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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Friday 's launch of the iPhone 3GS could usher in an innovative and lucrative new era for those who create applications for the popular device , developers and industry observers say . This woman in an iPhone costume was among the crowd outside an Apple Store in New York City on Friday . The phone 's upgraded hardware , combined with a new operating system , will allow developers to design apps that would n't have worked on previous models of the iPhone . For example , developers said , the iPhone 3GS is the first iPhone with a video camera , which could inspire apps that edit or mix video clips . Other developers are eyeing the new phone 's built-in compass or its `` push notification '' feature , which pings users with messages even if its instant-message application is not open . `` Apple has given us all these new tools , '' said William Kasel , founder and CEO of Jumpfox , a San Francisco , California-based company that makes mobile apps . `` And I ca n't wait to see what developers come out with in the next six months . The new features really take -LSB- the phone -RSB- to a whole new level . '' Apple fans in the United States and seven other countries lined up Friday morning to be among the first to get their hands on the new iPhone 3GS , billed as the fastest , most feature-laden iPhone yet . iReport : Buying an iPhone 3GS ? Lines outside Apple 's 211 retail stores in the United States were generally shorter than for last July 's debut of the iPhone 3G , probably because owners of that phone balked at paying upgrade fees to wireless carrier AT&T or could simply update their devices by downloading the iPhone 's new 3.0 operating system . The buying process also seemed smoother than last summer 's iPhone launch , which was marred by slow-moving lines and a flood of customers trying to activate their phones at once . According to reports on Twitter , many iPhone 3GS buyers were able to activate their phones faster and more smoothly than last year . The new iPhone contains a processor that Apple claims is more than twice as fast as its 3G model , plus a video camera , voice control , longer battery life and a built-in compass . It comes with an upgraded operating system -- which Apple released Wednesday for download onto older iPhones -- with 100 new functions , including the ability to copy and paste text . But the phone 's biggest game-changer , observers say , may be new software that allows iPhone users to make purchases within applications . On previous versions of the iPhone , applications linked users to Web sites where they could buy consumer goods or other items . With the new iPhone 3.0 operating system , users can shop entirely within apps designed specially for the phone , which promises to make for smoother transactions . App developers love this new function . Until now , they earned money only when people bought applications through Apple 's App Store , or from selling ads within the apps themselves . But now , for example , a game developer could charge users a few extra dollars to access higher levels of a video game . Other apps could allow users to locate the nearest movie theater , and then buy tickets . `` It 's a whole new revenue stream , '' said Brian X. Chen , who writes about consumer technology for Wired.com . Chen believes the new feature could help iPhone app developers achieve long-term profits instead of hoping for an App Store `` one-hit wonder '' that sells well and then disappears . `` This could be absolutely huge for a lot of people , '' agreed MG Siegler , who writes for TechCrunch , a popular technology blog . `` There 's a lot of money to be made there , I think . '' Siegler believes another bonus of the iPhone 3GS 's new software is its ability to interact with special accessories via Bluetooth and the phone 's dock connector . To cite one example that Apple showcased at a recent 3.0 event , a diabetes app could hook up with an insulin meter , allowing a diabetes patient to check his or her glucose levels . Developers already are customizing apps for the new iPhone . Jumpfox is hoping to launch BuzzBuy , its PayPal-like e-commerce widget , as an iPhone 3GS app this summer . And ScrollMotion plans to introduce an upgraded version of its Iceberg reader , which will allow iPhone users to download more than 50 magazines , 170 newspapers and 1 million books to their devices for reading on the go . `` We love the new 3.0 functionality , '' said Josh Koppel , a ScrollMotion co-founder , who also believes the phone 's copy-and-paste feature will help students and other readers get more use from the Iceberg app . `` A new way to monetize on this magical device ... is the best thing we could have asked for . '' The popular phone went on sale Friday in the U.S. and Canada plus six European countries : France , Germany , Italy , Spain , Switzerland and the United Kingdom . Watch iPhone buyers lined up in London '' About 300 people stood outside the flagship Apple Store on New York 's Fifth Avenue waiting for the doors to open Friday morning . In Atlanta , Georgia , more than 100 people were in line early Friday outside an Apple Store at Lenox Square mall . `` It does n't seem like it 's the Apple fanatics -LSB- this time -RSB- . It 's moms and dads , '' said Robin Cutshaw , 51 , who lined up for previous iPhone launches in 2007 and 2008 . An IT specialist , Cutshaw said he travels everywhere with his iPhone and once even used it to work remotely from a beach in Brazil . `` It does n't go in the shower with me , but that 's about it , '' he said . Some who had preordered phones were frustrated by how slowly their line moved outside the Atlanta store . But Marc Kagan , 31 , said that buying his new phone took him about three hours , much less than the 10 hours it took last year . Customers encountered problems activating their new phones last July because demand overwhelmed Apple 's iTunes servers . But on Friday , Kagan said it took Apple employees about 15 minutes to activate his phone in the store . `` It went pretty smooth . I think they 're a little more organized this year , '' he said . AT&T stores , Best Buy and Wal-Mart also are selling the iPhone 3GS , although preorders through AT&T and Best Buy sold out before Friday . Advance buzz about the iPhone 3GS has been largely positive . In a review , CNET gave it a four-star , or excellent , rating . Compare the iPhone 3GS to three other smartphones '' An iPhone 3GS with 16 gigabytes of storage sells for $ 199 with a new two-year AT&T contract ; one with 32G capacity will cost $ 299 . Since June 8 Apple has been selling the iPhone 3G model for $ 99 -- half its original price . Apple has sold more than 17 million iPhones since the iconic device hit the market in 2007 . Apple 's phones are the second-best-selling consumer smartphones in the United States , according to the NPD Group , an online market-research firm . See a chart tracking iPhone sales '' The launch comes less than a week after rival Palm unveiled its much ballyhooed Pre smartphone on the Sprint network and Research In Motion announced it will debut the new BlackBerry Tour on Sprint and Verizon in the coming months . CNN.com 's John D. Sutter contributed to this story .
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NEW : Friday 's launch could usher in a new era for mobile apps , observers say . NEW : New software allows iPhone users to make purchases within applications . NEW : Lines at Apple 's stores were shorter than for last July 's debut of the iPhone 3G . Phone went on sale at 7 a.m. ET in the U.S. and Canada , following European launch .
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San Diego , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In the early 1990 's , I was listening to the Rush Limbaugh radio show when a young man from Youngstown , Ohio , called in to complain about ... well , life . The caller was upset that , since the steel mills had closed years earlier , there was no opportunity for him in his beloved hometown . Youngstown was where his father and grandfather had raised families and where he had hoped to raise his own . So he was attracted to the protectionist rhetoric of presidential candidates promising to erect trade barriers in the hopes of resurrecting U.S. cities . But , short of attending a political rally , the young man from Youngstown did n't know what to do . Noting that our most daunting obstacles are often self-imposed , Limbaugh gave the caller some simple but valuable advice : `` Move ! '' Brilliant . But moving is n't always easy . At various moments , some of us have felt inextricably bound to our hometowns by a loyalty that defies logic . That can be charming . Yet , especially in a sour economy , it can also be self-defeating . Now I read about a new trend : More and more Americans are responding to the wobbly U.S. economy by fleeing the country . It seems that when the U.S. job market gets tough , the desperate get going -- to wherever the jobs happen to be . According to a recent article in USA Today , with the nation 's unemployment rate at a 26-year-high of 10.2 percent , many Americans are looking for jobs outside the country . In fact , U.S.-based staffing companies and executive search firms say that the job outlook abroad looks brighter than it does here . The most welcoming job markets : India , China , Dubai , Brazil , and Singapore . The jobs that are most often taking people abroad : engineering , management or consulting . As the article points out , a survey by Korn/Ferry found that 54 percent of executives said they 'd be either likely or highly likely to accept a post in a foreign country . Four years ago , in better times , it was just 37 percent . At MIT 's Sloan School of Management , 24 percent of 2009 graduates found jobs overseas , a jump from 19 percent last year . Sure , leaving the United States is an extreme measure . I 'd be happy if most Americans were more willing to just leave their comfort zone . If you 're unemployed , the secret to survival is to know where to go -- and where to steer clear of . According to one set of job growth projections , in 2010 the three most promising states will be Idaho , Colorado and Texas -- with Wyoming , Washington , and New Mexico not far behind . The three least promising will be Nevada , Florida , and West Virginia -- with California , Illinois , and New York not much better off . For me , this subject hits close to home . No pun intended . You see , I was once just like the guy from Youngstown . I was in love with a hometown -LRB- Sanger , a small town in central California -RRB- that could n't sustain my ambition . After graduating from college on the East Coast , I rushed home . Eventually , reality set in and I spent my 20s bouncing back and forth to Los Angeles , a much larger market , for one job or another . Finally , when I turned 30 , I said goodbye to California and took my first reporting job at a newspaper in Arizona . Then I kept moving . I moved four times in my 30s -- from Sanger to Phoenix to Boston to Dallas to San Diego . The lesson I learned along the way : Jobs do n't just come to you . More often , you have to go to the job . Too many Americans resist that truth and instead wait for their dream jobs to come knocking at their door . They treat the idea of living in a certain city or state as an entitlement that they 're not willing to surrender . A few months ago , I found myself having lunch next to a middle-aged man who told me that , when he was starting his business , he had moved all around the country until he arrived at what he considered the destination city of La Jolla , California -- north of San Diego . He was frustrated because his son , who had grown up in that ritzy ZIP code , was now in his early 20s and considered it his birthright to keep living there . Shaking his head , the man said : `` He does n't understand that I had to work my whole life to get here , and that he has to move to a more affordable city and work his way back . '' Multiply that story by 10 million , and you get a sense for what we 're up against . Here again , the native-born could learn from immigrants , foreign students , and anyone else who has the moxie to leave behind family , friends , and the familiar in search of a better life . Those people may struggle , but they 'll survive and get ahead . It has always been this way . And in a global economy , this is how it will remain for as far as the eye can see . The sooner Americans accept that , the better off they 'll be . The better off we 'll all be . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ruben Navarrette Jr. .
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Many people stay put in economic downturn , wedded to their communities . Ruben Navarrette Jr. says young people should move to where the jobs are . He says more Americans are taking jobs overseas due to recession . Navarrette : Some states have much better job outlooks than others .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- James von Brunn , who was accused of killing a security guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in June , died Wednesday morning at a hospital in North Carolina , his attorney said . `` He was just very sick , '' public defender A.J. Kramer said . `` It is a sad end to a very sad occurrence . '' Von Brunn , 89 , a self-avowed white supremacist , was a known Holocaust denier who created an anti-Semitic Web site called `` The Holy Western Empire . '' Kramer said officials from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons transferred von Brunn to an undisclosed hospital , apparently realizing his condition was worsening . Before being moved , von Brunn was undergoing mental competency tests at a prison facility in Butner , North Carolina . The cause of death was n't immediately known . A federal grand jury indicted von Brunn in July on murder charges in the death of Stephen Tyrone Johns , a six-year veteran of the museum 's security staff , the Justice Department said . Von Brunn , of Annapolis , Maryland , faced a seven-count indictment in the June 10 attack . Four of the counts could have made him eligible for the death penalty . He also was charged with gun violations and hate crimes . Officers at the museum returned fire and shot him , and he was hospitalized . In July , against his will , von Brunn was ordered to undergo psychiatric testing . He ignored the advice of the judge and his defense attorney and addressed the court during a hearing to fight any delays . `` Your Constitution guarantees me a speedy and fair trial , '' he said from his wheelchair to U.S. District Judge Reginald Walton . Von Brunn repeatedly claimed `` The Diary of Anne Frank , '' a widely read book about a teenage girl 's experiences under Nazi rule , was a hoax . The museum shooting occurred on a day the museum was to stage a play based on Anne Frank and two days before what would have been her 80th birthday . Investigators found a notebook in the suspect 's car listing other locations in Washington , a federal official told CNN . It was unclear what purpose the list served . Von Brunn is accused of entering the museum in the afternoon and shooting Johns with a rifle , said Chief Cathy Lanier of the District of Columbia 's Metropolitan Police Department . Two other security guards returned fire , according to Lanier and a museum statement . Both Johns and von Brunn were taken to George Washington University Hospital , said D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty . Johns died at the hospital . Johns , 40 , was a resident of Temple Hills , Maryland , according to a statement issued by Wackenhut Services Inc. , which has provided security services at the museum since 2002 . CNN 's Paul Courson contributed to this report .
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He was accused of killing Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns at the Holocaust Memorial Museum . Von Brunn faced seven-count indictment , four could have made him eligible for death penalty . He died in a North Carolina hospital .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A former Harvard University student , who compiled world-class academic credentials by allegedly fabricating his own history and plagiarizing others ' work , pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him Tuesday , according to a Massachusetts prosecutor . At his arraignment in Woburn , Massachusetts , Adam Wheeler , 23 , entered his plea against the 20 counts he faces , including larceny , identity fraud , falsifying an endorsement or approval and pretending to hold a degree , according to Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone . In a statement , Leone said Wheeler , of Delaware , is accused of falsifying transcripts that detailed an outstanding academic career at some of Massachusetts ' finest institutions . He was exposed after submitting applications and references for the Rhodes and Fulbright scholarships while a student at Harvard University in 2009 , according to Leone . A Harvard professor reviewing Wheeler 's application for one of the scholarships noticed similarities between Wheeler 's work and that of another professor . After comparing both pieces of work , the professor determined that Wheeler had plagiarized most of his application packet , Leone said . The university launched an internal investigation and began to look into Wheeler 's file . University officials discovered that Wheeler had fabricated recommendations from Harvard professors , college transcripts reflecting perfect grades and a résumé listing numerous books he had co-authored , lectures he had given and courses he had taught , according to the release . While he was at Harvard , Wheeler won the university 's Winthrop Sargent Prize in English and the Hoopes Prize for outstanding scholarly work , as well as a research grant , all with plagiarized submissions , Leone said . `` Not only was this defendant untruthful on his application to the University and his numerous scholarship applications , he is also alleged to have stolen over $ 45,000 in grants , scholarship and financial aid money awarded to him on applications and submissions of documents that were based on lies and reproductions of other people 's hard work , '' Leone said . Officials also discovered that Wheeler also had submitted false SAT scores and had fabricated transcripts from both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Phillips Academy in Andover , although he never attended either school , the prosecutor said . Harvard officials also found that Wheeler had previously attended Bowdoin College in Maine , where he was suspended due to academic dishonesty , according to Leone . In January , after leaving Harvard , Wheeler applied for an internship at McLean Hospital in Belmont , Massachusetts , `` stating that -LSB- he -RSB- was taking the spring semester off from Harvard to work on two scholarly books , '' Leone said in the release . Wheeler was turned down by the hospital after a background check revealed he had falsified documents , Leone said . At the same time , Wheeler also submitted transfer applications to both Yale and Brown universities , claiming to be an intern at McLean Hospital , according to the prosecutor .
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NEW : Ex-Harvard student pleads not guilty to 20 counts in fraud , plagiarism case . Adam Wheeler , 23 , charged with larceny , pretending to hold a degree . Wheeler won two Harvard prizes with plagiarized work , prosecutor says . Wheeler accused of stealing more than $ 45,000 in grants , financial aid .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Legally , President Obama can effectively fire BP and have the federal government take over efforts to stop the Gulf of Mexico oil spill . The question is whether that would help the situation . No one argues that the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 gives Obama the authority to take over all efforts to plug the well gushing 5,000 feet beneath the surface . However , officials of oil giant BP , while acknowledging their failure so far to stop the leak , say no one -- not even the U.S. government -- can match their company 's know-how and technology in such a crisis . `` I do n't think anyone else could do better than we are , '' Doug Suttles , the BP chief operating officer , said Monday . `` I know that that 's frustrating to hear and our performance , to this point , I wish was better . I wish this was done . But we 're doing everything we can . And I do n't actually believe anyone could do any better , unfortunately . '' Administration officials also have said they lack the technology -- such as unmanned submarines that can work at such ocean depths -- that has been deployed by BP . Interior Secretary Ken Salazar , who previously threatened a government takeover of the mission , made clear Monday that BP must be involved in trying to stop the leaking oil . `` There are areas where BP and the private sector are the ones who must continue to lead the efforts with government oversight , such as a deployment of private sector technology 5,000 feet below the ocean surface to kill the well , '' Salazar said Monday . `` BP and the private sector , with the help of federal scientists , are the ones who must get that problem solved and we have the oversight capacity in the administration to make sure that they are doing that . '' In addition , the administration 's point man on the spill response , Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen , said Monday that BP 's strategies were endorsed by other top oil company executives and he would advise against any shift from BP 's continued involvement . `` They have the means of production , '' Allen said at a White House news conference . `` They have the logistics in place . They have the ROVs -LSB- remotely operated vehicles -RSB- that are down there . We are jointly operating in their command post out of Houston -LSB- Texas -RSB- . Everybody that has a stake in the fight is there . And I am satisfied with the coordination that 's going on . '' While the military has some deep-sea capability , such as deep-sea submersibles , a senior Pentagon official said the military has no unique technology to offer regarding offshore oil drilling . The military has undersea imagery technology , but military officials said it would not add any capability to what the private industry is already using . Fadel Gheit , managing director for oil and gas research at the Oppenheimer & Co. investment bank and firm , said the government has the authority , `` but we do n't have the technology or ability to do it . '' `` The government is not in the oil business , '' Gheit said , adding that BP is the industry leader , and `` if they can not do it , nobody else can . Period . '' Salazar said Sunday that the federal role in stopping the leak is overseeing BP 's efforts rather than taking over . At the same time , he said the government could exert its full authority with regard to dealing with the spilled oil once the leak is stopped . `` With respect to the rest of the responses , including keeping the oil from coming near shore and onshore and dealing with those ecological values , BP , again , is the responsible party and is on the hook for doing everything that needs to happen , '' Salazar said Sunday . `` If we find that they 're not doing what they 're supposed to be doing , we 'll push them out of the way appropriately and we 'll move forward to make sure that everything is being done to protect the people of the Gulf Coast , the ecological values of the Gulf Coast , and the values of the American people . '' Since the April 20 explosion and fire destroyed the Deepwater Horizon offshore rig , setting off the deep-sea gusher , oil giant BP has led the effort to stop the leak . Several failed efforts in the ensuing month have raised frustration across the nation as the spilled oil spreads , coating some Louisiana coastlines and threatening areas to the Florida Keys and perhaps beyond . Obama is coming under increasing criticism for the inability to stop it , causing his chief spokesman to mount an impassioned defense of administration efforts . `` First and foremost , we are trying to do everything , as I 've said , humanly and technologically possible , first to plug this leak and , secondly , to deal with what has spilled , '' Gibbs told reporters Monday . Even Obama 's critics seem to recognize there are limits to what the government can accomplish . `` They can fire BP and take it over , '' Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee said Sunday on the CBS program `` Face the Nation . '' `` But the truth is , the federal government probably does n't have the capacity to do that . '' Marcia McNutt , the U.S. Geological Survey director who is assisting in the Gulf oil spill response , said Sunday that initial unrealistic expectations about the possibility of stopping the leak may be heightening the frustration now . `` I think everyone has to understand that the kinds of operations they are doing in the deep sea have never been done before , '' McNutt said . `` And I think it is too bad that expectations were probably raised on schedules that probably were impossible to meet in terms of the kinds of construction that was required in the deep sea to effect these operations ; that involved mobilizing equipment , fabricating new devices that had never been deployed at these depths before . '' CNN 's Barbara Starr contributed to this report .
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Oil Pollution Act of 1990 gives president authority to take over efforts to stop oil gusher . BP officials insist that no one could match the company 's know-how and technology . Oppenheimer analyst : If BP `` can not do it , nobody else can . Period '' Initial expectations were unrealistic , USGS director says .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A medical team exhumed the body of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu on Wednesday to try to ensure that the remains are really his , Romanian state media reported . Ceausescu was executed on Christmas Day 1989 in the only post-Berlin-Wall-fall of a Communist regime in Eastern Europe that got really bloody . His remains were `` quite well preserved , '' his son-in-law Mircea Oprean told Romania 's Pro TV . The body of Ceausescu 's wife also was unearthed , but was not in such good condition , Oprean said . `` The place where they put my mother-in-law was much more humid , so the samples were much more damaged , '' he said . Elena Ceausescu was executed by firing squad along with her husband in the last anti-Communist revolution of 1989 in Eastern Europe . Their children want to be sure that the bodies in the graves are those of the Ceausescus . The remains will undergo DNA testing by the Institute of Legal Medicine , Romania 's national news agency Agerpress reported . Nicolae Ceausescu ruled Romania from 1965 until his death . He became infamous for his lavish lifestyle , and started to build a palace for himself in the 1980s with miles of marbles floors and thousands of crystal chandeliers . He was toppled by revolution , tried hastily and executed before the building was completed . Now the seat of Romania 's parliament , it is the largest civilian office building in the world -- second in size only to the Pentagon . CNN 's Diana Magnay contributed to this report .
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Nicolae Ceausescu was executed by firing squad after a bloody revolution in 1989 . His children want to be sure the body in his grave is really his . His remains and his wife 's will undergo DNA tests . Ceausescu was Romania 's Communist dictator for decades .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Manny Pacquiao became the fifth boxer to win major world titles in five different weight divisions after demolishing WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas on Saturday night . The Filipino , dubbed `` Pac Man '' , stopped the Puerto Rican in the 12th and final round to boost his claims to be known as the world 's best pound-for-pound fighter with a victory in his seventh weight category -- his Ring Magazine and IBO crowns are not universally recognized . Cotto weighed in at 145 pounds in front a 5,000 strong crowd at the MGM Grand Arena , with Pacquiao tipping the scales at 144 pounds . The fight began well for Cotto as he delivered several powerful jabs , despite Pacquiao 's speed . But Cotto found himself on the canvas in the second round after Pacquiao struck him with a flash knockdown . Pacquaio followed this in the fourth round with a right-hook left-hook combo , and continued to punish his opponent , who suffered swelling above both eyes . Cotto lasted until the final round , when referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight following another onslaught from Pacquiao . `` I heard that he was bigger than me and stronger than me and that 's why I tried to be more aggressive and fight toe to toe and try to -LRB- negate -RRB- his power , '' Pacquiao said . `` Our strategy for the fight was not to hurry , take our time , because we knew his strategy was that he was going to counter . We were very careful in the early rounds then I controlled the fight and tried to put him under pressure . `` We tried our best to knock him out because that 's what my trainer said . I thought they were going to stop the fight in the 11th round and I was surprised he made it to the 12th round . '' It was Pacquiao 's first fight since a stunning knockout of Britain 's Ricky Hatton sixth months ago at the same venue , having convincingly defeated the legendary Oscar De La Hoya in his previous outing . Pacquiao , who has won 49 fights , lost three and drawn two , is being lined up for a money-spinning fight with American Floyd Mayweather Jr , who has also won five major titles in five weight divisions . Pacquiao was rated as favorite by Las Vegas oddsmakers , but Cotto -- who has held a world title every year since 2004 -- had just one defeat in 35 fights with 27 knockouts going into the bout .
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Manny Pacquiao defeats defending champion Miguel Cotto for WBO welterweight title . The Filipino becomes only the fifth boxer to win major titles in five weight divisions . He has won in seven categories but his Ring Magazine and IBO crowns are not universally recognized . He stopped Puerto Rico 's Cotto in the 12th and final round of the bout in Las Vegas .
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WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a resolution apologizing to African-Americans for the wrongs of slavery . The nonbinding resolution sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin , D-Iowa , is similar to a House resolution adopted last year that acknowledged the wrongs of slavery but offered no reparations . The House will have to vote on the issue again because the composition of that chamber changed after last November 's elections . The resolution was approved on a voice vote . Because it is nonbinding , it does not have to be forwarded to the president for his signature . Several states have passed similar resolutions , but the House resolution was the first time a branch of the federal government did so . Harkin 's resolution `` acknowledges the fundamental injustice , cruelty , brutality and inhumanity of slavery , and Jim Crow laws , '' and `` apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws . '' Jim Crow laws were state and local laws enacted mostly in U.S. Southern and border states between the 1870s and 1965 that denied African-Americans the right to vote and other civil liberties , as well as legally segregated them from whites . Some members of the African-American community have called on lawmakers to give cash payments or other financial benefits to descendants of slaves as compensation for the suffering caused by slavery .
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Resolution acknowledges the wrongs of slavery but offers no reparations . House must vote again because members have changed since resolution passed . Measure is nonbinding , does not need to be forwarded to president .
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Las Vegas , Nevada -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Obama made a couple of stupid little jokes about Vegas . He uses our Las Vegas as a symbol . Everyone knows what Vegas means . Doc Pomus wrote `` Viva Las Vegas '' for Elvis years before Doc ever visited Sin City and got everything right . Vegas means ... wild , irresponsible , what-happens-here-stays-here . Smoke cigars , have sex with strangers , get wasted and see stupid shows with stupid Elvis impersonators doing stupid impressions of that stupid hillbilly . That 's an image we know and love in Vegas . It 's the image we spend our stupidly low tax money to promote . `` What Happens in Vegas , Stays in Vegas '' was an official slogan . It 's the Vegas image Katy Perry has in her video , `` Waking Up in Vegas , '' and Penn & Teller do a cameo in that video . We all promote that image . In Vegas , our service industry services that nutty image . We make money off people thinking Vegas is a place to get stupid and waste money . I know a joke when it bites me in the ass . And I 've done plenty of jokes biting other people 's asses . It 's my job . It seemed like Obama was off-prompter for his Vegas bashing . His attacks were n't like Ford trashing New York City -LRB- I lived in NYC when Ford was doing all the Big Apple trashing - maybe it 's ME the presidents hate -RRB- . Gerald Ford and Jesse Jackson meant it about NYC . I know Obama does n't really hate Vegas . I bet he 'd have a blast here , if he were still welcome . Obama 's good-natured symbolic joke was an applause line . People knew what he meant and agreed . Yeah , do n't waste money on Vegas , send the children to college ! The last time Obama made a negative comment about Vegas , some jumpy , patriotic , image-conscious corporations canceled some trips here . That 's what we figure here in Vegas . There 's no way to really know if many people really canceled . Do people really go to the president for travel advice ? But in Vegas , most of us make our money from tourism or serving others who make their money from tourism . Tourism is what we really , really do in the Silver State . It 's not like Obama is giving the Mojave subsidies for not growing soybeans . It 's too easy to not grow soybeans in the stinking desert ; we do it for free . Not farming is one of our Vegan gifts to the rest of the country . We do n't know how much , but when the president of the United States of America makes his jokes about Vegas -- he costs real people real money . Obama knows that no one cares if Penn Jillette has less money . Obama is pretty happy to say that the rich -LRB- and , man , am I rich . I do n't have even 10 percent of the money Obama has , but I 'm rich by my hometown standards -RRB- should have more money taken from them . Who cares about a magician losing money ? Not even me . I 'll be fine . My children will go to college if they want . But , when people cancel trips to Vegas , I 'm not the one who gets laid off . A few less people go to the Penn & Teller Theater , and we still do fine , but the hotels lay off other people . It 's the people downstream of me who get punished for the president 's joke . We all know what Obama thinks is so laughable about Vegas . We know why we 're a symbol of wasteful stupidity . We 're a city built on gambling . It 's gambling no matter how much PR calls it `` gaming . '' Things have changed over the past 10 years . The shows and the restaurants are no longer loss leaders , we make real money on things other than gaming . There 's a wonderful , normal suburban community here , but the symbol is still gambling . We have gambling with money , but we also symbolize all sorts of other real-life gambling . After your fiance dumps you , maybe you 'll fly to Vegas with the boys and someone who happens in Vegas will stay with you the rest of your life . Maybe you 'll really get lucky . Teller and I moved to Vegas to do our own show in our own theater . We took a big chance . Vegas also stands for stupid gambling like that . Vegas is gambling in the broad sense , the idea that taking a wild chance on an unknown might turn out to be a good thing . What 's the main thing that drives stupid gambling ? Hope . I 'm not sure how I feel about hope . I do n't gamble in the casinos . That kind of regimented hope seems less fun to me . I 'm a skeptic . I 'm pro-science . I like to say I do n't believe in hope , but I had the hope to move to Vegas to do a magic show . And I do hope that Vegas pulls through this bad economic time and people come and visit us and we do our stupid shows for all the stupid , hopeful people . Obama , please remember , it was those stupid , very hopeful people who took the over on a stupid point spread on Obama with a stupid hope to help our country , which includes stupid Vegas . The gamble Obama took with his run for president and the gamble that the American people took on him sure were n't taken at good odds . It was n't putting everything we had on red in roulette , or `` do n't pass '' in craps , or carefully counting cards in blackjack . Obama 's presidency is more than all of us putting our whole future on 00 in roulette . It was more like putting everything we had on one slot pull at the stupid Elvis impersonator slot machine in the stupid Elvis casino for the stupid hillbillies who are filled with hope . Maybe the Vegas jokes in the Beltway should stay in the Beltway . Shortly after Obama 's comments , he sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada , saying , `` I was n't saying anything negative about Las Vegas ... there is no place better to have fun than Vegas , one of our country 's great destinations . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Penn Jillette .
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President Obama said you do n't `` blow cash '' on Vegas when you 're saving for college . Penn Jillette says comment wo n't go over well in town built on tourism . He says people who gamble on Vegas also gambled on Obama .
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Hong Kong , China -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tropical Storm Conson was downgraded from a typhoon early Saturday , a day after the deadly storm roared into China , along the southern tip of the island of Hainan . Conson is forecast to move through the Gulf of Tonkin on Saturday , making a final landfall in northern Vietnam , near Hanoi , in the afternoon , according to CNN World Weather . The storm , which killed at least 39 people during its westward march across the Philippines this week , had maximum sustained winds of 112 kph -LRB- 70 mph -RRB- Saturday , according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center . At one point Friday morning , the storm 's winds reached 139 kph -LRB- 86 mph -RRB- , making it the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane when it reached China . Southern China already had been battling severe flooding that killed 146 people over the past two weeks , destroyed about 113,000 homes and forced more than 1.2 million people to relocate this month , state media said Friday . Forty people were missing . According to the state-run Xinhua news agency , Chen Lei of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief office said the coming rain would exacerbate the flooding . Storms and floods have affected more than 35 million people in 10 China provinces this month . By Thursday , the nation had recorded at least 26 billion yuan -LRB- about $ 3.8 billion -RRB- in economic losses , Xinhua said . Conson had weakened from a typhoon to a tropical storm before its landfall late Tuesday in the Philippines , but that did n't keep the storm from wreaking havoc as it traversed the archipelago off the Asian mainland . Conson then traveled across the South China Sea , picking up strength . Along with the rising death toll , the Philippines ' National Disaster Coordinating Council said Friday that 84 people were missing . CNN 's Judson Jones contributed to this report .
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NEW : Conson is downgraded to a tropical storm . The storm has been blamed for at least 39 deaths in the Philippines . Conson is forecast to move through the Gulf of Tonkin on Saturday .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In 2006 I spoke at TED about developing children 's natural powers of creativity and imagination . Returning to TED in 2010 I wanted to focus on the need for a radical shift in education more generally . Reforming education is rightly seen as one of the biggest challenges of our times . In my view , reform is not enough : The real challenge is to transform education from a 19th century industrial model into a 21st century process based on different principles . Current systems of education are based on the manufacturing principles of linearity , conformity and standardization . The evidence is everywhere that they are failing too many students and teachers . A primary reason is that human development is not linear and standardized , it is organic and diverse . People , as opposed to products , have hopes and aspirations , feelings and purposes . Education is a personal process . What and how young people are taught has to engage their energies , imaginations and their different ways of learning . Learn more about Ken Robinson at TED.com . In the talk I gave at this year 's TED conference , I made a passing reference to fast food . Let me elaborate briefly . In the catering business , there are two main methods of quality assurance . The first is standardizing . If you have a favorite fast food brand , you can go to any outlet anywhere and know exactly what you will find : same burger , fries , cola , décor , and attitudes . Everything is standardized and guaranteed . By the way , this `` cheap '' food is also contributing to the most costly epidemic of diabetes and obesity in human history . But at least the standards are guaranteed . The other method of quality assurance are the star ratings guides , like Michelin . These methods do not prescribe what 's on the menu , when restaurants should open , or how they should be decorated . They set out criteria of excellence and it 's up to each restaurant to meet them in their own way . They can be French , Mexican , Italian , Indian , American or anything else . They can open when they choose , serve what they like and hire whom they want . In general they are much better than fast food and offer a higher standard of service . The reason is that they are customized to local markets and personalized to the people they serve . Education reform movements are often based on the fast-food model of quality assurance : on standardization and conformity . What 's needed is a much higher standard of provision based on the principles of personalized learning for every child and of schools customizing their cultures to meet local circumstances . This is not a theory . There are schools everywhere that demonstrate the practical power of these principles to transform education . The challenge is not to take a single model to scale but to propagate these principles throughout education so that teachers , parents , students and principals develop their own approaches to the unique challenges they face in their own communities . Standardization tends to emphasize the lowest common denominator . Human aspirations reach much higher and if the conditions are right they succeed . Understanding those conditions is the real key to transforming education for all our children . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ken Robinson .
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Sir Ken Robinson : School reform is often a process of mandating standards and uniformity . Industrial model for schools provides standards but no room for creativity . He says for creativity to thrive , schools must meet individual and community needs .
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London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Exactly five years after the suicide bombings on the London transport network killed 52 people , a woman who lost her legs in the attacks was flying to the United States as a Paralympic hopeful . London 's Martine Wright is competing this week in the world championships for sitting volleyball , a sport she says has given her confidence , helped her recover , and now makes her excited for the future . `` I ca n't not think about the anniversary , '' Wright told CNN at London 's Heathrow Airport , as the team was about to depart . `` It 's just another weird coincidence that I 'm here on the 7th . I 'm flying out to do an absolute dream opportunity and I ca n't get away from the fact that it 's happened on the 7th of the 7th . That date seems to be quite significant in my life . '' Wright is on Britain 's first-ever women 's sitting volleyball team , and the 2010 championships in Edmond , Oklahoma , are seen as an important training ground for the 2012 Paralympic Games , which will be held in her hometown . `` Now I 'm flying out representing my country to do a sport which , if you would have said this to me five years ago , I would have thought you were absolutely mad , '' Wright said . Wright , 37 , used to be an international marketing manager and traveled a lot . She was headed to work on July 7 , 2005 , when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a subway train near London 's Aldgate Tube station . It was one of four locations bombers struck that day . Britain remembers London terror attacks . In addition to losing both of her legs , Wright suffered a fractured skull and severe arm injuries . She was one of the most seriously hurt of the more than 770 people wounded that day . She says it 's her duty to those who did n't make it that day to achieve all that she can . `` I 've got to grab every opportunity for every single one that did n't survive that day , '' she said . `` I think it 's my duty to go out and live life to the full , really . '' Just a day before the attacks , Wright watched with her colleagues on large TV screens as London was awarded the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games . She said she knew her colleagues were watching those same TV screens for news about the bombings a day later as she lay wounded . She tried going back to work for a few months after the attacks , but found her priorities had changed . She wanted to spend more time with her family , which now includes a one-year-old son whose original due date was July 7 , 2009 . -LRB- He was born eight days late . -RRB- . It was at a `` taster '' day for disabled sports that Wright first sampled sitting volleyball , a version of the sport that allows anyone to play , including those with a disability . `` What I love about it is , number one , I 'm not in my chair , '' she said . `` You play on the floor so all you need is a ball and a net and your bottom , basically . '' International volleyball rules apply in the sitting version , with certain amendments for disabled players : During play , a player must touch the court with some body part between the buttocks and the shoulders , and players are allowed to block serves . The sport is also played on a smaller court with a lower net than the more common version . The men 's event has been part of the Paralympics since 1980 and the women 's since 2004 , according to the British Volleyball Federation . Last month , Wright won a place on Britain 's squad , whose members say they 're determined to compete at the Paralympics in two years ' time . `` It 's a phenomenal achievement because the program is so new , '' said team captain Emma Wiggs . `` It 's so exciting to be part of something as new and as promising as I believe our squad is , but quite daunting to think we 're going to be facing teams that are far more experienced than we are . '' Britain 's women 's team faces stiff competition in Oklahoma from countries like China , Russia , and Eastern European countries , Wiggs said . Vice captain Andrea Green said she was feeling the butterflies in her stomach but believed the team could perform well . `` We 're just a good unit , really , '' Green said . `` We 're all very positive , we all stick together , we 're a nice group , we get on well together . So our strength , really , is that we 're all determined to enjoy the games and learn as much as we can . '' Even if the team does n't win , Wright said , they 're looking ahead to 2012 and hoping to represent their country on home soil . `` On that day five years ago it was such a negative thing that happened in London , '' she added , `` so for me to go back to London and return on such a high would just be fantastic , and it would seem like I 've gone full-circle as well . ''
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Martine Wright lost both legs in 2005 London bombings . She is now a member of Britain 's sitting volleyball team . Team is headed to Oklahoma for world championships this week . Wright says she wants to compete at 2012 London Paralympics .
