Sunday 21 December 2014

Draft Mideast resolution 'major step'





  • Draft resolution regarding Israeli occupation expected from Palestinian delegation in two days

  • U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry spoke Monday

  • Serry cited "growing impatience" from the international community




New York (CNN) -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon hopes that the Security Council work on an Israeli-Palestinian draft resolution can generate "constructive momentum," a U.N. Peace coordinator said Monday.


Ban called the potential for a meaningful framework, a "major step" in nearly 50 years of negotiation, according to Robert Serry, the U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.


Serry briefed the Security Council Monday on the situation in the Middle East and acknowledged a draft resolution for the creation of a Palestinian state.


Though there is no official timing on a resolution yet, the remarks come two days before reports say the Palestinian delegation is expected to submit a draft resolution to the Security Council calling for an end to Israeli occupation.


Despite some optimistic remarks, Serry said that the conflict is at a pivotal moment and that 2014 "changed the course of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" with a peaceful future "more uncertain than ever."


The current deadlock in negotiations is at a "dramatic moment" with a one-state reality looming if the situation is not addressed, Serry said.


Serry cited the recent violence "now becoming more religiously inspired" as particularly unsettling.


"For the first time since 2007, Palestinians from Gaza were permitted to worship at the al-Aqsa mosque. These are encouraging developments that should be continued. President Abbas' calls for calm have also been welcome," Serry said.


But Serry condemned the reinstatement of punitive home demolitions -- a practice in which the Israeli government demolishes homes of Palestinians suspected of links to attacks against Israelis -- after nearly a decade in which Israel largely stopped the practice.


"These acts targeting family homes of perpetrators of attacks against Israeli citizens are a form of collective penalty that contravenes International law and risks undermining the already fragile situation. They are wrong, and counterproductive."


He said that there is evidence of "growing impatience" from the international community as well.


"In continuation of an ongoing trend in Europe, parliaments in France, Spain and Portugal adopted nonbinding resolutions that call upon their respective governments to recognize a Palestinian state," Serry said.


"These are significant developments that serve to highlight growing impatience at the continued lack of progress in achieving a two-state solution and that governments are under increased public pressure to promote an end to the conflict once and for all," he said.



Mom charged in deaths of 8 kids





  • Each of the children's 5 fathers has been contacted, police say

  • The mother of 7 of the slain children is arrested on suspicion of murder

  • The 8th slain child was the woman's niece, police say

  • The children ranged between ages 2 to 14




(CNN) -- As Australia grapples with another shocking tragedy -- the deaths of eight children in one home -- the mother of seven of them might be able to explain what happened.


Police have charged the 37-year-old woman in Friday's deaths in a suburb of Cairns. She faces eight counts of murder, Queensland Police said in a statement.


She remains under police guard at a hospital, where she is recovering from lacerations, authorities said. She appeared before a magistrate in a bedside hearing on Sunday.


On Friday, police responded to a report of an injured woman in the northeastern Australian city of Cairns but found much more than just the wounded mother.


Inside, officers found the bodies of eight children between ages 2 and 14, police spokesman Bruno Asnicar said. The eighth child killed was a niece of the woman, Asnicar said.


Australian media reported that at least some of the victims were believed to have been stabbed. But Asnicar declined to confirm that, saying police are waiting for autopsy reports.


"Charges are being considered ... but at this time we haven't filed any charges," Asnicar told reporters.


The children had five fathers, who are all shocked and devastated, authorities said.


A horrific discovery


The woman's 20-year-old son made the gruesome discovery, a relative of the family told CNN affiliate Seven Network.


"He got off the bus and he found his mother and siblings," Lisa Thaiday said.


Police said Saturday they talked to the 20-year-old but that he is not a suspect.


Distraught neighbors gathered near the area cordoned off around the one-story house, where Christmas decorations were still hanging in the front window.


"It is so difficult to come to terms with what has happened on a street I have visited so many times among residents I have so often spoken with," said Gavin King, the local member of parliament.


Cairns is a remote coastal city of about 150,000 residents that's popular with Great Barrier Reef tourists as a jumping-off point.


"The news out of Cairns is heartbreaking," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement. "All parents would feel a gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened. This is an unspeakable crime."


A very difficult week


The discovery of the bodies added to a traumatic week for Australia after a deadly hostage-taking in Sydney.


Australia was already reeling from a siege at a Sydney cafe this week, in which two of the hostages were killed along with the gunman who held them captive.


