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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Brazil coach Dunga has been sacked after their shock World Cup quarterfinal exit to the Netherlands . His side were beaten 2-1 on Friday after taking a first half lead and looking set to secure a place in the last four . `` The cycle of work started in 2006 and which culminated with the elimination of Brazil in the World Cup in South Africa is finished , '' said a statement on the official website of Brazilian football Confederation -LRB- CBF -RRB- . `` The CBF announces the dismissal of the technical commission of the Brazilian team . The new commission will be announced at the end of July . '' Dunga , 46 , who skippered Brazil to the 1994 World Cup , had been national team coach since 2006 and led them to a Copa America triumph the following year . Despite his successful record , they also topped South American qualifying for the World Cup , Dunga had come under criticism at home for his side 's alleged lack of attacking flair . And after the Port Elizabeth defeat to the Dutch , he indicated he would be standing down . However , on his arrival home on Sunday , Dunga did not rule out staying in the job . `` I am going to rest before meeting , in one or two weeks ' time , the president of the CBF , Ricardo Teixeira to talk about it -LRB- extending his stay in charge -RRB- , '' Dunga told a news conference , but his optimism was misplaced . With Brazil hosting the World Cup in 2014 , Dunga 's successor is obviously key and local media have already made Luiz Felipe Scolari the favorite . Scolari guided Brazil to their fifth World Cup triumph in 2002 , but was less successful in his spell with English Premier League Chelsea where he was sacked . He is currently coaching at Brazilian club side Palmeiras . The Brazilian team received a hostile reception on their return home , with much of the fans ' anger directed at Felipe Melo , who scored an own goal against the Dutch and was also sent off .
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Brazil coach Dunga sacked after their World Cup exit to Netherlands . Brazil lost 2-1 in quarterfinals to end their dream of sixth World Cup triumph . Dunga heard the news shortly after he returned with team from South Africa .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- France defender William Gallas has attacked former national coach Raymond Domenech , blaming him for the team 's disastrous performance at the World Cup in South Africa . In an interview with French weekly culture magazine Les Inrockuptibles on Wednesday , Gallas became the first French player to speak about the disastrous World Cup campaign , saying that `` the real problem is the coach . '' `` Les Bleus '' crashed out of the tournament in the first round after two draws and a defeat left them at the bottom of Group A with just one point . Forward Nicolas Anelka was sent home from the tournament after an argument with Domenech , causing the rest of the French side to strike from training . Domenech , as was decided before the competition began , has now been replaced by former World Cup winner Laurent Blanc . `` We all wanted to protest against the decision taken by the coach . Everyone was in agreement to boycott training , '' the 34-year-old Gallas said . He also hinted that Anelka 's row with Domenech may not have been a one-off , as a lot of players found it difficult to build a relationship with the coach . `` Domenech was n't open . Lots of players could not talk to him . He said that he listened to us , but at the end of the day he took decisions alone , '' said Gallas , who was given extra time to recover from injury by Domenech before being named in the 23-man squad for the finals . `` What we said did n't have any influence , so I no longer said anything . I listened and I did what he told me . '' Gallas is still unhappy that he was overlooked by Domenech when Patrice Evra was named captain of France . `` The hardest thing was the way that it happened . Domenech never told me , '' said Gallas , who was vice-captain under former skipper Thierry Henry . `` I learnt by accident before the match against Costa Rica that the captain was Evra . I saw that the armband was on his shirt . '' Gallas is searching for a club now that his contract with English Premier League side Arsenal has expired . On Wednesday , Arsenal signed French defender Laurent Koscielny from Lorient on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee . `` He has shown he is mentally strong , he 's a fighter and a very strong competitor . Koscielny is a great addition to our squad , '' manager Arsene Wenger said in a statement on the club 's official website . Meanwhile , 1998 World Cup winner Patrick Vieira has confirmed that he no longer wants to play for France . The midfielder will instead concentrate on his career at English club Manchester City . `` My target in the next few years is City . I want to do my best for the club , '' Vieira told the club 's official website on Wednesday . The 34-year-old made his first appearance for Les Bleus 13 years ago and has more than 100 caps , but was controversially left out of France 's World Cup squad by Domenech .
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Gallas pins blame for disastrous French World Cup campaign on former coach Domenech . Defender was interviewed in French culture magazine Les Inrockuptibles . He says French players found it hard to build a relationship with the coach . French midfielder Patrick Vieira plans to retire from international football .
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OXFORD , Iowa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Kathy Tandy was so big , she got weighed on the town 's cattle scales . It was the only way she could get an accurate measurement of her weight . Kathy Tandy went from 432 pounds to 260 pounds by walking and watching what she eats . `` It was humiliating , '' she says . `` It was awful . '' At her worst , the mother of four tipped the scales at 432 pounds . She could n't go to the movies or fly on an airplane . The seats were too small . She was embarrassed to go to restaurants . People gawked . `` When you go to like a restaurant or to a park and have a picnic , you hear people say , ` Oh , that woman over there is eating a cheeseburger . She does n't need to be eating a cheeseburger , ' or ` Oh my God , she 's going to break that chair , ' '' she says . Watch `` Do n't let it get you down '' '' `` So I just kind of stayed away from everybody and did n't go out . I stayed home . '' She became depressed and consumed herself in food , devouring 8,000 to 10,000 calories a day . `` Anything I could get my hands on , '' says Tandy , who makes doughnuts and other treats at the Depot convenience store in Oxford , Iowa , a town of about 700 . She reached her lowest point just before Christmas in 1996 . `` My kids wanted to buy me an outfit for Christmas and they could n't find one big enough , and they had to tell me that , '' she says . `` So I thought it was time to do something about it . When my kids ca n't stand the way I look , I thought I better do something . '' Tandy called her doctor just before New Year 's Eve that year and was put on a calorie-counting regimen . Tandy first detailed her story for a book called `` The Oxford Project , '' which combines black-and-white photographs of the town 's residents -- one from 1984 , a second 20 years later -- with oral histories to give a portrait of small-town America . Meet `` old hippie '' who parties hard , and other town residents '' `` Everyone in town has always known me as ` the Big Girl , ' '' she said in the book . `` I could n't take a bath , because I could n't get out of the tub . The body odor problems were awful . You get up and walk to the other side of the room , and you break into a sweat . '' CNN recently caught up with Tandy on a sunny Sunday in Oxford . Her doctor diagnosed her as a compulsive overeater . She began counting calories and cut back on food . A housewife at the time with a bakery in her home , Tandy also started walking . iReport.com : Share your weight-loss success story . `` My previous diet was , I got up in the morning and ate until I went to bed . Now , I watch what I eat . I portion , '' she said . She keeps two journals : one to track her food and the other to track her mood , `` because my emotions control my diet . '' She begins her day about 4 every morning with a bowl of cereal before heading to work . She has a snack of fruit and toast by mid-morning . Lunch consists of salad or soup and a sandwich . She has a healthy snack in the afternoon , followed by a closely calorie-watched supper . She tried an array of diets over the years , from Atkins to South Beach , before settling into just eating sensibly . The 5-foot-8-inch woman went from her peak weight of 432 pounds to 220 pounds four years ago , shedding nearly half her weight . Tandy had a heart attack and other health issues around that time . She now weighs 260 pounds and is hoping to get back down to 220 . Is she enjoying life more ? `` Oh , heavens , yes , '' she says . She has five grandchildren , and thanks to her weight loss , she can `` get down and play with them . '' `` I can run with them , and I can do things that I thought I could never do . '' Traveling is one of those things . She 's flown to Europe four times . Before the weight loss , she says , `` I could n't get onto an airplane . The seats were n't wide enough . I would have to go first-class and I could n't afford that , and they could n't guarantee I could fit on the seats . I could n't walk on the plane . They had to take me on by wheelchair . '' Her message to others in a similar situation is simple : `` It can depress you , but do n't let it get you down . If it does , call your doctor . That 's what those doctors are for . They 're there to help get you through the rough times . And look for a good support system . '' Luckily , she says , she 's had a tremendous support group in her family and the residents of Oxford , who rooted her on to weight-loss success . `` Some people do n't have that , but there are groups out there , whether it 's just a group to go talk to once a week or somebody to get on the telephone , '' Tandy says . `` You 're going to fall off the wagon . Just get back up and go again . Everybody does that . ''
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Kathy Tandy went from 432 pounds to 260 pounds by eating sensibly . She says she used to eat 8,000 to 10,000 calories a day . She could n't fit on airplanes or in seats at the movie theater . Now , she 's enjoying life , playing with her grandkids and traveling to Europe .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two people aboard a twin-engine airplane were killed Saturday when it crashed into a house in western Pennsylvania , sending the homeowner fleeing with his dog , officials said . Westmoreland County Public Safety spokesman Dan Stevens said skies were clear when the aircraft `` just spun in its own axis '' and hit the Saltsburg area house , sparking a fire that consumed the plane and the house . The plane took off from Arnold Palmer Regional Airport outside Latrobe , about 50 miles from the crash scene , Stevens said . The Beechcraft Baron BE58 crashed 11 minutes later at 9:19 a.m. , FAA spokesman Jim Peters said . The six-seat plane landed next to a man who was sleeping on a couch with his dog in the home , Stevens said . The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette identified him as Steve Yanko . `` There was somebody on his shoulder this morning , '' Stevens said of Yanko , who told him he was only about 15 feet away from the plane 's impact . Yanko 's wife was not at home at the time , Stevens said . The county coroner will identify the two victims and their names will be released after next of kin are formally notified , officials said . Stevens said the experienced pilot of the plane had recently purchased the aircraft and was at the controls . The other individual was an instructor who was flying along to ensure the owner was comfortable with the twin-engine plane , he said . The FAA 's Peters said he could not confirm the role of the two people onboard . The FAA was on scene Saturday . Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board will arrive Sunday . CNN 's Phil Gast contributed to this report .
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NEW : Plane narrowly misses sleeping homeowner . Two people on board twin-engine plane are killed . The incident occurred in Pennsylvania 's Westmoreland County . People in the house escaped without injury .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hundreds of family members , friends and neighbors of four of the eight victims of a workplace shooting rampage gathered at funeral services around Manchester , Connecticut , on Saturday to share tears and memories . The four men who were laid to rest had each worked at Hartford Distributors for around 30 years before Omar Thornton 's shooting spree Tuesday , which ended when he took his own life . `` We 're a pretty tight neighborhood , '' said Mary Bey of South Windsor , at the funeral of Craig Pepin , 60 , who she described as a `` wonderful neighbor and friend and coach and referee . '' `` He touched so many people 's lives in South Windsor ... he was a very unique , kind and wonderful man , '' she told CNN Connecticut affiliate WTNH . Bey also knows a Hartford Distributors employee who was injured in the rampage . `` We 're very happy he made it through , '' she said of Steven Hollander , a neighbor who was treated and released from Hartford Hospital . Besides Pepin , Bryan Cirigliano , 51 , Douglas Scruton , 56 , and Victor James , who was killed on his 61st birthday , were also buried Saturday . `` We 've just had an outpouring of support , '' James ' daughter told WTNH . `` And it just felt good to hear the stories and just to see the amount of people that came to see my dad . '' Funeral services for two other shooting victims are scheduled for Sunday and Monday , and a candlelight vigil for those killed is scheduled for Sunday evening in Manchester 's Center Park . Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has called for Monday to be a day of remembrance for the victims , asking state residents to observe a moment of silence at 9:15 a.m. On Friday , police arrested a woman they said had accepted stolen beer from a delivery truck driven by Thornton . Hartford Distributors said it had asked Thornton to resign after it found him stealing and selling alcoholic beverages . Thornton 's girlfriend told CNN he was being racially harassed at work , but Hartford Distributors ' president said Thursday that there were no grievances filed with the company or with Thornton 's union .
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The four men had worked for Hartford Distributors for around 30 years . Two shooting victims will be buried Sunday and Monday . A candlelight vigil for the victims is scheduled for Sunday evening . Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has called for Monday to be a day of remembrance .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- What may be the most contentious Pentagon contract is the focus of yet another fight , with this round centered on whether a bid for a $ 35 billion contract should be thrown out because it arrived five minutes late . For about a decade the Air Force has been trying to replace its fleet of KC-135 air refueling tankers , the big jets that act as flying gas stations for warplanes . In the latest attempt , three companies wanted to submit bids to build the KC-X , the next generation of tankers ; Boeing , EADS and US Aerospace . Each company 's bid was required to be submitted to an office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton , Ohio , by 2 p.m. July 9 . Boeing and EADS got their bids into the office with time to spare . US Aerospace said its bid arrived at Wright-Patterson half an hour before the deadline . The Defense Department said it was five minutes late . US Aerospace is a new company that is in partnership with Antonov , a state-owned Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer that used to build planes for the Soviet Union 's military and now specializes in building very large aircraft . Because of the late arrival of the bid , the Defense Department will not consider US Aerospace 's proposal , according to Pentagon chief spokesman Geoff Morrell . `` We are not allowed by law to even review their proposal . It did not arrive in time . So we can not consider it . We can not review it , '' Morrell said . A spokesman for US Aerospace , Chuck Arnold , said the Defence Department `` still feel -LSB- s -RSB- the cold war is on '' and does n't want US Aerospace to succeed in the bid . Morrell said the rules are clear . `` This is a $ 30 billion to $ 40 billion contract . That is not a high school homework assignment , OK ? These deadlines count , and any professional contractor understands that , '' he said . Chuck Arnold , a spokesman for US Aerospace , said the bid proposal was on time . `` We have documented evidence that the messenger -LSB- who was carrying the bid -RSB- was there at 1:30 . '' But Wright-Patterson is a huge facility and the company said the messenger was held up at the gate , then got lost driving to the building where the bid needed to be . When the messenger and the bid proposal finally arrived at the proper location , the bid was marked as having arrived at 2:05 . The company was told the bid would not be considered . US Aerospace is fighting that decision and asking that its bid proposal , which it said will save U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars and produce a better tanker plane , be considered . That might mean further delay in a process that began in 2002 and has been stopped and restarted twice . Morrell said he is confident that the dispute with US Aerospace will not slow the process again . `` Are we concerned about their protest that it might lead to a delay in the awarding of this contract ? I do n't believe so , '' Morrell said . `` This is going on . We will -- we will award this contract in the fall , as we always said we would . ''
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Contact to build air refueling tankers is worth $ 30-40 billion . Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer 's bid will not be accepted . Messenger gets to air base gate on time , but not to the office to deliver bid .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Government Accountability Office Wednesday released the results of its undercover investigation looking at deceptive and questionable marketing practices at 15 for-profit colleges in six states and Washington , D.C. . The written report was presented at a hearing Wednesday of the Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pension Committee , and was accompanied by video of the undercover applicants interacting with recruiters from the various educational institutions . In his opening statement , committee chairman Sen. Tom Harkin , D-Iowa , said that the evidence points to a systemic problem within the for-profit education system . `` Are students -- and U.S. taxpayers -- getting good value for the billions of dollars they are investing in these schools ? '' he asked , according to his prepared remarks . According to the report , all 15 schools were guilty of some sort of dodgy statements in information about `` the college 's accreditation , graduation rates and its student 's prospective employment and salary qualifications , duration and cost of the program , or financial aid '' that they passed on to the GAO undercover applicants . At one college , school officials told the GAO applicant that after completing an associate 's degree in criminal justice , the applicant could try to go to work for the FBI or the CIA . In fact , a bachelor 's degree is the minimum requirement for positions like FBI special agent or CIA clandestine officer , although there are other lower-level positions for which an applicant could apply . At a small beauty college , the undercover applicant was told that barbers can earn $ 150,000 - $ 200,000 per year . Although this is possible , 90 percent of barbers make less than $ 43,000 per year , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . The Obama administration has proposed rules to limit federal student aid funds to for-profit career colleges that do not prepare students for `` gainful employment '' in recognized occupations . `` While career colleges play a vital role in training our workforce to be globally competitive , some of them are saddling students with debt they can not afford in exchange for degrees and certificates they can not use , '' according to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan . The proposed law uses two criteria for judging the for-profit career colleges : the relationship between the debt that students incur verses their income potential , and the rate at which the students repay their college loans . According to the GAO , `` enrollment in for-profit colleges has grown from about 365,000 students to almost 1.8 million in the last several years . `` These colleges offer degrees and certifications in programs ranging from business administration to cosmetology . In 2009 , students at for-profit colleges received more than $ 4 billion in Pell Grants and more than $ 20 billion in federal loans provided by the Department of Education , '' the agency 's summary said . The GAO report also found that many programs at the for-profit colleges studied cost `` substantially more for associate 's degrees and certificates than comparable degrees and certificates at public colleges nearby . `` A student interested in a massage therapy certificate costing $ 14,000 at a for-profit college was told that the program was a good value . However the same certificate from a local community college cost $ 520 , '' a summary of the report on the GAO website said . Alan Collinge , founder of the group Student Loan Justice , thinks the federal government should broaden its research . `` The problem goes well beyond the for-profit sector ; it permeates academia generally , including community colleges and four year universities , '' he said . Sen. Mike Enzi , R-Wyoming , also suggested looking beyond the current probe . `` In focusing on for-profits , we are not being objective , and we are ignoring the bigger picture of what is happening across all of higher education , '' he said at the hearing .
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GAO report found many for-profit colleges used deceptive and questionable marketing practices . Undercover probe targeted 15 colleges . All of the schools studied get more than 89 percent of their revenue from federal funding . The Obama administration has proposed new rules on federal student aid to for-profit colleges .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The U.S. Senate failed Thursday to approve nearly $ 5 billion for a settlement between the Agriculture Department and minority farmers reached more than a decade ago , prompting finger pointing by members of both parties and outrage among many black farmers . `` We are very , very , very disappointed that we are just caught up in such a larger political fight in the Senate , where it 's just partisan division , '' said John Boyd , founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association . `` It seems like for the trains leaving the station in the Senate , they manage not to have the black farmers on them , '' Boyd said , calling on President Barack Obama to help break the logjam . The 1997 Pigford v. Glickman case against the U.S. Agriculture Department was settled out of court 11 years ago . Under a federal judge 's terms dating to 1999 , qualified farmers could receive $ 50,000 each to settle claims of racial bias . In July , the House approved a war supplemental bill that included money to pay for the settlement . The attempt to approve the funds Thursday failed in the Senate after Republicans rejected a Democratic unanimous consent agreement to approve the money , with the GOP complaining about how the Democrats planned to pay for the settlement . It was the seventh attempt by the Senate to approve the funds in recent weeks , Boyd said . Prominent members of both parties have voiced support for paying out the settlements . `` Everyone that steps to the microphone says they support the black farmers , '' said Boyd . `` But they ca n't put aside their political bickering so the black farmers can get on with their lives . '' Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid blamed Republicans for the impasse . `` Securing justice for those have been wronged should never be a partisan issue , '' he said in a Thursday statement . `` But that 's exactly what Republicans have made it . '' `` If Republicans can not put aside their obstructionist tactics so that we can settle a non-controversial , non-partisan issue like this , '' Reid said , `` on what will they agree to work with Democrats ? '' Boyd declined to lay blame at the feet of Republicans alone . `` I think one party is just as responsible as the other , '' he said .
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The Senate failed to approve nearly $ 5 billion for a settlement with minority farmers . The settlement between the Agriculture Department and minority farmers was reached in 1999 . Prominent members of both parties have voiced support for approving the funds . The National Black Farmers Association blamed both parties for the impasse .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As you sift through your pockets Friday looking for change to pay the parking meter , stop and take a moment to wish it a happy birthday . It was on this day 75 years ago that the first parking meter was installed . And 75 long years later , these coin-gulping contraptions remain as despised as they were when the first 150 of them were put in place in downtown Oklahoma City , Oklahoma , on July 16 , 1935 . Concerned that parked cars -- that sometimes never moved for weeks -- were hurting downtown businesses , city officials were eager for a solution , according to the Oklahoma Historical Society . Enter Carl Magee . It 's not surprising that one of the most hated urban fixtures was designed by someone who practiced not one , but two , of -- what polls have consistently found to be -- America 's most despised professions : law and journalism . As soon as the meters went up that humid day in July , incensed residents gave them the thumbs down . A case contesting the legality of meters was quickly settled in the city 's favor , wrote Michael Dean of the Oklahoma Historical Society . Stores on city blocks with meters saw an increase in business and profit . And soon every block wanted some . By 1941 , 140,000 were in use , the Smithsonian Magazine wrote . Today , the number is in the millions in the United States alone . Magee left his job as editor of a daily newspaper and started a parking meter company . The design of the device has remained largely unchanged over time . So , happy 75th anniversary , parking meter . One can only assume that the 75th anniversary of the first parking ticket is just days away .
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First parking meters were installed in Oklahoma City on July 16 , 1935 . City officials wanted a solution to parked cars that hurt businesses . Meter inventor was a journalist and lawyer . A legal challenge went in the city 's favor and meters thrived .
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-LRB- CNN Student News -RRB- -- March is Women 's History Month , a federally recognized , nationwide celebration that encourages all Americans to reflect on the ways in which women have shaped U.S. history . But how did this celebration come to be , and why is it held in March ? `` I long to hear that you have declared an independency , and by the way , in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make , I desire you would remember the ladies ... '' Abigail Adams , March 31 , 1776 . Almost two hundred years after Abigail Adams made this request to her husband , John , the passage of Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments meant no person could be denied the benefits of a federally funded educational program or activity on the basis of gender . In 1977 , to help school principals comply with Title IX regulations , an education task force in Sonoma County , California recommended a `` Women 's History Week '' celebration for 1978 . The task force believed that school and community events highlighting and celebrating the contributions of American women would help provide a foundation and rationale for Title IX changes . The commission chose the week of March 8 to coincide with International Women 's Day , which had been established in the early 1900s to honor the movement for women 's rights . Within a few years , dozens of California schools were participating in Women 's History Week . In 1979 , representatives from the Sonoma County Women 's History Week group shared their experiences with national leaders of women 's organizations at a Women 's History Institute at Sarah Lawrence College , and word of the Women 's History Week celebrations spread . In March 1980 , President Jimmy Carter issued a message encouraging Americans to recognize and celebrate women 's historic accomplishments during the week of March 8th , Women 's History Week . Later that year , Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and Maryland Representative Barbara Mikulski co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution declaring a `` National Women 's History Week '' for the week of March 8 , 1981 . In 1987 , Congress expanded the week to a month . Since 1992 , every U.S. president has issued a proclamation declaring March to be Women 's History Month . Facts and Figures on U.S. Women . Population : As of Oct. 1 , 2008 , there were 155 million females in the United States . That number exceeds the number of males by approximately four million . Earnings : The median annual earnings of women 16 or older who worked year-round , full time in 2007 was $ 34,278 . Women earned 77.5 cents for every $ 1 earned by men . Education : Thirty-three percent of women 25 to 29 attained a bachelor 's degree or higher in 2007 , which exceeded that of men in this age range -LRB- 26 percent -RRB- . Businesses : There were nearly 6.5 million women-owned businesses in 2002 . Women owned 28 percent of all non-farm businesses . Voting : Sixty-five percent of female citizens reported voting in the 2004 presidential election , higher than the 62 percent of their male counterparts who cast a ballot . Jobs : Thirty-eight percent of women 16 or older work in management , professional and related occupations , compared with 32 percent of men . Military : There were 198,400 active duty women in the military , comprising 14 percent of the armed forces , as of September 30 , 2007 . In 1950 , women comprised less than 2 percent . Sports and Recreation : Three million girls participated in high school athletic programs in the 2006-07 school year . In the 1979-80 school year , only 1.75 million girls were members of a high school athletic team . Source : Facts and Figures on Women -LRB- U.S. Census -RRB- .
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March is Women 's History Month . Learn how this celebration come to be , and why it is held in March .
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Oxford , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The first coffeehouse to open in England , a still-operating café on High Street in Oxford , is more than a place to get a beef and horseradish sandwich , according to author and blogger Steven Berlin Johnson . It represents a turning point in Western culture that helped usher in nearly 500 years of scientific and cultural progress . The reason : Until coffee and tea became popular , `` alcohol was the daytime drink of choice , '' he told the TED Global conference in Oxford on Tuesday . Water was n't safe to drink , so wine , beer or gin was a better choice for breakfast , lunch and dinner . `` Until the rise of the coffeehouse , the entire population was effectively drunk all day , '' Johnson said in a talk aimed at explaining how ideas get started . `` If you switched from a depressant to a stimulant in your life , you would have better ideas . '' Moreover , the setting of a coffeehouse , which encourages the mixing of people from different backgrounds , is perfect for sharing and crafting innovative thoughts . `` An astonishing number of innovations have a coffeehouse somewhere in their story , '' he said . Great ideas often do n't result from a single `` eureka '' moment , but instead come from what Johnson called `` the slow hunch , '' as they evolve and interact with other ideas . He traced the development of GPS technology , starting in the 1950s with efforts by Western scientists to track the Russian Sputnik spacecraft . And that same GPS technology now can help you find a nearby coffeehouse that will serve you a soy latte , Johnson joked . Mixing and sharing ideas was one of the themes of the opening speakers at TED Global , where the theme is `` And Now the Good News . '' Matt Ridley , author of `` The Rational Optimist , '' says the sharing of ideas -- or in his phrase , `` ideas having sex with each other '' -- is a tremendously powerful force driving human progress . Watch Matt Ridley 's talk at TED.com . Exchanging ideas allows tremendous specialization of labor , to the point where no single person can fully understand what it takes to create an object as complex as a computer mouse , which relies on the efforts of millions in industries as diverse as the oil industry that creates the plastics to the coffeehouse that supplies a drink to the product 's designer . `` We 've created something called the collective brain , '' Ridley said . `` We 're just the nodes , the neurons in the brain ... '' `` As we go forward , we will of course experience terrible things . There will be wars , there will be natural disasters ... but because of the connections people are making and the ability of ideas to meet and mate as never before , I 'm also sure that living standards will advance ... we are surely accelerating the rate of innovation . '' A tripling of the productivity of agricultural land in past decades has saved some of the tropical rainforest and Ridley predicted that rainforests could start increasing in the second half of the century as the human population peaks and starts to decline . Other ideas were mixing and mating in Oxford at the first day of TED Global , which is a product of the nonprofit TED , dedicated to `` ideas worth spreading . '' It holds conferences and makes videos of its speakers available at http://www.ted.com/ . -LSB- CNN partners with TED to present a TEDTalk every week , with added content , on CNN.com -RSB- . Among the ideas were these : . China 's rise not a cause for fear . Joseph Nye of Harvard University , the influential thinker and former assistant defense secretary , cautioned against equating the rise of China and Asia with the decline of America and the West . He pointed to recurrent and groundless fears of U.S. decline over the past 50 years and noted that in the larger story of history , Asia is regaining influence that it had 200 years ago , before the Industrial Revolution . China 's gain does n't have to be the West 's loss : `` If China develops greater energy security and greater capacity to deal with carbon emissions , that 's good for us , '' Nye said . Cause of the 21st century : Ending oppression of women . Sheryl WuDunn , the author of `` Half the Sky '' with her husband , Nicholas Kristof , said the 19th century 's central moral challenge was ending slavery , the 20th century 's was ending totalitarianism and this century must be about freeing and empowering women . `` More girls have been discriminated to death '' in past decades , she said , than people killed on the battlefields of the 20th century . Educating girls and bringing them into the work force limits population growth , since educated women tend to have significantly fewer children . She told the story of an aid worker who saw horrible things happen in Darfur without breaking down . In the backyard of the woman 's grandmother , back in the U.S. , she saw a bird feeder and broke down in tears . `` We have the great fortune to be born in a country where we take security for granted , '' she said , and we can feed and house ourselves and even put out food so wild birds wo n't starve in the winter . Americans and those in other Western countries `` have all won the lottery of life , '' and have an obligation to help people throughout the world . Strength of a nation is n't how much it can produce . Nic Marks , founder of the Center for Well-being at the New Economics Foundation in London , said all the daily measures people hear in the news relating to stock prices , exchange rates and gross domestic product emphasize greed without tapping into human happiness . `` Our national accounting system became fixated on what we can produce , '' Marks said , quoting Robert Kennedy 's famous statement that `` the gross national product measures everything except that which makes life worthwhile . '' `` How crazy is that ? '' Marks said . Surveys show people want happiness , love and health more than they want wealth . `` These are natural human aspirations , why are statisticians not measuring that , instead of being fixated on how much stuff we have ? '' The liberating power of cartoons . Patrick Chappatte , an editorial cartoonist based in Switzerland , picked up on the theme of questionable consumerism by showing a cartoon of Steve Jobs making a pitch for the iPhone : `` It 'll simplify a lot of tasks you never had to do before . '' A man sees a newspaper vendor 's poster : `` Print media is dying , '' and says `` I already read that on the internet yesterday . '' The punchline of another cartoon : `` The internet has changed music . Before we had to go to the store to steal it . And yet another , showing a confessional as someone behind a curtain says `` Father , I 've sinned , '' and the priest , Googling the parishioner on a computer screen says , `` I know . '' Cartoons are in the middle of a clash of civilizations , Chappatte said , as free expression collides with those who want to enforce religious orthodoxy around the world . For dictators around the world , he said , `` good news is when cartoonists , activists and journalists shut up . '' And when their ideas stop having sex .
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Speakers at TED Global conference in Oxford stress connections between ideas . Matt Ridley : Ideas `` have sex , '' multiplying their value and driving up living standards . Steven Berlin Johnson : Great ideas are n't born overnight but evolve over time . Human happiness is not about producing and acquiring more things , they say .
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Editor 's note : This is part of a series of reports CNN.com is featuring from an upcoming , six-hour television event , `` God 's Warriors , '' hosted by CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour . Madeleine Albright : `` In order to effectively conduct foreign policy today , you have to understand the role of God and religion . '' WASHINGTON -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As U.S. secretary of state under former President Clinton , Madeleine Albright invested long hours in the Middle East peace process . She wrote about the relationship between politics and religion in her 2006 book , `` The Mighty and the Almighty . '' CNN producer Jen Christensen recently spoke with Albright for `` God 's Warriors . '' Here is an edited portion of their conversation : . CNN : Growing up I was told that in polite conversation you never talk about two things : politics and religion ; however , our documentary , `` God 's Warriors , '' is going to do just that . Part of the problem though in looking at these issues is the loaded quality of the language . Even our starting point . We essentially had to create a term , `` God 's Warriors , '' as the traditional term `` fundamentalism '' seemed problematic . Did you encounter the same problem when you were writing `` The Mighty and the Almighty '' ? Watch the making of the TV special `` God 's Warriors '' '' Albright : Well , I think it 's a very hard term , fundamentalism , as you 're obviously finding . Historically , it 's a term that described Christians who believed that everything that was in the Bible was exactly so . But now it 's been used to describe everybody in the three Abrahamic religions who is conservative or reactionary . One of the things that I found in writing my book -LSB- was -RSB- that fundamentalism was a term that I was having trouble with . Because it has gotten ascribed to it a lot of negative associations . CNN : In your book , you argue for a better understanding of religion in the U.S. foreign policy arena . Is n't that a revolutionary idea for this generation of diplomats trained more in the realist school of foreign policy ? Albright : As a practitioner of foreign policy , I certainly come from the generation of people who used to say , `` X problem is complicated enough . Let 's not bring God and religion into it . '' But through my being in office , and as I explored the subject much further in writing `` The Mighty and the Almighty , '' I really thought that the opposite is true . In order to effectively conduct foreign policy today , you have to understand the role of God and religion . ... My sense is that we do n't fully understand , because one , it 's pretty complicated , and two , everyone in the U.S. believes in a separation of church and state , so you think , `` Well , if we do n't believe in the convergence of church and state , then perhaps we should n't worry about the role of religion . '' I think we do that now at our own peril . Religion is instrumental in shaping ideas and policies . It 's an essential part of everyday life in a whole host of countries . And obviously it plays a role in how these countries behave , so we need to know what the religious influence is . CNN : We interviewed a human rights lawyer in Jerusalem , Danny Seidemann , who has on occasion helped peace negotiators in Israel get ready for talks . He said one of the main problems with President Clinton 's Camp David -LSB- talks -RSB- was that a lot of the preparation was done by `` yuppies in Ramallah , yuppies in Tel Aviv and yuppies in the Beltway . '' And that they did n't really understand the religious people who in the end would have to buy into the results of the negotiations in order for them to succeed . He said without that understanding the agreement was doomed . Albright : Well , I ca n't say I fully agree with him . I 've talked about what I think we did right and what we did wrong at Camp David . I think that there was a mistake made , which was not understanding how difficult the issue of Jerusalem and the holy places would be . If Jerusalem was just a real estate issue , we would have resolved it a long time ago . But because the parties believe that God gave them that piece of land , then obviously there 's another presence in the room that we needed to take into account . I disagree with the statement because President Clinton knew a great deal about the religious background . I had the honor of working for two democratic presidents , President Carter and President Clinton , and they 're both very religious and both very knowledgeable about the religious backgrounds of the Middle East . CNN : The fate of Jerusalem seems to be a particularly tricky issue . Albright : Anybody that can really solve that issue is a Solomon . With this being holy to all three of the Abrahamic religions , it 's very difficult . And religion , rather than bringing people together on this , is driving them apart , which ... I do n't think -LSB- is -RSB- what is intended . It 's so interesting ; we 're talking about the whole issue of sovereignty here . Because the parties both believed that God gave them that little piece of land , we started playing with a term , which was that it belonged to God . Divine sovereignty . Anybody who 's been to Jerusalem can see why it is so complicated . Physically , religious holy places are completely intertwined , one on top of the other . So in many ways , there 's great appeal to saying it belongs to God , and then trying to figure out how it -LSB- is -RSB- administered , maybe through some international group of some kind . CNN : Is Jerusalem a place where we could have this kind of utopian area , where the three faiths could all live peacefully together ? Albright : Well , ideally , though it certainly does n't seem that way at this point . And while the United States or the -LSB- Mideast -RSB- Quartet needs to play a key role in what to do with Jerusalem , ultimately the parties there in Israel are the ones that have to make the hard decisions . If there ever is a will to do this , just think about the incredible opportunities here . People would be able to learn about all three of these great religions in the same place . They 'd be able to see how they relate to each other . It does sound a little utopian , well , very utopian at this point , but Jerusalem is an incredible place . I found the first time I went to Jerusalem , my initial reaction was , people are arguing over all this all the time , it made me think , well , there ca n't be a God , why would God put up with this ? And then I had the total opposite reaction . One that stays with me , which is that there are so many holy places and symbols there , and all anybody talks about is their relationship to those symbols and to God , and therefore the power of God must be so strong there . I just think that it would be much better if people could figure out ... how to agree about it . CNN : So , therefore , how to figure out the fate Jerusalem is the perfect example of why we need to include religious understanding in our foreign policy . Albright : Definitely . I am not a theologian , and I have not turned into a religious mystic , but I am a practical problem solver . So I 'm looking at religion from the perspective of how knowledge about what people believe in can be useful in terms of trying to resolve the most serious disputes . I think one of the major problems is that here in the United States , particularly , there is very little understanding of Islam . We all act as if Islam is a monolithic religion and that all Muslims live in the Middle East . The bottom line is most Muslims in the world do n't live in the Middle East . They live in Indonesia , or Malaysia , or India , um , Pakistan . Second , there are a number of different sects within Islam . Now I think more people understand the difference between Shia and Sunni , but that is just the beginning . We really do not know anything about it . I think it behooves our diplomats to be very knowledgeable about religion when they are sent to a country . They obviously learn the language and the history -LSB- and -RSB- culture ; they also need to learn about the religion , too . CNN : What impact has the religious right had on politics ? Albright : Everybody ... has -LSB- an -RSB- impact on politics , that 's what democracy is about . I think they have more of an impact on domestic than foreign policy . CNN : But you mention in your book that some gave you a hard time when you were the U.S. representative to the U.N. Albright : Well , the extremists really are very nervous in terms of the question of sovereignty and the creation of an international organization , which they misinterpret to be world government , which it actually is not . And then there are the even more extreme views -- you know , some of them saw the secretary-general as the antichrist and that I was consorting with the devil . These are the people who are afraid of the U.N. , because they think it has black helicopters that will swoop down and steal your lawn furniture . And then there are some people who do n't like the U.N. because it 's full of foreigners , which frankly ca n't be helped . So you have a wide range of critics there . E-mail to a friend .
