Clarence Reid, R&B Singer Who Performed as Blowfly, Dies at 76

Clarence Reid photographed in 1970

Clarence Reid, the R&B singer, songwriter and producer who influenced a generation of hip-hop artists with his Blowfly alter-ego and R-rated songs, has died at the age of 76.

Reid passed away Sunday (Jan. 17) in a hospice facility, according to a post on his Facebook page shared by his friend and drummer Tom Bowker.

Clarence Reid, the genius known both by his given name and as Blowfly, the Master of Class, passed peacefully today,...

“Clarence Reid, the genius known both by his given name and as Blowfly, the Master of Class, passed peacefully today, January 17th, in his hospice room,” the post reads.

“His sister Virginia and I thank you for all the love you have shown this week. We also thank you for supporting Clarence’s 50+year music career -- especially these last few years. We love you and will keep you informed on services and tribute performances in Clarence’s honor.”

Tributes are pouring in for the Miami-based artist, who was better known for his notorious masked Blowfly alter-ego, the so-called "original dirty rapper" who had a knack for reworking the lyrics of songs into works your parents and neighbors would hate. 

The likes of Snoop Dogg, Flea and Ice-T have shared tributes for the late performer on social media. Snoop gave Blowfly a shout-out as the "1st gangster rapper," while Ice-T referred to the late singer and rapper as "the original." 

Peter Okoye reveals Illness | Asks Fans to Pray

One of Africa’s most loved entertainers Peter Okoye has revealed that he has been ill for the past few weeks. While he is yet to confirm the exact details, Peter explains that he believe stress is a factor.

He completed various medical tests including a CT Scan so far.

Peter, we love you and are praying for you too.

Peter’s Instagram Messages
Went for a computed tomography scan today…🛌 Try to make sure am 100% fit and ok… It hasn’t been easy for me for the past few weeks. Thanks so much guys for the prayers,love and support #Pray4me #GodTakeControl

I have never been a sick person that much, but am just making sure everything is ok with me. But I guess it’s more like stress and i need more rest. #GodTakeControl #Pray4me love you all

Daily Diet: Consumer Reports on Arsenic-Contaminated Apple Juice

Consumer Reports has released a report finding high levels of arsenic in apple and grape juice, both common and plentiful drinks that we give our children.

Consumer Reports has released a report finding high levels of arsenic in apple and grape juice, both common and plentiful drinks that we give our children. It’s not the first time that the consumer organization has tested and reported on such contamination in beverages. Last July, CR reported on protein drinks that had heavy metal contamination, including that of arsenic.

This is not the first time that Consumer Reports has tackled the juice-arsenic connection. Last September, they released an article on the Health section of their website, “Debate Grows Over Arsenic in Apple Juice,” noting research done by the University of Arizona in 2009 and the nonprofit Coming Alongside, in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Times, in 2010.

Both of those reports found arsenic levels in apple juice up to nearly triple the drinking water limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb). They also referenced the results of a sample tested by the Empire State Consumer Project earlier this summer, which found 55 ppb.

Ultimately, Consumer Reports conducted their own testing, finding that the levels of arsenic in many juices are high enough to increase the risk of serious disease. Exposure to arsenic, particularly repeated exposure, can be harmful to your health and symptoms can be delayed for years. Potential health issues include diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers,

Ten percent of the juices tested by CR were found to have arsenic levels in excess of that which is allowed by the FDA in drinking water. According to Urvashi Rangan, director of safety and sustainability at Consumer Reports, “[This] underscores the need for a standard to be set in juices.”

Eighty-eight juice samples were tested, including popular brands Minute Maid, Welch’s, and Tropicana. Results found that some brands were in excess of 23 ppb, more than 100 percent over the allowable limit in water.

In a report late last summer on its website, the FDA said that while small amounts of arsenic can be found in some food and beverages, including apple juice, it has confidence in the safety of apple juice and continues to monitor it. However, this new report by one of America’s heavy hitters may change their tune, and one can only hope.

The contaminants likely come from pesticides used in the growing of apples and grapes, not from the water supply used to dilute concentrated juices. While there is strict regulation in the United States on the use of pesticides, such is not the case in China where two-thirds of our apple juice is manufactured, primarily into concentrate. (Hmm…seems like a good reason to buy American!)

It can be mighty tricky finding the origin of the juice you buy. While manufacturers are required to label where the juice—concentrate or not—comes from, it is often inconspicuous and hard to find/read. The text is often imprinted on the plastic bottle, rather than the label, and is in clear or white type, which can be difficult for the eye to see. (See samples of labels here.)