"These are trying days for our country," Abbott said.


'They never annoyed us'


A neighbor of the house where the bodies were found said the family was always quiet. She told CNN affiliate Seven Network that she'd heard no noise from the house Friday as she sat in her front room -- until the sudden burst of police sirens.


Another neighbor, Patricia Birch, said she heard some arguments on the property around 10 a.m., but agreed the family wasn't known for causing problems.


"They never annoyed us," she told The Cairns Post. "They were really good."


CNN's Christine Theodorou, Ralph Ellis, Jethro Mullen and Chieu Luu contributed to this report.



10 wild facts about Tokyo Station






Happy 100th, Tokyo Station! Benefiting from a $625 million renovation in 2012, the capital's landmark has never looked better.Happy 100th, Tokyo Station! Benefiting from a $625 million renovation in 2012, the capital's landmark has never looked better.


The restored red brick Marunouchi Building features reconstructions of two roof domes destroyed in World War II bombings.

The restored red brick Marunouchi Building features reconstructions of two roof domes destroyed in World War II bombings.

Serving more than 3,000 trains and 350,000 passengers per day, Tokyo Station is the busiest in Japan. The station also earns more than any other in Japan.Serving more than 3,000 trains and 350,000 passengers per day, Tokyo Station is the busiest in Japan. The station also earns more than any other in Japan.

It has 14 lines, including the Tokaido Shinkansen, the most heavily used high-speed rail route in the world.It has 14 lines, including the Tokaido Shinkansen, the most heavily used high-speed rail route in the world.

Beneath Tokyo Station lies a network of streets and secret tunnels. One is Character Street where shoppers can find anything from Hello Kitty to chicken noodle merchandise.Beneath Tokyo Station lies a network of streets and secret tunnels. One is Character Street where shoppers can find anything from Hello Kitty to chicken noodle merchandise.

Kitchen Street and Tokyo Ramen Street are located at the station's Yaesu exit. Some of Tokyo's most acclaimed ramen joints have set up shop here.Kitchen Street and Tokyo Ramen Street are located at the station's Yaesu exit. Some of Tokyo's most acclaimed ramen joints have set up shop here.

The station's European facade is one of the few architectural remnants of Tokyo's past. From December 24 till December 28, there will be a <a href='http://ift.tt/1zmZZtv' target='_blank'>light show on the facade of the station</a> in the evening.The station's European facade is one of the few architectural remnants of Tokyo's past. From December 24 till December 28, there will be a light show on the facade of the station in the evening.

Train company JR East operates a Travel Service Center at Marunouchi's north exit offering currency exchange and a luggage storage counter. Fans of the station's achitecture can buy cookies printed with the Marunouchi Gate.Train company JR East operates a Travel Service Center at Marunouchi's north exit offering currency exchange and a luggage storage counter. Fans of the station's achitecture can buy cookies printed with the Marunouchi Gate.

Tokyo Station Hotel, seamlessly merged with the Marunouchi Terminal Building, turns 100 in 2015. Tokyo Station Hotel, seamlessly merged with the Marunouchi Terminal Building, turns 100 in 2015.









  • Japan's historic Tokyo Station turns 100 years old this month

  • Tokyo terminus is the busiest station in Japan with the most revenue among all stations

  • Under Tokyo lies a labyrinth of secret tunnels and the oldest connects the station to the Central Post Office

  • Two assassination attempts on Japanese prime ministers have taken place in the station




(CNN) -- The gateway to Japan's capital, Tokyo Station, is celebrating its centennial this month -- and it's never looked better.


The starting point of the country's railway network, travelers in Japan are likely to pass through this landmark at least once.


Situated in the city's historic and political center, Tokyo Station is a destination in its own right.


Here are 10 ways it's earned its stripes as a protected cultural landmark.


Big numbers


Tokyo Station is an impressive 1,000-feet long (304 meters).


It's the busiest station in Japan in terms of number of trains per day (more than 3,000); 350,000 passengers pass through its turnstiles on a daily basis.


The station also reportedly earns more revenue than any other station in Japan.


It has 14 lines, including the Tokaido Shinkansen, the most heavily traveled high-speed rail route in the world.


Architectural marvel




Tokyo Station\'s Marunouchi Gate.

Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Gate.



City planners completed a five-year, $625 million renovation of Tokyo Station in 2012.


At its heart is the red brick Marunouchi Building, featuring reconstructions of two roof domes that were were destroyed in World War II bombings.


