Mexico Earthquake Today 2013: 5.4 Terremoto Strikes In Early Morning

LOS ANGELES (LALATE) ? A Mexico earthquake today 2013 has just struck the country. The Mexico earthquake today, a terremoto hoy registering 5.4 magnitude, is one of the strongest temblors to hit the country this month. Officials tell news that the quake today July 30, 2013 began moments ago.

USGS indicates to news that a Mexico earthquake today began in the morning hours near Nueva Palestina. The quake registered a 5.4 magntiude. But it was deep. Officials tell news that the quake started seventy-three miles below ground level. As a result the quake was only felt around the immediate region.

The Nueva Palestina quake started eleven miles west of town. It was twenty-three miles north of Mapastepec and forty-six miles south of Venustiano Carranza. Reps also tell news that the quake was 178 miles west of Guatemala City in Guatemala.

A similar magnitude quake struck the country in December last year. USGS indicated to news at the time that the Mexico earthquake began seventy-nine miles east of La Paz in Baja. The quake was ninety-nine miles west of the Sinaloa city of Navolato. The quake was also ninety-three miles southwest of Guasave and roughly seven hundred miles from Mexico City.

In June, a 3.1 magnitude quake struck the same region. The quake was centered forty-miles from Guadalupe Victoria in Baja California. The quake was forty-one miles southwest of Mexicali, as well. USGS indicated to news that the quake was only forty-two miles from Calexico and eighty miles from Tijuana.

Earthquake, Mexico

Source: http://news.lalate.com/2013/07/30/mexico-earthquake-today-2013-5-4-terremoto-strikes-in-early-morning/

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Robin Thicke: 'Blurred Lines' like 'great art'

Performances

Randee Dawn TODAY contributor

18 hours ago

You can run, but you can't hide from "Blurred Lines," the song that has turned out to be the surprise hit of Summer 2013. The song spent 7 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, while also generating a certain amount of controversy for its lyrics.

Thicke took the plaza's stage (holding a shiny gold microphone) to sing the tune, along with "Take It Easy On Me" and to chat with TODAY's Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie on Tuesday. Oh, and they also addressed the debate over the song's lyrics.

"When we made the song we had nothing but the most respect for women," said the 36-year-old singer, who releases his sixth album, also called "Blurred Lines," on Tuesday.

"I've been with the same woman since I was a teenager," he added. "Sometimes the lyrics can get misconstrued when you're just trying to put people on the dance floor and have a good time. But we had no idea it would stir this much controversy.... We only had the best intentions."

Anyway, he says, controversy is good: "That's what great art does, it's supposed to stir conversation, it's supposed to make us talk about what's important."

Well, whether you think "Blurred Lines" is "great art" or not, it sure is a catchy tune. Be sure to check out the videos of Thicke's performances from TODAY and the great tweets, Vines and Instagrams from our fans and TODAY anchors.

Source: http://www.today.com/toyotaconcertseries/robin-thicke-blurred-lines-great-art-thats-supposed-stir-conversation-6C10796002

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Pelosi: Weiner behavior 'disrespectful of women'

WASHINGTON (AP) ? House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi says the behavior of Anthony Weiner is "reprehensible" and "disrespectful of women."

The California Democrat lashed out at Weiner, a candidate for mayor of New York City and San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, saying their behavior is stunning and that they "don't have a clue." Both men were formerly Democratic members of the House.

Weiner, who is married, apologized this week after fresh allegations he exchanged lewd images and sexually explicit messages with another woman. Filner has been besieged by allegations of sexual harassment.

Pelosi suggests both men may need therapy and says they should "do it in private." But she says it's up to Weiner to decide if he should leave the mayor's race.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pelosi-weiner-behavior-disrespectful-women-160241566.html

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Samsung Galaxy Note 3 specs supposedly confirmed

The next few months is going to be interesting with regards to new flagship smartphones being released to the market, as not only will we see new products from Apple and Motorola the next phablet sized device from Samsung is due. Now the specs and features for the Galaxy Note 3 have supposedly been confirmed by so called officials close to the company.

There has been a mountain of leaks and rumours surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 over the last few months, and with the device due to launch in September these are increasing all the time. Now a Korean publication is claiming to have information on the handset from a so called knowledgeable source.

The handset will feature a 5.7-inch Full HD display that has been reported previously and will be powered by the quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with support for LTE-A technology, which comes after Samsung announced its latest Exynos 5 Octa chip. This will be supported by 3GB of RAM that was rumoured before but the company has now confirmed they are actually manufacturing the components.