We recommend, to help both the American economy and your health, that you take the time to find and read the origin on foodstuffs and do your best to stick to products grown and manufactured in the United States.

Céline Dion's Husband René Angélil Dies at 73

Remembering Celine Dion's Husband Rene Angelil

Celine Dion's husband René Angélil has died at the age of 73, ABC News has confirmed.

Angélil, who has been married to the famed singer since 1994, had been battling cancer for some time.

"René Angélil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer," a rep for the couple told People magazine. "The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time."

Angélil had been Dion’s manager for more than 30 years, but stepped down in 2014 after his throat cancer returned. He underwent throat surgery that left him unable to swallow and talk. 

C'est avec une profonde tristesse que nous vous annonçons que René Angélil, 73 ans, est décédé ce matin à sa résidence...

Posted by Celine Dion on Thursday, January 14, 2016

That same year, Dion, 47, took some time off from her regular residency in Las Vegas to be with her husband. When she returned to the stage last year, she spoke to ABC News about life at home taking care of the father of her three sons.

"We are afraid of explaining [the cancer to the kids] because we’re scared, because we’re worried ... We are taking life one day at a time," she said. "Like I said to my children, ‘You want to come and help me feed papa today...You want to help me out? Want to hold the water? You are a good feeder. Good job, Nelson. Good job, Eddie. Thank you so much. Come on, give a kiss to papa.'"

Dion also opened up about the moment she found out her husband's cancer was back after almost 15 years.

She was just about to go on stage, but "I went back in my dressing room and I saw him looking pretty devastated, in shock, and I was like, ‘What’s going on?' He said, ‘I have cancer again. The doctor just called me and I have cancer again.’"

Angélil is survived by his wife, and their sons -- Rene-Charles, 14, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 5.

Miss Washington USA Steps Down Amid Scandal

DUI Conviction Puts Washington Beauty Queen's Crown in Peril

Miss Washington USA Stormy Keffeler has resigned following the revelation of a drunken-driving conviction that she failed to disclose to pageant officials.

"We can confirm the resignation of Stormy Keffeler as Miss Washington USA. Effective immediately, first runner-up Kelsey Schmidt will assume the title of Miss Washington USA 2016 and represent the state at the Miss USA event later this year. We wish Stormy well in her future endeavors," Maureen Francisco, co-executive producer of Miss Washington USA, wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday night.

In an interview with ABC News on Thursday night, Keffeler said she chose to step down in order not to be “selfish” to all her supporters, family and the Miss Washington organization.

She said the best thing for her was to give up the title and take on new responsibilities.

Keffeler, 23, was crowned in October. She had pleaded guilty a month before to driving in Seattle with a blood alcohol level that was nearly three times the legal limit.

“I am so sorry to anybody that I've disappointed and I can assure you that anything that's said [about me] I've thought so much worse of myself," she said through tears.

Keffeler was driving on two flat tires in the city’s East Precinct on the night of her arrest, according to a police report. When her vehicle was pulled over, the responding officer smelled alcohol, and Keffeler’s eyes appeared “droopy, bloodshot and watery” while her speech “was very slurred,” the report said.

“When she got out of the car she stumbled … was unsteady on her feet and swayed,” the arresting officer wrote in the report.

Keffeler’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.22, according to court papers. A person may be guilty of DUI with an alcohol concentration of 0.08, as measured by breath or blood, according to Washington state law.

The rules of the Miss Washington USA pageant state that entrants must not engage in “any type of” illegal behavior or activity.

Francisco told KOMO the organization found out about Keffeler's conviction last Friday. She said the pageant had shared the information with the Miss Universe Organization to see whether Keffeler would be allowed to keep her crown.

"We tell these young women you are a role model to somebody so you are going to be in the public eye whether you like it or not," Francisco told KOMO. "There's no such thing as a private life."

Francisco added that people who were quick to judge should ask themselves if they have ever made a mistake they wish the world was not seeing.

Keffeler, a former pro player with the Legends Football League, was ordered to serve two days in jail and 24 months' probation, plus pay $1,196 in fines and fees. According to KOMO, she was sentenced five days after the pageant.

"I'm very sorry for misfilling out the paperwork,” Keffeler told KOMO. “I never meant to hurt anybody or to offend anybody.”

Keffeler -- described on the pageant's website as a freelance hair and makeup artist who's studying journalism -- said she’s paying for her mistake. She asked for a second chance.

"The only difference between today and the day I was crowned Miss Washington USA is that people know and I've already turned my life around...," she said.

"This lesson was heard loud and clear," Keffeler added. "I will never drink and drive again. This is something that's going to stick with me forever."