Its European facade is one of the few architectural remnants of Tokyo's past, and symbolizes the country's modernization.


Eight zodiacal symbols are featured on the interior of the octagonal domes, representing points on a compass (the tiger, for instance, points northeast).


Some say the Marunouchi Building was designed to look like Amsterdam Centraal railway station. Though there's little evidence to support this, Tokyo does have sister-station agreements with its Dutch lookalike, and also Grand Central Terminal in New York.


Secret tunnels


Urban myth or reality?


A subterranean network is rumored to exist in downtown Tokyo, linking important government buildings.


The oldest of these is a passage connecting Tokyo Station with the Central Post Office, whose original 1930s veneer was restored in the 2012 makeover.


From Tokyo Station, passengers can access six neighboring stations via underground walkways, with one jaunt being more than two kilometers.


Many people believe this labyrinthine network was planned as a bomb shelter.


Nowadays, with natural disasters a more prevalent worry, Tokyo Station is one of the safest places to be when the Earth rumbles, as the entire station is protected by a seismic isolation structure.


Multilingual tourism hub


Rail company JR East operates a travel service center at Marunouchi's north exit offering currency exchange, a luggage storage counter (7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.) and even a porter service for the first-class set.


Free Wi-Fi is available (a precious commodity in Tokyo), as well as PCs for visitors.




Station snacks: Marunouchi cookies.

Station snacks: Marunouchi cookies.



In the adjacent JP Tower skyscraper, which houses the renovated Central Post Office, Tokyo City is a tourism resource with walls of brochures in various languages, and staff who can help with all travel needs.


The post office upstairs is open all year, with 24-hour postage and foreign-card-friendly ATMs.


Assassination attempts


Murder, intrigue, politics ... Tokyo Station has witnessed two assassination attempts on Japanese prime ministers.


In 1921, Takashi Hara was stabbed to death by an ultra-conservative railway employee. Hara was Japan's first Christian prime minister, and the first commoner to hold the office.


Nine years later, Osachi Hamaguchi befell a similar fate, only he was shot. He didn't die immediately, succumbing to wounds the following year.


Both prime ministers are memorialized with plaques in the station.


Tokyo Station gallery


When this museum reopened in 2012, the goal was to create "a small but real gallery."


Today, visitors can take in exhibits showing contemporary art, or on themes related to railways, architecture and design.


More than 2.3 million visitors have passed through since the gallery's opening in 1988.


Purchases of JR train tickets help support this small but real museum.


Illumination


Holiday light-ups are standard fare for the neon capital.


The GranRoof facility near the Yaesu exit hosts this year's "Tokyo Colors," (January 12-February 14), an interactive wonder where lights and music change based on weather conditions and visitor numbers.


There's also Tokyo Michi Terrace, an illumination projected on station buildings that takes a "Memorial Light-up/Taisho Period (1912-1926) Romance" theme, in honor of the station's birthday.


Street of noodles




Tokyo Station has its own underground ramen street.

Tokyo Station has its own underground ramen street.



No Tokyo discussion would be complete without food.


In the station you can wander through Kitchen Street, or for slurpier, cheaper meals, Tokyo Ramen Street. Both are located at the station's Yaesu exit; neither is a true outdoor road.


Some of Tokyo's most acclaimed ramen joints have set up shop here, including Rokurinsha, famous for its tsukemen (dipping-style noodles).


It's best to arrive for breakfast from 7:30-10 a.m. to avoid the crowds.


Yes, ramen for breakfast is a thing in Tokyo.


For more conventional morning eats, there's New York outposts Bubby's or Dean and Deluca.


Or, passengers can pick up an ekiben (bento lunch box) on their dash to the bullet train.


Souvenir heaven


It's possible to spend a lot of money, and time, at Tokyo Station.


Fans of Hello Kitty, Moomins and Pokemon should swing by Tokyo Character Street (again, also not a real street) for take-home trinkets from some 15 shops.


For edible gifts, plenty of themed candies and the like are available, such as Tokyo Terminal Cookies or Brick Bread.


And let's not forget Tokyo Banana, the Twinkie's long lost cousin that has no known relation to the city yet is wildly popular (and pretty tasty).


Centenarian hotel


Tokyo Station Hotel celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2015.


The swanky, European-style building was a social hub after the Great Hanshin Earthquake, as Tokyo Station miraculously evaded any damage.


Political elite still gather here in the afternoons.