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London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Stepping on the London subway train five years ago , the thirtysomething marketing manager never imagined her morning commute might eventually lead to the Paralympic Games . Now , that 's exactly where Britain 's Martine Wright is setting her sights . Wright lost both legs when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a subway train near London 's Aldgate station on the morning of July 7 , 2005 . She also suffered a fractured skull and severe arm injuries . Though she was one of the most seriously hurt that day , Wright is now aiming for a spot on the British Paralympic volleyball team in 2012 . `` I would love , absolutely love , to be part of the Paralympics in 2012 , '' Wright told CNN affiliate ITN last month . `` I mean , if you had said that to me five years ago , I would have thought that you were absolutely mad . But to go back to London , where I was born , and to do something so positive -- after I left on such a negative -- would be absolutely amazing . '' Four bombs were set off that day in July , on three subway trains and a bus . Fifty-six people were killed , including the four bombers , and more than 770 were wounded . The bombings happened the day after the International Olympic Committee announced London would be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 . Wright said she made a promise to herself and her family after the attacks to `` grab every single opportunity '' that she could . `` I think I 've done more now than what I did before , '' she told ITN . `` I 've learned to fly planes , and I 've jumped out of a plane , learned to ski again . '' She competed for -- and won -- a place on Britain 's sitting volleyball squad . The British Volleyball Federation announced her place on the team last month , and this week the team is competing at the 2010 Sitting Volleyball World Championships in the U.S. state of Oklahoma . Some 640 athletes from 20 countries are taking part in the event , the biggest major international competition before London 2012 , according to Lisa Wainwright , chief executive of Volleyball England , the sport 's national governing body . John Bestebroer , the head coach of the women 's team , calls the championships `` a great training opportunity for 2012 . '' Sitting volleyball is a version of the sport that allows anyone to participate , including those with a disability . The men 's event has been part of the Paralympics since 1980 and the women 's since 2004 , according to British Volleyball . International volleyball rules apply in the sitting version , with certain amendments for disabled players : During play , a player must touch the court with some body part between the buttocks and the shoulders , and players are allowed to block serves . Also , sitting volleyball is played on a smaller court with a lower net . Wright told London 's Evening Standard that the 2012 Games will have an added poignancy because her last real memory before the bombings was celebrating with colleagues when London was chosen to host the Olympics . She was the last person pulled from the station that day , and Wright said she feels she 's one of the lucky ones . `` Even on your darkest days , there will always be someone that 's worse than you are , unfortunately , '' Wright told ITN . `` There were 52 people that day who were definitely worse than me , 'cause I 'm still here . ''
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The July 7 bombings in 2005 killed 56 people , including four suicide bombers . Martine Wright lost both legs and suffered severe arm injuries following blast on a subway train . Wright is now aiming for a spot on the British Paralympic volleyball team in 2012 . Bombings came one day after London was announced as the host for the 2012 Paralympic Games .
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Warsaw , Poland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Poland 's Interim President Bronislaw Komorowski has won a runoff election against Jaroslaw Kaczynski , twin brother of former President Lech Kaczynski , who was killed in a plane crash in April . The Polish electoral commission said Monday that Komorowski garnered 53 percent of the vote versus Kaczynski 's 47 percent . Sunday 's ballot was required under Polish law after an earlier round of voting failed to give either candidate more than 50 percent of the vote . Both candidates addressed supporters in televised speeches from their campaign headquarters Sunday night , after exit polling showed Komorowski holding a slim lead . Kaczynski had congratulated his rival on exit poll results , but had not conceded victory . Komorowski said , `` I congratulate Poland and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for turning out to vote in such large numbers . '' The president in Poland is primarily a ceremonial figure , but he has the power to veto laws , and thus helps shape politics . Kaczynski , once prime minister , is a divisive figure in Polish politics . His far-right Law and Justice party ran on a nationalist platform with the slogan , `` Poland comes first . '' `` Poland has to be a strong country , otherwise it will not exist , '' he said recently . `` I want to tell everyone here that as president I wo n't just be the head of state -- I will look after the strength of the Polish nation . '' Komorowski is a moderate who ran for the center-right Civic Platform . `` We have been on this road for 21 years together , and we have been right , '' Komorowski said on the campaign trail . `` We have been moving toward democracy and navigating our way in a free economy . '' The former president , his wife and more than 90 others were killed April 10 in western Russia on their way to a service commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Russian massacre of Polish prisoners of war in the village of Katyn .
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NEW : Interim President Bronislaw Komorowski wins runoff with 53 percent of vote . Runoff election pitted Parliament Speaker Komorowski versus late president 's twin brother . Komorowski is a moderate ; Kaczynski 's party is far-right .
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Zhonhgshan , China -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Workers at Honda subsidiary in southeastern China intentionally slowed down production at the facility Monday , after returning from a strike , the company said . Previously it was believed that the job dispute -- which , among other strikes of Chinese Honda plant has impacted the global supply pipeline of its cars -- was resolved when the company offered a 200 yuan -LRB- U.S. $ 30 -RRB- per month pay increase . The plant employs about 1,500 people . Honda Lock -- a subsidiary of Honda Motor Inc. which makes locks , door sensors and mirrors for the company -- believed the negotiations were settled with an agreement reached on Saturday . But Monday , a spokesperson for the company told CNN it is `` embarrassed to report 90 percent of the factory workers are slowing down inside the factory today , '' a Honda Lock spokesperson said . The company is working to redress the situation , the spokesperson said . The wages debate at Honda Lock is a microcosm of labor disputes that are sweeping companies across developed regions of China . As workers seek better wages and working conditions , concerns are being raised that the turbulence could disrupt China 's development model of offering multinational companies access to a massive , low-cost labor force . `` This is an ongoing process since China joined the WTO -LRB- in 2001 -RRB- . Chinese workers have enjoyed pay raises for some years , '' Pu Yonghao , chief Asian investment strategist for UBS Wealth Management , told CNN . `` We 've come to a point where we will see more wage increases because a lot of national or multinational company 's minimum wage level is below the market level -- that 's why we see more strikes and more unrest , '' Pu said . Productivity in China has increased faster than pay increases , Pu said , and could hasten the trend of moving labor-intensive labor farther inland or to other low-cost labor centers such as Bangladesh and Vietnam . Honda Lock workers interviewed by CNN said they want their monthly base salary increased to 1600 yuan -LRB- $ 234 -RRB- . The basic salary used to be 900 yuan , workers said , although with overtime that usually rose to about 1200 yuan -LRB- $ 175 -RRB- a month . They were seeking a pay increase similar to the 500 yuan -LRB- $ 73 -RRB- pay increase given to workers striking at the Nanhai Honda Auto Parts Manufacturing company . `` Our salary is not enough . -LRB- After -RRB- living costs and rent , we have nothing left , '' one worker , who asked not to be named , told CNN . Adds Liu Ping , another worker there : `` Nanhai Honda is Honda and we are also Honda . Living cost is similar but how come their salary is so high ? '' Monday 's on-the-job slowdown was the latest tit-for-tat in the ongoing labor dispute at the Zhongshan plant , located in Guangdong Province near Hong Kong . Even as an agreement appeared to be reached on Saturday , the Honda plant was actively recruiting replacement workers over the weekend in case the negotiations were unsuccessful to return existing employees to the line . `` I 've been looking for a job for months -- I may want to work there , '' one person in line for a job interview told CNN . On Monday morning , a factory manager stood outside and counted down the minutes before the morning shift began , threatening that strikers who did not return back to work would be replaced . About 100 employees were demonstrating outside before most went back into the factory to begin the morning shift . Still , some workers say they are willing to be fired in their quest for better wages -- especially since there are regional job shortages for qualified workers . `` If most of us are fired because of this , I am not scared . Around here there are many factories with high salaries , '' one worker told CNN . She said she hopes she will be able to send more money back home to her parents with her salary increase . `` I do n't have any money left after deducting rent and meals , '' she said . CNN 's Junko Ogura contributed to this report .
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Workers return from strike , but slow down assembly line . Honda workers want bigger pay increases . Pay is escalating in China 's developing regions .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The L.A. Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 102-89 in the first match of the NBA finals in Los Angeles on Thursday night , as they attempt to defend the title they won last year . L.A. 's star guard Kobe Bryant -- who is aiming to win the NBA title for the fifth time in his career -- scored 30 points to take his side to victory over their east-coast rivals . The Lakers led from the start and had a five point lead after the first quarter , which they increased to 20 points with just 10 minutes left to play . The match marked their 12th consecutive win at home in the post-season and they will now host the second game of the best-of seven match series on Sunday 6 June , before play moves to Boston . Spanish center Pau Gasol played a key role in the first-match for the west-coast team , scoring 23 points . `` Pau played a big game tonight . His movement and his activity was important , '' Lakers head coach Phil Jackson told the team 's official Web site . Andrew Bynum -- who despite suffering with a right knee injury prior to the match which threatened his place in the team -- also contributed to the Lakers win , finishing with 10 points . `` It was great to have Andrew , '' team-mate Gasol told the official Lakers Web site . `` Obviously he was a big factor tonight . Really contributed in different ways , and we want to see him as much as possible out there . '' And after crashing with the Celtics Paul Pierce in the opening 27 seconds of the game and receiving a double technical foul , Ron Arrest went on to score 15 for his team . The Celtics did fight back in the closing stages but even an impressive run of 12 points in 27 minutes from Ray Allen came too late to halt their L.A. rivals . Veteran Celtics player Kevin Garret -- a previous winner of the NBA title -- could also not help his team , missing an open lay-up in the last few minutes of play and only scoring seven . `` We did n't come out with that fire that we 've been showing these playoffs , '' Celtics forward Tony Allen -- who scored a team-high 24 points for his team in the match -- told the official NBA Web site . `` They out hustled us I do n't think we took that first punch like we should have . '' It is the 12th time that the Lakers and the Celtics have come face to the face in the NBA finals - the last meeting in 2008 when the Celtics claimed victory four games to two . However , the Lakers are the defending champions having beat Orlando last year .
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L.A. Lakers beat Boston Celtics 102-89 in first match of NBA finals . L.A. led from the start with Kobe Bryant scoring 30 points for the Californian team . Ray Allen 's run of 12 points in 27 minutes for Boston was not enough for them to catch L.A. rivals . Lakers will host the next game of the best-of seven series on 6 June . Lakers are the defending champions , while Celtics won in 2008 .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- West Indies cricket officials have moved two international matches from Jamaica due to the outbreak of violence on the Caribbean island . The final one-day international of the series against South Africa has been switched to Trinidad along with the first of three five-day Tests against the tourists , as a state of emergency is in effect in the Jamaican capital of Kingston . More than 500 people have been arrested , the Jamaican government said on Tuesday , with at least 44 dead according to reports following violence after a failed attempt to arrest a suspected drug kingpin . Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola backed the move by the West Indies board . `` CSA is monitoring the situation closely there with the West Indies Cricket Board , the International Cricket Council and the South African Government , '' he told the Cricket South Africa Web site . `` The Proteas ' safety is our first priority and we thank that WICB for their swift action . Kingston 's Sabina Park had been due to host the fifth one-day match on June 3 , as well as a warm-up game on June 6-7 and the opening Test from June 10 . The two internationals will now be held at Port of Spain 's Queen 's Park Oval , while the venue for the practice game has yet to be confirmed . South Africa won both Twenty20 matches , which followed the world tournament for cricket 's shortest format , and have a 2-0 lead in the ODI series going into the matches in Dominica on Friday and Sunday . The second Test will be held in St Kitts from June 18 and the final match is in Barbados from June 26 . Meanwhile , England reached 362-4 on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh in London on Thursday . Jonathan Trott top-scored with an unbeaten 175 , the highest of his two centuries in the five-day format , as he added 181 runs for the second wicket with captain Andrew Strauss at Lord 's . Opener Strauss made 83 on his return to the team , having missed England 's World Twenty20 triumph in the West Indies . Kevin Pietersen -LRB- 18 -RRB- and Ian Bell -LRB- 17 -RRB- failed to capitalize on solid starts , but Eoin Morgan then helped Trott add another 104 as the former Ireland international ended the day unbeaten on 40 from 69 balls . South Africa-born Trott faced 270 deliveries , hitting 17 boundaries .
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South Africa 's planned matches in Jamaica have been moved due to violence there . Tourists had been due to play a one-day match and a Test at Kingston 's Sabina Park . West Indies cricket officials move the matches to Queen 's Park Oval in Trinidad . England reach 362-4 on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh at Lord 's .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Sprint-king Usain Bolt showed he could again prove dominant in the sprint distances by running the fastest 100-meters of the year in Daegu , Korea on Wednesday . The Jamaican , who is world and Olympic champion -- as well as world record holder -- in both the 100m and 200m recovered from a slow start to power to an explosive time of 9.86 seconds . Compatriot Michael Frater was almost three-tenths of a second slower in 10.15 seconds , while American Mike Rodgers finished in third place . New American hope Travis Padgett , who many believe can run Bolt close this season , trailed home in a disappointing fifth position . Bolt will next race in the 200m in Sunday 's Diamond League meeting in Shanghai , China .
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Usain Bolt runs the fastest 100-meters of 2010 in a meeting in Daegu , Korea . The Jamaican world and Olympic champion clocks a time of 9.86 seconds . Bolt will next race in the 200m in Sunday 's Diamond League meeting in Shanghai , China .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rapper T.I. , who was sentenced to a 366-day prison sentence in March , reported Tuesday to a federal prison complex in Forrest City , Arkansas , according to CNN affiliate WSB-TV . T.I. , left , performed to a packed crowd Sunday , days before he was to start a prison term . The rapper -- whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr. -- was required to be at the prison before noon local time to begin serving his sentence on federal weapons charges . According to news reports , officers from Forrest City and the prison set up a roadblock along Arkansas Highway 1 about one-tenth of a mile from the complex . Reporters were not allowed any closer to the prison . T.I. threw himself a going-away party Sunday night at Philips Arena in Atlanta , Georgia , before a packed house . During Sunday 's concert -- called `` T.I. 's Final Goodbye Bash '' -- the 28-year-old Grammy winner reiterated a message that 's become familiar in recent weeks : He wants others to learn from his mistakes . `` I 'm doing the best I can to get out there , man , and put something positive on these young kids , man , '' T.I. said during the show . `` I try my best . I need y' all help , though . '' The rapper played to a sell-out crowd of 16,000 people , said Kenan Woods , a spokesman for the arena . T.I. played through much of his catalog , including the hits `` Whatever You Like , '' `` Live Your Life '' and the Grammy-winning `` Swagga Like Us , '' Woods said . At times in the show , Harris was joined on stage by fellow rapper Soulja Boy and by his five children and mother , Woods said . T.I. was sentenced in March on weapons charges related to purchasing machine guns and silencers . In addition to serving prison time , T.I. was placed on house arrest , was given community service and was ordered to pay a $ 100,300 fine . Though he had been in legal trouble before , Harris ' current situation began when he was arrested just hours before he was to perform at the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta . The rapper had provided a bodyguard with $ 12,000 to buy weapons . Harris was not permitted to own any guns , however , because he was convicted in 1998 on felony drug charges -- possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute -- in Cobb County , in suburban Atlanta . After his arrest , he entered a plea agreement , which federal authorities called unique because it allowed the rapper to remain out of prison for a year while he performed community service . Harris has already left a strong mark on the hip-hop genre , music experts told CNN , which should position his career well when he is released . Harris had been named to the Forbes list of top-earning rappers , making an estimated $ 16 million in 2006 . Some music industry observers have said T.I. 's prison term will only make him more popular . `` I think that if anything , it will gain him more fans and actually support his fan base , because he 's talked about making a mistake , '' Emil Wilbekin , editor in chief of Giant Magazine , told CNN . `` He 's talked about taking care of the error of his ways . '' The Atlanta rapper has expressed remorse for the situation . `` I would like to say thank you to some and apologize to others , '' he said at his sentencing in March . `` In my life , I have been placed in the worst-case scenario and had to make the best of it . '' In a March interview with CNN 's T.J. Holmes , Harris said he no longer felt like he needed to carry weapons to protect himself . He said people should not idolize him for what he 's gone through , but should take note of the fact that he has taken responsibility for his actions . `` You should n't take the things that I 've gone through , and the negative parts of my life , and admire me for that . If anything , admire me for how I 've accepted responsibility for the part I played in placing myself in these situations , and what I 've done to recover from it , '' Harris said . Harris has been the subject of an MTV reality show , `` T.I. 's Road to Redemption , '' in the lead-up to the prison term .
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T.I. performed Sunday , less than two days before his prison term was to start . The rapper has been sentenced in connection with federal weapons charges . His prison term of one year and one day starts Tuesday .
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New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Spirit Airlines reached a tentative agreement with its pilots on Wednesday that will end the five-day-old strike that halted the airline 's operations , a union official said . Pilots will return to work and Spirit 's operations will resume on Friday , the airline said on its website . `` Our pilots worked hard to get a mutually favorable deal that allows the company to grow while improving their wages and benefits , '' said Ben Baldanza , president and CEO of Spirit . The tentative agreement was reached around 1 p.m. Wednesday , according to Capt. Sean Creed , chairman of the Air Line Pilots Association at Spirit . `` It does move closer to the goals that we established for our pilot group and we will move forward with taking it to our pilots for a ratification vote , '' Creed told CNN . Spirit 's 440 pilots walked off the job Saturday morning after an ongoing dispute with the airline over the pilot 's pay level . `` Our co-pilots were making significantly below the industry standard , '' Creed explained . The walkout completely grounded the airline . Flights were abruptly cancelled for several days leaving customers scrambling to make other travel arrangements . In effort to make amends with passengers Spirit is offering customers a coupon for $ 50 off their next flight between June 18 and November 17 and 5,000 free Spirit bonus miles . `` We apologize to those customers whose travel was disrupted as a result of the strike and look forward to earning their trust with ultra-low fares , great service and the best pilots in the sky , '' Baldanza said in a statement .
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Spirit Airlines will resume operations Friday , company 's website says . Pilots ' union official says deal reached Wednesday afternoon . Spirit 's 440 pilots walked off job Saturday after ongoing dispute over pay . Customers left to scramble for other arrangements .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor will undergo hip replacement surgery Monday after she broke her hip when falling out of bed , her publicist said Sunday . Gabor , 93 , will need the surgery on her right hip , publicist John Blanchette said . The operation is scheduled for 6 a.m. Monday -LRB- 9 a.m. ET -RRB- and should last about four hours , he said . A press conference is scheduled at Gabor 's Los Angeles , California , home at noon Monday , he said . Gabor 's husband , Prince Frederic von Anhalt , told CNN earlier Sunday , `` She has a broken hip and they have to operate on her . It 's a complicated thing . It was an accident . And she is not that young any more . '' Von Anhalt said Gabor fell out of bed Saturday night when she reached to answer the phone . An ambulance rushed her to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles , California , after he called 911 . He said she was on medication and asleep early Sunday morning . `` Her family is by her side . No other information is available from the hospital per the family 's request , '' hospital spokeswoman Roxanne Yamaguchi Moster said in a statement . Blanchette said earlier Gabor was watching `` Jeopardy! '' when she fell out of bed . `` She has an active mind . She 's very bright . She 's funny . She always makes me laugh whenever I talk to her , '' Blanchette said . `` Her body 's failing her . '' Blanchette said Gabor has been frail and `` pretty much confined to a wheelchair '' since a 2002 car accident . The crash occurred when the car in which she was riding with her hairdresser slammed into a light pole on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles . Her husband has been caring for her , Blanchette said . The glamorous Hungarian-born actress , the second of the three celebrated Gabor sisters , is most famous for her eight marriages . Among her husbands were hotel millionaire Conrad Hilton and Oscar-winning actor George Sanders . Her more prominent films include John Huston 's 1952 Toulouse-Lautrec biopic , `` Moulin Rouge ; '' `` The Story of Three Loves , '' 1953 ; `` The Girl in the Kremlin , '' 1957 ; and Orson Welles ' classic `` Touch of Evil , '' 1958 . In 1989 , Gabor was sentenced to 72 hours in jail for slapping a Beverly Hills police officer after a traffic stop . She also had to perform community service at a battered women 's shelter . The other Gabor sisters were Magda , the oldest , who died in 1997 five days shy of 83 , and Eva , the youngest , who died in 1995 at 76 . Magda , an occasional stage actress , also was married to George Sanders at one time . Eva is probably best remembered for her role as a socialite turned farmer 's wife on the 1960s ' TV sitcom `` Green Acres . '' CNN 's Catherine Shoichet , Sonya Hamasaki and Jack Hannah contributed to this report .
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NEW : Gabor will undergo hip replacement surgery Monday morning . Gabor 's husband says she broke her hip when she fell out of bed . Gabor 's publicist says she has been `` confined to a wheelchair '' since a 2002 car accident . The Hungarian-born actress is most famous for her eight marriages .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- It was a night for underdogs at the Golden Globes -- and a particularly rich one for the biggest underdog of them all , `` Slumdog Millionaire . '' Dev Patel and Freida Pinto star in `` Slumdog Millionaire , '' which was named best drama at the Golden Globes . The modestly budgeted movie -- about a poverty-raised orphan in Mumbai who goes on the Indian version of `` Who Wants to Be a Millionaire '' -- won awards for best drama , best director -LRB- Danny Boyle -RRB- , best screenplay -LRB- Simon Beaufoy -RRB- and best original score -LRB- A.R. Rahman -RRB- . The victories were all the more astonishing given the film 's unlikely production history , which included cobbling together a $ 15 million budget , shooting on the streets of Mumbai and then struggling for distribution . The film 's principals , including Boyle and Beaufoy , were thankful for the support of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association , which presents the Globes . `` Your mad , pulsating affection for our film is much appreciated , '' said Boyle . Watch stars on the red carpet '' `` We really were n't expecting to be here in America at all at one time , so it 's just amazing to be here , '' said Beaufoy . With the film 's victories at the Critics ' Choice Awards last week , it must be considered the front-runner in the Academy Awards ' best picture race . The Academy Award nominations will be announced Thursday , January 22 . iReport.com : Sound off on awards season . Another underdog , actor Mickey Rourke , won best actor in a drama for his performance in `` The Wrestler . '' Rourke , who described himself as `` almost out of the business '' not so long ago , gave credit to his agent for backing him and `` Wrestler '' director Darren Aronofsky for sticking with him when the film had trouble finding funding . `` The Wrestler '' also won a Globe for its theme song , written and sung by Bruce Springsteen . Watch Golden Globe highlights '' Kate Winslet was n't considered quite as much an underdog , but she still outdid the odds by winning both categories for which she was nominated : best actress in a drama -LRB- for `` Revolutionary Road '' -RRB- and best supporting actress -LRB- for `` The Reader '' -RRB- . Gallery : Winners at the Globes '' Perhaps she surprised herself most of all . After winning best supporting actress -- the first award of the evening -- she asked the audience , `` You have to forgive me , because I have a habit of not winning things . '' After the best actress win , she took the stage in a mild state of shock . `` I 'm so sorry ! Anne , Meryl , Kristin -- oh , God , who 's the other one ? -- Angelina , '' she said , referring to fellow nominees Anne Hathaway , Meryl Streep , Kristin Scott Thomas and Angelina Jolie . Not long after , being told to wrap it up , she said , `` You have no idea how much I 'm not wrapping up , '' before emotionally thanking a variety of people , including co-star Leonardo DiCaprio and husband Sam Mendes , `` Road 's '' director . See the list of Globe winners , nominees . Another win was expected , if tinged with tragedy . The late Heath Ledger won the Golden Globe for best supporting actor for his performance as the Joker in `` The Dark Knight . '' `` All of us who worked with Heath on ` The Dark Knight ' accept with an awful mixture of sadness but incredible pride , '' said director Christopher Nolan . `` For any of us lucky enough to work with him , he will be eternally missed , but he will never be forgotten . '' Ledger died almost a year ago of an accidental prescription drug overdose . Ledger 's performance was widely praised and he is considered the front-runner for an Academy Award for supporting actor . He was 28 when he died on January 22 , 2008 . Oscar nominations will be announced on the first anniversary of his death . Before the show , `` Knight '' co-star Aaron Eckhart told CNN , `` I 'm considering it his night tonight . '' The Globes also honor TV programs , and in the television categories there were few surprises . HBO 's miniseries `` John Adams , '' which dominated the Emmy Awards in September with 13 trophies , won four Globes : best actor -LRB- Paul Giamatti -RRB- , best actress -LRB- Laura Linney -RRB- , best supporting actor -LRB- Tom Wilkinson -RRB- and best TV movie or miniseries . `` Mad Men '' won best TV drama , as it did at the Emmys , and `` 30 Rock , '' another Emmy winner , won best comedy TV series . Though star Tina Fey was announced as the person to accept that award , she let co-star Tracy Morgan have the microphone . `` Tina Fey and I had an agreement that if Barack Obama won , I 'd be accepting the awards from now on , '' he said . Fey later won for best TV comedy actress , joining her co-star Alec Baldwin -LRB- best TV comedy actor -RRB- as Globe winners . The Israeli film `` Waltz With Bashir '' won best foreign-language film . In his speech , director Ari Folman expressed hope for peace in the Middle East . Noting the `` eight beautiful production babies '' born during the show 's four-year creation , he said he hopes the children can see the film when they get older , and `` I hope it looks like an ancient video game that has nothing to do with their lives whatsoever . '' Other Globe winners included Sally Hawkins , who won best actress in a musical or comedy for her performance in `` Happy-Go-Lucky '' ; Colin Farrell , who took home best actor in a comedy or musical for `` In Bruges '' ; `` Vicky Cristina Barcelona , '' Woody Allen 's latest , which won best comedy or musical ; and `` WALL-E , '' which won best animated film . For those casting metaphorical grass blades into the breeze to see which way the Oscar winds are blowing , the `` Globes '' may have created front-runners in some races , confusion in others . Anne Hathaway had won a few honors for `` Rachel Getting Married , '' but Winslet 's win over her at the Globes creates a tighter contest for best actress . Rourke 's victory is a feel-good story for an actor many had written off , but he may have to face Frank Langella -LRB- Richard Nixon in `` Frost/Nixon '' -RRB- , Sean Penn -LRB- a highly praised Harvey Milk in `` Milk '' -RRB- and Leonardo DiCaprio -LRB- Winslet 's `` Revolutionary Road '' husband -RRB- for best actor . `` Milk , '' in particular , received short shrift from the HFPA ; the Motion Picture Academy is expected to be kinder . The Globes ' loose atmosphere -- a trademark of the event , which features an open bar and celebrities sitting at large tables -- was evident from the beginning . Jennifer Lopez , noticing a distinct rumble of chatter as she attempted to begin the show , demanded quiet with `` Hello ! Hello ! Mama talkin ' ! '' Later , Tom Wilkinson , having won a supporting actor honor for his performance in the miniseries `` John Adams , '' forgot the last name of a person he wanted to thank . There were even a couple of TV no-nos on the live broadcast : `` Wrestler '' director Aronofsky humorously flashed Rourke a middle finger as Rourke talked about how hard Aronofsky worked the cast , and one of the `` Slumdog '' producers uttered the F-word upon seeing he was being rushed through his speech . It was the kind of party people have come to expect from the Globes , a show in which Jack Nicholson once bared his backside and Christine Lahti once was engaged in the ladies ' room upon being named a winner . And , if throwing a glamorous party in these nervous , market-plunging times seems a little unusual , it 's also something Tinseltown does well -- and that people are expecting , participants said before the broadcast . `` I think these things are entertainment , '' Mendes told CNN . `` This is people 's escapism . ... I think in that respect they should be embraced . ''
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`` Slumdog Millionaire '' wins best drama ; nets four total wins . Mickey Rourke wins best actor in a drama for `` The Wrestler '' Kate Winslet wins two Golden Globes -- one for actress , another for supporting . Heath Ledger wins best supporting actor for `` The Dark Knight ''
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Editor 's note : Paul Begala , a Democratic strategist and CNN political contributor , was a political consultant for Bill Clinton 's presidential campaign in 1992 and was counselor to Clinton in the White House . He is an affiliated professor at Georgetown University 's Public Policy Institute and an adviser to the Service Employees International Union , which supports President Obama 's health care plan . Paul Begala says health care is n't getting attention it deserves -- and Obama administration is partly to blame . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- You probably have never heard of Robin Beaton , and that 's what 's wrong with the debate over health care reform . Beaton , a retired nurse from Waxahachie , Texas , had health insurance -- or so she thought . She paid her premiums faithfully every month , but when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer , her health insurance company , Blue Cross , dumped her . The insurance company said the fact that she had seen a dermatologist for acne , who mistakenly entered a notation on her chart that suggested her simple acne was a precancerous condition , allowed Blue Cross to leave her in the lurch . Beaton testified before a House subcommittee this week . So did other Americans who thought they had insurance but got the shaft . As Karen Tumulty of Time magazine -LRB- who has been the journalistic conscience of health care coverage -RRB- wrote , other witnesses included : . `` Peggy Raddatz , whose brother Otto Raddatz lost his insurance coverage right before he was scheduled to receive an expensive stem-cell transplant to treat his lymphoma . Why ? Because Fortis Insurance Company discovered his doctor had found gall stones and an aneurysm on a CT scan -- conditions that had nothing to do with his cancer , that never bothered him and that he was n't even aware of . And Jennifer Wittney Horton of Los Angeles , California , whose coverage was canceled because she had been taking a drug for irregular menstruation . Now , she ca n't get coverage anywhere else . ` Since my rescission , I have had to take jobs that I do not want , and put my career goals on hold to ensure that I can find health insurance , ' she told the subcommittee . '' The subcommittee 's chairman , Democrat Bart Stupak of Michigan , called the hearing to highlight the obnoxious and unethical practice called rescission . His researchers produced performance reviews of insurance company bureaucrats who were praised and rewarded for kicking people off their coverage . Then Stupak asked three health insurance executives the big question : Will your company pledge to end the practice of rescission except in cases of intentional fraud ? All three health insurance executives said no . It was as dramatic as congressional testimony gets . Yet it got no airtime on the networks , nor , as far as I can tell , on cable news , although CNN.com did run a story . Time 's Tumulty was all over it , as was Lisa Girion of The Lost Angeles Times . But the story did not make The New York Times . Nor The Washington Post , which found space on the front page the morning after the hearing for a story on the cancellation of Fourth of July fireworks in Shippensburg , Pennsylvania , but not a story on the cancellation of health insurance for deathly ill Americans who 've paid their premiums . Stupak , and the Energy and Commerce Committee chairman , Henry Waxman , D-California , did their job . Why did n't the media do its ? Why were the outrages uncovered by Stupak and Waxman un-covered by most of the media ? Maybe because the Obama White House drew the spotlight away from health care . They 'd diverted the media to cover Obama 's proposed reforms of the financial regulatory system . On the last day of the 1992 Clinton-Gore campaign , we had the media A-Team traveling with us . So I made it my business to sit next to David Gergen , then with U.S. News & World Report but a former top aide to Presidents Nixon , Ford and Reagan -LRB- at that point -- little did I know he would soon be working for President Clinton -RRB- . I had never seen a communications shop as effective as Reagan 's , and I was n't going to miss an opportunity to learn from a master . Gergen told me an anecdote I still remember vividly . In the opening months of the Reagan presidency , it was the economy , stupid . America was mired in a recession , and President Reagan wanted to focus the nation 's attention on his economic plan . But Secretary of State Al Haig had other ideas . The State Department had nothing to do with the economy , and Haig had ambitious plans . So , Gergen told me , Haig got a bunch of good press , advocating for intercepting Cuban gun runners -LRB- if memory serves -RRB- . You would think a staunch anti-Communist such as Reagan would have been happy . But , no . Reagan 's chief of staff , James Baker , upbraided Haig for diverting media attention away from the primary goal : passing the president 's economic plan . I never forgot Gergen 's story -- especially when the Clinton White House wandered off message as it tried to pursue fundamental reform of the health care system . The economic plan eclipsed health care for much of Clinton 's first year . As did NAFTA . And the crime bill , which included the Brady Bill and other gun control measures . And do n't forget gays in the military . And a foreign policy crisis in Somalia -- and another in Haiti . And another in Russia . Clinton gave his health care address to the Congress on September 23 , 1993 . October was supposed to be `` Health Care Month '' in the White House , but so many other issues got in the way that he had just one public event focused on health care in the entire month -- just one . I understand that Obama 's White House team has to juggle a lot of issues ; I 've been there . And I 'm sure the Obama financial reforms have merit . But if the president wants to pass his ambitious health care reform , he 's going to have to put other , worthy , ideas on the back burner and shine the media spotlight on the plight of people like Robin Beaton . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Paul Begala .
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Paul Begala : Health insurers are depriving some ill people of coverage . He says practice called `` rescission '' is used to deny people benefits . Begala says hearing on rescission got little media attention . He says Obama administration must put health care on front burner .