Two Marine Helicopters Involved in Collision in Hawaii, 12 People Missing

Military Aircraft Crash in Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard says it has responded to a report of a military aircraft collision involving two Marine helicopters off the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Chief Petite Officer Fara Mooers told ABC News.

Responders are searching for 12 people in a debris field 2 miles off the coast of Haleiwa. Each helicopter was carrying six people.

The Marine Corps said in a news release that the aircraft were from the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing from Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

The Coast Guard received a call from the Marine Core Air Station, Kane’ohe Bay, at 11:38 p.m. local time Thursday requesting assistance.

Officials launched Coast Guard aircraft -- a MH65 helicopter and an HC130 Coast Guard airplane -- from Oahu.

The Coast Guard is searching the debris with assistance from a Navy helicopter crew and the Honolulu Fire Department with a helicopter and rescue boat on scene.

They have not located any personnel at this time and are continuing to search.

This latest incident follows a string of deadly training exercises for the military.

Just last month, two Army pilots from Fort Campbell were killed when their AH-64D Apache helicopter crashed during a routine training exercise. That helicopter was found in a rural community.

In March of 2015, a military training accident caused the death of 11 veteran Marines and soldiers. They were conducting a training mission off the Florida coast when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed, killing all on board during a nighttime operation in foggy conditions.

Magnetic Brain Stimulation May Aid Recovery for Stroke Survivors

New hope for better recovery for patients who survive a debilitating stroke comes in the form of magnets that stimulate the brain.

There is new hope for better recovery for patients who survive a debilitating stroke. Italian researchers have discovered that the use of magnets to stimulate the nerve cells of the brain can help to correct the condition known as hemispatial neglect, which prevents stroke patients from seeing or recognizing anything on one side of their body. The details of the research appear in the journal Neurology.

Previous studies have estimated that between 20 and 50 percent of patients suffer hemispatial neglect following a stroke. The condition most often occurs when stroke damaged is suffered in the right half of the brain.

In a news release, study author Giacomo Koch, MD, Ph.D., of the Santa Lucia Foundation in Rome, Italy stated, “The treatment is based on the theory that hemispatial neglect results when a stroke disrupts the balance between the two hemispheres of the brain. He went on to explaind, “A stroke on one side of the brain causes the other side to become overactive, and the circuits become overloaded.”

Currently, treatment for hemispatial neglect combines physical therapy with brain retraining, which involves performance of mental tasks via a computer or pen and paper. However, the treatment is often not effective enough to provide significant improvement.

A new treatment, known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), uses a sizable magnetic coil placed against the patient’s scalp to create mild electric currents that stimulate nerve cells, which may have the ability to restore balance between both sides of the brain.

For their study, Koch and colleagues provided daily TMS treatment for 10 of 20 stroke patients who suffered from hemispatial neglect for a period of two weeks. The other 10 participants received a faux treatment, while all of the study subjects took part in brain retraining treatment.

The study participants underwent testing at the end of the study, and then again after an additional two weeks, to measure their abilities to perform daily tasks such as dialing numbers on a phone, reading a menu, and sorting coins, as well as their abilities of line crossing and figure-and-shape-copying.

The findings of the analysis showed that overall, those participants who received TMS had improved by 16.3 percent by the end of treatment, and improvement increased to 22.6 percent after another two weeks. In addition, improvement was seen in the overactive brain circuits of patients who received magnetic treatment. No improvements were noted in test scores of those who received the sham treatment.

While it is possible for patients to recover without treatment after a few weeks following a stroke, their progress can be greatly hampered during the initial weeks of suffering a stroke that are vital to their overall recovery. Use of TMS can help to prevent such hindrance to healing, and may help patients to recover better cognitive abilities and movement.

The researchers noted that the positive results of the study may be due to the combination of the use of both TMS and brain retraining treatments. In addition, because the study was small, more research will be necessary to determine whether TMS is a more effective treatment than brain retraining.

Diet Soda Linked to Expanding the Waistline Rather Than Trimming It

Drinking diet soda in an attempt to shed pounds may pack them on instead. Even worse, the artificial sweeteners they contain may promote the onset of type 2 diabetes. The discouraging news comes from researchers at the University of Texas, San Antonio. The findings of the research were recently presented at the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) Scientific Sessions in San Diego, California.

Dr. Helen Hazuda, professor and chief of the Division of Clinical Epidemiology of the Texas University School of Medicine and lead author of the decade-long study, stated, “Data from this and other prospective studies suggest that the promotion of diet sodas and artificial sweeteners as healthy alternatives may be ill-advised.” She then added, “They may be free of calories but not of consequences.” Hazuda’s is the fourth large-scale study to indicate that consuming diet soda is detrimental to health.