Room rates start at around ¥37,000 ($310).


Brandi Goode is a freelance writer based in Tokyo.



Muhammad Ali hospitalized






Cassius Clay, later to become known as Muhammad Ali, rose to prominence at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, where he claimed a boxing gold medal in the light heavyweight division.Cassius Clay, later to become known as Muhammad Ali, rose to prominence at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, where he claimed a boxing gold medal in the light heavyweight division.

Ali boldly predicted how many rounds it would take him to knock out British boxer Henry Cooper ahead of their bout in London in 1963. The fight was stopped in the fifth round as Cooper was bleeding heavily from a cut around his eye and Ali was declared the winner. Cooper died in May 2011.Ali boldly predicted how many rounds it would take him to knock out British boxer Henry Cooper ahead of their bout in London in 1963. The fight was stopped in the fifth round as Cooper was bleeding heavily from a cut around his eye and Ali was declared the winner. Cooper died in May 2011.

Ali first became a world champion in 1964, when he was still known as Cassius Clay. He upset the odds to defeat reigning champion Sonny Liston, a result which prompted him to yell "I'm the greatest" at gathered reporters.Ali first became a world champion in 1964, when he was still known as Cassius Clay. He upset the odds to defeat reigning champion Sonny Liston, a result which prompted him to yell "I'm the greatest" at gathered reporters.

In 1974, Ali took part in one of the most famous world championship fights in the history of boxing. He took on reigning champion George Foreman in Zaire, in a fight which was dubbed the "Rumble in the Jungle." Ali emerged victorious after flooring Foreman in the eighth round.In 1974, Ali took part in one of the most famous world championship fights in the history of boxing. He took on reigning champion George Foreman in Zaire, in a fight which was dubbed the "Rumble in the Jungle." Ali emerged victorious after flooring Foreman in the eighth round.


Ali provided one of the iconic images of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when he lit the Olympic flame to officially declare the Games open.

Ali provided one of the iconic images of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when he lit the Olympic flame to officially declare the Games open.

In addition to lighting the flame, Ali also received a replacement gold medal for the one he had won 36 years earlier. Ali tossed the original into the Ohio River after being refused entry to a restaurant.In addition to lighting the flame, Ali also received a replacement gold medal for the one he had won 36 years earlier. Ali tossed the original into the Ohio River after being refused entry to a restaurant.









  • Former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali has pneumonia

  • The illness was discovered quickly, Ali's spokesman said

  • He is expected to be out of the hospital soon

  • Ali became heavyweight world champion for the first time in 1964




(CNN) -- Famed boxer Muhammad Ali was admitted to an undisclosed hospital Saturday with pneumonia, his spokesman Bob Gunnell said.


Ali's treatment prognosis is good, he said.


"Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, is being treated by his team of doctors and is in stable condition," Gunnell said in a statement.


The illness was caught early, and Ali, 72, is not expected to be in the hospital long.




Muhammad Ali at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January 2, 2013.

Muhammad Ali at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January 2, 2013.






Muhammad Ali: 'Will they remember me?'

"At this time, the Muhammad Ali family respectfully requests privacy," the statement said.


Ali was born Cassius Clay and won an Olympic gold medal as a light-heavyweight at age 18.


In 1964, he became world heavyweight champion in an upset victory against then champion Sonny Liston, according to Ali's official website.


Shortly thereafter changed his name to Muhammad Ali to reflect his conversion to Islam.


The boxer was also known for his protest against the Vietnam War and refusal to be drafted into service out of religious conviction.


He retired from boxing in 1981 and announced his diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease three years later.



Elton John gets married






<a href='http://ift.tt/1zR5xeK' target='_blank'>David Furnish and Sir Elton John married</a> Sunday, December 21, in Britain, where same-sex marriage became legal earlier this year. They had a civil partnership ceremony in 2005, after 12 years together.David Furnish and Sir Elton John married Sunday, December 21, in Britain, where same-sex marriage became legal earlier this year. They had a civil partnership ceremony in 2005, after 12 years together.

Surprise! "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." actress Saffron Burrows, left, is a newlywed. The 42-year-old revealed in an interview with <a href='http://ift.tt/1vKP5K4' target='_blank'>The Guardian</a> that she eloped with her longtime girlfriend, "Ellen DeGeneres Show" writer Alison Balian, in August. Surprise! "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." actress Saffron Burrows, left, is a newlywed. The 42-year-old revealed in an interview with The Guardian that she eloped with her longtime girlfriend, "Ellen DeGeneres Show" writer Alison Balian, in August.

