■ United Kingdom
Mayor launches fund
London Mayor Ken Livingstone and the British Red Cross have launched a fund for those affected by Thursday's attacks on the city. The London Bombings Relief Fund, which is to help victims and the families of those killed, already had at least £250,000 (US$435,000) pledged yesterday. "I believe it is the wish of Londoners that those who have suffered deaths of their loved ones or serious injury should also be helped by all Londoners," Livingstone said on Friday. He said all citizens should donate money because the bomb attacks could have killed anyone in the capital.
■ United Kingdom
Pedal power returns
London's streets creaked and rattled with nervous new cyclists on Friday after bicycle sales rocketed in the wake of bomb blasts on three underground trains and a double-decker bus. Seasoned cyclists told of weary walkers offering them up to £300 (US$500) for their bikes as they headed home on Thursday, and of giving impromptu lessons to shaky beginners. Tim Davies, who manages Cycle Surgery near Holborn, said: "the shop is so close to where the bus got hit that we thought we'd be evacuated. But by 11 o'clock we were running around like crazy. We'd normally sell five to 10 bikes a day, but we sold at least double that in a few hours," he said.
■ United Kingdom
Ads for book withdrawn
British booksellers Waterstone's on Friday pulled advertising for a new novel about suicide bombers creating mayhem in London. The book Incendiary was published on Thursday, the same day of the attacks on the city. Pictures promoting the novel show plumes of smoke curling above London's skyline. The wording reads, "A massive terrorist attack ... launches this unique, twisted powerhouse of a novel." Waterstone's has removed all advertising for the book from today's newspapers -- except for the Guardian's Guide, which went to press before the advert could be pulled.
■ United States
Omarion pleads for prayers
London was the scene of carnage on Thursday after the series of deadly blasts, but American crooner Omarion, who suffered no injury or inconvenience, wants people to pray for him. "Omarion was in London during the tragic bombings that struck this morning," a statement by the singer's publicist said. Making no mention of the fatalities or casualties of the blasts, the singer's statement concluded, "He would like his fans to pray that he has a safe trip and a safe return home. He appreciates your support." Omarion was in London for yesterday's Live 8 show, his publicist Shana Gilmore said. Asked why anyone should pray for him, Gilmore said, "He wasn't hurt or anything, but just the fact that he was there and all that."
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