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[[2477, 2512]]
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Interpol announced Monday it is issuing notices to help search for another 16 suspects believed linked to the January killing of a Hamas leader in Dubai . The organization will now help investigators in Dubai try to track down all 27 people suspected of links to the death of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in a Dubai hotel . Information gathered by investigators in Dubai `` bore out the international links and broad scope of the number of people involved , as well as the role of two ` teams ' of individuals identified by the Dubai police as being linked , '' Interpol said . The organization issued 16 additional `` red notices , '' which are not international arrest warrants but are a way of alerting police forces around the world that the suspects are wanted by authorities in the United Arab Emirates . Interpol had previously issued 11 of the notices covering `` a smaller core group alleged to have carried out the killing , '' the organization said in a news release . Interpol Secretary-General Ronald K. Noble said investigators have established `` clear '' links through passport records , video surveillance , DNA analysis , witness interviews and hotel , credit card , phone and transport records , according to the news release . Two sources told CNN a week ago that the number of identified suspects was up to 27 . Of them , 26 were carrying European or Australian passports , authorities have said . The sources -- an official familiar with the investigation and a police source -- did not say which nation issued the passport used by the 27th suspect . Mahmoud al-Mabhouh , a founding member of Hamas ' military wing , was found dead January 20 in his Dubai hotel room . Police believe he was slain the night before , allegedly by the secretive Israeli foreign intelligence unit Mossad . Dubai 's police chief told CNN last month that he is `` 100 percent sure '' Mossad was responsible . `` The Mossad needs to be ashamed of its actions , '' said Lt. Gen. Dahi Khalfan Tamim . `` They sent 26 , 27 persons to assassinate one man who was involved in the capturing and killing of two Israeli soldiers . '' Hamas has said al-Mabhouh was behind the 1989 deaths of the Israeli soldiers . Israel has a stated policy on security matters of neither confirming nor denying involvement . Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman , however , told Israel Army Radio earlier this month , `` There is certainly no reason to think that the Mossad and not some other intelligence agency of another country operated there . '' The total of 27 suspects does not include two Palestinians arrested in Jordan and returned to Dubai . Tamim said one is not believed to be directly involved in al-Mabhouh 's death , but `` he is wanted by one of the Palestinian factions in the Palestinian territories and he is sentenced to death and that 's why we will extradite him . '' He declined to discuss anything about the other Palestinian .
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Interpol issues notices for 16 more suspects in killing of Hamas leader in Dubai hotel . It will help investigators hunt all 27 suspects in death of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh . Dubai police chief `` 100 percent '' sure Israeli intel unit is behind Hamas slaying . Israel says only media reports link it to killing and there 's no reason to blame Mossad .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The National Tea Party Federation , which seeks to represent the Tea Party political movement around the country , has expelled the Tea Party Express because of an inflammatory blog post its leader , Mark Williams , wrote last week responding to criticism from the NAACP . Williams ' blog post satirized a fictional letter from what he called `` Colored People '' to President Abraham Lincoln . Even before this current controversy , the group was criticized by some within the Tea Party movement for being run by Republican consultants and for trying to influence GOP primaries far from its base in Sacramento , California . CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser sums up the Tea Party Express and its place in the larger Tea Party movement : . High profile : The Tea Party Express is one of the best-known groups in the movement because of its three high-profile bus caravans and rallies . Sarah Palin spoke at the beginning of its third caravan , which began in Searchlight , Nevada , and its next-to-the-last stop in Boston , Massachusetts , before it ended with a Tax Day rally in Washington . Political impact : The Tea Party Express has become a major player in Republican politics , spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on ads for Republican Senate candidate Scott Brown in Massachusetts who upset Democrat Martha Coakley to fill the late Sen. Ted Kennedy 's seat . More recently , the organization helped little-known Sharron Angle win the Republican primary in Nevada to face Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , endorsing her and spending about a half-million dollars on ads for her . The organization says it plans to spend more to help her get elected . The group also targeted incumbent Sen. Bob Bennett in Utah for his vote on the Troubled Assets Recovery Program and helped defeat his bid for a fourth term . It then backed underdog Mike Lee 's successful primary campaign and Lee now appears to be a shoo-in to win the general election in November and join the Senate next year . Political action : The group runs the `` Our Country Deserves Better PAC-Tea Party Express.org '' political action committee , which was formed in 2008 to help raise money to oppose presidential candidate Barack Obama . It was created by Republican political consultant Joe Wierzbicki , who appears to have come up with the original Tea Party Express cross-country caravan . What 's next ? : The Tea Party Express is targeting GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Alaska and has endorsed her little-know primary challenger Joe Miller . It plans a Monday event to announce its support .
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CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser sums up the Tea Party Express . The National Tea Party Federation expels the Tea Party Express . The reason ? An inflammatory blog post its leader wrote about the NAACP .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Spain will add the World Cup to their European title by beating the Netherlands in Sunday 's final , according to Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff . The 63-year-old was the leading figure in Holland 's revolutionary `` total football '' approach in the 1970s , when he also starred for Spanish giants Barcelona for five years before managing the Catalan club from 1988 to 1996 . Cruyff 's compatriots are seeking to earn the northern European nation a first World Cup title , having lost in the 1974 final in Germany and then again in Argentina four years later when he had retired from the international stage . However , the former Ajax player and manager believes Euro 2008 winners Spain will break their own title drought on soccer 's biggest stage in their first final in Johannesburg . `` Spain have always had good footballers and never a team , but now they have one , '' he said , as quoted by the UK Press Association . `` They have worked very well in the last few years and if they get into their rhythm , they should win . Normally Spain play better -LSB- than Holland -RSB- but that does n't mean they will win . '' Cruyff said coach Bert van Marwijk 's unbeaten Dutch side would present a difficult challenge for the Spaniards . Dream swansong for Dutch captain . `` Holland is a very balanced team , they know their strengths and their weaknesses , and up until now they have always been able to make their strengths shine through , '' he said . `` They have two or three players playing at an exceptional level at the World Cup and the team 's level has risen enormously . '' Spain must improve on their form so far if they are to become the first team in 36 years to win the European Championship and then the World Cup , according to midfielder Andres Iniesta . Only two teams have ever held both titles at once , with France doing it the other way around to Germany by winning the 1998 World Cup and then Euro 2000 . Vicente Del Bosque 's Spain team have yet to fire on all cylinders at the tournament , losing to Switzerland in the opening match and then winning all three knockout stage matches 1-0 -- including the semifinal against Germany . Striker Fernando Torres has struggled to regain his form after knee surgery , leaving five-goal David Villa to shoulder attacking responsibilities . `` The initial defeat against Switzerland upset us all , '' Iniesta said . `` It was the first game and from that moment we had no margin for error . We knew we could not fail . I hope it proves to be the only game we lose . `` We will play better because we will probably have to if we are going to win the World Cup . What we did in the semifinal certainly wo n't help us to win the final . `` But I have confidence in my teammates , and I think this group is able to take the final step . '' Iniesta said his cohorts were well aware of the enormity of the occasion ahead . `` This is a historic event , a unique opportunity for us all . It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up just thinking about it , '' the 26-year-old said . `` We have all dreamed of this moment . But we have to finish the dream . We can not celebrate anything yet . Before us is the challenge of winning a World Cup . `` We are cautious because we know that we still have the last step , and that last step is the most difficult and the most beautiful . ''
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Spain favorites to beat Netherlands in Sunday 's World Cup final , says Johan Cruyff . Dutch legend is also popular in Spain after his time with Barcelona as player and coach . Cruyff says Spain now have a strong team , not a collection of individuals as before . Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta says European champions must step up a gear to win .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Police in Raleigh , North Carolina , arrested 19 people at a rancorous school board meeting Tuesday afternoon where protesters accused the Wake County School Board of adopting a plan that will resegregate the school system . The Wake County School School Board voted in March to stop the decade-long practice of socio-economic school assignment and assign students to their neighborhood schools . The system plans to transition into the new practice in the next 15 months . Currently 85 percent of the system 's 143,000 students attend a school within five miles of their home , said system spokesman Michael Evans . Another 12 to 13 percent attend magnet schools and the remaining 3 percent are assigned based on their income level and growth issues . Wake County is a booming school system with unprecedented growth that often requires the students to attend different schools , Evans said . The discontent among opponents , which included the Wake County superintendent who recently resigned as well as the state schools superintendent , has been mounting and also resulted in arrests at a school board meeting in June . Tuesday 's meeting agenda did not address the issue , but it was raised by speakers during public comment , Evans said . `` This board can not and will not permit these distractions to divert our attention away from our priority , and that is of increased achievement for all students , '' school board chairman Ron Margiotta has said . The Rev. William Barber , head of the North Carolina NAACP , was one of the first arrested before he entered the school board building . He led a crowd chanting `` What do we want ? Justice . When do we want it ? Now , '' as they descended on the school board building . Before the meeting Barber also spoke at a protest rally that drew about 1,000 people to the state capital . `` This is not a game , Mr. Margiotta , '' Barber said . `` You have in your hands the future of 140,000 young people ... you know educationally , legally and morally your policy changes are wrong . '' Another minister , David Forbes , also spoke at the rally , saying , '' ` Neighborhood schools ' is a trick word to re-segregate a city that worked hard to bring about a progressive new possibility . '' Barber and two others were arrested before the meeting for trespassing . Police said they arrested 16 others during the board meeting for trespassing and disorderly conduct . Evans said the protesters locked arms and started singing during the public comment section . `` The board has made decisions . I think they are the right decisions ... there is a big misinterpretation , '' board member Debra Goldman has said . The March vote to return to community schools attendance zones was 5-4 .
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Police arrested 19 , including the state NAACP chairman , at school board meeting . The board chairman says the return to neighborhood schools is needed . Opponents of the move say it would create re-segregation of schools .
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New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An EMT worker who was involved in a controversial incident in which a pregnant woman died last year was shot and killed Sunday , New York police said . Authorities said they had no immediate link between the EMT 's shooting and the widely publicized case last year but that would be an aspect of their investigation . `` That part of the case will be investigated by NYPD . We will be in touch with Manhattan detectives who will be investigating the murder -LRB- of the EMT -RRB- , '' Brooklyn District Attorney spokesman Jerry Schmetterer . The case involving the EMT -- Jason Green -- and a pregnant woman occurred in Brooklyn last December 9 . The woman , Eutisha Rennix , was working as a waitress at a cafe when she collapsed . Rennix 's coworkers said Green and a fellow EMT were in the cafe when Rennix collapsed but the two EMTs reportedly told the co-workers to call 911 and left the cafe without aiding the stricken woman . Rennix later died at a hospital . A spokesman for the EMT and paramedics union said after the incident that Green and his colleague were medical dispatchers and that they did not work with patients . The spokesman added that Green 's colleague made a 911 emergency call herself in an effort to get help for the stricken woman . Following the incident , the fire department suspended the two EMTs without pay for but were reinstated shortly thereafter , EMT spokesman Robert Ungar said Sunday . `` He -LRB- Green -RRB- was an EMT with the emergency medical services bureau of the fire department for seven years . He was working as a dispatcher and was back on duty at the time of his death -LRB- Sunday -RRB- . At the time of the previous investigation , the law only provides for suspension of workers up to 30 days . '' Ungar said . Green , 31 , was shot outside a downtown Manhattan nightclub at about 5 a.m. Sunday . Police said that Green was shot once in the face and was pronounced dead at a hospital . No arrests had been made as of Sunday afternoon , and NYPD homicide Detective Richard Tireli said that `` the investigation is ongoing . '' Meanwhile Brooklyn authorities said Sunday their investigation into Rennix 's death was continuing . `` Our involvement is with the incident at the cafe and it 's currently still open . The investigation was if there was any criminality involved and if they have violated any criminal laws ... The case is nearing completion and every angle will be investigated . '' Schmetterer of the Brooklyn district attorney 's office said .
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EMT Jason Green was shot and killed early Sunday . In December , Green and a fellow EMT were in a cafe when a pregnant woman collapsed . They reportedly advised the woman 's co-workers to call 911 , then left . Police say there 's no immediate link between the two incidents , but they will investigate .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Pentagon has taken the first steps toward repealing the military 's controversial `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy regarding gay and lesbian service members , Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday . Laying the groundwork for a repeal of the policy will take more than a year , Gates said . In the interim , however , the Defense Department will start enforcing the policy `` in a fairer manner , '' he told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee . President Obama called for a repeal of the policy during last week 's State of the Union address . Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen also endorsed a repeal Tuesday , telling the committee it is his `` personal belief '' that `` allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly -LSB- in the military -RSB- would be the right thing to do . '' `` For me , personally , it comes down to integrity , '' he said . `` The question before us is not whether the military prepares to make this change , but how we best prepare for it , '' Gates told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee . `` We have received our orders from the commander in chief and we are moving out accordingly . '' But the ultimate decision on whether to repeal the policy , he acknowledged , rests with Congress . The `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy , enacted under President Clinton in 1993 , bars openly gay , lesbian and bisexual individuals from serving in the U.S. military , but prevents the military from asking a service member 's sexual orientation . It has been a political lightning rod since its implementation . `` I am mindful ... that attitudes towards homosexuality may have changed considerably -- both in society generally and in the military '' since 1993 , Gates said . To prepare the military for what has been a long-anticipated change , Gates said he has already appointed a `` high-level '' working group to `` immediately begin a review of the issues associated with properly implementing a repeal . '' `` The mandate of this working group is to thoroughly , objectively and methodically examine all aspects of this question and produce its finding and recommendations in the form of an implementation plan by the end of this calendar year , '' Gates told the committee members . `` A guiding principle of our efforts will be to minimize disruption and polarization within the ranks , with special attention paid to those serving on the front lines . '' The working group will be led by Department of Defense General Counsel Jeh Johnson and Gen. Carter Ham , commander of U.S. Army Europe , Gates said . The group will `` reach out to the -LSB- military -RSB- ... to authoritatively understand their views and attitudes about the impacts of repeal , '' he added . `` I expect that the same sharp divisions that characterize the debate over these issues outside of the military will quickly seek to find their way into this process . '' Gates noted that the Pentagon will ask the RAND Corporation to update a study it conducted in 1993 on the impact of allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the military . He also said he has directed the Defense Department to `` quickly review the regulations used to implement '' the law and , within 45 days , present possible changes that will allow for more humane enforcement . The secretary acknowledged the impatience many political observers and activists may have with the timetable for a repeal . `` I expect that our approach may cause some to wonder why it will take the better part of the year to accomplish this task , '' he said . `` We looked at a variety of options , but when you take into account the overriding imperative -- to get this right and minimize disruption to a force that is actively fighting two wars and working through the stress of almost a decade of combat -- then it is clear to us that we must proceed in a manner that allows for the thorough examination of all issues . '' In a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll in April 2009 , 48 percent of Americans favored maintaining the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy . Thirty-seven percent opposed the policy because they believed it treated homosexuals too harshly , while another 8 percent opposed it because they believed it treated homosexuals too leniently . '' ` Do n't ask , do n't tell ' to many people , including myself , seemed so reasonable , '' Alex Nicholson , a former Army intelligence officer discharged for being gay , told CNN 's `` American Morning . '' `` I knew I was gay going in , and I knew about ` do n't ask , do n't tell , ' but you know , ` do n't ask , do n't tell ' as a sound bite sounds very reasonable . It sounds like nobody will inquire as to your sexual orientation -- as long as you do n't throw it in anyone 's face , you wo n't have a problem . `` But after I got in , I realized that ` do n't ask , do n't tell ' was much more all-inclusive and all-encompassing , '' said Nicholson , who now is the executive director of Servicemembers United , an advocacy group that opposes the policy . `` It was more like ` do n't ask , do n't tell , do n't happen to be found out any time , any place , in any way . ' '' After about a year , Nicholson said his sexual orientation was found out within his unit . `` That information spread , and then the command was forced into a corner in which they had to discharge me , '' he said . Watch Nicholson talk about his experience . Since the policy was implemented , more than 13,500 service members have been discharged , according to Rep. Jim Moran , D-Virginia . In 2009 , there were 428 discharges under the policy -- the lowest rate of discharge since implementation of the policy , he said . The highest year was 2001 , with 1,227 discharges , he said . `` This shows that during wartime , DADT is not being pursued aggressively because one 's orientation has nothing to do with their ability to fight , '' Moran said in a written statement Monday . Defense officials have said privately that the will to enforce the law is declining . Another military official familiar with the discussion said some of the issues to be considered by the military include the cost of implementing a new policy , benefits for gay spouses , potential hate crimes , and even logistical questions such as the possible need to renovate barracks to separate straight and gay troops . According to the official , separate housing or showers were not considered serious possibilities , but would be discussed in order to be ruled out . Nicholson acknowledged there are legitimate concerns , but said some of the issues raised , such as showers and housing , are merely delaying tactics used to mask `` reasons that people really do n't want to see this happen . '' At least one member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- Gen. James Conway , commandant of the Marine Corps -- has expressed reservations in the past about repealing the law . `` Our Marines are currently engaged in two fights , and our focus should not be drawn away from those priorities , '' Conway said in November through a spokesman . Watch how Joint Chiefs are dealing with the change . Most of the committee 's Republicans strongly criticized a potential repeal Tuesday . `` Elections have consequences , '' said Mississippi GOP Sen. Roger Wicker , referencing Obama 's promise to end the policy . But `` we 'll have a debate about this . '' Sen. John McCain , R-Arizona , a former Navy pilot , said one of the keys to U.S. military power is `` good order and unit cohesion , and ... any practice which puts those goals at unacceptable risk can be restricted . '' McCain argued that while `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' has not been perfect , it has been effective . `` It has helped to balance a potentially disruptive tension between the desires of a minority and the broader interests of our all-volunteer force , '' he said . `` It is well understood and predominantly supported by our fighting men and women . It reflects , as I understand them , the preferences of our uniformed services ... while still allowing gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country in uniform . '' But other military veterans support the change . Retired Gen. John Shalikashvili , former chairman of the Joint Chiefs , said it is time to repeal the law . `` As a nation built on the -LSB- principle -RSB- of equality , we should recognize and welcome change that will build a stronger , more cohesive military , '' Shalikashvili wrote in a letter to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , D-New York , who supports repealing the policy . Michael O'Hanlon of the Brookings Institute said the real test will be in the barracks , with the rank-and-file members of the military . `` We can talk about this delicately or we can just be fairly direct , '' O'Hanlon said . `` There are a lot of 18-year-old , old-fashioned , testosterone-laden men in the military who are tough guys . They 're often politically old-fashioned or conservative ; they are not necessarily at the vanguard , in many cases , of accepting alternative forms of lifestyle . '' Nicholson predicted the matter will become a `` non-issue , '' saying his organization knows of gays serving openly in the military now . Asked whether he would return to the military if the policy is repealed , Nicholson said he would not hesitate and that he has wanted to return since his discharge in 2002 . `` I speak five languages , including Arabic , '' he said . `` There 's nothing more that I 'd love than to go back right now . '' CNN 's Barbara Starr contributed to this report .
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NEW : Most Republicans on Senate panel oppose repeal of `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' Joint Chiefs boss says letting gays and lesbians serve openly is `` right thing to do '' Defense secreatry : As change is phased in , enforcement of policy to be `` fairer '' Implementation plan for ending the old policy due by end of year , says Robert Gates .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Bryant Gumbel made an unexpected announcement Tuesday morning as a guest host on `` Live ! With Regis & Kelly . '' The host of HBO 's `` Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel '' had surgery two months ago to remove a malignant tumor on his lung . Gumbel , 61 , appeared on the morning talk show to fill in for Regis Philbin , who recently underwent a successful hip surgery . Gumbel , a cigar smoker , brought up his surgery after chatting with co-host Kelly Ripa about his inability to dance . `` I ca n't , '' he said . `` I have a note from my doctor . '' The former `` Today '' show host explained to viewers that he has told few people about the surgery in which part of his lung was removed . `` They opened up my chest ; they took a malignant tumor , part of my lung and some other goodies , '' he said . `` The pathology on most of the stuff came back benign but enough aggressive cells had escaped the tumor that it warranted some treatment . '' Gumbel kept the treatment close to the vest . `` We had told a few people . We told my family , obviously , '' Gumbel said . `` I even kept it from my staff at ` Real Sports . ' '' Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States , but it 's also the most preventable , according to the American Cancer Society . Gumbel said he and his doctor are hoping his treatment is complete . `` I 'm OK for the time being , '' Gumbel told the audience . He added that he 'll see his surgeon next week and said he 's even hoping he 'll get the green light to hit the links again .
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Bryant Gumbel said he had lung cancer surgery on `` Regis & Kelly '' Gumbel has kept his treatment quiet ; he says few people know outside of his family . Ex - `` Today '' host says surgery removed part of his lung . Gumbel says he 's hopeful that he 'll soon be able to golf again .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Some passengers on a diverted Aeromexico flight finally reached their destination in Seattle , Washington , on Wednesday after spending 16 hours in limbo . The plane was scheduled to fly from Mexico City , Mexico , to Seattle on Tuesday , but was diverted to Portland , Oregon , because of thick fog , said Kara Simonds , a spokeswoman for Portland International Airport . In Portland , the passengers were not allowed to exit the plane for four hours because the airport did not have enough customs agents to process them , according to CNN affiliate KING . KING also reported several passengers became so angry that police boarded the plane and told them to stay there or be arrested . Fire officials tried to calm down the outraged passengers by providing them with burgers from a local fast-food restaurant during their wait , Simonds said . Passengers were then flown back to Mexico City after officials could not solve the issue with customs agents , Simonds said . Seattle residents Mike and Karin Kuntz said they had a good vacation in Mexico , but it went downhill after they tried to get home . `` We had a wonderful time , everything went great . Then the flight home turned into a nightmare , '' Karin Kuntz told KING . `` We just felt like we were hostages -- that we , as passengers , had no rights . '' Karin Kuntz said she was concerned about the pilot 's fatigue and the safety . `` Can he fly back ? Is he logged in ? How many hours does he have , '' she said . `` No one seemed to be concerned about putting us back on that plane for all that time and that poor tired pilot . '' The couple said they waited in the airport in Mexico City for 10 hours before getting a flight back to Seattle on Wednesday night . It is unclear whether other passengers on the flight were able to get to their destination . Representatives from Aeromexico said they were investigating the situation and issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience . `` We will seek an explanation about why the customs agents were not available to assist the plane and its passengers in Portland , '' the statement said . `` We will also take appropriate steps to thank the passengers who were inconvenienced by this situation for their patience . '' However , the ordeal did not end for the Kuntzes when they reached Seattle . `` They lost one of our bags , '' Mike Kuntz said . It is unclear if other passengers on the flight were able to get to their destination . Representatives from Aeromexico said they were investigating the situation and planned to release a statement . CNN 's Amanda O'Donnell contributed to this report .
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Mexico City , Mexico , flight bound for Seattle , Washington , diverted due to heavy fog . Flight returns to Mexico after customs agents ca n't process all passengers . Representatives with Aeromexico plan to investigate situation .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United States has spent more than $ 1 trillion on wars since the September 11 , 2001 , terror attacks , a recently released Congressional report says . Adjusting for inflation , the outlays for conflicts in Afghanistan , Iraq and elsewhere around the world make the `` war on terrorism '' second only to World War II . The report `` Cost of Major U.S. Wars '' by the Congressional Research Service attempts to compare war costs over a more than 230-year period -- from the American Revolution to the current day -- noting the difficulties associated with such a task . Since the the 9/11 terror attacks , the United States has spent an estimated $ 1.15 trillion . World War II cost $ 4.1 trillion when converted to current dollars , although the tab in the 1940s was $ 296 billion . World War II consumed a massive 36 percent of America 's gross domestic product -- a broad measurement of the country 's economic output . The post-9 / 11 cost of the conflicts is about 1 percent of GDP . Comparisons of costs of wars over a 230-year period , however , are inherently problematic , the report says . `` One problem is how to separate costs of military operations from costs of forces in peacetime . In recent years , the DOD -LRB- Department of Defense -RRB- has tried to identify the additional ` incremental ' expenses of engaging in military operations , over and above the costs of maintaining standing military forces . '' `` Figures are problematic , as well , because of difficulties in comparing prices from one vastly different era to another , '' according to the report . `` Perhaps a more significant problem is that wars appear more expensive over time as the sophistication and cost of technology advances , both for military and for civilian activities . '' The costs associated with the `` war on terrorism '' could still go much higher . A Congressional Budget Office estimate from 2007 said the cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq could total $ 2.4 trillion by 2017 , more than double the current amount . CNN 's Ed Payne contributed to this story .
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`` War on terrorism '' is second most-expensive war in U.S. history , report says . Adjusted for inflation , World War II cost more than $ 4 trillion . The cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq could total $ 2.4 trillion by 2017 .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A top military official at Walter Reed Army Medical Center has been relieved of duty and charged with knowingly falsifying his personnel records . Command Sgt. Maj. Stoney Crump , the senior enlisted officer for the Medical Center Brigade , had the `` intent to deceive '' when he submitted a false official record incorrectly stating that he had attended several military educational courses , according to the Army charge sheet . Among the courses he is alleged to have attended were Reconnaissance School , Sniper School , ; Drill Sergeant Course , ; U.S. Army Ranger School and several Special Forces schools and courses , the Army charge sheet says . Crump is also charged with falsely stating in a biography he was a registered nurse . Other charges say he knowingly wore up to fifteen service ribbons and awards he was not entitled to wear , including a Marine Corps Combat Action ribbon and a Presidential Unit Citation , which is awarded for an extremely meritorious or heroic act , usually in the face of an armed enemy . In 13 separate counts , Crump is charged under two different sections of the Uniform Code of Military Justice . This opens the door to a possible court martial proceeding . The alleged falsification of his records and biography date back to 2007 when Crump was stationed in Germany and has continued until April of this year , according to the charge sheet . As the top enlisted soldier assigned to the Walter Reed medical brigade , Crump would have had continuous contact with wounded troops at the hospital who have won numerous medals and awards in the combat zone .
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Medical brigade 's senior enlisted officer claims to have attended several educational courses . Sgt. Maj. Stoney Crump may face court martial . Crump is also charged with wearing as many as 15 service ribbons he is n't entitled to wear .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Texas bus driver has filed a lawsuit against his former employer , claiming he was fired for his religious beliefs after refusing to transport a client to a Planned Parenthood office , court documents showed Wednesday . Edwin A. Graning worked for the Capital Area Rural Transportation System -LRB- CARTS -RRB- near Austin , Texas , for less than a year before he was let go in January . At the time , he told his supervisor that , `` in good conscience , he could not take someone to have an abortion , '' according to the lawsuit . Graning is an ordained Christian minister . Planned Parenthood , a health care provider that offers a range of medical services to women , including those related to abortion , often draws the ire of anti-abortion groups in the United States , where the procedure is legal but fiercely controversial . Graning 's last day of employment was the same day he refused service . He is seeking reinstatement , back pay , and compensatory damages for pain , suffering and emotional distress . `` It 's only because he voiced his religions beliefs that he was canned , '' Edward White III , Graning 's lawyer , told CNN . `` Employers have a legal responsibility to at least attempt to accommodate an employee 's religious beliefs . ... CARTS clearly violated Mr. Graning 's religious freedom . '' White , who works for a public interest law group founded by evangelical Christian leader Pat Robertson , said CARTS sent a second driver to collect the client and took her and a friend to the Planned Parenthood office . `` While others may wish to make more of it , to CARTS this is just about our expectation that employees perform the duties they are hired for , '' David Marsh , general manager of CARTS , said in an e-mail message to CNN . In addition to rides along fixed routes , CARTS offers some door-to-door service within its rural coverage area . The lawsuit , in the U.S. District Court for western Texas , Austin Division , was filed on July 14 .
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Minister says he lost his job after he refused to `` take someone to have an abortion '' He had been assigned to drive a woman to a Planned Parenthood office . Planned Parenthood provides a range of services , including those related to abortion .
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Baluchistan , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Pakistan is taking a page from America 's counterinsurgency playbook in trying to win the hearts and the minds of those who might otherwise join Taliban militants or Balochistan nationalists against its military . Balochistan province -- Pakistan 's largest and one of its most troubled -- is home to a nationalist insurgency and an increasingly violent Taliban presence . The sight of Baloch troops marching in the Pakistani army might have been unimaginable three years ago , but recruits are now training to fight for the army , not against it . More than 3,500 such troops have been recruited since 2007 , commanders say . `` The whole exercise is to integrate the Balochi youth , '' said Gen. Athar Abbas , a Pakistani army spokesman . `` If you encourage people all over the province to join the army and the state system ... that is going to diffuse whatever insurgency is left in these parts . '' Part of that encouragement includes education . At an army engineering school , free courses are given to hundreds of civilian students . The coursework includes time in a computer , filling an education gap the government ca n't . `` We are established since the inception of Pakistan and we have more expertise and variety here , '' said Brig. Jamil Sarwar Malik . The army also has made inroads by opening schools . When earthquakes hit the province two years ago , the army rushed in to help , but then stayed and boosted their popularity with a rebuilding program in the absence of government reconstruction . The army said its soldiers gave up a day 's pay , more than a million dollars , to build a school . The sum of their efforts have built 25 schools , 12 mosques and four health clinics . After nearly a quarter century , the army has reopened mines that were closed , while warring tribes fought because the central government was keeping the profits . The alienation led to calls for independence -- the Balochistan nationalist movement . With the mines open , $ 75 million dollars worth of coal has been extracted so far , with $ 16 billion dollars worth still underground . `` It is being spent overwhelmingly -- over 80 to 90 percent -- on the area itself , '' for residents , for the children and for future generations , said Abbas . But siding with the military can come at a cost . Tribal leader Rab Nawaz Zing said he 's been attacked 18 times for supporting the army . He blames other tribal chiefs . `` If you want schools , you get shot , '' he said . `` They say we do n't need health centers and roads . '' While the counterinsurgency is making progress , the military acknowledges that it will take many more years of its best efforts to turn the tide and make the Taliban and nationalist ambitions a thing of the past .
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Balochistan province is home to nationalist sentiments and Taliban violence . The army is recruiting Baloch residents to join its fighting force . Improved living conditions are part of the military 's plan to win support .
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New Orleans , Louisiana -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Even though Hurricane Alex was headed away from the site of the massive BP oil spill Wednesday , it was affecting containment and collection efforts on multiple fronts , Coast Guard officials said . Alex , upgraded from a tropical storm late Tuesday , was causing heavy seas throughout the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday . That had several major consequences : Oil skimming ships had to return to shore , containment booms were thrown asunder and efforts to burn oil on the surface and break it down through dispersants were put on hold , along with efforts to position a third ship to collect oil at the spill site . `` Until the weather subsides , all we can do is have everything ready to attack and remove this oil once we have weather that 's more conducive , '' said Rear Adm. Paul Zukunft , who delivered a briefing for the Coast Guard on Wednesday . `` We 've been held hostage for the last two days due to the prevailing weather , '' he said . Alex -- the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season -- was picking up speed and coming ashore in an unpopulated area of northeastern Mexico , some 100 miles south of the Texas border . It is a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 100 mph . But even though the center of the storm is more than 600 miles from the spill site , it is producing high seas where the oil is located , according to CNN Meteorologist Chad Myers . Winds are 15 to 20 mph at the spill site , producing waves 6 to 8 feet high , he said . That poses a problem for the skimmers , Zukunft said . `` When seas get over 3 feet high , the skimmers become ineffective . They wind up gathering water and not oil , '' he said . More than 500 skimmers , from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle , have been forced to return to shore . Also on hold : setting up another ship to contain oil at the spill site . BP has two vessels , the Discoverer Enterprise and the Q4000 , that are being used to contain oil . The company had hoped to bring in a third Tuesday called the Helix Producer , which would increase total containment capability to 53,000 barrels of oil per day . But crews need seas of less than 4 feet to make a connection to a coupler below the surface , according to Zukunft . BP now is aiming to complete the job by July 7 , he said . The Coast Guard official said the seas also have disrupted containment booms , meant to limit the amount of oil reaching shore . He said officials will be making an aerial survey of the situation Thursday . One thing that has not been affected -- BP 's effort to drill relief wells down to the area where oil is leaking . Weather would have to be very severe to affect that , according to Zukunft , and at this point , BP said it is on track to reach the area in August . The storm also is having an impact on where the massive oil spill is flowing . Previously , some oil had been reaching Pensacola Beach in Florida , but the storm 's prevailing southeast winds have drawn it more toward the environmentally sensitive Mississippi and Chandeleur sounds , off the coast of Mississippi and Louisiana , Zukunft said . Myers said that 's because the storm winds are moving counterclockwise in a huge arc . The strong winds are expected to blow for about three days , pushing the oil back to shore in the area where there already have been dramatic pictures of oil-drenched birds . The Coast Guard briefing came on a day of change for the service branch , as Adm. Thad Allen , who has been overseeing the cleanup effort for the government , officially retired from the Coast Guard . Allen will continue as the national incident commander for the spill , but as a civilian . The move was announced by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano , who said in a statement , `` I commend Adm. Allen for nearly 40 years of dedicated military service in the Coast Guard . Throughout his career , our nation has turned to Thad Allen for leadership at times of great crisis , and this is one of those times . '' She continued , `` Thad Allen has provided excellent leadership as the national commander of our massive response to the largest environmental disaster in our nation 's history , and he will continue to leverage his decades of experience in civilian duty as the national incident commander for this spill . '' Adm. Robert Papp was sworn in as Coast Guard commandant on May 24 , when Allen left the Coast Guard 's top post as previously planned , to serve solely as national incident commander on the Gulf spill . Meanwhile , authorities also were busy preparing for future storms . Planners with the Louisiana governor 's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness this week created a hurricane evacuation plan with BP , said the office 's director , Mark Cooper . The plan , applicable for the entire hurricane season -- which ends November 30 -- calls for BP 's thousands of workers to leave the Louisiana coast at least 16 hours before officials begin evacuating residents . `` We ca n't have BP blocking our roadways with equipment and personnel , '' said Cooper . It also designates 700 buses to be used only by disabled residents and calls for BP to be back on the scene combating the spill within 72 hours after a hurricane , said Cooper . Researchers have estimated that between 35,000 barrels -LRB- about 1.5 million gallons -RRB- and 60,000 barrels -LRB- about 2.5 million gallons -RRB- of oil are gushing into the gulf every day . CNN 's Ashley Fantz and Vivian Kuo contributed to this report .
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NEW : Hurricane Alex hits shore in Mexico , 100 miles south of Texas border . CNN Meteorologist Chad Myers says winds to push oil ashore for next three days . Heavy seas affect cleanup and containment on several fronts . Zukunft : Skimming task forces returned to shore .
