken any action on the problem of ethnic minority Rohingya refugees.

Various photo displays Rohingya migrants, and Bangladesh, which was saved from wooden boats that float in the middle of the sea towards the coast of Southeast Asia have sparked calls for humanitarian action to address this crisis.

 Myanmar's government' neglect on the issue, the international community hopes Suu Kyi gives a little boost morale in the Rohingya problem ..

However, she has not spoken related Rohingya problem and it is getting special attention from the Dalai Lama is asking his fellow Nobel laureate was to help the Rohingya.

"It's tragic. In this issue I hope that Aung San Suu Kyi, as Nobel laureate, can do something to protect them," the Dalai Lama told The Australian newspaper published on Thursday (05/28/2015)

Dalai Lama is very understand her difficult position in the country that would instantly condemned if someone gives sympathy to the people of Rohingya. "However,  that I felt she (Suu Kyi) can do something," the Dalai Lama said.

Aung San Suu Kyi spent 15 years in house arrests  during the military government of Myanmar for her campaign to fight for democracy in Myanmar.

Suu Kyi's personal sacrifice, which resulted in the separation  with the children and her husband who now lives in England, make Suu Kyi as one of the world figure peace.

"The Nobel prize winner has now become a major disappointment because of the continuing failure for defending human rights in Myanmar, particularly the issue of Rohingya" said Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Myanmar's government has become the most responsible party due to exodus of Rohingya, but Robertson is more strongly criticized Suu Kyi's  failure as Nobel laureate, an activist for peace and human rights were failing to use "moral force" to help the Rohingya.

Putin slams US Intervention in FIFA's Officials Arrests

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (28/5), criticized the United States on charges of corruption filed by the US against the FIFA officials, citing the case of the US effort to extend its jurisdiction to other countries.

Putin, in his commentary on television said the US also tried to prevent the election of the FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Elections are scheduled to take place Friday in which Blatter will face a competitor in an attempt fifth term of office.

Russia will host the World Cup in 2018.

Putin statement similar to the messages conveyed Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, describing the case as the application of American law outside the legal territory.

America has been no response due to Putin's statement. Providing the opportunity for Russia to host the 2018 World Cup, is part of a Swiss investigation into allegations of mismanagement and money laundering

FIFA High rank officials arrested on corruption charges by The US Attorney General

US prosecutors have accused several officials from football's governing body Fifa of racketeering, fraud and money laundering involving tens of millions of dollars over 24 years. Prosecutors said they had discovered a dozen schemes, including one awarding the 2010 World Cup to South Africa.

Fourteen people have been indicted, with seven held in Zurich on Wednesday. Fifa president Sepp Blatter is not among them. Fifa still intends to hold its presidential election on Friday.
However, European football body Uefa has called for the election to be postponed and said it could boycott the congress.

Mr Blatter is seeking re-election and is favoured to win a fifth term.
Swiss prosecutors have also opened a separate investigation into the bidding process for the World Cup tournaments in 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar.

'Over and over'
Those indicted in the US case are accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150m (£97m) over a 24-year period beginning in 1991. One of the seven arrested in Zurich is Jeffrey Webb, current Fifa vice-president and head of the Concacaf federation that serves North and Central America. Six of the seven are contesting extradition to the US, Swiss authorities say.

Former Fifa vice president Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago, who was not one of those held in Switzerland, is accused of soliciting $10m in bribes from South Africa's government over the hosting of the 2010 World Cup. Mr Warner issued a statement saying he was innocent of any charges.
If convicted on racketeering charges, the defendants could face up to 20 years in prison.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch said some Fifa executives had "used their positions to solicit bribes. They did this over and over, year after year, tournament after tournament".

"They corrupted the business of worldwide soccer to serve their interests and to enrich themselves."
Ms Lynch said the charges included:

-Receiving bribes to receive media and marketing rights to football tournaments
-Receiving bribes to influence the decision of where tournaments should be hosted - including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and the 2016 Copa America in the US
-Racketeering - organised illegal activity
-Money laundering
-Wre fraud - or obtaining money by fraudulent means

Ms Lynch said the forthcoming Fifa election had played no part in the timing of the indictments, and that although Fifa had a "lot of soul searching to do", US law officials were not looking to have "an impact on the decisions" Fifa needed to make in the future.

However, Acting US Attorney for New York eastern district Kelly Currie warned this was the "beginning, not the end, of the investigation". Four individuals and two companies have already pleaded guilty. But the US officials said there were no allegations that any football matches were affected by the alleged corruption.

Many have wondered how Sepp Blatter can have been in charge of Fifa for so long amid so many reports of corruption and yet remain, apparently, untouched.

One Swiss newspaper jokingly called him "the dark prince of football, the godfather, Don Blatterone" - but no inquiry has ever revealed proof of his involvement in corruption.

Some old friends describe Mr Blatter as down-to-earth and open. Others who have worked with him say he is a man who resents opposition, pointing to the swift departure of Fifa colleagues who dared to question him.

What emerges, finally, is a man who both critics and supporters say cannot imagine his life without Fifa, a man whose tenure as president has outlasted three marriages. Fifa earlier said it welcomed the process and insisted that the vote to elect its next president would go ahead on Friday.

In the second case, Swiss prosecutors opened criminal proceedings "against persons unknown on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and of money laundering in connection with the allocation of the 2018 and 2022 football World Cups".

Swiss police said they would question 10 Fifa executive committee members who participated in the votes that selected Russia and Qatar in December 2010. Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the investigation would not affect its hosting of the 2018 event, telling Associated Press: "We've got nothing to hide." The Russian foreign ministry added that the US investigation appeared to be an "illegal extraterritorial application" of US law.