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Albright served as U.S. secretary of state under former President Clinton . She wrote about the relationship between politics and religion in her 2006 book . `` Religion is instrumental in shaping ideas and policies , '' she says .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas is to sponsor a new Moto2 motorcycling team for the 2010 season , which will be called Jack & Jones by Antonio Banderas , the official Moto GP Web site has reported . The team will compete in the Moto2 world championship , the series below motorcycling 's elite MotoGP series , with the first race of the season in Qatar on April 11 . Riders Kenny Noyes and Joan Olive will be on board Promoharris prototypes for the team 's debut season . Banderas is a well-known motorcycling enthusiast , but this is his first sport-related business venture . He told www.motogp.com : `` I want to be involved with the team where the riders , both Joan and Kenny , have everything they need to compete at the highest level . `` I will go to every race I can , but obviously this depends on my professional workload with film and theatre . `` I am a motorcycle lover , and I 've been a big fan in recent years . This gave me the opportunity to compete on the inside and I did n't have to think about it ! '' Speaking about the Moto2 category , Banderas added : `` I think it 's very interesting and that we 're really going to see the true qualities of the riders . `` Everyone has the same engine , which is very powerful and will underline the skill of every team and their technical staff . They will have the opportunity to advance the bikes as they look for the perfect balance for the riders . ''
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Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas launches new Moto2 team for this season . The Moto2 series is the division below motorcyling 's elite MotoGP class . Riders Kenny Noyes and Joan Olive will compete for the new team in Qatar .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Bill Haslam , the mayor of Knoxville and considered a moderate Republican , easily won the Tennessee GOP primary for governor Thursday , the Associated Press projected . With 76 percent of the state 's precincts in , AP reported Haslam had 48.2 percent of the vote as he defeated Congressman Zach Wamp and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey . Halsam , who helped fund some of his own campaign , will now face Mike McWherter , a Democratic businessman and son of a former governor . The race is to succeed Gov. Phil Bredesen , a Democrat , who is prevented by term limits from running for a third term . Political handicappers think Republicans have a good shot at winning back the governor 's office . Republican Governors Association spokesman Tim Murtaugh in a statement : `` Bill Haslam emerges as a strong candidate headed toward November , having beaten a pair of qualified office holders in a spirited primary . As Tennessee faces great economic challenges , Bill Haslam will be a strong voice for job creation , fiscal restraint and individual freedom . `` A successful mayor and businessman , he has the leadership experience necessary to create jobs and grow the economy . We look forward to seeing him elected the next governor of Tennessee . '' Democratic Governors Association executive director Nathan Daschle said , `` Mike McWherter has spent his career growing jobs and strengthening the economy . The only thing Bill Haslam has increased in his career is Knoxville 's taxes and unemployment rate . '' `` Voters are looking for someone with the know-how to move the state in the right direction , and that candidate is Mike McWherter , '' Daschle added . The race grabbed national attention last month because of controversial comments by two of the challengers . Wamp appeared to suggest that Tennessee should consider secession in light of mandates forced on the states by the Obama administration 's health care bill . The eight-term congressman later stepped back from those comments . Ramsey also drew attention to himself last month after he was seen in a YouTube video questioning whether Islam is a religion . He was expressing his opposition to the expansion of a mosque in Murfreesboro , Tennessee , which has become a hot-button issue in the city about 35 miles southeast of Nashville . Ramsey , who has been endorsed by 20 Tea Party organizations , said he is a supporter of religious freedoms , but such protections may not extend to bringing `` Shariah -LSB- Islamic -RSB- law into the state of Tennessee ... into the United States . '' `` Now , you could even argue whether being a Muslim is actually a religion , or is it a nationality , way of life , a cult , whatever you want to call it , '' he continued . `` But certainly we do protect our religions , but at the same time , this is something we are going to have to face . '' Following criticism , Ramsey defended his comments , saying , `` My concern is that far too much of Islam has come to resemble a violent political philosophy more than peace-loving religion . '' In a high-profile Congressional primary , AP projected two-term Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen overwhelmingly defeated former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton . The campaign in the 9th District , which covers Memphis and has a large African-American population , was dominated by race . With 78 percent of precincts in , AP says Cohen had 79.4 percent of the vote to Herenton 's 20.6 percent . Herenton has been urging voters to elect him as the only African-American member of the state 's congressional delegation , saying , `` It is as if only white people live in the great state of Tennessee . No African-Americans . I believe that it is very clear to the majority of the citizens of this community that we lack representation . '' Cohen , who served as a state lawmaker in the area before being elected to Congress , has campaigned on what he 's done for education and health care in the area . `` I represent everybody and I work hard for people to get them opportunities . And I just think that race should not be an issue in 2010 , '' he said . President Barack Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus backed Cohen . AP projected Stephen Fincher the winner in the 8th District Republican primary . Finch has 50 percent of the vote over Ron Kirkland at 24.6 percent and George Flinn at 22.2 percent . The race , for Rep. John Tanner 's seat , is noteworthy because the Center for Responsible Politics has called it the most expensive House primary in the country , . Finch will face Roy Herron , the projected winner of the Democratic primary , in November AP projects him the winner in the Democratic 8th District Primary .
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NEW : Cohen is projected winner of GOP 9th district primary . Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam has 48 percent of the vote in the GOP tgovernor 's primary . The GOP winner will face Democrat Mike McWherter . The GOP race grabbed national attention last month .
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Krobo , Ghana -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A new generation of Ghanaians are rediscovering their heritage -- and rediscovering the appeal of traditional beads . Many Ghanaians used to associate beads with an old-fashioned coming-of-age ritual for girls . But not anymore . Tairee , a student at the University of Ghana , is proud to wear traditional beads . `` It 's coming back into fashion , '' she told CNN . `` People can actually wear them on their necks and as parts of their clothing . I do n't think they are old fashioned . It 's coming back . '' But it 's not just women who are fans . Masoom , another University of Ghana student , said he thought women looked good in beads . `` It 's attractive , '' he told CNN . `` They -LSB- women -RSB- are more African when they wear their beads than usual . Especially when they wear it around their waist ; it brings out the shape of their waist , and it 's real attractive . '' Rwanda lives rugby dream in Hong Kong . According to a local market trader , the bead revival is a sign that young Ghanaians are experiencing what she called `` sankofa . '' `` There 's a culture of ` sankofa : ' Go back and retrieve what you 've left behind , '' said bead-shop owner Ernestina Anafu . `` There was a period when they -LSB- young people -RSB- shunned beads ; they said it was archaic , it was no longer fashionable . Since this period of ` sankofa ' people are going traditional again . '' Beads have a long history in Ghana . They were once the king 's currency , according to E.B.T. Sikapa , an organizer for the first Ghana International Beads Festival . He told CNN that beads were once exchanged for slaves , alcoholic drinks , and textiles . Central African Gorillas may become extinct . While beads are no longer used as currency , they are still valuable to Ghana . The Ghanaian government has recognized the potential of the bead industry as a tourist attraction and in foreign trade . Kati Torda , owner of Sun Trade Beads , has seen her exports -- mostly to Europe -- increase from five-percent of her revenue eight years ago , to 50 percent last year . Now she 's looking to grow her business even more as she expands her product lines . `` Because of that new potential , we do n't just produce necklaces and bracelets , we produce home decoration , '' Torda told CNN . `` Of course , the potential is endless . '' At a local market , some of the beads on sale are over 100 years old , recovered from burial grounds . But there are other , less ghoulish , forms of recycling being used , with some beads produced from recycled materials such as glass bottles . `` Ghana can teach a thing or two to the world about recycling , '' said Torda . But the new-found popularity of beads is n't just about giving old materials a new lease of life -- it 's about breathing new life into traditional ideas . `` They -LSB- the beads -RSB- mean so much to me , '' Tairee told CNN . `` It 's not just colors . Where I 'm from , if you wear something like blue it 's purity , white is fertility , gold is wealth . I know what it means , so its so precious to me . '' CNN 's Richard Lui and Mark Tutton contributed to this report .
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Young Ghanaians are rediscovering traditional beads . The government is trying to promote the country 's bead industry . Some beads are made from recycled materials , including glass bottles .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- California Rep. Maxine Waters is pressing the House ethics panel to set her trial date before the midterm elections in November . `` I have made a very public request to come out with the formalized charges and to set up a meeting to hear them , '' she said Thursday in an interview with KCRW , a public radio station in Santa Monica , California . `` Let 's hope that they do it , '' she said . The 10-term congresswoman is accused of violating House rules by seeking federal assistance for a bank with financial ties to her husband . According to a House ethics committee report , Waters helped arrange a meeting in September 2008 between Massachusetts-based OneUnited Bank and Treasury Department officials . OneUnited Bank ultimately received $ 12 million in bailout funds . Waters is a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee . According to Waters ' 2008 financial disclosure statement -- as mentioned in the report -- her husband had two investments in OneUnited at the time of the meeting . They were valued between $ 500,000 and $ 1 million . `` There is substantial reason to believe that Rep. Waters ' conduct may have violated '' House rules , the report concludes . Waters , who represents the Watts section of Los Angeles , insists she did nothing wrong . `` I have not violated any House rules , '' she said in a statement Monday . `` I simply will not be forced to admit to something I did not do . '' Waters asserted that `` the record will clearly show that in advocating on behalf of minority banks neither my office nor I benefited in any way , engaged in improper action or influenced anyone . ... The case against me has no merit . '' Waters has asked The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to make public the formal charges against her . `` All I know is that I have not been charged , that there has been a report that was released that said further investigation , '' Waters said . `` Most people do n't have a clue about what these charges are supposed to be and we 're eager to get the information out . '' The announcement this week by the ethics committee means Waters , 71 , may now face a trial by committee members tasked with determining whether there is `` clear and convincing evidence '' she broke congressional rules . Rep. Charlie Rangel , D-New York , is also facing a possible ethics committee trial . Rangel , the former chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee , has been accused of 13 violations of House rules involving alleged financial wrongdoing and harming the credibility of Congress . Both trials could take place in September , only a few weeks before the midterm elections . The prospect of inquiries into two high-profile Democrats has compounded the fears of congressional Democrats nervous about their prospects in November . `` I think that there should be a process that works for everybody . It should be fair , '' Waters said . `` People 's due process should not be trampled on . I think it 's unfortunate that these cases have been handled the way they 've been handled . '' The growing likelihood of trials for Waters and Rangel also adds the explosive element of race to the political equation . Both representatives are leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus , and OneUnited Bank is one of the largest minority-owned banks in America .
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California Rep. Maxine Waters is accused of violating House ethics rules . She has asked the ethics committee to hold a trial before November . Waters is a 10-term congresswoman . Rep. Charlie Rangel also faces ethics charges in the House .
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Havana , Cuba -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Cuba 's Fidel Castro on Tuesday said he would publish a new book in August on the fighting more than 50 years ago between his ragtag rebels and the 10,000-strong army under former dictator Fulgencio Batista . In an essay published Tuesday on the state-run website , www.cubadebate.cu , Castro said the book will be called `` The Strategic Victory . '' `` I did n't know whether to call it ` Batista 's Last Offensive ' or ` How 300 Defeated 10,000 , ' which would sound like a science fiction story , '' he said . Castro said the 25 chapters contain photos , maps and illustrations of the weapons used during a series of battles that lasted 74 days in 1958 and paved the way for his bearded revolutionaries to declare victory on January 1 , 1959 . `` The enemy suffered more than 1,000 losses , more than 300 of them deaths and 443 taken prisoner , '' he wrote . Castro went on to rule Cuba for 47 years until he was sidelined by illness in 2006 . He has spent most of the last four years in seclusion , writing frequent essays called `` Reflections of Comrade Fidel '' for state-run media . In recent weeks , he has re-emerged on the public stage , making seven public appearances . On Monday , Cuba celebrated the 57th anniversary of the launching of Castro 's Revolution . He failed to appear at that event in central Cuba despite high expectations , but he paid tribute at a small ceremony in Havana to the rebels who were killed . Castro also held lengthy talks with a group of artists . Both events were later broadcast on state TV . Castro said he would now start work on a book covering the second half of the fighting , called `` The Final Strategic Counteroffensive . ''
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Fidel Castro says he has a new book , titled `` The Strategic Victory '' The book chronicles fighting between his rebels and former dictator Fulgencio Batista . Castro says the book 's 25 chapters contain photos , maps and illustrations . Castro 's rebels declared victory over Batista on January 1 , 1959 .
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Editor 's note : Dr. Victor Dzau , a physician , is chancellor for health affairs at Duke University and chief executive of the Duke University Health System . Dr. Victor Dzau says workplace wellness programs could play a key role in health care reform . DURHAM , North Carolina -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- At the World Economic Forum earlier this year , a group of corporate executives engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on a variety of health care topics , including workplace wellness programs . These CEOs , representing some of the top companies in the world , shared some of the specifics of their programs , which are taking a variety of approaches to enhance wellness in the workplace , including ways to make such things as regular exercise and healthy eating appealing to employees . However , when asked , they agreed that they do n't have any evidence that these programs are having the intended impact on improving health or preventing disease . The discussion made me wonder about how powerful these programs could be if they were linked to research-driven targets for behaviors such as weight-loss or monitoring and management of hypertension . If done right , could n't these well-meaning -- but currently unmeasured -- programs figure prominently into the health care reform movement and become an effective and economical way to improve the health of Americans ? There has been a lot of talk about good health promotion and disease prevention in early discussions of health care reform , but how and whether we achieve these aims will make or break the success of health care reform in whatever form it eventually takes . Many ideas have been bandied about . Public education and community programs are important but insufficient since they are difficult to implement broadly and effectively . There is a viable mechanism -- already in place -- through which significant improvements in our nation 's health can be made . By taking a more organized , standardized and evidence-based approach to employer-sponsored workplace wellness programs , we can create a more effective marriage between public health and prevention . It 's a fact -- most Americans spend the majority of their waking hours at work . The impact of employee health on productivity and cost of health insurance is well documented . In response , many medium and large employers have instituted a variety of workplace wellness programs . Thus , companies are spending money with good intentions . Unfortunately , there are no national standards or guidelines by which these programs are objectively conducted and measured , making it impossible to know if the various initiatives and their investments are achieving the intended goals . Meanwhile , reports suggest that 75 percent of our health care costs are spent on chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes , which are largely preventable . Let 's empower the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- the agency charged with keeping tabs on the public 's health -- with identifying specific evidence-based wellness and disease prevention activities , as well as corresponding metrics , to be used as the basis for all workplace wellness programs in the United States . In exchange for adopting these uniform activities , goals and health metrics , companies and organizations would be eligible to receive meaningful tax credits each year based on their individual performance in meeting these objectives . For creative companies and institutions , passing along a financial incentive -- based on tax credits received -- to employees to achieve their wellness objectives could drive a greater commitment to healthy activities . And , perhaps an annual ranking of company , or organizational , performance against these national workplace goals and health metrics would foster a healthy competition in the same way that other industry performances are now ranked by national media . Ultimately , the goal is to have all workplaces conform to national standards and achieve measurable health status of employees just as OSHA , the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , measures and enforces standards for workplace safety . A program such as the one I 'm suggesting should be relatively easy to implement . CDC should have access to the data necessary to begin formulating a list of activities and performance metrics . Most would agree that coming up with such a list would be largely intuitive as the risks associated with high blood pressure , obesity , and type 2 diabetes , to name a few , are well known , but it must also include flu shots , cancer screening and other evidence-based programs . In working to ensure that President Obama 's $ 634 billion health care `` downpayment '' is spent effectively , we must remember that because companies are already shouldering the cost of these wellness programs , relatively little new money is needed to make them more effective and provide performance incentives . Such an approach would also , for the first time , provide companies and organizations with an objective basis for making investments in workplace wellness . I , for one , would be thrilled to know that our institution 's annual workplace wellness commitment could be effectively measured and a return on investment understood and calculated . The most recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that about 64 percent of working Americans are employed by companies with 100 or more employees , many of which likely already have some kind of workplace wellness program in place . This represents more than 73 million people out of a total workforce of almost 120 million people . Obviously this idea misses those Americans who are uninsured , work in small businesses without workplace wellness programs , or have lost their jobs in the recent economic downturn , and would require some further creative thinking about the implementation of meaningful wellness options that would reach everybody . But we must start somewhere . Tackling health care reform is going to be a long , arduous , necessary and overdue process . But , I think it would be a mistake to delay taking meaningful actions to improve the nation 's health as we wait for a solution to the overall health care challenge that could take years . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Victor Dzau .
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Victor Dzau : Companies offer programs to improve health of their workforce . He says programs should be based on national standards to ensure they work . Dzau : CDC should do research to show what standards companies should use . He says government should give companies tax credits if their programs succeed .
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Johannesburg , South Africa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A South African white supremacist group has retracted its statement vowing to avenge the killing of its leader , Eugene Terreblanche , a spokesman for the group said Monday . `` The statement was made by an emotional member of our organization , '' said Pieter Steyn , a spokesman for the neo-Nazi Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging , also called the Afrikaner Resistance Movement or AWB . `` The person has been reprimanded . We want a homeland where we can govern ourselves , and violence is not going to do our cause any good . '' Terreblanche was killed Saturday following an apparent dispute over wages with workers on his farm , according to South African police . Two of his farm workers ages 21 and 16 are scheduled to appear in court Tuesday after turning themselves in , police said . Police said the 69-year-old was bludgeoned and stabbed to death with clubs and a machete in an attack at his farm near the town of Ventersdorp in South Africa 's North West Province . Steyn told CNN he is pleased with the work of the South African police , who said there would be a heavy police presence at Tuesday 's court appearance . The AWB has blamed the killing on the singing of a controversial apartheid-era song , `` Shoot the Farmer . '' The ruling African National Congress party 's youth leader , Julius Malema , had sung the song in recent weeks until a court ruling barred him from doing so . Steyn called on South African President Jacob Zuma to act to ease tensions . `` He needs to address Julius Malema urgently , '' Steyn said . `` We are finding it difficult to keep our members calm under the current circumstances . If farm murders continue , we can not guarantee that our members will continue refraining from retaliating . '' Terreblanche 's death comes amid a time of racial polarization in the country . Analysis : Terreblanche 's death stokes racial tensions . Zuma on Sunday appealed for calm Sunday amid fears the killing of notorious white supremacist Eugene Terreblanche could stoke racial tensions in the country . In a statement on the South African presidency 's Web site , Zuma said he had spoken to Terreblanche 's daughter to express his `` sincere condolences . '' `` I call upon our people , black and white to remain calm , and allow police and other organs of state to do their work , '' Zuma said . Terreblanche 's AWB is best known for trying to block South Africa 's effort to end apartheid . The group used terrorist tactics in a bid to stall the country 's first all-race vote in 1994 , killing more than 20 people in a wave of bombings on the eve of the elections . Terreblanche was convicted of the 1996 attempted murder of Paul Motshabi , a black man who worked as a security guard on Terreblanche 's farm . He served about two-thirds of a five-year sentence . He was also convicted of setting his dog on a black man in an earlier incident . CNN 's Robyn Curnow and Nkepile Mabuse contributed to this report from Johannesburg .
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AWB spokesman retracts vow to avenge leader 's death . He said original statement made by an `` emotional member '' of the AWB . Eugene Terreblanche was bludgeoned and stabbed to death . Two of Terreblanche 's farm workers scheduled to appear in court Tuesday .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- An American Airlines flight headed to California was diverted to New Mexico and a passenger detained for allegedly smoking onboard , officials said . The FBI took the male passenger into custody , said Daniel Jiron , a spokesman for the Albuquerque International Airport . `` Apparently , he had some matches on him that were struck , '' Jiron said . The flight from New York was on its way to Los Angeles . It was diverted to Albuquerque on Wednesday afternoon . `` TSA was notified of a passenger allegedly smoking onboard American Airlines Flight 117 from John F. Kennedy International Airport -LRB- JFK -RRB- to Los Angeles International Airport -LRB- LAX -RRB- , '' the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement . There was no bomb or bomb threat on the flight , the Federal Aviation Administration said . Canines swept the plane Wednesday evening out of an `` abundance of caution , '' the transportation agency said . The plane 's 168 passengers exited after landing , said Billy Sanez , a spokesman for the airline . The plane later continued onto Los Angeles without the detained passenger late Wednesday .
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NEW : Flight continues to Los Angeles without detained passenger . Officials say passenger tried to smoke during flight . FBI takes male passenger into custody .
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CABO SAN LUCAS , Mexico -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Jimena remained a tropical storm Thursday afternoon , but was losing its punch as it remained nearly stationary over Mexico 's Baja California , the National Hurricane Center said . After making landfall on Baja California , Hurricane Jimena started weakening Wednesday night . All tropical storm warnings on the Baja California peninsula were discontinued , but a tropical storm warning remained in effect for northwestern mainland Mexico , from Huatabampito to Bahia Kino . A tropical storm warning means conditions including winds of at least 39 mph are expected within 24 hours . Jimena made landfall Wednesday afternoon as a Category 1 hurricane between Puerto San Andresito and San Juanico , Mexico , on the peninsula . At its peak , it was a Category 4 hurricane prior to making landfall . But as of 2 p.m. , Jimena 's center was located about 35 miles -LRB- 55 km -RRB- north of Santa Rosalia , Mexico , forecasters said , and was `` moving very little during the past few hours . '' The storm was expected to begin slowly traveling west or west-southwest later Thursday night , and forecast to be near or over central Baja California through Saturday . Jimena 's maximum sustained winds were near 40 mph -LRB- 65 kph -RRB- with higher gusts , forecasters said . `` Weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours , and Jimena is forecast to become a tropical depression tonight and degenerate into a remnant low by Friday . '' Watch Jimena skirt resort of Cabo San Lucas '' The storm was expected to produce an additional 4 to 6 inches -LRB- 10 to 15 cm -RRB- of rain over portions of western Mexico , and 1 to 2 inches -LRB- 2 to 5 cm -RRB- over the central portion of the Baja peninsula over the next day or so , the Hurricane Center said . Overall , isolated maximum amounts could reach 30 inches -LRB- 76 cm -RRB- , forecasters said . Watch damage caused by Jimena '' `` An unofficial report from San Carlos , Mexico , located in Sonora state just west of Guyamas , indicates that about 25 inches of rain has fallen , '' forecasters said . `` These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides . '' Watch tourists who waited out the storm '' In addition , `` higher than normal tide levels , with large and dangerous battering waves along portions of the coast of the central Baja peninsula and northwestern mainland Mexico will gradually subside tonight and tomorrow , '' the Hurricane Center said .
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All tropical storm warnings on Baja California peninsula were discontinued . Once a powerful Category 4 hurricane , Jimena now a tropical storm . Officials caution heavy rains could cause life-threatening flooding , mudslides . Storm forecast to be near or over central Baja California through Saturday .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Ida has been downgraded from a tropical storm to a tropical depression as it lost momentum during its approach to the U.S. Gulf Coast early Tuesday . But the storm is still spreading plenty of rain across the Southeast , generally 3 to 6 inches with isolated maximum storm totals of 8 inches . This could continue through Wednesday evening from the eastern Gulf Coast into the Southern Mid-Atlantic states . `` Ida has lost tropical characteristics and its winds are expected to slowly diminish during the next day or so , '' according to a 10 a.m. ET advisory from the Miami , Florida-based National Hurricane Center . Ida made its initial landfall at 6:40 a.m. ET at Dauphin Island , Alabama , which is located five miles off the Alabama coast , the center said . Ida made another landfall around 8 a.m. ET just northwest of Bon Secour , Alabama , an advisory said . Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph with higher gusts , the center said . Ida is moving toward the northeast near 9 mph . Track the path of Tropical Storm Ida . The storm was about 30 miles east-southeast of Mobile , Alabama , and about 25 miles west-northwest of Pensacola , Florida , the latest advisory said . The hurricane center said the tropical depression advisory is the last one they will issue on the storm system . The storm 's heavy rains have flooded some roads and washed up debris in parts of Alabama and Florida , and the storm knocked out power to about 2,000 people in the western part of the Florida panhandle . Are you in Ida 's path ? Share your news , videos . As the storm approached , the governors of Mississippi , Alabama , Florida and Louisiana declared states of emergency . Ida is the Atlantic region 's ninth named storm of the year . The Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30 .
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NEW : Rain in South , Mid-Atlantic could continue until Wednesday . Tropical Storm Ida reaches Dauphin Island , Alabama . Mississippi , Alabama , Florida and Louisiana declare emergency . Up to 8 inches of rain expected to be dumped on some isolated areas .
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MIAMI , Florida -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Tropical storm Ida could regain hurricane status Saturday night as it heads toward the Gulf Coast . The northern Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is under a hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning , the National Hurricane Center said . Pinar del Rio , in western Cuba , is also under a tropical storm warning , the center said . During a hurricane watch , hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours . Tropical storm conditions are possible within 24 hours under a tropical storm watch . Ida made landfall as a hurricane Thursday morning over east central Nicaragua , pelting the Central American nation with heavy rain before weakening to a tropical storm . At 7 p.m. ET , Ida was heading north-northwest at about 10 mph -LRB- 17 kph -RRB- and was about 180 miles -LRB- 290 km -RRB- east-southeast of Cozumel , Mexico , the hurricane center said . Track Ida 's projected path . Forecasters expect the storm , with winds of 70 mph -LRB- 110 kph -RRB- , to reach hurricane status by Saturday night or early Sunday . If the storm becomes a hurricane again , however , it could lose power and downgrade back to a tropical storm in the coming days . As Ida crosses the Yucatan Channel , the Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba could get 3 to 5 inches of rain ; some areas could see as many as 10 inches , the center said . The Gulf Coast could experience heavy rain and coastal flooding next week as Ida approaches the area . Ida is the Atlantic region 's ninth named storm . The Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30 . CNN meteorologists Dave Hennen and Jacqui Jeras contributed to this report .
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Forecasters expect Ida to reach hurricane status by Saturday night or early Sunday . Mexico 's Northern Yucatan Peninsula under hurricane watch , tropical storm warning . At 7 p.m. ET , Ida was heading north-northwest at about 10 mph -LRB- 17 kph -RRB- .
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LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Animal rights campaigners were holding a meeting Tuesday with Britain 's Ministry of Defence to argue against the use of bearskin in the iconic furry headgear worn by royal guards at Buckingham Palace . A PETA activist in Sofia , Bulgaria earlier this year protests against UK troops wearing bearskin hats . Robbie LeBlanc , European director for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals -LRB- PETA -RRB- , was meeting with Ann Taylor , the minister for defense equipment and support , the defense ministry said . `` We are hoping that they will switch to a humane synthetic alternative , '' a PETA spokeswoman said . PETA has been campaigning for years against the use of bearskin in the headgear , a familiar symbol of London worn by the guards who keep watch over royal buildings like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle . The hats are part of the footguards ' ceremonial dress , along with the bright red jackets . PETA says the bears used to produce the fur hats are killed cruelly and unnecessarily . `` It 's an absolute moral disgrace , '' said Mike Hancock , a British lawmaker who has joined PETA 's campaign against the bearskins . `` I do n't think the British public or tourists will mind if it 's synthetic fur , and I 'm absolutely amazed in this day and age that we see beautiful animals skinned and killed '' to produce the hats . A spokesman for the National Army Museum in London , Julian Farrance , said the fur comes only from Canadian bears that have died naturally , and that no bears are killed for the hats . Campaigners say they still want the defense ministry to use a different material . `` It still promotes the usage of animal fur in areas where it 's totally unnecessary , in my view , for fur to be used , '' said Glenda Jackson , another British lawmaker opposed to the use of the fur . The British Army 's use of the bearskin hats dates back to the Battle of Waterloo on in 1815 , when Wellington 's army defeated the French Imperial Guard in a victory that marked Napoleon 's downfall . The British soldiers captured the headgear from the defeated Imperial Guardsmen and have worn them ever since , although today the hats are only worn for ceremonial duties . Those British soldiers were renamed the Grenadier Guards to honor their defeat of the Grenadiers of the French Imperial Guards . The Grenadiers are now among five bearskin-wearing regiments that guard British royal buildings . But each bearskin hat is heavy and can prove very hot for the wearer . `` There have been occasions where soldiers have suffered from heatstroke , because obviously wearing that much fur on your head ... can get quite warm , '' Farrance said .
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Animal rights campaigners oppose UK royal guards wearing furry headgear . Scheduled to stage meeting with defense ministry in London Tuesday . Iconic headgear has been worn since the battle of Waterloo in 1815 . Army expert : Fur comes only from Canadian bears that have died naturally .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong reflected ruefully on Monday 's incident-packed second stage of the Tour de France , which saw Sylvain Chavanel claim the first yellow jersey of his career following a spate of crashes . The Frenchman moved almost three minutes ahead of previous leader Fabian Cancellara with his victory on the 201-kilometer leg from Brussels to Spa in Belgium . The Quick Step rider was the last remaining member of an eight-man breakaway that he led at the 10-kilometer mark , with the 123-strong peloton coming home together after refusing to race further following another day of crashes in difficult conditions . Saxo Bank 's brothers Andy and Franck Schleck both went down on the Stockeu climb -- also part of the Liege classic where Chavanel cracked his skull in April . Armstrong and titleholder Alberto Contador also lost time following spills , and the three main groups closed ranks to negotiate the slippery descents . American Armstrong dropped one place to fifth , being 3:19 off the leader in what is the 38-year-old 's final attempt at winning the race . `` It was a rough day . I 've got a couple of good abrasions -- one on the hip , one on the elbow , '' Armstrong told the Team RadioShack website . `` Coming down the descent of the Stockeu , it was as if someone had put something on the road , it was so surreal . There was no way to stay on your bike , there were people everywhere . `` As we got back on our bikes and started to re-descend , we just kept coming across more and more crashes ... motorbikes , TV cameras -- it was just bad luck . '' Chavanel came home almost four minutes clear of the bunch to take a lead of two minutes and 57 seconds into Tuesday 's third stage from Wanze across the border to Arenberg Porte du Hainaut in France . Prologue winner Cancellara , who negotiated the pact between the riders , will start the day in second place ahead of Columbia 's young German Tony Martin and Garmin 's British rider David Millar . Spain 's Contador was seventh behind Team Sky 's Geraint Thomas , while Armstrong 's RadioShack teammate Levi Leipheimer was eighth -- 3:25 behind Chavanel . Columbia 's sprint specialist Mark Cavendish , who won six stages last year and four in 2008 , fell almost 10 minutes off the pace as he finished back in 148th . Italian rider Alessandro Petacchi , who won a similarly crash-hit stage one on Sunday , was 13:37 adrift of Chavanel after finishing 157th .
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Crashes mar the second stage of the Tour de France , won by Sylvain Chavanel . Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong drops to fifth after crashing in Belgium . Chavanel claims yellow jersey for first time as 123-strong group of riders agree not to race . Frenchman has almost three-minute advantage over previous leader Fabian Cancellara .
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RICHMOND , Virginia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A co-defendant in the federal dogfighting case against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty Monday morning . Tony Taylor walks into the federal courthouse in Richmond , Virginia , to enter his guilty plea . Tony Taylor has also agreed to cooperate fully with the government . He will be sentenced on December 14 and could be sentenced to up to five years in prison , fined $ 250,000 and put on three years supervised release , according to court documents filed Monday in Richmond . Taylor , 34 , of Hampton , Virginia , Vick and two other co-defendants -- Purnell Peace , 35 , of Virginia Beach , Virginia , and Quanis Phillips , 28 , of Atlanta , Georgia , were charged on July 17 with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities , and conspiring to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture . In entering the guilty plea , Taylor , who remains free on bond , waived all his rights , including his right to appeal . He told U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson that he understood he is now a convicted felon . `` You 're pleading guilty and taking your chances , right ? '' Hudson asked Taylor . He responded , `` Yes . '' Taylor had the same answer when Hudson asked : `` You have agreed to cooperate fully with the United States , is that right ? '' It has been widely speculated that Taylor 's plea , which had been expected , and his future cooperation with the prosecution could hurt Vick by helping the government prove its case against the high-profile football player . Taylor said the government did not promise him any sentencing deal in exchange for his cooperation . According to the summary of facts filed with the court on Monday , Taylor said that he and the other three co-defendants , including Vick , decided to start a dogfighting venture in early 2001 and that Vick paid for the property in Smithfield , Virginia , used for the operations . The four launched the venture , Bad Newz Kennels , in early 2002 , Taylor said . In the court documents , Taylor says that he , Phillips and Peace `` executed '' dogs that did not `` perform well in ` testing ' '' sessions , but does not mention Vick as having participated in the executions . He does , however , say that Vick accompanied the other three co-defendants to dogfights in other states on at least four occasions , and that the quarterback sponsored dogs in fights at his property on several other occasions , all between 2002 and 2004 . Taylor said he left the dogfighting operation in September 2004 `` following a disagreement with Phillips . '' The trial for the three remaining defendants has been set for November 26 . A federal grand jury charged the men with organizing bloody and vicious dogfights on a piece of property that Vick bought in 2001 . They also are accused of transporting and delivering dogs across state lines . Taylor discovered the site that became the Bad Newz Kennels -- the staging area for housing and training the pit bulls and hosting dog fights , the indictment said . On Friday , more than 50 supporters of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had gathered outside the National Football League 's headquarters in Manhattan demanding Vick 's suspension . PETA had sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell , Vick 's corporate sponsors and the Atlanta Falcons condemning dogfighting as ignorant and cruel . The letter did not directly presume Vick 's guilt , nor did it directly ask the NFL to suspend Vick . The letter was backed by civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton , hip-hop mogul and vegan Russell Simmons , and the president of PETA . In his first public comment since the indictment , Vick called his legal predicament `` a crazy situation '' and said he hopes to return soon to the gridiron , wearing a Falcons jersey . But he acknowledged in a phone interview Monday with Atlanta radio station V-103 , `` There are a lot of things that needed to be worked out . '' `` I 've been -LSB- in Atlanta -RSB- for the last seven years of my life . I would love to come back , '' Vick told radio personality Porsche Foxx . `` But it remains to be seen . '' The president of the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP criticized the prosecution of Vick at a news conference Monday morning . Dr. R.L. White Jr. accused the government of `` piling on . '' `` There 's a penalty in football for piling on , '' White told reporters . `` After a player has been tackled and somebody piles on , they 're penalized for unnecessary roughness . `` Today , the NAACP blows the whistle and warns the powers that be that you are piling on . '' Watch White caution the public to keep an open mind '' E-mail to a friend .
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Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick tells radio station he hopes to return . Co-defendant Tony Taylor agrees to cooperate ; could include testimony . Indictment : Vick , others ran ring that executed dogs that did n't fight well .
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Memphis , Tennessee -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Forty-two years ago , the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis , Tennessee , while promoting the importance of the content of one 's character . Today , an African-American candidate who marched with King is hoping the voters in a Democratic primary race will look at the color of his skin . Willie Herenton , who served as mayor of Memphis for almost two decades until he resigned in 2009 , is making race a key part of his platform in his attempt to unseat incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen . Herenton 's main campaign slogan on yard signs , flyers and T-shirts is the phrase `` Just One , '' a reference to his belief that there should be at least one African - American representing Tennessee in Congress . `` I believe that it is very clear to the majority of the citizens of this community that we lack representation . And all we are seeking is just one , well-qualified , African-American to serve in an 11-member Tennessee delegation that is currently all white , '' Herenton said . The August 5 primary in Memphis ' heavily Democratic 9th Congressional District has attracted unprecedented attention from President Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus . Both are looking beyond race and backing Herenton 's white , Jewish opponent . Cohen has the support of the Congressional Black Caucus , receiving endorsements from many of its members and a contribution from its political action committee . The president gave Cohen a rare , written endorsement in mid-July . `` Congressman Cohen is a proven leader in the United States Congress and a strong voice for Tennessee , '' the statement said . `` Together , we passed historic health care reform , and together we 're continuing the fight to renew our economy and bring jobs back to the American people . I am proud to stand with Steve and support his re-election to Congress . '' Herenton said that even though he respects Obama , he was upset with his decision to get involved . `` I 'm disappointed that the president intervened . This is a local race , a local race that the citizens of this community should determine the individual that they want to represent them without the interference from the White House and the president , '' he said . In addition to downplaying the endorsements , Herenton says growing up in an impoverished part of Memphis and spending his career serving the people of the 9th District makes him more qualified for the job . He draws attention to Cohen 's singing and dancing at campaign events , saying he is `` trying to act black . '' `` It 's patronizing , it 's pandering , it 's almost playing on the emotions of the people . And I , like many in my city am resentful of that type of behavior . '' Herenton said . Cohen says he is bothered by that type of rhetoric and says his opponent is desperate and looking for a ticket to Washington . `` You know it 's something he does , and I think it 's grasping , because I 'm not trying to be black . I understand the black community better than most Caucasians do because I have spent so much time working on issues , '' Cohen said . `` I represent everybody , and I work hard for people to get them opportunities . And I just think that race should not be an issue in 2010 . '' Four years ago , Cohen became the first white congressman since 1972 to win the district . Canvassing for votes this past weekend in Memphis ' predominately African-American Whitehaven community , many of his constituents re-enforced his belief that his hard work on key issues such as education , health care and the economy resonated with voters more than skin-color . When he met resident Lillian Fisher and her children , she gave him a big hug for helping her oldest son find a job . `` If it was n't for you and that education lottery , he now works with the Tennessee lottery in Nashville , thanks to you , so you keep up the good work , '' Fisher told him with a huge smile . Herenton has never lost a political election , even though he says he is always considered the underdog . `` According to our polls , we 'll get about 80 percent of the African-American vote , and we feel comfortable with getting anywhere from 5 or 6 percent of the white vote . The way we calculate it , there is no way Cohen can win . This is a real uphill climb for him , '' he said . Cohen says he is not worried about the election at all and wishes Herenton stayed focused on the issues at hand instead of race . `` It does get to be a drag . The issues should have been addressed more fully . There are differences ; the truth is I am a strong , hard-core Barack Obama Democrat , '' Cohen said . `` My district needs a liberal , because we need policies that work for people . '' Herenton says he does not want his campaign reduced to just race and that voters should look at his unique qualifications as former mayor and school superintendent . But he says it would be wrong to just ignore the topic of race all together . `` This great nation is still in denial that race matters . In my view , race continues to permeate every facet of American lives . Especially white America is in a state of denial when it comes to race , '' Herenton said . Both candidates believe that MLK would be proud of their work . `` I think if Dr. King were alive today , he would support the proposition that the American democracy fosters inclusion , the American democracy respects representation of diverse people in his government , and he would be sympathetic and would be encouraging to a group of people that seek representation , '' Herenton said . And asked about what people will be saying on August 6 , a day after the election , Cohen says he hopes people will see Memphis in a different light . `` I think they will be saying that citizens of the 9th District voted in a way that Dr. King will be smiling upon , voting on the content of their character and not the color of their skin . ''
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Willie Herenton hopes voters in Tennessee 's 9th District will look at color of his skin . Herenton challenging incumbent Rep. Steve Cohen in Democratic primary . Cohen has backing of Obama , Congressional Black Caucus . Both candidates say they think Martin Luther King Jr. would be proud of their work .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A Chicago , Illinois , couple , their real estate agent and a real estate broker face charges of violating the federal Fair Housing Act for refusing to sell a $ 1.8 million home to black radio personality and comedian George Willborn , the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said . The five-bedroom , 8,000-square-foot home was listed for $ 1.799 million by owners Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia and their real estate agent , Jeffrey Lowe , the housing agency said in a statement Tuesday . The charge alleges the Sabbias and Lowe stalled negotiations and took the property off the market after receiving a $ 1.7 million offer from Willborn and his wife , Peytyn -- the highest offer the Sabbias had received in the two years the property was listed , according to HUD . The Sabbias accepted the offer , but refused to sign the sales contract , according to the HUD complaint . Six days after the offer was accepted , the Willborns ' agent asked about the issue , and Lowe told her that the '' ` reality '' of selling the house was ` just hitting ' '' Adrienne Sabbia , the complaint said . The woman said she did n't believe that , since the house had been listed for two years , according to the complaint . Lowe sent the agent a text message the following day saying he did not believe it was about race , and believed it to be a `` seller vs. seller issue not a seller vs. buyer issue . '' But the next day , Lowe told the Willborns ' agent that the Sabbias were not signing the sales contract and taking the home off the market . `` Respondent Lowe gave complainants various reasons for why the Sabbias had decided not to sell , '' the complaint said , including that Adrienne Sabbia had changed her mind , that the Sabbias could not find another home , and they wanted to keep their children in their current schools . The Sabbias told HUD investigators they refused to sign the sales contract because Adrienne Sabbia wanted the full asking price for the home . Conrad Duncker , named as the Sabbias ' attorney by the Chicago Sun-Times , did not return a call from CNN seeking comment Wednesday . The Willborns filed an initial HUD complaint in January , amending it in March and July . The couple learned that the Willborns had filed a HUD complaint on January 29 , the complaint said , and a few days later told Lowe to offer the Willborns the opportunity to buy the home with all its furnishings for $ 1.799 million . `` When the Willborns learned that the Sabbias only offered to sell the subject property to them after receipt of the HUD complaint , they canceled a scheduled showing and declined the offer , '' according to the complaint . Lowe told investigators that while he was representing the Sabbias , Daniel Sabbia told him he would prefer not to sell the home to an African-American , but added `` if it was for the right price he did not care who bought the house , '' the complaint said . However , the agency `` has determined that reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred in this case based on race and has authorized and directed the issuance of this charge of discrimination , '' according to the complaint . The charge will be heard by an administrative law judge unless a party elects to have it heard in federal district court , HUD said . If the judge finds discrimination occurred , damages may be awarded and fines may be levied . Punitive damages can also be awarded if the case is heard in district court . Besides the Sabbias , the Lowe Group Chicago Inc. and real estate broker Prudential Rubloff Properties are also named in the complaint . `` Racial fairness is important at all income levels . Civil rights enforcement must be the effective shield against housing discrimination that in this case wealth was not , '' stated John Trasvina , HUD assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity . Willborn is a radio personality who co-hosts the syndicated `` Michael Baisden Show . '' He also has appeared as a comedian on television and in films , the complaint said . CNN 's attempts to reach Willborn were unsuccessful . `` I think it 's unfortunate , sad and disgusting , '' Willborn told the Chicago Sun-Times . `` It jolts you to your core beliefs ... . No one has the right to dictate the American dream . '' `` Complainants George and Peytyn Willborn have suffered emotional distress due to respondents ' discriminatory acts , '' the complaint says . Willborn has indicated he is less trusting of people and their actions , and `` he feels respondents have denied him the American dream he worked so hard to attain . They are surprised that something like this could happen in the year 2010 . '' The Willborns ' children `` were disappointed at the loss of certain features of the house , and ... felt fear because of how they might be treated because of race , '' the complaint said . `` The Willborns ' daughter felt hurt and angry and now worries that if this happened to her parents that it may happen to her one day in her own search for housing as an adult . ''
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Chicago couple accused of refusing to sign sales contract . George Willborn and wife offered $ 1.7 million . Agent says seller told him he would prefer not to sell to African-Americans .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- County coroner 's officials in Los Angeles , California , hope to release results Thursday morning of their examination of skeletal remains found in a remote area of Malibu Canyon . The family of a woman , missing nearly a year , await word on any clues the bones will yield . Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said that an anthropologist and pathologist were examining the remains , and an odontologist -- or dental expert -- will also help make a final identification . The remains , which included a human skull , were found Monday by park rangers searching the area for marijuana groves , said Los Angeles County Sheriff 's spokesman Steve Whitmore . `` It 's incredibly treacherous terrain , '' Whitmore said of the remote site . `` There is no road , no trail even if you know exactly where you are going . '' Whitmore said it appeared the remains had been in the area `` for quite awhile . '' The family of missing Mitrice Richardson have been waiting to hear whether the remains are those of their loved one . Richardson , who would be 25 now , is a former beauty pageant contestant who was last seen leaving a Los Angeles County sheriff 's station in Malibu during the early morning hours of September 17 , 2009 . She had been arrested the previous evening at an upscale restaurant for allegedly not paying for her meal , and patrons at the restaurant said she exhibited strange behavior . Her family has said the college honors graduate suffered from mental health issues and should have been kept at the sheriff 's station until a relative arrived to pick her up . The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that the remains are those of a woman and that `` women 's clothing was also found near the scene . '' The newspaper cited unidentified law enforcement sources . Winter would not confirm Wednesday the gender of the remains . He said clothing was found `` near the body , '' but declined to elaborate on what type , saying many people had been using the area where marijuana was known to be harvested . Latice Sutton , the mother of Richardson , held a news conference Tuesday night outside the coroner 's office , saying she had been told that the clothing found was a pair of Levis , and appealed to officials to let her view the clothing . `` I do know that my daughter was wearing jeans that night , '' Sutton said . Mom furious about leaks to media . Michael Richardson , Mitrice 's father , told HLN 's `` Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell '' on Wednesday that he is n't giving up the search for his daughter . `` I 'm still remaining hopeful , positive , prayerful ... and until they can give me a definitive answer about it , Mitrice is still needing for us to search for her , '' he said . The family of Richardson was joined at the canyon site Monday by another woman who believed the remains could belong to her husband , Timothy . Pam Perryman said her husband went missing six years ago while hiking in the area . `` I 've been praying that we would find him because it 's our anniversary this Saturday , '' Perryman told CNN iReporter Julie Ellerton . `` I just have a feeling ... in a way I hope it is him , in a way I hope it 's not . '' CNN iReport : Skull and bones found by drug-searching cops . CNN 's Sarah Aarthun contributed to this report .
