Sinopec reports sharp rise in profits

Chinese oil refiner Sinopec has announced its net profit in the first half of 2009 jumped fourfold from a year earlier, fueled by changes in state price controls for fuel, China state media reported. The 18-year-old was crowned by another Venezuelan, Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, marking the first time that two contestants from the same country have won the title in consecutive years. As Miss Universe, Fernandez will have the use of a New York City apartment for the year of her reign, and will receive living expenses.

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Miss Venezuela wins Miss Universe title — again

Venezuelan Stefania Fernandez was named Miss Universe 2009, beating out more than 80 other contestants during a pageant held Sunday night in Nassau, Bahamas. The 18-year-old was crowned by another Venezuelan, Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, marking the first time that two contestants from the same country have won the title in consecutive years

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Bolt eases through to second round in Berlin

Usain Bolt coasted into the second round of the world championships 100 meters as arch-rival Tyson Gay secured the quickest time of the first set of qualifiers in Berlin on Saturday. Bolt, the star attraction of the championships after his Beijing Olympic heroics last year, won the ninth of 12 heats, easing down in customary style in the last 30 meters. His time of 10.20 was modest by his own incredible standards and perhaps confirmation that the track in the Olympic stadium is not conducive to record breaking in the sprints

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Travolta’s wife to address grief over son’s death

Actress Kelly Preston, whose son Jett Travolta died earlier this year, will talk publicly in October about how she and her husband, actor John Travolta, have dealt with their grief. Preston, 46, will appear on a panel titled “Grief and Resilience” at a conference hosted by California first lady Maria Shriver, according to a conference spokeswoman. Jett, 16, was found unconscious on January 2, while on vacation with his family in the Bahamas’ West End

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At least 10 dead after apparent human-smuggling boat capsizes

At least 10 people were killed, and an unknown number remained missing Wednesday, after a boat authorities believe was used for human smuggling capsized off the coast of Florida. Almost all of the victims are believed to be from Haiti and the Bahamas, according to the U.S

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