Death Toll In UK Terror Attack Rises To 22

Twenty-two people, including children, were killed and dozens injured when a man detonated a bomb at a pop concert by US star Ariana Grande, in Britain's deadliest terror attack in 12 years.

Screaming fans, many of them teens, fled the venue in panic after the bomb blast at the end of the concert in the northern English city of Manchester on Monday evening.

"There was heat on my neck and when I looked up there were bodies everywhere", Elena Semino, who was waiting for her 17-year-old daughter, told the Guardian newspaper.

Semino, who was herself injured, said she had been standing by the ticket office of the 21,000-capacity indoor Manchester Arena when the explosion went off.

"A huge bomb-like bang went off that hugely panicked everyone and we were all trying to flee the arena", said Majid Khan, 22, who was at the show with his sister.

Ambulances and bomb disposal teams rushed to the venue, as family members frantically searched for their loved ones, and residents opened their doors to stranded concert-goers after trains were cancelled.

There were children among the 22 killed in the attack, while 59 people were injured, Greater Manchester Police chief Ian Hopkins said early Tuesday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the "appalling terrorist attack" and suspended her campaign ahead of a general election on June 8 along with chief opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.

"All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected," said May, who was due to chair an emergency ministerial meeting at around 0800 GMT on Tuesday.

Grande, who was due to give a concert in London later on Tuesday, said she was "broken" in a tweet.

"Broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so sorry. I don't have words," wrote the 23-year-old, who is popular with teens and pre-teens.

The attack was the deadliest in Britain since July 7, 2005 when four suicide bombers inspired by Al-Qaeda attacked London's transport system during rush hour, killing 52 people and wounding 700 more.

The Manchester blast recalled the November 2015 attack at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris in which armed men wearing explosive belts stormed in and killed 90 people. That attack was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

'A massive flash'

Police were called to the scene at the Manchester Arena concert and sports venue at 2133 GMT.

Manchester Arena said the blast "took place outside the venue in a public space", while police said it was "within the foyer area of the stadium."

The foyer connects the auditorium with Victoria train and tram station, a major transport hub on the northern edge of the city centre.

One witness, Gary Walker, told BBC Radio 5 Live he was hit by shrapnel in his foot and his wife sustained a stomach wound as they waited for their daughters.

"We heard the last song go and then suddenly there was a massive flash and then a bang and smoke," he said.

Isabel Hodgins, an actress who had been at the concert, told Sky News: "Everybody was panicking, there was pushing up the stairs.

"The corridor was full, it smelled of burning, there was quite a lot of smoke as we were leaving.

"It's just shocking and we just feel very shaken up. We're just lucky to have gotten away safely," she said.

Calvin Welsford, 18, from Bristol told the BBC: "It almost sounded like a gunshot".

"I looked around and people were just spilling down, heading out of the building".

"I was actually having an asthma attack. It was sheer panic," he said.

US 'ready to assist'

Hopkins said investigators were "working closely with the national counter terrorism policing network and UK intelligence partners".

The US Department of Homeland Security, Britain's biggest intelligence partner, said it was "closely monitoring" the situation.

"We are working with our foreign counterparts to obtain additional information about the cause of the reported explosion as well as the extent of injuries and fatalities," the department said in a statement.

Tributes poured in for Manchester from around the world.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians were "shocked by the news of the horrific attack," while EU president Donald Tusk wrote: "My heart is in Manchester this night."

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "horrified" by the attack.

Pop world rallies

The pop world also rallied, with Katy Perry tweeting: "Praying for everyone at Ariana Grande's show".

US pop princess Taylor Swift, a friend of Grande, wrote: "My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy tonight".

In Manchester, residents tweeted with the hashtag #RoomforManchester to offer a place to stay and there were reports of taxis taking passengers for free.

"We have a spare double bed and two sofas available if anybody needs a place tonight," tweeted @iamjesyrae.

Concerned relatives used the hashtag #MissinginManchester to locate loved ones.

Train services to and from Manchester Victoria Station -- located under the Arena -- were cancelled.

"Disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day," National Rail said in a statement.

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Manchester Terror Attack: What We Know

Nineteen people died in a suspected terror attack at a pop concert in the British city of Manchester late Monday.

Here is what we know so far about the attack, which was the deadliest in Britain since 2005.

What happened?

Police said they were called at 2133 GMT to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena at a concert by pop star Ariana Grande, who is popular with teenagers.

British Transport Police said the blast occurred at "within the foyer area of the stadium" and the venue said it was "outside the venue in a public space".

The arena foyer connects the 21,000-capacity auditorium with Victoria train and tram station, a major hub on the northern edge of the city centre.

Eyewitnesses described a "huge bomb-like bang" and scenes of panic as young fans rushed out and parents waiting outside looked for their children.

Who is behind it?

Police said the incident was "currently being treated as a terrorist incident," but no one has so far claimed the attack.

British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned it as "an appalling terrorist attack".

Greater Manchester Police's chief constable Ian Hopkins said local police in the city were working with national counter-terrorism and intelligence officials on the investigation.

Who are the victims?

Police said 19 people were killed and around 50 injured, who are being treated in six hospitals.

The local ambulance service said on Twitter it had taken 59 casualties from the incident and treated "a number of walking wounded on scene".

Elena Semino from Lancaster told the Guardian she was with her husband waiting for her daughter by the arena's ticket office when the explosion went off.

"There was this heat on my neck and when I looked up there were bodies everywhere," she said.

Gary Walker from Leeds told BBC Radio 5 Live he was hit by shrapnel in his foot and his wife sustained a stomach wound as they waited for their daughters to come out of the concert.

"We heard the last song go and then suddenly there was a massive flash and then a bang and smoke," he said.

Other attacks in the UK

The incident in Manchester is the second terror attack to hit England in less than two months.

On March 22, five people were killed and more than 50 injured when a man drove into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in central London, before crashing into the fence surrounding parliament.

The attacker, 52-year-old Muslim convert Khalid Masood, was then shot dead by police at the scene after knifing a police officer to death.

Investigators described the lone-wolf attack as "Islamist related terrorism" but have not charged anyone in connection with the incident.

The deadliest bomb attack on British soil took place on July 7, 2005 when four British suicide bombers inspired by Al-Qaeda attack London's transport system, killing 52 and wounding 700.