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The family of missing Mitrice Richardson believes the remains may be her . Clothing was found `` near the body , '' assistant chief coroner says . Richardson was last seen leaving a Malibu sheriff 's station September 17 .
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Nowshera , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coincided in Pakistan on Wednesday with the nation 's worst natural disaster , the staggering scope of human suffering revealing itself in wretched ways . From the Swat Valley in the north to Sindh province in the south , as many as 15 million Pakistanis have been affected by torrential monsoon rains that have washed away villages and bloated rivers , authorities said Wednesday . Pakistan 's representative to the United Nations said many people have not yet grasped the massive scale of Pakistan 's suffering and warned it could still get worse because of ongoing rain . `` It is horrendous , '' said Abdullah Hussain Haroon . `` It is going to put us back so many years that we 're not even starting on the infrastructure . '' The Pakistan Disaster Authority confirmed 1,313 deaths Wednesday . It said 1,588 people have been injured and 352,291 people have been rescued . More than 722,000 houses have been damaged . Many Pakistanis now face severe food shortages , and aid agencies stepped up appeals for global assistance . The United Nations launched a flash appeal for $ 460 million in humanitarian assistance , and the United States pledged another $ 20 million on top of the $ 35 million already pledged . The Pakistani military has 55 helicopters and 621 boats taking part in aid and rescue efforts . For many parts of southern Pakistan , the worst is yet to come . The Indus River is expected to crest Thursday in parts of Sindh , according to the Pakistani Meteorological Department . And Pakistanis will be forced to endure the consequences of damaged infrastructure and crops lost to flooding for months . Nowshera 's Khushal Pur market , once a vibrant place of 250 food stalls , stood covered in thick , foul-smelling sludge as tractors worked to remove the mud and debris . Among the muck were tons of rotting produce that shop keepers abandoned when they fled the flooding . Juma Gul surveyed the damage . His vegetable stall has been a family business for two decades . He said he has lost more than $ 1,000 in business , a huge amount in this town in northwestern Pakistan , where the CIA World Factbook estimated the average annual income at $ 2,600 . Gul , who set up a temporary stall on the road , said prices of fresh produce , including tomatoes and cucumbers , have doubled . That made customer Niaz Ali anxious . He has already lost work and money is tight , but with the cost of food soaring , he said he and his family will simply have to eat less . Market manager Ikram Ullah said it would be particularly difficult during the month of Ramadan , when Muslims abstain from food and water during the day and break their fast with a feast at sunset . The back-breaking clean-up tasks will be hard , too , because of Ramadan fasting . The economic impact of the disaster is sure to be felt for a long time with crops sitting in soggy fields . `` The crop has been lost and it is a race against time to ensure the next sowing season can be met , '' said United Nations special envoy Jean-Maurice Ripert . John Holmes , U.N. under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs , said the disaster is `` one of the most challenging that any country has faced in recent years . '' Although the death toll is lower , the 14 million people affected are more than those affected in the 2005 Pakistan earthquakes , the 2004 Indonesia tsunami and the January earthquake in Haiti combined . `` The death toll has so far been relatively low compared to other major natural disasters , but the numbers affected are extraordinarily high , '' Holmes said . `` If we do n't act fast enough , many more people could die of diseases and food shortages . '' Holmes said thousands of villages and at least 288,000 homes have been destroyed . `` Six thousand villages wiped out the face of the earth , '' Haroon said . `` From 5,000 to 50,000 per village , we have no way of counting . We have nothing operational as to how many of those have died and how many are alive . '' Huge swaths of Pakistan remain without power , clean water or communication . Bridges and roads have been destroyed , and many regions are accessible only by air or water transport . Millions of hectares of crops have been washed away in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province -LRB- KPK -RRB- , Punjab and Sindh , and seed stocks have been destroyed , `` severely compromising the possibility to plant staple food crops in September for hundreds of thousands of farmers , '' Holmes said . The floods , which started in Pakistan 's northern regions , are traveling through the southern province of Sindh . `` Millions more are expected to suffer from the combined impact of continuing torrential rains and unprecedented water levels in the rivers , '' Holmes said . `` The monsoon could last for at least another month , worsening the flooding we have seen so far . '' The money will enable U.N. organizations , international partners and NGOs to partner with the Pakistani government to address emergency needs of flood-affected families , Holmes says . The agencies will provide food , drinking water , tents and supplies in the seven hardest-hit areas : Balochistan , Punjab , the Federally Administered Tribal Area , Gilgit Baltistan , KPK , Pakistan-Administered Kashmir and Sindh . The U.N. reports $ 99.5 million has been pledged , and donors have committed or contributed $ 47.8 million to the U.N. emergency response in Pakistan , but $ 300 million more is needed . Individual countries have also gotten involved . U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on Wednesday authorized 19 Marine and Navy heavy-lift helicopters to Pakistan to relieve six U.S. Army helicopters that have been taking part in flood relief since Saturday . The new group of helicopters will come from units on board the USS Peleliu which has been off the coast of western Pakistan in recent days in anticipation of orders to assist . Gates said the USS Kearsarge -- another helicopter landing ship -- is headed to Pakistan to relieve the Peleliu . Gates said the Pakistanis will decide the speed of distribution . `` We want to be as helpful as we can be , '' he said . `` We do n't want to overstretch the capacity of the Pakistanis to absorb the help . '' Also Wednesday , Germany said it was increasing aid for flood victims to about $ 12.8 million . In total , about $ 600 million in aid is heading to Pakistan -- the equivalent of about $ 40 for each of the nation 's 15 million residents . Islamic militants , however , called on the Pakistani government to reject any aid provided by the United States for flood relief . `` For the sake of God , do n't accept donations from the U.S. because they are our enemies , '' said Azem Tariq , spokesman for the Taliban in Pakistan . `` Whatever amount the U.S. will give as donation , we will give the government of Pakistan more . '' Many Pakistanis have not been happy with the government 's response to the floods , calling it slow and ineffective . The Taliban 's offer of aid may be an attempt to win the hearts and minds of flood victims . Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has taken much of the heat . He was in England for talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron during the worst of the crisis . CNN 's Reza Sayah , Dan Rivers , Samson Desta , Brooke Elliott and journalist Nasir Habib contributed to this report .
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The death toll now tops 1,313 , Pakistani authorities say . The U.N. launches a flash appeal for $ 460 million in aid . Pakistanis face soaring food costs and long-term shortages . The Taliban tell people to reject U.S. aid .
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Like other branches of science , nutrition is constantly evolving . As researchers learn more about vitamins and minerals , for example , dietary advice changes . Coffee is the top source of antioxidants in an American diet . Take vitamin D , the `` sunshine '' vitamin , so named because it is produced primarily in the skin through a chemical reaction that requires ultraviolet light . Increasingly , nutritionists recommend that you boost your daily intake because of vitamin D 's potential to help fight certain types of cancer . In fact , many expect the next version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans , due in 2010 , to raise the amount currently recommended from 200 International Units -LRB- IU -RRB- for adults to 400 or more . But any advice that encourages exposure to sunlight concerns dermatologists , since rates of basal cell carcinoma , the most common type of skin cancer , have tripled in the past 30 years . So ... to D or not to D ? We went to the experts for help in sorting out what the science really says about vitamin D and three other nutritional riddles , and more importantly , what that means for you . Vitamin D . The good news : A short stroll in the sun supplies enough vitamin D to maintain healthy bones ; emerging research points to strong anti-cancer benefits , too . The potential risk : Exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer . What the research says : Vitamin D tells the body to absorb more bone-building calcium from foods . `` Vitamin D is most known for its beneficial effects on the skeleton , but , to me , its effects on cancer are much more significant , '' says Bruce W. Hollis , Ph.D. , professor of pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston . In a study of 47,800 men , scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health reported that 1,500 IU daily of vitamin D reduced the risk of cancers of the digestive system by 43 percent . Another study from the University of California at San Diego of 1,760 women suggests that 2,700 IU daily may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50 percent . CookingLight.com : Power up your plate . Reaching the amount of D currently recommended -- 200 IU per day for adults ages 19 to 50 and 400 IU per day for those ages 51 to 70 -- through diet is difficult , Hollis says . Food sources of vitamin D are scarce ; salmon , mackerel , and sardines are the top sources , containing 250 to 360 IU per 3-ounce serving . Milk comes next , but the levels of vitamin D with which it is fortified varies . When researchers from Boston University analyzed 79 milk samples , they found that 37 percent contained less than 5 percent of the 100 IU vitamin D per cup promised . What you should do : `` The most powerful source of vitamin D is the sun , '' Hollis says . Make the most of it . Protect your face , ears , neck , and the backs of hands each day with a moisturizer that contains a sun-protection factor -LRB- SPF -RRB- of 15 or higher . These spots are where skin cancers usually develop first . But on days when you are n't going to spend much time in the sun , leave spf off legs and arms to let them manufacture vitamin D . In just 10 minutes , a light-skinned person produces 10,000 to 20,000 IU vitamin D. Because skin pigments can interfere with vitamin D synthesis , darker-skinned people produce it more slowly . If you have dark skin or live or work where you are seldom exposed to sunlight , talk to your doctor about supplementing your intake of vitamin D. Hollis recommends choosing a supplement that contains vitamin D3 , also known as cholecalciferol ; it 's the vitamin 's most readily absorbable form . Coffee . The good news : Caffeine , obtained most frequently from coffee in a typical American diet , may reduce the risk of developing Parkinson 's disease . An antioxidant in coffee may also help protect against diabetes . The potential risk : Caffeine may cause bone loss , which increases the risk for osteoporosis . What the research says : In trying to solve this nutritional conundrum , it helps to put study findings in their proper context , says Tara Coghlin-Dickson , M.S. , R.D. , a clinical dietitian at Stanford University Hospital in Stanford , California . A widely reported 2001 study of 489 postmenopausal women found that caffeine intakes higher than 300 milligrams -LRB- mg -RRB- per day -- roughly the amount in two cups of coffee -- accelerated bone loss in women . However , the study reveals an important qualifier : The women 's average calcium intake was 725mg per day , 475mg short of the Daily Recommended Intake . `` Caffeine can act as a calcium thief , but the real risk for osteoporosis is chronic low calcium , '' Coghlin-Dickson says . It 's well known that caffeine -- a stimulant -- can improve focus and concentration . Recent research also has linked caffeine to a reduced risk of Parkinson 's disease . When scientists at Harvard University tracked rates of Parkinson 's in more than 135,000 men and women for 12 years , they found that men who consumed four to five cups of coffee daily and women who consumed one to three cups daily were half as likely to develop the disease as those who did n't consume coffee . CookingLight.com : Healthy chocolate ? Researchers are n't yet sure why coffee has a protective effect but suggest the benefit could be linked to caffeine 's ability to accelerate neurotransmissions in the brain . Coffee 's connection to diabetes prevention appears clearer . In a 10-year trial of 88,000 women , researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston , Massachusetts found that women who drank two or more cups of coffee per day were 47 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes , the adult-onset variety of the disease . In this study , the benefits of the brew were n't directly associated with caffeine ; decaffeinated coffee provided similar results . More likely , chlorogenic acid , an antioxidant abundant in coffee , is responsible for the effect , says Frank Hu , M.D. , Ph.D. , lead author of the study and associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology . What you should do : `` Considering all of the evidence we 've accumulated in the last 10 years , coffee is more healthful than harmful , '' Hu says . Like all things , caffeine -- and coffee -- are probably best in moderation ; have one cup , maybe two per day . You may also benefit from the brew 's antioxidants ; coffee is the top source of antioxidants in an American diet . Omega-3s . The good news : Eating fish rich in omega-3s may improve your heart health . The potential risk : Some types of fish contain high levels of mercury , a toxin . What the research says : In 2004 the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency issued an advisory recommending that pregnant or nursing women and young children avoid intake of high-mercury fish species , such as swordfish , king mackerel , tilefish , and shark because mercury can cause developmental defects in children . The threat is real , but the response is n't . Two-thirds of Americans believe the risk applies to everyone , not just expectant mothers and young children , according to a survey by the Center for Food , Nutrition , and Agriculture Policy . `` People think , ` If it 's not good for babies , then it 's probably not good for me , ' '' says Joshua Cohen , Ph.D. , a lecturer at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston . `` But men and postmenopausal women should focus on the fact that eating fish can help reduce their risk of stroke and heart attack . '' CookingLight.com : Clearly healthy oils . When Cohen correlated data about fish consumption to annual rates of heart disease in a report published last year in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine , he determined that if all American adults -- including women of childbearing age -- consumed 8 ounces of a low-mercury fish each week , the annual number of coronary deaths in the United States would drop by 20,000 . Omega-3 fats , which are provided by certain fish , help make `` bad '' LDL cholesterol less likely to stick to artery walls and may relieve arterial inflammation . What you should do : If you 're not a woman of childbearing age , consume two 6-ounce servings of fatty fish per week . `` To sacrifice the benefits for a risk that does n't pertain to you is cheating yourself , '' Cohen says . Stick with species that are low in mercury but high in omega-3s -- salmon , canned light tuna , pollock , flounder , sole , herring , shrimp , and sardines . E-mail to a friend . For more tips on making healthy taste great , try Cooking Light - CLICK HERE . Copyright 2009 Cooking Light magazine . All rights reserved .
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The most powerful source of vitamin D is the sun . Recent research has linked caffeine to a reduced risk of Parkinson 's disease . For most , benefits of eating fatty fish outweigh mercury risks .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Police have forensic evidence linking a pair of escapees from an Arizona prison to the investigation of a couple found dead in New Mexico this week , an official with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety said Saturday . The fugitives , who escaped from prison eight days ago , are suspects in the investigation into two burned bodies found in a camper Wednesday in Santa Rosa , New Mexico , according to Peter Olson , communications director for New Mexico Public Safety . New Mexico police have yet to positively identify the burned bodies , but believe they are Linda and Gary Haas of Oklahoma , whose truck was found 100 miles away in Albuquerque , New Mexico , according to Olson . Forensic evidence found in that truck links John McCluskey and Tracy Province , the two escaped prisoners , to the investigation into the burned bodies , Olson told CNN . He would not elaborate on the nature of the evidence . Earlier Saturday , authorities arrested McCluskey 's mother and charged her with aiding the escape . Claudia Washburn , 68 , was arrested and charged with conspiracy to facilitate escape and hindering prosecution , Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Henman told CNN . The inmates , who authorities describe as armed and dangerous , have been at large since fleeing an Arizona prison on July 30 . Washburn allegedly provided `` financial and other aid '' to her son and the second escapee and to a woman who was helping them , Henman said . Washburn was arrested in Jakes Corner , Arizona . A nationwide manhunt continues for McCluskey , 45 , who was serving 15 years for attempted second-degree murder and other charges , and for Tracy Province , 42 , who was serving a life sentence for murder and armed robbery . The two are believed to have left Arizona but to still be in the United States , Henman said . In an interview with CNN Arizona affiliate KTVK , Washburn 's husband said that he 'd shoot his stepson McCluskey if he saw him again . `` I told the U.S Marshals I have n't got that long to live , '' Jack Washburn said . '' -LSB- I 'd -RSB- serve my time . '' `` You think you 're Bonnie and Clyde , '' he continued , referring to the two escapees . `` You 're not . No comparison . '' A female accomplice helped Province , McCluskey and a third inmate , Daniel Renwick , escape by throwing cutting tools over a prison fence , said Charles Ryan , director of Arizona 's Department of Corrections . Authorities have identified the suspected accomplice as Casslyn Mae Welch , 43 . Welch is Claudia Washburn 's niece and is McCluskey 's cousin and fiancée , KTVK reported . Renwick was captured Sunday in Colorado after getting in a shootout with authorities . After the break , 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 . The fugitives were later believed to be driving a 2002 silver Volkswagen Jetta purchased last Saturday in 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 . CNN 's Chuck Johnston and Christine Sever contributed to this report .
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NEW : Forensic evidence links Arizona escapees to burned bodies found in New Mexico . NEW : One escaped inmate 's stepfather says he 'd shoot stepson . Two of three escapees are still at large . Authorities believe the pair have left Arizona but are still in the U.S.
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BAGHDAD , Iraq -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Iraq 's main Shiite parties Monday announced the formation of a new alliance that excludes the prime minister -- at least for now . Former Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari announces the new Iraqi National Alliance in Baghdad . The coalition , named the Iraqi National Alliance , was formed to compete in the country 's national elections in January . It includes top Shiite parties , but not Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki 's Dawa party . Senior political leaders who announced the alliance in a televised meeting said they still are holding talks with Dawa and other parties . The coalition replaces the powerful Iranian-backed Shiite United Iraqi Alliance -- of which Dawa was a part -- that swept the country 's 2005 polls but later disintegrated . The new coalition was being presented as a nonsectarian one that includes a broader representation . `` This Iraqi National Alliance is a coalition of political forces from all aspects of Iraqi society , '' Ahmed al-Chalabi , the head of the Iraqi National Congress , which is part of this alliance , said on Monday . `` It is not an Islamic alliance like the previous one . It includes liberal groups , it aims to be nonsectarian , it has many representatives of other communities of Iraq in it . '' For now , the alliance is mainly made of top Shiite parties with a few small secular , Sunni and other parties . The announcement came after months of intense negotiations between the country 's Shiite parties and recent reports of disagreements between al-Maliki 's Dawa and other Shiite parties on who would lead the alliance . The alliance includes the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq , followers of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr , former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari , Fadhila party and others . Shiite Vice President Adel Abdul Mehdi of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq , addressing the meeting , said he wished the Dawa party had been present at Monday 's announcement , but negotiations will continue . Jalal al-Deen al-Sagheer , a senior Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq member , said al-Maliki was at talks held Sunday and that the prime minister congratulated participants , promising to have another meeting in the coming weeks . Hasan al-Sneid , a spokesman for al-Maliki 's State of Law Coalition , also confirmed that negotiations are continuing . In a news conference later Monday , al-Sneid said there was no `` strategic disagreement , '' but rather disagreements over `` mechanisms of participation '' and wanting wider representation in the alliance . He denied this has to do with al-Maliki going for a second term or leadership of the alliance . The prime minister 's State of Law Coalition , which mainly includes members of his Dawa party , won control of most of the country 's provincial councils in January 's elections , turning back mainly Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq opposition . Al-Maliki , whose campaigning in the last elections trumpeted recent security gains and a drastic drop in violence , has been affected by a series of deadly attacks in Baghdad and in northern Iraq . Absent from Monday 's major announcement were two of the most influential Shiite leaders , al-Sadr and Abdul Aziz al-Hakim . Al-Sadr , who fled to Iran in 2007 , is continuing religious studies there . Al-Hakim , the former head of the United Iraqi Alliance who has been receiving cancer treatment in Iran , has been hospitalized there after his health deteriorated , his party announced Sunday .
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New coalition includes top Shiite parties and a few non-Shiite parties . Coalition replaces old alliance that had included prime minister 's party . New alliance does n't include , but is holding talks with , prime minister 's party . Alliance includes former prime minister , followers of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A tip led to Wednesday 's arrest in Louisiana of a suspected serial bank robber dubbed the `` Granddad Bandit , '' federal authorities said . Michael Francis Mara , 52 , was captured at his home in Baton Rouge , FBI Special Agent Sheila Thorne told CNN . The FBI went to the residence to execute an arrest warrant when Mara retreated into the house , she said . `` After six hours , he came out and was placed under arrest , '' she added . The `` Granddad Bandit '' is wanted in at least 25 bank heists in 13 states -- from Virginia to Texas to Kansas -- since 2008 , the FBI said in a statement . He was given the name because he appeared elderly , Thorne told CNN . The bandit , described as balding , heavy and wearing glasses , captured the public 's attention because of his non-threatening image and his nickname . But federal authorities said he was anything but harmless . He would point to his waistband and indicate he had a gun , but it was unclear if he actually had one . The Federal Bureau of Investigation 's field office in Norfolk , Virginia , got a tip earlier this month , the U.S. Attorney 's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia said Wednesday . The tipster identified and provided photographs of Mara that were compared to surveillance footage , the office said in a statement . Investigators `` allegedly found consistent key identifiers between the surveillance images and the photographs of Mara , including a hat , eyeglasses and wrist watch that appear to be identical . '' Mara has been charged with one count of bank robbery and is in custody , Thorne said . He could receive a 20-year sentence if convicted . Mara worked for a vehicle transportation company and traveled from state to state on business , the FBI said . In recent weeks , the FBI launched a billboard campaign featuring surveillance pictures of the robber hoping he would be identified . Authorities cited this and other publicity as being effective . An FBI affidavit released Wednesday gave some insight into how the `` Granddad Bandit '' did his business . '' -LSB- He -RSB- presents a demand note with a request for the specific dollar amount . The Subject does not appear to wear any disguises or concealment to hide his identity . The subject enters the bank calmly , oftentimes patiently waiting for his turn in line and then approaches the victim teller , '' the affidavit said . `` Once the Subject 's demands are met , he retrieves the demand note and exits the bank quietly , not bringing attention to the crime he just committed . '' . CNN 's Gabriel Falcon and Carol Cratty contributed to this article .
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NEW : Tip led to arrest of bank robbery suspect . Michael F. Mara , 52 , currently charged with one count of robbery . Authorities say the `` Granddad Bandit '' is responsible for some two dozen bank robberies . Suspect was arrested at his home in Louisiana on Wednesday .
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New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- It 's a beautiful August morning in Jersey City , New Jersey . I have just finished my regular jog around Liberty State Park . No matter how often I stand here at my favorite spot to stretch , I can only marvel that this is actually my neighborhood and my view . In front of me , the Hudson River lies at the feet of the New York skyline . To my right , the Statue of Liberty basks in the glory of a thousand gazes from the first tour boat of the day . I look over at the World Financial Center where I work and , as always , what strikes me is n't what I see , but what I do n't see anymore . The ghosts of the Twin Towers never seem to fade from the skyline in my mind . I am a Muslim , born in England , raised in Pakistan , but every bit as American as any of my fellow joggers or co-workers across the river . Somehow , though , people expect me to react differently . I do n't . The same ghosts haunt me . As I stretch my muscles , my mind unreels a troubling movie . The planes hit the buildings in horrifying slow motion . A nation mourns . Families grieve . Boom . Senseless killing in Iraq . Flash . Mangled bodies and torture in Abu Ghraib . Boom . Bombs hit mosques in Pakistan . Flash . School girls killed in Afghanistan . Even though it 's my movie , it always ends the same way . I feel helpless , powerless and lost . It 's a far cry from the way I felt 14 years ago when I first saw the view from Liberty State Park . In my 20s then , I had come over from London to New York on business . After a busy work week I left early on Friday to spend the weekend with my cousin in Jersey City . He parked the car on the waterfront . We got out , walked over the swell of a small hill and then it was like someone flipped a switch . There , suddenly , was the New York skyline , more massive and impressive than I ever could have imagined . My cousin looked at me and said , `` This is what keeps young men up at night in Pakistan . '' What he meant was that they lie awake at night dreaming of a better life in America and hoping , yearning that one day they would see this skyline with their very own eyes . That was the moment I decided I would live in New York . When I first moved here , I felt welcomed . I was truly impressed by the fact that America gave me as an immigrant the same opportunities it did to its own citizens . Today , that is still largely the case , unless your name is Mohammad or if you choose to wear the hijab . Since 9/11 , almost every Muslim in this country has a story . And it 's no longer one of welcome . It 's 6-month - old Muslim babies on the `` no fly '' list . It 's searches and racial profiling at airport security . It 's suspicious looks from neighbors . It 's families being split apart by persecution during the immigration process . We experience this where we work and live . And then we turn on the nightly news and see more hatred . Like the church in Florida that 's planning a Quran burning event on the anniversary of 9/11 . Like the sad irony of the Anti-Defamation League -LRB- a group actually formed to `` secure justice and fair treatment for all against ... hatred , prejudice and bigotry '' -RRB- now speaking out against the Islamic center to promote interfaith dialogue and education being proposed for near the former World Trade Center site . Some people have clearly decided that 9/11 gives them the right to persecute Muslims . And as a result , we are all collectively paying for the sins of terrorists -- a radical , crazy few who just happen to share the same religious background . This change of behavior does n't just hurt Muslims , it attacks the very fabric of what made America great . The very reason people all over the world lie awake in their beds dreaming of coming here is that they knew they would be treated fairly in this mythical `` land of opportunity . '' America built that global brand with blood , sweat and sacrifices and it is being tarnished with every act of intolerance . President Obama and the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have shown that they not only understand , but are also willing to address the core issues and move United States foreign policy back toward balanced and fair ground . It wo n't be easy . It wo n't be quick to implement . But the basic truth is this : Killing people will not fix this problem . Building bridges of understanding , rebuilding shattered economies in Iraq , Pakistan and Afghanistan and educating citizens on both sides will . The day before the World Trade Center bombings , America was my home . The next day , I woke up a stranger in a strange land . I wish every American could understand that I am not the enemy . We want to be part of the solution . We want to build international bridges and help tolerance grow in America and around the world . After all , how can America hope to have its global vision accepted by the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world unless leaders can first sell it here at home to 6 million of their own citizens ? The first step in achieving this is to get back to basics . America grew into a beacon of liberty and freedom because it gave every citizen the unalienable right to `` life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness . '' It 's time to give that back to everyone , regardless of religion . Most Muslim men do not have beards and most Muslim women do not wear the hijab . But , if you see one on the street who does , please change your reaction from suspicion to openness , from judgment to acceptance . Reach out to them . Ask them questions . Engage as human beings , not as stereotypes . Simple acts of goodwill would change far more hearts and minds than any gun-fueled campaign or international policy . Then someday , here at Liberty State Park , I might be able to stop running , admire the incredible view and rewrite the end of my movie . I very much want to replace `` powerless and lost '' with `` hopeful and optimistic . '' I want the New York skyline to once more inspire dreams of the possible , not echoes of the past . I want to come home again . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Sharjeel Kashmir .
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U.S. liberties are the dream of many in the Muslim world , Sharjeel Kashmir writes . Kasmir : Those dreams are marred by suspicion that greets Muslims here . Kashmir : Muslim Americans are not the enemy , and can be part of the solution . He says people should engage with Muslims as people , not as stereotypes .
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[[2698, 2737], [5567, 5612]]
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Former Illinois congressman Dan Rostenkowski , who rose through the ranks of Chicago 's rough-and-tumble political scene to become one of the most powerful men on Capitol Hill , has died , according to the office of Chicago Alderman Richard Mell . He was 82 . He died in Wisconsin after an extended illness , Mell 's office said . Rostenkowski first entered Congress in 1959 , during the second half of the Eisenhower administration . Known for his booming voice and reputation as a power broker , he became chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee in 1981 . During his tenure as chairman , the powerful Democrat played a key role in passing major reforms of both Social Security and the tax code , among other things . Read more about Rostenkowski 's life and career . In 1988 , Rostenkowski helped pass a controversial expansion of Medicare designed to protect seniors against catastrophic medical expenses . Senior citizens became livid over the higher monthly premiums and surtax tied to the bill . The measure was repealed a year later . Rostenkowski was defeated in the Republican landslide of 1994 , however , after becoming mired in scandal . Among other things , prosecutors alleged he used public funds for personal matters and to pay employees who did little actual work . Rostenkowski pleaded guilty to corruption charges in April 1996 , and ultimately served over a year in federal prison . He was pardoned by President Bill Clinton in 2000 . `` Dan Rostenkowski devoted his life to his community , Chicago and the state , '' Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan said Wednesday . `` His efforts on behalf of the regular people who needed a friend to wade through the tangle of government are unparalleled . '' CNN 's Charles Riley contributed to this report .
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Rostenkowski first entered Congress in 1959 . He became chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee in 1981 . Rostenkowsi was defeated in the Republican landslide of 1994 .
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[[350, 393], [396, 453], [517, 589], [1074, 1135]]
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London -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- On a recent visit to India , British Prime Minister David Cameron had this to say about Pakistan , historically a close friend of the West 's : `` We can not tolerate in any sense the idea that this country is allowed to look both ways and is able , in any way , to promote the export of terror , whether to India or whether to Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world . '' Seen by the Pakistani government as a slap in the face , Cameron 's remarks almost caused a diplomatic breach in relations between the two countries . His remarks followed the leaking of U.S. documents on the WikiLeaks website in which Pakistan 's Inter-Services Intelligence agency was accused of secretly aiding and inflaming the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan , and they engendered a heated debate in Western capitals on whether Pakistan is a friend or a foe . The dominant narrative in the West now is that Pakistan is a foe , playing a double game , guiding the Afghan insurgency with a hidden hand even as it receives more than $ 1 billion a year from Washington for its help in combating al Qaeda and like-minded groups . `` The burden of proof is on the government of Pakistan and the ISI to show they do n't have ongoing contacts '' with the militants , said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed , a Democrat on the powerful Armed Services Committee who visited Pakistan this month . During a July visit to Pakistan , Secretary of State Hillary Clinton publicly aired Washington 's suspicion and mistrust of its ally by stating that she believed that someone in the Pakistan government knew where al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was hiding in the country 's tribal regions along the border with Afghanistan . Clinton 's statement was an implicit indictment of Pakistan 's double game ; it was met with angry denials by Pakistani leaders , who said the U.S. undervalued their support and sacrifice in battling al Qaeda . What this simplistic argument neglects is that Pakistan serves its own vital national interests and cooperates with the West only to advance those interests . An underlying premise in inter-state relations is that nations have only interests and no permanent friends . That is the game nations have played since the establishment of the state system in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648 . Pakistan 's foreign policy is a case in point . Throughout the Cold War rivalry between the U.S.-led Western alliance and the Soviet camp , Pakistan allied itself with the West and fought devastating wars against India , its strategic rival and a close friend of communist China and Russia . The Pakistan leadership leveraged the Cold War to extract military and technical aid from the United States and the Western powers . When Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan , Pakistan acted as America 's spearhead in the fight against the `` evil empire , '' and its Inter-Services Intelligence agency was in charge of the CIA 's expansive campaign to train , arm and guide the Afghan mujahedeen , including the bin Laden contingent of the Afghan Arabs . More than any other power , Pakistan played a key role in the armed resistance that turned Afghanistan into Russia 's Vietnam . In return , Pakistan 's security forces received logistical and financial aid from the U.S. , but more important , Pakistan gained the upper hand in Afghanistan , becoming a paramount arbiter of its neighbor 's internal affairs . After the Soviet forces retreated in defeat in 1989 and Afghanistan plunged into all-out civil war , Pakistani leaders felt deserted by the U.S. and had to pick up the shattered pieces and bring about a measure of stability to the war-torn country . Once the Soviet Union collapsed , the U.S. had no interest in either Afghanistan or Pakistan , relics of the Cold War . Pakistan relied on the Taliban , a student-led Islamic-based social movement that burst into the scene and imposed a draconian order wrapped in an Islamic emirate in Afghanistan in the 1990s . Pakistan 's Inter-Services Intelligence agency nourished a close connection with the Taliban and consolidated its hegemony over the broken country . Although Pakistan was a close friend of the U.S. 's from the 1950s until 1989 , the 1990s marked the beginning of suspicion and distrust between the two countries . The Pakistani leadership , particularly the security apparatus , felt scorned and abandoned by its former superpower patron , which cut Pakistan off from military aid because of its nuclear weapons program and threatened to impose sanctions on it . There is more to the relationship between Pakistan and the West than the simple dichotomy of `` either/or . '' For example , since last year , U.S. officials say the Pakistani military has launched a powerful offensive against the Pakistan Taliban , who are allied with the Afghan Taliban , because the former began to threaten the current Pakistani government . -LRB- The Pakistani military has suffered more than 2,000 casualties , and hundreds of thousands of ordinary citizens have been displaced . -RRB- . The Pakistani military insists that it is waging all-out war against both al Qaeda and its extremist allies -- the Pakistan Taliban -- and U.S. officials concur that they have seen a shift in the country 's attitudes toward the Taliban in the past 18 months . On the other hand , the Pakistan military appears to be reluctant to attack the Afghan Taliban , as the West demands , because it wants to leverage the Taliban in any future settlement in Afghanistan . For the Pakistani leadership , the Afghan Taliban are an important bargaining card , a strategic reserve on which they could rely when Western troops exit the war-torn country . Like their Western nemesis , the Afghan Taliban bitterly complain that the Pakistanis are playing a `` double game '' with them and say that they `` feed us with one hand and arrest and kill us with the other . '' There is no love lost between Pakistan and the Taliban , a relationship based on self-interests and political considerations . Pakistan 's strategic rivalry with India outweighs any pressure exerted by the West on Islamabad to end support for the Afghan Taliban . Pakistan 's conduct via Afghanistan is driven by geostrategic concerns and fear of Indian influence in its backyard , not by intrinsic hostility or friendship toward the West or the Afghan Taliban . If the Western powers want to drive a wedge between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban , they must address Pakistan 's geostrategic concerns and interests via India . An effective settlement of the Afghan-Pakistan conflict must be region-wide and involve India , Pakistan , Afghanistan , Iran and China , an almost impossible mission . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Fawaz A. Gerges .
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Pakistan acted as U.S. spearhead against Soviet Union when it invaded Afghanistan . Fawaz Gerges says the U.S. lost interest , leaving Pakistan to pick up pieces in Afghanistan . He says Pakistan relied on Afghan Taliban to impose order on Afghanistan . He says Pakistan sees its interest tied to Taliban and need to counter influence of India .