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New Orleans , Louisiana -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A dual-pronged effort to stop the oil gushing from BP 's runaway well in the Gulf of Mexico shows promise for this weekend , the head of the government 's response team said Friday . But things are likely to get worse before they improve . Late Friday , Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said in a statement that he and Energy Secretary Steven Chu had approved BP 's plan to install an oil-recovery vessel , the Helix Producer , at the same time that a new cap is placed over the well , `` which will require temporary suspension of the current top-hat containment system . '' During the seven to 10 days that it will take to switch the caps , the 15,000 barrels of oil that the Discoverer Enterprise ship has been collecting daily are expected to flow unimpeded into the water , he said . Allen said he approved the plan in order to take advantage of favorable weather predicted for coming days and because , once the switch is complete , the resulting capacity to contain oil `` will be far greater than the capabilities we have achieved using current systems . '' BP spokesman Mark Proegler called it the `` capping stack , '' which he described as a larger , better-fitting seal than the one currently covering the well . The latter cap `` can be removed quite quickly '' and BP will start replacing it with the `` sealing cap '' on Saturday , he said . If successful , the operation could halt the gushing that started April 20 after an explosion that killed 11 people on the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf . But any such fix would be temporary , he said . The permanent solution would still be completion of a relief well , he added . Scientists have estimated 35,000 to 60,000 barrels of oil are spewing daily from BP 's breached Macondo well . They have been basing their estimates on high-resolution video and data from acoustic devices used to measure density . But Allen said that , once the long-term containment cap is in place , scientists will for the first time have the empirical data they need to determine the true flow rate . `` I would think once the capping device is on , we would get the most accurate flow rate to date , '' he said . Switching the containment cap could increase the amount of oil collected each day to 60,000 to 80,000 barrels , Allen said . Under a new alignment , four vessels would participate in oil recovery , one more than the three currently involved . In a separate advance , federal responders expressed optimism Friday about a new aerial weapon in their arsenal . A 178-foot U.S. Navy blimp , the MZ-3A , was flown from New Orleans to Mobile , Alabama , to be used to survey the disaster area as soon as Saturday , depending on the weather . Officials said they hope surveys from the blimp will help them cut the time needed to get skimmers to the scene of oil slicks . `` Having something at a low altitude that can stay on scene a very long time is extremely valuable , '' Allen said . `` We are anxious to see how it works . '' The first relief well BP is drilling in the Gulf of Mexico could intercept the leaking Macondo well in seven to 10 days , Allen said Thursday . But the time it will take to seal the well will depend on `` where the oil is coming up through , where they can intercept , where they can put the mud in , where they can put the cement plug , '' he said . Also Friday , the president 's Oil Spill Commission said it is hiring Richard A. Sears , a deepwater drilling expert with 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and academia , to serve as its science adviser . The commission , comprising seven members appointed by President Barack Obama , will hold public meetings Monday and Tuesday in New Orleans . It is charged with determining the causes of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and recommending changes in policies and law to prevent any such future calamities . Commission spokesman Pete Nelson said the commission is also hiring Jay Hakes as its research director . Hakes , an alumnus of the Carter administration , served as director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum and headed the Energy Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Energy during the 1990s . CNN 's Sanjay Gupta , Vivian Kuo and Aaron Cooper contributed to this report .
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NEW : Allen and Chu approve BP plan to switch caps . NEW : switch will take 7 to 10 days during which oil will flow unimpeded . Oil spill commission hires 2 new experts . Work on replacing the cap is to begin Saturday .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Afghanistan commander whose career ended after a controversial profile in Rolling Stone magazine joked about his predicament and his post-military life at his retirement ceremony Friday in Washington . `` For those here tonight that feel the need to contradict my memories with the truth , remember I was there , too . I have stories on all of you , photos on many , and I know a Rolling Stone reporter , '' Gen. Stanley McChrystal said , poking at the reason for his forced retirement . McChrystal 's illustrious career came to an abrupt end when he resigned as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan after he and his staff were quoted in a Rolling Stone magazine article criticizing and mocking key administration officials . McChrystal collected his medals and verbal commendations from the top men of the military , White House and the Afghanistan ambassador with a bittersweet smile . `` I left a mission I felt strongly about . I ended a career I love that began over 38 years ago . I left unfulfilled commitments I made to many comrades in the fight -- commitments I hold sacred , '' he said . `` My service did not end as I would have wished . '' But , McChrystal said , he and his wife , Annie , will approach the future with `` hope and iPhones . '' He said the couple had spent some years apart but were now reconnected , aided by new technologies like Skype . The West Point graduate and former Green Beret was a senior official for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Adm. Mike Mullen . Between 2003 and 2008 , he was the commander of the highly clandestine Joint Special Operations Command , which oversees the military 's most sensitive forces , including the Army 's Delta Force . `` We say goodbye to Stan McChrystal today with pride and sadness , '' Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said at the ceremony . `` Pride for the remarkable roster of achievement that he has compiled as a man and a soldier . Sadness that our comrade and his prodigious talents are leaving us . '' Said Jawad , ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States , thanked McChrystal for what he had done for his country and said `` a number of Afghans would call him a friend . '' In 2009 , Defense Secretary Robert Gates asked for the resignation of Gen. David D. McKiernan , the former U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan . McChrystal would have `` fresh eyes on the problem '' in Afghanistan , Gates said at the time . President Barack Obama tapped McChrystal in June 2009 to be the top commander in Afghanistan . McChrystal was known for his discretion and keeping the media at arms length . That perception was shattered when the infamous Rolling Stone article came out in June . He did not directly criticize Obama in the article , but reporter Michael Hastings writes that the general and Obama `` failed from the outset to connect '' after the president took office . Sources familiar with their first meeting said McChrystal thought Obama looked `` uncomfortable and intimidated '' by the room full of top military officials , according to the article . The journalist wrote that an unnamed aide to McChrystal mocked Vice President Joe Biden . McChrystal did not deny the article 's accuracy . In a statement , he called the comments `` a mistake '' and apologized for `` poor judgment . '' McChrystal said that the relationships developed in his career were the most important to him , which he said he would honor with two beer kegs after the ceremony at Fort McNair . He extended the the invitation to everyone present .
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NEW : Defense secretary lauds general 's talents , service . Stanley McChrystal jokes about the sudden end to his military career . McChrystal stepped down after controversial magazine article . He is characterized as mocking part of Obama 's administration in the article .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rafael Nadal reversed the trend of big name exits in the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami , but the Spaniard had to fight back from dropping the opening set before edging past Argentine David Nalbandian on Sunday . Nadal , who was given a first round bye , recovered from losing an opening tie-break to defeat his opponent 6-7 6-2 6-2 , setting-up a fourth round showdown with compatriot David Ferrer . Speaking to the official ATP Tour Web site , Nadal said : `` When you go on court against a player with his talent , you are always a little bit scared what will happen . `` I think having a long first set was better for me than for him . I felt he was a little bit more tired than me . He started to make more mistakes , and it was a little bit easier for me to play . Sixth seed Andy Roddick is also safely through -- with the home favorite in spectacular form as he crushed Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine 6-2 6-1 in just 55 minutes . Eighth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France beat Germany 's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2 7-5 and he next faces 12th seed Juan Carlos Ferrero for a quarterfinal place . Second seed Novak Djokovic and defending champion Andy Murray are among the big names to have already departed the event . Meanwhile , in the women 's draw , Kim Clijsters -- who is only seeded 14th for the event -- crushed 17th-seed Shahar Peer 6-0 6-1 in just 51 minutes . The Belgian was joined in the next round by compatriot and wildcard Justine Henin , although the former world number one was made to battle a bit harder before edging past Dominika Cibulkova 6-4 6-4 . Second seed Caroline Wozniacki is also through , although the Dane had to fight back from a dismal opening set to defeat Maria Kirilenko 1-6 6-1 6-4 , while seventh seed Jelena Jankovic was another women 's seed to progress .
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Rafael Nadal is through to the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami . Andy Roddick and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga are other players to progress on Sunday . Belgian pair Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin both win their matches in women 's draw .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Top seed Novak Djokovic suffered a shock semifinal defeat to Fernando Verdasco on Saturday to end his hopes of avenging last year 's loss to Rafael Nadal in the Monte Carlo Masters title match . While Nadal moved a step closer to his sixth successive triumph at the opening event of the European claycourt season in Monaco with a 6-2 6-3 win over fellow Spaniard David Ferrer , world No. 2 Djokovic crashed to a 6-2 6-2 reverse against sixth seed Verdasco . `` I was n't moving well , I was n't feeling well on the court -- it was a bad day , '' Djokovic told reporters . Verdasco , who has not beaten his compatriot Nadal in nine encounters , needed little over an hour and a half to overcome the Serbian , who had returned to form this week after a disappointing time in his past two hardcourt events in the United States . `` I want to be the one to break Nadal 's streak , '' Verdasco told reporters . `` I tried to use my forehand well against Djokovic and make him really play . This will be my first final in Monte Carlo and I 'm really excited . '' Nadal took only 76 minutes to reach his 49th final on the ATP Tour with a comfortable victory against 11th seed Ferrer . His last defeat at the Monte Carlo Country Club came as a 16-year-old against Guillermo Coria in 2003 , and he has lost only six career matches out of 164 on his favored clay surface . Former world No. 1 Nadal has not won a tournament in 11 months after a year wrecked by injuries . But he now has the chance to equal the record of six Monte Carlo titles held by Englishman Reggie Doherty , who triumphed in 1897-99 and 1902-04 . Nadal was happy to make it through to final after falling in the last four in his previous Masters events in Miami and Indian Wells . `` I 'm playing very well , I had a very good match today . The last two games , I was a little bit more nervous than usual because I lost two semifinals in a row , '' he told reporters . `` But for the rest , I think I played a very , very complete match . It 's great to start the clay season like this . I 'm playing well and I 'm very happy with my game . ''
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Fernando Verdasco stuns top seed Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-2 in Monte Carlo semifinals . Verdasco will face five-time defending champion Rafael Nadal in Sunday 's final . World No. 3 Nadal progresses with 6-2 6-3 win over fellow Spaniard David Ferrer . Djokovic was beaten in final last year by Nadal , who has not lost there since 2003 .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rafael Nadal will meet Andy Murray in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after beating Ivo Karlovic 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-4 . The Spaniard faced a tough challenge as Karlovic , known for his big serve , rained down 28 aces during the match , compared to Nadal 's two . However , the world No. 2 showed his class by only committing 15 unforced errors , compared to the Croatian 's 42 . Murray earned his match with Nadal after earlier defeating John Isner 7-6 6-3 6-2 . `` Murray is very good , he 's one of the most talented players on tour , '' Nadal told the Australian Open Web site when quizzed about their upcoming meeting . `` He can play offensive , he can play defensive . He can do a lot of things during the same match ... He 's a very important player . '' On Saturday , Roger Federer booked his place in the last 16 of the Australian Open after a routine straight sets win over Spain 's Albert Montanes to set up a match with home favourite Lleyton Hewitt . The world number one was relatively untroubled as claimed a 6-3 , 6-4 , 6-4 victory over Montanes and felt his serve proved to be crucial factor in the victory . `` I thought it was dominated from my side with my serve , which allowed me then to take chance on the return , '' Federer told the Australian Open Web site . `` It was a pretty straightforward match , really . I do n't remember him having any breakpoints . He was playing tough from the baseline and making it hard . I 'm happy with the match and was able to serve it out , so it was good . '' Federer will now turn his attention to Australian Hewitt who led Marcos Baghdatis 6-0 4-2 before the Cypriot was forced to retire with a shoulder injury . Third seed Novak Djokovic thrashed Denis Istomin 6-1 6-1 6-2 , while sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko claimed a 6-0 6-3 6-4 victory over Juan Monaco . Davydenko 's fourth-round opponent will be Spaniard Fernando Verdasco , who advanced when Stefan Koubek of Austria retired due to sickness after losing the first set 6-1 . France 's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga , who was a beaten finalist in 2008 , came from a break down in the fourth set to beat Tommy Haas 6-4 3-6 6-1 7-5 . .
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Rafael Nadal to meet Andy Murray in quarter-finals of Australian Open after beating Ivo Karlovic 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-4 . Roger Federer sets up a last-16 encounter with Lleyton Hewitt at the Australian Open after a routine victory over Albert Montanes . Fourth seed Juan Martin Del Potro and seventh seed Andy Roddick are also through after they win in four sets . Fifth seed Andy Murray cruises into fourth round and is on course to face Nadal in the quarterfinals .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are both through to the last four of the Madrid Masters , although they enjoyed vastly differing victories on Friday . Second seed Nadal defeated Gael Monflis in straight sets , to book his place against compatriot Nicolas Almagro . Nadal outclassed Frenchman Monfils 6-1 6-3 in just 79 minutes and remains on course to regain his world number two ranking next week after a stunning start to his clay-court season . The Spaniard is aiming for his third consecutive clay-court title this year and record 18th ATP Masters success of his career . Earlier in the day , Almagro needed under an hour to dispose of Austria 's Jurgen Melzer 6-3 6-1 , to reach his first-ever masters tournament semifinal . Meanwhile , Federer clinched a revenge win over Latvian Ernests Gulbis , who beat the Swiss maestro in Rome three weeks ago . Defending champion and top seed Federer fought back to win 3-6 6-1 6-4 and will face either Andy Murray or David Ferrer for a place in Sunday 's final . `` I knew it would be a tough match after losing to him in Rome , '' Federer told reporters . `` I was always a bit worried . I got off to a slow start in the first set and paid the price . In the second I recovered and won six games in a row and got on a roll . ''
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Top two seeds Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal reach Madrid Masters semis . Federer defeats Ernests Gulbis in three sets while Nadal sees off Gael Monfils . Federer 's win over Gulbis avenged his defeat at the hands of the Latvian in Rome .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jacob Zuma insists the World Cup has already brought South Africa closer together , five days before the tournament begins . The South African president says football fervor has gripped the nation ahead of the opening on game on Friday , which sees South Africa take on Mexico at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg . And Zuma is hoping the month-long competition can have the same benefit for the nation as the Rugby World Cup did in 1995 . `` The enthusiasm , joy and excitement that has engulfed the entire nation in recent weeks has not been witnessed since president Nelson Mandela was released from prison -LSB- in 1990 -RSB- , '' Zuma told a press conference . `` The explosion of national pride has been a priceless benefit . It 's clear that millions of our people look upon this tournament with hope , pride and sense of belonging . `` The South African flag has become the most popular item on the shopping list of South Africans and this augurs well for our nation-building . '' The build-up to the World Cup has been dominated by speculation that the host stadiums may not be completed in time , or that the necessary infrastructure may not be in place , but Zuma has declared the country ready to host one of the world 's biggest sporting events . `` We are truly pleased and humbled to host the world in our country for this historical and extraordinary event . South Africa is more than ready . For us the World Cup has already begun . '' Zuma and FIFA president Sepp Blatter also paid tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela , and the role he played in securing Africa 's first World Cup . `` At this point it is proper for me to acknowledge and thank our founding president and icon , Nelson Mandela , for his visionary leadership and statesmanship , '' said Zuma . `` He also worked hard personally to bring us to this glorious moment . He would love to be there . Whether he will be there on the day depends entirely on the former president . . `` If he did not appear , we would understand . If he is there , it will be a bonus for this tournament . We wish he would be there . ''
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South African president Jacob Zuma insists the World Cup is uniting the nation . Zuma says the national pride on show is of `` priceless benefit '' The World Cup begins on Friday when South African play Mexico . Zuma says he hopes former president Nelson Mandela will attend the World Cup .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Defending champion Rafael Nadal cruised into the third round of the clay-court Rome Masters event with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Philipp Kohlshreiber . The world number three , seeking his fifth title in six years in the Italian capital , made just 11 unforced errors , compared to 28 by the German . Nadal , 23 , broke his opponent 's serve twice in a one-sided first set . The German world number 29 improved in the second set and missed a chance to take a 3-2 lead when he wasted his only break point of the match . Nadal , who has only ever lost once at the Rome Masters , broke in the next game and pressed on to take the match . Elsewhere , fifth seed Robin Soderling of Sweden beat Italian wild card Paolo Lorenzi 6-1 7-5 to reach the third round . The Swede smashed 32 winners as he wrapped up victory in less than one and a quarter hours . Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain also progressed with a 6-2 6-3 win over former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion Lleyton Hewitt . Second seed Novak Djokovic and fourth seed Andy Murray both reached the third round on Tuesday while world number one Roger Federer crashed out to Latvian Ernests Gulbis .
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Rafael Nadal beats Philipp Kohlshreiber to reach third round of Rome Masters . The Spaniard wins 6-1 6-3 to stay on course for fifth Rome title in sixth years . Robin Soderling and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez also reach third round .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The news of intense drug-related violence out of Jamaica is shocking and dreadful but entirely predictable . Wherever the war on drugs touches down , death and destruction result . A recent target is Kingston , Jamaica . When law enforcement attempted to smoke out Christopher `` Dudus '' Coke , wanted in the U.S. for conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine and to traffic in firearms , scores of people died in the urban warfare . The death toll reached 73 civilians as Jamaicans were caught in the crossfire between police , soldiers and armed thugs . Rival drug gangs used the confusion to eliminate their enemies and further ratchet up the violence . Coke has since agreed to surrender to officials in New York , because he `` feels it is in his best interest to be taken to the U.S. rather than to a Jamaican jail , '' sources told the Jamaican Observer , but not before scores of people died . Given that the scenes of violence between rival drug gangs are so common , people often fail to consider the factors that fuel this violence . The reality is that Jamaicans are just the latest victims in a misguided and expensive war that has taken countless thousands of lives , from the streets of New York to the slums and shantytowns of Colombia , Mexico and other third-world nations . In more than four decades since former U.S. President Nixon first declared America 's `` war on drugs , '' the battles against spreading disease , increasing violence and the ongoing destruction of families and neighborhoods have been lost . Mexico , a country all too familiar with violence as a way of life , is today a stark example of how crackdowns on drug cartels by American and local law enforcement agencies have utterly failed . The horrible drug-related violence in Mexico was intensified by President Felipe Calderón , with strong U.S. support . This crackdown has resulted in about 23,000 drug-related deaths across the country since 2006 . The bloodiest war has been fought in Juárez , a besieged city of 1.3 million on the U.S. border , where 5,100 people have been killed since 2008 . The global drug war has created a massive illicit market with an estimated annual value of $ 320 billion . In April , the newly created International Centre for Science in Drug Policy , of which I am founder , released a review of every English-language study to examine the link between drug law enforcement and violence . The review clearly demonstrates that the astronomical profits created by drug prohibition drive organized crime and its related violence . Several studies included in the report suggested that law enforcement 's removal of key players from the drug trade , such as Christopher Coke , only creates power vacuums that lead to violent and deadly competition . Many victims are not involved in the drug trade , as today 's civilian deaths in Mexico , the U.S. and Kingston 's slums illustrate . The war on drugs has generated a lucrative , cash-rich industry that has -- not surprisingly -- lured poverty-stricken participants from throughout the impoverished third world . In West Africa , entire countries , such as Guinea-Bissau , are at risk of becoming `` narco-states '' as Colombian cocaine traffickers employ West African trade routes to distribute cocaine into destination markets in Europe , Russia and the Middle East . Estimates now suggest that 27 percent of all cocaine destined for Europe is transited through West Africa and is worth more than $ 1.8 billion annually wholesale -- and as much as 10 times that amount at the retail level . Illicit drugs are big business , with the influence and global reach that goes along the ability to create widespread wealth . Another conclusion of the review was the clear evidence that drug law enforcement has failed to reduce the availability of illegal drugs . From a scientific perspective , we must accept that law enforcement will never meaningfully reduce the flow of drugs . Economists know that the drug seizures we see over and over again as part of police photo ops have the perverse effect of making it that much more profitable for someone else to sell drugs . The laws of supply and demand have simply overwhelmed police efforts . With young people reporting that obtaining illicit drugs is easier than getting alcohol or tobacco , the situation could not get much worse . Strong scientific evidence points to the effectiveness of alternative regulatory models established in Portugal , the Netherlands and Switzerland to counter the disastrous consequences of illicit drug use and drug policies . The Cato Institute , a respected U.S. think tank , has released a report on alternative drug policies . Several years ago , Portugal parted ways with the U.S. and decriminalized all drugs so that resources could focus on prevention and treatment of drug use . The report shows Portugal 's policies have dramatically reduced HIV rates as drug addiction has been viewed as a health , rather than criminal justice , problem . In addition , Portugal now has the lowest rates of marijuana use in the European Union , with experts suggesting that the health focus has taken some of the glamour out of illegal drugs . Similarly , the de facto regulation of marijuana in the Netherlands and distribution through licensed coffee shops generates tax revenue for the country rather than profits for organized crime . Interestingly , rates of marijuana use in the Netherlands remain far lower than those in the U.S. Consider this against the backdrop of the mayhem in Mexico , much of which is driven by fighting to control the marijuana export industry . The American `` get tough '' approach , although politically popular in certain circles , has failed to achieve its intended objectives : The supply of illicit drugs has increased , the costs of illicit drugs have dropped , and drug purity has risen . The mounting bloodshed in Mexico and the recent mayhem in Jamaica clearly demonstrate that the U.S. is exporting violence , breaking up families and increasing the taxpayer burden to help fight these fruitless battles . Americans themselves are suffering deeply from these misguided policies . It 's time to just say no to the war on drugs and to implement science-based alternative policy models that are proving effective in other parts of the world . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Evan Wood .
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Evan Wood : Scores killed in Jamaica in attempt to nab suspected drug lord . War on drugs has created a violent underground with billions to be made , Wood says . Thousands of people die and gangs kill for profits , yet drugs get more plentiful , he writes . Wood : Scientific , health-based approach instead of criminal approach works elsewhere .
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Dublin -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The day of the Gen. McChrystal mea culpa last week , an Afghan friend of mine , whom we can call Osman , drove from Kandahar city to his native village . A group of Taliban stopped the car and demanded to search Osman and his companions . This search has become a fact of life since the movement re-established its control over villages in Panjwai , a district in Kandahar province . The head of the armed group was the 20-year-old son of Osman 's tenant farmer . Not far below a superficial politeness , the young Talib fighter deliberately humiliated someone who , according to Kandahari norms , was his senior . New-generation fighters like the tenant tend to be from the poorer families in their tribes , have little education , have no property and have never held a paying job . The Kalashnikov and motorcycle that come with being a Taliban commander and the moral authority of claiming to be waging a jihad have empowered these tribal outsiders . Ironically , a decade ago , Osman was a senior leader in the original Taliban movement and commanded hundreds of such young men . One of the main themes of the counterinsurgency -LRB- COIN -RRB- strategy is a `` population focus . '' A district like the one where Osman lives is today densely populated , unlike during the Soviet occupation . It sits astride a national highway and is a gateway to Kandahar . It is therefore prioritized as `` key terrain . '' According to the `` shape-clear-hold-build '' COIN mantra , NATO is supposed to expel insurgents from Osman 's district and 59 other priority areas . It is supposed to help install Afghan civil administration and security forces and leave them to maintain security and practically assist the population . To make this possible , Afghan security force numbers are to be raised to 400,000 and Afghan government legitimacy , responsiveness and accountability are to be boosted . Unfortunately , none of this is going to happen by 2011 . Success requires more time and political action than backers have been prepared to contemplate . Osman 's encounter with his tenant Taliban gives a clue to the steady supply of insurgent fighters and commanders . Insurgency has become their social niche . Taliban fighters keep on popping up , making good their losses and adapting to the International Security Assistance Force campaign . More global perspectives , images , videos and the latest news at the Afghanistan Crossroads blog . In the face of a resilient insurgency , U.S. and Afghan timelines do not match . The U.S. will review progress against its strategy in late 2010 . But at the end of the year , Afghanistan will look pretty much the same as last year , before the surge . The challenge in dealing with the Afghan government is to encourage the good and forbid the evil . But current strategy contains no silver bullets for delivering a government that the population might consider trustworthy or legitimate . Increased awareness of the problems with a `` kleptocratic '' government has not translated into effective measures to clean it up . Moreover , the insurgency is now self-sustaining . Enough protection money leaks from transport , security and construction contracts to finance thousands of the kind of group that stopped Osman . Meanwhile , the U.S. has also found it very difficult to support the government in a way that delivers resources and backup to administrators and officers on the ground . Another challenge , which is more political than military , is that the insurgents are still able to exploit Pakistan as a haven . Groups like the one that stopped Osman alternate between the battlefield and the haven in Pakistani Baluchistan , only eight hours away . What can be done ? The first challenge is to get the Afghan leadership and the international allies onto the same script . For example , the Afghan leadership insists on holding parliamentary elections in September , even though everyone else knows they would be disastrous for the counterinsurgency objective of boosting government legitimacy . An election held in conditions in which half of the polling station locations are too dangerous for candidate agents , and indeed voters , to visit is likely to lead to another round of rigging and disputes , undermining the credibility of the parliament . This is the kind of disconnect that needs to be overcome . Likewise , reconciliation with the amenable parts of the insurgency will have to be elevated from the status of show or strategic afterthought to become a serious part of the strategy . The strategy will also require some bright new ideas for getting Pakistan on board . A more realistic strategy would have the work of securing much of the key terrain eventually fall to the Afghan National Security Forces . Before the phased hand-over , NATO will secure main cities but probably only a handful of the current prioritized districts . If the U.S. leadership decides to stay engaged , there will have to be a switch to a longer-term post-surge support strategy with more modest objectives , such as securing the cities and main highways rather than all population centers . Renewed U.S. commitment will generate opportunities to convince some of the insurgent leadership that they have no prospect of toppling the Kabul government and might as well strike a deal . In the best of all possible counterinsurgency worlds , the Taliban leadership would abandon al Qaeda and declare its armed jihad over . However , there is little prospect of anyone signing up to such a deal as long as thousands of fighters expect to ride out a time-limited surge , flitting between Panjwai and Baluchistan . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Michael Semple .
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Michael Semple says new crop of Afghan Taliban made bold by guns , jihad authority . Forces face this constant supply of fighters , he says , as well as kleptocratic government . He says COIN goals of forming government and security forces wo n't be reached by 2011 . Semple : Making common cause with reasonable parts of insurgency key to success .
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NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The murder of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu in Tracy , California , has brought America 's Amber Alert program under the microscope . Sandra vanished in broad daylight on March 27 . Surveillance video from that afternoon showed her happily skipping to go play at her friend 's house . After she failed to return home , her family alerted the authorities , but an Amber Alert was not issued . Ten days later , Sandra 's body was found stuffed inside a piece of luggage in an irrigation ditch near her home . The frantic search for the killer may be over , as police arrested Melissa Huckaby on April 10 and charged her with murder . This horrifying case raises the question -- why did n't police issue an Amber Alert when Sandra vanished ? Tracy Police have done an excellent job in this case , but could that have made a difference in saving this girl 's life ? First , we must examine what an Amber Alert does . According to amberalert.gov , the program is a `` partnership between law-enforcement agencies , broadcasters , transportation agencies , and the wireless industry , to activate an urgent bulletin '' and is saved for `` the most serious child abduction cases . '' The goal is to blitz the area with information to spark a community-wide search . Secondarily , the alerts serve as deterrents . Some abductors have actually freed the kidnapped child after hearing or seeing the alert . This happened in California in January when a man abducted an 8-year-old girl . After observing a highway sign broadcasting an Amber Alert for the girl , the suspect dropped the girl off in San Jose before turning himself in to police . In California , where Sandra was murdered , 141 children have been safely recovered as a result of Amber Alerts since 2002 , according to the California Highway Patrol . The Amber Alert Web site claims the program has saved more than 430 children nationwide and that in 2007 , 80 percent of kids alerted were recovered safely within three days . That is incredibly fast and effective -- two words that are n't often used to describe a government program . With such a high success rate , some may wonder why the program is n't used more frequently . A grisly case like the Sandra Cantu murder only intensifies this debate . The main reason for the limited use of the program is that Amber Alert cases must meet very specific criteria . Otherwise , the alerts will be issued too often , creating a `` boy who cried wolf '' scenario . People will become desensitized and stop taking the alerts seriously . After all , Department of Justice reports about 800,000 missing child cases any given year . Very few of those -- slightly more than 100 -- are stereotypical `` kidnappings . '' Over half of the 800,000 are kids who ran away , or simply lost track of time , or are part of custody disputes . But the DOJ 's Amber Alert guidelines are designed to focus on those rare abductions by strangers or slight acquaintances . To maintain this focus , the department recommends that Amber Alerts only be issued when the child is at risk of serious injury or death and law enforcement has sufficient descriptive information about the child , abductor or abductor 's vehicle . Some argue that Sandra 's case met those criteria . But it 's easy to Monday-morning quarterback . The fact is , Tracy Police made a swift arrest and should be applauded . They used the full extent of their resources to try to safely recover Sandra , including dispensing an electronic alert to West Coast law enforcement agencies , heading a massive search effort and speaking to the media . We 'll never know for sure if an Amber Alert would have saved Sandra 's life . Police now say it appears she died before the search even began . Nevertheless , this case does suggest the Amber Alert system can be improved by refining some of the gray areas . For instance , the DOJ has guidelines , but states are free to tweak them . That 's why you 'll often hear law enforcement in some states say they ca n't issue an Amber Alert without a vehicle description , while others do n't follow that rule . All state law enforcement agencies should have to adhere exactly to one set of rules . The guidelines are supposedly in place to minimize delays and confusion between jurisdictions . Well , you know what would really minimize delays and confusion ? A single , uniform system . Secondly , with today 's technology , the Amber Alert program must be expanded . We 're no longer just talking about highway signs and C.B. radio . Agencies should harness GPS and wireless technology , to the point that everyone with a cell phone or BlackBerry will receive a notification when there is an Amber Alert in the area . Lastly , the program is a voluntary partnership . Why not make it mandatory for all agencies that have the capability to use the system ? There is no denying the Amber Alert program is a shining example of how a government initiative is supposed to work . Let 's just make sure we harness its full capabilities . Our children deserve nothing less . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jane Velez-Mitchell .
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Jane Velez-Mitchell : Some ask why no Amber Alert issued for missing Sandra Cantu . She says alerts are only issued in certain clearly defined circumstances . Velez-Mitchell : Amber Alerts have saved many children 's lives . She says the program should be refined to make it even better .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Communities in northeastern Mexico found themselves flooded and isolated Tuesday as Mexico 's National Water Commission tried to manage high levels at area reservoirs due to Hurricane Alex. Servando Lopez Moreno , mayor of Miguel Aleman , Mexico , said that the water commission released water from the nearby El Cuchillo reservoir without warning communities near the river , which flooded homes and crops , the state-run Notimex news agency reported . Miguel Aleman is located in the state of Tamaulipas , near the border with Texas . The mayor said his town was not affected directly by Hurricane Alex , but by the lack of coordination between reservoir managers and local officials . He said that the communities of San Antonio de Reyna , Mexico , and Arcabuz , Mexico , faced flooded homes , ruined sorghum crops and disabled work equipment as well as lack of electricity and phone lines , Notimex reported . There were no fatalities in the flooding , the mayor said . He asked for federal and state authorities to intervene to avoid future problems . In the neighboring state of Nuevo Leon , the effects of Alex were more direct . Some 40,000 Nuevo Leon residents were pushed out of their homes because of the storm , authorities said . The state 's ministry of health announced an emergency program that includes psychological attention to those affected , Notimex reported . The head of the health department , Jesus Zacarias Villarreal , said the psychological services were for those people with anxiety , nervousness and depression as a result of the storm . Alex stormed onshore as a Category 2 Hurricane on June 30 , causing at least six deaths in Nuevo Leon .
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River rose because of water released from reservoir . Mayor says officials did not give residents ample warning about release . 40,000 residents in Nuevo Leon state remain homeless .
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United Nations -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Edward Norton -- Oscar-nominated actor of `` American History X '' and `` Primal Fear '' fame -- is the latest Hollywood star to lend his celebrity status in support of a United Nations cause . Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon named Norton U.N. goodwill ambassador for biodiversity Thursday . `` Edward Norton has brought global star power to global issues -- community development and conservation , causes that are clearly close to his heart , '' Ban said in a statement after appointing Norton . `` It is an issue that I 've been engaged with on many different levels for a number of years , '' Norton said at U.N. Headquarters in New York . `` But it 's very , very exciting to be asked to engage with it on the level of the U.N. with its incredible capacity and reach . '' As opposed to focusing on dated methods of conservation such as setting aside preserved areas of land , Norton said in his new role he would work on addressing human needs , which he said he believes is `` the key to long-term preservation . '' `` People have recognized that fragmenting the ecosystems or creating protected pockets is not actually authentic to the way ecosystems work , '' he said . Norton has been an advocate for many causes , recently helping to launch a social networking platform , Crowdrise , aiming to boost global participation in charitable work . He is also a board member of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust , and ran the New York City Marathon last year , helping to raise over $ 1 million for the trust and local communities in Kenya supported by the group . As biodiversity goodwill ambassador , he will be `` increasing people 's focus on the fact that human well-being is intertwined fundamentally with biodiversity , '' Norton said . `` I think catastrophic events like what 's happening in the Gulf with the oil spill do highlight for people that there is enormous ramification for human well-being through a loss of biodiversity , '' Norton said . Norton is also using his creative talents as a filmmaker to raise conservation awareness . He said his company , Class 5 Films , has worked television projects and on a potential feature film with environmental themes . According to the U.N. , biodiversity is `` essential in sustaining the living networks and systems that provide the world population with health , wealth and food and fuel . '' This year marks the international year of biodiversity for the United Nations . By the end of the year , the U.N. hopes to see a significant reduction in rates of biodiversity loss through practices such as deforestation , excess cultivation and over-fishing that damage the environment and contribute to overall global poverty .
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U.N. secretary-general names actor Edward Norton as goodwill ambassador . Focus will be on biodiversity , including land conservation and preservation . Norton already is advocate for many causes . Oscar-nominated actor 's films include `` American History X , '' `` Primal Fear ''
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- International observers Monday applauded the first free presidential election in Guinea in more than 50 years , saying it was democratic , inclusive and transparent . `` This is the first time since independence that the people of Guinea have had a chance to be regarded as human beings politically , to express themselves politically , '' said Carter Center official John Stremlau , who is in the west African nation as a monitor . `` The people were given the opportunity and conducted themselves on election day with dignity , in an orderly and peaceful way , '' said Stremlau , the vice president of the Carter Center 's peace programs and co-leader of its election observation mission . Results should be available Wednesday , and will almost certainly show a runoff will be required , said Deborah Hakes of the Carter Center . Voters came out in large numbers , they were enthusiastic and often showed great patience , the Carter Center said in a statement . Counting of ballots was transparent , in full view of everyone at polling stations , it added . The country has been ruled by a series of authoritarian and military dictators since it gained independence from France , its former colonial master , in 1958 . The most recent coup came in December 2008 , the day after the death of longtime President Lansana Conte , who himself seized power in 1984 . Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara led the 2008 coup and promised elections and the introduction of civilian rule , but by the following summer it seemed clear that he planned to run for president himself , according to the U.S. State Department . The opposition organized a protest against him in a stadium in the capital Conakry in September 2009 , but the military attacked the demonstrators . At least 150 people were killed , more than 100 were raped and at least 1,000 were injured , according to the U.S. government and international human rights groups . At least 100 bodies were never found , Human Rights Watch said . Camara was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt by an aide in December 2009 , and flown abroad for medical treatment . He survived , but agreed not to return to the country . Minister of Defense Brig. Gen. Sekouba Konate became interim president , paving the way for the elections Sunday . Twenty-four candidates are running for president , including four former prime ministers , according to Human Rights Watch , which has been cautiously optimistic about the vote . `` The Defense Ministry 's promise to keep the military in barracks during the election period , and to back whoever wins is a very positive sign , '' Human Rights Watch said Friday . `` A successful , credible election could finally end over 50 years of authoritarian and abusive rule , '' the activist group said . `` The new president and government will have their work cut out for them , '' HRW 's Corinne Dufka said . `` They should waste no time addressing the deep-rooted causes of years of crisis -- endemic corruption , impunity , crushing poverty , and the inequitable distribution of natural resource wealth . '' The country 's electoral officials , cell phone companies and U.S. embassy have worked together to set up a system where voters can send text messages if they see voter fraud or intimidation , U.S. Ambassador Patricia Newton Moller said . Guinea , a country of about 10 million people , has rich reserves of bauxite , an important aluminum ore -- possibly as much as half the world 's reserves , according to the State Department . It also has gold and diamond mines , and grows rice , coffee , bananas , pineapples and palm products .