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19 killed, Scores Injured In Terrorist Attack On UK Concert

At least 19 people were killed and about 50 injured in a possible terrorist incident on Monday night (May 22) at Manchester Arena, United Kingdom, where pop singer Ariana Grande was performing, reports CNN quoting Greater Manchester Police.

As concertgoers -- many of them adolescent fans of the singer -- were beginning to leave the arena following Grande's closing set, an explosion rocked the area. Confusion followed as people fled in search of safety, and the sound of wailing sirens soon cut through the smoky air outside the arena.

Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins made a public statement early Tuesday local time, saying "We are currently treating this as a terrorist incident" and said the wounded are being treated at six hospitals across the Manchester area.

The incident happened shortly after Grande had left the stage, about 10:30 pm (5:30 pm ET) according to eyewitnesses. Calvin Welsford, an 18-year-old concertgoer, said that he heard a "loud bang" a couple of minutes after Grande's set had finished.

"Ariana was off the stage, she'd finished her set," he told CNN. "I looked around because I heard this big bang, people screaming and crying and flooded towards the stage." Investigators are looking into the possibility of a suicide bombing outside of the arena, according to a Western law enforcement official and a US law enforcement official. A male at the scene in Manchester has been identified as the probable bomber, and a US official said suicide bombing is now considered to be the "likely" reason for the blast.

After the initial incident, police carried out a precautionary controlled explosion nearby but the item turned out to be discarded clothing, not a "suspicious item," Greater Manchester Police said.

Earlier police had warned people to stay away from Manchester Arena after reports of two loud explosions. The crowd was made up of mainly younger people who had come to see Grande in her first of three scheduled concerts in the UK, on her European and Latin American tour.

Hotels opened their doors to people who could not get home due to an area lockdown. A nearby Holiday Inn hotel became a focal point for parents searching for their children who had been at the concert.

"I saw everyone running, I fell onto the seats on the floor my friend lifted me up." Social media posts from the scene showed panicked concertgoers running down the arena's stairs in an attempt to get away.

Video from near the scene showed a caravan of ambulances heading to the arena. Universal Music Group, parent company for Grande's record label, Republic Records, posted a statement on Facebook.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of tonight's devastating event in Manchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy," the post says. Grande's publicist, Joseph Carozza, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the performer was safe.

"Ariana is OK. We are further investigating what happened," he said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May issued a statement, confirming that police are treating the incident as a terror attack. She will chair a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee on Tuesday morning.

"We are working to establish the full details of what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack. All our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those who have been affected."

The leader of Britain's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, offered support on Twitter.

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Ariana Grande 'Broken' After Concert Attack

US pop star Ariana Grande late Monday said she felt at a loss for words after a suspected terror attack at her concert in the British city of Manchester.

"Broken," she wrote in her first reaction on Twitter.

"From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don't have words," she wrote.

Police said at least 19 people were killed and around 50 wounded in the attack at the 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena.

It was the deadliest attack in Britain since 2005.

Grande, a 23-year-old former child star, is not known for her political views and draws an audience of teenagers and pre-teenagers.

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Peach Becomes Japan's First Airline To Accept Payment In Bitcoin

Peach Aviation will become the first Japanese carrier to accept bitcoin as payment for airline tickets as the discount airline aims to attract more tourists from other parts of Asia.

The crypto-currency can be used to book seats starting by the end of the year, Peach said, adding a change in Japan's law on fund settlements in April helped facilitate the move. The carrier also aims to increase tie-ups with local governments and regional companies to help spread usage of the currency, it said.

"We want to encourage visitors from overseas and the revitalisation of Japan's regions," Shinichi Inoue, chief executive of Peach told reporters this week. "This is a real first step in partnerships for Japan and we are aiming for more company and service tie-ups."

Bitcoin is surging in popularity as the digital payment system that allows users anywhere in the world to transact directly without interference from intermediaries, governments, regulators or central banks. Latvian airline airBaltic announced almost three years ago that it would start accepting payment using bitcoin as it focuses on the customer.

The electronic currency surged as much as 13 per cent to a record $US2,187.78 on Monday, and is trading about 70 per cent above the price of an ounce of gold, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It has more than doubled its value since the beginning of the year amid global political uncertainty and increased interest in Asia.

Skeptics have said that there may be a bubble in the making, as bitcoin has repeatedly broken records without showing signs of slowing.

Universal Air Travel Plan teamed up with Bitnet as a payment processing partner more than two years ago so that it could accept bitcoin payments in a simplified manner to its network of more than 260 airlines, according to a statement from UATP.

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Facebook Will Not Delete Videos Of Violent Death, Self-harm Or Abortion

With the social media giant under pressure from world leaders to remove controversial content, the extensive guidelines used by Facebook employees has been revealed to the Guardian.

Facebook will allow users to lifestream self-harm attempts because it “doesn’t want to censor or punish people in distress who are attempting suicide”, according to the leaked documents.

The footage will be removed “once there’s no longer an opportunity to help the person” – unless the incident is particularly newsworthy.

One document says: “Removing self-harm content from the site may hinder users’ ability to get real-world help from their real-life communities.

“Users post self-destructive content as a cry for help, and removing it may prevent that cry for help from getting through. This is the principle we applied to suicidal posts over a year ago at the advice of Lifeline and Samaritans, and we now want to extend it to other content types on the platform.”

Facebook’s head of global policy management, Monika Bickert, defended leaving some suicide footage on the site.

She said: “We occasionally see particular moments or public events that are part of a broader public conversation that warrant leaving this content on our platform.

“We work with publishers and other experts to help us understand what are those moments. For example, on September 11 2001, bystanders shared videos of the people who jumped from the twin towers. Had those been livestreamed on Facebook that might have been a moment in which we would not have removed the content both during and after the broadcast.

“In instances where someone posts about self-injury or suicide, we want to be sure that friends and family members can provide support and help.”

With Facebook’s global reach still growing at a rapid rate, the social media giant faces constant difficulties in determining how to deal with new challenges, such as ‘revenge porn’.

Facebook is set to hire an additional 3,000 content moderators to maintain control of its content, although the social media giant has acknowledged that they have a “challenging and difficult job”.

Moderators receive a wealth of advice on how to deal with certain social media posts, with some of the controversial guidelines expected to court serious criticism considering Facebook’s enormous global influence.