It is being claimed that the bezels surrounding the display have been shrunk further that will make the device easier to hold than the previous model despite the increase in screen size on the Galaxy Note 3. The outer edges of the handset are again going to have a metal strip running around it similar to the Galaxy S4.

There are claims that Samsung were considering a Galaxy Note 3 with a screen size of 5.99-inches originally but have opted for 5.7-inch. The features bundled with the new model are claimed to have been improved dramatically, which include enhancements to Multi-Window and photo and video editing among others.

While these rumours have to be taken with a pinch of salt there could be some credibility to them, but we should know for sure in just over a month?s time.

Source: MK News via Google Translate.

Source: http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2013/07/26/samsung-galaxy-note-3-specs-supposedly-confirmed/

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Shabaka becomes the world's first Arabic borderless Top-Level ...

Arabic speaking Internet users around the world will be the first to experience the next evolution of the Internet after Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the global regulator of web addresses today officially entered into a contract with dotShabaka Registry for ?????.? to become the world?s first Arabic new Top-Level Domain (TLD).

Surpassing almost 1900 other applicants from around the world, ????. (.shabaka, translates to .web in English) will become the world?s first borderless new Top-Level Domain and will provide Arabic speaking Internet users with an alternative to non-Arabic Internet namespaces such as .com, .net and .org. It will be a domain name available to everyone wanting an Arabic online presence.

Expected to be live on the Internet in the coming months, ????. is part of the new Top-Level Domain program being rolled out by ICANN to expand the Internet?s web address system.

Yasmin Omer, General Manager of dotShabaka Registry said, ?Today?s contract signing is a monumental occasion. As the first new Top-Level Domain, ????. is set to become the centre of all things Arabic on the Internet. It is an incredible achievement not only for us but for the entire Arabic speaking world. It will pioneer a new way for people to use the Internet that begins with the Arabic language.?

Ms. Omer added, ?????. will have a global audience, with over 20 countries in the Middle East and North Africa which use Arabic as an official language ? a region that comprises over 380 million people. She said Arabic is also the fastest growing language online ? with growth of more than 2,500 percent in the 10 years to 2011.?

?In spite of the boom in Arabic content online, users are still burdened with the need to use English on the Internet. Many websites and Internet applications force visitors to only use English. Through ????., we are campaigning for a truly Arabic Internet experience from start to finish,? Ms. Omer said.?

?????. domain name owners will be getting more than just a web address; they?re signing up for a cause, and becoming part of the movement to empower the Arabic language on the Internet. dotShabaka Registry?s vision is to build an Internet that facilitates end-to-end communication and collaboration for every user utilising only their native tongue,? Ms. Omer said.

Joining dotShabaka Registry in this important and exciting opportunity is GoDaddy,?the world?s largest domain name and Web hosting provider.?

?The ????. domain name extension marks a?meaningful change for the Arabic Internet, with?tremendous opportunities for new?businesses to grow and flourish ? in the Arabic language. ?We are ready to help make the new names available with an experience that includes easy-to-use search tools and the reliable service the world has come to expect from us,? said GoDaddy CEO Blake Irving.??This partnership between our two companies is in line with our strategy to expand the GoDaddy brand into international markets and is a significant step in the Internet?s evolution,? said Mr. Irving.

The addition of GoDaddy as the first Registrar partner will ensure ????. is set for worldwide release. dotShabaka Registry will welcome local partners and work closely with businesses within the region to promote local participation.?Today?s announcement follows the release of initial evaluation results in March when ICANN announced the official approval to the ????. application. With the signing of this contract, there are only a few final testing requirements before ????. will be delegated and accessible on the Internet.

dotShabaka Registry has contracted ?ARI Registry Services for the provision of software and infrastructure systems to support ????., owing to their vast experience in Domain Name Registry technology in supporting the .ae, .qa and .om domain name spaces.?For more information about how you can register your own ????. website address, please visit www.dotshabaka.com.

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Source: http://www.qatarisbooming.com/2013/07/15/shabaka-becomes-the-world%E2%80%99s-first-arabic-borderless-top-level-domain/

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Manchester United Finally Opens Twitter, Sina Weibo Accounts. What Took So Long?