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Voting democratic and inclusive , Carter Center says . West African country ruled by authoritarian , military governments for decades . Demonstrators against most recent coup massacred by military , U.S. and human rights group say . More than 150 killed , scores raped in September protest .
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-LRB- The Frisky -RRB- -- It did n't start out this way , but I 'm in a long-distance relationship . Having your boyfriend live 1,300 miles away is n't ideal , but as far as problems in relationships go , things could be much worse : He could be in Australia or I could have caught him cheating on me with various tattooed women after I won an Academy Award and adopted a baby . So , this is n't some sappy , romantic article on ways to `` Survive Your Long-Distance Relationship . '' Here 's the real problem : a third party has entered my relationship , causing fights , miscommunication and anxiety . She 's sleek , sexy and smooth . Her name is ... the iPhone 3G . When your beloved lives a plane ride away , the phone becomes your main source of staying connected , but iPhone -- you are making this a challenge ... am I just supposed to turn the other cheek because you are an otherwise wonderful multi-media device ? Both my boyfriend and I have an iPhone . For those of you who are owners , you know it is notorious for dropping calls , having terrible reception , and overall , they 're really awesome for playing Plants vs. Zombies and Sudoku , but for actual phone use , my five-pound Motorola from 1997 worked better . In all seriousness , these technical difficulties have either caused arguments or added to an already tense moment . For instance , the other day we were having a little argument over GChat , when he all of the sudden logged off -- which , in instant messaging terms , is the equivalent of hanging up the phone or getting the door slammed in your face . OH . NO . HE . DID N'T . But apparently , he had logged off to call me , and my phone did n't even ring . He 's thinking , `` What the hell , pick up the phone ! '' This goes on for a while , until I get a `` voicemail '' notification that he called . I tried calling him back , but none of the phone calls would go through . The final blow was when I got a delayed text from him saying : `` I tried to call you . Where did you go ? '' AHHH ! Eventually , we managed to reach each other and everything was totally fine , but if it were n't for our iPhones , those two hours of anxiety would have never happened . Because so many people have been complaining about the poor service , AT&T has introduced a reception tower to place in your home or office that amps up your reception . Initially , I thought : Yes ! A solution ! But then the bitterness set in . Let me get this straight : I not only paid $ 300 for a `` superior '' phone , I also shell out over $ 100 a month in fees . Now you want me to fork over another $ 150 so I can get service ? I 'm insulted . I 'm still undecided on what to do . I know there is Skype and video chatting , among other sources of technological-aided communication , but I 'm stubborn , and I want to be able to call my boyfriend when I want to . It 's a simple request . So , I guess -- deep in my heart -- I know the solution : I just have to wait for the iPhone 4G to come out . I 'm sure that will solve everything . TM & © 2010 TMV , Inc. | All Rights Reserved .
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The iPhone is notorious for dropping calls and having terrible reception . Technical difficulties have caused arguments and added to already tense moments . AT&T has introduced a reception tower to place in your home or office .
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Jerusalem -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Aid intended for Gaza that was unloaded from a Libyan-backed ship in northern Egypt was sitting in storage Saturday , awaiting transfer , according to the governor of North Sinai . The ship from the Gadhafi foundation , a charity headed by the son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi , docked in Al Arish and began unloading aid Thursday . However , it was taking time to sort out the medical supplies -- a top priority for delivery -- from other aid , Gen. Morad Mowafe told CNN Saturday . Mowafe expected that the aid would arrive in Gaza by Sunday . The ship reached Egypt after sailing from Greece on July 10 with 2,000 tons of aid . It was the latest ship attempting to breach an Israeli naval blockade of the Palestinian territory of Gaza whose captain was persuaded to dock elsewhere instead . The aid includes food , medicine , and construction materials to be taken from the port to the Gaza border about 25 miles -LRB- 42 kilometers -RRB- away . Israel said it must inspect all goods prior to their entering Gaza to ensure that weapons do not get into the hands of militants . Gaza is run by Hamas , the Palestinian Islamist movement . The Gadhafi foundation refers to the ship as the Hope , although it appears to be registered as the MV Amalthea . It is Moldovan-flagged and run by ACA Shipping , based in Greece . Israel came under fierce international criticism after Israeli navy commandos boarded a Gaza-bound Turkish aid ship in May and nine people died . Israel said the activists on that ship attacked its troops when they boarded the boat . The Israeli assault on the Turkish ship reverberated internationally and highlighted the Gaza blockade . Israel has resisted demands for an international inquiry into the incident , but an Israeli military investigation into the boarding of the Mavi Marmara criticized some aspects of the operation . CNN 's Housam Ahmed contributed to this report .
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Supplies from a Libyan-backed ship still being sorted out in Egypt . The ship is carrying aid for Gaza , and is docked at the Egyptian port of Al Arish . The ship attempted to break an Israeli naval blockade of Gaza , but was diverted . Israeli soldiers killed nine activists aboard another aid ship in May .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The man who pleaded guilty in the failed Times Square car bombing said before the incident that the strike would be a `` revenge attack , '' according to an airing Wednesday on an Arabic-language TV network . Al Arabiya showed what it said was a tape of Pakistani-American Faisal Shahzad , who pleaded guilty in June to the attempt . The authenticity of the tape could not immediately be verified , and the person in the video appeared sometime before the May 1 event . The comments , made in English , were translated into Arabic for the news report . He said the `` revenge attack '' will be carried out `` in the name of all the mujahedeen , the fighters and the weak and the oppressed Muslims , '' he said , mentioning Baitullah Mehsud and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi , and Muslims and Arabs who have been martyred . `` I will take revenge on their behalf , inshallah , and I really wish that the hearts of the Muslims will be pleased with this attack inshallah . '' Mehsud was the leader of the Pakistani Taliban , and al-Zarqawi headed al Qaeda in Iraq . `` Eight years have passed with the war in Afghanistan and you will see that the war of the Muslims has just started , and we will show you how Islam will spread throughout the whole world . '' The speaker stressed that `` jihad '' is a prominent pillar of Islam , a term often used to mean `` holy war . '' `` By jihad , Islam is established , Allah 's word is made superior , '' he said . `` By abandoning jihad , may Allah protect us from that , Islam is destroyed and Muslims fall into inferior positions . Their honor is lost , their lands are stolen . Their rule and authority vanish . Jihad is an obligated duty in Islam on every Muslim . '' He said Islam will spread across the world . He said democracy will be defeated as communism was . `` All the other -- isms and -- schisms will be defeated and the word of Allah will be supreme , inshallah . And Muslims are gon na do that . ''
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Arabic-language TV network shows what it says is a tape of Faisal Shahzad . Speaker says the Times Square strike would be a `` revenge attack '' Jihad is extolled in the tape , which mourns militant martyrs . The authenticity of the tape could not immediately be verified .
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Gulu , Uganda -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Mwaka Posiano trekked for miles to watch the World Cup on television -- a first for the teen born in rebel captivity during the decades-long insurgency in Uganda . `` I now know how Robihno and -LRB- Didier -RRB- Drogba look , '' Mwaka said with a beaming smile , referring to top players from Brazil and Ivory Coast , respectively . `` I have seen how they play and run , I want to play like Robinho . '' Mwaka was among about 40,000 mostly-war victims who gathered to watch the World Cup . MTN , the official mobile sponsor of the event , held a public screening in Gulu town in northern Uganda . Before watching the game Sunday , Mwaka and other youth would huddle around a radio in his village to listen to commentaries . `` We 'd rush out of school to ... listen on various radios tuned loudly in shops and quite often we 'd find the match in second half , '' he said . Mwaka , an AIDS orphan , is one of thousands of children rescued from rebel captivity . They tell chilling stories of atrocities experienced in the hands of the rebel Lord 's Resistance Army and government forces , who have been battling for the past 23 years . LRA rebels say they are fighting the government for the establishment of a democracy based on the Bible 's Ten Commandments . But for a moment , albeit briefly , all that is forgotten as the 14-year-old and his peers watch their sports heroes . They do n't have televisions or radios at home . Neighbors with radios only tune in to select matches to save batteries . `` So we were not following it well , our teachers would update us of results every morning , '' Mwaka said . Soccer is a big sport in Africa -- as big as the NFL is in American households . The English premier leagues are especially popular , with boisterous crowds gathering faithfully in city bars to watch games during the season . This year 's World Cup -- the first on African soil -- has sparked a fierce patriotism in the continent . But millions who lack access to radio or television have not shared in the excitement . Intermittent power outages common in Africa add to the woes , forcing financially-struggling residents to watch the games in bars , restaurants and make-shift video halls . `` I have a TV , but I have not watched a single full screening of any game since the World Cup kicked off , mainly due to power cuts , '' said Ben Ochien , 31 . `` I spend Shs 500 -LRB- about 5 U.S. cents -RRB- per match to follow World Cup in video halls ... -LRB- that -RRB- have generators . In a country where the average person survives on less than two dollars a day , the money can add up . The MTN viewing party helped bridge the gap and allowed others to be part of a historic global event . Rural areas are becoming more stable , and as a result are getting more populated , said Dean M. Ravizza , a professor at Salisbury University in Maryland , who was in the area with students on research . This means a large segment of the population is left out during historic events . `` Unfortunately , access to viewing the events that unfold in the World Cup is not much different , '' Ravizza said . In Gulu , the celebration brought a rare moment of unity -- a crowd gathered for a common goal . `` It allowed many of the war victims and their tormentors -- some I know -LRB- former rebels -RRB- -- to get united in excitement , '' said Luke Obongmin , 42 , a truck driver . Ravizza , a professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance , said such events help facilitate conflict resolution and participation . `` Facilitators of sport programs can use teachable moments of conflict in sports to practice strategies for resolution , '' he said . `` These strategies can then be applied to other areas of their homes , school and community to promote peace within the region . '' Most in the crowd , including Mwaka , walked as far as 9 miles -LRB- 15 kilometers -RRB- to watch the game . `` Few who could afford jumped on trucks -- the main form of transport -- and a majority have trekked , '' Obongmin said . The MTN advertised the opportunity by various ways , including drivers circling villages announcing using loudspeakers , a common way of communication in remote areas in Africa . Most people spend Sundays cultivating on their farms , but they came in to share in the excitement , the truck driver said . After the match , Obongmin loaded 40 people in his truck -- all headed to a nearby shopping center , where they would be dropped off to make the trek home . Obongmin started his truck and waved . The noisy chatter of the passengers could be heard over the roaring engine .
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About 40,000 mostly-war victims gather to watch World Cup . Residents trek for miles for public screening . Game sparks fierce patriotism in the continent . `` I want to play like Robinho , '' teen says of top Brazil player .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The oil spill on the Gulf Coast has states and visitors bureaus working hard to keep the public updated and reassure beach-bound travelers . Here are some of the latest updates from destinations affected by the oil disaster : . Northwest Florida . The beaches in Fort Walton Beach , Destin and Okaloosa Island are open to the public and the air quality is good , according to the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau , which represents the three destinations . `` Depending on the wind direction , tar balls may float ashore in Destin or Ft. Walton Beach later in the week , but cleaning crews are standing by , '' the bureau 's website said . Small to moderate-size tar balls continue to wash up on some beaches of south Walton County , but the impact has been isolated and all 15 beach communities remain open , according to the Walton County Tourist Development Council 's website . Meanwhile , small scattered tar balls and oil patches have affected Panama City Beach , but the beaches are open and the swimming is still safe , the area 's visitors bureau website said . `` Our sugary white sand beaches are open for the enjoyment of our guests and , as of now , we are seeing only intermittent impact , '' according to the bureau . iReport : Share your photos of affected beaches . The beaches of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key are open for swimming , but sporadic tar balls and a milky sheen have been reported on Perdido Key , according to the Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau . `` Skimmer vessels respond to reports of oil sightings as needed . In addition , clean-up crews will be working on beaches at night when temperatures are cooler , '' the bureau 's website said . iReport : A slick trip to Perdido Key . Last week , the Escambia County Health Department rescinded a health advisory that had been issued for beaches stretching from the Florida-Alabama border to the entrance of the Perdido Unit of the Gulf Islands National Seashore . Government officials said that there was no oil sheen or oil slick observed in the water from the high-water mark out to 100 yards from shore . Dime-size to 5-inch tar balls continue to wash up in widely scattered areas of northwest Florida , but all of the state 's beaches remain open , according to Visit Florida , the state 's tourism corporation . Gulf Islands National Seashore . All of the Gulf Islands National Seashore sites , which are in Florida and Mississippi , are open , the National Park Service 's website said . But several spots have been affected by the oil spill . On Santa Rosa Island , a clean-up was under way where light mousse -- a frothy oil-water mixture -- made landfall . Significant tar balls washed ashore near Opal Beach and oil sheen was approaching Opal 's shoreline . `` Response efforts include the constant surveillance for oil on the water , '' the website said . Gulf Shores and Orange Beach , Alabama . Gulf Shores and Orange Beach , Alabama , have experienced significant oiling , according to the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau . `` The beaches are open and visitors are still welcome to sunbathe and walk the beach , but we strongly suggest they swim in a pool or enjoy our many off-beach activities , '' the site said . The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued an advisory against swimming in waters off Gulf Shores , Orange Beach and Fort Morgan or in bay waters close to Fort Morgan , Bayou St. John , Terry Cove , Cotton Bayou and Old River . Grand Isle , Louisiana . The oil 's biggest impact in Louisiana is on the portion of the coast from the mouth of the Mississippi River extending east , according to a state emergency website . `` Most of the Louisiana Gulf Coast , 70 percent , is unaffected by the oil spill and remains open for commercial and recreational fishing , '' according to the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau website . Grand Isle has closed its public beach , the site said .
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All of Florida 's beaches are open , including tourist hot spots Panama City and Pensacola . Sporadic tar balls and a milky sheen have been reported on Perdido Key . Health officials have issued advisory against swimming in Alabama Gulf waters .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The West Virginia coal mine where 29 miners died in an explosion in April had a sudden and large inundation of methane gas the day of the accident , the mine owner said Thursday . The level of methane -- an explosive gas -- was almost three times greater than normal , Massey Energy Company said . It is still too early to determine what caused the April 5 explosion , but the methane gas data is a `` very important piece of evidence '' in the ongoing investigation , said Christopher Schemel , a leading explosions expert and a member of the investigation team . Investigators tested data from the mine 's primary ventilation exhaust fan and found the unexpected release of gas was intense and overwhelmed the normal safety systems , the company said . `` To put it in perspective , a methane release of this size would completely fill a 2,000 square-foot house with an explosive atmosphere in under 40 seconds , and could fill the volume of a typical mine entry to explosive levels in under 25 seconds , '' Schemel said . The explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in Naoma , about 30 miles south of Charleston , was the industry 's worst disaster in 40 years . The investigation since then has focused on the mine 's poor safety record and Massey 's response to problems in the past . A preliminary report on the disaster by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration found that the Upper Big Branch mine had `` a significant history of safety issues '' and that the agency was closely monitoring Massey Energy . In 2009 , federal inspectors issued 515 citations and orders at the Upper Big Branch mine , with 39 percent of them for `` significant and substantial '' violations . More than 50 of the citations were for problems that the operators knew about but had not corrected , according to federal mine safety records . Thirty-one men were working in the mine when the explosion happened on a Monday afternoon . Most of the blast victims were working in an area where long wall cutting was taking place . The technique uses a large grinder to extract the coal and creates large amounts of coal dust and methane gas , both of which are explosive . Recovery crews found some of the bodies in a section of the mine where readings showed high levels of gases , and the crews needed breathing gear to enter , said Jama Jarrett , spokeswoman for the West Virginia Office of Miners ' Health , Safety and Training . Rescuers had to use high-pressure fans to pull the toxic air through holes to the surface . CNN 's Melissa Gray contributed to this report .
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NEW : The explosion was the mining industry 's worst disaster in 40 years . The West Virginia mine that exploded in April had a sudden influx of methane . It 's too soon to say whether the gas caused the explosion , investigators say . The release of methane was almost three times greater than normal .
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Colombo , Sri Lanka -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Sri Lanka politician ended his `` fast unto death '' on Saturday when the nation 's president gave him water and an ambulance rushed him to a hospital . Wimal Weerawansa , who had been the construction minister and is currently a member of parliament , was on his fourth day of the fast amid protests against the United Nations . He said he would go without food until U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon dissolves a three-member panel looking into human rights abuses in the final stages of a decades-long war that ended in 2009 between the government and the Tamil Tiger rebels . During the fast , Weerawansa 's Cabinet colleagues visited him in a special tent outside the U.N. compound in Colombo . He was on a mattress on a specially-constructed dais protected by plain-clothed security . Visits by ministers signaled government backing for Weerawansa 's protest against the United Nations . Doctors warned Weerawansa earlier Saturday that his condition was worsening and administered saline to him . President Mahinda Rajapaksa walked up the dais and gave a bottle of water to Weerawansa . He was then taken to a hospital . The event was shown on local TV and has been widely reported . The United Nations and other countries have expressed dismay at the blockade of the U.N. compound and Weerawansa 's leading role in the protest . The U.N. office continued to function with limited staff . The United Nations has been concerned about accountability issues related to the rebels ' defeat , including alleged war crimes by troops and rebels -- allegations that both parties deny . Weerawansa has said Ban intends to bring the Sri Lankan president before a war crimes tribunal . `` We will not allow that to happen , '' Weerawansa told a news conference earlier in the week . Weerawansa resigned his ministerial portfolio yesterday on Friday , but government sources say he will be sworn in again .
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Former Cabinet member ends ` fast unto death ' Ambulance rushes him to hospital . Protesters dislike U.N. panel looking into abuses during war .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As oil began approaching the coast of the United States , environmental scientists said the effects of the spill in the Gulf of Mexico could have ecological and biological consequences for years , if not decades . The intricate ecosystem is a major source of seafood for the United States and hundreds of species of animals and plants are at risk , experts said . Some areas in the path of the slick are particularly sensitive to problems because unlike the rocky coast of Alaska hit by oil from the Exxon Valdez disaster , much of the coastline that will be hit by the BP spill consists of marshy areas where the water is calmer and more difficult to clean . The marshes are in extreme danger , said a biologist with the University of Houston who studies coastal wetlands . `` It 's likely going to persist for decades because it will get into the marsh where there is very little wave action and the soil is oxygen poor , '' said Steve Pennings . `` The immediate acute impact might not be that severe because there is not much oil getting to a certain spot , but because the oil might stick around -LSB- in the sediment -RSB- for 20 years you might have a real chronic effect . '' The oil spill started April 20 after an explosion on the BP-operated Deepwater Horizon drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico . Eleven oil-rig workers remain missing and are presumed dead . The rig sank April 22 about 50 miles off the southeast coast of Louisiana and the untapped wellhead is gushing oil into the Gulf . About 1.6 million gallons of oil have spilled since the explosion , the Coast Guard said . Wetlands in Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states were already struggling because of sea-level rise and the lack of sediment due to some rivers being channelized , Pennings said . Mike Beck , senior scientist on the global marine team for the Nature Conservancy , said there is a lot of concern for oyster reefs , which were also already suffering . Only 15 percent of the world 's oyster reefs remain because of over-harvesting and dredging , he said , and hurricanes have also destroyed some reefs . He said there have been some oil spills in Europe that provide clues as to what might happen . `` What we have learned from other accidents is we 've seen mortality and then we have seen lower growth rate , '' he said , `` so that even if they 're not killed , you are likely to have much lower -LSB- population -RSB- growth . We 're not likely to be able to eat those oysters for quite some time because ... they hold heavy metals in their tissue . '' He estimated that the damage to the reefs could last two to five years , but that other oil spills have shown that in some instances it can be longer than that . Beck pointed out that 40 percent of the U.S. seafood supply comes from the northern Gulf of Mexico and 95 percent of the species in the seafood harvest are dependent on the health of the nation 's estuaries and marshes . Environmentalist Richard Charter of the Defenders of Wildlife organization said the size of the oil spill will be overwhelming to cleanup crews . `` This event is a self-feeding fire , '' Charter said . `` It is so big and expanding so fast that it 's pretty much beyond human response that can be effective . ... You 're looking at a long-term poisoning of the area . Ultimately , this will have a multidecade impact . '' Some officials worried the destruction could surpass the Exxon Valdez disaster of 20 years ago . That oil tanker ran aground on the Bligh Reef in Alaska 's Prince William Sound in 1989 and spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil . The surface oil from the Exxon Valdez spill had largely disappeared within three years of the spill , according to studies conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 's Office of Response and Restoration . The 1997 report said that what oil did remain could be found on beaches that were near still water . The residual oil was not nearly as toxic as the oil studied in the days after the spill . The report said `` intertidal species can tolerate its presence even though it can accumulate in their tissues . '' However , a 2003 study published in the journal Science disputed the NOAA finding of toxicity and said that oil in the sediment was still harming the species more than a decade after the accident . The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustees Council also disagreed . A spokeswoman told the Anchorage Daily News last year that oil in some parts of the sound is still toxic . All the scientists CNN spoke to said that the long-term impacts of the spill depend on how much oil reaches the coast . The choppy seas are hindering containment efforts , experts said . `` The question is -- we rarely clean up more than 15 or 20 percent of a spill on a calm day , and we are n't seeing a calm day , '' Charter said . The impact will also depend on what states are hit . Beck said there are two major loop currents and one runs along the Louisiana wetlands past Mississippi and Alabama then down the coast of Florida and around the Keys . `` Eventually that water moves out into the Caribbean and the Atlantic , '' he said , indicating the East Coast needs to pay attention to where the oil is traveling .
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Oil might remain in the sediment of a marsh for 20 years . Oyster reefs are immediately in danger and population recovery may be stunted by lingering oil . Only about 15 to 20 percent of oil can be recovered from water . Currents may take oil around southern tip of Florida into the Atlantic , Caribbean .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Call it a `` message in a bottle '' or an epic eco-adventure -- but now after 8,000 nautical miles and nearly four months at sea , you can finally call it over . After sailing through brutal southern storms and battling numerous technical challenges , the crew of `` Plastiki '' -- a ship made out of thousands of plastic bottles -- is now on its final leg of a trip across the Pacific Ocean . `` It feels amazing , '' Plastiki 's expedition leader , David de Rothschild , told CNN Sunday . `` I think what 's happened with the Plastiki has really captured the world 's imagination ... the impact has really surpassed my expectations . '' The Plastiki will reach Sydney , its final destination , Monday morning -- ending a 125-day journey , but also completing years of planning and dedication for the team . De Rothschild said that a 2006 United Nations report on plastic littering the world 's oceans was his personal catalyst for action . Made of approximately 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles and engineered using the most sustainable methods possible , the Plastiki is meant to be used as a platform upon which solutions to the myriad of environmental problems can be found . `` I was inspired to go out and really build Plastiki to showcase waste as a resource , '' said de Rothschild . `` And here we are nearly four years to the day just pulling in to a little harbor just north of Sydney , ready to sail in tomorrow -LSB- Monday -RSB- . '' The Plastiki 's arrival in Sydney will not , however , be the 60-foot catamaran 's first time to reach Australian soil . Winter storms producing near-hurricane strength winds forced the vessel and its crew to take refuge in Mooloolaba , Queensland , on July 19 . Brutal winter storms in the Tasman Sea made the leg from New Caledonia the most challenging . One night , winds gusting over 60 knots surprised the crew , leaving them battling to prevent the mast buckling and losing the sail for eight hours . Co-skipper of the boat , Dave Thomson , called the waves some of `` the biggest you 're likely to see . '' Once in Sydney , the Plastiki will be harbored at the Australian National Maritime Museum . It will remain on display for a month as crew members hold special events aimed at raising awareness of plastic waste in the ocean . The general public will also have the opportunity to visit the vessel during an open day . But de Rothschild said that although the boat is made of recyclable material , he 's not planning to toss it in the chipper just yet . `` I really feel the Plastiki is entering its next chapter , '' said de Rothschild , outlining hopes to put the boat on display around the world . `` The plan is to create a global oceans exhibit that can showcase not only the issue of throw-away plastics but really about nurturing and re-evaluating our oceans ... our most precious of ecosystems , '' he added . `` The Plastiki is definitely not coming to a halt . ''
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Plastiki will end 4-month , 8,000-nautical-mile journey in Sydney . Ship is made of more than 12,000 plastic bottles . Expedition leader says he was inspired by a U.N. report on littering .
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Islamabad , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Five Americans arrested on terror charges in Pakistan have been sentenced to at least 10 years in prison , the deputy prosecutor general said Thursday . The men , dubbed the `` D.C. Five , '' will also have to pay a fine of 75,000 Pakistani rupees -LRB- $ 878 -RRB- , public prosecutor Nadim Cheema said . They have the right to appeal to the Lahore High Court , he said . Each man was sentenced to 10 years for criminal conspiracy and five years on an anti-terrorism charge , specifically contributing to a banned organization for the purpose of conducting terrorist attacks , Deputy Prosecutor General Rana Bukhtar Ali said . It was not immediately clear whether the sentences must be served concurrently or consecutively . Cheema said the court had seen strong evidence such as incriminating e-mails and the suspects ' confessions . The five Americans -- Ahmed Abdullah Minni , Umar Farooq , Aman Hassan Yemer , Waqar Hussain Khan and Ramy Zamzam -- used to worship together at a mosque in Alexandria , Virginia , until they went missing in November and turned up in Pakistan . They were arrested in December in Sargodha , about 120 miles south of Islamabad , after their parents in the United States reported them missing . Pakistani authorities have described the men as college students intent on waging a holy war against `` infidels for the atrocities committed by them against Muslims around the world . '' The men had said they were innocent and claimed they were tortured in jail . They pleaded not guilty to the charges , according to their attorney , Hassan Dastgir Katchela . CNN 's Thomas Evans contributed to this report .
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Five jailed for 10 years for criminal conspiracy , five years on anti-terrorism charge . `` D.C. Five '' arrested in December in Pakistan after going missing in U.S. Pakistani authorities says men were college students intent on waging holy war . Men said they were innocent and claimed they were tortured in jail .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Czech Republic has apologized for a controversial art installation it commissioned to mark its six-month presidency of the European Union . David Cerny attends the ` Entropa ' exhibit with Czech Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra . The work , `` Entropa , '' frames various representations of each member state as components of a giant multimedia model kit . With Bulgaria depicted as a Turkish toilet and Romania as a vampire theme-park , the work by Czech artist David Cerny has provoked an angry response from some member states . Betina Joteva , spokesperson for Bulgaria 's permanent representation to the EU , said in comments reported by EUObserver.com : `` It -LSB- the work -RSB- is preposterous , a disgrace . It is a humiliation for the Bulgarian nation and an offence to -LSB- our -RSB- national dignity . '' Look at images of European nations '' At the official unveiling of the work at the EU headquarters in Brussels Thursday , Alexandr Vondra , Czech Deputy Prime Minister for EU affairs , said : `` Entropa is a provocation of a kind . I understand that some could feel offended and I would like to apologize to them . This does not just concern Bulgaria but any other member state . `` I would also like to apologize to all those whom I have unintentionally misled , among other media representatives and my colleagues from the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic in Brussels . If Entropa was supposed to make fun of someone , that would be us , me in the first place . '' Bulgaria is not the only nation to suffer an unflattering depiction . What do you think about images ? Germany is criss-crossed by a series of autobahns in what some critics say is a close approximation of a swastika ; Spain is a giant construction site in a dig at its building boom ; and Luxembourg is a gold covered nugget sporting a `` For Sale '' sign . The Netherlands is depicted as a submerged land with only minarets peeking through the waves in an apparent reference to its religious tensions . Poland recreates the WWII flag-raising at Iwo Jima , only with the U.S. Marines and the Stars and Stripes replaced with Catholic clergy brandishing the multi-colored gay pride flag . The UK is absent from the work -- possibly because of its on-off relationship with the rest of the continent . In a further embarrassment , the Czech government said in a statement on its presidency Web site Tuesday that the original brief was for the work to be created by 27 artists representing all EU Member States -- and that it was `` unpleasantly surprised '' to learn that this was not the case . When we received the proposal for a joint project of 27 artists , we created the conditions for its realization , '' Vondra said Thursday in quotes carried on the presidency Web site . `` The project which was then delivered by David Cerny included the names of 26 other artists , each of them being the creator of his or her own country . `` Part of the deal was that any other costs relating to production of the project would be covered by the artist himself or private funds he would find . Only after the Entropa had been installed here we learnt , much to our surprise and dismay , that the participation of 27 artists was in fact a piece of misinformation . `` It was an unpleasant shock for us although the conceptual artist DC later apologize to the government and informed us that we did not use the Czech tax payers ' money appropriated for this project . `` It was an unpleasant shock for us , '' Vondra said Thursday , in speech carried . although the conceptual artist DC later apologize to the government and informed us that we did not use the Czech tax payers ' money appropriated for this project . Cerny is no stranger to controversy . In 1991 he was arrested after painting pink a Soviet tank that served as a Prague war memorial . His Web site shows other examples of his work , including previous kit-style installations entitled `` Jesus Christ '' and `` Dead Raped Woman '' ; and a life-size bronze fountain that depicts two men standing opposite each other , urinating . Cerny , and his main collaborators Kristof Kintera and Tomas Pospiszyl apologized to Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek and other government ministers Tuesday , according to a statement on the artist 's Web site , for '' not having informed them about what is true and for having misled them . '' The statement adds that Cerny and his colleagues initially wanted to use 27 European artists for `` Entropa '' , but fell short due to lack of time and money . Instead , they say , they decided to create fictional artists , some of whom have even been given their own Web sites .
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Czech Republic assumed six-month presidency of European Union this month . Czech artist , govt . apologized for artwork that sparked diplomatic protests . `` Entropa '' was officially unveiled at EU HQ in Brussels Thursday . Bulgarian EU representative : A humiliation for the Bulgarian nation .
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LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Demand for the world 's largest , most expensive yachts is on the rise ahead of the Monaco Yacht Show this week . Ships moored at the Moncao Yacht Show . `` We 've gotten the strongest forward order book that we 've ever had . It 's the best outlook we 've ever had since we 've started the company , '' said Toby Allies , Sales and Marketing Director for Pendennis , a leading British manufacturer and re-fitter of superyachts . Amid the global recession , the worldwide market for luxury goods has plummeted over the last year , expected to shrink 10 percent for 2009 according to global business consultants Bain & Company . A few sectors , though , have shown surprising strength and even growth amid the downturn , including British-made superyachts . The British market for superyachts grew more than 15 percent during the fiscal year ending June 1 , 2009 , according to a new survey . Overall revenue increased to a record $ 663 million -LRB- # 410 million -RRB- and jobs across the industry increased five percent , according to Superyacht UK , the trade group who conducted the survey . Since last September , yacht sales tanked in many parts of the world , particularly as cash dried up among clients from Russia and the Middle East . `` It was a difficult year , many manufacturers had to cut down on production numbers and give larger discounts , '' said Georges Tchoumak , Head of Sales and Marketing for Numarine , a manufacturer of superyachts based in Turkey . In France three of the four publicly-traded yacht companies who make yachts that cost more than $ 40 million took advantage of the country 's bankruptcy laws to stave off collapse , including Rodriguez Group , the company who built Bernard Madoff 's yacht `` Bull . '' Though affected by the recession , the UK industry managed to buck that trend , buoyed by a decline in the pound . `` In the last quarter of 2008 through the end of first quarter 2009 there was virtually zero activity in the large yacht sector , '' said Tim Wiltshire , Director of Burgess Yachts , a UK-based high-end boat manufacturer . Wiltshire said that at their worst , transactions were down 60 percent compared with the previous year , but that volume had recently returned , particularly in brokerage sales of used yachts . Heading into Monaco , manufacturers around the world including the UK now appear poised for a robust rebound . `` There have been a dozen significant sales in the past quarter ... enough of our customers think it 's unlikely to get much worse . '' But whiles sales have picked up , Wiltshire predicted it could take years for sale prices to reach the premiums of only a few years ago : `` Since early summer -LSB- business -RSB- has picked up significantly ... We are back on par with 2007 , albeit at reduced values , '' he said . Manufacturers across the UK share Wiltshire 's optimism , according to the survey . Ninety-five percent of UK companies questioned rated their prospects for the year ahead either `` good or excellent '' -LRB- 56 percent -RRB- or `` OK '' -LRB- 39 percent -RRB- . At Numarine `` things are looking better for the last three months , '' Tchomak told CNN . `` We 've had more sales in the past three months than in the previous 12 months , '' he wrote in an email . At Pendennis , directors have changed their business strategy to accommodate the anticipated growth . `` We 've increased our investment in infrastructure for large yachts , '' said Ailes . `` Improving facilities and looking to recruit more people to work on boats up to 70 or 80 meters . '' One of the reasons cited for the strength in Britain 's superyacht business compared with manufacturers in other European countries has been the declining value of Sterling against the Euro . Hugo Andreae , Editor-in-Chief of Superyachtworld magazine said that the exchange rate helped , but the high quality of British boats and sustained demand among the world 's wealthiest had helped hold up sales . Andreae also explained that one of the effects of the recession has been to shift demand from new builds to the used boat brokerage and chartering markets . `` There are signs that things are picking up ... Monaco is the premiere big yacht show and it 's the real acid test of whether -LSB- the rebound -RSB- is the odd sale being picked up at a good price , or if the market has reignited properly , '' explained Tom Chant , International Commercial Manager for Superyacht UK . If interest in the Monaco Yacht Show is any indicator , then sales can be expected to meet bullish expectations . The annual end-of-summer yachting industry and yacht owners ' conference is fully booked this week . The number of double-decker pavilions has doubled since last year , but in spite of the event 's increased provision of these more expensive , higher visibility exhibition spaces supply still fell short of demand . In the United States yacht manufacturers also say they 've seen a recent surge in interest in new construction of yachts over 150 feet . `` Over the last 45 days , all of a sudden , the inquires have started coming along really strong . That bodes well for the Monaco Yacht Show , '' said William Smith , V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Trinity Yachts . `` It 's fair to say sales came to a shuddering halt after the Monaco show last year . '' In another sign that interest in the top-end of the yacht market is back , Luxury retailer Hermes recently announced plans to team up with Wally , the Monaco superyacht company , to build a $ 145 million -LRB- $ 100 million -RRB- yacht . Sales to Russia , the Middle East and other developing countries have rebounded more quickly than sales to Europe and the U.S. , according to Smith , as uncertainty about the markets has subsided and boosted consumer confidence . In the past six months , Trinity had only had one inquiry from an American , which came in the last few weeks . Trinity , the largest U.S. retailer of megayachts , has had two projects out of 17 builds stall due to the recession , both about 164 feet long . Smith said the owners can either come back and pay for them to finish the work or let Trinity sell them . Throughout the downturn Trinity was able to continue to deliver ships at a record pace , thanks to a hearty backlog of orders placed during the markets peaks .
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The British market for superyachts grew more than 15 percent last year . After a year of steep declines , sales for new yacht constructions are picking up . The Monaco Yacht Show is fully-booked this week , showing renewed interest . Hermes teams up with Wally to build $ 145 million ultra luxury yacht .