Here are just a few of the guidelines Facebook moderators receive:

On threats of violence

Statements of intent to commit violence against heads of state, such as “someone shoot Trump”, should be deleted.

However, statements such as “to snap a b*’s neck, make sure to apply all your pressure to the middle of her throat”, or “f*** off and die” can be permissible because they are not regarded as credible threats.

On videos of violent deaths

Videos of violent deaths are not always deleted, although they are marked as disturbing. The reason they are always deleted is because in some instances they can create awareness of certain issues, such as mental illness.

The Facebook guidelines state: “We do not allow people to share photos or videos where people or animals are dying or injured if they also express sadism.”

On animal abuse

Photos of animal mutilation, including images showing a human kicking or beating an animal, can be marked as disturbing rather than deleted.

One slide explains: “We allow photos and videos documenting animal abuse for awareness, but may add viewer protections to some content that is perceived as extremely disturbing by the audience.

“Generally, imagery of animal abuse can be shared on the site. Some extremely disturbing imagery may be marked as disturbing.

“We allow people to share images of animal abuse to raise awareness and condemn the abuse but remove content that celebrates cruelty against animals.”

On nudity

Facebook allows users to post videos of abortions, as long as they do not contain any nudity.

Meanwhile, ‘handmade’ art showing nudity and sexual activity is permissible, but digitally-created art showing sexual activity is not.

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The Worst Banks For Refusing To Refund Victims Of Card Fraud Revealed

Banks are supposed to refund customers immediately – unless they suspect wrongdoing – but they don’t always get it right.

Between April 2015 and February 2017, the Financial Ombudsman Service resolved 5,800 complaints relating to fraud and disputed transactions, and upheld 28 per cent of them in favour of customers.

An investigation by Which? has today revealed that Barclays has the worst record for handling fraud-related complaints.

Even the best of banks that the consumer group looked at, TSB, had unfairly rejected one in five claims.

The research only looked at banks with more than 100 resolves cases.

The cases relate to credit and debit card fraud, including misplaced transactions, missing payments, ATM disputes and incorrect debits taken by shops.

Harry Rose, money expert at Which? Said: “Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated and only need a few hours to potentially empty someone’s bank account.

“Banks will always be a target for criminals and they have a duty to spot and respond to new threats.

“Most are working hard to combat card fraud, but we still hear from those who say their bank made them feel like a criminal, not a victim.”

A Barclays spokesperson said: “We’re working hard to tackle the root causes of complaints and get it right for our customers first time.

“We know from this survey as well as wider independent data that we’re making progress, but there is still more to do as these figures show.

“We will continue to take the action required to deliver the best experience possible for our customers.”

If you’ve been the victim of credit or debit card fraud, acting quickly is essential.

The Which? website has free guides that explain what you should do and how to get help.

If your card provider won’t refund your money then you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

You can fill in a form online and submit your claim. It will consider your circumstances and make a decision.

A spokesman from the Financial Ombudsman Services said: “Regardless of the type of scam – or the amount of money that’s been lost – the ordeal of being scammed may be distressing, and even life-changing.

“From our conversations with financial businesses, we know that protecting customers is high on their agenda. And it makes sense that part of the solution will be ensuring that technology and other safeguards keep one step ahead of the scammers.”

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Taiwan Could Becoming The First Country In Asia To Allow Same-Sex Marriage

Chi Chia-wei will find out on Wednesday if his decades long fight to make Taiwan the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage has been a success.

Chi, 59, a pioneering Taiwanese gay rights activist, is the celebrated face behind one of the most controversial legal cases the island democracy has seen in recent years, where 14 judges must rule if the civil code, which states that marriage is between a man and a woman, is unconstitutional.

The constitutional court’s landmark ruling will not only determine the success or failure of draft new parliamentary laws to introduce marriage equality, but could cement Taiwan’s reputation as a beacon of liberalism in a region where the LGBT community faces increasing persecution.

Chi, an equal rights campaigner since he first came out as a gay teenager in 1975, remains pragmatic about making civil rights history. “If it doesn’t work out this time, I’ll keep on fighting for the people, and for human rights,” he said in an interview with The Guardian.

But he is determined that one day, the fight will be won.

“Somebody has to do it. I don’t want to see any more people commit suicide because they don’t have marriage equality,” he said.

Last October the suspected suicide of French professor, Jacques Picoux, who was unable to marry his Taiwanese partner of 35 years, Tseng Ching-chao, became a rallying call for Chi and other LGBT activists.

His struggle is also personal. Chi’s lawsuit, launched two years ago and supported by the municipal government in the capital, Taipei, is the latest of several attempts to get legal recognition for his 30 year relationship with his partner, who wishes to remain anonymous.

In 1986, when the nation was still under martial law, Chi was imprisoned for five months after submitting his first petition asking for gay marriage to be recognised.

As a flag bearer for equality, he hopes to inspire other LGBT activists fighting a crackdown across Asia.

On the eve of Taiwan’s court ruling, two gay men face a public caning in Indonesia. In South Korea, the military has been accused of carrying out a witch-hunt against gay recruits. In Bangladesh, 27 men were arrested last week on suspicion of being gay, a criminal offence.

Back in Taiwan, the political stakes of Wednesday’s decision are also high.

When President Tsai Ing-wen’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) passed the first draft of a bill to legalise same-sex marriage in December, it prompted a fierce conservative backlash.

The issue has split Taiwanese society and vocal protests from a coalition of religious and right-wing family groups have caused many legislators to have second thoughts.

The fate of the legislation, soon to face a second reading, now lies in the hands of the court, believes Yu Mei-nu, the DPP parliamentarian who drafted it.

If the court ruled clearly in support of same-sex marriage and President Tsai offered her unequivocal support, it would embolden wavering legislators to vote in favour of the new laws, she argued.

“If the grand justices make a decision that is not very clear, and it depends on a legislative yuan [parliament] vote, then it will be difficult. I think most legislators will abstain,” she said.

“We want her (Tsai) to be braver. If she can come out and say ‘yes I support it’ then it will be passed.”

Ahead of her election last year, Tsai voiced her support for marriage equality in a Facebook video. “In the face of love, everyone is equal,” she said.