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NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A man accused of entering New York 's LaGuardia Airport with a bag containing wires and batteries has been indicted on terror-related charges . Scott McGann , 32 , faces an August 18 arraignment after he undergoes a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation . Scott McGann , 32 , was indicted Wednesday on charges of placing a false bomb or hazardous substance in the first degree ; placing a false bomb or hazardous substance in a transportation facility ; and making terrorist threats , according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown . If convicted , McGann faces up to seven years in prison , Brown 's office said Friday . McGann initially appeared in court Saturday , but his arraignment was postponed until August 18 pending a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation , Brown 's office said . McGann is being held at the Bellevue Hospital prison ward , according to the New York City Department of Correction . Authorities said McGann walked into LaGuardia 's central terminal on Saturday morning with what was determined to be a fake bomb . The terminal was shut down , then evacuated , but it reopened after several hours . `` The defendant is clearly a very troubled young man , '' Brown said . `` As a result , the court has directed that he be examined to determine whether he has the capacity to understand the proceedings against him and assist in his defense . '' McGann allegedly arrived at a checkpoint in the terminal at about 4:50 a.m. ET Saturday , carrying a backpack and refusing to answer security questions . Authorities said the officer at the checkpoint was informed that a suspicious package was attached to the bottom of McGann 's backpack and that McGann allegedly grabbed what appeared to be a trigger device with a red button connected to the backpack . McGann allegedly pressed the button several times before an officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey grabbed the trigger and the package away from him . The package turned out to be a device consisting of batteries , cylinders and electronic components that could have been used to make a bomb , Brown said , but the bomb squad found that it did n't not contain any explosives . McGann had a ticket on a United Airlines flight to Chicago , Illinois , and a seat on two other connecting flights with his final destination , Oakland , California , according to a law enforcement official close to the investigation . McGann has three earlier arrests in the New York area , the source said . The most recent involved charges in June of tampering with evidence and resisting arrest . He also was arrested twice in 2008 , the source said . Port Authority spokesman John Kelly said McGann was `` just acting crazy . '' The arresting officers described McGann as `` extremely disheveled and dirty '' and in a `` near catatonic state '' and `` staring off into space , '' Kelly said . McGann had been homeless for at least a year . Authorities evacuated the terminal after 5:20 a.m. but allowed passengers back in to all areas except Concourse C by midmorning , Kelly said . The concourse was reopened shortly before 11 a.m. Saturday , according to Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Holly Baker . Authorities had stopped flights from taking off or landing at the airport , but flights resumed shortly after 9 a.m. , Baker said . The incident disrupted travel plans for many passengers and caused American Airlines to cancel 16 flights , said an airline representative . American Eagle , Continental Airlines and Southwest also reported delays . CNN 's Chuck Johnston , Aspen Steib , Ross Levitt , Laurie Segall , Kristen Hamill and Susan Candiotti contributed to this report .
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Scott McGann carried fake bomb into LaGuardia Airport terminal , authorities say . McGann , 32 , indicted on terror-related charges , prosecutor says . Suspect undergoing court-ordered psychiatric evaluation . Incident disrupted travel plans for passengers , caused some flight cancellations .
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NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Saying `` the time has come , '' Gov. David Paterson announced Thursday he will introduce a bill in the state legislature to legalize same-sex marriage in New York . Gov. David Paterson said it 's time to to legalize same-sex marriage in New York . `` The time has come to act . The time has come for leadership . The time has come to bring marriage equality to the state of New York , '' he said in a morning news conference . The proposed legislation would allow same-sex couples in the state to enter into civil marriages and enjoy the same rights afforded to heterosexual married couples . He defined the issue as one that would affect families and not just those `` walking down the aisle . '' `` Too many loving families right here in New York state have not received legal recognition they actually deserve , '' Paterson said . `` We have an honor and we have a duty to make sure equality exists for everyone . '' The legislation would give same-sex couples 1,300 to 1,400 rights that do n't exist unless a couple is married , he said . New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and several federal , state and local lawmakers were present to show their support for both the governor and the proposed legislation . `` New Yorkers pride themselves on their ability to practice their individual freedoms , '' Bloomberg said , `` and that includes the right to say what you believe , to practice your own faith and to love whomever you want , and it 's time for this state to take the next step and ensure the rights of same-sex couples to marry whom they want . '' State Sen. Thomas Duane , who will sponsor the bill in the state Senate , added , `` I know that Gov. Paterson is going to roll up his sleeves , and he 's going to get this done , and we 're going to make same-sex marriage a reality in this state . '' Paterson 's announcement comes when his disapproval ratings are at a new high . In a recent survey by Quinnipiac University , 60 percent of New York state voters said they disapproved of Paterson 's job as governor , while only 20 percent approved . Regardless , many in the state are backing the effort to provide legal equality for the lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender community in New York . If the legislation passes , New York would be the fifth state in which same-sex marriages are legal , joining Connecticut , Vermont , Massachusetts and Iowa . Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer introduced the same bill in 2007 . It passed in the state Assembly 85-61 but died in the Senate . Passage in the Assembly is again expected , while it remains to be seen whether the bill will get the 32 votes it needs to pass in the Senate . Among the bill 's opponents is the Roman Catholic Church . Just hours after his installation Wednesday as the archbishop of New York , the Most Rev. Timothy Dolan said in his first news conference that he would n't shy away from the controversy . Many of its supporters , however , are confident . `` I absolutely look forward to standing with you , governor , when you sign this wonderful piece of legislation into law , '' Duane said Thursday morning . And for many , Paterson 's announcement represents a hopeful future . David Kilmnick , CEO of Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth , was present at the announcement . He said he hopes to marry his partner of eight years , `` maybe this year . '' `` It felt like today , for one of the first times , I really mattered , my life really mattered , my family mattered , '' he said . `` I was proud to be a New Yorker today -- to be standing and watching our governor stand up on the side of equality . ''
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David Paterson : `` Too long we have pretended '' that gay people have equal rights . Paterson vows to introduce the bill that former Gov. Eliot Spitzer tried to pass . The bill would legalize same-sex marriage in the state of New York .
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[[58, 149], [91, 193], [91, 193]]
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Atlanta , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Kirsten Ott walked down the aisle in a white strapless gown with an embroidered bodice and cascading ruffles . Maria Palladino , dressed in a white suit , waited for her at the end of the aisle with a minister . Surrounded by their family and close friends , the women committed to each other for the rest of their lives . A beautiful reception followed . It had all the makings of a traditional wedding , but instead of calling themselves bride and groom , the couple used the terms bride and `` broom . '' `` Broom is a combination of bride and groom , '' said Kirsten , who took Maria 's last name when they wed. . The `` broom 's '' cake was a giant crab , Maria 's favorite sea animal . `` It was gorgeous and realistic , '' Kirsten said . `` It actually stole the show from the wedding cake itself . '' Both were relieved the special day they had planned for so long finally arrived . Organizing a wedding can be challenging , what with finding the right photographer , the perfect cake , the prettiest flowers and , most importantly , the venue . It was even harder for Kirsten , because she had to find vendors who accepted same-sex marriage in Atlanta , Georgia , where the union is n't legally recognized . `` Our biggest obstacle was our fear , not knowing how we would be received by an industry so focused on heterosexuals getting married , '' Kirsten said . `` We e-mailed a lot of vendors instead of calling them , because we did n't want to get our feelings hurt . There were a few that did n't write back . '' Kirsten and Maria turned to wedding magazines for inspiration while planning their 2008 wedding . But Kirsten said something important was missing . `` There are tons of wedding magazines when you go into a wedding section at a bookstore , but we were n't in any of them . Not one single gay couple . It was disheartening . '' Over time , the couple found vendors , like a photographer who had worked for a transgender couple and a gay-friendly wedding venue . Ironically , it was the Mary Gay House in Decatur , Georgia . `` We did a lot of research before we contacted most of our vendors , reached out to ... we knew about more of the gay-friendly companies in town or we would ask around . '' Planning their wedding inspired the newlyweds to start their own wedding magazine geared toward engaged same-sex couples . Kirsten , a journalist , and Maria , a graphic designer , used their career backgrounds and personal experience to launch the online magazine Equally Wed. . `` We do the work for you , call or visit these locations and talk to the owners about how open they are to same-sex couples , no rejection . '' The Palladinos discovered that more wedding vendors across the United States are now offering their services for two brides or two grooms . The magazine has a staff that spans the country . Employees find companies that cater to same-sex weddings and welcome couples to their honeymoon destinations . They list gay-friendly vendors that will make the cake , design the flowers or take pictures of the ceremony . Jeweler Rony Tennenbaum in New York designs wedding rings for same-sex couples . `` Most of the time they are opposite in the likes and tastes . One might be aggressive , rugged and one wants classier , '' Tennenbaum said . Tennenbaum also said it 's important to break same-sex wedding stereotypes . `` It 's important not to make rings that a straight person might think a gay couple wants . Gay couples do n't need to wear triangles ... it 's not about symbols , it 's about signifying love . '' Le Tux Shop in Atlanta tailors suits for women . Other shops design clothing for bridal parties made up of women who want to wear dresses or pants . `` That 's kind of why we wanted to do Equally Wed. -LSB- It -RSB- was to showcase normal gay weddings for anybody that 's planning their own . It helps to have a model to look at , -LSB- to -RSB- help you feel like what you 're doing is OK , '' Kirsten said . Maria said most gay weddings are similar to straight weddings , but there might be a question about which bride will walk down the aisle or which groom will propose . `` Just some of the little things that come out in the details of planning . '' Same-sex marriage is currently legal in five U.S. states -- Massachusetts , Connecticut , Vermont , Iowa and New Hampshire -- and in the District of Columbia , while civil unions are permitted in New Jersey . Maria said , `` For us it does n't matter if we were doing it in Alabama or doing it in Massachusetts , we 're providing the fine details of a wedding day . '' Kirsten said she believes even though same-sex marriage is n't recognized in most states , that does n't mean couples ca n't have a wedding . `` It 's a ceremony in front of your friends and family , committing to this other person for the rest of your life ... it does n't matter what sex you are or who , the sex or gender of the person you 're marrying . ''
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Couple worried about vendors ' reactions while planning their wedding . They e-mailed instead of calling vendors to protect their own feelings . Kirsten , a journalist , and Maria , a graphic designer , decided to start own magazine . Equally Wed showcases gay weddings for anybody planning their own .
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Sao Paulo , Brazil -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- In a few short days , JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater has achieved folk-hero status . He 's the man who allegedly cursed out a disruptive passenger over the on-board public address system , then opened an aircraft door , inflating the emergency chute in the process . He grabbed a beer from a service cart and slid down , effectively saying `` Ba-bye '' to his 20-year flying career . Slater 's exit created a danger to ramp workers and could earn him a prison stay . Nevertheless , his actions call attention to escalating tensions between flight attendants and the passengers they serve . They also highlight a little known issue that 's a big problem for flight attendants . For the last 25 years , I 've worked as a flight attendant for a large U.S. carrier . Many times I 've been in Slater 's position : A passenger opens the overhead bin to retrieve a carry-on bag before the captain says the plane has safely reached the gate . -LRB- For safety reasons , attendants are trained to make sure passengers stay in their seats , overhead bins remain closed and carry-on bags are properly stowed `` until the aircraft reaches the gate and the captain turns off the fasten seat belt sign . '' -RRB- . Most offenders are simply eager to get off a cramped airplane and willingly sit down when asked . But occasionally -- as was possibly the case with the passenger Slater responded to -- some passengers think the rules do n't apply to them . I 've been glared at , verbally abused , threatened with lawsuits and recriminations from God simply because I asked a passenger to comply with the rules . Herein lies the problem . What exactly are the rules ? Why do they seem different from one flight to the next ? And what authority do flight attendants have when it comes to enforcing them ? The answer to that last and most compelling question is `` zero . '' Contrary to what you may think , flight attendants have absolutely no authority aboard an aircraft . We are not police officers or security personnel . We are not empowered by law to enforce airline policy , FAA regulation or criminal mischief . We ca n't force noncompliant passengers to buckle their seat belts , stow their tray tables , turn off cell phones , put away pornographic magazines -LRB- yes , it happens -RRB- or stay in their seats until the plane docks . All we can do is approach the passenger , explain `` the rules '' and hope they comply . Failing that , the only recourse is to call the captain , who , depending on his or her disposition , may not address the problem adequately . Consequently , flight attendants often find themselves between a rock and a hard place . It 's frustrating when your employer demands that you impose policy without giving you the means to do so . Perhaps this is why Slater snapped . While I disagree with the manner in which he vented , like Chris Rock says , `` I understand . '' As far as carry-on bags are concerned , the rules , which are seemingly clear but not uniformly enforced , are a major point of contention between passengers and crew . Most carriers limit each passenger to one carry-on bag and one personal item -LRB- i.e. laptop bag , small backpack , etc. -RRB- . But does a woman 's large purse qualify as personal item ? Is she therefore allowed three items when a man is only allowed two ? Are passengers allowed more carry-ons on half-empty flights ? This seems reasonable , given the abundance of space in which to stow bags , which is why some attendants and gate agents turn a blind eye to a passenger with too many bags on an empty flight . But when that same passenger tries to board a full connecting flight with four bags and is forced to check two in the cargo hold , he may protest vehemently . `` Hey , they let me bring these on my last flight , why wo n't you ? I 'm never flying this # & * @ ! $ * airline again ! '' I 've heard this so often and so loudly I 've become numb to the allegation . The only way to mitigate passenger-employee conflict and ensure smooth flying is to impose a uniform airline code that begins at the check-in desk and ends at the luggage carousel . Passengers should be allowed no more than two carry-on bags on every flight ; ticket agents should check ALL other bags . If your tweezers are allowed through security at O'Hare , those same tweezers should be allowed through security on your way home from JFK . Disruptive passengers should be blacklisted and banned from future flying . And any flight attendant who takes it upon himself to open an emergency exit and slide down the chute because a foul-mouthed passenger wo n't follow the rules , well ... he might find that behavior is not much better in a prison cell .
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Elliot Hester says he gets why Slater blew up , made dangerous emergency chute exit . He says he 's faced similar situations with passengers who think rules do n't apply to them . But airline rules are uneven , he says , and attendants have no power to enforce them . Hester : Airlines should have uniform code that begins at check-in , ends at baggage claim .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- For 34 years , she has obsessed about food , relationships , work , and her mother -- but now Cathy the comic-strip character is about to say goodbye . Creator Cathy Guisewite says she is ending the comic strip in October in order to spend more time with her family and pursue new creative ventures . The strip , which has run in some 1,400 newspapers , will run for the last time October 3 , according to Universal Uclick , the syndicate . `` After almost 34 years of meeting newspaper deadlines , '' Guisewite said in a statement , `` I 'm facing some personal deadlines whose requirements simply exceed my ability to procrastinate any longer : an 18-year-old daughter who needs a full-time mom to help her through her last year of high school and beyond ... beloved parents I want to be able to visit more often ... and a creative biological clock , which is urging me to try something else while I can . '' Cathy has been a hit with people who appreciated her comic neuroses , which often resulted in her trademark exclamation , `` AACK ! '' As a result , she has been featured on everything from refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs to calendars and T-shirts . The titles of Cathy book collections reveal the character 's obsession with weight , food , shopping and shoes : Abs of Steel , Buns of Cinnamon -LRB- 1997 -RRB- ; Shoes : Chocolate for the Feet -LRB- 2000 -RRB- ; and Wake Me Up When I 'm a Size 5 -LRB- 1985 -RRB- . An early collection from 1982 had a cover showing Cathy on her sofa , surrounded by her TV , snacks , and a teddy bear . The title : Another Saturday Night of Wild and Reckless Abandon . Guisewite began the strip when she started working in the mid-1970s , said Lee Salem , president and editor of Universal Uclick . `` Cathy Guisewite would send her mother drawings describing the latest trauma in her life as a single young career woman , and in response , her mother urged her to try her hand at a comic strip , '' Salem said in a statement . `` The day the submission arrived in our office , we had a contract out to Cathy in return mail . Seven months later , the strip began in newspapers . '' It was n't an immediate hit , but Cathy steadily gained popularity and eventually appeared in hundreds of newspapers . There are more than 30 Cathy books . `` Cathy has held a distinguished place in newspaper comic sections for more than three decades because of Cathy Guisewite 's skillful hand , '' said Salem . `` Cathy balances truth and humor and speaks to women in a way that few comics have ever attempted . She is a cultural icon and her strip has earned its place among the modern greats . ''
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` Cathy ' has run in hundreds of newspapers for 34 years . Cathy 's comic neuroses have made her a popular character . Creator Cathy Guisewite says it will end in October . Guisewite wants to spend more time with her family .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- You know you 've reached a special level of fame when you 're known by just your first name . For R&B superstar Usher -LRB- full name Usher Raymond -RRB- , achieving his place among the entertainment industry 's first-namers has come with the sale of tens of millions of records and multiple Grammy Awards . `` I 'm definitely living my dream to the fullest ... What I do is very positive and an indication that if you simply believe in your dreams , you can make it , '' he told CNN . When not performing the man who recently visited the gambling city of Macau during his first tour of China is a more modest character . `` I would definitely say there is a difference between the Usher that 's on stage and the Usher who balances the regular life of being an entertainer , '' he said . With a new album out entitled `` Raymond vs. Raymond '' -- `` It probably would have been easier if I 'd just named it ` Usher vs. Usher ' but then people would have thought I was like a schizo '' -- balance has become a recent theme in his life and work . `` I experienced an incredible amount of depth in these last two to three years of my life in terms of entertainment , places I 've gone , the things that I want to do ... and the balance between my personal life and my entertainment is what this album was all about , '' he said . The death of Michael Jackson , an inspirational figure to Usher both in his early career and later when the two became friends , affected him . But talking about it to CNN , he looks back only on the positives from their relationship and the good advice he was given . `` The one thing that he always said to me was , ` Be mindful of history . Be conscious of history . Do n't get caught up in just the moment . Understand that each moment is a piece of history and you should approach it that way . ' '' Passing on the wisdom from the `` King of Pop '' and guiding new stars like Canadian protégé Justin Bieber is part of Usher 's plans for the future . `` I look at him like a son , like a little brother . They even call me or consider me a mentor sometimes . Whatever it takes , to be helpful . As I said , when I was first his manager , I felt like I could make a meaningful contribution to his career , and thus far it 's looking that way . So I 'm really happy . '' Watch the full interview on CNN Talk Asia .
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U.S. R&B superstar was friend of Michael Jackson . Usher has sold over 40 million albums . Passing on the advice of `` King of Pop , '' he 's now mentor to teen sensation Justin Bieber .
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Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- `` American Idol '' producers are pursuing country star Shania Twain as a possible judge for the TV competition , according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations . The talks with Twain began after she got favorable reviews for her appearance as a mentor on `` American Idol '' in April , the source said . `` Shania loves the show , '' the source said . `` Like everyone else , she 's dying to see who the next ` American Idol ' judge will be . '' Twain 's role as a judge would need to be defined in a way that would make sense creatively for an artist of her stature , the source said . The source is not named because he is not authorized to comment on the situation . Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres have left the show , prompting a search for two new celeb judges . CNN 's Denise Quan contributed to this report .
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Shania Twain appeared as a mentor on the show in April . Source : Talks with country star Twain began after she got good reviews . Departures of Simon Cowell , Ellen DeGeneres started the search .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- There 's still time to charge that laptop and brew some coffee before the Perseid meteor shower peaks predawn Friday . OK , it 's easy to understand why the coffee will come in handy during the long watch overnight . But the laptop ? Meteor gazers can join a NASA live chat with astronomer Bill Cooke . The Marshall Space Flight Center astronomer will answer questions beginning around 11 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday . NASA also is broadcasting live the hums of the meteors as they whiz by . With a waxing crescent moon expected to set beforehand , and hence less moonlight in the way , forecasters are expecting one of the best celestial shows of the year , weather in your neighborhood permitting . With good viewing conditions , stargazers might be able to catch at least 40 meteors per hour , Space.com said . `` The August Perseids are among the strongest of the readily observed annual meteor showers , and at maximum activity nominally yields 90 to 100 meteors per hour , '' Space.com columnist Joe Rao said in his column . `` Anyone in a city or near bright suburban lights will see far fewer . '' NASA advises viewers that `` the Perseids shower will begin around 10 p.m. YOUR local time . However , the best times to view are after midnight and before dawn , with the best activity around 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. local time . Best conditions are a clear , dark sky away from city lights . Go outside and look straight up at the sky . '' The Perseids can be seen all over the sky , but the best viewing opportunities will be across the Northern Hemisphere . Those with sharp eyes will see that the meteors radiate from the direction of the constellation Perseus . The Perseids have been observed for at least 2,000 years and are associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle , which orbits the sun once every 133 years , NASA says . Each year in August , the Earth passes through a cloud of the comet 's debris . These bits of ice and dust burn up in the Earth 's atmosphere to create one of the best meteor showers of the year .
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Perseid meteor shower peaks early Friday morning . NASA will host live web chat during the show . Best viewing is in Northern Hemisphere . The Perseids have been observed for at least 2,000 years .
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Paris , France -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The body of a retired restaurateur who 's been missing for two years has been found in a freezer in the French city of Lyon , police there told CNN Wednesday . The corpse of Jean-Francois Poinard , 71 , was discovered Tuesday in the apartment he had shared with a girlfriend in Lyon , regarded as the culinary capital of France . Police said an autopsy will be conducted . The French newspaper Le Monde cited a police source as saying the man 's girlfriend , 51 , has been taken into custody in connection with the case . Police said the body was found after a tip from a close family member of Poinard , who was considered one of Lyon 's top chefs in the 1970s and 80s . CNN 's Stephanie Halasz contributed to this report .
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Body of missing man is found in a freezer in a Lyon apartment . The man 's girlfriend has been taken into custody in the case . Poinard was a well-known chef in the 1970s and 80s .
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London , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Avoid saying `` thank you '' to a Chinese compliment , and do n't ask a Brazilian personal questions . Those are among the tips in a new etiquette guide designed to help create a warm welcome for visitors ahead of the 2012 London Olympics . The list was compiled by VisitBritain , the national tourism agency , and is geared to help everyone from hoteliers to taxi drivers be culturally sensitive . `` Overseas visitors spend more than # 16 billion -LRB- $ 25 billion -RRB- a year in Britain , contributing massively to our economy and supporting jobs across the country , '' said Sandie Dawe , chief executive of VisitBritain . `` So giving our foreign visitors a friendly welcome is absolutely vital to our economy . With hundreds of thousands of people thinking of coming to Britain in the run-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 , this new advice is just one of the ways that VisitBritain is helping the tourism industry care for their customers , wherever they come from . '' VisitBritain staff who are natives of the countries featured wrote the list , which will now be included in an online database available to those in the tourism industry . A sampling of their suggestions : . -- A smiling Japanese person is not necessarily happy . -LRB- They tend to smile when angry , embarrassed , sad , or disappointed . -RRB- Also avoid talking to them with your hands in your pockets , staring , being late , and blowing your nose in front of someone . While sitting , try not to show the bottom of your shoes . -- Pouring wine backwards into a glass indicates hostility to an Argentinian . Also , do n't be offended by Argentinian humor , which may mildly attack your clothing or weight . -- Avoid winking at someone from Hong Kong , because it 's considered rude . When pointing , use your hand , not your index finger . Avoid mentioning failure , poverty , or death , as this risks offense . -- Visitors from the United Arab Emirates can take great offense if you appear bossy . They appreciate being looked after by staff trained to understand Arab culture . -- Do not be alarmed if South Africans say they were held up by robots , which is their term for traffic lights . `` Howzit '' is an informal way for them to say hello . Do not place your thumb between your forefinger and middle finger , as it is an obscene gesture . -- With Brazilians , steer clear of personal questions , especially on such issues as age or salary . -- When meeting Mexicans , it is best not to discuss poverty , illegal aliens , earthquakes , or their 1845-46 war with America . When demonstrating height , be aware that holding the palm face down is reserved for animals . -- Never call a Canadian an American . Some Canadians take offense at being mistaken for U.S. citizens . -- Avoid saying `` thank you '' to a Chinese compliment . Instead , politely deny the compliment to show humility . -- Do n't snap your fingers if you are with a Belgian , as it may be interpreted as impolite . Also avoid discussing linguistic and political divisions within Belgium between Dutch and French speakers . -- Avoid physical contact when first meeting someone from India . Being touched or approached too closely in initial meetings can be considered offensive , even if the intention is entirely innocent or friendly . -- Never imply that people from Poland drink excessively . Despite stereotypes , Poles are not large consumers of alcohol and excessive drinking is frowned upon .
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VisitBritain launches a new etiquette guide ahead of the 2012 Olympics . It is designed to help the tourism industry be culturally sensitive . Tips were compiled by VisitBritain staff .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A woman facing possible stoning and one of her lawyers argue that Iran is mischaracterizing the status of adultery and murder charges against her . Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani and attorney Hootan Kian say even though Ashtiani was cleared of her husband 's murder five years ago , Iran continues to insist she was found guilty . `` They 're lying , '' Ashtiani told the Guardian newspaper through an intermediary Friday . `` They are embarrassed by the international attention on my case and they are desperately trying to distract attention and confuse the media so that they can kill me in secret . '' Iran suspended the death by stoning after there was international outcry over the sentence , but may reinstate it in coming days . `` I was found guilty of adultery -LSB- in 2006 -RSB- and was acquitted of murder , but the man who actually killed my husband was identified and imprisoned but he is not sentenced to death , '' Ashtiani said . She insists Iran wants her stoned because she is a woman . In a letter written to the International Committee against Stoning and sent Saturday to CNN , Kian argued the Iranian judicial system has mishandled Ashtiani 's case . `` If murder was proven , my client would have been executed and there would have been no need to stone her to death , '' Kian wrote . `` Based on Islamic Penal Code , the punishments for murder and adultery should have been combined in one case and sentence and handled by Branch 12 of the Tabriz Province Court . Whereas this was not the case . The branch has no records of sentencing my client to murder . '' Last month , Malek Ajdar Sharifi , who is the head of the judiciary of East Azerbaijan province , said Ashtiani 's crimes were `` numerous '' and said she was `` convicted of adultery and murder and was sentenced to death , '' according to the official news agency IRNA . `` Because of morality and ethics , I can not go into the details of the crimes , but if the public knew , they would understand the criminal nature of them , '' he said , according to IRNA . `` But she killed her husband , brutally and gruesomely , and the detective on the scene said that if she had beheaded her husband it would have been better than what they actually saw . '' Ashtiani , 43 , a mother of two , is being held in a Tabriz prison . Iran 's judiciary could reinstate her sentence of death by stoning , execute her by other means , or possibly even grant her a reprieve , according to human rights groups . Mina Ahadi , spokeswoman for the International Committee against Stoning , said if Ashtiani is executed , `` it is entirely political . It has nothing to do with the case itself . '' `` Now that Iran is under this international pressure , they have brought the case up that convicts her of the murder of her husband , '' Ahadi said Saturday . Kian 's letter said the man actually convicted in the death of Ashtiani 's husband , `` admitted in the branch that he administered the electrifying of Mr. -LSB- Ebrahim -RSB- Ghaderzadeh himself with his own hands three times and each time the deceased received electrical shock . '' The lawyer also challenged the adultery conviction . `` It completely violated the spirit of the laws of the Islamic Republic , '' Kian writes . Ashtiani 's other lawyer , Mohammad Mostafaei , is being protected by European diplomats after he fled to Turkey from Iran . Mostafaei claims Iranian authorities tried to arrest him without cause . CNN 's Mitra Mobasherat contributed to this report .
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Iranian woman may be executed by stoning . Ashtiani says she was cleared in her husband 's murder . Her attorney claims the murder was not proven . Iranian official says Ashtiani guilty of numerous crimes .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Every time I think the Republican Party can not get any more tone-deaf on issues involving race and equal rights , someone in leadership proves me wrong . In case you missed it , a group of Republican senators -- Mitch McConnell of Kentucky , Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , Jefferson `` Jeff Davis '' Sessions of Alabama and Jon Kyl of Arizona -- have decided that we might need to revisit the 14th Amendment 's provision granting citizenship to people born in the United States . This development , in response to illegal immigrants whose children are born in the United States , is simply stunning and reckless . Can anyone seriously argue that the Republican Party has not been hijacked by extremists ? Even once-sensible conservatives like Graham have drifted to a hard-right ideology so extreme that people of color , in this case Hispanics , will be hard-pressed to find a home in the GOP . These calls to revisit and possibly repeal the 14th Amendment 's naturalization clause is a very bad sign of things to come on the immigration front , and we should all pay close attention as we head into the 2010 election cycle . Ironically , if you look at the RNC website `` GOP.com , '' a timeline shows that the party founded in part by Abraham Lincoln was once very progressive . It points out that a Republican Congress drafted and passed the 14th Amendment without a single Democratic vote . The lead sponsor was a GOP congressman from Ohio . Boy , have times changed . The 14th Amendment , adopted in 1868 in the aftermath of the Civil War , granted citizenship to `` all persons born or naturalized in the United States , '' including recently freed slaves . The 14th Amendment intended to ensure civil rights to ex-slaves , or as we like to say , `` equal protection , '' to those slaves under the laws . According to the Department of Homeland Security , about 10.8 million illegal immigrants were living in the United States in January 2009 . The Pew Hispanic Center estimates that in 2008 , 3.8 million illegal immigrants had children who were U.S. citizens . From the viewpoint of these conservative senators , repealing the citizenship clause could put a very swift end to the practice of people illegally crossing our borders to give birth so their children will be legal citizens of the United States . But here is what troubles me most as an African-American : Once again , the GOP is clueless to the ramifications of its public policy stances . Even Sen. John McCain , who is in a tough primary fight , has said we should look into the citizenship-by-birth provision . Tinkering with the 14th Amendment opens the door to further tinkering with the Constitution -- and when it comes to that , we should all take a hard pause . Like many Americans , I am concerned about the immigration challenge confronting our nation . But revisiting or reviewing the 14th Amendment is the wrong answer . To the Republican leadership I would simply ask : What are you thinking ? How in the world can you believe that this latest stunt will help you broaden your outreach to Hispanics and blacks ? How in the world can a party that did so many things right during its early days in the 19th century -- ended slavery , championed the 13th , 14th and 15th amendments , started Reconstruction -- end up so lost and monolithic in the 21st ? I would respectfully suggest that leaders in the Republican Party , who want to achieve a governing majority once again in this century , had better get under control , or better yet oust , those members who are playing to the worst of racial fears this fall . Immigration is a serious problem indeed , but it is not one that will be solved by stripping away the rights of citizenship to those born in the United States . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Sophia Nelson .
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Sophia Nelson : GOP , once progressive , now tone-deaf on race and ethnicity . Immigration woes wo n't be helped by GOP revisiting 14th Amendment , she says . GOP helped pass 14th Amendment granting citizenship to those born in U.S. Nelson : Tinkering with Constitution wrong ; would alienate blacks , Hispanics .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- When the father of suspected terrorist Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab visited the U.S. embassy in Nigeria in November , he told officials he believed his son was under the influence of religious extremists and had traveled from London , England , to Yemen , a senior administration official said Monday . Revealing new details , the official also denied the father told officials his son might be on a suicide mission : . `` There was no suggestion he was about to carry out a terrorist act , '' the official said . A suspect in the foiled Christmas Day terror attack , Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab , is being held for allegedly trying to blow up a flight carrying 300 passengers that was about to land in the United States . This official says the father , Umaru AbdulMutallab , came to the embassy in Abuja , Nigeria , on November 19 . `` He was concerned about his son 's safety and whereabouts and wondered if the U.S. government could help , '' the official said . `` The father said he was in Yemen , '' this official said . `` His son had gone from London to Yemen . '' The official noted that this information was based on what the father said but has not been corroborated . The next day , November 20 , the U.S. embassy in Abuja sent what is called a `` Visas Viper cable '' to the State Department detailing the father 's concerns , according to an official account by State Department spokesman Ian Kelley . That information was passed on to the National Counter-Terrorism Center in Washington , which ruled that the information in the cable was `` insufficient for this interagency review process to make a determination that this individual 's visa should be revoked . '' The secretary of state can unilaterally revoke a visa but usually does that for foreign policy and diplomatic , not national security , reasons , Kelley said . `` This has to be done in consultation with other agencies , '' Kelley said . State Department spokesman Ian Kelley provided further details Monday . AbdulMutallab was studying in London , Kelly said . He applied for a multiple-entry U.S. visa on June 12 , 2008 , and received it June 16 , 2008 . The visa was a standard multiple-entry tourist visa good for two years . `` At the time , there was nothing in his application , nor in any data base at the time , that would warrant that he should not receive a visa . He was a student at a reputable school , he had plenty of financial resources . ... There was no derogatory information about him last year that would have indicated that he should not get a visa , '' Kelley said . The suspect traveled previously to the U.S. on another visa , Kelley said . Kelley said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will ask the department 's consular division to review all processes connected with issuing visas .
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In November , suspect 's father told officials at U.S. Embassy in Nigeria that son went to Yemen . Umaru AbdulMutallab said he believed son was under influence of religious extremists . Official says Embassy notified State Department , which found no cause to revoke visa . `` There was no suggestion he was about to carry out a terrorist act , '' official says .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The FBI and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are investigating possible civil rights violations in the case of a sheriff 's deputy who was captured on video beating a handcuffed inmate with a baton . The Kershaw County Sheriff 's deputy was fired after an August 5 surveillance video showed him hitting the inmate dozens of times with a baton , authorities said Monday . The video shows the deputy leading the handcuffed man from a van toward the jail . The deputy then pulls out his baton and begins swinging it repeatedly at the man 's legs , bashing him until he falls to the ground . Once the man is on the ground , the deputy continues to hit him as at least two other deputies look on . The deputy helps the man up at one point only to slam his face against the hood of the van , the video footage shows . The man was hit 27 times , CNN-affiliate WIS reported . The beating broke the man 's left leg just above the ankle and put a gash in the man 's other leg that required stitches , the affiliate reported . The state police agency released a statement from Kershaw County Sheriff Steve McCaskill . `` As soon as we were made aware of this situation , we contacted SLED and requested that they investigate . This employee has been terminated , '' McCaskill said in the statement . The inmate was identified as Charles Shelley , and he was arrested on charges of open container , possession of marijuana , a suspended license and giving false information to police , the affiliate reported . The deputy said he was angered because Shelley had threatened him and his family when he was driving the man to the jail , the affiliate reported . Two other police brutality cases under investigation by the state police agency and the FBI , but not related are : . -- The July arrest of a Sumter City police officer accused of assaulting a suspect during a traffic stop . The Sumter City Police Department has fired the officer . -- The July arrest of two Department of Juvenile Justice correctional officers accused of assaulting a juvenile arrestee . Both of the employees have been fired . Civil rights investigations also include whether law enforcement officers who were present were required to render aid , Lloyd said in a news conference Tuesday . `` We do n't think it is typical behavior in South Carolina , but it 's disturbing behavior , '' Lloyd said . He added that standard police training does not include the method shown in the video . `` You probably should n't be hitting anybody with a ... baton while they 're handcuffed . '' `` My personal reaction was like any other person who viewed it , '' he said , adding that the deputy is presumed innocent . `` But you ca n't watch the video without having some serious concern for what went wrong there . '' Lloyd noted that `` these allegations do not reflect the professional work of thousands of South Carolina law enforcement officers each and every day . All subjects of these investigations are presumed innocent of these charges at this time . ''
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NEW : FBI and state police agency to look at civil rights violations in beating case . S.C. deputy hit the man 27 times and it was on videotape , a CNN-affiliate says . The state police agency is looking into two other brutality cases .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A family of four is dead after a man driving the wrong way on an interstate highway in Idaho slammed into them head-on , authorities said . Amado Herrera , 48 , of California , was driving west on Interstate 84 near Glenns Ferry , Idaho , with three passengers when a pickup truck slammed into them Thursday night , Idaho State Police said . Eusebio Jacobo Pineda , 45 , was driving his Ford F-150 the wrong way on the highway shortly before 8:50 p.m. when he hit Herrera 's Nissan four-door , police said . Herrera and his passengers died instantly . Pineda was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries , police said . Others in Herrera 's car were identified as Luz Herrera , age unknown , Ivette Herrera , 18 , and Antoni Herrera , 9 . All are from South El Monte , California . All of the Herreras were wearing seatbelts , police said in a written release . It 's not known whether Pineda wore a safety belt , they said . Pineda 's truck rolled after impact , police said , and local media images showed the entire front end of Herrera 's car crushed . Traffic on Interstate 84 was blocked for about four hours Thursday night . Police told CNN Friday that the crash is still under investigation . No criminal charges had been filed .
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A family of four was killed by a wrong-way driver in Idaho on Thursday , police say . Eusebio Jacobo Pineda was driving east in the wesbound lane of Interstate 84 , they say . State police say everyone in Amado Herrera 's family was wearing seatbelts .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The mother of a missing California woman is suing the county of Los Angeles and several sheriff 's officials for wrongful death and negligence in her daughter 's 2009 disappearance , court documents say . Mitrice Richardson , a 24-year-old former beauty pageant contestant , was last seen leaving a Malibu , California , sheriff 's station in the early morning hours of September 17 . Richardson had been arrested hours earlier after employees at Geoffrey 's , an upscale Malibu restaurant , told police she refused to pay her $ 89 bill . At the restaurant , witnesses said Richardson was exhibiting strange behavior including `` sitting down with strangers and speaking in gibberish , '' according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court by Richardson 's mother , Latice Sutton . A court has declared Richardson dead , although no body has been found . Jeff Peterson , the owner of the restaurant , told CNN in September that he called police because he feared for her safety . `` It was not just the money , '' Peterson said . `` Something was wrong with her . And it was n't the alcohol , and we did n't know what to do and we did n't want to put her in a vehicle . '' Her family has said the college honors graduate suffered from mental health issues . `` It was clearly evident that from the time -LSB- Richardson -RSB- arrived at Geoffrey 's to the time of her arrest , she was not in her correct mental state , '' the lawsuit says . According to the documents , video footage from inside the sheriff 's station shows Richardson `` clutching the screen of the holding pen and rocking from side to side '' and `` pulling at her hair and trying to get into the fetal position face down on a concrete bench . '' Sutton alleges that she made numerous calls to the sheriff 's station that night to find out when her daughter would be released so Sutton could pick her up . However , she never received notice of the release , the lawsuit says . Sutton argues in the lawsuit that the sheriff 's department failure to administer psychiatric or medical evaluations and the fact that Richardson was released `` alone in an unfamiliar area without money , a cellular phone or means of transportation amounts to negligence . '' The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages . Sutton told HLN 's `` Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell '' Wednesday night that her purpose for filing the suit `` is to be able to obtain more information about what really happened to Mitrice on that night , '' saying authorities have not been forthcoming with information because of the possibility of a lawsuit . `` I feel I have no other alternative , '' Sutton said . `` The sheriff 's department has forced me to take this action . '' A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department told `` Issues '' that `` all indications that night were that Mitrice was doing OK . She took sobriety tests , signed documents , talked to the jailer . She was not in mental distress when we were with her . '' CNN 's Sarah Aarthun and Gabriel Falcon contributed to this report .