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BAGHDAD , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hundreds of gay men have been tortured and killed in Iraq in recent months , some by the nation 's security forces , Human Rights Watch said Monday . Iraqi clerics say homosexuality must be eradicated but warn against anti-gay violence . Interviews with doctors indicate hundreds of men had been killed , but the exact number was unclear because of the stigma associated with homosexuality in Iraq , the New York-based watchdog group said in its report . `` Iraq 's leaders are supposed to defend all Iraqis , not abandon them to armed agents of hate , '' said Scott Long , director of the Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch . `` Turning a blind eye to torture and murder threatens the rights and life of every Iraqi . '' Four victims who spoke to CNN gave accounts of the attacks , which they say have intensified in the past few months . `` In 2004 , militias and unknown groups started to go after the gays ... but the peak was six months ago , '' said Qaisar , who uses a pseudonym for fear of reprisal . `` It has become wide scale war against gays in Iraq . '' Iraqi officials acknowledged that the nation 's culture stigmatizes homosexuality , but said the government does not condone such attacks . Authorities are unable to provide homosexuals with special protection , said government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh . According to Human Rights Watch , which is urging a government crackdown , attackers target people on the streets or storm homes , where they conduct interrogations and demand names of suspected gay men . Many end up in hospitals and morgues , the organization said , basing its conclusion on reports from doctors . Men have been threatened with `` honor killings '' by relatives worried that their `` unmanly behavior '' will ruin the family 's reputation , Human Rights Watch said . Watch Iraqi men discuss attacks '' Killings , kidnappings and torture of those suspected of homosexual conduct have intensified in areas such as the Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City , the watchdog said . `` The Shiite people started this war and especially what happened in Sadr City , '' Qaisar said , adding that his sister-in-law had warned him against going to the area . Muqtada al-Sadr 's Mahdi Army militia , which is active in Sadr City , has joined in the attacks and defends its actions as a way to stop the `` feminization '' of Iraqi men , the report said . `` We have testimony that indicates that the nation 's security forces are taking part in the attacks , '' Long said . The group interviewed more than 50 people who gave accounts of abuses , beatings and stops at security checkpoints , he said . `` When the gay killings started and when they started go -LRB- ing -RRB- after them at checkpoints ... we started to change our look , '' said Basim , who also used a pseudonym . `` These killings point to the continuing and lethal failure of Iraq 's post-occupation authorities to establish the rule of law and protect their citizens , '' said Rasha Moumneh , Middle East researcher for Human Rights Watch . A provision from the Saddam Hussein era endorses crimes committed `` with honorable motives , '' according to the organization . The government spokesman said the provision was popular during the Saddam era , but is not used today . He added that there is a push to educate police about human rights . Attacks against civilians , including homosexuals , are not allowed , al-Dabbagh said .
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Human Rights Watch says people are targeted on the streets and interrogated . Group : Killings , kidnappings and torture of suspected homosexuals are escalating . Attacks against civilians , including homosexuals , not allowed , Iraq spokesman says .
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ANTIOCH , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A bone fragment found near the northern California home of kidnapping and rape suspect Phillip Garrido could add another chapter to the twisted tale . Cases of missing girls Ilene Misheloff , left , and Michaela Garecht now linked to Garrido investigation . On Tuesday , authorities will try to determine whether the bone is human and whether it connects Garrido , 58 , to any crimes beyond the alleged kidnapping and imprisonment of Jaycee Lee Dugard , who went missing in 1991 at age 11 . Investigators said they found the bone on a neighbor 's property in an area to which Garrido had access . Crews were using cadaver dogs to search the property , said Jimmy Lee , a spokesman for the Contra Costa County Sheriff 's Department . Investigators are looking into other cases that may involve Garrido , giving hope to parents including Sharon Murch , whose daughter , Michaela Garecht , was abducted at age 9 in 1988 . `` I leaped up yelling , ` Oh , my God . ' I was , of course , joyful for Jaycee herself , but my first thought was ` please , God , let Michaela be with her , ' '' she said . `` I was very high for a while . I was very low for a while . '' Watch Murch describe the cases ' similarities '' Garrido kidnapped Dugard in 1991 in South Lake Tahoe , California , fathered two daughters with her and held her captive in a well-hidden backyard compound , authorities said . Watch aerial view of backyard compound '' Garrido and his wife , Nancy , face 29 felony charges , including rape and kidnapping . Both have pleaded not guilty . Watch what investigators say about bone fragment '' Dugard has begun the process of getting to know her mother again , said her stepfather , Carl Probyn . `` She 's doing good , '' Probyn told CNN 's Larry King on Monday . `` She 's with a group and they 're taking care of her and they 're getting adjusted . '' Dugard is with her mother at an undisclosed location along with a team of psychologists and law enforcement officers , he said . He has not seen or spoken to his stepdaughter . The last time he saw her was 18 years ago , when he watched helplessly as she was kidnapped at a bus stop near the family 's home . See photos of Dugard 's living conditions '' FBI special agent Chris Campion , lead federal investigator in the case , said Dugard 's mother , Terry Probyn , was `` ecstatic '' her daughter was found . `` When I called her she was beside herself with joy , and I was present when she was reunited with Jaycee , '' he said . `` It was a very emotional scene . Both of them were just overjoyed to be with each other again . There 's going to be a period of adjustment , no doubt , but they 're doing very well at this point . And the two daughters are probably as happy as Jaycee is to be part of this family , as well . '' Police in Hayward , California , are trying to determine whether Garrido is linked to the 1988 kidnapping of Michaela Garecht , said Hayward police Lt. Chris Orrey . Garecht and Dugard were of similar age and appearance , both were abducted in daylight , and a sketch of a suspect resembled Garrido , Orrey said . There are differences , as well , but she declined to elaborate . The similarities in the cases , the fact that Dugard was found close to home and comments from neighbors make Murch think her daughter could have been on Garrido 's compound . `` I understand that a few years ago , one of the neighbors called in and said that there were girls being kept in the backyard . ... She said that there were a number of girls that came and went , but that there was a core group of five , '' Murch said . She hopes her daughter was among them . In Dublin , California , police were looking into whether Garrido was connected to the 1989 disappearance of Ilene Misheloff who was 13 when she was abducted , investigators said . Garrido was convicted of kidnapping and raping Katie Callaway Hall in 1976 . He was released after serving 10 years of a 50-year sentence . He was labeled a sex offender and put on lifetime parole . Garrido abducted Hall after she agreed to give him a ride to a supermarket . He took her to a mini-warehouse in Reno , Nevada , where he raped her . She managed to escape soon afterward . `` I ca n't imagine what Jaycee is going through . He had me for eight hours . He had her for 18 years , '' Hall said . During those years , according to Garrido 's own writings , he began to feel remorse for things he had done . The revelations came in documents obtained by CNN that Garrido delivered to an FBI office in San Francisco , California , just days before he was arrested in the Dugard case . The writings were a two-part manifesto in which he discussed the `` Origin of schizophrenia revealed . '' In the second part of the documents Garrido detailed his struggle with sexual urges in `` Stepping into the light . '' He confessed his past aggressive sexual impulses , but said he is no longer that man . Watch interview with Garrido '' Garrido also wrote that he could control minds with sound and could help others before they committed violence . Dugard apparently led an outwardly unremarkable life . Customers of Garrido 's printing company , Printing for Less , knew her as `` Allissa . '' `` She was always having a very pretty smile on the face , '' said Deepal Karunaratne , who had real estate brochures printed . `` She comes and talks to me and was always smiling . She was a very pretty girl , a very pretty young lady . '' Garrido even used a picture of Dugard to promote his printing company , customer Cheyvonne Molino said . `` About 10 years ago , when he started printing our cards , he was looking for business , '' said Molino , who runs an auto wrecking yard with her husband . `` He would leave your cards with his cards and her picture -- blonde hair , blue eyes , beautiful young lady . She was on everyone 's card . '' Dugard 's two daughters -- 11-year-old `` Angel '' and 15-year-old `` Starlet '' -- attended birthday parties and loved the TV show `` Hannah Montana . '' The media `` made it seem like these little girls were living like wolves or jungle kids in the backyard dungeon . Perhaps that 's it , but they did n't give that visual to me , '' Molino said . Two weeks ago , the girls attended a birthday party for Molino 's daughter . `` They were polite , '' Molino said . `` They were well-mannered . '' CNN 's Ed Lavandera , Patrick Oppman , Paul Vercammen , Dan Simon and Mallory Simon contributed to this report .
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Police check two other cases for connection to alleged kidnapper Phillip Garrido . Jaycee Dugard was held captive for 18 years by sex offender , police say . Dugard , her daughters reunite with Dugard 's mother , stepfather says .
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PLACERVILLE , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A California couple charged with a combined 29 felony counts in connection with the kidnapping and rape of Jaycee Dugard appeared in court for a bond hearing Monday . Phillip and Nancy Garrido appear in court in Placerville , California , on Monday . Phillip and Nancy Garrido , wearing red jail coveralls , were flanked by their attorneys . They appeared to glance at each other only briefly . Phillip Garrido wore a bandage on the side of his nose . The Garridos are accused of kidnapping Dugard in 1991 , when she was 11 , and keeping her in a well-hidden compound behind their home in Antioch , California , for 18 years . Phillip Garrido fathered two children with Dugard during her captivity , authorities have said . The couple had been held without bail , but Phillip Garrido 's defense attorney requested that bail be set for him Monday . El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Douglas Phimister set his bond at $ 30 million . Watch the Garridos at the hearing '' However , El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson told reporters after the hearing that Garrido , a registered sex offender , is also on a `` parole hold , '' which carries no bond . A parole hold is placed on people on parole or under supervision when they are taken back into custody . Nancy Garrido 's attorney told Phimister that she was not contesting her no-bond status , although she might ask that bond be set in the future . Both defense attorneys told the judge they wanted to make clear that their clients are invoking the right to counsel and do not want to be questioned . Phimister noted that `` other agencies '' are interested in interviewing the couple . Phillip Garrido will undergo a psychiatric evaluation , a common step for defendants . Nancy Garrido 's attorney said he was attempting to schedule one for her as well . The two defendants spoke only once , answering `` Yes , '' when asked by the judge if they were willing to waive their right to a preliminary hearing within 60 days . Both Garridos previously pleaded not guilty to the charges . They face a combined 29 felony counts ; 26 counts name only one of them -- 13 for each -- and both are named in three . Phillip Garrido was convicted of kidnapping and raping a woman in 1976 , and was released from prison after serving 10 years of a 50-year sentence . He was required to register as a sex offender and placed on lifetime parole . Pierson acknowledged Monday that `` very legitimate questions '' have been raised about Garrido 's release and supervision . `` Those are issues which I 'm confident will be addressed in a proper venue at a proper time , '' he said . But Pierson praised Garrido 's current parole officer for helping to bring about his capture , breaking through his `` elaborate , well-planned cover story that was 18 years in the making . '' The parole officer summoned Garrido to his office after being tipped off by University of California-Berkeley police , who considered Garrido suspicious and questioned why he was on campus with two young girls . Those girls later were shown to be his daughters by Dugard . As for Dugard and her family , Pierson released no details but said he echoed earlier comments , made by family spokeswoman Tina Dugard , that all family members are doing well under the circumstances . Professionals have been brought in to assist the family , he said . Pierson pleaded with reporters to exercise `` basic human decency '' and leave Dugard 's family in peace . `` What this family has been through ... they have a lot to deal with right now , '' he said . Asked about a possible statute of limitations on the Garridos ' alleged crimes , Pierson said it was complicated , but prosecutors have examined the issue and `` we 're confident we 're not going to have a problem in this case . '' He said he did not know whether a grand jury would be convened in the case , and did not rule out additional charges against the Garridos . He would not speculate on when the two might stand trial , saying , `` in a perfect world , the criminal justice system would move much more quickly than it does . '' Both the Garridos , if convicted , would face `` multiple life terms , '' he said . After the couple was arrested in August , investigators used cadaver dogs to search their ramshackle home and the surrounding rural property for a possible connection to unsolved crimes . A bone fragment that is `` probably human '' was found near the Garridos ' home , a sheriff 's spokesman said September 8 . The bone was found early in September on a neighbor 's property in an area to which Phillip Garrido had access . The fragment , which was analyzed by an outside expert , will go on to the state DNA lab for testing , according to an e-mail from Jimmy Lee , director of public affairs for the Contra Costa County Sheriff 's Office . `` The expert has determined that the bone fragment found in the backyard of Garrido 's neighbor is probably human , '' Lee said . `` We will be requesting the state to see if it can develop a DNA profile on the fragment . It should be noted that it is not uncommon to find Native American remains in Contra Costa County , '' he said . Police in Hayward , California , are trying to determine whether Garrido is linked to the 1988 kidnapping of Michaela Garecht , Hayward Police Lt. Chris Orrey said earlier this month . Garecht and Dugard were of similar age and appearance , both were abducted in daylight , and a sketch of a suspect resembled Garrido , Orrey said . In Dublin , California , investigators said earlier this month they were looking into whether Garrido was connected to the 1989 disappearance of Ilene Misheloff , who was 13 when she was abducted . Garrido was convicted of kidnapping and raping Katie Callaway Hall in 1976 . He was released from prison after serving 10 years of a 50-year sentence . He was labeled a sex offender and put on lifetime parole . CNN 's Dan Simon and Rob Ade contributed to this report .
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NEW : DA does n't expect statute of limitation to be a problem in prosecuting case Bail set for Phllip Garrido but `` parole hold '' means he ca n't be released . Attorney for his wife , Nancy , says she does n't contest her no-bond status . Garridos face 29 felony counts in case of Jaycee Dugard , abducted in 1991 .
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Editor 's note : Annette Gordon-Reed won the 2008 National Book Award for `` The Hemingses of Monticello : An American Family , '' a book the award judges said , `` is more than the story of Thomas Jefferson and his house slave Sally Hemings ; it is a deeply moral and keenly intelligent probe of the harsh yet all-too-human world they inhabited and the bloodline they share . '' She is a law professor at New York Law School and a history professor at Rutgers University , and editor of `` Race on Trial : Law and Justice in American History . '' Annette Gordon-Reed says Barack Obama 's election reshapes perceptions about race in America . -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- By now , it has become almost a cliché : `` I never thought I 'd live to see it happen . '' That common reaction to the election of Barack Obama , an African-American , to the presidency of the United States captures much about the country 's troubled racial history . Black people have been a presence on the North American continent from the early 1600s , and the 1500s if you count the Spanish settlement at St. Augustine , Florida . Yet , the fact that we were brought to America as slaves and had to wage a centuries-long battle for freedom -- and then for civic and civil rights -- has often shaped perceptions about what is and is not possible for blacks to achieve . It has also shaped views about what whites as a group will and will not tolerate when it comes to black advancement , as if the races were in a zero-sum competition ; any black `` gain '' seems to be viewed automatically as a `` loss '' to whites . True , the president-elect did not get a majority of white votes , and much opposition to him was clearly based upon his race -- sometimes shockingly so . One of my most poignant memories of the campaign will always be an exchange I had with a friend who had gone to Pennsylvania to canvass for Obama . The experience was at once exhilarating and disheartening to him . An idealistic young white man who had grown up in a progressive community , he was happy to have a candidate he could support enthusiastically , yet he found himself crestfallen when would-be voters told him flatly that they would never vote for a black man for president . Not that Obama 's political views were anathema to them , or that he did not have enough experience : his race alone was a deal breaker . The question , from the moment it was clear that Obama was a serious contender , was just how many Americans were like the people my young friend encountered . All over the world , those who figured such people represented the majority of white Americans , asked , `` Will they -LRB- meaning whites , obviously -RRB- let him win ? '' Singer Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders reportedly answered that question , saying in Blender magazine that while she really liked Obama , she knew her `` people '' -LRB- again , meaning , whites -RRB- and they would not allow him to win . In the end , no critical mass of eligible white voters came out to defend the White House as `` whites-only '' territory . The possible legions fulfilling the expectation of the `` Bradley Effect '' -- when prospective voters tell pollsters they might vote for a black candidate , intending all the while to vote for the white candidate -- never materialized . Or , if they did , their votes were not enough to change the outcome . The Obama candidacy was essentially a bet that the conventional wisdom about what we `` knew '' of white Americans was faulty . `` Yes We Can '' could mean many things , but it was certainly an ingenious way to address the racial question . It called on black and white alike to ignore edicts imposed from the outside about what they were `` supposed '' to do , think and feel . This was a bigger hurdle for whites . Blacks have been voting for whites for as long as we have been allowed to vote . While race could remain a factor for whites , in today 's world , it might not trump everything . Concerns about an unpopular war , fatigue with the party in power , the lack of enthusiasm for the candidates on the opposing ticket and sheer terror as the economy slid into the abyss might loom as more important than a candidate 's color , if one had the right candidate . Make no mistake : the times we live in fostered Obama 's triumph . The country has had unpopular wars , bad candidates and shaky economic times before , and it is safe to say that no black candidate , no matter how talented , could have been elected president during those earlier times . Obama 's success is evidence that the United States has changed in important ways . It does not , however , signal the death of racism in the country , anymore than the passages of the 13th , 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution , the decision in Brown v. Board of Education , or the enactment of the civil rights provisions of the 1960s ended the struggle against racial prejudice . Each of those momentous events , considered almost miraculous in their time , brought vibrant hopes that were far too often dashed . They were just beginnings , means to an end that was yet to come . Racism is no easy foe . The election of one man will not , by itself , be enough to overcome the history that has given race its meaning in the United States . It is clear , however , that we must edit our narrative about race . We , all of us , must reconsider the things we say people can do and can not do today , because of the truths we know about our past . The election of 2008 is evidence that many Americans may be willing to do that ; to chart a new course on the question of race . I am not totally surprised . Back in 1997 , when I started traveling the country speaking about my first book , `` Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings : An American Controversy , '' I braced myself for the hostility I anticipated from whites who might not be able to accept that our third president had children with an enslaved African-American woman . Instead , many people -- most typically Southern whites -- came out to tell me about their `` Hemings-Jefferson '' type family histories , eager to contribute to a more truthful account of what has happened between the races from this country 's beginnings . Impulses to truth and reconciliation , wherever found and however expressed , should be nurtured . A better future depends upon it . Yes we can . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Annette Gordon-Reed .
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Annette Gordon-Reed : Obama bet perception of racial barriers was faulty . She says the `` Bradley effect '' never materialized in voting booths . Race is not an easy foe , and this is not the end of racism , she says . She says the election calls for rethinking what racial barriers still exist .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A popular sightseeing destination in Australia is boldly going where no tourist attraction has gone before -- by offering audio tours in the Klingon language . Starting August 22 , Star Trek fans and those who are fluent in Klingon can visit the Jenolan Caves National Park and take a self-guided audio tour in Klingon through the `` Nettle Cave . '' Currently offering audio tours in eight languages , Nettle Cave is part of one of the oldest cave systems in the world and has about 150,000 to 200,000 visitors annually , making it one of the most visited caves in Australia . `` We thought it would be neat to add another language , perhaps a fictional one , '' says David Hay in charge of Cultural Initiatives at Jenolan Caves . `` We considered adding dwarfish or elfish , but then decided to add the second most spoken fictional language in the world after Esperanto , which is Klingon . '' How to speak Klingon . Hay says the language addition is n't completely out of the blue . In the early 1990s , two writers of `` Star Trek : The Next Generation '' visited the caves and decided to name a transport vessel , the USS Jenolan , in the 1992 episode , `` Relics . '' In July , two Klingon scholars -- Michael Roney Jr. and Tracy Canfield -- visited the caves from the United States and translated the current English audio tour of the caves into Klingon and recorded it in a Sydney studio . Speaking in the Star Trek language , Roney exclaimed `` lH , qar ` a ' '' ? when he first visited the caves to express their beauty , according to a statement released by Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust . The Klingon language was first created in 1979 for `` Star Trek : The Motion Picture . '' by James Doohan , who played Scotty in the sci-fi series . Star Trek producers later consulted linguist Mark Okrand to develop the language for `` Star Trek III : The Search for Spock '' and subsequent other films . The `` Klingon Dictionary '' created by Okrand went on to sell hundreds of thousands of copies over the years . Currently , the Klingon Language Institute has an estimated 2,500 members in 50 countries . `` What I think is happening is that people are very interested in the language and we have created a portal into it , '' says Hay . `` This is an opportunity for others to listen to Klingon and make it available for those who interested in it . ''
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Star Trek fans and those fluent in Klingon can take an audio tour in the language . Nettle Cave currently offers audio tours in eight languages . It 's one of the most visited caves in Australia .
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LONDON , England -- A severe rabies epidemic has claimed the lives of at least 83 children within three months in Angola 's capital , Luanda , the World Health Organization -LRB- WHO -RRB- has said . Luanda , which has a large population of stray dogs , also has some of the world 's worst slums . Describing the situation as `` very worrying , '' WHO rabies expert Francois Meslin told CNN : `` This is a huge number and could be the tip of the iceberg . '' A doctor working at the country 's biggest referral hospital Hospital Pediatrico David Bernardino said staff were unable to save any of the children as rabies vaccines had run out . Some of the children were also brought into the hospital too late to be saved , Luis Bernardino , head of the hospital told UN humanitarian organization IRIN . He warned that the number of deaths could be much higher . `` The children were brought to our hospital and are the only ones we know of , so the number could be higher , '' Bernardino told IRIN . `` It is a sad moment for us , '' he added . `` I think it was probably that no one was prepared for such a high case load . '' The number of cases has now started declining , however , said Bernardino . According to Meslin , this could be because the current infected pack of dogs has died . Meslin told CNN that the Angolan government needed to embark on a dog rabies control program urgently to prevent further outbreaks . Angola 's capital , where most of the population live in slums , has a large number of stray dogs who are said to have caused the epidemic . `` We have had some sporadic cases in other provincial capitals in the country ; we think the virus was brought into Luanda and then spread through the dogs -- Angolans love dogs , '' Bernardino said . `` When the first 10 deaths were reported in December 2008 we alerted the authorities , but we do not have veterinary services in the city , no kennels -LSB- to keep and observe the animals -RSB- and vaccinate them , '' he added . Another problem contributing to the crisis is that vaccines are too expensive for the average family . `` One dose of vaccine costs about $ 10 and five of those have to be administered , which makes the total cost of treatment $ 50 which is more than a month 's salary for families in most developing countries , '' Meslin added . In 2008 the WHO wrote that rabies , a disease transmitted from animals with infected saliva to humans , is present on nearly every continent of the world but more that 95 per cent of human deaths occur in Asia and Africa . It can be prevented by vaccination , either prior to exposure or as part of post-exposure treatment . But once symptoms of the disease develop , rabies is fatal . According to the WHO , rabies can affect the lungs , stomach and central nervous systems . In the critical stage , a victim slips into a coma and death , usually due to breathing failure . More than 55,000 people die of rabies each year , the WHO wrote , with 30 to 60 per cent of the victims of dog bites being children under the age of 15 .
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A severe rabies epidemic has killed at least 83 children in 3 months in Angola . Francois Meslin , rabies expert at the WHO says this is cause for serious concern . Once symptoms develop , rabies is always fatal , according to the WHO .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Three New Jersey teenagers who allegedly videotaped the beating death of an immigrant from El Salvador and showed the recording to friends have been charged with the man 's murder , authorities said . Khayri Williams-Clark , 18 ; Nigel Dumas , 19 ; and an unidentified 17-year-old minor were all charged with the murder of Abelino Mazariego , 47 , the Union County Prosecutor 's Office said in a statement Tuesday . Williams-Clark is being held on $ 100,000 bail and Dumas is being held on $ 250,000 , authorities said . The minor is being kept in a juvenile detention center , the prosecutor 's office said . The fatal beating occurred on the evening of Sunday , July 17 , the prosecutor 's office said . According to investigators , Mazariego was sitting on a bench in an upscale neighborhood park area in Summit , New Jersey , when he was approached by the teenagers . The three allegedly attacked Mazariego and recorded the assault with a cell phone camera . `` Without getting into too much detail , it was videotaped and showed amongst teenagers in town , '' spokesman John Holl of the Union County Prosecutor 's Office told CNN . `` There were people in town who heard about it , who saw it and that was reported to officers . '' The beating appears to have been unprovoked , the prosecutor 's statement said . Mazariego was taken to Overlook Hospital in Summit , but he never regained consciousness and died July 19 . The Union County medical examiner determined the death was due to brain injuries sustained in the assault , the prosecutor 's office said . Residents of Summit are invited to attend a peace and reconciliation service Wednesday evening , according to the city 's website . Participants will gather at city hall and walk to the site where Mazariego was attacked , where they will leave flowers . `` Summit is a community that neither expects nor will ever accept violence against any of its citizens , and the murder of this hard-working father and husband is a tragedy that is deeply felt throughout the community , '' a statement on the website said . Meanwhile , a registered nurse at Overlook Hospital has been charged with theft after allegedly stealing several hundred dollars from Mazariego while he was being treated in the emergency room , the prosecutor 's statement said . `` The night of the attack coincided with Mazariego 's regular payday and family members informed police that roughly $ 640 was missing from his wallet , '' the prosecutor 's office said . `` An investigation was launched by Summit police that led them to '' nurse Stephan Randolph , 39 .
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3 New Jersey teenagers face murder charges after the beating death of Abelino Mazariego . The Union County prosecutor 's office says the teens allegedly recorded the beating on a cell phone camera . A nurse at the hospital where the victim was treated has been charged with theft for stealing cash from Mazariego .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The rebellion by paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles troops apparently ended Thursday after they handed over their weapons inside their headquarters in the capital city 's Pilkhana district , the national press agency quoted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as saying in a nationwide televised address . However , the fate of top military officers who were taken hostage Wednesday was unclear , according to the news agency , Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha , or BSS , on its Web site . Home Minister Sahara Khatun `` oversaw a rescue campaign along with a government delegation in search of bodies of officers , BDR soldiers , their family members and relatives , '' the agency said . The Bangladesh Rifles is also known as the BDR . Bangladeshi soldiers take position armed with automatic weapons in Dhaka on Wednesday . Earlier Thursday , the country 's home minister , Sahara Khatun , said mutinous paramilitary troops were close to laying down their arms and many had returned to their barracks . `` They have raised white flags and the situation is in its last stages , '' added a government official who did not want to be identified because he is not authorized to speak to the media . `` The army presence is a means to secure the area and there is nothing to be worried about . '' Still , for a jittery city , the heavy military presence near the gates of the Bangladesh Rifles -LRB- BDR -RRB- headquarters in the Pilkhana area raised fears of a potentially deadly confrontation . `` This can not be good , '' said Palash Chowdhury , who was watching the drama unfold from his uncle 's house a few blocks away . `` This can not be good . '' Meanwhile , police in about six other towns reported shooting incidents involving Rifles troops , another government official confirmed to CNN . The incidents do not appear to have resulted in casualties , but had raised fears that the mutiny would spread outside the capital . Bangladesh Police spokesman Kamrul Ahsan disputed the reports to CNN . But concerned residents were not so readily appeased . `` Yesterday , people thought this was an internal BDR grievance and it would be worked out , '' said Rashid Zaman , a Dhaka resident . `` Now , we see the scope is much broader , that it 's getting serious . There 's an uncertainty . No one knows which way things will turn . '' Watch a witness describe seeing and hearing the gunbattle '' Shops and offices in the capital sent workers home . Adding to the city 's paranoia : Dhaka residents suddenly found themselves unable to make or receive calls from elsewhere in the country . `` Many people are finding this troubling , '' said Zahid Hussain , a former journalist who is now part of a U.S.-funded effort to create an investigative journalism center in the country . `` Whenever the army has gone into action in the past , they cut off the mobile connection so nobody can pass information . '' The standoff at the Bangladesh Rifles headquarters began Wednesday morning after a gun battle . At least 50 officers and civilians were feared dead in the gunfire , the country 's law minister said . Watch how paramilitary revolt has spread '' As dawn broke Thursday , the rebelling troops with the Bangladesh Rifles allowed government officials entry into the headquarters . They went door-to-door at officers ' quarters to assure frightened women and children it was safe to come out . CNN was not immediately able to confirm the exact casualty count , with medical officials saying a final number would come after they had a chance to comb through the premises looking for bodies . At least six bodies were recovered from rivers and drainage ditches Thursday , bringing the total to eight . Many of them had on military uniforms , government officials said . Authorities say the men had been killed and their bodies dumped in sewers . They were recovered after they floated for miles down rivers . The Bangladesh Rifles is responsible primarily for guarding the country 's borders . The force , numbering more than 65,000 , also takes part in operations such as monitoring polls . The troops staged their rebellion on the second day of BDR Week , when officers and troop members from various BDR outposts along the border were in the capital for celebrations . At least 5,000 BDR personnel were inside the compound when the mutiny occurred about 7:45 a.m. local time Wednesday , said Mohammed Sajjad Haider , spokesman for the information ministry . The rebelling troops were low-ranking members of the BDR , akin to infantrymen , who were angry at the way they were treated by their superiors , Haider said . `` They have several demands , '' Haider said . `` They want pay parity with the army , they want job security , they want better food rations . '' The mutiny is the most serious crisis for Bangladesh 's newly elected government , which came into power in December after two years of army-backed rule . CNN 's Saeed Ahmed contributed to this report .
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NEW : Mutineers hand over arms at headquarters , prime minister is quoted as saying . Nearly 50 people killed in Bangladesh Rifles headquarters , minister says . CNN not immediately able to confirm the exact casualty count . Anxiety grew as residents of Dhaka , the capital , lost phone service .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- President Barack Obama is calling for the immediate release of three American hikers seized by Iranian forces along the Iraqi border who will have been in custody for exactly a year on Saturday . `` Their unjust detention has nothing to do with the issues that continue to divide the United States and the international community from the Iranian government , '' Obama said in a statement Friday . `` This is a humanitarian imperative , as these three young people are innocent of any crime . '' The three Americans -- Sarah Shourd , Shane Bauer , and Josh Fattal -- were detained after they allegedly strayed across an unmarked border while hiking in Iraq 's Kurdistan region . The Nation magazine reported last month that two witnesses have said they saw members of Iran 's national police force cross into Iraq to apprehend the three . Tehran has claimed the three hikers are spies . Iran 's intelligence minister has hinted the country may consider releasing them in exchange for the release of Iranian prisoners , according to state media . `` I want to be perfectly clear : Sarah , Shane and Josh have never worked for the United States government , '' Obama said . `` They are simply open-minded and adventurous young people who represent the best of America , and of the human spirit . They are teachers , artists , and advocates for social and environmental justice . They have never had any quarrel with the government of Iran , and have great respect for the Iranian people . '' The president said he spoke with the hikers ' mothers this week and noted that the Iranian government allowed the women to visit their children earlier this year . But `` I can not imagine how painful it was for these three courageous women to return home without their children . I told these three mothers that Sarah , Shane and Josh are in my thoughts and prayers , and that the U.S. government would continue to do all that it could to secure their release . '' Meanwhile , the mothers continue to grow increasingly angry and exasperated as they press the Iranian government to free their children . `` This is unbelievable to us at this point , '' Nora Shourd told CNN 's American Morning earlier Friday . `` I mean , it is outrageous that they are still there . '' Shourd , the mother of hiker Sarah Shourd , said at first they thought the ordeal would be `` over fairly quickly . '' She said it has gone on `` long enough . '' Obama also recently spoke with the wife of Robert Levinson , a former FBI agent who went missing in Iran over three years ago . `` We continue to have no information about his welfare , and reiterate our call for the government of Iran to provide any information that it has about his whereabouts , '' the president said . `` It is time to facilitate Robert Levinson 's return to the family and friends who have suffered so greatly in his absence . ''
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Three American hikers have been in Iranian custody for a year on Saturday . Obama says the hikers are `` innocent of any crime '' and calls for their release . Iran has accused the three of espionage .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In decades past , your grandfather may have taken granny to the park , got down on one knee and proposed to her , with a sparkling ring in hand . Nowadays , some suitors are reaching out to their brides-to-be through their computer , pushing a button and proposing : right through the internet . As technology continues to touch on almost every aspect of social life , there is no stopping this generation 's use of the internet as a tool -- even for marriage . But with these nontraditional methods of courtship , can we help but wonder : Is chivalry dead ? Johannes S. Beals was surfing the net recently when he was inspired to propose marriage . The engagement ring for his long-time girlfriend had been hidden in his home for four months , and it was while chatting with other filmmakers that he figured out how he would propose to his wife . `` I saw Alyssa Milano tweet about the Old Spice Guy 's personalized video responses and that 's when the idea popped in my head to ask him to propose to my wife , '' said Beals , a producer and director in California . He tweeted to Isaiah Mustafa , the shirtless shower man who plays the Old Spice Guy , `` Can U Ask my girlfriend to marry me ? Her name is Angela A. Hutt-Chamberlin . '' Three hours later the deal was done . The Old Spice Guy , wrapped in his towel , appears in a bathroom , dims the lights , rolls in candles , holds out a ring and reads the proposal in a deep , chivalrous voice . The video proposal went viral and Beals is now on his way to becoming a married man . Beals ' proposal is one example of the power the internet can have in personal lives , and raised the question about how technology impacts the tradition of the marriage proposal . Sarah Pease , owner of Brilliant Event Planning , said that as time passes , proposals are becoming more elaborate and that technology encourages more opportunities for lovers to express their creativity . However , she finds the idea of proposing online as a substitute for the traditional act of getting down on one knee a bit puzzling . `` Any proposal where the girl says yes is a great proposal , '' Pease said . `` But would I recommend proposing on Twitter or online to my clients ? Never . '' The current world of technology pressures people to do things bigger and better than they were done in the past , she said . Yet she believes that by using social media or the internet as a sole medium to propose devalues the wedding proposal and denies the man the true creative buzz that comes from planning a wedding proposal . `` Proposing online may work for some people , but I think there are just so many other creative ways that you can pop the question and still embrace the tradition of getting down on one knee , '' Pease said . It is men 's fear of rejection that pushes them to want to go public with their proposals online , said Michael Rosenfeld , an associate professor of sociology at Stanford University . Just like proposing on a JumboTron at a baseball game , proposing in public gives men control by creating a situation that pressures women into saying yes . Watch her propose during commencement speech . `` Proposing online or in any public space has something to do with power in the relationship , '' Rosenfeld said . `` There might be fear if you ask them one-on-one because the woman might say no . Proposing in public helps to reduce that risk . '' What also makes proposing online more attractive is the economic benefit and feasibility . `` The internet is a lot more accessible -- it 's more difficult to get a billboard at a baseball game or to hire a jumbo jet , '' said Christina Warren , whose fiancé proposed to her on Twitter in January 2009 . `` Grand gestures can be made online at little to no cost , and depending on the people that are involved , the proposal becomes more meaningful , '' Warren said . The reporter for Mashable.com and her computer programmer fiancé are self-proclaimed computer nerds whose obsessions with all things tech made their online proposal feel appropriate . Yet it is this dramatic sense of efficiency , Rosenfeld said , that supports technology 's `` obsessive and overtrumping culture . '' The meaning behind the tradition of the wedding proposal and the chivalrous man coming to court his lady 's hand gets lost in a whirlwind of information that appears to be attempts at just being noticed . `` With the internet , people tend to be less concerned with privacy , '' Rosenfeld said . `` They want to be obsessively public about something that people may think of as a private matter . '' `` Fame and notoriety is something that people always have sought . In the internet age , the border to fame and notoriety is much lower , and because we live in an age of very gratifying self promotion , online proposals can sometimes devalue tradition . '' Watch man propose on live TV . But for those who fame has hit for venturing online with a wedding proposal -- such as Stephanie Sullivan Rewis and Greg Rewis , who became the first couple to propose on Twitter -- chivalry is still alive . `` I did n't feel any different than women whose boyfriend proposes on the JumboTron or billboard in Times Square feel , '' said Stephanie Rewis . `` Is it the method that matters or the thought and outcome ? '' Rosenfeld said he agrees with the latter . `` I think that people can still have a very old fashioned view of relationships and the pursuit of marriage . The way people meet and are doing things are rapidly changing , and the internet is increasingly becoming the intermediary for all that . `` So chivalry is n't dead . I think it is every bit of alive as it has ever been . ''
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Some couples use sites such as Twitter or YouTube to propose . Sociologist says that proposing online pressures women into saying `` yes '' Online proposals might be appropriate for a couple , some say .