But as she marked the first anniversary of her inauguration this weekend with low public approval ratings, Tsai faced criticism from all sides over her handling of gay marriage.

“It’s a little bit depressing for us. Before the election, she was really pro-gay rights. But now she has kind of disappeared,” said student Vic Chiang, 23, at a Taipei rally last week on the International Day Against Homophobia.

Meanwhile, Robin Chen, a spokesman for the Coalition For Happiness of Our Next Generation, which links support for gay marriage with increased HIV infections, criticised the government for rushing the laws through.

“The majority of the population does not know what’s happening,” he said. “We need to discuss things on different levels because family is the foundation of society.”

His fears were shared by Father Otfried Chan, secretary-general of the Chinese Regional Bishops Conference, who believes the court will likely back gay marriage. “There is no debate,” he said. “It’s a one-sided game.”

Nerves are frayed ahead of the ruling, with both sides intending to demonstrate outside the court.

But for

Chi, the choice is simple.

“To legalise marriage would mean that Taiwan’s civil code and constitution will say that gay people are people,” he said. “If the law can be changed, Taiwan’s gay community will have human rights.”

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Soon You Will Be Able To Change Your Mobile Operator Just Sending A Text

Mobile phone customers could soon be able to dump their network provider by text.

Ofcom says people shouldn’t need to make a potentially long and uncomfortable phone call to their operator in order to switch networks, as they currently have to.

Research conducted by the regulator also shows that these calls can often be disrupted, causing further stress.

According to Ofcom, 38 per cent of people trying to switch network providers have been hit by one major problem during the process.

These include temporarily losing service, issues with keeping a number and even difficulties with getting through to the mobile provider in the first place.

The proposed new system, which is called Auto Switch, should save consumers time and money.

All they would need to do is text their current provider, which would have to respond by texting back a cancellation code, or a PAC code for customers intending to keep their number, as well as relevant account information, such as early termination charges or credit.

Customers can then pass their code to their new provider.

Ofcom says the entire switching process could be completed within one working day.

The regulator would also ban operators from charging for notice periods after the date of the switch, meaning customers will be protected from having to pay for both their old and new package at the same time.

A consultation on the proposals will run until 30 June, before a final decision is made in autumn.

Ofcom had previously been exploring a system in which a customer’s new network would be responsible for conducting the switch.

However, those plans would have cost the industry £87 million over ten years, rather than the £44 million under the new proposals.

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Make Money From Your Old Coin

It’s time to dig under the sofa cushions and empty out your pockets, with collectors ready to pay far higher than face value if you can find certain £1 styles while rummaging around for your spare change.

A list of the most valuable traditional £1 coins has been released by experts at money specialist website ChangeChecker.

The 2014 Flax design as a boxed coin in mint condition, could earn sellers up to £34 on Ebay, according to The Metro.

The most rare design is the traditional 2011 Edinburgh, valued at £5 but worth up to £30 depending on the condition. The 2010 London £1 coin design similarly sells for £5 but can fetch up to £30 online.

The 2010 Belfast, eighth rarest of the 24 £1 coin designs in circulation, currently sells for up to £30 online. By contrast, the 2008 version of the more common Royal Arms £1 coin is worth up to £15 online, according to The Metro.

The £1 coin was first introduced in 1983, with 2.2 billion circulated since, according to Change Checker.

Shopkeepers across the UK will no longer be accepting the traditional £1 coins from 15 October.

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The new 12-sided replacements will feature national floral emblems of the UK’s four countries emerging from a coronet. More than a billion of the new £1 coins are due to be in circulation by 28 March.

The designs of the traditional 24 types span from a representation of the Menai Bridge to the Celtic cross with a pimpernel flower. Other depictions include the Egyptian Arch railway bridge and an oak tree with a royal diadem.

looking to make a quick buck on your spare cash.

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SoftBank Tech Fund Becomes World's Biggest With $93bn Of Capital

The world's largest private equity fund, backed by Japan's SoftBank Group and Saudi Arabia's main sovereign wealth fund, said on Saturday it had raised over $93bn to invest in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

“The next stage of the Information Revolution is under way, and building the businesses that will make this possible will require unprecedented large-scale, long-term investment,” the SoftBank Vision Fund said in a statement.

Japanese billionaire Masayoshi Son, chairman of SoftBank, a telecommunications and tech investment group, revealed plans for the fund last October and since then it has obtained commitments from some of the world's most deep-pocketed investors.

In addition to SoftBank and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the new fund's investors include Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment, which has committed $15bn, Apple, Qualcomm, Taiwan's Foxconn Technology and Japan's Sharp Corp.

The new fund made its announcement during the visit of President Donald Trump to Riyadh and the signing of tens of billions of dollars worth of business deals between US and Saudi companies. Son was also in Riyadh on Saturday.

After meeting with Trump last December, Son pledged $50bn of investment in the US that would create 50,000 jobs, a promise Trump claimed was a direct result of his election win.

The fund may also serve the interests of Saudi Arabia by helping Riyadh obtain access to foreign technology. The Saudi economy has been severely damaged by low oil prices, and policymakers are trying to diversify into new industries.

The PIF signaled an interest in the tech sector last year by investing $3.5bn in US ride-hailing firm Uber. Saturday's statement did not say how much the PIF had committed to the fund, but previously it has said it would invest up to $45bn over five years. SoftBank is investing $28bn.

The new fund said it would seek to buy minority and majority interests in both private and public companies, from emerging businesses to established, multi-billion-dollar firms. It expects to obtain preferred access to long-term investment opportunities worth $100m or more.

Other sectors in which the fund may invest include mobile computing, communications infrastructure, computational biology, consumer internet businesses and financial technology.

The fund aims for $100bn of committed capital and expects to complete its money-raising in six months, it added.

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Rosemary Sales Is High As It Helps To Boost Memory

It’s a stressful time of year for students across the globe. Whether a fresher or in your final year, summer exams are never fun.

All-nighters, long days in the library, last-minute cramming - it’s enough to make any graduate shudder at the memory.

But there’s one surprising ingredient that has seen a surge in sales after a recent study found it helps improve memory: rosemary.

According to high street health food chain Holland & Barrett, sales of the herb have increased by 187 per cent compared to the same time last year.

The demand has been so high that they’ve even had to order in extra supplies.