On Wednesday, AFP reported that Manchester United, the storied 135-year-old football club, finally joined Twitter and Sina Weibo. It has 446,714 followers on Twitter as of this moment and a modest-by-comparison 171,510 followers on Weibo, but realize this: Arsenal, which has had a Sina Weibo account for at least a year and has posted 7,238 messages compared to Man U?s 46, has only 88,815 followers. Even in the realm of Chinese social media, the Red Devils reign supreme.

This means nothing, of course, to true fans of the game. But in the greater world outside of sports, it?s significant. Man U has long claimed hundreds of millions of fans in Asia ? their exact numbers are a bit apocryphal, but the brand is undoubtedly strong ? which translates into a vigorous revenue stream and probably ensures at least one Asian is on its roster at all times. (Who knows, maybe a Chinese player will be signed sometime, following in the footsteps of Dong Fangzhuo.)

AFP reported that Richard Arnold,?United?s group managing director, said, ?Connecting with our fans is a key part of the club?s strategy,? but let?s be honest here: this is a business move, in much the same way that teaming up with Wahaha and China Construction Bank is. As Digital Football points out:

Last year we reported a story found tucked away in the?Manchester Evening News?that suggested?United might be looking to start using Twitter. In a comment which has subsequently been removed since the story was posted, the MEN said they understood that United would,

?ensure commercial partners were happy before they launch an account?

This perhaps suggests that United wanted to make a real business case for the channel and try integrate a commercial element into their Social Media strategy with advertising opportunities for sponsors. A clever move, and something we have seen all to often in recent months in the US, as established sporting brands now look to try monetize their channels (as we predicted earlier this year in our 2013?Sports Social Media predictions).

In the meantime, maybe Man U should post more Twitpics to gain followers. It?s been working for Wayne Rooney, he of the 6.7 million followers. Or are we not allowed to mention him around these parts?

(H/T Alicia)

Source: http://beijingcream.com/2013/07/man-u-finally-opens-twitter-sina-weibo-accounts/

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Ancient Egyptian leader makes surprise appearance at archaeological dig in Israel

As modern Egypt searches for a new leader, Israeli archaeologists have found evidence of an ancient Egyptian leader in northern Israel. At a site in Tel Hazor National Park, north of the Sea of Galilee, archeologists have unearthed part of a unique Sphinx belonging to one of the ancient pyramid-building pharaohs.

Full Story Via ScienceDaily: Top Science News

Source: http://scooprocket.com/science/2013/07/15/ancient-egyptian-leader-makes-surprise-appearance-at-archaeological-dig-in-israel/

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Denise Welch encourages wedding guests to join her in not drinking alcohol as she marries Lincoln Townley in Portugal

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Home foreclosures at lowest in over six years?

foreclosures

Diana Olick CNBC.com

9 hours ago

Home foreclosure activity in June fell to the lowest level since December 2006, but certain states are seeing a rise in activity, as judges work through tremendous backlogs of delinquent loans.

Close to 128,000 properties received some kind of foreclosure filing in June, down 35 percent from a year ago, according to a new report from online foreclosure sales and analytics company RealtyTrac. Newly started foreclosures fell 21 percent month-to-month to the lowest level since the end of 2005.

Bank repossessions, the final stage of the foreclosure process, fell 9 percent month-to-month and were down 35 percent from a year ago. Still the numbers are on pace for nearly a half a million properties to be repossessed in 2013. That's an improvement, but still well above normal levels.

(Read More: Dire Predictions For Housing Recovery)

The picture is also mixed geographically ? Arkansas (up 143 percent), Oklahoma (up 103 percent), Maryland (up 74 percent), Washington (up 71 percent), New Jersey (up 33 percent), and New York (up 21 percent) ? as states that require a judge in the foreclosure process as well as those with new laws protecting borrowers, are seeing a spike in repossessions.

"The increases in judicial foreclosure auctions demonstrate that these delayed foreclosure cases are now being moved more quickly through to foreclosure completion," notes RealtyTrac's Daren Blomquist in the report.

(Read More: Map: Tracking the US Real Estate Recovery)

"Given the rising home prices in most of these markets, it is an opportune time for lenders to dispose of these distressed properties, either at the foreclosure auction to a third-party buyer, or by repossessing the property at the auction and subsequently selling it as a bank-owned home."

Judicial foreclosure auctions were up 34 percent from June of 2012, as Realtors report "brisk" sales of these distressed properties. Investors and regular buyers have been competing for a decreasing supply of properties. Nationwide, inventories of all homes are down dramatically, as a large number of underwater borrowers and borrowers with very little home equity are still unable to sell.