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LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Denzel Washington 's new movie , `` The Taking of Pelham 123 , '' is not a remake , even though Walter Matthau starred in a film by the same name in 1974 , the actor told CNN . Denzel Washington plays a transit official , once demoted , in `` The Taking of Pelham 123 . '' Moreover , Washington 's character is not like the hostage negotiator he played three years ago in `` Inside Man , '' although the movie is about his negotiation with a deranged ex-con hostage-holder , played by John Travolta , Washington said . And he 's right . The updated `` The Taking of Pelham 123 '' is a riveting movie about a subway dispatcher confronted by a former Wall Street trader seeking revenge -- not just a ransom , as in the 1974 film -- from the city of New York for sending him to prison . The movie opens nationwide Friday . It 's essentially a two-character play , with much of the dialogue delivered over a two-way radio between Washington , in the train control center , and Travolta , on a hijacked train , director Tony Scott said . The drama is paced and punctuated by a dramatic above-ground sequence , including plenty of crashes , as police rush to deliver a $ 10 million cash ransom before a deadline . Travolta 's character is `` a contradiction of what you normally expect in a bad guy , '' Scott said . `` He 's funny , he 's smart , and he 's got a big heart . '' While Travolta , who is mourning the loss of his teenage son earlier this year , did not participate in interviews , he issued a written statement that called his character `` the ultimate evil mastermind . '' `` This role as an actor gave me the chance to dispense with all moral and ethical limitations , and explore just how bad this character could really be , '' Travolta said . Washington said his character , a transit official demoted to dispatcher because he was suspected of taking a bribe , is a new twist on the familiar hostage negotiator role . `` I was concerned a little bit about ` Inside Man ' where I was a cop and a hostage negotiator , '' he said . `` I just liked the idea when they hand him a gun that he 'd never held one before , that he was an ordinary guy in an extraordinary situation and with this cloud over his head . He did n't come to work knowing he was going to get an opportunity to redeem himself . '' Washington , who looks younger and more fit than his character , said to prepare for the role he `` ate a lot and kept getting smaller and smaller sweaters to wear . '' James Gandolfini 's role as New York 's mayor is a combination of current and former mayors -- Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani . While he has Bloomberg 's Wall Street savvy , he carries himself like Guiliani on September 11 , 2001 . New York City is also a major character , Scott said . Many scenes were shot below ground in subway tunnels and a closed down transit station in lower Manhattan , mostly at night , Scott said . It took four weeks of tedious shooting , he said . `` It 's just a whole other world down there , '' said Washington . An old train car was rebuilt to accommodate cameras and placed on a sound stage in Queens for scenes that could n't be shot underground , Scott said . The same person who designed the Metropolitan Transit Authority 's -LRB- MTA -RRB- high-tech control center was hired to build a replica on a sound stage in Queens , he said . Brian Helgeland , who wrote the screenplay , revealed the secret about why he would use an older movie title for a film they do not want seen as a remake . Since Sony Pictures already owned the rights to `` The Taking of Pelham 123 , '' it made it an easier sell to the studio , he said . The original film , whose title had the number spelled out -- `` One Two Three '' -- was based on a best-selling 1973 novel by John Godey , and starred Robert Shaw as the villain opposite Matthau . `` The start was using that as a title , something the studio would feel comfortable making rather than just a nameless , orphan idea that you might have on your own , to try to put that together and use ` Pelham ' as a springboard to make your own crime movie , '' Helgeland said . iReport.com : Share your review of `` Pelham '' He tried to stay away from the original `` Pelham '' particulars `` but we had the same situation as the core , which was a hostage situation with one guy in the train with the hostages and another guy outside dealing with him over the radio . '' Putting the movie together , he said , was `` a little bit like trying to pull off a heist , putting the pieces together , with a getaway car driver and a safecracker and all that stuff . ''
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`` The Taking of Pelham 123 '' is re-imagining of 1974 film . Denzel Washington stars as N.Y. transit official negotiating with villain John Travolta . Washington : I wanted to make the character distinct from negotiator in `` Inside Man ''
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[[221, 263]]
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As temperatures climbed toward the 90s across the Washington metro region Monday , hundreds of thousands of people were left to cope with the blistering heat as utility crews worked to restore power after a violent thunderstorm that killed two people . A 6-year-old boy was fatally injured while walking with his family Sunday afternoon in Sterling , Virginia , when heavy wind caused a large section of a tree to fall , according to Kraig Troxell , a spokesman for the Loudoun County sheriff . The boy , whose name was not released , died at a Virginia hospital , Troxell said . A second person was killed and another was injured in Beltsville , Maryland , on Sunday when a tree fell on the car in which they were riding , according to Cpl. Clinton Copeland , a spokesman for the Prince George 's County Police Department . Meanwhile , utility crews restored power to a Washington-area nursing home that has been forced to brave the elements since Sunday afternoon . Cooling buses and emergency crews worked with building nurses and officials until power was restored about 1 p.m Monday , according to Pete Piringer , a spokesman for the District of Columbia Fire and EMS . As a precautionary measure , five people were transported to area hospitals with heat-related illness . Their conditions were not severe , Piringer added . Electricity provider Pepco said Monday that about 220,000 residences across the District of Columbia , Maryland and Virginia were still in the dark -- and without air-conditioning -- following one of the hottest days of the year . July 's brutal onslaught of record heat continued in the eastern United States , with temperature records set Sunday in Baltimore , Maryland , where it hit 100 degrees , and Washington , where it was 98 . By Monday afternoon , damage had been reported across the region from 270 downed trees or very large limbs , including approximately 20 full large trees , according to the District Department of Transportation . More than 20 traffic signals remained out because of power problems , the department added . The storm was part of a slow-moving front that struck parts of the Northeast before moving south . Heat advisories and warnings continue for the Deep South in parts of Georgia and South Carolina through Monday ; the heat index is expected to exceed 105 degrees . CNN 's Angela Fritz , Jonathan Helman and Devon Sayers contributed to this report .
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NEW : Power restored at Washington-area nursing home . Massive thunderstorm leaves hundreds of thousands without power in metro Washington . Two people were killed in storm-related incidents . The storm was part of a slow-moving front moving south .
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London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The father and brother of a Harry Potter actress will appear in court later this month in Manchester , England , on charges of threatening to kill the young star , prosecutors said Friday . Abdul Azad , 54 , and his son Ashraf , 28 , are accused of attacking actress Afshan Azad earlier this month because of her relationship with a Hindu man , a spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said . The family is Muslim . The father and brother appeared at Manchester Magistrate 's Court on Wednesday and were released on conditional bail , said the spokesman , who could not be named in line with policy . Bail conditions include a curfew and ban on traveling to London , the Manchester Evening News reported . Afshan Azad , reported to be 22 , has appeared in four Harry Potter films as Padma Patil , a classmate of the boy wizard and twin sister of Parvati Patil . The alleged attack happened May 21 . The father and brother are charged with threatening to kill the actress , and her brother is also charged with assault , the prosecutors ' spokesman said . Afshan Azad had never acted before she was cast in the movies , and admitted she only went to the auditions with her friends `` for a bit of fun , '' the Manchester Evening News reported .
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Father , brother of Harry Potter actress to appear in court this month . Both charged with threatning to kill Afshan Azad ; brother charged with assault . Azad has played Padma Patil in four Harry Potter movies . Alleged attack happened May 21 .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two major civil liberties groups filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging the government 's asserted authority to kill U.S. citizens living abroad who are designated as terrorists . The American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Constitutional Rights announced they represent the father of influential Islamic cleric Anwar al-Awlaki , believed to be living in Yemen , who may be targeted by U.S. government drones . U.S. officials believe al-Awlaki , a Yemeni-American , influenced Maj. Nidal Hasan , the man accused of killing 13 people in the 2009 Fort Hood shootings , and played a more active role in Umar Farouk Abdul-Mutallab 's attempted bombing of a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day 2009 . Officials also believe al-Awlaki inspired Faisal Shahzad , who has pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges in the attempted car bomb attack in Times Square in May , as well as several others . The ACLU and CCR announced the challenge to the government 's plan to use lethal force against U.S. citizens `` located far from any battlefield without charge , trial , or judicial process of any kind , '' a statement from the groups said . `` President Obama is claiming the power to act as judge , jury , and executioner while suspending any semblance of due process , '' said Vince Warren , executive director of the CCR . The two groups and al-Awlaki 's father , Nasser al-Awlaki , are particularly concerned about the use of drones to target civilian al-Qaeda supporters . Unmanned drones are frequently used in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan , where Taliban and other insurgents are believed to be operating . The suit specifically challenges the law that prohibits attorneys from providing representation for al-Awlaki without first seeking a license from the Treasury Department 's Office of Foreign Asset Control . The office , which labeled al-Awlaki a `` specially designated global terrorist , '' has so far not granted the groups a license . `` The government is targeting an American citizen for death without any legal process whatsoever , while at the same time impeding lawyers from challenging that death sentence , '' said ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero . The Justice Department , which is expected to defend the administration against the lawsuit , had no immediate comment .
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Two human rights groups file a lawsuit against government 's targeting of American terrorists . ACLU , CCR say they represent the father of Yemeni-American cleric Anwar al-Awlaki . The groups challenge the U.S. government 's authority to kill American terrorists living abroad .
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KATHMANDU , Nepal -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nepal 's first-ever President Ram Baran Yadav took the oath of office Wednesday , two days after his election . Yadav , a physician in his 60s , was elected president on Monday by Nepal 's constituent assembly , almost two months after the country was declared a republic , putting an end to the 239-year-old monarchy . People lined the streets , which were emptied of vehicles , as the presidential motorcade drove about five miles -LRB- 8 km -RRB- from Yadav 's home to the presidential offices . He was driven in the bulletproof vehicle previously used by Nepal 's kings . Yadav was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Kedar Prasad Giri . `` I represent all Nepali people in this august office and in all my efforts and endeavors I will be committed to the benefit of the Nepali people , '' Yadav said after the swearing-in . Yadav then administered the oath of office to the newly elected vice president Parmananda Jha . The post of the president is largely ceremonial . He will swear in the country 's new prime minister , who has the executive powers . The president can also deploy the armed forces , but only at the recommendation of the prime minister . Nepal 's Maoists , which won the largest number of seats but fell short of a majority in April 's general elections , said Tuesday they may not form a government after their candidate for president was defeated . `` The defeat of our candidate has put us in the opposition from the moral viewpoint , '' said Maoist leader Prachanda , also known as Pushpa Kamal Dahal . However , he did not rule out the possibility of leading the government if a new coalition were formed . On Monday , lawmakers picked Yadav over the Maoists ' choice for president -- Ram Raja Prasad Singh -- by 308 votes to 282 . The Maoists are the largest party in the constituent assembly , but Yadav was able to win with backing from a coalition of the Nepali Congress , Communist Party of Nepal -LRB- Unified Marxist-Leninist -RRB- and Madhesi Janadhikar -LRB- People 's Rights -RRB- Forum . Prachanda -- who is the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal -LRB- Maoist -RRB- -- called the alliance between the three parties `` unnatural '' and `` apolitical . '' The Maoists have 229 seats in the 601-member constituent assembly . April 's elections , the declaration of a republic and the drafting of a new constitution -- the main task of the constituent assembly -- are parts of a peace process following 10 years of fighting between the Maoists and the state . The violence claimed 13,000 lives . A peace accord in November 2006 ended the fighting . The country 's monarch , King Gyanendra , gave up most powers earlier that year after an uprising against his direct rule .
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The oath was administered by chief justice Kedar Giri . Yadav first president to take office in Nepal since monarchy was abolished . The post of president is largely ceremonial . PM has executive powers . Yadav was the general secretary of the Nepali Congress party .
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Lagos , Nigeria -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Nigerian gunmen on Sunday released 12 sailors who ship was attacked two days earlier off the country 's coast , a spokesman for the Nigerian military said . Pirates had boarded a German-flagged ship off the coast of Nigeria on Friday night and took the foreigners hostage , the country 's military said . The attack took place about four nautical miles off Bonny Island , said Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha of the military Joint Task Force -LRB- JTF -RRB- in the Niger Delta . He did n't release any details on the pirates , only saying they are `` criminals . '' One sailor was wounded in the attack and left on the boat , he said . The kidnappers later abandoned the ship and it was retrieved by the Nigerian navy . The freed sailors were on their way to Bonny Island , where their ship is currently anchored off the coast of the southern Nigerian state of Rivers . Earlier , Antigha had said he did not know the nationalities of the abducted sailors or whether the pirates had demanded a ransom .
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NEW : Gunmen release their 12 hostages . Attack on German-flagged ship takes place Friday off Bonny Island . One sailor is wounded in the attack . Pirates had abandoned ship .
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[[8, 31], [61, 144], [192, 274], [594, 630]]
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New Delhi , India -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- India accorded a red-carpet welcome Tuesday to the top leader of Myanmar 's military junta , who is on a five-day visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the neighboring countries . Gen. Than Shwe received a ceremonial reception in the sandstone presidential palace in New Delhi before he drove down to the shrine to India 's independence leader , Mahatma Gandhi , to pay homage . Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil , Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , members of his cabinet and several top bureaucrats greeted the junta leader as a state guest . The military ruler 's trip underscored the close relationship between the two nations -- one seen as one of the world 's most vibrant democracies , and another despised by the West as a repressive regime . In 1951 , the two countries signed what they called a `` treaty of friendship , '' and over the past few years , bilateral trade has soared to almost $ 1 billion , according to Indian officials . Several Indian companies have invested in Myanmar 's energy sector . And India 's main space agency has helped set up a data-processing center in Yangon for remote-sensing applications , authorities in New Delhi say . Than Shwe 's visit began on Sunday with a tour of sacred Buddhist sites in eastern India . It came days after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged India and other countries in the region to push Myanmar , formerly known as Burma , to comply with U.N. human rights resolutions and nuclear nonproliferation agreements . `` It is critical that Burma hear from you , its neighbors , '' she said in a speech at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting . Clinton described life in Myanmar as `` dangerous '' for the country 's inhabitants and called upon other nations to push for democratic reforms there . `` We would encourage India and other countries to send a clear message to Burma that it needs to change its course , '' State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said last week . The Myanmar general 's itinerary also includes tours of India 's information-technology hub in Hyderabad and the industrial center of Jamshedpur . His visit is the second by a top junta administrator in a year .
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India and Myanmar have long had a close relationship . The leader of Myanmar 's military junta is on a five-day visit . The United States wants India and its neighbors to push Myanmar for reforms .
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New Delhi , India -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- India accorded a red-carpet welcome Tuesday to the top leader of Myanmar 's military junta , currently on a five-day visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the neighboring countries . Gen. Than Shwe received a ceremonial reception in the sandstone presidential palace in New Delhi before he drove to the shrine to India 's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi to pay homage . Indian president Pratibha Devisingh Patil , prime minister Manmohan Singh , members of his cabinet and several top bureaucrats greeted the junta leader as a state guest . The military ruler 's trip underscored the close relationship between the two nations -- one seen as one of the world 's most vibrant democracies and another despised by the West as a repressive regime . In 1951 , the two countries signed what they called a `` treaty of friendship , '' and over the past few years , bilateral trade has soared to almost $ 1 billion , according to Indian officials . Several Indian companies have invested in Myanmar 's energy sector . And India 's main space agency has helped set up a data-processing center in Yangon for remote-sensing applications , authorities in New Delhi say . Than Shwe 's visit began on Sunday with a tour of sacred Buddhist sites in eastern India . It came days after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged India and other countries in the region to push Myanmar , formerly known as Burma , to comply with UN human rights resolutions and nuclear nonproliferation agreements . `` It is critical that Burma hear from you , its neighbors , '' she said in a speech at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting . Clinton described life in Myanmar as `` dangerous '' for the country 's inhabitants and called upon other nations to push for democratic reforms there . `` We would encourage India and other countries to send a clear message to Burma that it needs to change its course , '' State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said last week . The Myanmar general 's itinerary also includes tours of India 's information-technology hub in Hyderabad and the industrial center of Jamshedpur . His visit is the second by a top junta administrator in a year .
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Gen. Than Shwe is on a five-day trip to India . The countries have strong diplomatic and economic ties . Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar has soared to almost $ 1 billion . The junta leader 's visit comes after U.S. asks India and other neighbors to push for reform .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As world leaders meet in Toronto for the G-20 summit , disagreements are brewing over how the global economy 's fragile recovery should best be steered . The United States has been urging other countries not to pull back on stimulus plans too quickly . Britain , in contrast , has recently joined other European countries in announcing drastic budget cuts as fears grow about mounting public debt . The last G-20 summit was September in Pittsburgh . Since then sovereign debt issues have clouded the global economic recovery . Dubai 's debt worries in November foreshadowed the Greek debt crisis , which spiraled to other southern European nations . Public debt woes saw the value of the euro dip from $ 1.50 in December to below $ 1.20 earlier this month , sparking fears the 17-nation bloc united under the currency may collapse . Armed man arrested near G-20 site . U.S. President Barack Obama fears a roll-back too soon from government stimulus packages would send the world back into recession . The European Union has sent a letter to all G-20 leaders asking for substantial budget cuts to come no later than 2011 . `` The Germans are worried about the knock-on effects of southern Europe financing . And the Americans , not having experienced that problem , do n't recognize it and they do n't understand why countries should be cutting back when in fact the recovery is at such a nascent stage , '' said Simon Evenett of the Center for Economic Policy Research . Also high on the agenda will be reforms to global banking regulations . Although all G-20 nations pledged banking reforms , the reforms being mooted in Europe and North America are diverging . Britain , France and Germany are calling on taxes on banks to pay down deficits and cushion future financial shocks . The U.S. wants to discourage additional taxes , which officials fear will stunt consumer demand . `` Behind the calls for us to pursue a more expansionary fiscal course lie two different approaches to economic policymaking on each side of the Atlantic , '' German Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schäuble wrote in a Wednesday op-ed piece in the Financial Times . `` While U.S. policymakers like to focus on short-term corrective measures , we take the longer view and are , therefore , more preoccupied with the implications of excessive deficits and the dangers of high inflation . '' UK Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander said : `` We will have to see what comes out of the G-20 . I 'm not going to give any forecast on that . I think it is important that we have acted because we recognize the risks the banking system poses to the U.S. economy . Certainly , France and Germany recognize those risks , also . '' The sessions will offer a first appearance on the world stage for British Prime Minister David Cameron and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan. . Both leaders arrived in Toronto on Thursday . Other leaders are arriving Friday . CNN 's Jim Boulden contributed to this report .
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G-20 summit of world leaders takes place in Toronto . A dividing line is forming between austerity and stimulus . The U.S. cautions against reducing stimulus packages too soon . Europeans say mounting public debt threatens their economies .
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New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A vintage street sign that once stood at the foot of the New York Stock Exchange in the late 19th and early 20th centuries -- a period known as Wall Street 's Gilded Age -- was auctioned off Monday for a price befitting the neighborhood : $ 116,500 . The enamel-engraved , cast iron-bracketed sign was mounted at the corner of Wall and Broad streets in front of the J.P. Morgan and Co. bank building , also known as the `` House of Morgan . '' The bank , owned by the influential industrialist J.P. Morgan , was the site of the notorious Wall Street Bombing of 1920 , in which a horse-drawn wagon packed with 100 pounds of dynamite detonated in the crowded financial district . Shrapnel scars from the blast are still visible on the sign . The attack , which occurred shortly after noon on September 16 , 1920 , left 38 people dead and hundreds wounded . At the time , it had been the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil to date . The perpetrators were never caught , but historians suspect radical anarchists were to blame . The bombing helped ignite the Red Scare that came to define the following decades . The intersection of Wall Street and Broad Street was again the scene of chaos in the wake of the Stock Market Crash of 1929 , when crowds assembled outside the New York Stock Exchange in shock . Sung-Hee Park , a spokeswoman for Chrisite 's Auction House , said the sale surpassed pre-auction expectations of $ 60,000 to $ 80,000 . She said the buyer was a collector in Asia , and the bid was placed by telephone .
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Sign marked intersection of Wall and Broad streets more than a century ago . Buyer was Asian collector , bid by phone . Winning bid of $ 116,500 far surpassed pre-auction expectations .
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New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Some chose coffee , others started the day with a Irish stout , but all were in full cheer Wednesday morning as fans watched the United States team score a last-minutes goal to defeat Algeria 1-0 in World Cup competition . `` They had so many chances . I 'm just glad they finally pulled it out , '' one relieved fan said when the game ended . `` I was so hyperventilating , '' a woman who identified herself only as Sheryl said , wearing a U.S.A. outfit . Her husband , John , had given up . `` I thought it was going to wind up a tie . And from the 90th minute on I was , like , it 's gon na be over , it 's gon na be over . And somebody scored , I almost died . Unbelievable . The place went nuts , '' John said . Tension grew as the game went into stoppage time 0-0 . Fans watched the overhead screens nervously , fearing that once again the U.S. would disappoint in the World Cup . But in the 91st minute , Landon Donovan knocked in a deflected ball . In open-early-morning bars , cheering evolved into pandemonium , and chants of `` Landon Donovan '' filled the room . Earlier near-misses were immediately forgotten . As patrons filed out of one bar , the crowd took a more musical tone as they broke into a rendition of `` America the Beautiful . '' One enterprising man sold USA jerseys out of a suitcase in front of that bar . As soon as as Donovan scored , he hiked his prices from $ 5 to $ 15 . `` Bring on the Germans , '' one fan said . `` If you want to be the best , you have to beat the best . Germany : we want you ! '' But with the United States topping its group , it will face Ghana next . The game will be on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET .
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Fans tense as game goes into 90th minute 0-0 . A minute later , Team USA scores ; pandemonium ensues . USA jersey price went up $ 10 when US scored . US team faces Ghana on Saturday .
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Johannesburg , South Africa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- England 's Football Association has formally complained to the World Cup organizers after an England fan made it into the team 's dressing room , a spokesman said Saturday . Club England Managing Director Adrian Bevington confirmed the fan got into the dressing room Friday at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town , where England played Algeria to a goalless draw . iReporter says he was `` deluded '' about England 's chances against Algeria . `` There 's been no serious harm done , '' he told reporters , without offering further details . `` We 're formally taking it up with FIFA , it is now a matter for FIFA , and we 'll let them deal with it . '' FA spokesman Mark Whittle told CNN , `` We can confirm the fan entered the England dressing room last night and we have reported the incident to FIFA . '' He said the fan was n't in the dressing room for long and that no one was harmed . Whittle said the breach was `` not acceptable . '' British news outlets reported the breach happened moments after Britain 's Princes William and Harry had left the dressing room . William serves as president of the FA and the brothers both watched the game from the stands . A member of FIFA escorted the fan from the premises , according to the South African Police Service , which said it had launched an investigation . It said it would examine surveillance camera footage and question all security personnel . CNN 's Alex Thomas contributed to this report .
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England 's FA complains after fan enters team 's dressing room . ` No serious harm done , ' England official says . Princes William and Harry had just left the room , reports say . South African police are investigating .
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Johannesburg , South Africa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An England fan who allegedly appeared in the English team 's changing room following a Friday night World Cup match was arrested by South African police and faces a charge of trespassing , authorities said . The man , 32 , was arrested Sunday morning at a Cape Town hotel following an investigation , police said in a statement . He was not identified . The man allegedly appeared in the dressing room following the World Cup match between England and Algeria , authorities said . The two played to a goalless draw at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town . `` The South African Police Service initiated an investigation into the incident immediately after it was reported to us at a debriefing after the match , '' according to the statement . Surveillance camera footage was analyzed , allowing authorities to identify the man and trace him to the hotel . `` The National Prosecuting Authority of the Department of Justice has cooperated fully with the South African Police Service on this investigation and has assured us that the individual will appear in court to face the charge of trespassing some time today , '' police said Sunday . England 's Football Association formally complained to World Cup organizers following the incident . No one was harmed and the fan was n't in the dressing room for long , but FA spokesman Mark Whittle told CNN Saturday the security breach was `` not acceptable . '' Security personnel including police will be placed within the inner perimeter of stadiums in World Cup host cities to prevent similar incidents from taking place , authorities said . British news outlets reported the breach happened moments after Britain 's Princes William and Harry had left the dressing room . William serves as president of the FA and the brothers both watched the game from the stands . A member of FIFA escorted the fan from the premises , according to police . CNN 's Alex Thomas contributed to this report .
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Man arrested in World Cup security breach . Police identify , track suspect through camera footage . Man appeared in English team 's changing room following Friday match . Authorities say he faces a charge of trespassing .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in game seven of the NBA finals in L.A. on Thursday night , to claim back-to-back championships and the team 's 16th title in the world 's most prestigious basketball competition . The win also marked a fifth individual NBA title for L.A playmaker Kobe Bryant , equaling a record set by retired Lakers player Magic Johnson who ran on to the court to congratulate the guard at the end of the game . `` This was the hardest one by far . '' Bryant , who finished with 23 points but only 6 out of 24 on shooting , told the official Lakers website . `` I wanted it so bad and sometimes when you want it so bad , it slips away from you . My guys picked me up . '' The Lakers had to come behind from to take game seven , after the Celtics built up an early 13 point lead . However , the West Coast side edged ahead in the final quarter , thanks to two free throws from Sasha Vujacic which were enough to seal a win and for the side to take the series 4-3 . But it was veteran player Ron Artest who added 20 points to the Lakers overall score and Spanish forward Pau Gasol , with 19 points and 17 rebounds , who were the key to the Californian victory . `` I ca n't say enough about ` Spain ' . That guy 's unbelievable , a hell of a player - we would n't have won it without him , '' Bryant said . And Lakers coach Phil Jackson who now has 11 titles to his name , was full of praise for 30-year-old Artest . `` He was the most valuable player tonight . He brought life to our team , he brought life to the crowd , '' Jackson told his team 's official website . The last time the two rival sides met in the finals was in 2008 , when the Celtics beat the Lakers 4-2 . But Boston could not repeat their performance that saw them win a record-breaking 17th championship crown two years ago , despite high scoring from Paul Pierce on 18 and Kevin Garnett on 17 . The team were undoubtedly let down by a poor shooting night from star player Rajon Rondo who finished with just 14 , and the absence of Kendrick Perkins , who was injured in game 6 . `` Well there 's a lot of crying in our locker room , a lot of people who care . I do n't think there was a dry eye . A lot of hugs , a lot of people feeling awful , '' Celtics coach Doc Rives , whose team had two chances to win the series after leading going into game 6 , told the official NBA website . `` It was the craziest , most emotional group I 've ever coached in my life . They made me reach to places that I never thought I needed to go so that 's what makes this loss tough . '' The teams had met in 11 previous finals , but it is only the third time that the Lakers have beat the Celtics to take the NBA title .
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Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 83-79 in game seven of the NBA finals . L.A won back-to-back championships and their 16th ever title . Kobe Bryant secured his fifth NBA title . Boston could not repear the performance that saw them win 17th title in 2008 .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has coastal states and visitors bureaus working hard to keep the public updated and reassure beach-bound travelers . Here are some of the latest updates from destinations affected by the oil disaster : . Northwest Florida . Oil has affected sections of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key beaches , according to the Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau . Photos from the area showed patches of dark , syruplike oil on the white sand , but local officials said cleanup crews are ready to respond to the oil . Beaches on Perdido Key and Santa Rosa Island are open for swimming , according to the bureau 's website . `` We are all heartbroken and concerned about recent impacts from the Deepwater Horizon incident but rest assured the situation on our beaches remains dynamic , '' said Ed Schroeder , director of Visit Pensacola , in a statement on the bureau 's website . A health advisory for parts of Pensacola Beach has been withdrawn , according to the Escambia County Health Department . iReport : Share your photos of affected beaches . The Okaloosa County Health Department has withdrawn a health advisory issued last week for Destin beaches . `` The oil impacts on our beaches are intermittent and can change within hours or within a day due to the dynamic nature of the currents and changing wind directions , '' the department 's website said . The department does urge visitors to avoid entering the water when oil is present . The beaches of south Walton County are open , according to a weekend update on the website for the area 's Tourist Development Council . Small tar balls have been reported on several area beaches , the site said . Meanwhile , small scattered tar balls and oil patches have affected Panama City Beach , but the beaches and water are open , the area 's visitors bureau website said . iReport : A slick trip to Perdido Key . Tar balls , tar patties and tar mousse -- a puddinglike oil-water mixture -- continue to be found in northwest Florida between Escambia and Walton counties , with the heaviest effects reported in Escambia County , according to Visit Florida , the state 's tourism corporation . Gulf Islands National Seashore . All of the Gulf Islands National Seashore sites , which are in Florida and Mississippi , are open , the National Park Service 's website said . But several spots have been affected by the oil spill , and a public health advisory is in effect parkwide . `` If you see or smell oil in the water or on the beach , avoid contact with water and report it to the nearest lifeguard or park ranger , '' the park service 's website said . Coastal Alabama . Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have experienced significant oiling , according to the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau . `` The beaches are open and visitors are still welcome to sunbathe and walk the beach , but we strongly suggest they swim in a pool or enjoy our many off-beach activities , '' the site said . The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued an advisory against swimming in waters off Gulf Shores , Orange Beach and Fort Morgan , and in bay waters close to Fort Morgan , Bayou St. John , Terry Cove , Cotton Bayou and Old River . Last week , the department also issued a no-swimming advisory for Dauphin Island and the Mississippi Sound . Grand Isle , Louisiana . The oil 's biggest impact in Louisiana is on the portion of the coast from the mouth of the Mississippi River extending east , according to a state emergency website . `` Most of the Louisiana Gulf Coast , 70 percent , is unaffected by the oil spill and remains open for commercial and recreational fishing , '' according to the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau website . Grand Isle has closed its public beach , the site said .
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No-swimming notice withdrawn for Destin , Florida , beaches . Oil affects sections of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key beaches in Florida . Some waters closed to swimming because of emulsified oil along the shoreline . Health officials have issued advisory against swimming in Alabama Gulf waters .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The oil spill on the Gulf Coast has states and visitors bureaus working hard to keep the public updated and reassure beach-bound travelers . Here are some of the latest updates from destinations affected by the oil disaster : . Northwest Florida . Oil has affected sections of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key beaches , according to the Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau . Photos from the area showed patches of dark , syruplike oil on the white sand , but local officials said the situation is getting better . `` Our beaches continue to improve hourly as the crews clean up , '' said Ed Schroeder , director of Visit Pensacola , in a statement on the bureau 's website . On Thursday , yellow tape blocked about a quarter mile of the beach to public access , CNN affiliate WPMI-TV reported . Local officials said the temporary closure was put in place to speed up the cleanup process . Pensacola Beach is open , but the waters from the Park West recreation area to the area just west of Portofino are closed to all swimming and wading until further notice because of large quantities of emulsified oil in shore waters and along the shoreline , the visitors bureau said . `` The shoreline and water along Santa Rosa Sound on the north side of the island is still clean , clear and open for swimming , '' according to the bureau 's website . iReport : Share your photos of affected beaches . A no-swimming notice has been issued for Destin Beach because of the presence of `` tar chips , '' according to the website of the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau , which represents the destination . There were no reported oil impacts along beaches of south Walton County on Friday morning , the area 's Tourist Development Council said on its website . The health advisory issued this week for a stretch of beach in the western end of the county has been lifted after two consecutive , clean high-tide cycles , the council said . Meanwhile , small scattered tar balls and oil patches have affected Panama City Beach , but the beaches are open and the swimming is still safe , the area 's visitors bureau website said . `` Our sugary white sand beaches are open for the enjoyment of our guests and , as of now , we are seeing only intermittent impact , '' according to the bureau . iReport : A slick trip to Perdido Key . Tar balls , tar patties and tar mousse -- a puddinglike oil-water mixture -- continue to be found in northwest Florida , with the heaviest impacts reported between Escambia and Walton counties , according to Visit Florida , the state 's tourism corporation . All of the state 's beaches remain open . Gulf Islands National Seashore . All of the Gulf Islands National Seashore sites , which are in Florida and Mississippi , are open , the National Park Service 's website said . But several spots have been affected by the oil spill . A health advisory is in effect from Walkover 23 on Pensacola Beach , Florida , to the west tip of Santa Rosa Island including Fort Pickens . This advisory extends to the Perdido Key area , including Johnson Beach . `` Because of significant quantities of oil in the water and coming ashore signage and flags advise visitors to not wade or swim in the water , '' according to the park . Gulf Shores and Orange Beach , Alabama . Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have experienced significant oiling , according to the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau . `` The beaches are open and visitors are still welcome to sunbathe and walk the beach , but we strongly suggest they swim in a pool or enjoy our many off-beach activities , '' the site said . The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued an advisory against swimming in waters off Gulf Shores , Orange Beach and Fort Morgan , and in bay waters close to Fort Morgan , Bayou St. John , Terry Cove , Cotton Bayou and Old River . Grand Isle , Louisiana . The oil 's biggest impact in Louisiana is on the portion of the coast from the mouth of the Mississippi River extending east , according to a state emergency website . `` Most of the Louisiana Gulf Coast , 70 percent , is unaffected by the oil spill and remains open for commercial and recreational fishing , '' according to the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau website . Grand Isle has closed its public beach , the site said .
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NEW : A no-swimming notice has been issued for Destin Beach , Florida . Oil affects sections of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key beaches in Florida . Some waters closed to swimming because of emulsified oil along the shoreline . Health officials have issued advisory against swimming in Alabama Gulf waters .
