Rap superstar Kanye West has announced plans to run for US president in 2020 during a rambling appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.
West admitted he had smoked something before arriving to calm his nerves, adding: “I will die for the art, for what I believe in and the art ain’t always going to be polite. I bet they are thinking right now if I smoked something before this and the answer is yes, I rolled up a little something to take the edge off.”
After holding his head in his hands for an extended period of time, he added: “It’s about ideas, people who believe in truth. And yes, as you probably could have guessed, I have decided in 2020 to run for president.”
Slower melting ice cream on way
Ice cream fans could soon savour a slower-melting treat on a hot day thanks to a new ingredient developed by scientists.
Researchers discovered a naturally occurring protein that can be used to create ice cream which is more resistant to melting than conventional products. It works by binding together the air, fat and water – creating a super-smooth consistency.
Scientists at the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee estimate that ice cream made with the ingredient could be available within three to five years. As well as keeping ice cream frozen for longer in hot weather, it could prevent gritty ice crystals from forming - ensuring a fine, smooth texture like those of luxury brands.
Vinyl revival spreads to Tesco
Supermarket giant Tesco is to tap into the rapidly growing vinyl music market this week when it sells the new album by British rock group Iron Maiden.
Their first studio offering in five years, The Book Of Souls, will be released on Friday, with the triple LP format going on sale in 55 of the chain’s largest Tesco Extra stores.
It is believed it will be the first time Tesco has sold vinyl albums, as CDs were mainstream when supermarkets started selling music in the 90s. In the last few years the vinyl album revival has been gaining momentum, with sales up by more than 50% in 2014.
Facebook sheikh in hot water
Egyptians in a Nile Delta province are outraged after a cleric allegedly changed a line in the traditional Islamic call to dawn prayers to mention Facebook.
Instead of saying “Prayer is better than sleep” twice, as he was supposed to, Sheikh Mahmoud Maghazi of Beheira province allegedly said: “Prayer is better than Facebook.” The issue drew nationwide attention when he defended himself against shouted accusations on one of Egypt’s most-watched television talk shows, called 10PM.
The country’s Religious Endowments Ministry suspended Sheikh Maghazi after locals complained last week, prompting him to launch a hunger strike and deny that he made the reference.
Naked bikers hit streets in US
Thousands of cyclists in various stages of undress have pedalled their way around Philadelphia to promote fuel conservation and positive body image.
The Philly Naked Bike Ride featured people sporting masks, underwear, body paint, glitter or nothing at all. A lot of riders wore just their shoes. Debbie Kaighn, taking part for the third time, wore shoes, socks and body paint. On her back was the message “Live free, ride nude.”
The 12-mile (19km) ride through the City of Brotherly Love is among many related to the World Naked Bike Ride movement and draws about 3,000 participants. Giddy crowds cheered them on while shooting photos and videos on their smartphones. Organisers said they hope the annual event encourages people to bike more and to embrace nudity as a normal and enjoyable part of life.