In November, "Will and Grace" star Sean Hayes, right, tied the knot with music producer Scott Icenogle. "Here's a ‪#‎TBT‬ photo of Scotty and me getting married last week," <a href='http://ift.tt/1x5kqVK' target='_blank'>Hayes shared on Facebook</a> on November 20. "Took us 8 years but we did it!"In November, "Will and Grace" star Sean Hayes, right, tied the knot with music producer Scott Icenogle. "Here's a ‪#‎TBT‬ photo of Scotty and me getting married last week," Hayes shared on Facebook on November 20. "Took us 8 years but we did it!"

"Glee" actor Cheyenne Jackson, left, reportedly married actor Jason Landau on September 13. <a href='http://ift.tt/1q3cpfP' target='_blank'>According to People</a>, the pair, who got engaged in January, had an outdoor interfaith ceremony at a friend's estate in Encino, California. "Glee" actor Cheyenne Jackson, left, reportedly married actor Jason Landau on September 13. According to People, the pair, who got engaged in January, had an outdoor interfaith ceremony at a friend's estate in Encino, California.

Melissa Etheridge, left, and Linda Wallem married on May 31 at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. The singer <a href='http://ift.tt/1hqeN38' target='_blank'>tweeted </a>"True love...so blessed. 'By the power invested in me by the state of California...' Thanks" along with a wedding picture of her and Wallem, who is one of the creators of the Showtime series "Nurse Jackie."Melissa Etheridge, left, and Linda Wallem married on May 31 at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. The singer tweeted "True love...so blessed. 'By the power invested in me by the state of California...' Thanks" along with a wedding picture of her and Wallem, who is one of the creators of the Showtime series "Nurse Jackie."

Interior design guru Nate Berkus, left, and Jeremiah Brent tied the knot in New York on May 3. <a href='http://ift.tt/1kyBOvJ' target='_blank'>According to People magazine</a>, they held the ceremony at the New York Public Library and are the first same-sex couple to host a wedding at the historic landmark. The pair announced their engagement in April 2013.Interior design guru Nate Berkus, left, and Jeremiah Brent tied the knot in New York on May 3. According to People magazine, they held the ceremony at the New York Public Library and are the first same-sex couple to host a wedding at the historic landmark. The pair announced their engagement in April 2013.

Jodie Foster, left, is adept at keeping her private life low-key. The actress quietly wed her girlfriend, photographer Alexandra Hedison, in mid-April. According to <a href='http://ift.tt/1iMFI73' target='_blank'>E! Online</a>, the couple had been dating for almost a year.Jodie Foster, left, is adept at keeping her private life low-key. The actress quietly wed her girlfriend, photographer Alexandra Hedison, in mid-April. According to E! Online, the couple had been dating for almost a year.

Fashion designer Tom Ford, right, and his partner of 27 years, Richard Buckley, are now married, the former Gucci craftsman confirmed to <a href='http://ift.tt/1ee35ae' target='_blank'>Vogue UK.</a> He didn't give details on the nuptials except to acknowledge that they were held in the United States. The couple are parents to a 1-year-old, <a href='http://ift.tt/1gRUq8N' target='_blank'>Alexander John Buckley Ford</a>.Fashion designer Tom Ford, right, and his partner of 27 years, Richard Buckley, are now married, the former Gucci craftsman confirmed to Vogue UK. He didn't give details on the nuptials except to acknowledge that they were held in the United States. The couple are parents to a 1-year-old, Alexander John Buckley Ford.

Musician Linda Perry, left, and actress Sara Gilbert married on March 30, Gilbert announced on her TV show "The Talk." Musician Linda Perry, left, and actress Sara Gilbert married on March 30, Gilbert announced on her TV show "The Talk."

Columnist Liz Smith <a href='http://ift.tt/1a48Bo8' target='_blank'>broke the news</a> that actress Lily Tomlin, right, rang in 2014 by marrying Jane Wagner, her partner of 42 years, on New Year's Eve.Columnist Liz Smith broke the news that actress Lily Tomlin, right, rang in 2014 by marrying Jane Wagner, her partner of 42 years, on New Year's Eve.

"Glee" actress Dot-Marie Jones, right, wed longtime girlfriend Bridgett Casteen on December 21 at their home in Los Angeles. "Glee" actress Dot-Marie Jones, right, wed longtime girlfriend Bridgett Casteen on December 21 at their home in Los Angeles.