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-LRB- Parenting.com -RRB- -- Like many toddlers , little Kate Davis attends a mommy-and-me story time and playgroup in her hometown of Elgin , Illinois . Although it sounds lovely , it 's a source of anguish -LRB- some call it working-mommy guilt -RRB- for her mother , because Kate attends with her nanny , Sarah , and not with her mother . `` I 'm happy Kate gets to go , but I feel guilty that I 'm not the one taking her , '' says Jenny Davis , who hired Sarah a year ago to take care of Kate while both she and her husband work . Parenting.com : Moms ' dirty little secrets . `` I feel jealous that they do fun things together while I 'm the one who forces Kate to eat the vegetables she hates . I make dinner , give her a bath , brush her teeth , and then she 's off to bed . There 's no time to goof off . '' While this is n't uncommon , there are easy solutions , says parenting expert Michelle LaRowe , author of `` Nanny to The Rescue ! '' and `` A Mom 's Ultimate Book of Lists . '' For example , there 's no reason why mom should n't get in on the fun . `` When parents come home , I recommend they change into play clothes , put down their phones and transition into family time . As soon as they walk in the door , they should get down on child 's level to help her warm up to you , '' says LaRowe . Parenting.com : How to handle annoying advice . What happens if you feel like the nanny may even be a better mom than you are ? `` Kate has tantrums if you give her water instead of orange juice , '' Davis says . `` But Sarah will just ask her to get her cup and drink the water , and she 'll accept it . '' The nanny also seems better able to control stressful situations , like when Kate throws food from her high chair to alert everyone she 's done . `` Maybe it 's because Sarah is right on top of her , and I 'm trying to load the dishwasher and get household chores done at the same time , '' Davis says . Parenting.com : 20 of the greatest mom tips , ever . LaRowe says nannies may actually have an easier time disciplining because they 're not the mom . `` While nannies genuinely love the children in their care , they are n't ruled by emotions when setting boundaries . It may be more convenient to give in , but due to experience , they 're aware of the consequences , '' says LaRowe , adding that busy moms might try to reduce multitasking . `` The simplest of child-care tasks , like bathing , diaper changing or feeding , can provide wonderful bonding opportunities . '' Sarah is , of course , also a pro . `` The reality is that many nannies do have more parenting skills than parents , '' says LaRowe . `` For a mom to realize that someone else can meet her child 's needs faster is hard . Parenting.com : How becoming a mom changes you . And what if your kid just seems to love the nanny more than she loves you ? Unlikely , says LaRowe . Kids may cry when the nanny leaves or even call her mama , but mothers should n't see this behavior as a potential `` The Hand That Rocks The Cradle '' moment where a sitter is trying to steal your family . `` Developmentally , once a baby says dada and mama , they say it about everything and everyone . They 're just babbling , '' explains LaRowe . Think of it this way : For many multitasking modern moms like Davis , a nanny can be a life raft . After all , the hit show about child-care providers is called `` Nanny 911 '' , not It 's Nice To Have A Nanny . The key is to trust your caregiver -- and give yourself a break . In many ways , you 're bettering the life of your child by giving her a greater circle of loving caregivers . Says LaRowe , `` Early interactions with a loving , nurturing and consistent caregiver can teach a child about forming non-familial relationships that foster healthy self-esteem . A baby can never receive too much love . And since many nannies take on other household tasks , you may be able to check the children 's laundry , meal preparation and grocery shopping off your list . '' That might give you more time to make up for any daytime cuddles you 're missing . Says LaRowe , `` Do n't worry , a child always knows who her mom is . '' Parenting.com : 6 new-mom confidence boosters . Try a FREE TRIAL issue of Parenting Magazine - CLICK HERE ! Copyright 2010 The Parenting Group . All rights reserved . Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited .
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Woman is jealous because nanny spends more time with daughter . Mom forces daughter to eat vegetables and get ready for bed . Expert advises parents to play with kids after arriving home . Also it 's easier for nannies to discipline kids because they 're not the moms .
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Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The use of powerful drugs to treat complaints of chronic pain , and the faking of names on prescriptions for celebrities are central issues in the trial of Anna Nicole Smith 's last two doctors and her lawyer-boyfriend . A Los Angeles County jury heard opening statements Wednesday in the trial of Howard K. Stern and Drs. Khristine Eroshevich and Sandeep Kapoor , charged in a conspiracy to provide drugs to an addict . A defense lawyer said Smith was not a drug addict , but was a victim of chronic pain who was seeking relief . The doctors , who never found the cause of her pain , were doing their best to relieve it with drugs , while her boyfriend , Stern , was going along with their treatment plan . The use of fakes names was a routine way to hide Smith 's medical information from prying tabloid journalists who would pay medical workers to leak it , Steve Sadow , Stern 's defense lawyer , told jurors . `` It 's not a murder case , '' Sadow said . `` It 's a prescribing medications case . '' The prosecutor outlined the last three years of Smith 's life , which ended in a Florida hotel room because of `` acute combined drug intoxication '' on February 8 , 2007 . The three defendants illegally conspired to fuel the actress-model 's drug addiction with excessive amounts of powerful medications , Deputy District Attorney Renee Rose said . The doctors crossed legal and professional boundaries because they were captivated by Smith 's fame , Rose said . `` We trust doctors to act responsibly ... even in spite of ourselves , '' Rose said . Kapoor began prescribing painkilling opiates and anti-anxiety benzodiazepines to Smith in 2004 , Rose said . He used the alias `` Michelle Smith '' on the opiate prescriptions , she said . Eroshevich , a psychiatrist , also was prescribing powerful drugs to Smith using fake names , Rose said . Stern `` facilitated '' the prescriptions , sometimes calling the doctors and picking them up from the pharmacy , Rose said . He was motivated by the millions he would gain if she won a court battle against her deceased husband 's heirs , Rose said . Anna Nicole Smith 's appearance on the 2004 American Music Awards telecast showed how she was affected by the drugs , she said . Jurors watched a video clip which opened with Smith asking , `` Like my body ? '' Smith was not a drug addict , Sadow said . She sought the medications for `` real pain , constant pain , chronic pain . '' `` She took the prescription medicines for her pain , primarily due to the inadequate control of pain , '' Sadow said . `` No physician was ever able to determine why she had pain . '' Stern , who is a lawyer but not a doctor , `` relied on the good faith of the medical judgment of the doctors , '' Sadow said . `` He relied on their judgment of what was medically necessary for Anna . '' It could not be a conspiracy because Stern did not know it was wrong or that using false names on prescriptions was illegal , Sadow said . `` Celebrities in Hollywood use aliases all the time , '' he said . Sadow said Kapoor was giving the same drugs and used the same alias as her previous doctor , whose practice he bought . That doctor has not been charged . Other doctors also used false names for Smith , including at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center when Smith was treated in 2006 , he said . `` Every time she would have interaction with the medical community , it was under a different name , '' he said . Her identity was not secret to the pharmacist who regularly filled her prescriptions , he said , but Smith feared medical workers would sell her information . `` She was fodder for the paparazzi and that 's where ` Michelle Chase ' came in , '' Sadow said . The trial is expected to last up to three months .
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Smith 's doctors are charged with using fake names on drug prescriptions . Her boyfriend also is charged in a conspiracy to provide drugs to an addict . A defense lawyer says Smith was not an addict , but she was seeking pain relief . The reality TV star died of `` drug intoxication '' in 2007 .
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Bristow , Virginia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has ordered an investigation after a man who was in the United States illegally killed a nun in a car crash , authorities said . Napolitano is trying determine why the man was still in the country because he had been arrested two previous times for drunken driving offenses . The suspect , Carlos Montano , driving Sunday morning under the influence of alcohol , slammed head-on into three nuns in a Toyota sedan , police said . The three were just a few miles from a monastery in Bristow , Virginia , heading for their annual retreat . Sister Denise Mosier was killed instantly , and the other two remained hospitalized Tuesday . The suspect has twice been in custody -- the first time , almost two years ago in October 2008 -- Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said . But both times , Montano was released on his own recognizance pending deportation proceedings , because he was not convicted of a violent felony such as murder , rape , or robbery . `` He was in removal proceedings , '' Napolitano told CNN on Tuesday . `` Why were the removal proceedings taking so long ? I do not obviously as of today have the results of that , but I will get them . '' Corey Stewart , chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors , said he was furious with how immigration officials have handled the case . `` We identified him as an illegal alien , we told ICE that he had twice been convicted now of DUI 's , that he posed a threat to the community , '' said Stewart . `` And they turned around and they released him right back into the neighborhood . '' County prosecutor Paul Ebert said Montano has previously been convicted twice for drunken driving , as well as reckless driving , speeding , and public drunkenness . He spent 20 days in jail in 2009 . The suspect , 23 , has now been charged with involuntary manslaughter . It was unclear if he has retained a defense lawyer . The incident comes amid a contentious national debate about illegal immigration , just days after a strict new immigration law was scheduled to go into effect in Arizona . The most controversial provisions of the law have been stayed by a judge , but supporters of the law said a failure by Washington to crack down on illegal immigration forced Arizona to act . The Department of Homeland Security says record numbers of immigrants who have committed crimes have been removed in the last 18 months . `` This administration has fundamentally reformed immigration enforcement , '' said spokesman Matt Chandler , `` identifying and removing criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety . '' But Stewart said more needs to be done . `` Congress has deliberately understaffed and underfunded immigration enforcement for years , '' Stewart said . On Tuesday , the Virginia monastery 's chapel was adorned with flowers , and a vigil and funeral are scheduled for later this week . Mosier , the victim in the car accident , had served as a missionary in South Africa , and regularly acted as a spiritual mentor to the 30 other nuns at the convent . `` It 's a great loss , because they depended on her , '' said Sister Andrea Verchuck . But the convent said in a statement , `` The Benedictine Sisters are dismayed and saddened that this tragedy has been politicized , and become an apparent forum for the illegal immigration agenda . '' Verchuck said she would rather focus on the needless tragedies caused by drinking and driving , and on forgiveness , in memory of Mosier . `` If she had been conscious at the time that she was taken from the wreck , '' she said , `` If Carlos had been there , she would have said , ` Carlos , I forgive you . ' '' CNN 's Rachel Streitfeld contributed to this report .
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Death of nun has angered local authorities . Napolitano has called for an investigation . Suspect was in the country illegally when he crashed into nun , police said .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Brazilian goalie , his lover and his wife were among nine people charged with the murder of his former girlfriend who had been trying to prove he had fathered her son . The prosecutor filed the charges against Bruno Fernandes Das Dores de Souza and eight others in Contagem , Minas Gerais on Wednesday . Charges include murder with special circumstances , kidnapping , imprisonment , concealment of a corpse , conspiracy and corruption of a minor . Eliza Samudio , 25 , remains missing two months after she was last reported seen . A former policeman , Marcos Aparecido dos Santos , was also charged with murder , conspiracy and concealment of corpse . All suspects are in jail except for one who is being sought . Souza 's 17-year-old cousin told police the woman was killed . The teen said Souza watched as the missing woman was asphyxiated , mutilated and fed to dogs , local police investigator Wagner Pinto told reporters last month . Souza 's new lawyer has said his client denies all the accusations . Attorney Ercio Quaresma said it 's `` irresponsible '' to charge the nine suspects with corpse concealment since no body has been found . `` It 's an inconsequence to sign something like that not having concrete proof , '' Quaresma said . Quaresma said the goalie will not answer any questions for now . `` He has not spoken and he wo n't speak until the defense decides he needs to speak , '' the lawyer said . `` And that might not happen '' . Samudio was trying to prove that the goalie fathered her infant son , who is currently being cared for by her mother , police said . The police investigator described her death to reporters last month . `` They tied her hands , and this other individual strangled her , '' Pinto said , referring to Santos . `` Later , they deboned and disemboweled her . '' The woman 's body was taken to an undisclosed location where her remains were fed to several Rottweilers , police said . The cousin told investigators that Souza watched the entire incident , according to Pinto . Souza 's lawyer decried the accusations . `` Are the Rottweilers being charged too ? '' he asked reporters . Souza 's former attorney , Michel Assef Filho , said last month that the goalie has `` no knowledge of the facts , he is astonished and scared by his cousin 's testimony and that 's it . '' Filho stopped representing Souza when the Flamengo Club suspended Souza 's contract . The attorney works on behalf of the soccer club . The football star was last seen with Samudio in June as they headed for his country home in the state of Minas Gerais . A search for Samudio 's body is under way . The Flamengo Club said it is suspending the goalie 's contract until all facts are known . Journalist Luciani Gomes contributed to this report .
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Brazilian goalie among nine people charged . Police : Eliza Samudio , 25 , was last seen in June . Lawyer says the goalie will not answer questions about his alleged involvement . His cousin detailed her murder , authorities say .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Marathon man John Isner gained revenge at the hands of his Wimbledon conqueror Thiemo De Bakker after knocking the Dutchman out of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington . Isner lost in straight sets to De Bakker in the second round in London after his record-breaking win over Nicolas Mahout , from France . The American 's 6-4 3-6 6-7 7-6 70-68 win over Mahout at Wimbledon became the longest match in tennis history , stretching over three days and lasting 11 hours . It was no surprise when an exhausted Isner was dumped out by De Bakker in round two but Isner got one over on his rival with a narrow win in the U.S. capital . The match yielded only one break point but Isner could n't take it . Instead he had to rely on two tie-break wins to triumph 7-6 7-6 and continue his decent run of form -- Isner was beaten by Mardy Fish in the final of the Atlanta Tennis Championships last month . His record in tie-breaks this season is now 25-14 and his win set up a third round match with Belgian Xavier Malisse . After the match he claimed he had n't been seeking to avenge his Wimbledon defeat . `` It was n't like a revenge factor at all , '' he told the official ATP Tour website . `` I treated it like any other match . `` It was n't pretty out there . The only thing that kept me in the match was the way I competed . Not much was working right . Probably just the way I compete -LSB- got me through -RSB- . More times than not you 're not going to play your best out there . '' Isner was pipped in the 2007 final by fellow American Andy Roddick and the number two seed got his quest for a fourth Legg Mason title off to a winning start by beating Slovenian qualifier Grega Zemlja . Roddick conceded just nine points on his serve in the entire match and made the most of his two break point chances to earn a straight sets victory . `` I accomplished what I wanted to , '' he told the official ATP Tour website . `` I got into some rallies early and moved the ball around the court and mixed up paces and different heights . `` I put a high percentage of returns in the court and got back to playing clean tennis . Doing things that do n't always show up on the stats sheet but they win you tennis matches . '' Roddick was beaten in last year 's final by Juan Martin del Potro in a third set tie-break and will now face world No. 6 Gilles Simon , who beat Russian Igor Kunitsyn 6-1 6-2 in just under an hour . Elsewhere , number three seed Fernando Verdasco had a scare against German Michael Berrer before eventually battling through to win 4-6 7-5 7-6 and set up a tie with American qualifier Ryan Sweeting . The number four seed Marin Cilic survived a clutch of break points to beat Uzbekistan 's Denis Istomin 6-4 6-2 and book a date with American Mardy Fish .
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Marathon man John Isner beats Thiemo De Bakker 7-6 7-6 in Washington . Dutchman De Bakker knocked Isner out of Wimbledon back in June . Andy Roddick into third round after beating Slovenian qualifier Grega Zemlja . Fernando Verdasco survives a scare to beat German Michael Berrer in three sets .
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Havana , Cuba -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ariel Sigler is the latest of 21 Cuban political prisoners to fly into exile after being freed from jail in Cuba . Gaunt , and confined to a wheelchair , the former boxer received a hero 's welcome in Miami . Later at a hospital , he talked about his release . `` The first dish that I was able to taste with great delight was the dish of freedom , the dish of democracy , the dish of my second country that has received me as if I was another one of its children , '' Sigler said . Cuba has agreed to release a total of 52 political prisoners by-mid November as part of a deal with the Catholic Church and Spain . International pressure to free them grew when one prisoner died earlier this year after an 84-day hunger strike . But the Cuban government has also ratcheted up its own campaign . It is denouncing the imprisonment of five Cuban agents held in the United States since 1998 . They 're convicted of spying in the United States . In Cuba , they 're considered heroes , fighting to protect the homeland from extremists in Miami . Over the weekend , Cuba 's National Assembly accused the U.S. of putting one of the agents , Gerardo Hernandez , in what assembly members called an `` isolation hole '' even though he was ill . The National Assembly signed a petition calling the conditions of Hernandez 's current confinement `` so harsh that his health and physical integrity are being seriously affected . '' U.S. officials could not be reached immediately for comment . Hernandez 's wife recalled Cuban President Raul Castro 's offer of a gesture for a gesture . `` Our president was very clear , '' she said . `` We were waiting for the U.S. to free the five and we would hand over the prisoners we have in Cuba , even with their relatives . Cuba has complied with its gesture . '' However , there are no indications that any talks about a tradeoff are underway between Havana and Washington . But some Cuban officials have pointed to the recent swap of Russian and American spies as evidence that there may be a possibility .
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Cuba has freed 21 of 52 political prisoners from jail . Cuban officials are pressuring the United States to free five Cuban agents . The five agents have been held in the United States since 1998 . There are no indications that a swap will take place .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. Coast Guard closed 98 miles of the Mississippi River from New Orleans , Louisiana , southward after a fuel barge and a tanker collided early Wednesday , spilling more than 400,000 gallons of fuel oil . Coast Guard personnel try to contain a fuel oil spill in the Mississippi River in New Orleans on Wednesday . The closure -- on what is a major shipping route between the Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico -- could last days , and the cleanup could take weeks , said Capt. Lincoln Stroh , the Coast Guard chief in New Orleans . The collision between the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker Tintomara and the barge pushed by the tug Mel Oliver happened about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday , splitting the barge nearly in half and dumping more than 419,000 gallons of oil into the river , the Coast Guard said . The accident happened just north of the massive bridges connecting downtown New Orleans to the west bank of the Mississippi , the Coast Guard said . The tanker was undamaged . See a map of where the spill happened '' The Coast Guard said Wednesday evening that the tug had no properly licensed crew on board at the time of the collision . No injuries were reported , and the National Transportation Safety Board said it has dispatched investigators to look into the accident . The accident left a sheen of oil over much of the river and its banks . Booms were deployed to contain the oil , and skimmers are being used to suck it off the surface , said Petty Officer Thomas Blue , a Coast Guard spokesman . Watch scenes from the oil spill '' The spill is much smaller than the ones that followed Hurricane Katrina in 2005 , when the Coast Guard estimated that more than 7 million gallons of oil were dumped into the Mississippi and nearby waterways . But Wilma Subra , a chemist who advises the Louisiana Environmental Action Network , said the oil could affect wildlife and work its way up the food chain into residents , many of whom fish for subsistence . `` This is a spill that occurred in a very urban area , and it can impact a very large number of people , '' she said . The oil , widely used as marine fuel , is heavier than diesel but lighter than crude , and it is likely to stick to rocks , trees and wildlife , Stroh said . `` Some will evaporate with sunlight , but there will be residuals in the waterway which need to be cleaned up , '' he said . However , State Department of Environmental Quality officials said the oil is so thick that it could sink , which would complicate the cleanup , the Times-Picayune of New Orleans reported . The Mississippi is the primary source of drinking water for the region , and workers have deployed booms around intakes for local water systems , said Paul Book , the head of the cleanup effort for barge owners American Commercial Lines . Water intakes in the oil spill area -- those for Algiers , Gretna , St. Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish -- were closed to prevent contamination , though residents there still could get water through their taps because of reserve supplies , the Times-Picayune reported . A swifter-than-normal current quickly drew the slick downstream . The Coast Guard initially closed 29 miles of the river but expanded that to 98 miles by Wednesday evening , the service said . The heavy , sticky oil left a `` real strong '' smell hanging over much of downtown New Orleans , said Carl Bauder , who runs a barber shop near the foot of Canal Street . The Coast Guard 's closure of traffic shut down commuter ferries across the river , said Bauder , who lives in the West Bank neighborhood of Algiers . '' -LSB- The oil has -RSB- done a lot of damage to our Moonwalk area and down by the aquarium , '' he said . Department of Environmental Quality officials said they did n't believe breathing the air near the river would be a problem , adding that emergency personnel were checking the air with portable monitors and had n't found dangerous hydrocarbon levels , the Times-Picayune reported . New Orleans is among the largest U.S. ports . More than 30 ships were queued early Wednesday afternoon , waiting to pass through the closed zone , Coast Guard spokeswoman Jaclyn Young said . Ships approaching the mouth of the river from the Gulf of Mexico were being asked to stay out , Stroh said .
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Ninety-eight miles of Mississippi River closed from New Orleans southward . Closure could last days , but cleanup could take weeks , Coast Guard says . More than 400,000 gallons of fuel oil spilled after tanker , barge collide . River is major route for cargo between Midwest , Gulf of Mexico .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- James Clapper was confirmed unanimously by the Senate Thursday night to be the nation 's next intelligence chief . Clapper , tapped by President Obama for the Director of National Intelligence job , will oversee the nation 's 16 spy agencies . He will be the fourth person in the position since it was created five years ago . He succeeds Dennis Blair , who was pressured to resign because of differences with the White House over the scope of his role and turf battles with the CIA director . The Senate vote came before the Senate 's August recess and several days after Sen. John McCain , R-Arizona , said he would hold up the confirmation process until he received a report he had requested . `` This is good news because to have left this key position vacant could well have damaged our national security , '' said Sen. Dianne Feinstein , chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee . Clapper is a retired Air Force lieutenant general who has spent most of his career in the intelligence community . He served as the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency . He is currently the Defense Department 's chief intelligence officer . `` General Clapper has excellent credentials , and the support of the White House and key intelligence leaders , '' Feinstein , D-California , said in a statement released after the vote . `` He is mindful of the importance of independence from the Pentagon , he understands the DNI 's responsibility to provide strategic intelligence to policymakers , and he knows that the job entails more than simple coordination . '' Acting Director of National Intelligence David Gompert said in a statement after the vote that Clapper was the right person for the job . `` As we face evolving security threats and continue to build an integrated intelligence enterprise , the intelligence community and the nation are extremely fortunate to have such a distinguished leader at the helm , '' he said . During his recent confirmation hearing , Clapper said he would n't agree to take the job if he thought he `` was going to be a titular figurehead or hood ornament . '' A number of senators had questioned whether the DNI had enough authority to get the job done . Clapper said he did not need any new authority to oversee the 16 intelligence agencies and offices . `` With all of the discussion about the lack of authority , of the perceived weakness of the office of director of national intelligence , I believe it already does have considerable authority , either explicit in the law ... or implicit that can be exerted , '' Clapper said . He vowed to `` push the envelope '' to be successful in the job . The office of DNI was established by Congress in the aftermath of the September 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks to help improve the coordination of the intelligence community and to correct deficiencies in information-sharing among its members . CNN 's Ted Barrett and Pam Benson contributed to this report .
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The vote comes before the Senate 's August recess . Clapper , a retired Air Force lieutenant general , is the fourth person in the position . He succeeds Dennis Blair , who was pressured to resign because of difference with the White House .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A nationwide search continued Monday for two of three inmates who escaped from an Arizona prison Friday -- after a third was apprehended 670 miles away following a shootout in Colorado . An all-points-bulletin has been issued to authorities around the country for the escapees identified as Tracy Province and John McCluskey . The third inmate was captured Sunday in Rifle , Colorado . Daniel Renwick , 36 , was spotted driving a brown Chevy Blazer by a Rifle police officer who gave chase , according to Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan . Gunshots were exchanged , and Renwick was ultimately taken into custody . Renwick was serving 22 years for second-degree murder . He is being held in Colorado , awaiting questioning by the U.S. Marshals Service . Province and McCluskey are believed to be with a female accomplice who was on the visitation list for one of the inmates . Charles Ryan , director of the Arizona Department of Corrections , told HLN that it 's believed she has a relationship with McClusky and may have aided the escape by throwing cutting tools over a fence . The suspected accomplice was identified as 43-year-old Casslyn Mae Welch , who is 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds , with brown hair and green eyes . After their escape , the inmates and the accomplice abducted two truck drivers at gunpoint on Interstate 40 outside of Kingman , Arizona , and hijacked their 18-wheeler , according to the Mohave County sheriff 's department in Kingman . The truck drivers and the rig were released five hours later in Flagstaff , about 135 miles to the east . One of the truck drivers spoke about it later . `` They said , ` If you guys are nice to us , we will be nice to you . If you do anything , we will shoot you , ' '' said Prabhjeet Bains . `` Every time he looked at me , I thought he was going to shoot me , so I 'm glad we are still alive . '' The fugitives were later believed to be driving a 2002 silver Volkswagon Jetta , purchased Saturday in west Phoenix . They were later spotted on a security camera in a bank inside a grocery store in Goodyear , Arizona , according to Barrett Marson , spokesman for the Arizona Department of Corrections . Province , 42 , was serving a life sentence for murder and armed robbery . McCluskey , 45 , was serving 15 years for attempted second-degree murder and other charges . The men were discovered missing after the 9:45 p.m. count Friday at the privately-operated Kingman facility . The escapees cut a hole in the fence . A helicopter and dogs began a search . `` Precisely how they escaped is under investigation , '' Ryan said , noting some `` operational security problems '' at the prison . `` Those are being evaluated and investigated as we speak , '' he added . Specifically , Ryan told HLN that authorities are looking at two possible failures in security . First , an alarm did n't go off when a door was opened inside the prison . Ryan said he 's not sure why it did n't activate . And second , a radio alarm indicating that the fence had been cut `` was n't detected for some time , '' he said . `` Staff did not respond sufficiently to alarms on the perimeter system , and we believe that afforded -LRB- the escapees -RRB- an opportunity to go through the fence and escape , '' he said . The escaped prisoners are described as armed and dangerous . CNN Radio 's Barbara Hall contributed to this report .
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NEW : Nationwide search under way for two inmates who remain at large . NEW : Authorities say female accomplice may have thrown cutting tools over fence . NEW : Authorities investigate possible security breaches at prison . Daniel Renwick , serving 22 years for murder , was captured after shootout Sunday .
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-LRB- Mental Floss -RRB- -- When Americans sit down with their families for Thanksgiving dinner , most of us will probably gorge ourselves on the same traditional Thanksgiving menu , with turkey , cranberry sauce , stuffing , and pumpkin pie taking up the most real estate on our plates . Pumpkin pie did n't make an appearance at the First Thanksgiving , though pumpkins were probably served . How did these dishes become the national `` what you eat on Thanksgiving '' options , though ? Are they holdovers from the First Thanksgiving , or did they gradually sneak in ? The Pilgrims may not have had turkey . Turkey may not have been on the menu at the 1621 celebration by the Pilgrims of Plymouth that is widely considered the First Thanksgiving -LRB- though fans of Virginia 's Berkeley Plantation might quibble with the `` First '' part -RRB- . There were definitely wild turkeys in the Plymouth area , as colonist William Bradford noted in his journal . However , the best existing account of the Pilgrims ' harvest feast comes from colonist Edward Winslow , author of `` Mourt 's Relation : A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth . '' Winslow 's first-hand account of the First Thanksgiving included no explicit mention of turkey . He does , however , mention the Pilgrims gathering `` wild fowl '' for the meal , although that could just as likely have meant ducks or geese . So why do we chow down on turkey , then ? It helps to know a bit about the history of Thanksgiving . While the idea of giving thanks and celebrating the harvest was popular in certain parts of the country , it was by no means an annual national holiday . Presidents would occasionally declare a Thanksgiving Day celebration , but the holiday had n't completely caught on nationwide . Many of these early celebrations included turkey ; Alexander Hamilton once remarked that , `` No citizen of the U.S. shall refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day . '' Mental Floss : Manly ways to prepare turkey . When Bradford 's journals were reprinted in 1856 after being lost for a century , they found a receptive audience with advocates who wanted Thanksgiving turned into a national holiday . Since Bradford wrote of how the colonists had hunted wild turkeys during the autumn of 1621 and since turkey is a uniquely American -LRB- and scrumptious -RRB- bird , it gained traction as the Thanksgiving meal of choice for Americans after Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 . Moreover , there were pragmatic reasons for eating turkey rather than , say , chicken at a feast like Thanksgiving . The birds are large enough that they can feed a table full of hungry family members , and unlike chickens or cows , they did n't serve much utilitarian purpose like laying eggs or making milk . Unlike pork , turkey was n't so common that it did n't seem like a suitable choice for a special occasion , either . An interesting 2007 piece in Slate discussed these reasons for turkey 's prominence , but also made another intriguing point . The publication of `` A Christmas Carol '' in 1843 may have helped force along the turkey 's cause as a holiday delicacy when Scrooge magnanimously sends the Cratchit family a Christmas turkey . Mental Floss : 10 things that deflated the Macy 's parade . There was no cranberry sauce , either . While the cranberries the Pilgrims needed were probably easy to come by , making cranberry sauce requires sugar . Sugar was a rare luxury at the time of First Thanksgiving , so while revelers may have eaten cranberries it 's unlikely that the feast featured the tasty sauce . What 's more , it 's not even entirely clear that cranberry sauce had been invented yet . It 's not until 1663 that visitors to the area started commenting on a sweet sauce made of boiled cranberries that accompanied meat . There 's the same problem with potatoes . Neither sweet potatoes nor white potatoes were available to the colonists in 1621 , so the Pilgrims definitely did n't feast on everyone 's favorite tubers . But they had plenty of venison . Winslow mentions in his writings that the governor sent out a party of four men to do some fowling for the feast , but the Pilgrims and Wampanoag also enjoyed five deer as part of their feasting . The meat supposedly arrived at the celebration as a gift from the Wampanoag king Massasoit . On top of the venison , other meats probably included lots of fish and shellfish , which were staples of the Pilgrims ' diets . So if you want to wolf down a lobster or some oysters in lieu of turkey on Thursday , nobody can fault you for being historically inaccurate . And pumpkin pie did n't cap things off . It may be the flagship dessert at modern Thanksgiving dinners , but pumpkin pie did n't make an appearance at the First Thanksgiving . The Pilgrims probably lacked the butter and flour needed to make a pie crust , and it 's not clear that they even had an oven in which they could have baked a pumpkin pie . That does n't mean pumpkins were n't available for the meal , though ; they were probably served after being baked in the coals of a fire or stewed . Pumpkin pie became a popular dish on 17th-century American tables , though , and it might have shown up for Thanksgiving as early as the second celebration of the holiday in 1623 . Mental Floss : 10 Thanksgiving traditions . For more mental_floss articles , visit mentalfloss.com . Entire contents of this article copyright , Mental Floss LLC . All rights reserved .
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First-hand account of the First Thanksgiving includes no explicit mention of turkey . It 's also unlikely that the feast featured cranberry sauce . `` A Christmas Carol '' may have helped turkeys become a holiday delicacy . Pumpkin pie became a popular dish on 17th-century American tables .
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TEGUCIGALPA , Honduras -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- He 's no Julia Child , but Honduran President Manuel Zelaya showed Tuesday he can attack a cantaloupe and U.S. government claims in a single motion . President Manuel Zelaya chews on a slice of Honduran melon to demonstrate its safety . `` It 's not in our fruit , '' he said about last week 's report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that some Honduran cantaloupes may be contaminated with salmonella . `` It 's not true what they are saying . Logically , we believe it is an error . '' Then , the 55-year-old father of four asked the viewers of CNN en Español to indulge him as he engaged in a show-and-tell demonstration . `` Permit me a second , '' he said as he stretched his left arm across the tabletop and outside the view of the camera , then pulled into view a box of fruit . `` Here I have the box of melons that we are exporting to the United States ; here are the protective bags , '' he said . Zelaya lifted a cantaloupe from the box , placed it in front of him , then grabbed a knife and a fork . `` Permit me to make a demonstration , '' he said , then cut open the fruit , sliced off a chunk , put it in his mouth and chewed vigorously . `` I eat this fruit without any fear , '' he said with his mouth full . `` It 's a delicious fruit . Nothing happens to me ! '' Though the symptoms of salmonella infection -- nausea , vomiting , fever , diarrhea and abdominal cramps -- typically do not occur for several hours after eating tainted food , the point was made . The demonstration came three days after the FDA said it had linked 50 cases of salmonella in 16 states and nine in Canada to melons from Agropecuaria Montelibana , a grower and packer in San Lorenzo , Honduras . Though there have been no reports of fatalities , 14 people have been hospitalized in Arizona , California , Colorado , Georgia , Illinois , Missouri , New Jersey , New Mexico , New York , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon , Tennessee , Utah , Washington and Wisconsin , the FDA said . While the company has continued exporting to Europe and Central America and has received no reports of illness , the daily export of 45 containers of melon to the United States has halted , a company official said Monday . As a result , some 1,500 workers have been laid off , most of them single mothers , and company losses have exceeded $ 3 million , company officials said . The FDA alert advised U.S. grocers , food-service operators and produce processors to remove from their stock any cantaloupes from the company . The agency also recommended consumers throw away any cantaloupes determined to be from the company . E-mail to a friend . CNN 's Elvin Sandoval contributed to this story .
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President Manuel Zelaya says Honduran fruit has no salmonella . To prove his point , he eats some publicly `` without any fear '' FDA links 50 cases of salmonella to Honduran grower . 1,500 workers laid off , grower reports losses in excess of $ 3 million .
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JOHANNESBURG , South Africa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- South African police and military units raided three hostels Thursday in a clampdown on xenophobic attacks that have left more than 40 dead , authorities said . Twenty-eight people were arrested in the `` extremely successful '' first joint operation , according to a statement from the South African police and South African National Defence Force . The statement said 150 kilograms -LRB- 330.6 pounds -RRB- of marijuana was seized along with firearms , ammunition and suspected stolen property . Two of the hostels raided were in Jeppe and the third was in Cleveland , all in the Johannesburg area . South African President Thabo Mbeki approved the deployment of the army Wednesday to help stop the attacks , which have drawn condemnation from South African officials and other African leaders . Police said 42 people have been killed in the violence , which began last week in Johannesburg 's Alexandra Township and has been concentrated in the city 's poorest areas . Some 28,000 people have been displaced by the violence , Hangwani Malaudzi , a spokesman for the Ministry of Safety and Security said . And more than 400 have been arrested for crimes ranging from murder , to causing a public disturbance , he said . The country has also seen a disturbing throwback to the 1980s apartheid-era lynching tactic of `` necklacing , '' which was widely used in the townships at the time . Used on suspected informants , the `` necklace '' is a car tire , filled with petrol , put around the person 's neck and set alight . The victims are mainly immigrants and refugees from other parts of Africa , including Zimbabwe , where a devastated economy has sent at least two million people across the border in search of a better life . Some say the attacks stem from a long-standing feeling among locals that the number of immigrants in South Africa results in shortages of jobs and essential needs . Inadequate housing , a lack of running water and electricity , the rising prices of food , and escalating crime -- nearly 20,000 people were slain in South Africa last year -- add to the resentment . Watch analysis of reasons behind xenophobic attacks '' South Africa 's army has been patrolling riot-hit townships to restore calm as the country counts the cost of the xenophobic attacks . Brigadier General Kwena Mangope of the South African Department of Defense said troops were assisting the South African Police Service , the national police . `` We are in a supporting role , '' Mangope said . `` We are not taking over the operation . '' He said the army was providing troops and equipment , such as helicopters and tents . The deployment of the military and the continued operations of the police service helped quell the violence , Malaudzi said . Community groups , churches , and communication between police and affected communities also helped the situation , he said . `` The message is going out there to say we condemn this kind of action , and -LRB- to -RRB- those that are involved in instigating this violence , the law is going to come down on them very , very seriously , '' Malaudzi said . According to South Africa 's latest census , the country has about 45 million people . The South African Department of Human Affairs estimates that more than 4 million people reside in South Africa illegally , but that figure is based on a 10-year-old study and some feel the number of immigrants in South Africa is much higher . Some say that millions have recently fled to South Africa from Zimbabwe because of violence there since the county 's stalled election . A presidential run-off between long-time leader President Robert Mugabe and his opposition challenger , Morgan Tsvangirai , is scheduled for June 27 in Zimbabwe -- three months after the initial vote . Zimbabwe also is in the midst of an economic collapse , with nearly 80 percent unemployment .
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Army patrol street to restore calm after violence targeting foreigners flared . NEW : Police , military in first joint operation raid three hostels . Attacks have been concentrated in Johannesburg 's poorest areas . Zimbabweans who have fled their own country are driven from squatter camps .
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