A spokesperson for Holland & Barrett said that after the research was published: “We saw a sharp rise in customer demand. As the exam season continues, we have increased provision in store to meet demand.”

The study was carried out by Northumbria University and concluded that exposure to rosemary can boost memory.

The researchers found that students working in a room that contained the aroma of rosemary - in the form of an essential oil - achieved between five and seven per cent better results in memory tests.

“It could be that aromas affect electrical activity in the brain or that pharmacologically active compounds can be absorbed,” said researcher Mark Moss.

Mum is following me round the house with Rosemary as she read it helps you do better in exams😂😭

— cara (@caraodwyer) May 16, 2017

Move over fidget spinners, ROSEMARY is the latest fad in town https://t.co/S23UsyzdQs

— Laura McInerney (@miss_mcinerney) May 17, 2017

It’s not the first time the link has been made though - rosemary has been connected with improving memory for centuries.

In ancient Greece, for example, students would wear rosemary garlands during their exams.

As university students and school pupils across the globe sit exams and snap up rosemary to help, you may have to find another way to season your roasties.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger 'Will Be Back' On Terminator 6 Sequel

Thanks to Star Wars and Jurassic Park being successfully continued after years away, dozens are studios are planning more reboot/sequels/potential franchises.

Right now, for instance, Alien: Covenant, the sixth film in Ridley Scott’s series, sits atop the box office. Later this year, Blade Runner returns.

Now, we can fully expect another Terminator film in the near future, despite Terminator Genisys having failed spectacularly at the box office.

James Cameron has announced that — along with working on multiple Avatar sequels — he will return to the franchise, which will likely disregard every Terminator film after T2.

"It is back," the franchise's leading man Arnold Schwarzenegger told ScreenDaily. "It is moving forward. [James Cameron] has some good ideas of how to continue with the franchise.”

More importantly, the former Governor of California confirmed he will indeed be back. ”I will be in the movie,” he told the publication.

Skydance Media founder David Ellison recently spoke about the project, saying: “We have something this year that we will be announcing for the franchise. It’s something we’re incredibly excited about and we think is the direction it needs to head.”

Ellison - who co-financed Genisys - will reportedly bankroll the upcoming effort, which could see Deadpool’s Tim Miller act as director.

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Latham Wants More From Kiwis Against Bangladesh

New Zealand captain Tom Latham is still looking for improvement when the Blackcaps aim for a clean sweep of victories in the final match of the one-day international Tri-Series against Bangladesh in Clontarf on Wednesday.

An emphatic 190-run success against hosts Ireland at Malahide on Sunday ensured the Blackcaps will win the trophy but for Latham the important point was that a team missing many leading players was getting better with every game.

"You try to improve each game and we did that today," said Latham, who led from the front with a century against Ireland as New Zealand continued their build-up to next month's Champions Trophy tournament in England.

"You talk about each player doing their jobs and playing their role and everybody did that today and that was the most pleasing thing," said Latham who is filling in as skipper until Kane Williamson returns from the Indian Premier League.

"We want to improve again against Bangladesh and give the selectors plenty to think about going into the Champions Trophy."

The first two New Zealand players back from the IPL, Matt Henry and Corey Anderson, played on Sunday with Henry the most successful bowler, taking three for 36 as Ireland were dismissed for just 154 in response to the Blackcaps' 344 for six.

"It was nice to have the experienced guys back from the IPL and playing a part," added Latham. "That is important moving forward to the Champions Trophy and hopefully they can contribute again in the next match.

"But the players not in the Champions Trophy squad have also competed and that's the most pleasing thing. They have come in and done well."

Latham made 104 from 111 balls, with nine fours and four sixes against Ireland.

He received superb support all the way down the order - every batsman who came in reached double figures -- with Ross Taylor scoring his second half century of the series with 57.

But it was Colin Munro who took the game away from Ireland with a sensational 44 from 15 balls featuring three fours and four sixes -- one of them a switch hit off Ireland's fastest bowler, Peter Chase -- as the Blackcaps plundered 72 from the last four overs.

"He has done it before and it was great to see him do it today," said Latham.

"Colin finished the game against Bangladesh with plenty of time to spare and played a different role today.

"As that for that reverse sweep, I don't know how he plays that."

Ireland captain William Porterfield was left to lick his side's wounds. "We were out-skilled and we have to improve on that as players and look for more consistency," he said.

It doesn't help Ireland, who could be granted Test status next month, that their next scheduled ODI is not until September when West Indies visit Belfast for a one-off match.

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University Students Walk Out Of US Vice President Pence Speech

Dozens of students at Indiana's Notre Dame University protested White House policies on Sunday by walking out of a commencement speech by Vice President Mike Pence, who criticized political correctness at American colleges.

The members of the graduating class -- dressed in cap and gowns together with some two thousand classmates -- stood up and quietly left the school's football stadium when Pence began delivering his speech, videos posted online showed.

Others cheered and some booed.

Notre Dame, in the city of South Bend, is one of the country's most prominent Catholic universities.

Pence, who received an honorary degree from the university, said that "far too many campuses across America have become characterized by speech codes, safe zones, tone policing, administration-sanctioned political correctness -- all of which amounts to nothing less than suppression of the freedom of speech."

"These all-too-common practices are destructive of learning and the pursuit of knowledge, and they are wholly outside the America tradition," he added.

A religious social conservative, Pence is a former Indiana governor who was born in the state and also served as one of its representatives in Congress for 12 years.

The protest comes amid a mounting controversy over what constitutes free speech at college campuses since the election of Donald Trump as president in November, with students objecting to appearances by divisive conservative figures. Some schools have canceled events.

In addition to Pence's record as governor, the protesters said they wanted to voice objections to Trump's threat to civil liberties and policies such as his attempts to ban travelers from some Muslim-majority countries.

"The participation and degree-conferring of VP Pence stand as an endorsement of policies and actions which directly contradict Catholic social teachings and values and target vulnerable members of the university's community," Notre Dame student Xitlaly Estrada said in a statement by the student group WeStandForND, which organized the protest.

More than 100 people walked out, organizers said. Many wore rainbow pins or flags, a symbol of gay pride.

Pence delivered his speech while Trump was on the first day of his first trip abroad as president. In a speech in Saudi Arabia, he called on Middle Eastern leaders to help defeat Islamist extremism.