(Read More: Apartments Reap Rewards of Rising Rates)

Florida, Nevada, Illinois, Ohio and Georgia posted the top five state foreclosure rates for the first half of the year, according to RealtyTrac.

More business news:

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Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/663286/s/2e889a32/l/0L0Snbcnews0N0Cbusiness0Chome0Eforeclosures0Elowest0Eover0Esix0Eyears0E6C10A60A4262/story01.htm

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Pilates: The Fitness Program for Everyone From Beginner to Advanced

Joseph Pilates is the creator of one of the most popular forms of exercise in the United States, today. This form of exercise focuses on developing awareness, strength and flexibility through a system that like to see the end result being a person that is capable of graceful and efficient movement.

One of the greatest things about Pilates is that it works for people from all walks of life. Senior citizens, football players and professional dancers all find themselves benefitting from this type of exercise program. It is also a great way to help you rehab from an injury because it is relatively low intensity.

People who have tried Pilates say that it makes them feel more strong, long, lean and capable of performing acts with grace and ease.

The best thing about Pilates is that it is easy to modify for all different types of situations. Any of the exercise in this program can be changed to fit any person, in any situation, and still achieve maximum results.

Pilates focuses on building strength on the inner muscles of the back and abdominal area. According to theory, after these muscles are strong they will begin to work efficiently with the rest of the muscles surrounding them.

As the inner muscles become stronger, your entire torso starts to work more efficiently. You have probably heard that these types of exercises are good for back pain. This is true because how can you have a strong back if your back area is not stabilized by conditioned muscles.

There are six principles that constitute an efficient Pilates workout: Centering, concentration, control, precision, flow and breath. You will not be focused on quantity but quality, instead. You will not be performing a lot of repetitions like you do with many other strength training programs. Instead, you will focus on making each move as precise as possible.

There is a big difference between exercises in Pilates and those in, for example, weightlifting. When working with weights you might focus on making your legs and chest stronger while ignoring the fact that these areas of the body are connected to other muscles. This is a big reason why weightlifters often become injured. Certain muscles have not been trained efficiently and are more prone to injury. Combining Pilates with a weight lifting program would be an optimal way to go.

So, if you are looking for a way to strengthen your interior muscles for any reason then you should give this popular program a try! There are classes just about everywhere and it is growing in popularity every year.

Wai Lana Yoga ? Education, supplies, videos/DVDs and a community where you can learn about Yoga, Meditation and Pilates. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one, and that if it is given the right yoga practice and tools and taken to the right environment, it cam find harmony and heal itself. Yoga, as well as meditation, therefore is considered therapeutic.

It helps you become more aware of your body?s posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. It helps tone muscles, slim the body and build strength. These are some of the foremost reasons why people want to start practicing Yoga and meditation ? to feel more fit, be more energetic, be happier and more peaceful. Learn more now at Wai Lana Yoga!

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About Dee Braun

Dee is an Adv. Certified Aromatherapist, Reiki Master, Adv. Color/Crystal Therapist, Herbalist, Dr. of Reflexology and single mom who is dedicated to helping others any way she can. One way she chooses to help is by offering information on the benefits and uses of natural health and healing methods for the well-being of both people and pets. Dee also teaches Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Color/Crystal Therapy at the Alternative Healing Academy

Source: http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/pilates-the-fitness-program-for-everyone-from-beginner-to-advanced/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pilates-the-fitness-program-for-everyone-from-beginner-to-advanced

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Webscape: Wedding photos sharing app - BBC News

Kate Russell's weekly review of the best apps and websites.

It is often the informal photos at a wedding that capture the really precious moments. At Wedpics you can make your own private space to invite wedding guests to share all their photos from the day to ensure you have saved the very best pictures to create the perfect album to share.

PlanetInAction have been experimenting with ways to play with Google Earth's amazing 3D model of the globe and have a stunning collection of toys to show for their efforts including ship and helicopter simulators and mapping traffic flow and tides in the oceans.

Security is very important when it comes to your smartphone and the free android app Don't Touch My Droid takes a novel approach by making a loud alarm noise when the handset is disturbed.

Another intriguing automation for your android was released this week called Snapcat. It puts a dancing red dot on your screen when using the EyeEm photographic app to encourage cats to tap it and take a self portrait.