Former "Family Ties" star Meredith Baxter, left, has reportedly tied the knot with girlfriend Nancy Locke. <a href='http://ift.tt/1buOG5r' target='_blank'>According to People magazine</a>, the couple wed in an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles in December. Baxter, 66,<a href='http://ift.tt/1iNfS2J'> confirmed</a> rumors about her sexuality in 2009, plainly telling the "Today" show, "Yes, I'm a lesbian." Former "Family Ties" star Meredith Baxter, left, has reportedly tied the knot with girlfriend Nancy Locke. According to People magazine, the couple wed in an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles in December. Baxter, 66, confirmed rumors about her sexuality in 2009, plainly telling the "Today" show, "Yes, I'm a lesbian."

<a href='http://ift.tt/1gRUohe' target='_blank'>According to People,</a> former "Grey's Anatomy" star T.R. Knight married Patrick Leahy, his boyfriend of three years, in October 2013.According to People, former "Grey's Anatomy" star T.R. Knight married Patrick Leahy, his boyfriend of three years, in October 2013.

Lance Bass, right, popped the question to boyfriend Michael Turchin, and the couple announced their engagement on social media in September 2013 with a shot of Turchin flashing the ring. Lance Bass, right, popped the question to boyfriend Michael Turchin, and the couple announced their engagement on social media in September 2013 with a shot of Turchin flashing the ring.

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, left, and actress Portia de Rossi married in 2008. De Rossi was <a href='http://ift.tt/1iNfS2P' target='_blank'>granted the right to change her last name to "DeGeneres"</a> by a Los Angeles court in 2010. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, left, and actress Portia de Rossi married in 2008. De Rossi was granted the right to change her last name to "DeGeneres" by a Los Angeles court in 2010.

Attorney Justin Mikita, left, and "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson announced their engagement in 2012 via their website <a href='http://tietheknot.org/' target='_blank'>tietheknot.org</a> and then married in July 2013. Their foundation sells ties with the proceeds going to organizations that support same-sex marriage. The pair have been outspoken <a href='http://ift.tt/1iNfSjg' target='_blank'>about their advocacy. </a>Attorney Justin Mikita, left, and "Modern Family" star Jesse Tyler Ferguson announced their engagement in 2012 via their website tietheknot.org and then married in July 2013. Their foundation sells ties with the proceeds going to organizations that support same-sex marriage. The pair have been outspoken about their advocacy.

Michelle Rounds, left, and Rosie O'Donnell quietly wed in 2012, and in January 2013, they <a href='http://ift.tt/1iNfSjl' target='_blank'>announced the arrival of a daughter. </a>Michelle Rounds, left, and Rosie O'Donnell quietly wed in 2012, and in January 2013, they announced the arrival of a daughter.

"How I Met Your Mother" star Neil Patrick Harris, left, and David Burtka announced their engagement in 2011. The couple, who are parents of twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, married in Italy in September."How I Met Your Mother" star Neil Patrick Harris, left, and David Burtka announced their engagement in 2011. The couple, who are parents of twins Gideon Scott and Harper Grace, married in Italy in September.

Country star Chely Wright, left, and Lauren Blitzer married in August 2011 and are the parents of identical twin sons, George Samuel and Everett Joseph.Country star Chely Wright, left, and Lauren Blitzer married in August 2011 and are the parents of identical twin sons, George Samuel and Everett Joseph.

"Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon, left, started dating activist Christine Marinoni in 2004. The couple got engaged in 2009 and married in 2012. "Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon, left, started dating activist Christine Marinoni in 2004. The couple got engaged in 2009 and married in 2012.

Several of George Takei's "Star Trek" co-stars attended the ceremony when he married longtime partner Brad Altman, right, in 2008.Several of George Takei's "Star Trek" co-stars attended the ceremony when he married longtime partner Brad Altman, right, in 2008.








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  • Elton John and David Furnish were married Sunday

  • Same-sex marriage became legal in Britain this year

  • The men previously had a civil partnership

  • They have two children




(CNN) -- Sir Elton John and David Furnish are now husband and husband.


The two married Sunday in Britain, where same-sex marriage became legal earlier this year.


They had a civil partnership ceremony in 2005, after 12 years together.


They have two children -- Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John.


The two men invited people all over the world to join them for the ceremony via Elton John's brand new Instagram feed.



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