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'I'm No Devil', Blasts Angry Ronaldo

Despite the joy of helping seal Real Madrid's 33rd La Liga title on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo slammed his treatment by the media, saying he is not "the devil" he is made out to be.

Ronaldo scored his 40th goal of the season inside two minutes as Madrid won 2-0 at Malaga to depose Barcelona as Spanish champions.

However, when questioned about a gesture he made to Celta Vigo players in Madrid's 4-1 win over the Galicians on Wednesday insinuating Celta had been offered bonuses to damage Madrid's title charge, Ronaldo turned on the press pack.

"People say things about me without knowing a thing and it bothers me. You (the media) say things about Cris without knowing the truth," said the World Player of the Year.

"I am not a saint, but I am also not a devil like many people think I am.

"I don't like this type of thing because I have a family, I have a mother, a son, and I don't like that they say stupid things about me."

Ronaldo was happier when talking about his contribution on the field to Madrid's first La Liga title in five years as his early strike at La Rosaleda was his 14th goal in his last nine games.

"I've prepared to be in top shape for the end of the season," he added.

"I've helped the team with my goals, my decisions and for that I am happy."

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Cathay Pacific Sacks 600 Staff In Major Shakeup

Hong Kong’s flagship airline Cathay Pacific said Monday it would cut 600 staff including a quarter of its management, as part of its biggest shakeup in two decades to repair its bottom line.

In March the company posted its first annual net loss in eight years, citing intense competition as lower cost airlines, particularly from mainland China, eat into its market share.

It pledged at the time to slash costs by 30 percent after its $74 million net loss in 2016 reversed a $773 million profit in the previous year.

In a company statement Monday, the airline said it would shed 190 management roles as well as 400 non-managerial positions at its Hong Kong head office.

“We have had to make tough but necessary decisions for the future of our business and our customers,” said CEO Rupert Hogg.

“Changes in people’s travel habits and what they expect from us, evolving competition and a challenging business outlook have created the need for significant change.”

No pilots, cabin crew or frontline employees would be affected but they would be asked “to deliver greater efficiencies and productivity improvements”, the statement said.

Aviation analyst Corrine Png told AFP the company was moving “in the right direction” as it looked to transform the business and improve cost competitiveness.

“The challenge is when you start to cut staff head count... you really have to keep the staff morale high,” she said.

“They haven’t really touched the frontline-pilots, cabin crew, customer service-so at least this part hopefully will reduce the possibility of compromising the product.”

Singapore Airlines (SIA) also reported a net loss of Sg$138.3 million ($99.4 million) in the fourth quarter last Thursday, causing full-year net profit to drop by more than half from the previous year.

It said in a statement that a “wide-ranging review” of the company’s network, fleet, services and organisational structure was underway.

Intense competition has continued to hit premium carriers despite an expansion of international air travel in the region, as mainland Chinese airlines aggressively scale up long-haul routes.

Cathay announced a major restructuring programme in January after posting its first annual net loss since 2008 at the height of the financial crisis.

The airline is also losing premium travellers as it comes under pressure from Middle East rivals that are expanding into Asia and offering more luxury touches.

“Job cuts is obviously the most effective measure in the short term but Cathay’s problem is not coming from within, it’s growing competition from outside from full-service peers in the mainland and Middle East to budget carriers,” Yu Zhanfu of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants told Bloomberg News.

“Cathay has been suffering decline in both yield and load factor. That’s what Cathay needs to urgently address by sharpening their competitiveness externally,” Yu added.

The staff cut is the first major announcement since Hogg replaced Ivan Chu on May 1 as part of a management overhaul.

Cathay shares rose more than 3 per cent in early trade but pared gains to sit 1.6 per cent higher in the afternoon.

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Exercise Helps Burn Bone Fat

Exercising burns the fat found within bone marrow and this process improves bone quality in a matter of weeks, says a study.

The study, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, also suggests that obese individuals - who often have worse bone quality - may derive even greater bone health benefits from exercising than their lean counterparts.

"One of the main clinical implications of this research is that exercise is not just good but amazing for bone health," said lead author Maya Styner, Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the US.

"In just a very short period of time, we saw that running was building bone significantly in mice," Styner said.

Although research in mice is not directly translatable to the human condition, the kinds of stem cells that produce bone and fat in mice are the same kind that produce bone and fat in humans.

In addition to its implications for obesity and bone health, Styner said the research also could help illuminate some of the factors behind bone degradation associated with conditions like diabetes, arthritis, anorexia, and the use of steroid medications.

The research shows it is possible to use exercise to reverse some of the effects on bones.

"With obesity, it seems that you get even more bone formation from exercise. Our studies of bone biomechanics show that the quality and the strength of the bone is significantly increased with exercise and even more so in the obese exercisers," Styner said.

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North Korea Declares Missile Ready For Deployment

North Korea on Monday declared its medium-range Pukguksong-2 missile ready for deployment after a weekend test, the latest step in its quest to defy UN sanctions and develop an intercontinental rocket capable of striking US targets.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency said the North’s leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw Sunday’s launch, which sparked a fresh chorus of international condemnation and threats of tougher sanctions.

The missile tested was the Pukguksong-2, which uses solid fuel that allows for immediate firing, KCNA said.

So far almost all the North’s missiles have been liquid-fuelled, which have to be painstakingly filled with propellant before launch, while solid fuel missiles can be fired far more rapidly.

That would dramatically shorten the time available for any attempt to intervene and prevent a launch, requiring any such decision to be taken much more quickly.

Seoul military officials have previously said the Pukguksong-2 -- a land-based version of Pyongyang’s submarine-launched weapon—uses solid fuel.

Kim said “with pride” that the Pukguksong-2 was a “very accurate” missile and a “successful strategic weapon”, KCNA said, adding he “approved the deployment of this weapon system for action”.

The launch “completely verified” the reliability and accuracy of the device, and its late-stage warhead guidance system, KCNA said, adding the test results were “perfect”.

Images carried by the Rodong Sinmun—the official mouthpiece of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea—showed a smiling Kim clapping surrounded by his aides in an outdoor observation post as the missile shot up into the air.

It also had several pictures of the Earth said to have been taken from the rocket from space—the first such pictures released by the North.

Kim “said he was very happy to see pictures of the Earth taken by our rocket and that the world looks beautiful”, KCNA said, adding that he ordered the missile to be “rapidly mass-produced”.