For their study, Hazuda’s team analyzed composite data from 474 participants of the San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging (SALSA), a large, population-based study of the disablement process in both elderly Mexican and European Americans. Participants reported their intake of diet soda at the beginning of the study, and were also measured for height, weight and waist circumference. The study subjects were then tracked in terms of their diet soda intake and body fat for an average of nine and one-half years.

Findings showed that although the waistlines of all participants expanded to some extent, those who were diet soda drinkers had a waistline increase that was 70 percent higher than those who did not partake of the low-calorie drinks. Adding insult to injury, those who consumed two or more diet sodas daily saw their waistlines expand a a rate that was five times greater than non-drinkers. The results remained true even after the researchers adjusted for other contributing factors such as physical activity levels, age, and diabetes status.

Although the data did not indicate the reason that drinking diet soda promotes weight gain, previous research suggests that because the brain expects calories to be associated with the sweet-tasting drinks, when none are present, the body begins to store more calories as fat.

Researcher, Sharon Fowler noted, “Artificial sweeteners could have the effect of triggering appetite but unlike regular sugars they don’t deliver something that will squelch the appetite.” Therefore, those who need their soda fix may be better served by consuming full-calorie sodas in moderation instead.

In a secondy study from the University of Texas, San Antonio that was also presented at the ADA meeting, researchers discovered a link between consuming the artificial sweetner aspartame, which is contained in many diet drinks, and an elevation in fasting glucose levels among mice.
The researchers added corn oil to the diet of 40 mice to make their fare high in fat. Then for half of the mice, aspartame was also added to their food. After three months of consumption, the research team found that the mice with aspartame intake had elevated fasting glucose levels, which is an indicator of a pre-diabetic or diabetic condition.
In a statement regarding the study findings, Dr. Gabriel Fernandes, a professor of rheumatology and clinical immunology at the University said, “These results suggest that heavy aspartame exposure might potentially directly contribute to increased blood glucose levels, and thus contribute to the associations observed between diet soda consumption and the risk of diabetes in humans.”
Hazuda noted that diet sodas and artificial sweeteners may promote a sweet tooth and distort appetite, and possibly even damage key brain cells. Therefore, she pointed out that treating them as healthy alternatives may be “ill advised.” She also added, “I think prudence would dictate drinking water.”

Breakthrough in Ovarian Cancer Research Brings Hope

For years, ovarian cancer has only been detectable in its most advanced stages, leaving women with almost no hope for survival once diagnosed. But a new study, released Wednesday by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has reported findings that may not only be able to detect the onset of ovarian cancer but also target genetic weaknesses in cancer cells.

An unprecedented 316 ovarian tumors were studied by scientists at The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a federally funded network of medical centers, and found that 96 percent of the tumors had mutated TP53 genes.

TP53 creates a tumor suppressor protein, stopping cells from growing and dividing uncontrollably. Mutations in the gene disrupt this protein’s function.

TCGA researchers also established how sets of genes are expressed, identifying patterns for 108 genes associated with poor survival and 85 genes associated with better survival. This—coupled with the findings of scientists at the Ovarian Cancer Action that found that cancer cells do not in fact build immunities to cancer drugs, but instead contain cells that are resistant to them—will aid tremendously in the ability to target and destroy cancer cells in the future.

NCI Director Harold E. Varmus, M.D reports:

“The new knowledge of the genomic changes in ovarian cancer has revealed that the molecular catalysts of this disease are not limited to small changes affecting individual genes. Cancer researchers can use this comprehensive body of information to better understand the biology of ovarian cancer and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this dreaded disease.”

The hope in time—and with a sense of urgency for those already affected by cancer—is to use these findings to create a personalized approach to cancer, ovarian or otherwise, that had not previously been thought possible.

Turkmenistan Burns Cigarettes in Anti-Smoking Campaign

Authorities in Turkmenistan have publicly burned piles of cigarettes as they embark on a campaign to stamp out smoking spearheaded by the healthy living-obsessed president.

State television in the secretive and authoritarian Central Asian nation on Friday broadcast images of village elders and diplomats looking on as blocks of cigarettes were shoveled into a stove.

Officials said the cigarettes were seized after being illegally smuggled into Turkmenistan.

Smoking is legal but strongly discouraged. In 2000, smoking was banned in all public places, including on the street.

President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov last week complained about the wide availability of cigarettes, which led to most shops pulling them from their shelves. Prices for single packs immediately went up to $14 from $6.