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Mitrice Richardson disappeared September 17 after release from sheriff 's station . She was arrested hours earlier for refusing to pay restaurant tab . Family says she suffered from mental health issues . Mother says sheriff 's officials negligent for releasing daughter in her mental state .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The state of Alabama has filed suit against BP , Transocean and others in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill , according to Alabama Attorney General Troy King . In a statement announcing the lawsuit filed Thursday , King said , `` Some will , no doubt , sound the alarm that the lawsuit is premature . As Alabama 's lawyer , I say that if , anything , based on BP 's broken promises , their history of saying one thing and doing another , and now , new information that they have been secretly working to gain a legal advantage , further delay can only further damage our people . '' King said thousands of Gulf Coast residents are waiting while their claims languish in the legal system . BP told CNN Friday it does n't comment on litigation and possible litigation . A spokesman said he had seen a statement about the suit , but there were n't many details in it , and BP would n't comment anyway . Attorney General King pointed out BP is spending millions on public relations and advertising , and is hiring `` all the best expert witnesses , not because they need their services , but so the experts will be unable to testify against BP . '' King says BP is selling off assets -- perhaps , to prevent courts from being able to use the assets to satisfy a judgment . King also alleges BP is preparing a report to argue it was not grossly negligent , which would limit its liability . `` Obviously , BP 's ads are working . They have persuaded some newspapers and politicians to call for more delays . Shame on BP for running them , and shame on us if we believe them , '' King said . He added the lawsuit can always be settled if BP should suddenly `` do right '' by Alabama and its citizens . `` BP is now on notice . Alabama intends to hold you good to your word and to make you put our state back the way you found it , '' King said .
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Alabama attorney general files suit against BP and Transocean . BP wo n't comment on lawsuit . Attorney general : BP hiring expert witnesses so they wo n't be able to testify against firm . He says BP is working on a report to argue it was n't grossly negligent to limit its liability .
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United Nations -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The United Nations is trying to put sexual violence on the international policy map , telling political and military leaders that wartime mass rape `` is no more inevitable than , or acceptable than , mass murder . '' Rape is being used by armed groups to reignite flames of conflict and to terrorize and humiliate communities in Africa , according to Letitia Anderson , women 's rights specialist with the U.N. 's Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative . The U.N. is monitoring five countries closely because of sexual violence in conflicts . The five are the Democratic Republic of Congo -LRB- formerly Zaire -RRB- , Liberia , the Darfur region in Sudan , Chad and Cote d'Ivoire -LRB- formerly Ivory Coast -RRB- . But it 's not just Africa at which the U.N. is looking ; it 's cross-regional , Anderson told CNN . She said armed groups are branding the bodies of women and children with signature patterns , as cattle are branded , in places such as Congo , leaving scars so that their families and community members know they are victims of aggravated sexual violence . U.N. officials cite not just the mass scale of such crimes , but the horrific nature of the crimes as well . `` Many are child soldiers , and they maybe have to rape their mother or their siblings and then kill them afterwards , '' said Margot Wallstrom , the U.N. secretary-general 's special representative on sexual violence in conflict . There have been no reparations for survivors in Africa because of the complete collapse of the legal system during conflicts , Anderson said . Wartime rape `` is one of the great peace and security challenges of our time , '' she said , but added it `` has been the least condemned and most silenced war crime . '' Wallstrom told reporters recently that in modern war , `` rape is not a side effect , but it is actually a new frontline . '' U.N. action on that frontline has included a 2008 Security Council unanimous adoption of a resolution acknowledging rape as a tactic of war and an impediment to peace . With the U.N. 's Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative , U.N. representatives have tried to put sexual violence in the spotlight . In May , Wallstrom took the U.N. 's message to the Democratic Republic of Congo where , she said , more than 200,000 women have been raped in the past 12 years of conflict . She visited Liberia in June and learned rape is still the No. 1 reported crime . One government survey in a Liberian county in 2005-2006 found that 92 percent of 1,600 women interviewed reported that they had experienced some form of sexual violence , including rape . Tackling stereotypes about the crime of rape will help ease the shame many societies attach to rape , and initiating discourse is the first step `` to break the silence , '' she said , repeating a well-known phrase among anti-rape advocates worldwide . Her message is motivated by the women and children she 's met , Wallstrom said , adding , `` Survivors are their own best advocates . '' `` The word ` woman ' is not synonymous with ` victim ' or ` vulnerable , ' '' Wallstrom added . `` The women that I 've met in the DRC , in Liberia , are agents of recovery and change . '' As the U.N. initiative works to fight against wartime rape and to protect victims of that crime , Wallstrom sees her own U.N. role in a highly personal perspective . `` I 'm responsible not only to the secretary-general and Security Council , '' she said , `` but above all , to the survivors of this soul-shattering crime . ''
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Wartime rape is `` the least condemned and most silenced war crime , '' U.N. official says . U.N. initiative aims to put sexual violence in conflicts on international policy map . U.N. is monitoring five countries because of sexual violence in conflicts . In Congo , more than 200,000 women have been raped in 12 years of fighting , U.N. says .
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Islamabad , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A second wave of floodwater is expected to wash through southern Pakistan this weekend , adding hundreds of thousands of people to the number already stranded by a first wave earlier this month , Pakistani officials said . At least 1,384 people have died and another 1,630 have been injured by flooding that has damaged or destroyed 8,300 Pakistani villages so far , according to National Disaster Management Authority spokesman Ahmed Kamal . The United Nations said it was racing against time to reach the suffering . `` Relief supplies must reach women , men and children as soon as possible , in order to avoid further death caused by waterborne diseases and food shortages , '' said Martin Mogwanja , the United Nations ' humanitarian coordinator for Pakistan . `` The death toll has so far been relatively low compared to other major natural disasters , and we want to keep it that way , '' he said . Two of 19 military helicopters pledged by the United States arrived in Islamabad , Pakistan , on Thursday to help in the humanitarian relief efforts , a U.S. Embassy spokesman said . These aircraft replace six U.S. Army helicopters that will return to duty in Afghanistan , the embassy spokesman said . The Army helicopters rescued more than 3,000 people and delivered relief supplies since arriving in Pakistan on August 5 , the spokesman said . Farther north , more than 100 U.S. troops are on the ground in the volatile Swat valley , helping the Pakistani government deliver supplies and rescue people from flood-ravaged areas . None have yet encountered Taliban fighters . `` Obviously there 's a militant threat in this region , but the Pakistani military has done an incredibly committed job -- providing us multiple layers of security around our units , '' said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Nagata in a conference call from Pakistan . `` All our activities and helicopters are completely safe . '' The bigger problem , said Nagata , is the weather . In the last two weeks , air crews have only been able to fly five days because of the relentless monsoon rains . The initial wave of the flooding came after torrential rains two weeks ago filled rivers in northern Pakistan that swept southward . Weather experts said a year 's worth of rain fell in a day at the peak of the relentless downpours . A second wave of floodwater from rain that fell in northern and central Pakistan the next week is now reaching the Sindh province in southern Pakistan , according to CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller . An apparent bottleneck of water from the first flood wave at the Sukkar dam could be overtaken by the second wave , Miller said . `` This could lead to a situation where the two flood waves could build upon each other and lead to even more catastrophic flooding , '' Miller said . Pakistan emergency officials predicted the second wave could reach Sukkar on Saturday evening . Hundreds of thousands of people living along the Indus River in northern Sindh could be stranded along with the tens of thousands stranded by the first wave , said Pakistani Navy Lt. Commander Jawad Khawaja . Many residents have ignored government warnings to evacuate the area , causing a big concern , Khawaja said . More than 14 million Pakistanis are affected , with 400,000 rescued from floodwaters , the government said . It estimated that 723,950 homes have been damaged or destroyed . In the mountainous north , water funneled down treacherous slopes , quickly engulfing the roads below . It surged down the Indus River , spreading economic , political and social woes through the heart of Pakistan . The smell of bodies filled the air in many places , where mere seconds of unstoppable water ended lives . Many witnesses , even those who thought they had seen everything in this land marred by crisis and killing , said they were stunned by the suffering wrought by the monsoons . U.S. President Barack Obama , in a statement marking the 63rd anniversary of Pakistan 's independence on Friday , said , `` We will remain committed to helping Pakistan and will work side by side with you and the international community toward a recovery that brings back the dynamic vitality of your nation . '' CNN 's Chris Lawrence and Samson Desta contributed to this report .
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Officials fear hundreds of thousands more could be stranded . Many residents are ignoring warnings to evacuate area . More flooding is expected this weekend , Pakistani official says . Promised U.S. military helicopters start to arrive .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Federal investigators , joined by local officials and others , spread across Alaska on Thursday seeking the cause of a plane crash that killed five people , including former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens . Deborah Hersman , the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board , told reporters that the initial investigation of the crashed airplane was complete . The wreckage would be hauled to nearby Dillingham , Alaska , to be examined further , Hersman said . There was no new information on what caused the plane to crash Monday on a rugged mountainside in southwestern Alaska , killing Stevens and four others . Another four passengers survived , including former NASA head Sean O'Keefe . Stevens , who served in the U.S. Senate for 40 years , was 86 . His funeral will be held next Wednesday at 2 p.m. -LRB- 6 p.m. ET -RRB- at the Anchorage Baptist Temple in Anchorage , according to Jim Manley , a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid . O'Keefe remained in critical condition on Thursday , according to Kirsten Schultz , a spokeswoman for Providence Alaska Medical Center . The condition of O'Keefe 's son , Kevin , was upgraded to fair from serious . Another survivor , lobbyist Jim Morhard of Alexandria , Virginia , was also upgraded to fair from serious . Thirteen year-old William Phillips , whose father died in the crash , remained in good condition , Schultz said . A CNN reporter who flew over the crash site Thursday said there was a wide , brown swath cut through the trees by the plane . The crash occurred about 1,000 feet up the 2,300-foot mountain in an area called Muklung Hills , about a 20-minute flight from Dillingham , the reporter said . Hersman said the de Havilland DHC-3 Otter involved in the crash was manufactured in 1957 and overhauled in 2005 from a piston to a turbine engine . She also confirmed the plane lacked either a Ground Proximity Warning System or an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System . The devices , which Hersman said are not required , help pilots determine how far they are above ground or terrain and can predict whether a plane is on a path toward an obstacle or mountains . Hersman said it was too soon to know whether any technological factor contributed to the crash . John Bouker , the commercial pilot who first spotted the crash site , told CNN Thursday that Stevens ' plane `` was messed up but not beyond survivability . '' `` It looked survivable , '' Bouker said , `` but it did n't look like it would be a very fun ride or anything . The wings were bent back . The nose section was messed up . It did n't look like a good situation to be in , that 's for sure . '' The aircraft , which was taking the group on a fishing trip , crashed in an area near the Bering Sea noted for its rugged terrain . Tom Tucker , a helicopter pilot who landed at the crash site , told CNN that when he first arrived , the survivors `` were coming in and out of consciousness . We put blankets over them to keep them warm . '' The longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history , Stevens lost his 2008 re-election bid to then-Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich after being convicted on charges of making false statements on financial disclosure forms . A federal judge later dismissed the conviction , citing prosecutorial misconduct . Stevens survived a plane crash that killed his wife in 1978 ; he later remarried . CNN 's Patrick Oppmann and Paul Vercammen contributed to this report .
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NEW : Investigation of the plane wreckage at the crash site is complete . Two survivors upgraded from fair to serious condition , while another remains critical . One witness tells CNN the plane was `` messed up , '' but the crash was survivable . Stevens ' funeral will be held next Wednesday in Anchorage , Alaska .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two of the four survivors of this week 's crash on an Alaska mountainside were well enough to talk with government officials looking into the cause of the crash , National Transportation Safety Board -LRB- NTSB -RRB- Chairwoman Deborah Hersman told reporters on Friday . Both survivors recalled the pilot giving a safety briefing before the flight , she said . The survivor who sat in the front seat reported falling asleep almost immediately after the plane took off and waking up after the crash . The other survivor told investigators `` they were flying along and then just stopped flying , '' according to Hersman , who did not say which of the four survivors investigators spoke with . Five people died in the Monday night crash , including former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens . The family of experienced pilot Terry Smith , who was killed in the accident , released a statement Friday saying , `` This is a time of great sorrow for our family . Our hearts and prayers go out to the survivors and the family and friends of all those affected by this tremendous loss . '' Smith had been involved in a prior accident , in 1997 , said Hersman . No one was injured in that accident , in which the plane nosed over during landing . The incident was chalked up to the pilot 's failure to maintain control , she said . Those killed in the crash could not have been saved even if rescue teams had arrived at the site immediately , officials said . The autopsies found the deaths were the result of blunt force trauma , said Greg Wilkinson , an official at the Medical Examiner 's office . He said the state medical examiner , Dr. Katherine Raven , found the injuries to be consistent with this type of crash . Raven also found that the injuries were not survivable , he said . Meanwhile , the condition of former NASA chief Sean O'Keefe has been upgraded from critical to serious , according to the Providence Alaska Medical Center . He was the most seriously injured of the four survivors . `` Sean is making significant improvements , '' an O'Keefe family spokesman said on Friday . '' ... It does not appear that any of Sean 's injuries require surgery . And we are encouraged by medical reports indicating that Sean 's injuries are not life-threatening . '' O'Keefe suffered a dislocated hip , which has been corrected , according to a statement by family spokesman Paul Pastorek . Despite initial reports , there was no serious trauma to O'Keefe 's pelvis , the statement said . The condition of Sean O'Keefe 's son , Kevin , has been upgraded from serious to fair , said Pastorek . `` Despite suffering serious injuries that have required surgery , Kevin is also showing dramatic improvement , '' the statement said . `` Even so , he is very much on the mend . '' Survivor Jim Moorhard remained in fair condition , while William Phillips , whose father died in the crash , remained in good condition , said the Providence Alaska Medical Center . Federal officials are continuing to probe the cause of the crash , said NTSB 's Hersman . They are waiting to speak with the remaining two survivors . Investigators are also working to examine the wreckage of the plane . `` Right now , we 're really in the fact-gathering stage of our investigation , '' said Hersman . CNN 's Paul Vercammen contributed to this report .
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NEW : Official says investigators have spoken with two of the survivors . NEW : The pilot was involved in an accident in 1997 . Autopsies show those killed in plane crash suffered blunt force trauma . The condition of the former NASA chief has been upgraded from critical to serious .
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-LRB- CNET -RRB- -- Yahoo 's Victor Tsaran knows how much time Web designers spend agonizing over color and font-width choices when laying out an application . So when he started Yahoo 's accessibility push two years ago , he had a tough time arousing sympathy for engineers grousing about how much extra time was needed to create accessibility features . Fortunately for Tsaran , Yahoo 's accessibility manager , he 's running into that problem less and less . Web designers are starting to take accessibility as seriously as button placement or heading layout when they develop their products , improving the Web experience not only for people like Tsaran -- who lost his sight at the age of five -- but for Web users in general . `` We 're seeing a lot more awareness and involvement in Web accessibility than we did a few years ago , particularly among big companies , '' said Judy Brewer , director of the Web Accessibility Initiative -LRB- WAI -RRB- at the World Wide Web Consortium . `` It 's becoming a solid business expectation that Web sites need to meet the needs of all users . '' At the two biggest Internet companies in the world , accessibility is seen as an increasingly important part of what they do . Yahoo requires every new hire to receive accessibility training from Tsaran and Alan Brightman , senior policy director of special communities . And it books engineering teams for tours of their Accessibility Lab . Google recently rolled out a service that will let YouTube users add captions to their videos , and believes that as the Web moves more from an era of presentation to an era of two-way `` data-driven '' communication , accessibility becomes even more important , said Jonas Klink , accessibility program manager . Web accessibility has come a long way in the decade since many of these proposals were first floated . It 's still a challenge , however , for the Web community to remember that as it pushes forward with exciting new technologies like HTML5 that could reinvent the Internet experience , it must keep in mind the needs of those who ca n't type 60 words per minute , operate a mouse like a scalpel , or see the unobtrusive pop-up windows that point to the next destination on the page . `` As the Web gets more and more dynamic , the accessibility requirements get more and more interesting , and sometimes challenging , to implement , '' Brewer said . The challenges . There are about 60 million people in the U.S. who ca n't use a computer to get on the Internet in the normal fashion , said Yahoo 's Brightman . For those people , a mix of screen reader software , keyboards with special buttons , and even motion-sensing Web cameras must take the place of the mouse and QWERTY keyboard . That can cause problems for Web designers who rely too heavily on mouse navigation , or who design pages with special multimedia whiz-bang effects that look cool only to the people that can see them . `` There can be an assumption of homogeneity on the Web , '' said Naomi Bilodeau , technical program manager for Google . Users of screen readers -- software that essentially reads out loud a description of text , links , and buttons on a page -- are confounded the most by Captchas and Flash Web pages , according to a recent survey of screen-reader users conducted by WebAIM . But simple things like photos or images can also create problems if the Web publisher does n't add alt text to those photos , or relies primarily on images as a way of explaining what is happening on the page . And as Web designers push forward with Javascript and AJAX-based technologies that overlay Web content over the primary Web page , there 's great potential to confuse screen readers . The good news is that most of these problems are n't as much technology issues as design issues ; content created with things like Flash can be made accessible if designers start off with that principle in mind . `` There are a bunch of things -LRB- in Web design -RRB- that are not features , '' said Nicholas Zakas , principal front-end engineer for Yahoo 's home page , meaning that while you can jazz up a page all you like with additional features , there are certain things that should be standard fare . `` Performance is not a feature , internationalization is not a feature , and accessibility is not a feature . '' However , features can make the Web more accessible . As mentioned , Google recently rolled out automatic captioning software for YouTube videos , making it much easier for deaf people to enjoy the world 's largest collection of cute cat videos . The automatic captioning technology is being rolled out first on YouTube 's Educational channel , allowing deaf or hearing-impaired people to take advantage of distance learning programs or other educational systems . It 's most definitely a work in progress , but with refinement could really add to the amount of knowledge that can be consumed by disabled people . `` I wanted this so badly -LRB- that -RRB- it 's good enough , I do n't care if there are some bad captions , '' said Google 's Ken Harrenstien , a deaf software engineer who played an instrumental role in bringing the project to life . The reasons . There are no explicit laws that companies design Web sites to be accessible to the disabled , but many disability experts and Web companies believe that portions of the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 do apply to the Internet , despite having been written several years before the Web emerged as a mainstream phenomenon . And in order to do business with the U.S. government , companies must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act , which insists that electronic and information technology products sold to government agencies be designed with disabled employees in mind , and that government services produced by contractors consider disabled citizens in equal measure . But these are businesses , after all : Yahoo 's Brightman estimated that there 's about $ 220 billion in discretionary spending available to disabled people . Making a Web site accessible to as many people as possible is n't just the right thing to do , it also makes business sense , he said . Also , with a rapidly aging population in many parts of the world -- notably the U.S. -- accessibility requirements will become useful for today 's crop of baby boomers as they grow older . People over 65 are increasing their use of the Internet , according to Nielsen , and features designed for accessibility could aid those who are n't technically disabled but would n't mind a little extra help . The future . The immediate challenge for those working on Web accessibility is to ensure that accessibility standards are not trampled in the rush to finalize the HTML5 collection of standards that Google and other Web browser companies are currently debating . Brewer said it 's `` extremely important to be sure that HTML5 can support accessibility fully , '' and her group is working closely with the other parts of the W3C to realize that goal . But beyond that goal , Web accessibility advocates have reason to feel optimistic about their cause . Long-awaited technologies like sophisticated speech recognition are finally coming to fruition after decades of joking about how such capabilities were just two years away . And 46 percent of respondents to the WebAIM survey reported that Web content has become more accessible in recent years . `` Anybody should be able to use anything on this page , '' said Yahoo 's Zakas , keeper of the all-important Yahoo.com page . `` If anybody ca n't use it , it should n't be there . '' © 2010 CBS Interactive Inc. . All rights reserved . CNET , CNET.com and the CNET logo are registered trademarks of CBS Interactive Inc. . Used by permission .
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Web designers are starting to take accessibility very seriously . About 60 million people in U.S. ca n't use the Internet in the normal fashion . Photos or images can create problems if publisher does n't add alt text . Sophisticated speech recognition technologies are finally coming to fruition .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Health care reform is proceeding toward the president 's desk , likely to become law in the new year . Supporters promise the bill will cut costs and extend coverage . But here 's the real test : What will the trillion-dollar expense of this bill actually buy ? Will it improve America 's health ? My guess : No . For all the money Americans spend on health care -LRB- 60 percent more per person than any other advanced country -RRB- , Americans are not an especially healthy people . Life expectancy at 50 in the U.S. ranks 29th in the world , three years behind world leader Japan , one and a half years behind Canada . Other indicators -- infant mortality , life expectancy at birth -- look even worse . This poor performance is often blamed on the fact that millions of Americans lack health insurance . But as a recent paper for the National Bureau of Economic Research found , the U.S. -- despite its kludgy health insurance system -- does a remarkably good job of extending disease-fighting treatment to all . Authors Samuel Preston and Jessica Ho observe : . • The U.S. screens a higher percentage of women for cervical cancer than any other country in a sample of 15 advanced countries . • Americans have the highest survival rates for breast , lung , colon or rectal cancer in a sample of 20 advanced countries . • Compared with Australia , Canada , Denmark , Finland , Sweden and Great Britain , the U.S. had the third-lowest fatality rate for male heart attack victims ages 40-64 , the second-lowest for men ages 85-89 and the best for women aged 85-89 . • Americans 50 and older with heart disease are more likely to receive medication than similarly aged Europeans . Ditto stroke . Ditto high cholesterol . Cancer and heart disease are not any old ailments . These are the leading causes of death for people 50 and older . So if the U.S. health system does such a good job saving its middle-aged and elderly sick , why do Americans die comparatively young ? Answer : because Americans are much more likely to get sick in the first place . And that likelihood owes very little to the health care system and a great deal to the bad choices American individuals make . If you eat too much , exercise too little , drink too much , smoke , take drugs , fail to wear a seat belt or ignore gun safety , there is only so much a doctor or hospital can do for you . And Americans do all those things , more than other people . One-third of Americans are overweight . That one single fact accounts for almost 10 percent of all health care spending . At any given moment , one out of six motorists is unbelted . American children are nine times more likely to be injured in a gun accident than children in other developed countries . If all Americans quit smoking , if everybody wore a seat belt , if gun owners consistently secured their weapons , if we all drank in moderation and abjured illegal drugs and if the one-third of the country that is overweight would drop the extra pounds , those individual actions would do more to improve health and extend lives than any contemplated by Congress or the president . Acting on this information wo n't be easy : It violates too many taboos . Americans understandably treasure their right to make their own choices , including the choice to super-size it . And many are uncomfortably aware that self-destructive behavior is most often found among the poor and among minorities : Black women are more than three times as likely as white women to be severely obese . In the near term , public policy can achieve only a limited impact against these problems . There is evidence that youth obesity can be reduced by zoning rules that forbid fast-food restaurants to be sited within 200 yards of a school . More and better gym classes , better cafeteria menus and a ban on soda in schools would all help too . Over the longer term , we will have to rethink the deeper structure of American food policy : subsidies to corn and soybean growers , the paving over of exurban land that might provide nearby cities with less expensive fruits and vegetables . Ultimately , though , these are decisions that individuals must make for themselves . In this respect , the present concept of medicalized health care sends some unwelcome messages . By `` outsourcing '' the concept of health as something that doctors , hospitals and now government do for you -- rather than something that depends considerably on your own choices and efforts -- we ask the medical system to do more than any medical system can do . As you consider your new year 's resolutions , remember : better habits will benefit not only your family and yourself -- but all your neighbors and countrymen as well . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Frum .
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Americans ' poor health , relative to other countries , is cited as a reason for health reform . David Frum says there 's little evidence health bill will improve U.S. life expectancy . He says research shows unhealthy habits explain why Americans get sick more often . Individual choices to adopt healthy lifestyles would have more impact , he says .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Diversity is not a word that describes the Supreme Court 's makeup over most of its existence . Only three women justices have served -LRB- the first in 1981 -RRB- , and only two African-Americans -LRB- the first in 1967 -RRB- . The first Hispanic was named last year , but no Native Americans or Asian-Americans have been named , nor have any openly homosexual or disabled justices . Only about 11 Catholics have served , and seven Jews . The expected elevation of Elena Kagan to the high court would represent both a step forward and a retreat of sorts , for bench diversity on the high-profile court , especially when compared to the man she would replace . Kagan is set to become the third woman on the current court , a move applauded by retired justice Sandra Day O'Connor and former first lady Laura Bush . The 50-year-old also has no judicial experience , unlike every current member of the court , who were previously federal appeals court judges . Justice Antonin Scalia , for one , likes that . `` Currently , there is nobody on the court who has not served as a judge -- indeed , as a federal judge -- all nine of us , '' he said last month in a speech . `` I am happy to see that this latest nominee is not a federal judge -- and not a judge at all . '' She would be the third Jewish-American , joining Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer . The other six members of the court are all Catholic : Chief Justice John Roberts , and Justices Scalia , Anthony Kennedy , Clarence Thomas , Samuel Alito , and Sonia Sotomayor . Retiring Justice John Paul Stevens is the current court 's lone Protestant . That has prompted divergent views from the religious and political community on whether diversity of faith matters . His departure and replacement by Kagan also would represent a loss of diversity on two other fronts : geography and education . The Chicago native is a true Midwesterner in his friendly personality and his approach to deciding many legal issues . Kagan would help form an unusual majority : five natives of the New York City area . Scalia is from Queens , Ginsburg still retains her Brooklyn accent , Sotomayor grew up in the Bronx and loves the Yankees , and Alito called Newark , New Jersey , home . The nominee herself was raised in the upper west side of Manhattan . Only Staten Island among the boroughs would be unrepresented on the high court . And then there is the academic equation , with the new court to be composed entirely of Ivy League law graduates . Kagan went to Harvard Law School , just like Roberts , Scalia , Kennedy and Breyer . That 's another majority Kagan can boast . Ginsburg also attended the Boston-area school , as well as Columbia . The three other justices went to Yale . Only Stevens -- again -- stayed out of those ivied schools , graduating from Northwestern University at the head of his class in 1947 . Stevens ' departure is a generational shift , too : he is the court 's last military veteran who came of age during the Depression , served in the Navy during World War II , and began practicing law during the Cold War . With the advent in the 1920s of open Senate hearings of court nominees , public and press scrutiny of court diversity have become important talking points . At that time , tremendous social and political changes in the country were reflected in a slow push to diversify the court 's makeup . Since then , seats unofficially have been set aside for individuals of certain backgrounds . The first Jewish justice was Louis Brandeis , whose bitter 1916 confirmation was marked by underlying anti-Semitism . When Benjamin Cardozo joined him in 1932 , a so-called Jewish seat was established . Cardozo was replaced by Felix Frankfurter , who was replaced by Arthur Goldberg , who was replaced by Abe Fortas . Currently , two Jewish justices sit on the bench , Ginsburg and Breyer . A similar precedent was created when Thurgood Marshall became the first person of color to sit on the court . When he retired , Clarence Thomas took Marshall 's seat , although President George H.W. Bush considered a wide variety of candidates before settling on the Georgia native . Thomas has acknowledged to colleagues that he benefited to some extent from having the right connections in his career . Many political and legal experts expected George W. Bush to make his first court pick a Hispanic , but his two picks were white males . Some court observers believe political pressure to choose a justice strictly on gender or race is no longer relevant . `` The whole commentary of the court has evolved away from that , '' said Pulitzer Prize winning author and court historian David Garrow . `` Our society has changed ; the novelty no longer exists . '' President Barack Obama 's two high court choices have been applauded by many advocacy groups for the diversity they brought to the court , but criticism also has arisen on some fronts . Civil rights groups expressed disappointment the nation 's first black president did not seriously consider naming any African-Americans to the court . `` The nomination of Sonia Sotomayor certainly was historic in that she became the first Hispanic to sit on the high court , and it was embraced by civil rights groups , '' wrote CNN Political Analyst Roland Martin in May . `` Yet this time , for highly qualified African-American female judges , such as Leah Ward Sears , the retired chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court , to never make the cut for a face-to-face interview with the president has ticked off a number of leaders I 've talked with over the last several days . '' Kagan in fact has been criticized for the lack of diversity she brought as Harvard 's law dean from 2003-09 . Guy-Uriel Charles , founding director of the Duke Center on Law , Race and Politics , looked at Kagan 's hiring record , noting of the 29 positions she had a chance to fill , 28 were of those appointed were white and one was Asian-American . And of the group , only six were women -- five white and one Asian-American . `` These numbers on the surface are appalling , and would be ripped to shreds by those who value diversity , '' Martin said . Kagan 's defenders say her hiring power was limited , but she did help bring a number of conservative professors to the faculty , earning praise from many on the right .
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No Native Americans , Asian-Americans , homosexual or disabled justices named to high court . First Hispanic , Sonia Sotomayor , named last year . Kagan would become third woman on Supreme Court . Would join fellow Jewish-Americans Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Stephen Breyer .
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LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- It is a familiar refrain to hear the earth and its resources being described as precious and that climate change is , and will , prove extremely costly . The Iwokrama Reserve covers 370,000 hectares of the Guiana Shield . It is one of the four remaining rainforest regions of the world . But historically , no one has attempted to put a market value on nature 's eco-systems and the services they provide . Until now . Last month , a deal was struck between London-based venture capital company , Canopy Capital and the Iwokrama International Center for Rainforest Conservation and Development -LRB- IIC -RRB- in Guyana , South America . According to Canopy Capital this is n't a deal about buying up land . Neither has it anything to do with carbon trading . Andrew Mitchell , Director of the Global Canopy Program -LRB- GCP -RRB- and a partner in Canopy Capital , says the deal is about ; `` creating a whole new paradigm for the way in which the world economy values the environment . '' What Canopy Capital is saying is that the rainforests provide us with a service that benefits us all . Not only do rainforests naturally store carbon , they also provide the means for economic stability for the indigenous population , the surrounding regions and further afield . Like everything else , these natural services should and will , they hope , have a value . HRH The Prince of Wales , who is a patron of the IIC , has described the rainforests as : `` Giant global utilities providing an essential service to humanity on a vast scale . '' He thinks that the value of the world 's forests is not properly understood and therefore not paid for . Seen from this perspective , Canopy Capital 's new investors might be on to a good thing . Founded in 1996 , the IIC has historically been devoted to scientific research , pioneering the sustainable use of rainforests , as well as encouraging eco-tourism . The intention now is to create a new commercial business model marketing its assets which will preserve its long term future . The prize asset is the 370,000 hectares of the Iwokrama Reserve , which lies in the heart of the Guiana Shield -- a vast area of tropical forest which stretches over 2.5 million square kilometers across the north-east of South America , crossing six state borders . It was gifted to the Commonwealth for the purposes of research in 1989 . Canopy Capital , who announced the deal at the world 's first ` Biodiversity and Ecosystem Finance Conference ' in New York , currently has a dozen investors who collectively hold an 80 percent stake in the company . The remaining 20 percent is held by the GCP . An alliance of 29 scientific institutions conducting research into forest canopy , the GCP has been evolving the concept of canopy eco-system services for the past eight years . Discussion started within the scientific community , then moved on to involve environmental economists . The final step was to approach the financial community to see if there was a market for eco-services . It was here that the idea took off . GCP Director Andrew Mitchell met up with Hylton Philipson -- a former investment banker . Philipson shared Mitchell 's passion for rainforest conservation and set about trying to work out whether such a project would be economically viable . Before setting up Canopy Capital together , they worked on the Amazonas Initiative -- a project in Brazil 's largest state to preserve the rainforests and their inhabitants . Mitchell , who combines his work at Canopy Capital and the GCP with research at Oxford University 's Zoology Department , has been studying tropical forests -- in particular their canopy -- for 35 years . He believes that the new concept can capitalize on the growing fear in the financial markets that climate change is going to be far more costly in the future if we do n't act now . `` Markets are driven by fear and greed , '' he told CNN , `` and the fear factor has become greater and greater as the science gets better and better . '' He says that the rainforests are a global utility and should be treated as such . `` It 's like a local power station . We do n't really know how it works , but we all enjoy the electricity when we turn the lights on . But if you do n't pay the bill you get cut off , '' he said . It might be easy to measure the output from a power station , but how do you define and measure the benefits of a rainforest ? One way , Mitchell says , is to model what would happen if the remaining big rainforests utilities -- Guiana Shield , Amazonia , the Congo Basin and Indonesia -- were n't there . `` One of the scenarios produced by Ron Avissar of Duke University shows that if you remove the Amazonia , you see rainfall reductions in Mid-West America at different times of the year . If you remove them from the Congo Basin you see changes in rainfall reductions in Uzbekistan and parts of Russia . This would affect our ability to provide food . '' Mitchell said . Reduced Amazon rainfall could also have devastating effects closer to home . Brazil is a nation highly dependent on hydro-power for electricity generation . In 2004 , over 83 percent came from hydro-power . For them , less rain would literally mean less power . The destruction of rainforests pose a threat to energy and food security over a vast area , affecting millions of lives . `` Governments have a role to play , '' said Mitchell , `` but so do markets . '' Canopy Capital is currently producing an audit of the Iwokrama rainforest . Mitchell estimates that the Reserve could be storing up to around 80 million tons of CO2 , but he says it 's difficult to work out exact values for rainforests right now . There are threats to the Iwokrama Reserve -- a road running through the Reserve is due to be widened -- but Mitchell thinks that overall , the dangers are relatively low . And with the President of Guyana , Bharrat Jagdeo , committed to the idea of the international community intervening in forest life , in return for environmental protection and aid , the prospects for Canopy Capital so far look good . `` We 're going to have to invest in the earth 's life support systems , '' Mitchell said . `` What 's the point of making a machine to capture carbon out of the atmosphere when rainforests do it for free ? It 's cheaper to maintain that than to build a new one . '' But Simon Counsell , Director of the UK charity The Rainforest Foundation sounded a note of caution about the proposal . `` We 're fairly skeptical about these ideas of trading in eco-system services or in the carbon that is stored in rainforests as an effective way of protecting them , '' he told CNN . `` What we have found over the years is that the only effective way to protect the long term future of rainforests is to ensure that the people who live in and around the forest get some benefit in it staying . And it 's not clear how the local people are going to benefit , '' Counsell said . Counsell pointed out that traditional carbon trading benefits tend to accrue to the traders , the middle-men , the investors and speculators . `` The hope is that there will be markets for these vaguely defined eco-services . Whether this is going to be the case with the Iwokrama project we just do n't know yet , because there are no details of who is going to get what from it . ''
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New deal attempts to put a market value on nature 's eco-systems and its services . Rainforests viewed as giant global utilities providing service to humanity . Reductions in Amazon rainfall could affect the American Mid-West . Canopy Capital argue markets and Governments must play a role in climate change .
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Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Zsa Zsa Gabor was rushed to a Los Angeles , California , hospital Friday because of `` complications '' relating to her recent hip replacement surgery , her publicist said . Her husband called an ambulance to their Bel Air home to take the actress to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on Friday afternoon , spokesman John Blanchette said . Gabor , 93 , had returned home on Wednesday , three weeks after undergoing surgery to replace a hip broken in a fall from her bed . Gabor has been frail and `` pretty much confined to a wheelchair '' since a 2002 car accident , said her husband , Prince Frederic Von Anhalt . The crash happened when the car in which she was riding with her hairdresser slammed into a light pole on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles . The glamorous Hungarian-born actress , the second of the three celebrated Gabor sisters , is most famous for her many marriages . Among her other husbands was Oscar-winning actor George Sanders . Her more prominent films include John Huston 's 1952 Toulouse-Lautrec biopic , `` Moulin Rouge , '' `` The Story of Three Loves '' in 1953 , `` The Girl in the Kremlin '' in 1957 and Orson Welles ' 1958 classic , `` Touch of Evil . ''
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Gabor suffered `` complications '' from hip surgery . The actress left the hospital 2 days earlier . Zsa Zsa Gabor broke her hip in a fall from her bed in July .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The beauty of having your own radio or TV show or column is that you have a wonderful opportunity to address many of the significant issues of the day by using the enormous platform that has been bestowed upon you . That 's why when I read , and then heard , the stunning , childish , and venomous discussion Dr. Laura Schlesinger had with one of her callers Tuesday , it was clear to me that the firebrand radio talk show host blew a perfect shot . She could have used the exchange around race to help a lot of people . Dr. Laura is getting ripped , rightfully so , for her repeated use of the N-word during the discussion with a black female caller . Instead of paying attention and listening to the woman 's genuine concerns about the racist comments made by the friends and family members of her white husband , Dr. Laura made her out to be the villain . It was clear that Dr. Laura had a beef of her own when it comes to black folks being too sensitive about matters of race , and that 's why she tried to use the example of black comedians using the N-word to buttress her position that the woman should really pipe down and not be so sensitive about such issues . She could have easily pivoted from the caller 's question to explore this issue , but she did n't , choosing to dig herself deeper and deeper into the racial abyss . First , Dr. Laura needs to step back and realize that yes , black comedians use the N-word onstage , and it is something that I have protested and called for all African-Americans to stop using . But let 's be honest , comedians of all ethnic groups do all kinds of crazy stuff on stage , dissing African-Americans , Hispanics , Asians , Native Americans , whites , men , women , gays , Jews , the mentally challenged , you name it . So when the B-word , C-word , or F-word is used onstage , are we to say that is perfectly acceptable language offstage ? Dr. Laura also would fail at political analysis in her assertion that a lot of black folks voted for President Obama because he 's half-black . Should someone remind her that Obama got 95 percent of the black vote . Pretty pale Democrats like Al Gore and Bill Clinton got between 90 percent and 92 percent of the black vote . Dr. Laura , that 's largely a Democratic thing ; it 's not necessarily a black thing . As I listened to the caller , and as Dr. Laura continued haranguing her , it was clear that the woman who has made millions dispensing advice on the radio for years needs to have someone sit her down and explain how she not only screwed up by tossing out the N-word repeatedly , she also squandered a chance to be a part of what many considered to be essential : a national discussion on race . The caller was disturbed about those in the inner circle of her husband driving their racial stereotypes and as making racial comments in front of her . When I keep hearing folks talk about the need for a national conversation about race , it 's not all about Obama leading it . If we are to conquer our racial demons , it 's necessary for the caller 's white husband to be as willing to look his friends and family members in the eye and say , `` your comments are insulting to my wife and I want you to stop . Now ! '' The real problem many of us have when confronting race matters is that we are too unwilling to challenge those closest to us . No child wants to enter into a verbal battle with his or her mother or father who may hold racist views , or willingly accept racial stereotypes . But none of us can be silent when that happens . It was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who said , `` In the end , we will remember not the words of our enemies , but the silence of our friends . '' Do you recall the restaurant scene in the movie , `` The Blind Side , '' where the `` friends '' of Sandra Bullock were making offhanded racial comments ? When she had enough of their mess , she checked them and made clear she would be dining with others . She refused to allow their racial hang-ups to stain her . Bullock 's character could have easily kept the friendship intact by saying nothing and moving on . But she chose a different path . Dr. Laura had the same opportunity . She could have heard the woman out and dispensed some genuine advice that could have helped the caller and her listening audience . Instead , she grabbed that chip on her should that revealed to us that she is clearly annoyed when some blacks complain about racism . She compounded that by telling the woman she should have never married outside of her race if she could n't stand racial humor . Folks , that 's not how to do it . Dr. Laura has apologized , but that has n't stopped people like Marc Morial , CEO of the National Urban League , from calling on The Talk Network to drop her syndicated show . If we truly want folks to `` get over it '' -LRB- which is what Dr. Laura essentially told this black woman to do when it came to racism -RRB- , it is going to take us reforming the bigots , and not admonishing the offended . I fundamentally believe we can get people to see their racial bigotry or insensitive views and offer them a pathway towards healing , but that can only happen when we 're willing to challenge one another -- friend or foe -- and look into the mirror and confront our own deeply embedded views on race . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Roland Martin .