Here is the list of soccer officials who were named in the indictment:

· Jeffrey Webb: Current FIFA vice president and executive committee member, CONCACAF president, Caribbean Football Union (CFU) executive committee member and Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) president.

· Eduardo Li: Current FIFA executive committee member-elect, CONCACAF executive committee member and Costa Rican soccer federation (FEDEFUT) president.

· Julio Rocha: Current FIFA development officer. Former Central American Football Union (UNCAF) president and Nicaraguan soccer federation (FENIFUT) president.

· Costas Takkas: Current attaché to the CONCACAF president. Former CIFA general secretary.

· Jack Warner: Former FIFA vice president and executive committee member, CONCACAF
president, CFU president and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) special adviser.

· Eugenio Figueredo: Current FIFA vice president and executive committee member. Former CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) president and Uruguayan soccer federation (AUF) president.

· Rafael Esquivel: Current CONMEBOL executive committee member and Venezuelan soccer federation (FVF) president.

· José Maria Marin: Current member of the FIFA organizing committee for the Olympic football tournaments. Former CBF president.

· Nicolás Leoz: Former FIFA executive committee member and CONMEBOL president.

Source: via BBC

10 Most Beautiful Destination Weddings Locations 2015

Spending time with beloved partner would give happiness. With whom we spend time together is important, but the place is equally decisive.

Wedding is a wonderful moment that awaited everyone. For that, many couples want to get married in a beautiful place to be remembered for a lifetime.

Wedding becomes happy moments in life. Every couple wants to make a perfect wedding day, not just when photographed, but also in memory.

One of which must be planned in every wedding is the location. There are many beautiful locations to choose from, ranging from the hills, palaces, or the beach. What’s your dream location for a destination wedding ? here’s recommended most beautiful destination weddings locations for 2015, check it out.

1. The Royal Lahaina Resort, Maui, Hawaii
For a classic Hawaiian destination wedding with a relatively affordable price tag, consider an oceanfront ceremony at sunset at the Royal Lahaina Resort in Maui. The resort offers a variety of packages that can accomodate both small parties and larger services with up to 500 guests.

2. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Costa Rica
For a green destination wedding, one of Costa Rica’s many stunning eco-resorts is your best bet. Located on a 1,000-acre private nature reserve, Lapa Rios Ecolodge and Wildlife Preserve is a popular spot for sustainable weddings and honeymoons (they also offer elopement packages if you’re thinking about going that route). Guests can enjoy outdoor meals overlooking the rainforest, staying in private bungalows and attend a carbon-neutral wedding that relies solely on renewable energy sources.

3. Auberge Du Soleil Resort & Spa, Napa Valley, California
With sweeping views of wine country and world-class dining and spa services, Auberge Du Soleil Resort can accomodate weddings of up to 120 guests. Choose to either hold the ceremony at a nearby vineyard, or on the Auberge’s panoramic deck. Packages won’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for wine country luxury, Auberge is the way to go. Reviewers rave about the stunning views, excellent food, and the staff’s attention to detail.

4. Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
If you’re looking to host a wedding in a tropical location with minimal planning and all-inclusive packages, try a Sandals Resort. Sandals Royal Plantation offers natural beauty, seclusion and gorgeous white sand beaches, and with just 74 rooms, the boutique resort is more intimate than other Sandals locations.

5. Winnetu Oceanside Resort, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard is a relaxing, beautiful location for a New England destination wedding. Overlooking South Beach in Edgartown, the facility can host up to 145 guests it an indoor-outdoor room with an ocean view. Planning services are complimentary for couples hosting their ceremony and reception at the resort.

6. Turtle Beach Resort, Dover, Barbados
Bring your guests to romantic Barbados for a wedding at the popular Turtle Beach Resort. Enjoy a sunset ceremony on the beach, champagne breakfast in bed, and spectacular views of the South Coast. All-inclusive wedding packages minimize planning, and if you stay for at least seven nights for your honeymoon, the wedding package is free. Basic wedding packages start at $950/couple.

7. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit , Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you’re willing to splurge for a luxury resort for your Big Day, few hotels can rival the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit resort in Puerto Vallarta. Their staff of professional wedding planners will help you create the perfect wedding in a garden with ocean view or in a beachfront gazebo. Luxury all-inclusive packages minimize planning stress, and couples can choose to pull out all the stops with signature cocktails, live musicians and even fireworks.

8. Casa Marina Resort, Key West, Florida
With the largest private beach in Key West, Casa Marina (a Waldorf Astoria Resort) is another great option for luxury all-inclusive wedding packages. Couples can hold their ceremony on the beach and move inside to the ballroom for a decadent reception — or stay outside for a poolside dinner. The Sunset Celebration package includes open bar, dinner stations, a champagne toast and a three-course meal. Brides describe their Casa Marina weddings as “the absolute best” and “perfection.”

9. Grand Hotel Ambasciatori, Sorrento, Italy
With a dramatic setting on a cliff overlooking the Amalfi Coast, Grand Hotel Ambasciatori makes for breathtaking wedding photos. Work with the hotel’s expert wedding planners to choose from various dining options, floral arrangements and reception spaces. Some couples may choose to stay in one of the hotel suites for their honeymoon to spend more time at this gorgeous hotel. One reviewer said of the hotel’s management, “They were very accommodating and exceeded all expectations by making our wedding reception perfect, from the cocktail reception overlooking the Bay of Naples to the sumptuous dinner and party afterwards,” while another called it the “Sorrento wedding to dream of.”

10. Fess Parker Doubletree Resort, Santa Barbara, California
A popular Santa Barbara wedding venue, the Doubletree Resort is located right across from the beach and surrounded by palm trees. The resort features four outdoor ceremony sites, from an intimate mountain-view patio to a private beach ceremony and catered reception. The resort can accomodate parties of over 500 as well as small gatherings.