The missile, which was described by Washington as medium-range, was fired from Pukchang in South Pyongan province and travelled about 500 kilometres (310 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan, according to the South’s armed forces.

The rocket used a cold-launch system, KCNA said.

The technology uses compressed gas to propel a missile upwards before its engine ignites in mid-air. It is considered safer and also makes it easier to hide the launch location.

A spokesman for Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters that South Korean and US intelligence authorities “assess that North Korea secured meaningful data in advancing the reliability of its missile technology through yesterday’s missile launch”.

But he added: “Our position is that the stable re-entry of the warhead needs more verification.”

The US, South Korea and Japan sharply denounced the launch and jointly requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, which will be held Tuesday.

The launch came just one week after the North fired a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range missile, which according to Pyongyang was capable of carrying a “heavy” nuclear warhead”.

Analysts said that at 4,500 kilometres the Hwasong-12 had a longer range than any previous ballistic missile launched by the North, putting US bases on the Pacific island of Guam within reach—and that it could serve as a platform to develop a long-range ICBM.

Pyongyang has long had missiles that can reach targets across South Korea and Japan but is accelerating efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the continental United States—something President Donald Trump has vowed “won’t happen”.

The launches, and a threatened sixth nuclear test, have fuelled tension with the Trump administration, which has warned that military intervention was an option under consideration, sending fears of conflict spiralling.

But so far Washington has opted for sanctions and diplomatic pressure, while looking to China, the North’s closest ally, to help rein in Pyongyang.

Seoul’s foreign ministry slammed the “reckless and irresponsible” weekend firing as “throwing cold water on the hope and longing of the new government and the international community” for denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula.

South Korea’s new President Moon Jae-In has previously taken a more conciliatory line towards Pyongyang than his conservative predecessors, but has reacted strongly to the latest two missile tests.

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Dubai TO Build Two New Man-Made Islands Worth £1.3Billion To Attract Families And Rich Tourists

The new islands will be built on either side of the Burj Al Arab – the city’s luxury sail-shaped hotel.

It is the latest development planned by the emirate as it aims to attract 20 million visitors a year by 2020, when Dubai will host the World Expo 2020 exhibition.

Spanning four million square feet, Marsa Al Arab will be made up of two islands, one dedicated to entertainment and family tourism and the other featuring luxury villas and a private marina, state news agency WAM reported on Monday.

Around 4.6 million tourists visited Dubai during the first quarter of 2017, up by 11 percent compared to the same period of last year, according to Dubai Tourism data.

Marsa Al Arab will feature hotels, waterfront apartments, 140 villas, a marina, a water park and a theatre with capacity for 1,700 people to host Cirque du Soleil, local media reported.

Work on the project will break ground next month and be completed by late 2020, WAM said.

The agency did not mention how the project would be funded.

Dubai is working on several big projects due for completion in the next few years, which are funded by debt.

It is building the World Expo 2020 exhibition site, an extension to Dubai’s Metro system and Al Maktoum International Airport, a new airport being developed on the edge of Dubai, which will serve up to 146 million passengers by 2025.

Marsa Al Arab will add 1.4 miles of beach to the emirate’s coastline, WAM said.

Dubai's most famous artificial island, Palm Jumeriah, is home to several hotels, villas and apartments.

But other islands it planned to develop were stalled or scaled back after the emirate's 2009 debt crisis.

Palm Jebel Ali, which began construction in 2002, has yet to be completed, while plans for Palm Deira have been reworked to create a scaled-down project called Deira Islands.

Another man-made archipelago, The World, a 300-island chain laid out in the shape of the world's continents, has only been partially developed.

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London To Edinburgh Only Just 30 Minutes

Hyperloop One is a system which pushes pods “on a cushion of air” through a tunnel at speeds in excess of 500mph.

Billionaire Elon Musk, who first put forward the Hyperloop concept in 2013, described the revolutionary transport as “a cross between a Concorde, a railgun and an air hockey table”.

At its fastest, engineers reckon it could reach 760mph, which would see journeys from London to Edinburgh slashed to half an hour.

Now a selection of British teams will gather in Amsterdam to speak to Hyperloop One executives and explain why they would like to see Hyperloop on routes starting in their town.

The LA-based technology giant has invited nations to become the next city to host the train.

Proposals were submitted by teams of private investors and university academics, who will work with Hyperloop One to make the dream a reality if their route is chosen.

British semi-finalists include a team pushing for a route between Glasgow and Cardiff which cuts a journey that normally takes six hours to under 45 minutes.

Another hopes they will win a route between Glasgow and Liverpool. The three-and-a-half hour journey would take less than 27 minutes using Hyperloop One.

Another team is putting forward designs for a route between London to Edinburgh, which would take around 51 minutes (but could be shaved to half an hour if the train reaches its 760mph goal).

The four local teams hoping to bring the Hyperloop One to their region could see superfast train speeds based on travel at 500mph

The journey typically takes four hours by train.

Last, but by no means least, a team from Liverpool is also bidding for a quickfire journey to Hull which could take just 15 minutes.

Edinburgh University is behind the London to Scotland route.

There are semifinalists in 17 countries, representing every continent except Antarctica.

The US has 11 teams left, India 5 and the UK four.

But British competitors will have to wait to hear whether they have made the final cut.

The European teams, along with Hyperloop One executives and Isabel Dedring, former Mayor of London’s deputy mayor for transport will meet on June 6 in Amsterdam to learn their fate.

It's not clear when the winner would begin to construct the new tunnel, but Hyperloop claims it will cover all technology costs.

Dubai appears to be streets ahead and has announced a deal to bring Hyperloop One to the Persian Gulf.

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How To Deal With Toothache At Night

It can prevent you from enjoying your daily activities, eating, and sleeping. The most common problem with this pain is that it becomes worse at night. It is more likely to worsen at night when you try to sleep or lie down. Fortunately, you can deal with it by following a few simple tips.

Using baking soda and salts.

If an abscessed tooth is responsible for your toothache, you should mix equal portions of baking soda and salt, and pat cotton in some water before dipping it in this powder. You should then place this cotton in between your teeth and cheek. Do not place it directly inside your tooth. You can relieve pressure and toothache by leaving a cotton ball overnight.