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Laura Schlesinger repeatedly using the N-word in a radio show conversation . She could have pivoted from the caller 's question to explore racial issues , Roland Martin writes . Martin : Many of us , when confronted with racism , wo n't challenge those closest to us . Bigots need reforming , not the offended , Martin writes .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A 7.2-magnitude earthquake has struck south of the Mariana Islands , according to the U.S. Geological Survey . The Mariana Islands -- an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean -- are made up of two U.S. territories , Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands . The islands sit about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines . The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami warning after the quake , which struck at 7:19 a.m. Saturday -LRB- 5:19 p.m. ET Friday -RRB- . `` We would n't expect any kind of significant tsunami for this event , '' said the center 's director , Charles McCreery , noting that the quake 's magnitude was relatively low to provoke one . There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage , emergency management officials said . The quake struck about 375 kilometers -LRB- 233 miles -RRB- west-southwest of Hagatna , Guam , and 445 kilometers -LRB- 276 miles -RRB- west-southwest of Rota , Northern Mariana Islands . It ran 4.7 kilometers -LRB- 2.9 miles -RRB- deep . CNN 's Dan Gilgoff and Talia Kayali contributed to this report .
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NEW : No immediate reports of damage , casualties . Earthquake hits south of the Mariana Islands early Saturday . No tsunami warning has been issued . The islands are made up of two U.S. territories .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As many as four African migrants from Ethiopia and Eritrea trying to cross into Israel from Egypt 's Sinai desert were shot dead by smugglers and 10 others were wounded , according to state media . The smugglers opened fire when the group refused to pay them , according to Egypt 's official MENA news agency . Egypt 's interior ministry confirmed that an investigation was under way into the incident , though its casualty figures differed . An official at the ministry told CNN that two Eritreans were killed on Egypt 's border with Israel , and that three people were wounded . Fifteen others were arrested by Egyptian border police . In total , the group consisted of three-dozen African migrants attempting to flee into Israel , the official said .
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Migrants trying to flee Egypt for Israel were killed by smugglers , official media says . The Egyptian government is investigating the incident . There are conflicting reports on the number of casualties .
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New York -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- He did n't compete for the hot dog eating title this year , but he did cause a scene at the contest . Takeru Kobayashi was arrested at Coney Island after his rival , Joey Chestnut , won the annual Nathan 's International Hot Dog Eating Contest . The six-time champion of the contest was trying to make his way on stage after this year 's event , according to a representative for Kobayashi and a New York police officer at the Brooklyn precinct booking desk . The incident was not a publicity stunt , Maggie James , Kobayashi 's spokeswoman , said Sunday night . `` He got excited when people chanted his name after the contest ... . so he jumped up on the stage because he wanted his fans to see him and -LRB- he thought -RRB- maybe they would chant , ` Let him eat , ' '' James said , referring to a dispute that kept Kobayashi from the table this year . Kobayashi -- who took home the title every year from 2001 to 2006 -- did not compete because of a contract dispute with Major League Eating . He watched from the stands . Chestnut won by consuming 54 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes . The win -- Chestnut 's fourth straight -- was short of his 68-hot dog record set last year . A statement from the New York Police Department 's public affairs office following the arrest said Kobayashi was charged with two misdemeanors and one violation , with the violation considered a low-level charge similar to a traffic violation . The two misdemeanors were resisting arrest and obstructing government administration -LRB- specifically , interfering with police -RRB- . The violation was trespassing . Kobayashi was being held at a police precinct in Brooklyn , and it was unclear whether he had a lawyer or when he might have bail set . His spokeswoman , James , said it appeared that he would spend the night in jail unless he could get a hearing -- unlikely on a Sunday night and also a holiday night . In the days leading up to the event , Kobayashi said he loves the contest and he wanted to participate , but that the contract was too restrictive . Speaking through a Japanese interpreter , he said that all his income is earned through competitive eating . He said the new contract required by the competition would bar him from competing elsewhere in the United States or Canada for a year . Both sides said contract negotiations went on until Saturday morning . MLE chairman George Shea called Kobayashi 's arrest `` unfortunate . '' `` It makes you wonder what his thinking was , '' Shea said . `` Major League Eating made an enormous effort to get him into the contest , '' he added . `` We wanted him there . Nathan 's wanted him there . The fans wanted him there . '' Hailing from Japan and weighing in at 160 pounds , Kobayashi , 31 , rose to frank-feasting stardom in 2001 when he devoured 50 dogs , shattering the previously held record of 25 1/8 . But in 2007 , having entered the challenge with a jaw injury , Kobayashi met his match in Chestnut . Chestnut , the 230-pound contender from San Jose , California , downed 66 dogs to Kobayashi 's 63 that year . Kobayashi has not won the competition since , and Chestnut is currently ranked No. 1 in competitive eating by the MLE . For a hot dog to be counted as finished , competitors must consume both the hot dog and the bun . Currently ranked third , Kobayashi still holds world records for eating cow brains -LRB- 17.7 pounds in 15 minutes -RRB- , lobster rolls -LRB- 41 in 15 minutes -RRB- and rice balls -LRB- 20 pounds in 30 minutes -RRB- . `` This guy did great things for our sport , '' Shea said . `` He 's a fearsome competitor . '' CNN 's Ross Levitt and Susan Candiotti contributed to this report .
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Kobayashi arrested after hot dog contest . NEW : Not a publicity stunt , spokeswoman says . Rival Chestnut won this year 's challenge . Kobayashi faces two misdemeanor charges .
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[[1212, 1393]]
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LONDON , England -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A group of experts from around the world will Thursday hold a first of its kind conference on global catastrophic risks . Some experts say humans will merge with machines before the end of this century . They will discuss what should be done to prevent these risks from becoming realities that could lead to the end of human life on earth as we know it . Speakers at the four-day event at Oxford University in Britain will talk about topics including nuclear terrorism and what to do if a large asteroid were to be on a collision course with our planet . On the final day of the Global Catastrophic Risk Conference experts will focus on what could be the unintended consequences of new technologies , such as superintelligent machines that , if ill-conceived , might cause the demise of Homo sapiens . `` Any entity which is radically smarter than human beings would also be very powerful , '' said Dr. Nick Bostrom , director of Oxford 's Future of Humanity Institute , host of the symposium . `` If we get something wrong , you could imagine the consequences would involve the extinction of the human species . '' Bostrom is a philosopher and a leading thinker of transhumanism -- a movement that advocates not only the study of the potential threats and promises that future technologies could pose to human life but also the ways in which emergent technologies could be used to make the very act of living better . `` We want to preserve the best of what it is to be human and maybe even amplify that , '' Bostrom told CNN . Transhumanists , according to Bostrom , anticipate a coming era where biotechnology , molecular nanotechnologies , artificial intelligence and other new types of cognitive tools will be used to amplify our intellectual capacity , improve our physical capabilities and even enhance our emotional well-being . The end result would be a new form of `` posthuman '' life with beings that possess qualities and skills so exceedingly advanced they no longer can be classified simply as humans . `` We will begin to use science and technology not just to manage the world around us but to manage our own human biology as well , '' Bostrom told CNN . `` The changes will be faster and more profound than the very , very slow changes that would occur over tens of thousands of years as a result of natural selection and biological evolution . '' Bostrom declined to try to predict an exact time frame when this revolutionary biotechnological metamorphosis might occur . `` Maybe it will take eight years or 200 years , '' he said . `` It is very hard to predict . '' Other experts are already getting ready for what they say could be a radical transformation of the human race in as little as two decades . `` This will happen faster than people realize , '' said Dr. Ray Kurzweil , an inventor and futurist who calculates technology trends using what he calls the law of accelerating returns , a mathematical concept that measures the exponential growth of technological evolution . In the 1980s Kurzweil predicted that a tiny handheld device would be invented sometime early in the 21st century allowing blind people to read documents from anywhere at anytime -- earlier this year such a device was publicly unveiled . He also anticipated the explosive growth of the Internet in the 1990s . Now Kurzweil is predicting the impending arrival of something called the Singularity , which he defines in his book on the subject as `` the culmination of the merger of our biological thinking and existence with our technology , resulting in a world that is still human but that transcends our biological roots . '' `` There will be no distinction , post-Singularity , between human and machine or between physical and virtual reality , '' he writes . Singularity will approach at an accelerating rate as human-created technologies become exponentially smaller and increasingly powerful and as fields such as biology and medicine are understood more and more in terms of information processes that can be simulated with computers . By the 2030s , Kurzweil tells CNN , humans will become more non-biological than biological , capable of uploading our minds onto the Internet , living in various virtual worlds and even avoiding aging and evading death . In the 2040s , Kurzweil predicts non-biological intelligence will be billions of times better than the biological intelligence humans have today , possibly rendering our present brains as obsolete . `` Our brains are a million times slower than electronics , '' said Kurzweil . `` We will increasingly become software entities if you go out enough decades . '' This movement towards the merger of man and machine , according to Kurzweil , is already starting to happen and is most visible in the field of biotechnology . As scientists gain deeper insights into the genetic processes that underlie life , they are able to effectively reprogram human biology through the development of new forms of gene therapies and medications capable of turning on or off enzymes and RNA interference , or gene silencing . `` Biology and health and medicine used to be hit or miss , '' said Kurzweil . `` It was n't based on any coherent theory about how it works . '' The emerging biotechnology revolution will lead to at least a thousand new drugs that could do anything from slow down the process of aging to reverse the onset of diseases , like heart disease and cancer , Kurzweil said . By 2020 , Kurzweil predicts a second revolution in the area of nanotechnology . According to his calculations , it is already showing signs of exponential growth as scientists begin test first generation nanobots that can cure Type 1 diabetes in rats or heal spinal cord injuries in mice . One scientist is developing something called a respirocyte -- a robotic red blood cell that , if injected into the bloodstream , would allow humans to do an Olympic sprint for 15 minutes without taking a breath or sit at the bottom of a swimming pool for hours at a time . Other researchers are developing nanoparticles that can locate tumors and one day possibly even eradicate them . And some Parkinson 's patients now have pea-sized computers implanted in their brains that replace neurons destroyed by the disease -- new software can be downloaded to the mini computers from outside the human body . `` Nanotechnology will not just be used to reprogram but to transcend biology and go beyond its limitations by merging with non-biological systems , '' Kurzweil told CNN . `` If we rebuild biological systems with nanotechnology , we can go beyond its limits . '' The final revolution leading to the advent of Singularity will be the creation of artificial intelligence , or superintelligence , which , according to Kurzweil , could be capable of solving many of our biggest threats , like environmental destruction , poverty and disease . `` A more intelligent process will inherently outcompete one that is less intelligent , making intelligence the most powerful force in the universe , '' writes Kurzweil . Yet the invention of so many high-powered technologies and the possibility of merging these new technologies with humans may pose both peril and promise for the future of mankind . `` I think there are grave dangers , '' said Kurzweil . `` Technology has always been a double-edged sword . '' ... . Do you think technology will allow humans to transcend biology in the future ? Would you be comfortable with altering your biology ? Should humans try to reprogram their genetics ? What do you think the future looks like for mankind and machines ? Share your thoughts in the Sound Off box below .
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Nick Bostrom says technology will let humans manipulate their own biology . Ray Kurzweil predicts humans will be mostly non-biological by around 2030 . Biotechnology , nanotechnology , robotics could merge mankind with machines .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The mother of child murder suspect Casey Anthony affirms her belief in her daughter 's innocence and expresses fear for her safety in letters released by court officials on Thursday . `` You stay strong Casey , '' Cindy Anthony tells her daughter in one letter from May . `` Many , many people believe in you and are trying to get to the truth . Not everyone has been brainwashed and not everyone is trying to cover his/her butt . '' Casey Anthony is charged with capital murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee . The girl was reported missing in July 2008 , and investigators found her body after five months of intense searches and speculation . In the May letter , Cindy Anthony writes that she `` freaked out '' when she saw her daughter being escorted into the courtroom by heavily armed deputies . `` I was worried that there 's treats -LSB- sic -RSB- on your life and are finally being taken seriously , '' she wrote . `` I swear there are maniacs out there . I hope they step up security next year , for all of us . It 's going to be nuts . Hopefully by then somebody will actually look at the evidence and clearly see that they need to be looking for the real person that took our Caylee . '' In June , after Casey Anthony tripped on her way to a court appearance and showed up with a chipped tooth and cut lip , her mother said she had been `` worried that something was going to happen to you . '' She thanks her daughter for trying to call on Mother 's Day , and tells her , `` I had a dream the other night that you will be home . '' `` I know you better than anyone , '' Cindy Anthony wrote . `` Even with unanswered questions I still know the person you are and love you have in your heart . Your problem is that you are too trusting like I was . Unfortunately , we both found out how ugly and mean people really are . There 's very few people you can trust . '' The letters were released as part of discovery in the case . In June , prosecutors released more than 5,000 pages of documents that ranged from marriage proposals from admirers to calls for Casey Anthony to be put to death . She has pleaded not guilty and has refused to see visitors , because the sessions would be videotaped and eventually released . In a July letter , her mother laments , `` I just wish we had the ability to speak to each other . '' In Session 's Aletse Mellado contributed to this report .
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Casey Anthony 's mom warns , `` I swear there are maniacs out there '' `` Many people believe in you and are trying to get to the truth '' Anthony faces capital murder charges in daughter Caylee 's 2008 death . Letters released as part of discovery in upcoming trial .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Police in Buffalo , New York said Saturday evening that they have arrested and charged a suspect in connection with a shooting spree that left four dead outside a downtown restaurant earlier in the day . The Buffalo Police Department said 25-year old Keith Johnson is in custody and has been charged with four counts of second degree murder . Authorities would not comment on whether Johnson knew his alleged victims . Eight people hit by bullets in the early morning rampage , police say . One of the four survivors is in critical condition . At a news conference Saturday , Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda said that the dead -- two men and two women -- included a Texas man who was celebrating his wedding anniversary . About 100 people were at the City Grill when the shootings occurred , and patrons were asked to leave the restaurant 's bar after some sort of argument , police said . City Grill posted a message on its website on Saturday , saying that it is `` cooperating fully with the authorities and the ongoing investigation . '' It added , `` Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families . '' CNN 's Rick Martin and Alona Rivord contributed to this report .
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NEW : A 25-year old suspect is under arrest in connection with the shooting spree . NEW : Keith Johnson has been charged with four counts of second degree murder . Eight people were shot , four fatally , at the City Grill restaurant . Four others were injured and one is in critical condition .
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-LRB- Mental Floss -RRB- -- There was a time when movie props were worthless . When a film wrapped , the studio would often recycle props and costumes for use in other films , or sometimes simply throw them away . But that 's changed over the years , and now movie collectibles are a big business , with high-profile props going for hundreds of thousands of dollars . Unfortunately , when you start talking that kind of money , there are bound to be a few crooked characters who will do whatever it takes to get their hands on a piece of Hollywood history . 1 . Has anyone questioned the flying monkeys ? It 's believed there were six or seven pairs of Dorothy 's famous ruby red slippers made for the production of the 1939 film `` The Wizard of Oz '' . Of those , the location of four pairs is currently known , including one that resides in the Smithsonian . The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids , Minnesota , had their own pair , until the shoes were stolen one night in August 2005 . The case went cold until this past April , when police received a tip that a resident in Homer Glen , Illinois , had not only bragged about paying someone to steal the slippers , but openly displayed the shoes in a glass box . Police raided the alleged thief 's house , but did n't find the ruby red shoes . For now , the case remains open , and the shoes are still at-large . 2 . `` Easy Rider '' choppers chopped . There are few motorcycles more iconic than the ones ridden by Peter Fonda and the late , great Dennis Hopper in their counterculture classic , `` Easy Rider . '' There were four custom motorcycles built for the film -- two copies of each bike , including the `` Captain America '' chopper ridden by Fonda , featuring a star-spangled fuel tank and an extra long fork for the front wheels . One of the Captain America bikes was destroyed during filming , while the other three motorcycles were stolen from a storage garage before the film was even in the can . Obviously the bikes were n't famous yet , so they were presumably stripped and sold for parts . The thieves left the damaged Captain America bike , which was later restored , and now resides at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa , Iowa . Mental Floss : What 10 Movie Props Later Sold For . 3 . The man without the golden gun . In the 1974 movie `` The Man with the Golden Gun , '' James Bond takes on Scaramanga , an expert assassin who charges $ 1 million per kill . The hitman 's signature is a custom-made , solid gold gun that can be cleverly disassembled and disguised as everyday items like a cigarette case , a lighter , a pen , and a cuff link . There were three prop guns made for the film -- one that came apart , another that did n't come apart , and one that could fire a blank round . In October 2008 , one of these props -LRB- it 's unclear which one it was -RRB- was discovered missing from its display case at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire , England . Police still have no leads on the disappearance of the prop , worth an estimated # 80,000 -LRB- $ 117,000 -RRB- on the collector 's black market . 4 . The case of the missing `` Maltese Falcon '' There were a handful of falcon statues made for the 1941 noir classic , `` The Maltese Falcon '' , starring Humphrey Bogart as Dashiell Hammett 's famous private eye , Sam Spade . Over the years , nearly all original models of the bird have been lost , making the few remaining copies very valuable -- including one that sold for nearly $ 400,000 in 1994 . For promotional purposes , plaster casts of the bird were made upon the film 's release , and Elisha Cook , Jr. , a character actor who played a henchman in the film , got his hands on one . His copy of the bird was later acquired by John 's Grill in San Francisco , a restaurant dedicated to Hammett , who often wrote and ate there in the 1930s . The replica bird was on display for years , sitting on the second floor in a display case for all to see . That is , of course , until the day it disappeared in 2007 . Mental Floss : Who Invented the Gatorade shower ? After the falcon went missing , John 's Grill offered a no-questions-asked reward of $ 25,000 to the person who brought it back , but no one came forward . The owner could have easily gotten a good replacement replica off eBay for a few hundred bucks , but he took a different approach instead . He put the $ 25,000 towards the creation of a new , original design of the Maltese Falcon that is a more stylized interpretation than the one used in the 1941 film . The new statue is five inches taller than the original and weighs around 150 pounds , three times heavier than the plaster replica that was stolen . To ensure this bird does n't go missing , it 's been bolted down and is monitored 24/7 by closed-circuit cameras . With that much security , the next time someone messes with this Maltese Falcon , it wo n't take Sam Spade to crack the case . 5 . Well , that 's one way to get an Oscar . In March 2000 , a few guys got their hands on the ultimate movie collector 's item when they stole 55 Oscars just days before the Academy Awards ceremony . Anthony Hart , a dock worker at delivery company Roadway Express , conspired with a fellow employee , truck driver Lawrence Ladent , to load 10 boxes of Oscars onto Ladent 's truck . Ladent then took the statues to the home of accomplice John Harris for safekeeping until they could line up black market buyers . However , the men got spooked by the publicity surrounding the missing statues and dumped the boxes in an alleyway instead . Shortly after , Harris ' half-brother , Willie Fulgear , found 52 of the Oscars while rummaging through the trash , looking for packing boxes to use during a move . After reporting his find to police , Fulgear collected a $ 50,000 reward from Roadway Express , but the other men did n't make out quite so well . Anthony Hart received the lightest sentence with three years probation . John Harris was sentenced to six months in jail , three years probation , and had to pay $ 921 to the Academy in restitution for the three missing statues . Lawrence Ledent was given six months in prison , five years probation , had to pay the Academy $ 1,050 , and pay Roadway Express the full amount of the reward they offered to Fulgear . As for the three missing Oscars , one was found in 2003 during a Miami drug raid , but the other two are still out there somewhere . Mental Floss : Where 10 Oscar winners keep their statues . 6 . Big bucks in spandex . Apparently no one 's spider-sense was tingling when crooks made off with four hand-made superhero suits from the set of the first Spider-Man film . Each Spider-Man costume , valued at around $ 50,000 a piece , disappeared from a locked building on the Sony Pictures lot , leading authorities to believe it was an inside job . Police received a tip from the ex-wife of a former security guard at Sony , Jeffrey Gustafson , who said he might be involved in the theft . Police searched Gustafson 's home and found records indicating that one costume was at a friend 's house , two were traced to a collector in New York , and the last one was in the collection of a man in Japan . Adding to Gustafson 's woes , police also found in his home a mannequin dressed in a $ 150,000 Batman costume that went missing from the Warner Bros. lot in 1996 . Not coincidentally , Gustafson worked as a security guard at Warner Bros. at the time . For stealing the Spidey suits , Gustafson got 9 months in jail , 5 years probation , and had to pay $ 93,000 in restitution . Mental Floss : Strange robberies : Madonna 's bustier . 7 . Do collectors dream of rubber handguns ? As he 's hunting android replicants in a dystopian future , `` Blade Runner 's '' Deckard , played by Harrison Ford , carries a strange-looking handgun that has captivated sci-fi fans for decades . The prop was custom-made using pieces from real firearms , including a bolt action from a rifle , two triggers , various knobs and dials , and even LED lights . To prevent their very expensive , one-of-a-kind prop from breaking , the producers made two solid rubber copies that were indistinguishable from the original at a distance , and could be knocked around during stunt scenes without getting damaged . But during the shoot , one of the dummy guns went missing and was never seen again . Oddly enough though , about a month after the film was released , highly accurate plastic replicas of Deckard 's gun began appearing for sale on the collector 's market . These knock-offs were so close to the ones used in the film that they must have been created using molds taken from the missing , now presumed stolen , dummy gun . While it 's certain the thief made a pretty penny by selling the dummy gun , he would have surely been better off stealing the custom-made gun instead -- it sold at auction in 2009 for $ 270,000 . Mental Floss : 10 weird pieces of unclaimed luggage . For more mental_floss articles , visit mentalfloss.com . Entire contents of this article copyright , Mental Floss LLC . All rights reserved .
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James Bond assassin Scaramanga had a golden gun that went missing . Three of the `` Easy Rider '' choppers were stolen before that film was released . Four hand-made superhero suits were stolen from the set of the first Spider-Man film . Two rubber copies of `` Blade Runner 's '' strange-looking handgun were taken .
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Calgary , Canada -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Immediately before 9-11 , al Qaeda was considered almost below most Americans ' notice . One Washington Post/ABC News poll found that in early 2002 , only 14 percent of Americans thought Islam encouraged violence . These days , the popular perception of Islam is dominated by al Qaeda and its radical agenda . Al Qaeda has grown into a monster that dominates the American psyche , and many non-Muslims fear that the majority of Muslims are bent on violent takeover . Throughout the last decade , the mainstream majority of Muslims have seemed almost silent , but today that all changes . As of this writing , 38 of the 50 Islamic scholars who make up Canada 's Muslim mainstream leadership have signed the Canadian Council of Imams Declaration , released today . More names will follow . These signatories will lead Muslim communities onto a path of active engagement , taking back Islam and claiming it for multicultural peace . Here is why : . Muslims have been part of North American society for more than 100 years . There have been mosques in places such as Edmonton , Alberta ; Cedar Rapids , Iowa ; Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania ; Cleveland , Ohio ; and Buffalo , New York , since the 1930s . In Canada and the United States before 9-11 , the growing Muslim minority was well-integrated , with higher-than-average educational attainments for both genders . Muslims in civic and business leadership positions went as unnoticed as members of any other successful community . And North America 's Muslims were proud to be an integral part of North American society , because we knew it was the Muslim ideal as well . Radicals are working to destroy those relationships and are using the Quran to do it . Radicals regularly , ignorantly and blatantly abuse the Quran and the Sunnah -LRB- the acts of Mohammed that Muslims use to figure out what the revelations really mean -RRB- to promote the idea that Islam is a violent faith . For example , they cite a famous verse in the Quran that says , roughly , `` Fight the people of the book until they know themselves subdued , '' and use it to create fear or to support a violent agenda . However , here 's what that verse really means . When Mohammed and his companions `` conquered '' the Middle East in the 7th century , the command to do so came in response to rumours of an army massing in the north that was planning to exterminate them . The Muslims expected a fight to the death but met people willing to live in peace , and they founded a society with rights , freedom , liberty and justice for all , regardless of race , creed or gender . God was n't telling them when to fight , he was telling them when to stop . While the vast majority of imams today put this verse in historical perspective for their congregations , this declaration now serves to put those who would abuse it in perspective as well . Likewise , radicals claim Islam is anti-Semitic . And yet , when Jerusalem fell , Caliph Umar walked up to the gates and accepted the Catholic patriarch 's demands for security , religious freedom and relative autonomy with one proviso : that those rights also be afforded to the 70 Jewish families who had been expelled by the Patriarch . Claims that Islam wants to destroy Christianity are answered by Caliph Umar 's refusal of the patriarch 's invitation to pray in the Christian cathedral , `` that later generations not declare it a mosque , so that it will remain a church forever . '' In fact , equality before the courts in Mohammed 's time was so profound that when Muslims extorted land from a Jewish citizen and built a mosque , the caliph had the mosque destroyed and the land returned . Muslims around the world offer thoughts on what Islam means today . Western ideals are Muslim ideals . When al Qaeda -LRB- whose leaders are described in Muslim prophecy as `` men with the hearts of demons '' -RRB- launched its 9-11 attack , the primary objective was to alienate America 's Muslims from the America they love . Al Qaeda hoped to turn both sides away from those ideals that made both civilizations great . And their success at this alienation has remained woefully unchallenged until now . That alienation drives Muslims to criminal acts here and abroad even though they should know better , and it is driving America and Canada into repudiating every good freedom we have attained . Violence and rivalries have no place in faith -- any faith . Many Christians think they 've begun the first blows of Armageddon , even though Muslims believe we 're the army of the returning Christ . I have Jewish friends in Canada who think Palestinians are descended from Amalekites -LRB- whom Jews are commanded to exterminate -RRB- , even though Midianites , Ishmaelites and other Arab monotheist tribes populate the Old Testament . Moses and Jacob married proto-Palestinians . Our religions are actually designed to help us live in peace , if you read their stories looking for something other than war . For the sake of peace , Islam must be claimed back from Muslims and non-Muslims alike who seek conflict . The Canadian Council of Imams Declaration of religious freedom , gender equity , life 's sanctity and individual freedom of choice , declared by the elite of Canada 's scholarly and respected religious leadership on behalf of all of Canada 's mainstream Muslim communities , denies the rights of radicals to define our religion . It empowers the voices of Muslims who love Islam and repudiates anyone who seeks to use Islam for any purpose but peace . Yes , it 's a big thing , and it 's happening today . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Liepert .
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Dr. David Liepert : Al Qaeda has come to dominate U.S. , Canadian view of Islam . Liepert says 50 Islamic scholars in Canada are taking back the religion from radical Muslims . Violence and rivalries have no place in faith -- any faith , Liepert says . He says declaration repudiates anyone who seeks to use Islam for any purpose but peace .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A defiant Rep. Maxine Waters , D-California , insisted Friday that neither she nor her staff broke any House rules . Waters also blasted the House ethics committee for failing to schedule a trial to resolve allegations she helped steer federal bailout money to Massachusetts-based OneUnited Bank -- in which her husband had a financial stake . She repeatedly denied any wrongdoing , and insisted she will not cut a deal with the committee . Given the fact that the committee 's investigation has now lasted for over a year , `` such a delay is unacceptable , '' she told reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference that lasted over an hour . `` This case is about fairness , '' she said . Due process has been denied , and ethics investigators have ignored `` key pieces of exculpatory evidence . '' There was no special `` benefit , no improper action , -LRB- and -RRB- no failure to disclose , '' she declared . There is `` no case . '' Waters , a 10-term Los Angeles congresswoman , insisted she was merely trying to arrange assistance for the National Bankers Association , an organization representing more than 100 minority-owned banks . Much of my work is based on expanding `` access for those who are -LRB- traditionally -RRB- not heard by the decision makers , '' she said . Waters , a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee , helped arrange a meeting in September 2008 between OneUnited and Treasury Department officials , according to ethics investigators . OneUnited Bank ultimately received $ 12 million in bailout funds . According to an ethics report , Waters ' husband owned almost 4,000 shares of OneUnited stock at the time of the meeting . The shares had declined in value from more than $ 350,000 in June to $ 175,000 at the end of September -- the height of the Wall Street financial crisis . Waters , according to a separate preliminary report , called then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson `` and requested that Treasury Department officials meet with representatives '' from the NBA . `` A meeting was in fact granted , however , the discussion at the meeting focused on a single bank -- OneUnited . Rep. Waters ' husband had been a board member of the bank from 2004 to 2008 and , at the time of the meeting , was a stock holder of the bank , '' the report said . Waters has repeatedly insisted the meeting was set up for NBA -- `` for all the minority bankers . '' She noted Friday that some of the meeting 's participants have asserted , contrary to the conclusion of the report , that between `` 60 and 75 percent '' of the conversation focused on the needs of minority banks as a whole . The ethics report also states that Waters approached Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank , D-Massachusetts , to say that she was `` in a predicament because her husband had been involved in the bank , but ` OneUnited people ' were coming to her for help . '' Waters , `` according to -LSB- Frank -RSB- ... knew she should say no , but it bothered her . It was clear to -LSB- Frank -RSB- that this was a ` conflict of interest problem . ' '' Frank 's advice to Waters , the report states , was to ` stay out of it . ' '' In an interview on the Tom Joyner Show Tuesday , Waters admitted she had spoken to Frank , but described the circumstances much differently than the report . `` I did n't go to him for advice . I went to him and told him , ` These are your constituents . They are headquartered in your district and they are now trying to find TARP . We 're representing the National Bankers Association , ' '' Waters said . `` So then I said , ` Perhaps you need to take a look at this ' and he said , ` Fine . Do n't worry . You do n't have anything to do with this . I will take care of it . ' And , as a result of that , he started to work on it . '' she said . Waters insisted Friday she `` would never take extraordinary steps '' to save her husband 's investment in OneUnited Bank . She also noted that the September meeting with Treasury officials happened before the Troubled Asset Relief Program -- the pool of bailout money from which OneUnited 's $ 12 million was drawn -- became law . Ethics investigators have asserted that Waters `` agreed to refrain from advocating on behalf of OneUnited , '' but failed to instruct her chief of staff , Mikael Moore , from doing so . Following the September 9 meeting between Treasury and National Bankers Association officials , Moore `` was actively involved in assisting OneUnited representatives with their request for capital from Treasury and crafting legislation to authorize Treasury to grant the request '' for financial assistance , the ethics report said . `` Reasonable '' people could construe Moore 's `` continued involvement in assisting OneUnited as the dispensing of special favors or privileges to OneUnited , '' the report concluded . Both Waters and Moore -- who also spoke at Friday 's news conference -- have denied that allegation . `` If you 're going to wrap this all around creating these violations because I failed to supervise my staff , it does n't hold water , they do n't have any proof of that and I maintain that I want to go to trial or whatever they want to call it -- adjudicatory hearing -- because I think I do n't deserve this , '' Waters said Tuesday . Waters is the second high-ranking Democrat now facing a public ethics trial this fall . New York Rep. Charlie Rangel , the former chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee , has been accused of 13 violations of House rules involving alleged financial wrongdoing and harming the credibility of Congress . The prospect of inquiries into the two high-profile Democrats has compounded the fears of congressional Democrats nervous about their prospects in mid-term elections in November . The growing likelihood of trials for Waters and Rangel also adds the explosive element of race to the political equation . Both representatives are leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus , and OneUnited Bank is one of the largest minority-owned banks in America . CNN 's Alan Silverleib contributed to this report .
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Waters insists neither she nor her staff did anything wrong . Waters has been charged with helping a bank linked to her husband . Waters says she wants to go to trial . She is one of two prominent African-American Congressional Democrats facing ethic charges .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Two miners who died this week in a Nevada mining accident were identified Saturday , according to the mine 's owner . Crews late Friday found the bodies of Daniel Patrick Noel , 47 , and Ethan Joel Schorr , 38 , both of Spring Creek , Nevada , Barrick Gold Corp. said in a statement . Noel is survived by a wife and three children . Schorr is survived by a wife and four children . Their bodies were found about 1,300 feet underground , Barrick said . The accident occurred at 1:15 a.m. -LRB- 4:15 a.m. ET -RRB- on Thursday in Elko County , Nevada . According to Barrick , two miners in an elevator were inspecting a large pipe in a vertical shaft when the pipe fell into the shaft , damaging the elevator . All underground operations at the Meikle mine were suspended , the company said . `` This is a tragic event and we remain focused on assisting these miners ' families , '' Greg Lang , president of Barrick 's North America region , said in a statement . `` The hearts and prayers of every Barrick employee are with them at this time . We place great value in our coworkers ' health and safety , and we will do everything we can to prevent an incident like this from happening again . '' The company said Barrick and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration worked for more than 32 hours to reach the area where the bodies were found . The MSHA reports at least 53 fatalities so far this year , including at least 42 coal-related deaths and at least 11 metal-related deaths .
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NEW : Two dead miners survived by spouses , children . Mining accident happened Thursday in Elko County , Nevada . Barrick Gold Corp. vows to try to prevent future accidents . The bodies were found 1,300 feet underground .
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Moscow , Russia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A quarter of Russian crops have been lost in the recent drought , leaving many farms on the brink of bankruptcy , Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday . The government should prevent increases in the price of grain and fodder , which will eventually affect the prices of food products like flour , bread , meat , and milk , Medvedev said at a government agriculture meeting in the southern Russian region of Rostov . `` Right now , everybody is of course thinking about it -- farmers as well as officials responsible for agriculture , '' Medvedev said in comments broadcast on Russian state television . `` But we also understand that regular people , too , are thinking about what will happen after this extremely tough summer , how it will affect the prices on staples food . '' He said government authorities should closely monitor food prices on a daily basis , `` otherwise there will always be someone who would want to capitalize on this situation . There are such cases already . '' Large parts of Russia have suffered this summer from excessive heat , drought , and a spate of wildfires that have also created stifling smoke and smog . Hundreds have died in the combined disasters . Alexander Frolov , who heads the Russian meteorological service Roshydromet , said this week that virtually no rain is forecast in Russia this month . The situation is so bad in some regions that there is `` no reason '' to start planting winter crops , Frolov said . Roshydromet forecasts a 30 percent drop in Russia 's harvests due to the drought , he said . Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has already announced a ban on grain exports that will begin August 15 and could last until December 31 , based on uncertainty over this year 's farm production . Some regions wo n't be sowing winter grain at all this year , he said . Thursday , Medvedev lifted the state of emergency in three of seven Russian regions most affected by wildfires . The Emergency Situations Ministry said the number of areas covered by the fires has decreased 25 percent in the past day . The fires burning in the remaining four regions of western and central Russia are still intense , however , with tens of thousands of firefighters deployed there . Medvedev ordered the Emergency Situations Ministry to take addition precautions to protect `` strategic sites '' from the fires . CNN 's Maxim Tkachenko and Matthew Chance contributed to this report .
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Medvedev says crop losses will eventually affect the prices of flour , meat , and milk . A quarter of the nation 's crops have been lost , the Russian president says . Forecasters say virtually no rain is forecast in Russia this month .