And YouSendIt is changing its name to Hightail to reflect a move away from a simple file transfer service to a more complete cloud offering with unlimited storage and signatures for premium customers.

Watch more clips on the Click website. If you are in the UK you can watch the whole programme on BBC iPlayer.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-radio-and-tv-23275646

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Revealed: Actual site of world's tallest commercial tower in ... - Zawya

By Parag Deulgaonkar

If demand is there the tower could even surpass Burj Khalifa: DMCC chief

The world's tallest commercial tower will be built on a plot located on the southern side of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers master community, Emirates 24l7 can reveal.
The plot is close to Jumeirah Island and Jumeirah Park. Rendering and design of the tower and the DMCC Business Park, comprising 107,000 square metres of commercial and retail space, is likely to be completed this year with sales begining next year.
Speaking to Emirate 24l7, Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority, revealed there was a possibility that the tower could even rival the 828-metre high Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower.
"If the demand keeps pushing, my fear is that the tower might be taller than Burj Khalifa."
Taipei 101 in Taiwan is currently the tallest commercial tower in the world. Completed in 2004, it is 508 metres high with 101 floors, Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) data reveals.
The 541-metre One World Trade Center in New York City, US, will become the tallest commercial tower in the world in 2014, but Ping An Finance Center in Shenzhen, China, will take over the top slot in 2016. It will 660-metres high and will have 115 floors.
Three designs rejected
DMCC chief has already rejected three designs for the tower and will be inviting more companies to present their proposals.
"We will be deploying the best building techniques. The will have more use of steel, this reducing the number of columns and making more space to end-users."
He states that the authority may even think of buying the entire steel required to build the tower in advance as the prices of steel are at its lowest.
Funding isn't a problem at all
Before the announcement of the tower last week, DMCC was in talks with three banks on funding, but the numbers have swelled post announcement, bin Sulayem revealed.
"We were in talks with three financers before after the announcement, but now it more than 11. I have even stopped looking at it now."
He ruled out that DMCC was looking at issuing a sukuk to fund the new development, adding, "There are various options available and we will chose the one that is the best."
DMCC , which currently has not external debt, had launched a gold sukuk, raising $200 million to help finance the construction of its commercial towers. The sukuk was paid on time.
The centre has successfully built three towers: 360 metre high Almas Tower, the second tallest commercial tower in the Middle East, AU 'Gold' Tower and AG 'Silver' Tower.
Al Hamra Tower in Kuwait City, 413 metres high with 80 floors, is currently the tallest commercial tower in Middle East.

Name to be selected by global campaign

Though there is no thought yet given to the name the tower, bin Sulayem disclosed the name will be finalized by a global campaign later on.
"The scope for the names is limited and I will have to be very smart on putting the name on it," he asserts.
DMCC is expecting to be home to over 7,200 companies by the end of 2013. In just 11 years, DMCC 's members and trading community has contributed between $9 to $12 billion towards Dubai's GDP.
With 65 mixed-use commercial and residential towers and over 200 retail outlets in operation, currently over 65,000 people are working and living in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

? Emirates 24|7 2013

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? Copyright Zawya. All Rights Reserved.

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Source: http://www.zawya.com/story/Revealed_Actual_site_of_worlds_tallest_commercial_tower_in_Dubai-ZAWYA20130711033019/

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At least 7 die in Paris train crash

At least seven people reportedly have been killed and dozens injured in a train derailment outside Paris.

A spokesman for the SNCF, the country?s national rail company, told Reuters the train was transporting passengers from Paris to Limoges when it derailed near Bretigny-sur-Orgen, about 20 miles south of Paris during the height of Friday?s rush hour.

The train was reportedly carrying 350 passengers, and there were reports that it split in two as it was coming into the station. French transportation officials had reportedly declared a ?code red??meaning an accident in which ?many people are victims.?

France 24, citing local media reports, said that passengers remained trapped on the train and that some victims had been electrocuted and crushed. There were conflicting reports as to exactly how many people had been killed.

?The death toll is evolving constantly at this point and unfortunately it will probably rise,? French Interior Minister Manuel Valls told Reuters. ?At this stage there are seven people dead, several dozen wounded and some of them are serious.?