Flossing.

You can have toothache at night because of stacked food particles in your teeth. Hence, you should remove any clogged foods by flossing.

Sleeping in an elevated position.

Increased pressure to the head when trying to lie down makes your toothache more pronounced at night when you want to sleep. Hence you should limit this effect by sleeping in an elevated position. Bundle 2 or 3 pillows under the neck in order to elevate your head. Using warm salty water and per oxide to rinse your mouth after food.

Using clove oil.

You should therefore dip a cotton ball in this oil and insert it in your tooth or apply it on your gum. It will enable you to sleep without experiencing pain by providing some relief.

Applying a cold ice pack.

Sometimes heat may make the pain worse. Hence, you should apply a very cold ice pack compress where you are experiencing the pain in order to relieve toothache at night. You can soak a cloth in some ice chill water before placing it externally over the affected tooth or use some raw ice cubes.

You should sip some whisky and spit it out in order to rinse your mouth before sleeping. This may greatly help you to sleep peacefully without experiencing any pain.

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China ‘Killed Or Jailed Up To 20 CIA Informants’

Beijing systematically dismantled CIA spying efforts in China beginning in 2010, killing or jailing more than a dozen covert sources, in a deep setback to US intelligence there, The New York Times reported Sunday.

The Times, quoting 10 current and former American officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the intelligence breach as one of the worst in decades.

It said that even now intelligence officials are unsure whether the US was betrayed by a mole within the CIA or whether the Chinese hacked a covert system used by the CIA to communicate with foreign sources.

Of the damage inflicted on what had been one of the most productive US spy networks, however, there was no doubt: at least a dozen CIA sources were killed between late 2010 and the end of 2012, including one who was shot in front of colleagues in a clear warning to anyone else who might be spying, the Times reported.

In all, 18 to 20 CIA sources in China were either killed or imprisoned, according to two former senior American officials quoted. It was a grave setback to a network that, up to then, had been working at its highest level in years.

Those losses were comparable to the number of US assets lost in the Soviet Union and Russia because of the betrayals of two infamous spies, Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, the report said.

Western espionage services have traditionally found it exceptionally hard to develop spy networks in China and Russia.

The CIA’s mole hunt in China, following the severe losses to its network there, was intense and urgent. Nearly every employee of the US Embassy in Beijing was scrutinized at one point, the newspaper said.

Meantime, then-president Barack Obama’s administration was demanding to know why its flow of intelligence from China had slowed.

The revelations come as the CIA seeks to determine how some of its highly sensitive documents were released two months ago by WikiLeaks, and the FBI examines possible links between the Donald Trump campaign and Russia.

Both the CIA and the FBI declined to comment.

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The Force Still Strong As ‘Star Wars’ Turns 40

The date was 1977, and no one had yet worn a copper bikini to bed, made “whooshing” lightsaber noises with a broomstick or yelled “May the Fourth be with you” at strangers.

But that was all about to change as a 33-year-old Californian filmmaker named George Walton Lucas Jr. prepared to release his third feature—a far-fetched, slightly corny intergalactic saga of good and evil starring a sulky farm boy with daddy issues.

Jump forward 40 years and “Star Wars” has grown into the most lucrative and influential movie franchise of all time—Princess Leia’s signature side hair buns are all the rage on Halloween and Jedi is an official religion in several countries.

“I’m running out of hyperbolic adjectives to describe the power of ‘Star Wars,’ but that’s because it is the ultimate standard-bearer,” Shawn Robbins, chief analyst for BoxOffice.com, told AFP.

“Four decades of record-breaking, genre-defining entertainment across film, television, video games, toys, books and everything else the brand has touched simply speaks for itself.”

With its indie flick budget of just $11 million, the brash-looking “Star Wars” opened on Wednesday, May 25, 1977 -- the anniversary falls on Thursday—on an inauspicious 32 screens, taking in $1.6 million on its first weekend.

Starring relative newcomers Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford as swashbuckling Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo, it benefited from word-of-mouth buzz and the crowds lining up to see it quickly grew exponentially.

Its first theatrical run ended with a phenomenal $221.3 million while various reissues by 20th Century Fox brought the domestic total to more than twice that amount.

The premiere was at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, where it played to sold-out audiences five times a day for over a year, according to resident historian Levi Tinker, who told AFP the crowds literally wore out the hand-woven Chinese carpet in the lobby.

Two sequels—“The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Return of the Jedi” (1983) -- grossed more than $450 million each worldwide, but there were sizeable bumps in the road ahead.

Lucas’s 1997 “special edition” reissues were met with jeers thanks to digital tweaks deemed unnecessary or downright off-putting.

Then there was the Lucas-directed 1999-2005 prequel trilogy beginning with “The Phantom Menace”—films considered sub-par in almost every department.

The 73-year-old filmmaker—who had struck a deal with Fox to keep 40 percent of the gross from the original movie, as well as merchandising and sequels rights—was just as shrewd when he sold LucasFilm to Disney in 2012 for a staggering $4 billion.

The Mouse House breathed new life into “Star Wars” with the announcement of a sequel trilogy and three standalone “anthology” films, and has already added $3 billion with its first two movies to bring the total box office past $7.5 billion.

Speculation is already building over the future of the franchise with the approach of the final movies by 2020 but, long before then, fans have Rian Johnson’s “The Last Jedi”—the second of the sequels—to look forward to in December.

It continues seamlessly from “The Force Awakens” (2015), which became one of three films in history to take $2 billion after posting the biggest domestic and worldwide debuts ever.

“’The Last Jedi’ now has the potential to challenge those numbers and—particularly given the goodwill generated by ‘The Force Awakens’ and ‘Rogue One’—it is set up to be an absolute monster,” said Paul Dergarabedian, a senior analyst at comScore.

Jeff Bock, of Exhibitor Relations, believes the untimely death of Fisher in December will give “The Last Jedi” the same boost experienced by “Fast and Furious 7” and “The Dark Knight Rises” after the deaths of Paul Walker and Heath Ledger.

In any case, experts agree that LucasFilm is unlikely to want to let go of a franchise which can add $1-2 billion with each new release, even if fan fatigue is an ever-present threat.

“Like the universe itself, Star Wars will just keep expanding into the infinite,” said Bock.

“Literally, there is no end in sight for this franchise.”

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