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Los Angeles , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Anna Nicole Smith 's former bodyguard , who accused Howard K. Stern of injecting her with drugs , acknowledged he went public with the charge only after Stern called him a thief on CNN . Maurice `` Mo '' Brighthaupt , who testified Friday for the prosecution , was cross-examined Monday by defense lawyers for Stern and Drs. Khristine Eroshevich and Sandeep Kapoor . The three are on trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court on charges of conspiring to provide drugs to an addict and using false names on Smith 's drug prescriptions . While Brighthaupt was harsh when speaking about Smith 's lawyer/boyfriend , he had praise for Eroshevich , a psychologist who was also Smith 's Studio City , California , neighbor . She flew to the Bahamas to be with Smith after her 20-year-old son , Daniel , died in Smith 's hospital room just days after she gave birth to a daughter . Eroshevich was `` very soothing '' and `` talked to her like a mother , '' counseling Smith about how to deal with the grief , Brighthaupt said . The prosecution alleged both doctors gave the former Playboy model and reality-TV star a steady flow of dangerous painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs while knowing she was a drug addict . The charges cover the last three years of Smith 's life , which ended in a Florida hotel room with her death caused by `` acute combined drug intoxication '' on February 8 , 2007 . The defense countered Smith was not an addict under the legal definition because her demand for drugs was fueled by chronic pain , anxiety and depression , especially after her son 's death . `` She was a hurt woman , '' Brighthaupt said of Smith in the months after her son died . Although she was `` unbearably depressed , '' she would feel better for a while after taking the medications given to her by Eroshevich , he said . Eroshevich worked to keep Smith on a schedule with her medicines , resisting the actress ' demands to take pills early . It was something Smith demanded `` all the time , '' he said . The doctor kept Smith on a regular eating and sleeping schedule , he said . Chloral Hydrate , a sleep medication prescribed by Eroshevich , `` appeared to be one medication that helped her sleep , '' he said . Eroshevich also helped Smith financially , he said , helping to pay some expenses when Smith had `` cash flow issues . '' Smith would get upset when Eroshevich mentioned she would have to leave the Bahamas to attend to her practice in California , he said . `` She would do a lot of whining , '' which he said was one way Smith manipulated people to get her way . Brighthaupt said he never saw Smith abusing prescription drugs before her son 's death . The times he saw her intoxicated was when someone would slip her Ecstasy or alcohol , he said . Stern 's defense lawyer , Steve Sadow , grilled Brighthaupt for more than an hour Monday morning about his direct testimony in which he said he saw Stern inject Smith with drugs . Brighthaupt reluctantly acknowledged that the first time he related that story in public was just days after he saw Stern 's interview with CNN 's Larry King on October 10 , 2007 . Stern told King , `` I was a thief , '' he said . He denied Sadow 's suggestion that Stern 's interview angered him , insisting that he was only `` a little disappointed . '' It was a week later , however , that Brighthaupt accepted $ 10,000 from entertainment news show `` Access Hollywood '' to license the use of some Smith photos and for an interview . He acknowledged that the interview was the first time he publicly said Stern injected Smith with drugs . Brighthaupt also related the story days later to a California drug investigator . The trial , which began last week , is expected to last up to three months .
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Her bodyguard calls Anna Nicole 's doctor `` very soothing '' Smith was `` unbearably obsessed '' after her son 's death , Maurice Brighthaupt testifies . Howard K. Stern 's defense lawyer questions key prosecution witness 's motives . Stern and two doctors are charged in a drug conspiracy in Smith 's 2007 death .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Rep. Maxine Waters , D-California , who is under investigation by the House ethics committee , said Tuesday she has not been given due process and she `` will not be a sacrificial lamb for anyone . '' The 10-term congresswoman is alleged to have helped steer federal bailout money to a bank in which her husband had a financial stake . In a radio interview with CNN contributor Roland S. Martin on the Tom Joyner Morning Show , Waters said she is `` not guilty of any violations '' and she `` want -LSB- s -RSB- to go to trial . '' The House ethics committee released a report Monday detailing three counts against Waters and rejected her request for the charges to be dismissed . The 71-year-old Waters has been pushing the ethics panel to set a trial date before the midterm elections in November . But she told Martin Tuesday she does n't expect that request to be granted . `` That 's one of the issues of not having due process . When in the heck are you going to set up this hearing ? We are on break and we do n't think it 's going to be before the November election , '' she said . Waters , a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee , helped arrange a meeting in September , 2008 , between Massachusetts-based OneUnited Bank and Treasury Department officials , according to ethics investigators . OneUnited Bank ultimately received $ 12 million in bailout funds . According to the report , Waters ' husband owned almost 4,000 shares of OneUnited stock at the time of the meeting . The shares had declined in value from more than $ 350,000 in June to $ 175,000 at the end of September -- the height of the Wall Street financial crisis . Waters , according to a separate preliminary report , called then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson `` and requested that Treasury Department officials meet with representatives from the National Bankers Association , '' an organization representing more than 100 minority-owned banks . `` A meeting was in fact granted , however , the discussion at the meeting focused on a single bank -- OneUnited . Rep. Waters ' husband had been a board member of the bank from 2004 to 2008 and , at the time of the meeting , was a stock holder of the bank , '' the report said . But Waters reiterated Tuesday that `` the meeting was set up for NBA -- for all the minority bankers . Just like you have a representative for the chamber of commerce or for the Realtors , etc. , that 's what the meeting was for . '' She said Kevin Cohee , OneUnited 's chairman and chief executive officer , spoke up at the meeting , `` and said , ` I 'm an example of what 's happening with minority banks ' and went on to try and make his case for the fact that OneUnited was losing $ 50 million that they had invested in Fannie Mae . '' `` It just so happens that some of the officers -- at least one of the officers of OneUnited Bank -- happens to be the chairman of the NBA -LRB- National Bankers Association -RRB- , '' the congresswoman said . The report also states that Waters approached Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank , D-Massachusetts , to say that she was `` in a predicament because her husband had been involved in the bank , but ` OneUnited people ' were coming to her for help . '' Waters , `` according to -LRB- Frank -RRB- ... knew she should say no , but it bothered her . It was clear to -LRB- Frank -RRB- that this was a ` conflict of interest problem . ' '' Frank 's advice to Waters , the report states , was to ` stay out of it . ' '' In the Tom Joyner Show interview Tuesday , Waters admitted she had spoken to Frank , but described the circumstances much differently than the report . `` I did n't go to him for advice . I went to him and told him , ` These are your constituents . They are headquartered in your district and they are now trying to find TARP . We 're representing the National Bankers Association , ' '' Waters said . `` So then I said , ` Perhaps you need to take a look at this ' and he said , ` Fine . Do n't worry . You do n't have anything to do with this . I will take care of it . ' And , as a result of that , he started to work on it . '' she said . The report released Monday stated that Waters `` agreed to refrain from advocating on behalf of OneUnited , '' but failed to instruct her chief of staff , Mikael Moore , from doing so . Following the September 9 meeting between Treasury and National Bankers Association officials , Moore `` was actively involved in assisting OneUnited representatives with their request for capital from Treasury and crafting legislation to authorize Treasury to grant the request '' for financial assistance , the report said . `` Reasonable '' people could construe Moore 's `` continued involvement in assisting OneUnited as the dispensing of special favors or privileges to OneUnited , '' the report concluded . Waters refuted that allegation as well Tuesday . `` If you 're going to wrap this all around creating these violations because I failed to supervise my staff , it does n't hold water , they do n't have any proof of that and I maintain that I want to go to trial or whatever they want to call it -- adjudicatory hearing -- because I think I do n't deserve this , '' she said . Waters is the second high-ranking Democrat now facing a public ethics trial this fall . New York Rep. Charlie Rangel , the former chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee , has been accused of 13 violations of House rules involving alleged financial wrongdoing and harming the credibility of Congress . The prospect of inquiries into the two high-profile Democrats has compounded the fears of congressional Democrats nervous about their prospects in mid-term elections in November . The growing likelihood of trials for Waters and Rangel also adds the explosive element of race to the political equation . Both representatives are leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus , and OneUnited Bank is one of the largest minority-owned banks in America . Waters alluded to race Tuesday on Joyner 's show , which is broadcast over the Internet on BlackAmericaWeb.com . `` The OCE -LRB- Office of Congressional Ethics -RRB- is poorly constructed . You do n't know who is charging you with what or brought a claim against you or who brought the information to the OCE ... of all the information claimed or accusations brought to them , they think that African-Americans are the only ones who they move further with investigation on , '' she said . CNN 's Alan Silverleib contributed to this report .
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Rep. Maxine Waters refutes allegations of ethical improprieties . Waters has been charged with helping a bank linked to her husband . Waters says she wants to go to trial . She is one of two prominent African-American Congressional Democrats facing ethic charges .
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Kabul , Afghanistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The Taliban has executed a pregnant widow accused of adultery in western Afghanistan , provincial and district officials said Monday . The 47-year-old woman , Sanam Gul , also known as Sanam Bibi , was killed in Badghis province Saturday morning , said Ashrafuddin Majidi , the provincial governor 's spokesman . The district governor of Qades , Hashim Habibi , confirmed the execution . He said the woman was accused of adultery that left her pregnant . The Taliban shadow district governor , Mullah Abdul Hakim , and his judge ordered the woman to be executed , he said . Mohammad Yousuf , a Taliban commander , carried out the execution , shooting the woman in her head , Habibi said . The International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan condemned the killing . `` This tragic gruesome brutality is an example of Taliban justice , '' said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres , director of the ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center . `` This is not what the people of Afghanistan want -- they want peace and freedom and that 's what we 're going to help provide . '' The statement from the ISAF cited reports that the widow was whipped 200 times before she was shot .
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The 47-year-old woman was killed Saturday morning . The Taliban accused her of adultery , a local official said . Woman was whipped before she was shot .
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Islamabad , Pakistan -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A suspected U.S. drone strike killed 12 militants in Pakistan 's volatile tribal area late Saturday , officials told CNN . Two intelligence officials say a militant hideout was targeted by a missile in the village of Issori in North Waziristan , one of the seven districts of Pakistan 's tribal region bordering Afghanistan . Officials asked to not be named because they were not allowed to talk to the media .
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NEW : Suspected U.S. drone kills 12 militants in Pakistan 's tribal region . The target was a militant hideout in North Waziristan , officials say .
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NEW YORK -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Amid ominous economic forecasts and repeated bleak reports about America 's financial future , messages of hope can be hard to come by . New billboards offer upbeat messages to get people to stay positive during the recession . One advertising campaign , dubbed `` Recession 101 , '' has hit the nation 's roadsides with an array of slogans aimed at getting people to think optimistically during the recession . The economic `` lessons , '' which include such catchphrases such as `` self worth beats net worth , '' and `` stop obsessing about the economy , you 're scaring the children , '' started going up in May and now number around 2,000 postings across the country , according to Jeff Golimowski of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America . Members of the OAAA donated printing , materials and billboard space , while a private anonymous donor paid for the campaign 's design , Golimowski said . Recession 101 currently exists in more than 30 states , among them Michigan and Rhode Island , which have been hit particularly hard by the current economic downturn . The clever expressions , presented on backdrops meant to look like lined notepad paper , can be found on digital billboards , traditional billboards and posters . `` This will end long before those who started it are paroled , '' one billboard reads . Most of the mottos do not take a cynical view , though . `` Recession 101 is n't selling anything other than the American spirit , '' the campaign 's Web site reads .
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Recession billboards offer upbeat messages during rough economic times . Ad campaign pops up in 30 states , including hard-hit Michigan , Rhode Island . Anonymous donor paid for campaign 's design .
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-LRB- Wired -RRB- -- Apple has announced that CEO Steve Jobs will be emceeing the company 's annual Worldwide Developers Conference keynote on June 7 in San Francisco . Continuing his trend of doing one-to-one e-mail marketing for his $ 43 billion -LRB- revenue -RRB- company , Jobs himself helped tout the conference with a personal e-mail to a customer over the weekend . The developer 's conference attracts greater than usual attention because , for the past two years , Apple has used the venue to announce the latest version of its iPhone . Gizmodo may have spoiled the surprise this year by leaking what has been confirmed by Apple legal as a prototype of the fourth-generation iPhone . However , in an e-mail exchange with a customer over the weekend , Jobs said the event would still pack a punch . `` I hope you have some good WWDC announcements to blow -LSB- Google -RSB- out of the water , '' a customer wrote to Jobs on Saturday . `` You wo n't be disappointed , '' the CEO responded , according to a report published on MacRumors.com . As usual , the keynote address will be held in the Moscone West conference center to kick off the five-day WWDC conference , which includes hands-on sessions for software developers to become familiar with iPhone OS 4 and Mac OS X . In addition to new iPhone hardware , Apple is expected to give further details on its next-generation mobile operating system , iPhone OS 4 . The company in March previewed iPhone OS 4 , which introduces support for multitasking and the ability to group apps in folders , among other features . Apple 's 5,000-seat WWDC 2010 event sold out in eight days . The conference is designed to recruit and educate developers supporting Apple 's iPhone OS and Mac OS platforms . The importance of WWDC continues to increase as Apple 's rivalry with Google becomes more fierce in the mobile space . Google last week held its sold-out Android developer conference , Google I/O , where executives spent a generous amount of time delivering potshots on Apple 's iPhone platform . `` If Google did n't act , we face a draconian future . One man , one company , one device would control our future , '' Vic Gundotra , vice president of engineering of Google , told attendees at the conference . `` If you believe in openness and choice , welcome to Android . '' Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $ 1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT ! Click here ! Copyright 2010 Wired.com .
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Steve Jobs ' keynote address will kick off Apple 's five-day WWDC conference . `` You wo n't be disappointed -LSB- with my keynote -RSB- , '' said the Apple CEO in an e-mail to a customer . Gizmodo may have spoiled the surprise by leaking a prototype of the new iPhone . Apple is also expected to talk about its next-generation mobile operating system .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- BP officials have turned to a new source for help with their oil cleanup efforts : actor Kevin Costner . The oil giant announced Monday that it had ordered 32 machines from Costner 's company , the actor told CNN in an exclusive interview on `` AC360 . '' The machines use a centrifuge mechanism to separate oil from water and recycle the crude at the same time , Costner said . `` This is the key , it 's the linchpin to people going back to work . It 's certainly a way to fight oil spills in the 21st century , '' he said . `` It creates an efficiency where there are no efficiencies out there , and it 's been a long time coming . '' Costner said he had been working on developing the machine since 1992 or 1993 with the help of his brother , a scientist . Each machine weighs about 4,000 pounds , he said , and will allow crews to collect more oil . `` Skimmers are picking up 90 percent water , 10 percent oil , and they throw it into a barge ... What this machine simply does , in that particular case , will give a pure payload . Suddenly a barge will be coming back to shore with 99 percent oil as opposed to the other way around , '' he said . Got an idea to fix the oil disaster ? Share solutions and views . Costner described the machine to a congressional committee last week . `` It may seem an unlikely scenario that I 'm the one delivering this technology at this moment in time , but from where I 'm sitting , it is equally inconceivable that these machines are not already in place , '' he said . CNN 's Anderson Cooper contributed to this report .
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Actor Kevin Costner says BP has ordered 32 of his company 's oil cleanup machines . Costner began developing machine with brother in early '90s . Devices use centrifuge to separate oil from water , recycle crude .
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Atlanta , Georgia -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Serial killing suspect Elias Abuelazam agreed in an Atlanta courtroom Friday to be sent back to Michigan to face charges . Abuelazam did not appear in court for a second hearing , which had been scheduled because his lawyer had not arrived in time to attend the first . His attorney , Edwar Zeineh , agreed to allow his client to return to Michigan , where the lawyer is based . `` We look forward at this point for the criminal justice process to commence ... and in the end provide a result , '' Zeineh told reporters outside the courthouse . Abuelazam is suspected of slashing 18 victims in three states , killing five . He is charged in Michigan with one count of assault with intent to commit murder , Zeineh said . Abuelazam agreed in Friday 's first hearing to waive an extradition hearing , a court proceeding in which Michigan would have made its case on why he should be returned and Abuelazam could have argued why he should not . The towering suspect , dressed in a black jail jumpsuit , seemed confused in the morning session as to what the hearing was about and what his options were . At one point he asked Fulton County Superior Court Magistrate Judge Richard Hicks what extradition means . Michigan authorities will have 15 working days to pick him up and deliver him to the state . Tracy Flanagan , an official with the Fulton County Sheriff 's Office , said the extradition paperwork on Abuelazam is complete . `` The suspect is ready for pickup by Michigan authorities and they have been notified . No word on when they 're coming . This all depends on how quickly they can coordinate transport , '' Flanagan said . Abuelazam , an Israeli citizen living legally in the United States , was arrested Wednesday night at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta . He was trying to board a flight to Israel when he was taken into custody , police said . Police had Abuelazam in custody twice in the past month , both within hours of when stabbings were reported , but he was released . Police say he had n't been linked to the bloody attacks at the time . He was arrested on August 5 after a traffic stop and on July 29 for giving alcohol to a minor , according to authorities and court documents . During the traffic stop in Arlington , Virginia , police arrested him after learning that he had an outstanding warrant for assault . They found a knife and hammer in his car -- both weapons authorities now think were used during a string of stabbings in Michigan , Virginia and Ohio . One of those attacks happened in Virginia just hours after Abuelazam was released . Police say he had not been linked at that time to the stabbings , which began in May and continued until last weekend . Family members of the victims told CNN they do not blame officials for not holding Abuelazam initially . Stephanie Ward , a sister of one of the victims in Flint , said she could n't understand why someone would kill her brother , Arnold Minor . `` Why ? That 's what we all want to know . How could you do that ? '' she asked . Most of the stabbing victims were black . Although federal officials said late on Thursday it was too soon to give a motive , Leesburg , Virginia , Police Chief Joseph Price said he believed the attacker was targeting African-Americans . `` For our community ... when you look at our demographics and you look at the victims here , my belief is he selected the victims in Leesburg based on the color of their skin , '' Price said . Abuelazam also was cited by police in Michigan . He was fined $ 125 for providing alcohol to a minor on July 29 , the same day an early morning stabbing was reported in the area . A tip eventually led Michigan police this week to a market where the suspect worked , said prosecutor David S. Leyton of Genesee County , Michigan . After talking with employees , police watched surveillance video to determine whether he matched the physical description of the attacker . In Louisville , Kentucky , authorities learned Abuelazam had bought a $ 3,000 ticket from Atlanta to Tel Aviv , Israel , paid for by his uncle . The man was traveling on an expired Israeli passport but was in the United States legally , said a federal law enforcement official involved in the investigation . U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said they arrested Abuelazam at 10 p.m. as he attempted to board the Delta flight bound for Tel Aviv . A homeland security official told CNN the National Targeting Center had found his name on the passenger list . Authorities have said the same person is responsible for three recent attacks in Leesburg , the stabbing deaths of five people and woundings of nine others in the Flint , Michigan , area , and a stabbing on Saturday that wounded a man in Toledo , Ohio . Most of the 14 victims in Michigan were African-American , police said . Flint is a majority African-American community . In majority-white Leesburg , two victims were black and one was Latino . Several of the victims were also developmentally disabled , police said . Abuelazam once worked at North Spring Behavioral Healthcare in Leesburg , the center said Friday . `` His employment at North Spring ended in 2008 , '' Scott Zeiter , the center 's chief executive , said in a statement . `` We understand that he may be a suspect in certain crimes committed in 2010 . Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families . '' The Michigan attacks took place from May 24 through August 2 . The three attacks in Virginia occurred Tuesday , Thursday and Friday of last week . The Michigan victims ranged in age from 17 to 60 , authorities said . All were men , and in two cases they were people with special needs . The suspect is said to have approached victims who were walking during the early morning hours , asking for directions or other assistance to lure them close to his car , police said . Sgt. Bill Wauford of the Toledo Police Department said the method of attack in the Ohio case matched that described in the Michigan incidents . The five Michigan fatalities have been identified as David Motley , Emmanuel Dent , Darwin Marshall , Frank Kellybrew and Arnold Minor . `` We ought to remember the victims in all of this , '' prosecutor Leyton said . `` You have real people who have died and real families who have been torn apart . Our heart goes out to them . '' Investigators said more charges are expected . CNN 's Susan Candiotti and Jeanne Meserve contributed to this report .
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Elias Abuelazam declined to change his plea at a second hearing . He is linked to 18 stabbings in Michigan , Virginia and Ohio , police say . Authorities say he was in custody twice before they knew he was a suspect . He was arrested this week at the airport in Atlanta on suspicion of killing five people .
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Editor 's note : The staff at CNN.com has recently been intrigued by the journalism of VICE , an independent media company and website based in Brooklyn , New York . VBS.TV is Vice 's broadband television network . The reports , which are produced solely by VICE , reflect a transparent approach to journalism , where viewers are taken along on every step of the reporting process . We believe this unique reporting approach is worthy of sharing with our CNN.com readers . Lebanon 's southern border with Israel -LRB- VBS.TV -RRB- -- Deposited along Lebanon 's southern border with Israel are vast numbers of American-made cluster bombs buried beneath the grasses of the region 's valleys . Originally used by the Israeli military to combat Hezbollah forces firing rockets across the border , the bombs impacted in the soil were being ferreted out by a small U.N. team from the French battalion . Eddy Moretti , VBS 's creative director , and a small film crew donned camouflaged PPO -- protective personal equipment -- and tagged along on one of their minesweeping missions in October 2007 . We were brought first to an abandoned soccer field . Yellow rope was strung around the field and the surrounding forest , indicating areas that had already been cleared . One soldier stood over a patch of grass and a small pile of scrap metal . `` This morning , we started here at 6:00 . Two hours later , '' he said , pointing to a the yellow rope four feet farther into the forest , `` we are here . '' The team estimates that it has scanned about 18 percent of the area that the Israeli army blanketed in cluster bombs during the conflicts with Hezbollah . Every time a single bomb is launched , it releases dozens of submunitions that fall across the landscape , many of which fail to detonate and now cover about 12,500 square meters of the region . By the time we met up with the team , it had retrieved 53 submunitions . They believe that approximately 1 million of the parent bombs are hidden in Lebanon 's southern valleys alone . Procedurally , the task is daunting : Inch by inch , they push forward , chopping the long grasses with garden shears to increase ground visibility and then running over the area slowly with minesweepers . The minesweepers are handheld devices that look like typical metal detectors , emitting a variety of high-pitched whines that vary depending on the density of the ground . This day , the team pushed on together slowly , sensitive to each of the various frequencies and graciously telling us as soon as they found something . By the end of the afternoon , they had unearthed a single submunition -- not a bad haul by any stretch . It was a 155-millimeter explosive about the size of a fist . This represents just one of 88 submunitions that are held inside each American-made cluster bomb . The team detonated the explosive , surrounding it with sandbags and standing a safe distance away . After the explosion , Eddy surveyed a large hunk of detonated submunition : `` Two lives saved ? '' The French U.N. team leader nodded . `` Yes , two lives . Or two legs . '' See more of this story at VBS.TV .
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Bombs buried in the soil along Lebanon 's southern border with Israel were ferreted out . Small U.N. team from the French battalion assigned to remove cluster bombs . Team estimates it 's scanned about 18 percent of the area blanketed in cluster bombs .
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`` Pikachu , I choose you ! '' With those words , 400 Pokémon players from 26 countries around the world will vie Saturday and Sunday for the title of World Champion in the 2010 Pokémon Video Game Championships in Kona , Hawaii . Kids and teens compete in two age groups by playing the `` Pokémon HeartGold '' and `` SoulSilver '' versions of the titles available on the Nintendo DS console . U.S. champions and qualifiers will do battle against winners from competitions in Japan , the United Kingdom , Germany , France and Spain . The U.S. competition started in May and lasted two months before crowning 11-year-old Wade Stanley of San Diego , California , and 16-year-old Wesley Morioka , of Chicago , Illinois , as champions in the Juniors and Seniors age groups . The Pokémon universe is made up of more than 490 creatures that players can find , capture , train , trade , collect and use in battle against their rivals in the quest to become Pokémon Trainers . Each Pokémon is classified by a specific type -- such as Fire , Water , Grass , Psychic , and Fighting -- and each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses to create a rock-paper-scissors-style balance . In the video games , players collect and befriend Pokémon from the wild and train them to battle each other . Pokémon are never seriously harmed in these battles ; they merely faint , returning to their Poké Balls to rest and be fully healed at a later time . The Pokémon video game franchise has continued to enjoy great success since its inception in Japan in 1996 for the GameBoy handheld console . It arrived on the shores of the United States two years later and spawned a craze that created cartoons , card games , movies and more than 20 more video game titles . It is the second most successfulvideo game franchise of all time -LRB- Mario is first -RRB- with more than 207 million games sold worldwide . Their recent titles , `` HeartGold '' and `` SoulSilver , '' have sold 8.4 million copies worldwide , including 2.2 million in the U.S. , since their release in March 2010 . JC Smith , director of marketing for Pokémon , says the lasting draw of the game is its characters and storyline . `` The games provide a type of way to experience the world -- the story of adventure , training , being the best , '' Smith said . `` It is a compelling world that draws players in . '' Smith said the franchise allows players to play seriously but still have fun . He said there are players who like the strategy and the competition of the battle as well as collectors who enjoy exploring the vast Pokémon world in an attempt to `` catch them all . '' Junior Champ Wade Stanley said he just thought it was fun . `` I 've been playing for about three years and I 'm 11 years old now , '' Stanley said . `` It just looked good for my age at the time and I was just having fun . '' Senior Champ Wesley Morioka `` blames '' his uncle and aunt for getting him hooked on Pokémon 11 years ago . `` I received my first GameBoy as a present from my uncle and aunt from Texas when we went down to visit them , '' Morioka said . `` As we started to play the games we got with it , we decided to stop at a store to buy other games and we saw Pokémon and decided to buy it . '' Both Stanley and Morioka said they put a lot of thought into their Pokémon teams for the competitions and practice against older siblings because no one their own ages will play them . `` The only person who will battle is my sister , Tiffany , '' who is 17 , Stanley said . `` Because everyone else is going to lose . '' Morioka thinks he 's put in about 2,000 to 3,000 hours of actual game play over the past 11 years , not counting time spent researching , planning and practicing . He said battling against unknown people makes the game fun for him . `` I love the whole anticipation for upcoming tournaments and to see how the training , time , and effort finish at the end of the day , '' he said . Smith said the competitions give the kids a sense of purpose for all the hours of play they put into Pokémon . At the events , the kids enjoy being around people who love the same thing they do . `` The depth of the game is unbelievable , '' Smith said . `` Side quests , collecting , there is just so much to keep you entertained and -LSB- make you -RSB- fall in love with the characters . '' Last year , Jeremiah Fan of San Jose , California , defeated Japan 's Santa Ito for first place in the Junior Division . In Senior Division , Japanese champion Kazuyuki Tsuji beat teammate Tasuku Mano for first place . Morioka was confident about bringing home the Senior Division trophy , but Stanley was a little less confident about his chances for the Juniors title . `` I feel like I 'm going to get matched up against the Japanese who always do well , '' he said . `` But I 'm going to prepare and I 'm going to be ready . '' Pokémon has been holding championship tournaments for its video game version and the trading card version since 2004 .
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Hawaii will play host to hundreds hoping to be world Pokémon video game champions . Pokémon launched in 1996 in Japan , two years later in the United States . U.S. champ has put in as many as 3,000 hours on Pokémon , is confident he can win worlds . Creators say Pokémon games appeal to serious and casual players alike .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- New Orleans architect Mark Ripple only plays the occasional game of poker , but he 's willing to put all his chips on the table and risk at least $ 150,000 on somebody else 's dream . That 's the estimated value of in kind contributions that Ripple , his partners and consultants are donating to build what 's been dubbed the 9th Ward Field of Dreams -- a community track and athletic field in part of the city hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina more than four years ago . When it 's all said and done next summer , his firm Eskew + Dumez + Ripple will have given an estimated 500 man-hours toward a $ 2-million project that 's become a symbol of community recovery . `` The hurricane was such a transformational experience , '' said Ripple , an architect for 30 years and a lifelong New Orleans resident . When Katrina flooded Ripple 's family home under 8 feet of water , it changed him . When he found himself accepting help from friends who ripped out useless drywall , swept out mud and tossed ruined beds through the windows , it changed him . `` I went through this with my wife and kids in a house that I built and renovated with my own two hands , '' he said . Storm damage forced his firm to take up temporary offices in another city an hour away . `` When that routine is ripped away from you , you get a different appreciation for what it means in your life . You get a better understanding of how important that is to who you are and what you do . You ca n't really appreciate that until it 's been taken from you . '' Like many other residents , the pain gave way to a mission . Brian Bordainick , a 24-year-old athletic director at Carver High School in the 9th Ward , made his pitch to Ripple and his partners : Help build a new stadium for the neighborhood , and make a powerful statement about New Orleans ' ability to overcome Katrina by working together as a community . `` The rebuilding of this broken city is a very emotional thing for me and I 'm very passionate about it , '' said Ripple . `` So it was another way to recover our life and regain what we had prior to the storm . '' The sports facilities at Carver -- once a perennial football powerhouse -- were devastated by Katrina . Like many of the city 's schools , enrollment plummeted after the storm as residents fled and never returned . Students now attend classes in eight portable trailers . The football team practices in an abandoned lot . In late 2008 , Bordainick went to work -- online and in New Orleans executive offices -- rallying support for a new neighborhood track and field facility paid for with thousands of individual and corporate donations of time , services , materials and cash . `` Those of us over 50 often become jaded , '' said Ripple . `` People say you ca n't do this and you ca n't do that -- it 's just so refreshing to have somebody Brian 's age step up and ask the basic question , ` Why the hell not ? ' '' `` It 's really interesting to see why certain people come to the table , '' said Bordainick . `` Mark was one of those guys from the get-go who wanted to help out , and he just happened to be an architect . He was a guy first and foremost who believed what this could do for the city and he was like , ` Oh yeah , and I happen to have an architectural company that we can use to help further this goal . ' '' By the time Ripple -- a former wrestler at Jesuit High School -- heard Bordainick 's pitch , he was committed . Both of Ripple 's older brothers were multisport athletes who played football in high school and college . `` Athletics can teach kids discipline , commitment , perseverance , goal-setting , and give kids a social outlet , a sense of belonging and improved self - esteem , '' Ripple said . A neighborhood sports facility would only do more to foster these values among 9th Ward kids , he said . According to Bordainick , Ripple 's community status brought credibility to the project early on . At the same time , Bordainick said , Ripple has completely given himself over to the cause . `` If you talk to him about the project for 20 or 30 minutes , he 's going to start to cry , '' said Bordainick , who came to New Orleans after Katrina as part of the nonprofit Teach for America program . `` He 's that type of guy . '' Big gamble . But as the clock ticks toward the disaster 's fifth anniversary , it 's apparent Ripple and his partners have invested in a big gamble . Although the school expects to kick off its opening football game at the new field on Katrina 's August anniversary , the project remains about $ 700,000 short of its goal . And Bordainick insists construction will not begin as planned in March until 100 percent of the funds are raised . `` We do n't want the project to stall after we break ground , '' said Bordainick . `` If we stall , we may lose momentum and the project never finishes . '' Under a worst-case scenario , the hundreds of work hours , countless resources and materials donated by Ripple 's firm could yield zero results unless all $ 2 million of the project 's estimated price tag is raised by Valentine 's Day . `` As far as I 'm concerned , to use a poker analogy , we 're all in , '' laughs Ripple . `` Sometimes what it takes is just perseverance and pushing and pushing , even when it gets fatiguing . It 's worth the risk . We 're gon na make it happen . '' Long before the storm , Ripple and his partners had established their firm as a highly respected regional player in architecture and design -- jointly renovating and expanding the New Orleans Museum of Art , the Fair Grounds Race Course and the Aquarium of the Americas . Four years after Katrina , the business of architecture in New Orleans has taken on a different tone , said Ripple . `` Architects can be a catalyst for change in the community and they can make a difference . And I had never thought of architecture in those terms until after the storm . '' In addition to the Field of Dreams , other Eskew + Dumez + Ripple projects are directly connected to erasing the results of Katrina 's wrath . The firm is part of a joint venture to build a new federal Veterans Affairs hospital to replace one severely damaged in the storm . In another high-profile project , partner Allen Eskew plays a key role in the city 's post-Katrina reconstruction planning . The storm has been a boon to the local construction and renovation industry , a sharp contrast to the national construction business as a whole , which has been slowed by economic recession . Ripple 's grateful for the boom -- in part because it helps the firm offset pro-bono work . `` In that regard , the Field of Dreams project has n't hurt us tremendously financially because we do have enough work volume to absorb that cost , '' Ripple said . Green designs . Over the summer , plans for the field have solidified , including design components that are environmentally friendly . If completed , the Field of Dreams would be among the greenest facilities of its kind in the nation , said Bordainick . Special drainage will help protect the area around the stadium from storm water runoff , said Ripple . Katrina illustrated all too well that New Orleans is susceptible to flooding . Actor Brad Pitt 's New Orleans recovery group , Make It Right , has some experience with drainage issues , Ripple said , and Pitt 's organization is consulting on the project with partner Steve Dumez . Stadium plans call for field lights which will be carbon-neutral and operate at half the cost of traditional lights . Outbuildings on the property will have vegetation on the roofs , helping keep the buildings cooler and reducing energy consumption . One especially innovative feature under consideration is a running track surface made from recycled athletic shoes . Nike , which has donated $ 100,000 toward construction of the field , has developed a synthetic material called Nike Grind consisting of ground-up rubber and polyurethane from discarded shoes . `` It 's a very scary time for our project right now , '' said Bordainick . `` We have a lot of money left to raise and our timelines are real . '' Describing the emotional pull that drew Ripple to make such a total commitment to Bordainick 's dream , the architect said , `` There 's a deeper meaning that projects take on when you feel like you 're serving a larger purpose . ''
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Architect whose home was flooded by Katrina works pro-bono to build $ 2-million high school stadium . `` There 's a deeper meaning ... when you feel like you 're serving a larger purpose , '' he says . Firm 's $ 150k donation may be fruitless if funds are n't raised in time . `` It 's a very scary time for our project right now , '' says school athletic director .
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For the next two months , Australian polar explorer Eric Philips will be guiding the crew aboard the Greenpeace ship , the `` Arctic Sunrise . '' They 're navigating the waters around Greenland to chart the impact of climate change . Philips filed this blog as part of CNN 's special `` Going Green . '' PETERMANN GLACIER , Greenland -- I 'm writing this blog from Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland , where a cold katabatic wind is blowing off the ice onto the deck of the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise . A polar bear checks its reflection in the Robeson channel , near the border between Greenland and Canada . The ship is here on a scientific research mission , and to document the effects of climate warming on the world 's largest island and second largest icecap . I 'm on board as the expedition safety guide , which means making sure that everyone venturing off the ship is well-equipped and well-informed for dealing with conditions in the harsh and remote Arctic wilderness . While it 's exciting to work beside world-class scientists such as ice-sheet climatologist Jason Box , glaciologist Alun Hubbard and geophysicist Richard Bates , it 's equally disheartening to be here bearing witness to the catastrophic events they record . Watch Eric Philip 's video blog '' Each year I guide ski expeditions across the pack ice to the North Geographic Pole and each year brings new surprises -- severe storms rarely seen in these parts , vast tracts of first-year ice where there should be years of accumulation , pack ice drifting faster and farther than ever before . The veneer of fractured ice over the Arctic Ocean is changing , disintegrating before my eyes . Over the last twenty years more than 5000 kilometers of ice has passed beneath my skis during numerous expeditions to both poles , as well as treks across Greenland , Spitsbergen , Iceland , Ellesmere Island and the Patagonian Icecap . Add to this multiple voyages and flights to both Antarctica and the Arctic and I have come to feel part of the polar landscape . I 've developed somewhat of a polar sense , and I sense there is something afoot that I do n't much like . Never before has the channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland been this ice-free in mid-summer ; it 's usually blocked with ice until August . Over the past week we 've placed GPS trackers and time-lapse cameras on and around the Petermann Glacier , in anticipation of it losing a piece of ice around 100 square kilometers in size . Massive cracks are spearing across the `` tongue '' of this enormous floating ice shelf -LRB- 16km wide and 80km long -RRB- heralding one of the biggest glacier calvings ever recorded in the northern hemisphere . See photos of the Petermann Glacier '' With the ice shelf no longer able to hold back the rest of glacier , that means more fresh water sliding into the ocean . Broadly speaking , the warmer the climate , the greater the melt . This phenomenon is happening not just at Petermann , but at glaciers worldwide , contributing to sea level rise . We 'll be in Greenland for the next two months , during which time this Greenpeace-supported initiative will all but circumnavigate the island . As well as doing a lot of funky innovative science , we 'll be using the expedition to get politicians to take some responsibility for curbing emissions . This week , world leaders are meeting up in Italy for the G8 . It 's a real -- and possibly the last -- opportunity for them to take a stand on climate change in the run up to this December 's climate meeting in Copenhagen , by making cuts of 40 percent in greenhouse gas emissions for developed countries . My dual homelands are Australia and the Arctic -- the latter is showing the strain of climate change more than anywhere else , but Australia is suffering too , with droughts in the south and flooding in the north . Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will be at the G8 meeting , as will President Obama and other heads of state . Let 's hope they do n't squander this important opportunity to make deep and lasting commitments to curbing climate change .