Several images posted on Le Monde showed several train cars toppled and crashed near the station.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/eight-people-reportedly-killed-in-train-crash-near-paris-170833514.html

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Singer Randy Travis recovering from brain surgery

FILE - In this June 7, 2013 file photo, Randy Travis performs on day 2 of the 2013 CMA Music festival at the LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. Travis has been hospitalized in Texas with viral cardiomyopathy. A news release from the singer's publicist says Travis was admitted to the hospital Sunday, July 7, 2013, in Dallas. (Photo by Wade Payne/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this June 7, 2013 file photo, Randy Travis performs on day 2 of the 2013 CMA Music festival at the LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. Travis has been hospitalized in Texas with viral cardiomyopathy. A news release from the singer's publicist says Travis was admitted to the hospital Sunday, July 7, 2013, in Dallas. (Photo by Wade Payne/Invision/AP, File)

FILE - In this June 7, 2013 file photo, Randy Travis performs at the 2013 CMA Music Festival at LP Field in Nashville Tenn. Travis has been hospitalized in Texas with viral cardiomyopathy. A news release from the singer's publicist says Travis was admitted to the hospital Sunday, July 7, 2013, in Dallas. (Photo by John Davisson/Invision/AP, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) ? Country music stars and fans joined together to urge prayers for Randy Travis overnight as he recovered from brain surgery following a stroke at a Texas hospital.

Travis remained in critical condition after surgery Wednesday night to relieve pressure on his brain, publicist Kirt Webster said. The 54-year-old Grammy Award-winning singer had been improving while being treated for heart failure caused by a viral infection when he had the stroke.

Steady concern for Travis, a popular and pivotal figure in country music, turned to active support as stars like Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum and Martina McBride and the Grand Ole Opry used Twitter to join Webster's call for prayers. Hundreds of users reached out using the hashtag PrayforRandy.

"We're all pulling for you Randy," Brad Paisley said via Twitter.

The setback occurred hours after doctors said Travis was showing signs of improvement since the start of treatment Sunday for congestive heart failure.

It was not clear what kind of stroke Travis suffered. The most common type of stroke is caused by a blood clot that travels to the brain. The other kind happens when a blood vessel in the head bursts or leaks. Stroke patients who get treatment quickly are usually given a drug to dissolve the clot that caused the stroke.

Drs. William Gray and Michael Mack of the Baylor Health Care System in Texas described Travis' condition and hospitalization in a video statement earlier Wednesday.

"His condition has stabilized, and he has shown signs of improvement," Mack said in the video. "On behalf of Mr. Travis' family, friends and associates, we would like to express our extreme gratitude for the overwhelming affection and support that Mr. Travis has received."

The "Three Wooden Crosses" singer was in good health until three weeks before he was hospitalized, when he contracted a viral upper respiratory infection, Gray said.

The viral illness led to a weakened heart muscle that eventually worsened into heart failure.

Travis was admitted to Baylor Medical Center McKinney near his home in Tioga, about 60 miles north of Dallas, through the emergency room Sunday. The singer underwent a procedure to have a pump inserted by catheter that helps increase blood flow before being transferred to The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.

Travis' illness comes as he's been trying to put his life back together following a series of embarrassing public incidents involving alcohol. Travis pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in January following an arrest last year and received two years of probation and a $2,000 fine. He was required to spend at least 30 days at an alcohol treatment facility and complete 100 hours of community service.

He recently made several public appearances, including a spot on the Country Music Association Festival's nightly concert lineup and a poignant performance at George Jones' funeral.

Webster said from the hospital Travis' fiancee Mary Beougher was at his side and that he is surrounded by family and friends, including his brother, Dennis Traywick, and his pastor, Jeff Perry. Kenny Rogers, the Oak Ridge Boys, Chuck Norris and several others have called to check in on Travis.

The North Carolina-born Travis is a traditional country purist known for hits "Forever and Ever, Amen" and "I Told You So." His 1986 Warner Bros. debut album "Storms of Life" sold 4 million copies, and helped return country music to the sound of Hank Williams and George Jones.

"I always feel like he's part of our family, he's in our family," Keith Urban said in an interview Wednesday morning in Nashville. "And I was one of those guys in Australia that bought 'Storms of Life' and became a Randy fan very quickly in late '80s, and I really feel for him right now."

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Associated Press writer Kristin M. Hall contributed to this report in Nashville, Tenn.

___

Follow AP Music Writer Chris Talbott: http://twitter.com/Chris_Talbott .

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2013-07-11-People-Randy%20Travis/id-da3f5980b2ea49d1b47d43c4df6af64d

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