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Scientists on board `` Arctic Sunrise '' are charting impact of climate change . Started a three-month expedition on June 10 to waters around Greenland . Experienced polar explorer Eric Philips is providing safety advice for the crew . Philips : `` I sense there is something afoot that I do n't much like ''
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced some far-reaching proposals Monday for restructuring the massive budget at his agency , including getting rid of the U.S. Joint Forces Command . The cuts could mean a loss of thousands of jobs . The current Defense Department budget totals more than $ 530 billion a year , and defense officials believe they need increases of 2 to 3 percent a year to sustain the force structure and meet modernization needs . However , the recession caused the department to propose a 1 percent budget increase for next year , and the cuts announced Monday were intended to help hold down overall costs . `` We must be mindful of the difficult economic and fiscal situation facing our nation , '' Gates told reporters at the Pentagon . `` As a matter of principle and political reality , the Department of Defense can not expect America 's elected representatives to approve budget increases each year unless we are doing a good job , indeed , everything possible to make every dollar count . '' Gate 's acknowledged the plan was `` politically fraught , '' and congressional criticism began even before Gates was finished announcing the moves . The proposal to eliminate the Joint Forces Command , which is based in Norfolk , Virginia , met with opposition from both the state 's U.S. Democratic senators . Sen. Jim Webb released a statement saying getting rid of it `` would be a step backward and could be harmful '' to the military , while Sen. Mark Warner said : `` I can see no rational basis for dismantling '' the Joint Forces Command . The command , which has an annual budget of $ 240 million and 2,800 military and civilian employees , is one of the department 's 10 `` combatant commands . '' Unlike most of the others , it does not have a particular global region of responsibility , such as Central Command that is responsible for the Middle East . The command is made up of soldiers , sailors , airmen and Marines who are trained and equipped to work together in response to the needs of other combatant commands . It grew out of the old Atlantic Command and became the Joint Forces Command in 1999 . Gen. James Mattis had been commander until he was recently picked to become Centcom commander . Gen. Raymond Odierno , currently head of U.S. forces in Iraq , has been picked to run the Joint Forces Command . `` I told Ray that his assignment at JFCOM is essentially the same as his assignment in Iraq , and that is working himself out of a job . '' Gates said . Eliminating the Joint Forces Command is just one of a wide-ranging series of proposals presented by Gates . Others include : . -- Eliminating some of the 65 military boards and commissions to cut the budget for them by 25 percent in fiscal year 2011 ; . -- A review of all Defense Department intelligence to eliminate needless duplication ; . -- Eliminating the Defense Department 's Business Transformation Agency , which has day-to-day oversight of acquisition programs that would be handled by others in the department ; . -- Reducing funding for service support contractors by 10 percent a year for each of the next three years ; . -- Freezing the number of jobs in the Officer of the Secretary of Defense , the Defense Agencies and Combatant Commands at current levels ; . -- Seeking to stop `` brass creep , '' a term former Sen. John Glenn used for situations when higher-ranking officers were doing jobs that lower ranking officers could handle . To address that problem , Gates is ordering a freeze on the number of generals , admirals and senior civilian officials at current levels . Gates was adamant that the Pentagon must change its way of thinking about money . `` The culture of endless money that has taken hold must be replaced by a culture of savings and restraint , '' Gates said . `` Toward this end , I am directing that any new proposal or initiatives , large or small , be it policy , program or ceremony , come with a cost estimate . That price tag will help us determine whether what we are gaining or hope to gain is really worth the cost . ''
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Defense Department budget cuts could mean the loss of thousands of jobs . Virginia senators oppose possible elimination of Joint Forces Command . Recession leads to lower proposed increase for next year . Defense Secretary Robert Gates announces cuts to hold down overall costs .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- At least one member of the jury that sentenced Cameron Todd Willingham to death in the arson homicides of his three children says she is struggling with the idea that she might have convicted an innocent man . It has been 17 years since Willingham was convicted in Texas of setting a house fire that killed his children , a crime Willingham vehemently denied right up until his execution in 2004 . Since that time , three investigations have concluded arson was not the likely cause of the 1991 fire , including one that arrived in Texas Gov. Rick Perry 's office 88 minutes before the scheduled execution . Perry replaced four of nine members of the Texas Forensics Sciences Commission in recent weeks , just before the commission was to receive a report from the latest of the three investigations . The controversy has led juror Dorenda Brokofsky to think twice about the decision she made in a jury room in 1992 . `` I do n't sleep at night because of a lot of this , '' Brokofsky said . `` I have gone back and forth in my mind trying to think of anything that we missed . I do n't like the fact that years later someone is saying maybe we made a mistake , that the facts are n't what they could 've been . '' Brokofsky spoke with CNN by phone from her Midwest home . She has long since moved away from tiny Corsicana , Texas , where the fire took place . `` I do have doubts now , '' she said . `` I mean , we can only go with what we knew at the time , but I do n't like the fact now that maybe this man was executed by our word because of evidence that is not true . It may not be true now . And I do n't like the fact that I may have to face my God and explain what I did . '' `` When you 're sitting there with all those facts , there was nothing else we could see , '' she said . `` Now I do n't know . I ca n't tell you he 's innocent , I ca n't say 100 percent he 's guilty . '' Brokofsky had another revelation . She said she thought she would be excluded from the jury because of her family 's close relationship with key witness and then-Corsicana Assistant Fire Chief Douglas Fogg . Her father was also a fire marshal for eight years before the Willingham fire . `` I was raised with my father being a fire marshal , '' she said . `` He went around proving that stuff , so he was n't here at that time . But I knew Doug Fogg , who was one of the witnesses . It was no secret , but I did n't think they would pick me as a juror because of it . '' Critics say Perry 's recent actions to shake up the commission were politically motivated , a charge he denies . Perry 's office said it received a five-page fax on the day of the execution that contained an arson expert 's findings that the fire was not deliberately set . It is unclear whether Perry read the fax . `` Given the brevity of the report and the general counsel 's familiarity with all the other facts in the case , there was ample time for the general counsel to read and analyze the report and to brief the governor on its contents , '' Perry spokeswoman Allison Castle said . Willingham was executed less than two hours later . Death-penalty opponents say an impartial review of Willingham 's case could lead to an unprecedented admission -- that the state executed an innocent man . The latest report concluded that the arson ruling at the heart of Willingham 's conviction `` could not be sustained '' by modern science or the standards of the time . Perry said he remains confident Willingham was guilty , as do authorities in Corsicana , south of Dallas , who prosecuted Willingham . Willingham 's wife 's brother , Ronnie Kuykendall , said in a signed affidavit that Stacy Willingham told her family that Todd Willingham confessed to killing the children during her visit to him on death row a few days before the execution . But Stacy Willingham testified for her husband during his trial , while her family argued he was guilty . CNN could not reach her for comment . Even Willingham 's defense attorney , David Martin , remains confident his client committed the crime . `` There was no question whatsoever that he was guilty , '' Martin said on CNN 's `` AC360 '' Thursday night . Martin slammed the most recent report on the Willing ham case , by Maryland arson expert Craig Beyler , as `` one of the least objective reports I 've ever read . '' On Thursday , Perry also lambasted the Beyler report as having `` a very politically driven agenda '' and being propaganda for the anti-death penalty movement . Beyler , asked about Perry 's statements , said they were `` strange and clueless . ''
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Cameron Todd Willingham maintained his innocence up until his execution in 2004 . Dorenda Brokofsky says new evidence makes her think she made wrong decision . `` I do n't like the fact that I may have to face my God and explain what I did , '' she says . 3 inquiries have concluded that arson was not likely cause of deaths .
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Istanbul , Turkey -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A remote-controlled roadside bomb ripped through a bus transporting Turkish military personnel and their families to a gendarmerie paramilitary base in Istanbul on Tuesday . Turkish authorities say three gendarmerie sergeants and the 17-year-old daughter of a member of the security forces were killed in the attack . A fourth wounded sergeant died in hospital hours after the bomb blast , an official at Istanbul 's TEM Hospital told CNN , raising the death toll to five . `` It was a remote-controlled , fragmentation bomb that was left on the side of the road , '' said Huseyin Avni Mutlu , the governor of Istanbul , in a televised appearance broadcast live from the scene of the explosion . `` This is a terrorist act . '' The bomb attack took place in the western , European side of the city . Mutlu said the device hit the third and last of a three-bus convoy that was traveling to the Istanbul Province Gendarmerie Command Center . CNN Turk , CNN 's sister network , broadcast images of the white civilian passenger bus standing in the middle of the road , with purple curtains blowing through shattered windows . The network also showed video of a man dressed in civilian clothes bleeding from the stomach , being loaded into an ambulance . A splinter Kurdish nationalist group , the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons , claimed responsibility for the bombing in a statement posted on the internet . `` All military forces and groups , bureaucratic persons who have a role in this racist war against Kurdish people are our target , '' said the statement , which was released on the pro-Kurdish web-site , the Firat News Agency . The Kurdistan Freedom Falcons are a splinter group from the Kurdistan Workers ' Party , or PKK , a movement of Marxist Kurdish guerrillas who have been fighting against the Turkish state since the 1980s . Tuesday 's deadly explosion comes at a time when the 26-year conflict between Turkish security forces and Kurdish PKK militants is once again flaring . Last week , a top Turkish army general announced the PKK was increasing the frequency of its attacks . General Fahri Kir said the militants are trying to expand operations beyond south-eastern , predominantly Kurdish-populated Turkey . PKK militants are making no secret of their threats to widen the battlefield in Turkey . `` If the military operations and the political operations do not stop against the guerrillas and the Kurdish people , the actions of the PKK will spread to the cities as well , '' said PKK spokesman Roj Welat , in a telephone call to CNN from northern Iraq . The PKK has been battling the Turkish government since the early 1980s . Initially , the movement fought to carve out a separate homeland for Turkey 's ethnic Kurdish minority , which makes up nearly 18 percent of the Turkish population , according to the CIA World Factbook . More then 30,000 people , mostly ethnic Kurds , have been killed during the conflict . In recent years , the rebels say they have given up their demands for an independent Kurdish state , and are instead fighting for more linguistic and cultural freedoms . Though the Kurds represent Turkey 's largest ethnic minority , their language has historically been suppressed by the Turkish state , which long referred to Kurds as `` mountain Turks . '' Twelve Turkish troops were killed in eastern Turkey last weekend during clashes with rebels along the border with Iraq . According to the Turkish military , at least 55 Turkish security forces have been killed in fighting with the PKK since the beginning of March . Turkish authorities said they were investigating links between Tuesday 's roadside bomb and a similar , less deadly bombing that targeted a police bus in the same Halkali district of Istanbul on June 8 . Fifteen police officers were injured in that attack . When asked about the previous police bus blast , Istanbul Police Chief Huseyin Capkin said there may be a connection . He added that authorities were investigating the possible link .
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NEW : 5 killed in Istanbul bus bombing . NEW : Kurdish splinter group issues claim of responsibility . NEW : Istanbul governor : ` This is a terrorist act '
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A controversial and leading U.S. general is in line to oversee the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan , according to U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates . U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis -- if he wins presidential and Senate approval -- will move from being the outgoing commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command to leading the U.S. Central Command , which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East and Southwest Asia , including Afghanistan , Pakistan and Iraq . The command also monitors Iran . He would take over the post left open by the departure of Gen. David Petraeus , who was asked to take over command of the war in Afghanistan . Mattis was an effective leader in the Marine Corps , in the eyes of the Pentagon , while commanding troops in Iraq and Afghanistan . Known for his straight talk and hard-core leadership of Marines in the 2004 battle of Falluja , Iraq , Mattis is considered a dark-horse pick by many in the halls of the Pentagon . His blunt talk has gotten him in trouble : In 2005 he said , `` It 's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them , '' referring to Afghan fighters . Asked if the general would be an effective leader for the Central Command region with the shadow of the comments still lingering , Gates said Thursday , `` Appropriate action was taken at the time . I think that the subsequent five years have demonstrated that the lesson was learned . '' `` Obviously , in the wake of the Rolling Stone interview , we discussed this kind of thing . And I have every confidence that General Mattis will respond to questions and speak publicly about the matters for which he is responsible in an entirely appropriate way , '' Gates said . The Rolling Stone interview led to the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal , then the commander in Afghanistan , because of negative comments about Obama administration officials made by him and his aides . Mattis ' comment in 2005 was made when the then-three-star general was in a panel discussion before an audience . `` Actually , it 's quite fun to fight them , you know . It 's a hell of a hoot , '' he said , prompting laughter from some military members in the audience . `` It 's fun to shoot some people . I 'll be right up there with you . I like brawling , '' he said . `` You go into Afghanistan , you got guys who slap women around for five years because they did n't wear a veil , '' he said . `` You know , guys like that ai n't got no manhood left anyway . So it 's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them . '' The commandant of the Marine Corps at the time , Gen. Michael Hagee , counseled Mattis about the remarks but defended him publicly , calling him `` one of this country 's bravest and most experienced military leaders . '' `` While I understand that some people may take issue with the comments made by him , I also know he intended to reflect the unfortunate and harsh realities of war , '' he said in a written statement . `` Lt. Gen. Mattis often speaks with a great deal of candor . '' Mattis also was the commanding general overseeing the case of the now-infamous slayings of civilians by Marines in Haditha , Iraq . Some 24 civilians were killed on November 19 , 2005 , in what a human rights group and military prosecutors said was a house-to-house rampage by Marines after a roadside bomb killed one of their comrades . Eight Marines were charged , and all but one were cleared , some of them by Mattis . Mattis also was the overseeing authority in the murder case involving eight Marines found guilty of taking part in a plot to drag an Iraqi man from his home , kill him and then make it look like the man was an insurgent . That incident occurred near the western Iraqi town of Hamdania in April 2006 . Mattis later cut the sentences of at least two of the Marines involved in the plot . Mattis had been preparing to retire after finishing his latest command , Gates said . `` General Mattis is one of our military 's outstanding combat leaders and strategic thinkers , bringing an essential mix of experience , judgment and perspective to this important post , '' Gates said . `` General Mattis has proven to be one of the military 's most innovative and iconoclastic thinkers . His insights into the nature of warfare in the 21st century have influenced my own views about how the armed forces must be shaped and postured for the future . ''
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Gen. James Mattis recommended as next Central Command leader . He is known for his leadership in the 2004 battle of Falluja . His blunt talk has gotten him in trouble . Defense secretary : Mattis will speak `` in an entirely appropriate way ''
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Authorities will resume their search Monday morning for the bodies of four men who are believed to have drowned in southeastern Idaho after one of them fell overboard and three others went missing trying to rescue him , the Power County Sheriff 's Department said . `` It is not confirmed they are deceased at this time -- presumption that they are -- but we can not confirm any deaths at this time or drowning , '' said Cpl. Leilani Morgan . The incident took place Sunday at the American Falls Reservoir , about 180 miles east-southeast of Boise . Five children -- all under the age of nine -- also were on the boat and have been rescued by authorities , according to the sheriff 's department . CNNRadio 's Matt Cherry contributed to this report .
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The men are presumed drowned at American Falls Reservoir in southeastern Idaho . Three men disappear while trying to save a fourth man .
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Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- School bullying is the target of a two-day summit in Washington that kicked off Wednesday morning with Education Secretary Arne Duncan saying bullying undermines learning in schools . `` It is an absolute travesty of our educational system when students fear for their safety at school , worry about being bullied , or suffer discrimination , taunts , because of their ethnicity , their religion , sexual orientation , disability , or host of other reasons , '' said Duncan . Just under a third of students ages 12-18 reported that they had been bullied in school in a recent study by the National Center for Education statistics . The study , done during the 2007-2008 school year , found that the harassment predominantly came in the form of `` being made fun of '' and `` being the subject of rumors . '' Bullying differs from teasing , according to Kevin Jennings with the Education Department 's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools , which is hosting the first-ever summit on bullying . One reason is that bullying generally involves a power imbalance , he said . . `` The key thing that defines bullying versus teasing is that bullying has ... an impact on the student 's ability to achieve and to want to be at school , '' Jennings said . `` Teasing sometimes is unpleasant but -LRB- if -RRB- it escalates to the point where you actually see students do worse in school or actually avoid areas in school or avoid coming to school , then it goes from teasing to bullying . '' The bullying summit , which is being attended by government officials as well as superintendents , researchers , corporate leaders and students , looks to come up with a national plan to reduce and end bullying . `` Part of the reason we are focusing on bullying is we want to intervene in this cycle early on , before it escalates to harassment and violence and we have horrible incidents like we 've all seen on the evening news that terrifies every parent in America , '' Jennings said .
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The Education Department is holding its first-ever summit on school bullying . Study : Nearly a third of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied in school . The summit looks to come up with a plan to reduce and end bullying .
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Argyll , Scotland -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow was enjoying a pint at his local pub in the Scottish Highlands when he got an idea that would change his life -- and the lives of thousands of others . It was 1992 , and MacFarlane-Barrow and his brother Fergus had just seen a news report about refugee camps in Bosnia . The images of people suffering in the war-torn country shocked the two salmon farmers , who 'd visited there as teenagers and remembered the warmth of the Bosnian people . `` We began saying ` Would n't it be wonderful if we could just do one small thing to help ? ' '' MacFarlane-Barrow says . After talking it over , the two men took a week off work and collected food , clothing , medicine and blankets . They loaded everything into an old Land Rover , drove to Bosnia to deliver it and returned to Scotland . `` I came back here thinking that I did my one good deed and it would be back to work , but it -LSB- did n't work -RSB- out like that , '' he says . When they arrived home , the brothers found an avalanche of goods that people had continued to donate while they were away . `` I was touched by the overwhelming generosity of others , '' MacFarlane-Barrow remembers . `` I saw all of those donations in our family home and thought , ` Wow , people really are good , ' and it inspired me to be good too . '' After much thought and prayer , Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow quit his job , sold his home and dedicated himself to helping people in need . He returned to Bosnia with aid 22 more times during the Bosnian War , and over the next 18 years his work expanded and evolved . Today , his program -- Mary 's Meals , named after the Virgin Mary -- provides free daily meals to more than 400,000 children around the world . MacFarlane-Barrow found his current focus in 2002 while working in Malawi -- a country ravaged by famine and AIDS -- when he met a local teenager who just wanted a decent meal and an education . `` The mother of the family was dying of AIDS . She was lying on her bare mud floor , and she had her six children around her , '' he says . `` I started talking to her oldest child , Edward . And Edward said , ` I 'd like to have enough food to eat . I 'd like to go to school one day . ' '' In response , he launched Mary 's Meals , which strives to break the cycle of poverty by feeding children a daily meal at school . The food -- in most places a mug of maize-based porridge -- gives students an incentive to continue their schooling and helps them focus better on their studies . It 's a formula that MacFarlane-Barrow says is working . `` Pass rates go up dramatically in the schools where we start providing Mary 's Meals , '' he says . `` We 've seen huge improvements in attendance rates and academic performance . '' Mary 's Meals partners with local residents , who handle the daily work of cooking and serving the food . In Malawi -- the group 's largest effort -- more than 10,000 volunteers donate their time on a regular basis . The program operates in more than 500 schools and child-care facilities in 15 countries , a global effort that MacFarlane-Barrow coordinates from a tin shed on his parents ' property in Scotland . While the married father of six lives on the property , he spends most of his time abroad , overseeing the project and visiting the schools where meals are served . `` I see the children 's faces as they eat their meal , '' he says . `` Knowing I can transform their lives keeps me motivated . '' But there are always new challenges to overcome , most recently in Haiti , where Mary 's Meals has operated since 2006 . Working in partnership with a local Catholic priest , the group was feeding about 12,000 children a day when the earthquake hit in January . Much of the infrastructure the program relied on in the slums of Cite Soleil was destroyed , so the group 's mission expanded . They helped create temporary classrooms and are rebuilding eight schools in the area . In addition to their school-based feeding program , the group now feeds about 2,000 elderly Haitians and is providing additional food and medicine to the community . MacFarlane-Barrow is driven by his Christian faith , but there is no ministry aspect to his work . `` We are very careful to never link feeding and faith , '' he says . `` We serve those who are in need ... period . `` When I think of Mary 's Meals I think of it as a series of lots and lots of little acts of love , '' he says . `` I 've learned ... that every small act of kindness does make a difference . '' Want to get involved ? Check out the Mary 's Meals websites at www.marysmeals.org and www.marysmealsusa.org and see how to help .
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Scotsman was at a pub in 1992 when he got the idea to help victims in war-torn Bosnia . A trip to deliver food , clothing and blankets led to a life 's work of helping others . After working in Malawi in 2002 , Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow started Mary 's Meals . Today , the program provides free meals to more than 400,000 children in 15 countries .
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Johannesburg , South Africa -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A friend of supermodel Naomi Campbell handed over unpolished diamonds to South African police the day that Campbell testified at a war crimes trial for former Liberian President Charles Taylor , police said Friday . Police spokesman Musa Zondi told CNN that the diamonds are real . Campbell testified Thursday at a United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone that she had received the diamonds as a gift , then turned them over to her friend Jeremy Ratcliffe to auction for charity . She said on the stand she believed Ratcliffe still had the stones . Zondi said Ratcliffe could face charges of possession of unpolished diamonds . Campbell said she was handed the stones following a dinner hosted by Nelson Mandela in 1997 . `` When I was sleeping , I had a knock on my door . I opened the door and two men were there . They gave me a pouch and said , ' A gift for you , ' '' the supermodel testified . The men did n't introduce themselves or say anything else , Campbell said . The next morning , she opened the pouch and saw a few `` very small , dirty-looking stones . '' Prosecutors are trying to prove that Taylor used so-called blood diamonds to fuel a brutal civil war in neighboring Sierra Leone . Taylor , 62 , was president of Liberia from 1997 to 2003 . The war crimes charges against him stem from the widespread murder , rape and mutilation that occurred during the civil war in Sierra Leone , fought largely by teenagers who were forced to kill , given addictive drugs to provoke violent behavior , and often instructed to rape and plunder . Taylor is charged with five counts of crimes against humanity , including murder , sexual slavery and violence , and enslavement . He also faces five counts of war crimes , including acts of terrorism and torture , and one count of other serious violations of international humanitarian law . He has pleaded not guilty . Prosecutors had rested their case against Taylor in February 2009 but reopened it to call Campbell to testify after learning in June of that year that Taylor had given the supermodel a diamond . When arguing to reopen the case , prosecutors said Campbell 's testimony would prove that the former president `` used rough diamonds for personal enrichment and arms purchases , '' according to papers filed with the U.N.-backed court . Taylor has testified that he never handled the precious stones . Campbell told the tribunal Thursday that she shared the story of receiving the stones with her former agent Carol White and the actress Mia Farrow at breakfast the following morning . `` Well , that 's obviously Charles Taylor , '' one of them said . Campbell did n't recall who said it . Then , one of them added , `` Well , obviously , they are diamonds . '' Campbell said she assumed the stones came from Taylor . Campbell said passed the stones to her friend , Jeremy Ratcliffe , and asked him to use the stones in a charity auction to raise money for underprivileged children . Ratcliffe is a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Children 's Fund , which denied hours after Campbell 's testimony that it had ever received diamonds from her . iReporter : `` Campbell took her ignorance to new heights '' Future witnesses at the war crimes trial are likely to dispute Campbell 's story , prosecutors said after her testimony . `` Two other witnesses will also testify about these events ... . there are significant differences between those accounts and Ms. Campbell 's account , '' the prosecution said in a statement . It did not name the witnesses , but court papers show prosecutors plan to call Carol White and Mia Farrow .
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Supermodel Naomi Campbell testified Thursday at a war crimes trial . Liberian president Charles Taylor is charged with fueling the war in Sierra Leone . He is accused of using so-called blood diamonds to fund the war . Campbell said she gave her friend Jeremy Ratcliffe the unpolished stones .
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ISTANBUL , Turkey -- Nearly two months ago , President Obama embarked on a two-day , two-city charm offensive in Turkey , a predominantly Muslim country and NATO military ally whose people give the United States abysmal approval ratings . President Obama listens at a town hall-style meeting in Istanbul , Turkey , in April . The American president toured a mosque , laid a wreath at the grave of the founder of the Turkish republic , and announced before the Turkish parliament that `` the United States is not and will never be at war with Islam . '' Did Obama 's new brand of diplomacy work ? Could 48 hours of handshakes , speeches and smiles turn around Turkish public opinion ? After all , in 2007 , only 9 percent of Turks polled by the Pew Research Center held favorable views of America , the lowest level among 47 countries surveyed . If 24-year old Ece Basaran is any indicator , Obama succeeded beyond expectations . After attending a town hall-style meeting with the American president during his visit to Istanbul last April , Basaran and a group of her friends started up a Turkish-American friendship club at her university . `` I get positive feedback because everybody around me likes Obama , '' Basaran said , while taking a break from preparing for final exams at Istanbul 's Bahcesehir University this week . Basaran said that as recently as last year , the United States was unpopular among fellow students and friends , but added that `` after Obama , it seems popular . At least the negative image began to fade away . '' Officials and commentators in both Turkey and the United States are also calling Obama 's first presidential visit to a Muslim country a positive step . `` At the moment , he 's doing the right thing , '' said Suat Kiniklioglu , a member of the Turkish parliament . `` His first task was to remedy the situation of America wielding a big stick for the last eight years . '' `` President Obama 's visit and recent policy initiatives have managed to dispel some of the pervasive suspicion in U.S.-Turkish relations -- no small achievement , '' said Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund , testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee last month . But , he added , `` much remains to be done . '' There are strong indications that words alone will not be enough to transform years of deep suspicion many Turks feel towards the United States , particularly after the long , widely unpopular war in neighboring Iraq . According to a recent poll published by academics at Bahcesehir University , 43 percent of Turks said they would not like to live next door to American neighbors . In a phone interview this week , Osman Solmaz , another of the Turkish students chosen to attend the town hall meeting with Obama , said that in his hometown , the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir , `` the majority of the people have prejudice against the United States . '' `` Nobody agrees with America 's foreign policy , '' said Sertac Yakin , a university student from Ankara who also attended the Istanbul meeting in April . `` To change public opinion in Turkey is a long-term affair , '' argued Kemal Koprulu , the founder of Ari Movement , an Istanbul-based nongovernmental organization that focuses on promoting youth participation in civil society . `` There is no way that the election of a president and several nice statements from a State Department spokesman will change dramatically the public opinion in Turkey . '' Koprulu argued that his organization has documented alarmingly high levels of anti-Americanism and anti-Westernism among young Turks . He pointed out that at a recent academic conference at one of Turkey 's most progressive universities in Istanbul , he witnessed audience members give a five-minute standing ovation to a Turkish speaker who `` slammed America '' in front of a panel of visiting U.S. officials . The White House does appear to have made some progress in patching up damaged relations with the powerful Turkish military . Top Turkish army generals did not attend an important bilateral conference in the United States last year , following American criticism of Turkey 's cross-border military offensive against Kurdish PKK rebels in Northern Iraq . This year , the Turkish military chief of staff was among the key speakers attending the conference . But Gen. Ilker Basbug reportedly told the audience of dignitaries in Washington this week that the ongoing presence of PKK rebels in Northern Iraq continues to have a negative impact on Turkish-U.S. relations . Many Turks say they are still waiting to see to whether the Obama White House 's change in tone will translate to a change in the U.S. government 's deeply unpopular foreign policy in the Middle East . They highlighted America 's strong support for Israel over the Palestinians , and the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan . `` I believe -LSB- Obama -RSB- understands the importance of the Islamic world , '' said Abdurrahman Dilipak , a columnist at Vakit , Turkey 's most conservative newspaper . `` We will monitor his stance . He makes promises yet we have to see how he will act . Muslims are still treated as terrorists when they arrive in the U.S. '' That wait-and-see attitude was even reflected by Basaran , the enthusiastically pro-American student who helped found a Turkish-American friendship club at her university . `` Because Obama has the -LSB- Muslim -RSB- name Hussein , people really love it , '' Basaran said . `` I think he 's the most favorite U.S. president among Muslim people . But we 'll see . '' Yesim Borg in Istanbul contributed to this report .
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Poll says only 9 percent of Turks had positive view of U.S. in 2007 . Iraq war , foreign policy of Bush administration among the reasons , Ivan Watson says . President Obama tried to change those sentiments during April trip to Turkey . Some Turks say Obama 's won them over ; others wait and see , Watson reports .
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ISTANBUL , Turkey -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Turkish authorities have arrested 13 people in connection with blasts that killed 17 people in Istanbul last week , Interior Minister Besir Atalay said Saturday . Video from last week 's bombing in Istanbul shows bloodied people being loaded into ambulances . Of those arrested , 10 were sent to judicial court , Atalay said in a televised news conference . He described the attack as the `` work of the bloody separatist group , '' but did not identify a group by name . No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts , which went off within minutes of each other in Istanbul 's crowded Gungoren community . About 154 people were wounded , state-run Anadolu news agency reported . Istanbul Gov. Muammer Guler , who called the blasts `` an act of terror , '' said last week that the explosive devices were placed 15 meters -LRB- 49 feet -RRB- from each other . The first was a stun grenade that was detonated to draw attention before the second blast went off , he said . The other , a bomb , had been placed in a trash can . Turkey -- a candidate for European Union membership -- has pushed its anti-terror campaign on multiple fronts . Tensions between Turkey '' and Kurdish rebels have risen over the Kurdistan Workers ' Party 's increasing attacks and Turkey 's subsequent crackdown . The rebels , known as the PKK , have waged a decades-long battle for an autonomous Kurdish region in Turkey 's southeast . Last month , 86 people -- including former military officials , journalists , politicians and businessmen -- were indicted on charges of being involved with an alleged terror group called Ergenekon , which aims to topple the Turkish government . The arrests and indictments dramatize the sharp and serious political tensions between the country 's Islam-rooted ruling party -- the Justice and Development Party , or AKP -- and its outspoken critics from the nation 's secularist population .
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Attack was conducted by `` bloody separatist group , '' Interior minister says . 2 explosions , minutes apart , hit residential area in Turkey 's largest city Sunday . Those arrested were responsible for earlier bombing June 15 , says minister .
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LOS ANGELES , California -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Anna Nicole Smith 's boyfriend and two doctors entered `` not guilty '' pleas Wednesday to new charges connected to the death of the former Playboy model and reality TV star in 2007 . Howard K. Stern appeared in court on charges connected to the death of Anna Nicole Smith . Howard K. Stern , Smith 's lawyer and companion , appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court , along with Dr. Khristine Eroshevich and Dr. Sandeep Kapoor to formally hear the charges . Smith 's death in a Hollywood , Florida , hotel on February 8 , 2007 , was ruled to be from `` acute combined drug intoxication , '' the Broward County , Florida medical examiner said . The three are charged with an illegal conspiracy to prescribe , administer and dispense controlled substances to an addict . Stern faces 11 felony counts , while the doctors were charged with six each . They were all charged earlier this year with conspiring to give Smith drugs , but prosecutors revised the counts based on the latest findings from the investigation . The three defendants previously entered `` not guilty '' pleas to those charges . A preliminary hearing is set for next month in the case . A series of affidavits used by state investigators to obtain search warrants in their 2 1/2 - year probe was unsealed and released Tuesday . They revealed new details , including an account of one witness who told investigators she saw Stern inject Smith with drugs . A nanny hired to care for Smith 's infant daughter , who was born in the Bahamas in September 2006 , told investigators she witnessed Stern and Dr. Eroshevich `` crush pills , heat them to turn them into liquid and inject Smith , '' according to an affidavit from a state investigator . The nanny stated that `` after taking pills or being injected Smith would be ` like you were drinking , ' often falling in the house , and sleeping for two or more days at a time , '' California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement Special Agent Danny Santiago said in a sworn statement . Doctors gave Smith numerous dangerous drugs over the three years before her death , including while she was pregnant , according to the affidavits . One investigator described Smith , whose real name was Vickie Lynn Marshall , as a `` drug seeker . '' She `` was given drugs in excessive amounts , '' according to a medical expert consulted and quoted by a state medical board investigator . Dr. Jill Klessig also told an investigator that `` in addition to the prescribing issues , there appears to have been a personal relationship '' between Smith and the two doctors that crossed the boundaries of professionalism . Investigators found photos of Dr. Eroshevich -- a woman -- and Smith `` naked in the bathtub in intimate embraces , '' according to one sworn statement . Dr. Klessig said `` such behavior constitutes unprofessional behavior . '' One affidavit references a video clip of Kapoor `` kissing and snuggling '' with Smith `` in a reclined position in a nightclub setting . '' Eroshevich traveled to the Bahamas to visit Smith and was with her for four days in Hollywood , Florida , four days before her death , an investigator said in an affidavit . The doctor personally visited a Burbank , California , pharmacy in September 2006 to get chloral hydrate , a sleep aid , for Smith to use in the Bahamas . It was just four days after Smith gave birth to a daughter in Nassau . `` I would n't give her chloral hydrate unless you want your picture on the front page of the National Enquirer , '' pharmacist Steve Mazlin told Eroshevich , according to the affidavit . Another pharmacist said that when he refused to fill a prescription for a long list of strong narcotics , he told Dr. Eroshevich the order amounted to `` pharmaceutical suicide . '' The affidavit from Jon Genens , a senior investigator with the California medical board , detailed dozens of prescriptions written for Smith -- under several aliases -- for a long list of narcotics and sleep aids . Genens said even during her pregnancy , starting in January 2006 , Kapoor prescribed an average of 10 tablets of methadone per day for Smith . He noted that Kapoor lowered the dosage in the last three months of her pregnancy . The volume of dangerous drugs being ordered by doctors spurred the chief pharmacist at the store where most of the prescriptions were filled to call a drug expert for advice in late 2006 , according to a sworn statement by California Department of Justice Special Agent Jennifer Doss . Dr. Greg Thompson told Doss that he recalled the dosages were `` dangerously high . '' `` Dr. Thompson stated they might work for a drug addict under supervised care , or with a dying cancer patient in a hospital , or ` if you were going to kill someone , ' '' Doss said . Thompson told Doss he later `` admonished Dr. Eroshevich '' about the drugs she was requesting for Smith . `` Dr. Thompson stated Dr. Eroshevich was obviously not familiar with a lot of medications she was prescribing for Anna Nicole Smith , '' Doss said in her affidavit . The Doss affidavit said the doctor used Smith 's boyfriend as a cover to get the prescriptions filled . `` Of the 12 medications found in Anna Nicole Smith 's hotel room at the time of her death , seven medications were prescribed in the name of Howard K Stearn -LRB- believed to be Howard K Stern -RRB- by Dr. Eroshevich , '' Doss said . The drugs were apparently personally delivered to Smith in the Bahamas and Florida by her doctor , Doss said . `` It is reasonable to believe that Dr. Eroshevich provided Anna Nicole Smith prescription medications and controlled substances by transporting them from California to Nassau , Bahamas with her on her travels to visit Anna Nicole Smith , '' Doss said . CNN 's Jack Hannah contributed to this report .
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Trio enter `` not guilty '' pleas in connection with model 's 2007 death . Smith 's lawyer and two doctors accused of supplying her with drugs . Smith , 39 , died of `` acute combined drug intoxication '' in February 2007 .
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-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- At last count , Copenhagen 's restaurants boasted 12 Michelin stars between them , more than anywhere else in Scandinavia . Rebe Redzepi , right , is head chef at Noma . Noma -LRB- Strandgade 93 -RRB- is unique in that it can claim two of those stars . From a converted waterfront warehouse , chef Rebe Redzepi offers a modern take on Nordic cuisine , scouring Scandinavia for ingredients such as langoustines from the Faeroe Islands , wild salmon from Iceland and musk ox from Greenland -- fantastic served with glazed beetroots , apple and smoked marrow . Geranium -LRB- Kronprinsessegade 13 -RRB- , in the beautiful gardens of Kongens Have , has earned a Michelin star for its biodynamic , organic cuisine , including some imaginative vegetarian dishes -- try the new carrots with elderflower vinegar , sago and white chocolate . Le Sommelier -LRB- Bredgade 63-65 -RRB- has more than 800 wines and a famous crème brûlée with geranium ice cream , while Café Victor -LRB- Ny Østergade 8 -RRB- is a hip bistro that draws an artsy crowd and the occasional visiting celebrity . It also boasts a fine selection of spirits . Vegans will find unfussy fare at Den Gronne Kaelder -LRB- Pilestaede 48 -RRB- and Restaurant Flow -LRB- Gyldenløvesgade 10 -RRB- dishes up organic vegetarian food in a relaxed setting . Danes drink more coffee per person than any other nationality , so perhaps it 's not so surprising that they have won the world barista championship four times in the last eight years . Klaus Thomsen was 2006 champion and he runs Estate Coffee -LRB- Dronning Olgas Vej 30 -RRB- , which slow roasts its own blends , as does Café Europa -LRB- Amagertorv 1 -RRB- , run by 2001 champion Martin Hildebrandt . Café Stelling -LRB- Gammel Torv 6 -RRB- looks stunning with its Arne Jacobsen chairs , tables , bar stools and lamps , while multi-taskers will enjoy Laundromat Café -LRB- Elmegade 15 -RRB- , where you can grab a coffee , wash your clothes , and browse through the 4,000 used books that are on sale there . No trip to Copenhagen would be complete without sampling the Danes ' favourite snack , `` smørrebrød . '' The classic ` open sandwich ' consists of dense , dark brown rye bread finished with toppings that might include smoked salmon , herring , cheese , egg or shrimp . You can choose from 200 varieties at Ida Davidsen -LRB- Store Kongensgade 70 -RRB- . The Royal Café -LRB- Amagertorv 6 -RRB- offers a more refined take on the open sandwich , served in sushi-sized portions and eaten in suitably regal surroundings . ... . Copenhagen city guide : . Where to stay | What to see | Where to be seen | Where to eat | Where to shop . ... . Do you agree with our Copenhagen picks ? Send us your comments and suggestions in the `` Sound Off '' box below and we 'll print the best .
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Gourmets can take their pick from a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants . Geranium offers biodynamic organic cuisine of the highest order . Estate Coffee and Café Europa are run by former World Barista champions . Go native and try a traditional open sandwich -LRB- smørrebrød -RRB- at Ida Davidsen .
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ISTANBUL , Turkey -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- At least 31 people were dead after two days of torrential rains triggered flash floods in northwestern Turkey , sweeping cars into the sea and sending gushing water into homes and businesses , authorities said Wednesday . A Turkish woman awaits rescuers on her balcony following heavy morning rain in Istanbul . Twenty-six people were killed in Istanbul province and five in neighboring Tekirdag province , according to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan . Nine people were feared missing , he said . Among the fatalities in Istanbul were seven female textile workers who were trapped in their minivan , CNN sister network CNN Turk reported . Witnesses in the city of Istanbul said the flash floods hit at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday , washing through an industrial zone situated in a low-lying valley . Dozens of cargo trucks flipped or were ripped to pieces , the wreckage attracting crowds who watched the chaotic scene from nearby hilltops . See photos of the devastation '' At a news conference in Istanbul 's Disaster Management Center , in front of walls of TVs showing live video feeds from Turkey 's largest city , Erdogan expressed condolences to families that lost loved ones during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan . Watch more about the deadly flooding '' He said emergency workers rescued an estimated 1,300 people from the flash floods and pledged billions of Turkish lira for disaster relief in Istanbul and Tekirdag provinces . He also chided developers who built commercial and residential structures in riverbeds that are vulnerable to flooding . `` Our ancestors had a saying : ` The river 's revenge will be heavy , ' '' Erdogan said . `` We should remember what our ancestors said . '' In the wake of this week 's disaster , the prime minister called for relocating all such settlements from riverbeds and moving them to safer ground . Several roads in Istanbul city remained closed , including the airport road , CNN Turk said . Rescue missions were in full swing , with military helicopters whirring overhead . Residents were advised not to wander from their homes . `` We never had such rain in all the time I have been here , '' said Zafer Ercan , deputy mayor of the town of Silivri , an hour west of Istanbul city . View images from iReporters . He said that more than 200 cars were washed into the Sea of Marmara and 800 homes and businesses were flooded in the neighboring town of Selimpasa . The rain stopped Tuesday evening but resumed early Wednesday . Heavy overnight rain flooded western neighborhoods in Istanbul city . The amount of rain that has fallen in two days roughly equals what normally falls in six months in the Turkish province , Istanbul Gov. Muammer Guler told the state-run Anatolia News Agency . CNN 's Ivan Watson and Yesim Comert in Istanbul , Turkey , contributed to this report .
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At least 31 killed after torrential rains triggered flash floods in northwest Turkey . 200 cars washed into Sea of Marmara ; 800 homes and businesses flooded . Death toll expected to rise with reports of people being dragged by raging waters .
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